How Are Disney Cruises for Kids?

i myself would rather roll in my own puke than do this.
that being said, my SIL has taken her son on two disney cruises, and they appear to have been utterly magical.
the main takeaway i got from it is that a) it was magical and b) it was way more expensive than they had even anticipated.
disney. creating expensive magic for generations now.
khairete
S.

We are not cruise people at all, zero interest.

I'm answering your question because I've had friends who do love to cruise and and thoroughly enjoyed the Disney cruise with children.

My only tip is to make sure you are fully aware of ALL fees. My BIL had a $2000.00 bill before they could leave. My brother (different cruise line) had s $3000.00 bill before leaving the ship.

I get that my brother screwed up... he's known for living beyond his means but it was surprising that BIL missed this because he's a big time partner in a Pittsburgh firm.

Enjoy yourself! Disney is so much fun. Daughter and I are spending Christmas at Disney this year.

We have looked in to it for our family as well and it's insanely expensive. I don't mind saving for it, but friends of ours who cruise annually tell us it's really not worth it. They said they have had the same amount of fun on other cruise lines and been able to experience more of the world by taking more affordable trips.

If money was NO issue at all, I'd do a Disney one to get my own opinion...but since I don't have a $20k vacation budget annually, we'll stick with Carnival :).

I haven't been, but my friends who have tell me that it's amazing for kids and parents. Every single one of them wants to do it again - but it's so expensive they can't afford it more than once.

If you aren't wedded to Disney, a different friend of mine recently recommended Norwegian cruise lines. She said the kids clubs are fantastic, and they are more casual than some other cruise lines, making them family friendly. And they have a lot of deals on their website where kids are free with adult passage.

We have been on two Disney Cruises and are getting ready to go on our third next week. It is amazing, magical, amazing, and yes you should do it! :) We've been on most of the major cruise lines and Disney is my personal favorite, even as an adult.

I don't necessarily drink the Disney Kool-aid, but I can't recommend these cruises enough. We have only been to DW for one day because my husband is sorta Scrooge-y about it and really doesn't want to go because of the lines, crowds, etc., but the cruises on the other hand are amazing and everything you want/need.

It has the plusses of the Disney brand like characters, branding, awesome shows and incredible service but not all the fuss of waiting in line and dealing with cranky kids.

The kids club is beyond amazing. My kids LOVED it and wanted to be there a lot. They open early and are open late so there is plenty of opportunity to have grown-up time and do what you want. There are adult only sections of the ship as well so that's nice if you want some quiet time at the pool, etc. The food is very good and they are very conscious of what kids like/want, food allergies, etc. Besides the pools, splash parks and various other things on board, there is a movie theatre that plays current Disney movies.

There are some add-ons once on board, but not a ton, especially if you're prepared for them. The most annoying add-on (I think) is the popcorn they sell for the nightly shows and movies. You can get a reusable tub and refill it for a better price each night, but it's annoying. You can bring your own snacks but that is also kind of annoying. They have smoothies and shakes and stuff at the restaurants that are on add-on sometimes but I don't find it hard to avoid those because there are so many great options that are included. I will also say that Disney Cruise excursion prices are the highest I've ever seen on any line. They are super expensive. It's very easy, however, to do your own excursion for a fraction of the price. One of the other big add-ons is the Bippity Boppity Boutique. Both my son and daughter go to it and they both love it. We don't do the dress option for my daughter because she doesn't really like dress up clothes anymore but still enjoys the hair part. If you were going to do a dress I would bring one from home. They are the same dresses you find in the store but way more money. If you bring one they are fine with it and will dress them in the boutique. Without the dress, I find the boutique very reasonably priced.

Finally I will say that we have gotten both are cruises for very good prices. If you kind of stalk the disneycruise website you can find deals about 2-3 months before you sail. We always do the "guaranteed verandah" room and have had no problems. This option gives you a much better price but doesn't allow you to choose your room. We haven't had any issues and always get great rooms with great balconies that are near the pool.

I know this post is forever long but seriously you should go. My kids are 7/9 and are still so very excited for this trip. And the amazing part is...my husband and I are equally excited too!

I have good friends who went with 3 generations, and they all had a great time. Kids were aged from tens to a baby (it was one big extended family). They actually preferred it to Disney - it was relaxing, fun, enough Disney stuff that kids found it very fun. Enough for adults to do - the grandparents enjoyed it.. Lots to do.

I'd love to go on one. Two other sets of friends with young kids have been also, and recommended it.

Everything Disney does is so well done, I would try it! I haven't been on a Disney cruise but my youngest and I are going back to WDW this summer.

Worth every penny! We took our boys on one last year (they were 10, 7, 5). We LOVED it. My husband did not want to go. He was literally complaining as we were boarding the ship (Disney Magic out of Miami). When we got off, he wanted to know when we could go again.

Disney thinks of everything!!! Kids club, unlimited soda/ice-cream, funnel vision, movies, characters galore, more entertainment than you could do in 3 cruises! The staff was amazing and the other cruisers are wholesome!

We paid about $1200/per person ($6000 total) for a 5 day cruise. Once on board, we did not spend one penny. We brought our own alcohol and Disney provides the rest.

Looking to do another one soon!

Once you do Disney, you never go back to another cruise line. It is amazing! Been on 3. 2 were with grandkids, 1 just me and my husband. Disney knows how to do it. Yes it is a bit more money but worth it. As far as purchases in the ship, you have total control over that. I highly recommend it. If you wait until fall if 2017, Disney has several cruises leaving out if NYC. So convenient! Check it out.