Welcome back to part four, the final chapter of our Disney Cruise Line adventure series! While this may be the end of this particular journey, don’t be too disheartened. I’m planning to compare the two cruise lines we’ve experienced: Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Line. But for now, let’s dive into the details of Day 4!
Our day began with breakfast, but instead of our usual buffet hustle, we opted for a more leisurely experience. We joined my family for a sit-down breakfast at Royal Table, one of the dining options available on board that we’d previously enjoyed for dinner. It felt refreshing to escape the bustling crowds of the buffet for a while. In hindsight, I think I’d choose this relaxing breakfast setting every morning in the future. And after a nice breakfast, why not grab a "second breakfast" at the buffet? Yes, I proudly embrace my inner Hobbit!
On Day 3, we enjoyed a sea day with no port destination to rush to, which happened to be Christmas Day! The ship buzzed with excitement as families enjoyed a myriad of festive activities offered on board. One of the most delightful sights was the sea of families dressed in matching Christmas pajamas; it was heartwarming and creative, transforming the atmosphere into a whimsical wonderland! Although Matt and I didn’t go all in with pajamas, we wore coordinating shirts inspired by a quote from the classic movie "National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation." It took quite a bit of convincing for Matt to join me in wearing matching shirts, but once he donned them, his face lit up with joy as we received an abundance of compliments!
After our breakfast, Matt and I ventured over to The Cove Cafe, the ship's adult-only coffee haven. Unlike the complimentary dining options, this cafe offers a menu of specialty coffees for a small price. They have punch cards available, making it even more tempting to indulge, as after a certain number of purchases, you earn a free drink! I treated myself to a beautifully crafted Caramel Macchiato, complete with coffee art – a little touch of Disney magic. Once we savored our drinks, we picked up a complimentary pastry to accompany our coffee and settled into a cozy spot where we could enjoy the sound of the ocean waves.
Once we finished our coffee, we were ready to explore the day’s offerings and decided to indulge in our first drink of the day. On board, the bars and lounges serve a special drink of the day, usually a refreshing, fruity concoction featuring rum, although not always! These cocktails were priced quite favorably, usually ranging from just $6 to $7, a steal compared to the regular prices hovering around $10 to $15! As a nod to the holiday, the drink of the day was christened "The Jolly" – a fitting choice, especially since my good friend’s last name is Jolly! Cheers to a day filled with festive fun!
One really fun tradition that takes place on any Disney cruise is "Jack Jack's Diaper Dash." This entertaining event occurs in the grand atrium of the ship, where Disney cast members skillfully set up a "race track" for the little ones. Babies are invited to participate in a crawling race, and the excitement builds as parents cheer for their tiny competitors. There are some important rules, with the main one being that no baby is allowed to walk during the race—if they do, they are immediately DISQUALIFIED! It was absolutely hilarious to watch these adorable crawlers make their way down the track. Be sure to check out the YouTube video below for a delightful snippet of the race!
Another highlight of our cruise was Christmas Day, filled with character meet-and-greets that added an extra layer of magic to the holiday. Characters in festive Holiday attire were scattered throughout the ship, providing opportunities for guests to meet and take photos with their favorite Disney friends. I truly regret not taking more time to meet the characters; it was such a special experience. Clearly, this means I need to plan another Disney cruise soon to make up for it!
In the afternoon, Matt, my family, and I indulged in a wine tasting hosted by the ship's Sommelier. If you’re a wine lover, this event is an absolute must! I just wish I had taken notes on some of the wines I particularly enjoyed so I could search for them when I returned home. While some wines were merely average, I have to admit my palate is somewhat unique—I tend to favor the drier and more bitter varieties! My sister had purchased the wine package for the duration of the cruise, allowing us to savor some bottles during dinner that evening, which was a lovely treat.
Before dinner, Matt and I attended a captivating show titled "Believe." This beautifully crafted performance centered around a father who discovers the true meaning of connection as he learns from various beloved Disney characters. The show was a heartfelt reminder of childhood memories and was brilliantly executed, making it a highlight of our evening.
After the show, Matt and I quickly changed into our Christmas attire and made our way to Royal Court for our Christmas dinner. The menu featured an array of traditional holiday fare, reflecting the diverse culinary customs of the guests, including succulent turkey and an impressive selection of seafood. Speaking of seafood, one standout item was a decadent seafood tower appetizer that was so delicious. Matt enjoyed it so much he couldn’t resist getting seconds! In the hustle of the moment, I completely forgot to snap a photo, as I was fully immersed in cherishing the time spent with my family—moments like this are rare for us.
After dinner, Matt and I hurried back to our stateroom to pack quickly. We opted to have the Disney staff take care of our luggage, so we needed to have everything packed and placed outside our door prior to 10 PM. On any Disney cruise, guests have the option to manage their own luggage or leave it in the capable hands of the Disney cast members. We found it incredibly convenient to have the staff handle this for us.
The following morning marked de-embarkation, which involves all guests disembarking the ship. Compared to Royal Caribbean, where the process often feels rushed as everyone hurries to grab breakfast and await their boarding number, Disney has a more relaxed approach. A sit-down breakfast is served based on your dinner rotation time and location, allowing guests to enjoy a leisurely meal before disembarking. I found this method far more enjoyable than Royal Caribbean’s approach, as it felt less chaotic and much more organized.
After disembarking, Matt and I grabbed a shuttle and rented a car for our next adventure. Transportation options from the port are abundant. On our first day, we had used Disney transportation to get to the port, which was a pleasant experience we would happily choose again. This time, however, we decided to head to Daytona Beach for a night, making the rental car a more convenient option.
In conclusion, we had an absolutely amazing time on our Disney cruise! Would I choose Disney Cruise Line again? ABSOLUTELY! It offers the perfect blend of relaxation—something that can sometimes be hard to achieve at the parks—and the unmistakable Disney magic. While I can’t directly compare it to the parks (it’s just so different, not in a bad way, but in a unique way that complements my love for the parks), it provides another wonderful option for enjoying the Disney experience at a slower pace.
Thank you for joining me on this magical adventure blog series! Tune in for the next journey… perhaps another Disney trip? Who knows what the future holds!
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