My Five Favorite Things About The Disney Cruise Line

I've been dreaming of going back to sea, as tends to happen this time of year. If like me you yearn to slow down and relax while soaking up some serious tropical sun, maybe it's time you take a Disney Cruise. Leaving from Port Canaveral (and other Ports around the world) the Disney Cruise Line offers an escape beyond compare, and I thought I would let you in on the five things that I love most.


My Five Favorite Things About The Disney Cruise Line


Comfortable Staterooms - Size Matters

I've been on other cruise lines, I've shopped their closet sized interior cabins, and lamented their tiny ocean views, Disney does it better. With the largest standard size cabins in the industry every inch of a Disney Cruise Line stateroom is thoughtfully laid our with guest comfort in mind. From ample closet and storage space, to bigger seating areas, split bath rooms, big portholes, and a third bed that drops out of the ceiling Disney staterooms provide greater comfort and room to stretch out within your private space. When every square foot counts, Disney has gotten the most out of every inch. Read my previous review on the Deluxe Inside State Cabin on the Disney Dream.


Deluxe Inside Cabin With Magic Porthole
Deluxe Family Verandah


Enrichment Classes - Mixology

In case you get board on board (you won't), Disney offers a fantastic array of enrichment classes and tours. While I've been on a few, my favorite is the mixology class. This hands on workshop puts you behind the bar to learn how to make some of the most popular drinks on the high seas! A word to the wise though - eat before you arrive at class, because after you make your cocktails you're sure to want to drink them. I took this with my adult daughter and it provided some unique bonding moments for sure, we still talk about how much fun we had. I would sign up for this one again and again. Read my previous article about the DCL Enrichment Series Here.


All Set Up For Mixology Class
Learn To Make Popular Cocktails


Fine Dining - Palo

Dining onboard a Disney Cruise ship never gets boring as guests are rotated night by night through a variety of table service restaurants with varied menus and themes. In addition to the rotational dining, a number of quick service counters, cafes, and an incredible buffet are available for guests to eat at. That being said, the meal I look forward to the most on a Disney Cruise is any time I get to eat at Palo. This adult only, specialty restaurant offers an extraordinary Northern Italian inspired feast in an elegantly appointed dining room that has panoramic windows onto the ocean. The service is beyond reproach, and it just may be my favorite Disney restaurant of all.


Palo Fine Dining Room
Beautiful Palo Interior With Sweeping Views
Just A Little Something Sweet at Palo


Senses Spa - Rainforest Room Day Pass

Senses is a full service spa, offering a broad range of treatments for both men and women. From a shave and a hair cut, to private spa retreats for couples, and just about everything in between you can be pampered here in every way. However if luxury spa pampering isn't really in your budget, be sure to at least get a day pass for the Rainforest Room. For under $20 per person per day, this pass gives you access to the locker room, three thermal suites, three sensory enhanced showers, heated lounge chairs, and two hot tubs overlooking the big blue ocean. It's a lovely way to spend some true leisure time. And - my tip for folks with smaller interior cabins - the full size showers and locker rooms are a great place to dress for dinner.


Senses Spa & Salon Entrance
Couples Villa Treatment Room



Entertainment - Shows, Movies, and Port Adventures

I don't have to convince Disney fans about the quality of entertainment in the Parks, I'm here to let you know that applies to the Disney Cruise Line as well. With original Disney musicals, first run movies, Broadway stars at sea, and an excellent line up of port adventures Disney keeps guests entertained from the moment they are announced on board to the moment they disembark. After a leisurely dinner guests are off to a show in the elegant Walt Disney Theater, or maybe even heading to the District where they can dance the night away on their own. And yes, everyone should be sure to line up to have their formal portrait taken with Captain Mickey.


The Walt Disney Theatre Is Home to Original Disney Musicals
My Daughter And I With Captain Mickey


Other cruise travelers argue with me over the amount it costs to sail on a Disney Cruise, and I understand, I really do. This is not a bargain basement cruise line, it's luxury for the family. However when you compare it to the equivalent time at a Disney Deluxe Resort with length of stay passes, and deluxe dining you can come out ahead. The Disney Cruise Line really does go out of their way to create a superior cruising experience, and the amount of private space dedicated to adults only on a regular fare is far beyond the norm.


Set Sail With The Disney Cruise Line


If you're on the fence about a Disney Cruise vacation, consider adding on 3 nights at sea after your next visit to Walt Disney World just to test our your sea legs and see what you think! Still not convinced, read why I think that the Disney Cruise Line is Made For Grown-ups!

Have you been considering a Disney Cruise vacation? Leave a comment and let us know.