Gearing up for your first Disney cruise? Get the scoop on the amazing experience you need to have on your Disney cruise with kids!
This Disney Cruise with Kids post was written by family travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links, which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
A Disney Cruise Line vacation is Disney. However, it’s also totally unique. Like other Disney vacations, the Disney Cruise Line is all about family fun, and I love spending time on the Disney Cruise with kids.
Yet so many exciting activities and clubs are meant to be enjoyed by kids and adults separately. There are even port adventures exclusively for kids, teens, or adults.
That aspect of individual entertainment is unusual for a Disney vacation when the goal is usually to bring everybody together.
On the other hand, Disney Cruise Lines have plenty of awesome experiences meant to be enjoyed together as a family. For example, Disney’s Oceaneer Club is a fantastic place where kids aged 3-12 can immerse themselves in imaginative play while parents enjoy other parts of the ship.
These are some must-do experiences for the family when taking a Disney cruise with kids; keep reading for all our recommendations!
7 Experiences to Have on a Disney Cruise with Kids
Pirate Night
First off, we have to talk about Pirate Night. Don’t miss out on Pirate Night because it is so much fun. Make sure you are prepared and pack your costumes for the event.
The evening comes in three stages, starting with an elaborate pirate-themed dinner. The experience includes a special pirate map menu that you will want to keep as souvenirs and a party bandana, even if you don’t have full-on pirate attire.
After dinner, there is a wild Pirates in the Caribbean deck party. The party is full of characters, dancing, and theatrics. After this, there is a stunning fireworks display.
Cruisers get into Pirate Night. Don’t hesitate to pack pirate attire for the occasion if you are taking a Disney Cruise with kids.
Disney’s Oceaneer Club also hosts special pre-party activities for kids, making Pirate Night even more exciting for the little ones.
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is on board the ship and also offers a Pirates League makeover complete with makeup/face painting. This is not available on all cruises, so make sure you double-check.
There are character photo ops on the themed nights and pre-party activities for families and youth clubs. Pirates Night is an event held on all four cruise ships.
Live Entertainment and Character Dining
The Disney Magic offers a unique Rapunzel experience. A stage show adapted from Tangled includes vibrant sets and puppetry. There are even three new and original songs from Alan Menkin and partner Glen Slater.
In addition to this exclusive Tangled musical, there is Rapunzel’s Royal Table. That is a character dining experience that also includes live entertainment and participation.
The Tangled-themed entertainment and dining is only one example on one ship, but similar experiences are offered in Dream, Fantasy, and Wonder.
The Disney Dream has Beauty and the Beast in a reimagined stage show adaptation. The Wonder and the Fantasy each have a live musical adaptation of Frozen. The Magic and the Wonder also have a Frozen deck party, which is especially fun for families with young kids.
Have a Movie Night…
or day. Every Cruise Ship has a Buena Vista movie theater midship on decks 4-5. You can view first-run movies on the cruise ship at virtually any time of day.
No matter your schedule, there is always time to take in a movie at the luxurious Buena Vista theater. Families with little ones will appreciate having a relaxing activity that everyone can enjoy together
The comfy seats and Art Deco surroundings are part of the appeal of having a theatrical movie experience on the Disney Cruise Line. The cruise includes the movie, but the concessions are an additional charge.
For a schedule of show times and films, consult your Disney Cruise Line Navigator app. Taking time to watch movies on board can be a perfect break from other activities.
Midship Detective Agency
Besides entertainment, lounges, and clubs, there are plenty of things to do in sports and recreation. One of Disney’s best features is that they will often incorporate interactive recreational activities into the experiences in Disney parks.
The same is true of the Disney Dream and the Disney Fantasy. The two newest and largest ships incorporate a game suitable for all ages that is ideal for families.
Midship Detective Agency is an interactive, self-guided whodunit that you can repeat again and again. You’ll receive instructions at a kiosk on deck two or five. A badge with a unique barcode and a casebook will help you rule out suspects as you track down clues all over the ship.
These interactive quests are fun for kids and a really neat way to get to know the ship you are sailing on. It’s also a great way for kids to make new friends while exploring.
Themed Days at Sea
There are a lot of characters and live entertainment on Disney Cruise Lines.
There is even more character fun during your Disney cruise with kids, such as Marvel Day at Sea and Star Wars Day at Sea.
The celebrations include character meet and greets and pop-up restaurants that feature themed menus exclusively for the events.
Jedi training is available on Star Wars Day at Sea and live Star Wars spectacular, costumed fun, and epic character encounters. These themed days are a good time for the entire family, including little ones, who will love meeting their favorite characters.
For Marvel Day, there is a movie marathon, character meet-and-greets, and a fantastic Marvel stunt show. Doctor Strange will train kids in the mystic arts.
The Animator’s Palate
If there’s one restaurant the whole family should enjoy together on the Disney Cruise Line, it’s the Animator’s Palate.
This unique animation-themed restaurant is on every Cruise Ship, but it is constantly reinvented with each new ship. So, the experience will be different depending on what cruise you take.
What doesn’t change is the fun and creative tone of the restaurant and the celebration of great animated Disney classics.
Depending on whether you are on the Magic/Wonder or the Dream/Fantasy, there are totally different dinner shows.
Drawn to Magic on the Magic and Wonder is a story of the evolution of animation, during which the black and white interior of the restaurant springs to life with vibrant bursts of color. This transformation creates an immersive experience for kids, teens, and adults alike, ensuring a good time for all.
On the Fantasy and the Dream, Crush from Finding Nemo interacts with you in Undersea Magic. And you can draw your own creation and watch it come to life on the big screen.
Any version of this restaurant and the incorporated dinner shows are amazingly fun for families to experience together. Plus, the dining experience offers plenty of storage space for your little ones’ belongings, such as autograph books and toys, so they can fully enjoy the meal.
Character Meet and Greets
Character meet and greets on a Disney Cruise are magical experiences that create lasting family memories.
Unlike in theme parks, where lines can be long, character interactions on cruise ships often feel more personal and relaxed.
From Mickey Mouse to Elsa, various favorite Disney characters roam the ships, often dressed in exclusive nautical or holiday-themed outfits unique to the cruise line.
Whether you’re at a scheduled meet and greet, a themed party, or simply bump into a character around the ship, there’s always an opportunity for a quick chat, an autograph, or a photo.
Young kids especially love these moments with their favorite characters, creating memories that last a lifetime.
Disney’s commitment to character integrity makes the experience wonderfully immersive for children.
Some cruises even feature Marvel and Star Wars Days at Sea, offering special opportunities to meet characters from these universes. These events are great for the entire cruise, as families can bond over the unique interactions.
So remember to bring your camera and autograph book to capture these magical moments!
Disney Cruise Vacation FAQs
Disney Cruises cater to all ages, from infants to teenagers. That said, children aged 3-12 often get the most out of the experience due to the numerous activities aimed at this age group, such as Disney’s Oceaneer Club and Lab. These spaces are thoughtfully designed for young kids to explore, play, and engage with Disney magic.
No, Disney Cruise Line doesn’t offer free cruising for kids three and under. However, their fares are typically less expensive than those for adults, making it more budget-friendly for families with little ones.
All Disney Cruise Line ships offer family-friendly amenities and activities. Choosing the best one depends on your family’s interests. The larger ships (Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy) have more amenities, while the smaller ships (Disney Magic and Disney Wonder) offer a more intimate setting.
Yes, Disney does have its own private island in the Bahamas called Castaway Cay. Many of their Caribbean cruises include a stop at this island, offering activities like snorkeling, biking, and character meet and greets. They also have a second private island called Lighthouse Point that is set to open in the summer of 2024.
Yes, Disney Cruise Line offers a variety of shore excursions known as Port Adventures. These range from cultural tours to outdoor adventures and are specially selected by Disney for their quality and service. Unlike other cruise lines, Disney ensures family-friendly options tailored for all ages.
Absolutely. Disney Cruise Line offers kids clubs for different age groups. These include the It’s a Small World Nursery (for infants and toddlers), Disney’s Oceaneer Club and Lab (ages 3-12), Edge (ages 11-14), and Vibe (ages 14-17). Each offers age-appropriate activities in a safe, supervised environment. Whether your kids want to explore Andy’s Room or make new friends in imaginative settings, these clubs have something for everyone.
On embarkation day, you’ll check in, go through security, and board the ship. Once onboard, you can explore the ship, eat lunch, and attend the mandatory safety drill. The day usually concludes with the Sail-Away Celebration, a deck party as the ship leaves port. It’s also the perfect time to familiarize your little ones with the ship’s layout and plan visits to places like Disney’s Oceaneer Club.
Disney Cruise with Kids Wrap-Up
A family vacation on a Disney Cruise Line provides an unparalleled mix of magic, fun, and relaxation.
With opportunities to interact with your favorite Disney characters in a more intimate setting, each Disney cruise ship offers unique entertainment and activities for all ages.
The youth clubs, such as Disney’s Oceaneer Club, cater to different age groups, ensuring everyone from toddlers to teens is engaged and entertained. Whether your kids are exploring Andy’s Room or creating magical crafts, they’ll have a blast while making new friends.
Visits to Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, immerse families in a tropical paradise with exciting beach activities and even more character meet and greets. Families can also take advantage of thoughtfully designed storage space in their staterooms, perfect for keeping all the gear you’ll need for a fun-filled day.
Every aspect of a Disney Cruise Line vacation is designed to ensure the entire cruise is enjoyable for every family member. From immersive entertainment to relaxing moments at sea, Disney delivers an unforgettable experience. Even the little ones will cherish their time aboard, creating magical memories that last a lifetime.
Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or considering your first family voyage, a Disney Cruise Line adventure offers a good time for all, filled with laughter, magic, and cherished family moments.