A Disney Cruise with my kids: Here’s what made it the ultimate family holiday
Looking for a holiday packed with family fun and a sprinkle of magic? Here’s your guide to a Disney Cruise.
If you’re after the ultimate family getaway where the magic isn’t just for the kids, a Disney Cruise is definitely the way to go.
My husband, our two kids (7 and 10), and I recently hopped aboard the Disney Wonder for a four-night journey from Sydney to Hobart and back, and let me tell you, it was nothing short of amazing.
From the second you step on board, you can feel the excitement in the air. The guests, the crew, the performers – everyone’s just so happy to be there.
It’s also an excellent excuse to deck yourself out in your favourite Disney gear – think Mickey tees, princess dresses, and Marvel superhero costumes… and yep, I packed six pairs of Mickey Mouse ears for the four days because… obviously!
Disney Cruises are all about keeping families entertained, and trust me, they absolutely deliver. Broadway-style stage shows, character meet-and-greets, themed dining experiences – not a dull moment in sight.
So, if you want to know why a Disney Cruise is the ultimate family holiday, keep reading…
Family fun meets Disney magic – everything you need to know about a Disney Cruise
Magical entertainment and activities
Every day on the Disney Wonder is jam-packed with fun – whether it’s trivia, karaoke, or character meet-and-greets. The Buena Vista Theatre screens all the Disney classics and the latest releases. We even caught Moana 2, which had just hit cinemas.
But if you want something extra magical, don’t miss the Walt Disney Theatre stage shows. Think Frozen, A Musical Spectacular, or Disney Dreams, with songs from iconic films like Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, and The Lion King. They are truly amazing.
Pro tip: Get there at least 30 minutes early to grab the best seats – make sure you’re front and centre for the full, immersive experience. Trust me, it’s worth it.
The deck parties are an absolute must! Kicking off the first night, Mickey’s Sail-A-Wave Deck Party is a high-energy celebration, with Mickey and his friends leading the charge in a lively dance-off that sets the tone for the entire cruise.
Then, there’s the Marvel Heroes Unite show on the top deck. You’ll get to see all your favourite heroes and villains, with Iron Man, Thor, Black Panther, Captain Marvel, and Spider-Man swinging in on a zipline (from one of the ship’s funnels – hello, drama). And the fireworks at sea to finish it all off? Pure magic,
Whether it’s a stage show or a deck party, each one delivers with jaw-dropping special effects and performances. Seriously, how do they pull all of this off on a cruise ship?
Accomodation in family-friendly staterooms
We stayed in a spacious balcony stateroom, and it was perfect for our family of four. The room had a comfy queen bed, a lounge that transformed into a bed at night, and a nifty flip-down bunk that stayed tucked away during the day.
The separate shower and toilet areas, each with its own sink, made getting ready so much easier for everyone. The top lock on the balcony door gave extra peace of mind with kids around, and the blackout blinds ensured a much-needed sleep-in for everyone.
Oh, and the best part? Two daily turn-down services. Heaven for any parent.
Dining on a Disney Cruise
Dining on a Disney Cruise is about more than just food – it’s about making memories. We loved rotating between the three themed restaurants.
First up, we dined at Tiana’s Place, inspired by The Princess and the Frog. With a live jazz band and everyone on their feet, dancing in a conga line after dinner, it truly felt like we were in New Orleans.
The next night, we headed to Triton’s, a The Little Mermaid-themed restaurant serving up delicious French cuisine. But for the real Disney magic, Animator’s Palate takes the crown. Watching my kids’ drawings transform into an animation and come to life on the giant screens was a total wow moment. After that, they were convinced they were Disney animators!
For a more laid-back dining experience, the buffet at Cabanas restaurant serves up all your favourites – Mickey-shaped waffles, eggs benedict for breakfast, and a range of tasty seafood and roasts for lunch.
For a quick snack, Pinocchio’s Pizzeria and Pete’s Boiler Bites by the pool have got you covered. And the self-serve soft-serve ice cream station at Eye Scream? My kids were obsessed.
Of course, there are plenty of healthier options too, like fresh fruit salad options – because balance is key.
For the grown-ups, Palo, the adults-only Italian restaurant on the top deck, is quiet, romantic, and a little bit fancy. It’s the perfect spot for a date night while the kids are having fun at the kids’ club.
Kids’ clubs and nurseries
Then there’s Disney’s Oceaneer Club, perfect for kids aged 3 to 10. This space is a total Disney dream, packed with fun features like a Toy Story play area, complete with a massive slide.
Kids also have access to the Oceaneers Lab next door, where they can unleash their creativity in craft and animation studios.
For the tweens (11-14), there’s the Edge club, where dance parties and karaoke reign supreme. Teens (14-17) can hang out at Vibe, a chill spot with bean bags, board games, and arcade games.
Safety is a top priority. The kids wear electronic wristbands, so staff always know where they are, and you’ll use a secret password each time you check them out for extra peace of mind.
Fun for adults, too!
While the kids are enjoying their time at the kids’ club, adults can sneak in some well-deserved ‘me time.’ Start your day in the adults only area with a coffee at Cove Café, take a dip in the Quiet Cove Pool, then indulge in pampering at the Senses Spa and Salon.
After dinner at the Palo restaurant (hello, fine dining!), why not head to Azure for some late-night fun. Some of these extras might come with an extra price tag, but let’s face it – you’ve earned it!
What’s included in the price of a Disney Cruise?
Most of the meals are included, from buffets to most breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. Just a heads up, though – alcohol and the adults-only dining experiences do cost extra.
Oh, and the prices are listed in US dollars, so those cocktails might add up, but overall, it’s a value-packed experience that’s worth the splurge.
Extra magic: Must-know tips for a perfect Disney Cruise
The Disney Navigator App is your guide to everything
If you’re the type who loves a bit of planning (guilty!), then the Disney Navigator app will become your new best friend once you step on board. It’s got everything you need, from the daily schedule of activities to handy notifications about the must-see events. Plus, the in-app chat feature is perfect for reconnecting with your partner after you’ve each gone off to do your own thing. A smooth sailing holiday, indeed!
Character meet and greets
Character meet and greets are a must on a Disney Cruise. Use the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app to find out when and where you can meet your favourite characters, snap a photo, or grab an autograph.
Twirl with Cinderella, goof around with Goofy, and catch up with your favourite Marvel hero or bump into Bluey. You’ll also spot characters around the ship and can even join exclusive ticketed events like the Princess Royal Tea for a special experience and photo op.
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and Royal Gatherings
For the full princess experience, head to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, where your little one can be transformed into a princess or prince (cue the magic!). Then, don’t miss the Royal Gathering event in the atrium. My daughter adored meeting Belle, Ariel, and Cinderella. While these experiences do cost a little extra, the chance to be transformed into Cinderella and meet Disney royalty was definitely a highlight of my little princess’s holiday.
Decorating your stateroom door and the joy of pixie dusting
Decorating your door with Disney-themed magnets is a fun cruise tradition, making your stateroom easy to spot and adding a personal touch.
Another fun tradition is pixie dusting, where guests leave small, thoughtful gifts for fellow passengers to discover. These gifts are placed in Fish Extenders- decorative bags or pockets hanging from the fish-shaped hooks next to your near stateroom door.
It’s a magical way to spread joy, especially for kids, with gift ideas like Disney stickers, glow sticks, treats, and party favours that are sure to make someone’s day!
Tipping on board: Here’s what you need to know about paying gratuities
Gratuities are customary on Disney Cruises to show appreciation for the exceptional service you’ll receive. While it’s not something we’re used to in Australia, it’s recommended to pay a gratuity of $14.50 USD per night, per guest (including infants and kids).
These gratuities go to the crew members who take care of you, like your dining room server, assistant server, head server, and stateroom host.
If you’re staying in a Concierge Stateroom or Suite, the recommended gratuity is $23.50 USD per night, per guest. This covers extra service from the assistant stateroom host and the Concierge Lounge team, on top of the usual crew members.
When’s the next Disney Cruise?
Disney Cruises are now sailing from Sydney, Melbourne, and Auckland all the way through to February 2025, with another season kicking off from October 2025 to February 2026. It’s the perfect time to start planning your family’s magical adventure. Find out more details at Disney Cruise Line.
