OK I know it's taken me a long time to write this, we went on our Disney cruise back in June but I wanted to take my time and get it right. I have already written my tips for first time cruisers and about all the places we visited on our cruise, this post will look specifically at our experience on the Disney magic part of the Disney cruise line (DCL).
First impressions on the Disney magic was wow. We were welcomed aboard and announced over the microphone with members of crew clapping as we got on board. This gave you the all star welcome and feeling. The main deck was simply beautiful. Stunning elevators, statues and huge porthole windows to look through. With marble floors and chandeliers, you would be forgiven if you thought you were in a top class hotel.
Our rooms were not ready until a little later but we were allowed to visit the ship and use any facilities on board. The girls put on their costumes and went into the pool.
Swimming
There was a separate area just for adults which we did not go into. I understand the pool and spa here were lovely but as we did not use them or see them I could not comment.
The main pool is right in front of tunnel vision. This was were a variety of Disney films were shown. Children (and adults) could sit in the pool and watch films such as monsters inc, toy story, and other Disney classics. I thought this was really lovely. The pool was kept really clean and there were plenty of chairs and seating around.
The kids pool was simply fantastic. My girls would have spent all their time in here. There was buckets to pull, water guns to squirt, a pool to sit in, simply fantastic. All Disney themed of course but so much fun for them. There was even a small area for babies.
A well as swimming pool there were two slides, but the girls were too small to try these out. The did look fun with one hanging over the edge of the boat.
Food and drink
I could not believe that everything was included. You have 24hr access to drinks machine serving both hot and cold drinks, including water. The buffet bar seemed to be open all the time too but I'm guessing it closed at some point. On deck near the pools was every take away you could imagine and yes it's all included and you could eat whatever you wanted. There was an area that even did sandwiches and fruit if you fancied a lighter option.
Breakfast you could choose to eat either in the restaurant or have a buffet. Not mornings we had a buffet before getting off the ship. There was plenty of choice and something for every diet and taste. Most lunches we had off ship sampling local cuisine but again if on board you could choose the buffet or one of the takeaways.
Dinner was something spectacular. There were 3 restaurants we dined in and each had a different theme. Lumière was set out like beauty and the beast, with the tea cups just like belles.
Carioca was more colourful and wasn't our favourite to dine in but it was still great food. Our favourite by far was animators palace. Here drawings came to life before your very eyes. It was a truly magical dining experience and whilst I don't want to give too much away it was fantastic.
Activities and leisure
There was plenty to do on board. A whole deck dedicated to sports, with a basketball court, table football and ping pong. A running track went round the ship which you could choose to walk around if you wish. Swimming pools and a spa. Not to mention the kids club. There was evening entertainment including bingo, quiz shows and variety of shows.
On board was a cinema showing latest releases and also a theatre. The shows in the theatre are award winning and simply stunning, like watching a Broadway musical without having to pay any extra for it. The one thing I loved was everything was family friendly. The shows are shown twice so it doesn't matter which dinner sitting you are on you can still catch one of the shows. There are no casino or gambling on board.
Accommodation
I had heard that cruise line rooms are really small. We stayed in an ocean view room, but on one of the lowest decks. The room prices rise the higher up the boat you go. The room was plenty big enough for all four of us, we never felt squashed in.
There was two bathrooms and one had both a bath and a shower. Everything was kept clean and tidy and the girls loved the surprise of finding out what room service had made with the towels that evening.
We were very well taken care of during our Disney cruise. The girls loved the excitement of waking up and seeing the characters around the ship. They loved Peter Pan running around looking for tinker bell, or randomly passing one of the Disney princess on one of the decks. They loved the opportunity to dance with the characters, how many people can say they have danced to let it go with Mickey and Minnie Mouse?
I cannot recommend Disney cruise line enough, the experience was amazing. We were made to feel really special and the girls have some fantastic memories. We will be going back again.
I have not been asked to write this post, this is a holiday we paid for and have received no compensation to write about
