Blushing with pride.

So I sit down next to my son, as he is talking to a friend between games at their hockey tournament, and I overhear my son saying, "my mom plans the best trips. We went to Florida and didn't even go to Disney World and it was still the best time. She knows how to find all the coolest hotels (Hyatt Grand Cypress Orlando) and usually pretty cheap."

Turns out he was offering my services and singing my praises!

Wow! That was a pretty neat feeling to hear my son giving me such a good reference. It has been and continues to be, one of my life's ambitions to design exciting life experiences for my family, through travel.

Later, I pressed my 9 year old son for a little bit more information. He says that we do a lot of great things together that other people (that he knows) just don't seem to do. (Like touching a space shuttle at the NASA museum in Houston.) And he thought his friend might like to do something similar, and we moms should talk.

I knows he sees me at the computer and hastily writing things into a notebook. (Yes, I use good old fashioned pencil and paper when hunting for a deal. I make myself a list of searches & prices in a notebook.) And I know he understands it's a process, but he was recognizing my efforts and that made me feel like a gold medalist.

One of my favourite things to do is to travel separately with my kids. It gives me the chance to see them as individuals and focus on their interests and their pace rather than trying to negotiate between 2 or more strong willed travellers. For example, the Disney Cruise to the Caribbean was more enjoyable for my younger son because he didn't have his older sibling teasing him and criticizing his choice of activities. The younger son got to fully enjoy his Disney experience, and therefore I was more relaxed and more satisfied with the outcome and value of the vacation.

Whereas the next trip, with the older boy, was a planes and trains adventure where we raced across the country with just our backpacks. Since he is very capable at leading, I let him take the reins. He really showed me what a logical thinker and a mature person he is becoming. Two totally different vacations, but perfectly suited to each and enjoyable.

I look forward to the day when perhaps, one of the boys will invite me on a vacation that they've researched and designed.  Until then, I will continue on researching and reading and planning adventures, knowing that I am leaving a lasting impression, and making some pretty cool memories with my kids.

Disney Cruise: Part 9... The Value

I see the value of a Disney Cruise like this...

If you need to re-connect with your family, sometimes you just need to get a little Goofy! (Yes, as in Mickey's buddy.) The staff and characters treat everyone as very valued guests. If Mom wants to hold Donald Duck's hand for a picture... that's cool.

On a ship, you can give yourself permission to giggle, and just be a kid again. And, unlike at the Disney Parks your family is stuck with you! The kids can't wander off to the next amusement ride. Mom can't get lost in the shops and Dad can't be glued to work and his cell phone (very limited access at sea).

You will have mandatory sit down meals at scheduled times. In the Parks you may never eat together with a 100 different choices and prices and options. But on a ship, you are assigned a table, and a time and that is EVERY night. And believe me, you begin to have conversations with your kids again.

Movies under the stars on deck 9.

By the third or fourth day on the ship, you've mastered the deck plans and found your own favourite spots. CJ and I liked to check out the 10pm movie on the outdoor screen before grabbing pizza and heading to our stateroom for the night. We called it our "midnight pizza run."  We never did stay for an entire movie, but even a few minutes under the stars, in the breeze had a real calming, night-time effect.

CJ wanted to buy me a gift to say thank you for the trip. Kids aren't allowed to charge to their rooms, but I chatted with a clerk at the gift shop and she helped him accomplish his goal while keeping it a secret from me. It was a Donald Duck charm for my charm bracelet, and I LOVE it!

While there aren't any amusement rides or parades on the ship, the access to characters is far superior to the Parks. You can get amusement rides at any state fair or travelling midway, but what you won't get there are the Disney characters.

On a cruise, you will get a chance to put on a tuxedo or your best dress. This really is a special event, and worth doing as a family. You might only otherwise get the chance at graduation and weddings. And since everyone is lining up for portraits, your kids jump at the chance. I really value that.

So, ultimately, do I like cruises? Probably not. (I simply prefer my feet on land.)  But do I LOVE Disney Cruises for the family time and special memories? YES, absolutely, positively!

Would I recommend a Disney Cruise for your family?  I think I just did! ;)

Disney Cruise: Part 4... The Characters

If you've ever waited in line at one of the Disney Parks to get 30 seconds with Mickey Mouse, or a princess, you will appreciate the increased access on board the ships!

There are between 4-8 meet and greet/photo opportunities each day on the ship. Times are scheduled and well noted on the Navigator bulletins that you will receive nightly in your stateroom. The appearances are also noted on digital information screens around the ship.

You will, for certain, have multiple access times to the big five: Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and Pluto.  In fact, over a 7 day cruise, you could potentially see each of them 4 or 5 times, and in 4 or 5 different costumes. For example, Mickey Mouse will be in his gold lame tuxedo for formal night. He might be in a holiday sweater, his sorcerer outfit, his sailor suit, his Caribbean shirt, his pirate wear etc etc. So, there's potential for lots of great photos every single day!

The princesses also will make several appearances, including one large princess gathering where you might be able to get 4 or 5 autographs and photos by waiting in one (long) line.

Sometimes you might even be lucky enough to capture a moment when one of the characters takes a spontaneous walk-about on the ship. There's something magical about being the first one to see Cinderella or Goofy on the staircase!
Each stateroom is also assigned to a Character Breakfast. This, unlike in the Parks, is included in your fare. Our breakfast took place on Friday morning. Mickey, Minnie, Pluto and Goofy stopped by our table for autographs, hugs and pictures. The breakfast is fantastic! You're eating Mickey Mouse shaped waffles and there are no lines for his attention.

The characters also appear at the dance parties and nightly musical stage performances, but there aren't any one-on-one photo opportunities at these activities. A vast number of support characters are seen in these performances, including the cast of Toy Story.

There is a very long list of characters you could potentially see on board a cruise. The list is ever changing. We saw Captain Hook, Daisy, Terk, Lilo, Stitch,  Chip, Dale, Peter Pan, and the pirate guy that Johnny Depp plays in the movie. (Sorry, I simply can't remember!!)

Of course, Disney is trying to sell you their professional photos - and the photos are very good BTW. But, you are also welcome to take your own photos.

I found that a couple photos purchased, plus a few photos of our own were the perfect mix for our family.

Disney Cruise: Part 2... The Sounds

To describe the sounds of a Disney Cruise, I really only need three words:  Soundtrack of Joy.

But if I left the blog at those three words, it wouldn't really be worth reading, would it?  Imagine, if you will, roars of laughter, much applause, big screen movies in Dolby surround sound, and Broadway stage-worthy musical productions! And cheering, lots of cheering! The cheering is very typical of any onboard gathering where the staff/hosts are addressing the guests.

The Disney entertainment staff onboard the cruise are on a mission to make your whole family cheer, laugh and sing. There's dancing, and laughter. Lots of laughter. But, of course you're also going to hear some whining. "Mommmmmm, I want ______________!"  You could fill in that blank with, 1000 different requests from "go down the waterslide" to "see Cinderella" to "have a new princess dress" or "watch the movie" again.

On every deck, every hour of the day, you will hear parents negotiating with their children. Toddlers will be over-tired, teens will be dismissing their families in favour of the Teen Club and Disney Crew Members will be patiently answering questions and inviting guests to the next entertainment activity. But basically, everyone is just negotiating their next magical moment. Everyone has the same goal... to make the kids happy.

One of the greatest sounds I heard on this past cruise (November 2013, Wonder) was at Family Karaoke Night. There was a group of about 6-8 special needs adults and their caregivers enjoying the performances. Then they decided to hit the stage and join in. That's when the magic started! Three of the adults with challenges took the stage to sing the Beach Boys "Barbara Ann." They were off to a bit of a reluctant start and that's when a room full of joyful families chimed in as backup singers and started clapping to the music. IT WAS AMAZING! The joy on the faces of the trio was so special. Everyone in that room was rockin' and having an really great time.  It was the BEST and most memorable version of "Barbara Ann" I've ever heard!

I don't have any video to share, because I'm proud to say I was simply "in the moment." And that moment, was pure Disney awesome! Trust me!

Disney Cruise: Part 1... The Sights

Disney Wonder

There are four Disney Cruise ships. The original two ships were the "Magic" and the "Wonder". They are both very similar in size and passenger capacity. (10 Decks/ 2400 passengers) The Magic was recently in dry dock and underwent numerous renovations. She's shining like a pretty penny! Photo Gallery of the new "Magic"

The two newest ships are the "Dream" and the "Fantasy." They are similar in size and are about 40% larger than the Magic and Wonder. The new ships have 16 decks and can carry about 4000 passengers plus crew.

All four ships have Disney characters, Disney decor, and outstanding Disney service. The ships' stacks are some of the most recognizable at sea, with their bright red colour and Mickey Mouse Ears. The ships's whistle is the same chords used to start the old Disney Sunday night television movie. (I remember those family dinners with much fondness!) "When you wish upon a star"

I have been on the Wonder and found it to be the perfect size for this Canadian girl. Anything bigger would have overwhelmed me. Though, I must say, that the Disney scheduling of 2 dinner times/2 show times it never really felt crowded onboard. Genius, really!

At holiday times, the ships are decorated and have an extra layer of magic, in my opinion. The Christmas tree and decorations (in November 2013) were magnificent. Characters are in holiday clothes too. It sure makes for great family photos.

Whether it's the deck chairs or the ice cream sundaes you will find all those Disney touches that make your cruise extra magical.  There is something to see at every corner. Adults and kids alike wander the ship wide-eyed! I know I did!

Port of Galveston in the background.

Outdoor movies by the pool

 

What does a Disney Cruise look like?

Having cruised to both Alaska and the Caribbean with Disney Cruise Line, I can give you a pretty reasonable picture of what you will experience if you choose a Disney Cruise for your family.

I will plan to write a series on this topic, looking into each aspect of the cruise experience and offering as many relevant pictures as possible. I plan to write about:

• the sights
• the sounds 
• the tastes
• the characters
• the entertainment
• the ports
• the finances
• the current offers (pricing) 
• the value
• the tips & tricks 

Travelling with my kids is one of my greatest joys. Writing is how I maintain my sanity.

I hope you enjoy the series.

If you have any questions, please ask! 

These cruises were not sponsored by Disney or any other company, and I am not paid to blog. I simply hope to share the experience in order that I may offer insight to others who are considering similar vacations.  The opinions and photos are my own. 

Unadvertised Disney Bargain

Not likely to see this ever repeated....

$549 per adult for an oceanview stateroom. A 7 night Disney Caribbean cruise.

This one is November 2-9th, sailing out of Texas. It sails to the Caymans, Jamaica and Mexico.

The OGT just means you will be placed in an oceanview suite of their choosing. You can't move, can't refund it after it's paid.   But, there's really no bad room on these ships. Disney magic is everywhere.  And this.... is half price.

Don't be scared about the 200sq ft room. It's a cruise ship. Like a train, and not like the Fairmont, all rooms are this small. As they say, "you're hardly in your room anyway."

Go to the disneycruise.com site to choose this one, or another trip being sold off at a bargain this week.

Amazing time if you have pre-schoolers.  A family of 4 could do this cruise in style for $2300.