Disney

[chuckc]

We didn't book any excursions. In Nassau we walked around looking at the stores and straw market for a while, as my wife likes to shop. We went back to the ship around lunch time and ate, then let my daughter go swimming in the kiddie pool for awhile as it wasn't that crowded as most people were off the ship. We have been to Nassau a few times and so no need to stay there all day. Being it was only a 3 day cruise it didn't leave much time to do everything we wanted, including the spa. We did try to get reservations at Palo's but they were booked ( we book about a month prior for the Fl. resident rates that open up, so it's hard to get Palo's). You have to book that as early as possible, once you fill out your paperwork online you can make reservations for everything including excursions. You can also register your kids for the clubs and then they will tell you where to p/u your pager after you check in at the terminal. You can feel comfortable leaving them there, you have to check in and out, peolple can't just walk in and out. You will give them a password that you have to use to check them out. On Castaway we didn't book any excursions as most were cancelled due to the poor weather (wind), but we still had a good time on the island. If you take the walk way all the way down there is a covered area with multiple games to play. Without excursions there is still plenty to do. Some people took there kids to Atlantis by taxi, if you book it as an excursion it is very costly and your stuck with there times. Hope this helps.

[tonya_leigh73]

Thanks for the information! I appreciate it.

[ceemonster]

Tonya

Do not worry Disney will make sure everyone in your family has a great time. If you thought the Fantasy was good then you are in for a real treat. The Disney Wonder is going to WOW you and the whole family.

[tonya_leigh73]

Thanks for the reply! It sure sounds like I'm going to have fun! I can't wait

[Deege2424]

Hello all, I have done WDW twice and Disney cruise once. The two times I have been to WDW(combined) can't compare to the Disney cruise. For me just the thought of not having to drive is a hugh plus. Kids get hungary often and to have to run to Mickey D's or whatever everytime is a bummer. On the ship they can eat 24hrs and I don't have to really more a limb. I have 8 cruises under my belt and Disney and Carnival are my favorites. Carnivals lower cost gives it a slight edge, but Disneys policy of issuing wet wipes at the entrance of the restaurants really won me over. But I have to opt for the lower cost.
Have a safe and fun cruise all.

[John_g]

I was reading about these Disney cruises here:
http://www.abc-articles.info/cruising-sailing/10346.php

and all sounds great, but is it really as good as they say it is.

Please share your oppinions! I have 2 kids 6 & 8 and I know they'd love it, but would we, the parents, enjoy it aswell.

Thanks,

John

[Deege2424]

Hello John-g, Don't let the word Disney make you think of kids only. The Disney cruise in my opinion offered as much adult activity if not more than any other ship I have sailed. You also get to interact with your children and dont feel quilty. On the Lido deck(I believed it was called) you have adults and children dancing together, my son(5) and I had a ball. To be honest the only thing that prevents my from (as much as I love Carnival)sailing Disney every time I cruise if the cost, only 2 ships, and the lack of a change of itinerary. Trust me the adults will have a blast.
Have a safe and fun cruise!!!

[Karen Knowlton]

John, my husband and I sailed on the Disney Wonder - without kids - and we loved it! There are tons of kids onboard, of course, but they are happy - very few crying jags or tantrums! Lots of appearances by Disney characters and a fantastic kids' program keep them busy enjoying their time, and free up the parents for a little time to themselves as well. About the only adult pastime not available is a casino (none on the Disney ships), but if you're not into gambling, I think all of you will enjoy yourselves greatly. IMO, Disney ships really are as good as they say.

[John W.]

Just returned from a Disney Cruise on the Magic (7 nights) and I offer an alternate view to what everyone else is saying. First a brief: Married male, twin 5 1/2 year olds, live in Northeast, wonderful wife.

PLUS SIDE - Disney crew is a well oiled machine. Fantastic on EVERY level. The service is wonderful and the disney characters are nothing short of fantastic. How these people stay so patient and up beat is beyond me,... but they absolutely do. My hat is off to them. Fantastic job. 10 out of 10 stars.

The ship is in perfect condition and the crew works hard to keep it that way.

The other people (cruisers) on the boat are also a pleasant plus. EVERYONE is in a good mood. Very polite and happy overall.

DOWN SIDE - Imagine living in a walk-in closet with 2 kids for 8 days and you get the idea. We had an outside stateroom on deck 6, mid ship. Very nice room but not large. This also means a total lack of privacy. Simple things like getting changed become an adventure.

The child care is just o.k. It is available and the facilities are nice. However, in my opinion it lacks structure. Imagine puting fourty 3 to 5 year olds in a big room with no one person in control and you get the idea. There are people to attend to the kids but the ratio is about 20 to 1. Besides the fact that most of the time the supervisors were congregating around the front desk while the kids just ran.

Other minus is that about 30% of the computers (video games)were off line. Once again, imagine giving kids computers with little or no supervision and you get the idea. Doesn't take long for default messages to appear,....

Bottom line - Don't fall for the hype that it this is total relaxation. Remember, you are still on a ship with your children (and several hundred others)and sleeping in a closet. It is exactly what it should be. It is a FUN time for the WHOLE FAMILY.

On the last day of the cruise the women in the cabin next to ours put it well. She said - "I thought this was going to be totally different,... THIS WAS WORK!"

Would I do it again? In a heart beat. But 4-nights, not 7. But my hat is off to Disney. They define efficiency.

[Ry64]

Like people previously said the cruise would be great fun for them. I have cousins who went on a cruise with Disney and they loved it.