Samantha Mann here, I’ve just been on Disney Cruise Line’s ship the Disney Fantasy and let me tell you, as a family of longtime Disney lovers – it was pure magic! We’ve been to Walt Disney World in Florida 3 times and Disneyland Paris 5 times so we already knew this was going to be the perfect cruise for us (spoiler alert – we’ve already booked to do another one!). This was the perfect blend of Disney immersion and a traditional Mediterranean holiday as we travelled from Barcelona to Sicily then onto 3 incredible Italian Ports.
Family Life Onboard
Our 7-night sailing was spent in a veranda stateroom for 5. It was extremely spacious, especially for only 4 of us and had everything you could possibly need. Plus, the split bathroom had a perfect set up for getting ready, with a toilet and sink in one room, then a half bath with shower and sink in the other.
To kick off our cruise experience, as we stepped onboard the cast members welcomed us with a warm public announcement into the atrium..Welcome on board the Mann family! You really are made to feel special from that very first moment.
Kids, Tweens & Teens: Something for Every Age
The kids’ clubs on board are incredible. Kids clubs were split by age so all the activities and areas were all age appropriate and lots of fun. From interactive rooms, themed activities and special visits from beloved characters, you would never hear the phrase “mum, I’m bored!”. Being a little bit older, teens have their very own terrace area with a hot tub so they can roam and socialise as they please. There’s also times during the cruise called ‘Open House’ when everyone gets to explore the clubs… so we headed straight to the Star Wars area because that was just too good to not give a go. We’re all big kids at heart, right?
Dining & Drinks: What to Expect
Dining is rotational through 3 beautifully themed restaurants on the ships that come to the UK, with different menus in each one. Your servers also move with you which just adds a lovely personal touch as they get to know your preferences and will have your kids favourite drink waiting for them. The buffet dining closes in the evening, encouraging guests to use the main dining room. However, there is always the option of room service or pool deck dining. All food on room service is FREE. Secret menu item – the infamous Mickey ice cream bar. These are about $6 each in Walt Disney World so a family of 5 could save $210 if they all had a Mickey bar a day on a 7 night cruise … but you could order 2-3 times a day if you really wanted. On the subject of Room service … You can order cookies and milk/chocolate milk /hot chocolate before bed. My kids went to bed before us and ordered this themselves which made them feel very grown up.
This is one for the adults but you can take 2 bottles of wine or 6 beers onboard PER PORT…. NOT just embarkation. I don’t know any other cruise line that allows this. Spirits etc follow the usual rules of being stored until the end of the cruise if brought whilst in port or on embarkation. There are no drinks packages but there are lots of different offers throughout the sailing that are great value for money.
Entertainment Highlights
The entertainment options really do mean you are never left with nothing to do. We got to watch Broadway-calibre shows (Frozen and Aladdin) and in some shows there were even surprise cameos from other characters. The Cinema is not only included in your fare but shows the latest Disney releases so we got to see the new Lilo & Stitch film. You could even take part in Disney trivia quizzes where you can bag yourself a medal and animation classes are available where you can learn to draw your favourite Disney characters. A big highlight for us was Pirate Night. Going all out on the costume isn’t necessary but lots of people do. But don’t worry if you forget your pirate gear as everyone gets a Disney pirate bandana to wear and take home too. Think costumes, themed menus and an epic party night.
Walking around the decks brings its own form of entertainment too. You’ll often find your favourite characters walking around the ship and classics like Mickey and Minnie even change their outfits to suit the activities for the day. You can also enjoy whizzing down the Aqua duck… which is much quieter if you choose to stay on the ship on a port day.
Adults Only? Oh Yes.
The spa was amazing, it does come at an extra price but it is well worth it. The adult-only area is massive and really peaceful. Plus, after 9pm The Piazza area of the ship is off limits to children and becomes an adult only space with live music, comedians and dance parties.
Coffee is included but there are specialty coffees available that are delicious and super cute, if you’re having a latte ask for your favourite character to be printed on top. My coffee lovers top tip, if you ask for a coffee card, you can buy 5 coffees and get one free. You also have the option to buy a beer mug and get a 21oz beer for the cost of a 16oz beer and there is a cocktail/mocktail of the day which is available for a lower cost.
Extras That Made Our Cruise Special
- People hide LOTS of ducks on Disney, over the course of our 7-night trip we found 30!
- Sometimes there are secret sale items in the shop that you have to ask for… but once guests post on the Facebook & Whatsapp groups for the sailing those items sell out fast. There were discounted pins, mickey ears and a loungefly bag available during our cruise.
- I have lots of information on joining in the Fish extender gift exchanges, door decorating and pixie dusting which really does add a lot of magic to the cruise.
- The Digital photo package is totally worth it… there were even Disney photographers in Pisa taking photos! This wasn’t in every port but was a lovely surprise as we did Pisa by ourselves via public transport.
Final Thoughts
As avid Disney lovers, it was truly a great addition to our Disney adventures. Overall, the trip was extremely good value for money. It’s a great way to still have the Disney experience but with the flexibility and relaxation of a typical holiday. It was all amazing but a big highlight for me was the shows…I only have one word – spectacular. Of course, this won’t be my last Disney adventure so if you need some inspiration or pro tips give me a call on 01246 953031.