Pros and Cons of My First Disney Cruise

We finally did it! After years of anticipation, my family and I were able to embark on a Disney Cruise during Spring Break this year. Our excitement was palpable as we boarded the very first ship in DCL’s fleet: the Disney Magic. While the experience was undoubtedly amazing, it didn’t quite meet all of my expectations. Here are some pros and cons to consider if you’re looking into a Disney Cruise vacation…

LET’S START WITH THE PROS:

  • The deck parties! The Sail-a-Wave and Pirates IN the Caribbean deck parties are an absolute blast and truly unlike anything else you’ll experience on the high seas. From lively music and dancing to the appearance of beloved Disney characters and a spectacular fireworks display, these events have it all. My kids absolutely loved them! Check your specific sailing to see what deck parties will be taking place while you’re on board.
  • The kids club! The Oceaneer Lab and Oceaneer Club are must-visit destinations for young children. The spaces are meticulously themed after beloved Disney franchises, providing an immersive and magical experience for kids of all ages. The Oceaneer Club, for instance, features areas dedicated to Toy Story, Tinkerbell, Marvel, and Disney Junior, with themed activities and games that will keep kids entertained for hours on end. The best part for parents is that the clubs are staffed by experienced and enthusiastic Disney counselors who supervise the children and lead them in fun and engaging activities. With this in mind, parents can rest easy knowing that their children are in good hands while they take some much-needed time for themselves. In fact, the kids club is open almost all day and night, allowing parents to drop off their children whenever they need a break, whether it’s for a romantic dinner or a relaxing spa treatment. Kids receive magic bands specific to the cruise that provide great security for the area. Overall, the kids club provides a fun and safe environment for children to play and explore while parents enjoy some much-needed relaxation time. It’s the perfect way for the whole family to have a great time while on a Disney cruise and my kids were always eager to go back!
  • The family activities! The family activities on DCL were a standout feature of our cruise. Unlike other cruise lines that often have daily activities that cater more to adults, almost every activity on DCL is geared towards keeping all ages entertained. From dance parties to trivia games, there was never a dull moment on board. One of my personal favorites was BINGO! My kids had so much fun trying to win money and prizes and they made it so easy for the kids to play along.
  • The characters! We had over 15 different characters on our sailing including all of the sensational six, Belle, Cinderella, Mulan, Tiana, Ariel, Captain Hook and Smee, Thor, Spiderman, and Captain America (even though it wasn’t a “Marvel” cruising). It was so fun to walk around the boat and see their smiling faces!
  • The dining experiences! The dining experiences on DCL are a major draw. The rotational dining system, where guests enjoy different themed dining rooms each night, was a unique and enjoyable experience. We had the pleasure of dining at Rapunzel’s Royal Table, Animator’s Palate, and Lumiere’s over the course of our cruise, each offering a different theme and style of dining. Rapunzel’s and Animator’s Palate were particularly memorable, with character appearances, shows, and lots of entertainment. The whole family loved these experiences and we looked forward to them every night. DCL definitely has the monopoly on fun dinner cruising experiences!

NOW FOR SOME CONS:

  • Smaller ship. The ship has a cozy atmosphere that might not be ideal for people who prefer a more spacious setting. The Disney Magic is an older ship that was refurbished in 2013 and some guests may find it smaller than more modern ships. As a result, some areas may feel crowded, especially during popular events such as the deck parties, theater shows, and character meet-and-greets.You should definitely plan to arrive early to popular events to secure a good spot!
  • Older ship. While the Disney Magic has been updated in recent years, some guests may notice some signs of age, such as noise and vibrations at night or ship movements throughout the trip. However, these factors are pretty normal for ships of this age and size and didn’t greatly affect our experience.
  • Okay food. Considering the array of culinary delights you can get at Disney World, I was surprised by the offerings (or lack there of) on this ship. Everything was pretty bland and forgettable.
  • Tiny pools. The pool areas on the ship are smaller than I expected, which may be a downside for some families with children who love to swim. Despite this, the pools are still suitable for a refreshing dip and are well-maintained, and while seating may be limited, there are still plenty of areas on the ship to relax and enjoy the views.

Overall, we had a fantastic time on our Disney Magic cruise! The family-focused atmosphere, amazing shows, and top-notch service really made our vacation special. Of course, we loved the classic Disney magic we experienced around every corner. While we did come in contact with some tight spaces and occasional noise from the ship, it certainly didn’t ruin our fun. In fact, it made us even more excited to set sail on the newest and largest ship, the Disney Wish, next time around! We can’t wait to see what other adventures await us with Disney Cruise Line.

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