Family Disney Cruise | 12 Reasons it is Absolutely Worth the Price

I often wondered why people paid so much for a family Disney Cruise. Was it really that special? Was it just a floating theme park? Could adults actually have a good time? And bottom line, was it really worth it? I attended the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration last month and had fantastic time making memories so I could find out for myself.

I can say without a doubt that a family Disney Cruise is totally, 100%, absolutely worth it.

I spent three days in the whirlwind that is Walt Disney World before embarking on a three-night cruise on the Disney Dream. Honestly, I didn’t know how I was going to like the Disney Cruise Line. I was traveling with my mom and 2 sisters and without kids, I thought the Disney magic would be lost on us. But it wasn’t!

Find out how to get invited to Disney Social Media Moms Celebration.

I took some time to think about what makes a family Disney Cruise worth the substantial price tag. There are so many ways this cruise line is a step above others. Here are my top reasons families can be assured their Disney Cruise Line vacation is worth the cost.

12 Reasons a Family Disney Cruise is Worth the Money

1. Disney makes parents comfortable.

Kids acting up during muster drill? They get it. Go ahead and walk around in the back if you have another adult present. Little ones melting down during a fancy dinner? No one bats an eye. Moms nursing on deck? What’s new? On a family Disney Cruise, you are assured that everyone, from the staff to the other guests, gets it. They understand your season of life and most of them are right in it with you.

2. There are character experiences galore.

You know this already. But for anyone who has waited for hours in the sweltering Florida sun to get a photo with Princess Tiana, the ability to meet virtually all Disney characters in much more manageable lines is huge. For kids who get autographs this is especially good. Be sure to read the Cruise Navigator to know when and where to meet your favorite Disney characters.

3. You get the acclaimed Disney service.

Anyone who has spent time at hotels like Ritz-Carlton, knows that top notch service can make a vacation. And Disney understands this. Everyone meets you with a smile. The ship is in immaculate shape. There seemed like nothing the crew wouldn’t do for you.

4. There’s a spectacular water coaster.

You have to do this! On the Disney Dream they have a really fun water coaster called the Aqua Duck. It is the love child of a roller coaster and a water slide. It’s so fun! I’m not a huge thrill seeking person but I’m so glad I talked my sister into doing this with me. The lines may be long but it’s worth it. My kids would absolutely love it!

5. Pirate night!

While I’m not one who usually likes to dress up, I was amazed at how much fun I had and wished I had put a little more thought into my costume. My mom totally surprised my sisters and I by going all in on Pirate Night.

Pirate Night is a fun way to let yourself relax and stop adulting so hard. 

Plus, the fireworks that went off at sea were really a spectacular cherry on top of a stupendous sundae. I was told other cruise ships often try to stay close to the Disney ships just to see these fireworks. Disney Cruise Line ships are the only ships that set off fireworks at sea.

6. There are separate toilet and shower rooms.

I love that there is a shower room and a toilet room. Both have sinks and some storage areas. And there is actually a bathtub, something that is unusual on most cruise ships. While the kids are taking their time going number two, you can take a shower by yourself! Winning!

7. Lots of space.

Most cruise ships give you little to no room to put all your things. Not so on Disney Cruise Lines ships. We had two full closets in our room, which worked well for four adults. There was also other storage places in drawers, cupboards, shelves, and even under the bed. This may not seem like a big deal but I’m telling you it’s fantastic to be able to settle in and not feel claustrophobic during your cruise. I also know parents will really appreciate the privacy screen that separates the kids’ area in the cabin from the parents. Mom and Dad can get some late night TV watching in, or…whatever.

8. There is an in-room refrigerator.

My sisters, mom, and I stocked up on water, our sodas or choice and our allocated adult beverages. We could keep them cold right in our room. If you have medicine or breast milk that needs to stay cold, this amenity is really valuable.

9. They have their own island.

Disney Cruise Line ships are able to dock at Castaway Cay, their own private island. Guests get to take advantage of so many fun things without the discomfort and anxiety of being in a different country. Run the Castaway Cay 5K. (It’s free and you get a cool medal.)

Use the on island supervised kids club so you can get some adult time at the 18+ beach, Serenity Cove. Disney even provides sand strollers and wagons to help cart tired kids around easily. Plus, they serve a fantastic BBQ lunch on the island that’s included in your cruise!

10. You get really good, free room service.

Don’t want to get out of bed in the morning? Need a sweet treat after the kids are in bed? Just want to be lazy? Disney Cruise Line has you covered with free room service. It includes all the basic necessities families need when it comes to food and drinks. It comes hot, fresh, and quickly. And did I mention it is free?!?!

11. Fish extenders.

I had no idea what fish extenders were before this cruise. My sisters talked me into participating and I’m so glad we did. Basically fish extenders are ‘Secret Santa’ like gift exchanges with select fellow cruisers. We received some really thoughtful gifts. I was surprised at how gleeful I was when I rounded the corner to our room and saw there were gifts waiting for us. It was another gift Disney gives you: The gift of being able to feel as giddy as your kids.

12. Everyone is happy.

The Disney magic seems to have been sprinkled over all the guests on the Disney Dream when I was on it. Guests weren’t drunk. (There are no all-you-can-drink alcohol packages.) No one is devastated because of losses in the casino. (There is no casino.) And the other cruisers that are in the same life stage as you (including grandparents, parents and kids of all ages). You might even be able to make a friend! Everyone was really just happy, including the crew. It was a really pleasant place to be.

Bottom line: A family Disney Cruise is worth the price!

I can’t wait to bring my husband and kids on a Disney Cruise. While I had a fabulous time living it up with no kids, there was a huge part of me that missed them. I just have to start saving my coins! Check out why Candace from Life in Pleasantville said Disney Cruise Line has ruined her from cruising any other cruise line forever!