I’ve shared this in previous posts, but I truly have an enduring passion for all things Disney! It’s my ultimate happy place—a destination I find myself returning to time and time again. With my enthusiasm for Disney, it’s no surprise that I often get asked if I have ever taken a Disney Cruise. Up until this past December, my answer had always been a resounding no, which frankly surprised me!
Disney Cruise Line launched its enchanting adventures for families back in 1998 with the inaugural ship, the Disney Magic, followed closely by the Disney Wonder in 1999. As of the date of this blog post, Disney Cruise Line proudly operates six magnificent ships, with the latest addition, The Treasure, making its grand debut during the same week we set sail. Although we didn’t embark on The Treasure, we had the pleasure of experiencing the Disney Fantasy, the third newest ship in their fleet, which made its first voyage in 2012.
Disney Cruise Line is undoubtedly designed with families in mind, a reflection of Disney's overall commitment to creating family-friendly experiences. But what’s particularly impressive is their thoughtful inclusion of adults-only areas, a delightful surprise I’ll explore further in my blog. The level of service we encountered during our cruise echoed the magic and excellence found at Disney’s theme parks. However, as much as I reveled in the experience, I couldn't help but notice the hefty price tag attached to it. While I’m well aware that a trip to the Disney parks can be costly, the expense of a Disney Cruise is no less daunting! The lingering question I had as I embarked on this voyage was: "Is it worth the price?"
Having learned from past cruise experiences, I now always make it a priority to fly in the day before boarding the ship. As an anxious traveler, the reasons for this precaution are abundantly clear: flight delays can invariably occur, and missing the ship is not an option! Trust me when I say the ship will not wait for you, no matter the circumstances. With this in mind, I planned our arrival for a Saturday and chose to stay at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort.
This resort is part of the Disney Vacation Club (DVC), and renting DVC points allowed us to stay here for the same cost as a basic airport hotel. Here’s a helpful tip: if you ever want to experience a top-tier Disney resort at a more affordable price, renting DVC points is the way to go! Typically, a standard room at this resort around a Saturday before Christmas can run upwards of $500 per night; however, I managed to secure it for just $250 per night by renting points.
Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort is one of the largest Disney Vacation Club locations but is not as widely sought after, which makes it easier to get last-minute reservations—perfect for a quick one-night stay before our cruise. A significant advantage of staying on Disney property the night before our cruise is the transportation provided by Disney Cruise Line. This service not only whisked us to the port but also managed our luggage, easing any stress regarding our belongings. More on this later.
Once we checked into our hotel and freshened up, we headed to Disney Springs, conveniently within walking distance from the resort. For those unfamiliar, Disney Springs is a vibrant shopping, dining, and entertainment destination that is open to the public, meaning you don't need a park admission ticket to enjoy it. The atmosphere here is alive with energy—there’s an endless array of shops, bars, and restaurants to explore, making it the ideal kickoff for our vacation adventure.
We decided to dine at Frontera Cocina, a fantastic Mexican restaurant known for its flavorful dishes and lively atmosphere. After dinner, we wandered around Disney Springs, indulging in some shopping and enjoying a few drinks at my personal favorite, Raglan Road—an authentic Irish pub. Raglan Road is truly special; they regularly feature live Irish dancing, adding a unique touch to the vibrant pub experience. The lively music, joyful laughter, and impressive performances create an unforgettable ambiance that you shouldn’t miss.
However, one slight drawback to our evening was the unexpected chill in the air. Despite being in Florida, the temperature dipped to about 40 degrees, which felt quite cold for the region. You might assume that this would discourage crowds, but to our surprise, Disney Springs was bustling with visitors, as people were open to enjoying the festive pre-Christmas atmosphere. All in all, it was a perfect way to kick off our trip, blending dining, entertainment, and the magic of Disney.
The day we had been eagerly anticipating had finally arrived—our embarkation day! As the sun peeked through the curtains, I woke up feeling a mix of excitement and exhaustion. The first night in a hotel often leaves much to be desired when it comes to sleep, and this one was no exception. Despite that grogginess, we sprang into action, slipping into our vacation attire and meticulously organizing our luggage for the day ahead.
Staying at a Disney resort had its perks, one of which was the convenient luggage transfer service. It felt almost magical! Once our suitcases were neatly packed, all we needed to do was affix our luggage tags and wheel our belongings outside our door. It was a simple task that turned into a little moment of relaxation while we let Bell Services whisk them away to our stateroom aboard the Disney Fantasy.
With our luggage taken care of, I seized the opportunity to explore the beautiful Saratoga Springs resort. The early morning air was refreshing and inviting, and I savored a steaming cup of coffee as I strolled through the pathways. The gift shop caught my eye, filled with souvenirs and Disney memorabilia, offering a glimpse of the adventures awaiting us.
Our Disney Cruise Line bus was set to depart at 9:30 AM, allowing us a brief moment for one last look around before our grand adventure began. The bus ride to Port Canaveral lasted about an hour, yet it felt like a joyful escape as Disney cartoons played cheerfully in the background, making the minutes fly by.
Upon our arrival at the bustling cruise terminal, we were welcomed with open arms. The check-in process was seamless; we presented our passports and the Cruise check-in QR code I had diligently prepared after completing the online check-in. The terminal buzzed with excitement, and we eagerly awaited our boarding group to be called. Fortunately, the wait was brief, giving us just the right amount of time to snap a few selfies with the ship in the background, flanked by festive decorations celebrating the Christmas season!
Finally, when our boarding group was announced, we stepped forward with giddy anticipation. Walking onto the ship was nothing short of spectacular. Disney Cruise Line is renowned for its grand welcome, and as I entered the stunning atrium, the familiar sound of our family name echoed through the space: “Welcome, The Carlson Family!” The warm applause of the staff, spurred on by Mickey Mouse himself, brought tears of joy to my eyes. This moment felt like a dream come true, and I knew we were in for an unforgettable journey!
Before diving deeper into the cruise experience itself, I'd like to highlight what makes this particular journey stand out compared to other Disney Cruises throughout the year. This voyage took place over the Christmas season, transforming it into a magical "Very Merry-time Cruise." The entire ship was a spectacular wonderland adorned with festive decorations, twinkling lights, and holiday trimmings that created an enchanting atmosphere. Disney characters roamed the decks, delighting guests in their holiday attire, bringing smiles and a sense of joy to everyone on board. Throughout the week, we enjoyed a variety of special Christmas-themed events, each thoughtfully designed to immerse guests in the spirit of the season and create unforgettable memories. If you love the Christmas season I highly suggest going on this special cruise!
Now, let's dive back into our adventure. Once aboard the ship, Matt and I decided to head straight to lunch, the inviting aroma of delicious food wafting through the air. We had plans to meet my family later, as they were in a later boarding group, so we aimed to secure a table for all of us at the restaurant. Disney Cruise Line has a unique dining experience that sets it apart from other cruise lines. They implement what is called "rotational dining," meaning that each evening’s meal takes place in a different themed venue. This was quite the departure from our previous experience on a Royal Caribbean cruise, where a single large dining hall served both dinners and breakfasts. Frankly, we didn’t find that arrangement particularly enjoyable, so we were genuinely excited to explore the world of rotational dining.
Our lunch destination was Animator's Palette, a venue that promised both culinary delights and artistic charm (more on this later). It was the perfect setting, allowing us to not only savor delicious food but also to reconnect with my family, whom I hadn’t seen in quite some time!
Following our meal, we were eager to see our stateroom, which was finally ready for us. We headed up to Deck 9, anticipation bubbling within us as we approached the door. We had booked a verandah room, which meant we were greeted by a charming balcony that overlooked the vast, sparkling ocean. The stateroom was comparable in size to our last cruise, but the layout was refreshingly different.
One notable feature was the innovative bathroom setup. In Disney Cruise Line staterooms, they cleverly separate the bathroom into two distinct sections: one for the toilet and another for the shower, with each area equipped with its own sink. I absolutely adored this design! It made a big difference, particularly in a compact space like this, as it allowed for some much-needed privacy. The rest of the room was elegantly designed, with tasteful decor and had ample space for all our belongings.
Once we unloaded our bags, I eagerly embarked on the fun task of decorating our stateroom door, a beloved tradition among Disney Cruise Line guests. Almost every door on the ship was adorned with cheerful decorations, and I had prepared my own custom door magnets back home, bursting with excitement to finally showcase them! Additionally, while the photo below doesn’t capture it, I snaked twinkling Christmas lights around the doorframe, adding a touch of festive warmth to our new floating home.
It was finally time to explore the ship! Matt and I stepped out of our room, picked up a drink, and set off to see everything the Fantasy had to offer. The ship's design had a great flow, making it easy to navigate without much backtracking. We visited all the various dining venues, checked out the bars, and explored the quick-service restaurants as well as the adults-only areas. What sets Disney Cruise Line apart is the unique color scheme of their fleet, featuring black, white, yellow, and red—colors that represent Mickey Mouse. Interestingly, their lifeboats are a bright yellow, which is quite uncommon since most cruise ships use bright orange. Another standout feature of Disney Cruise Line ships is their bows, each adorned with a Disney character. The Fantasy proudly showcased Dumbo the Elephant.
And now, let’s talk about the exhilarating Sail Away party! Many cruise lines host similar festivities as the ship departs from port, but Disney Cruise Line takes it to a whole new level with their signature flair for entertainment. Being an entertainment powerhouse, Disney ensures that each Sail Away party is a vibrant spectacle filled with music and magic.
Unfortunately, I didn’t get to experience the party in its entirety, as the deck was packed with fellow cruisers, and we didn’t secure a good viewing spot in time. However, even from a distance, I could feel the electric energy of the atmosphere. The joyful chants and cheerful melodies pumped up the crowd, creating an infectious excitement that was impossible to ignore.
The highlight of the event, which I was fortunate enough to catch, was the ship's iconic horn. Unlike typical ship horns that merely announce departure, Disney's ships feature a unique horn that plays beloved Disney tunes. For this particular Sail Away party, the horn resonated with the enchanting notes of "A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes," a song that perfectly captures the essence of Disney magic.
Though I couldn’t see every facet of the performance up close, I made sure to record the moment, and the video below captures the enchanting atmosphere, complete with the spirited crowd and that unforgettable musical send-off.
After thoroughly exploring the ship, having fun at the Sail Away Party and soaking in its vibrant atmosphere, Matt and I made our way back to our cabin to prepare for dinner and a unique experience we had signed up for—Prima Notte! This exclusive first-night event is a delightful highlight of the cruise, offering guests a curated tasting of sumptuous wines paired with gourmet appetizers at Palo, the adults-only, five-star restaurant aboard the ship. With only about 40 spots available, it truly felt like a privilege to be part of this intimate gathering. As we indulged in our tastings, we received personalized attention from the knowledgeable wine sommelier, who guided us through each selection, enhancing our appreciation of the exquisite flavors. The entire experience was nothing short of magical, leaving lasting memories that we would cherish.
Once the tasting concluded, we made our way to dinner at the Royal Court, one of the elegant venues included in our rotational dining experience. The ambiance was lively, and we couldn’t resist the temptation to order every scrumptious course available. By the time we reached dessert, we were so thoroughly satisfied that we literally felt like we were being rolled out of the restaurant, our bellies full to the brim.
Afterward, as we digested our incredible meal, we strolled through the onboard shops. The excitement of the first night made them a bit crowded, but I managed to find a few treasures that caught my eye. Among my finds were a charming magnet to adorn our cabin up north and a beautiful ornament to hang on our Christmas tree, adding a touch of magic to our holiday decor.
And so concludes PART ONE of my Disney Cruise Line blog! As the narrative stretches, you'll need to stay tuned for PART TWO to discover even more stories (and delicious dining adventures) that await!
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