Setting Sail with Disney Magic: Exploring the Disney Cruise Line Experience | Kevin Snyder - Sojourney Travel

After 25 years of sailing, Disney Cruise Line is poised to launch three new ships between now and 2026 and expand operations to a new continent. From the outset, Disney aimed to redefine family cruising. Today, they continue to innovate in the cruise line industry. 

Origins: 

In 1985, Disney partnered with Premier Cruise Lines to offer character appearances onboard the 'Big Red Boat,' coupled with stays at Walt Disney World. Upon concluding this 10-year contract, Disney ventured independently, collaborating with Fincantieri shipbuilders for their initial two vessels. See the timeline at the end of this blog for more details. 

Disney Experience: 

When Disney entered the cruise industry, they sought to evoke the nostalgia of classic ocean travel, while creating a cruise experience unlike any other. Fun Fact: Walt Disney himself was an avid cruiser, frequently journeying to Europe and Hawaii. Sailing from Port Canaveral, guests entered a themed cruise terminal evoking the feel they would experience when stepping on board. Once onboard, passengers were transported to the golden age of sailing in the three-story atrium, where they could encounter a variety of beloved Disney characters. 

Disney's focus on family inclusivity led to the creation of the largest children's clubs at sea, featuring exclusive programming, in exclusive spaces, tailored to different age groups (no adults allowed!). The adults weren’t forgotten though, they had their own private section of the open deck and a restaurant just for them (Palo). Dining innovations will follow later. In 2000, Disney was the first cruise line to have fireworks at sea, on Pirate Night. 

The Disney Difference: 

While aspects like children's programming, family entertainment, and dining options exist on other cruise lines, Disney excels either as pioneers or in execution. 

Children’s Programming -  

Disney ships today maintain the same high-quality spaces for young passengers as they did from day one. From nurseries staffed by early childhood education-trained crew to Vibe for teens, Disney has spaces for only those under 18. While there are times that adults can go into the spaces to explore “Open House”, there is always secure spaces from morning to night for the youngsters to enjoy and explore on their own. Most of the crew in the kids clubs (Nursery, Oceaneer Lab, Oceaneer Club, Edge and Vibe) have degrees in education or some field to do with child development. Each space has strict age policies that are created and followed for the safety of all.  

It's not all movies and video games in these spaces. Programming is created by a team of professionals to showcase all that Disney has to offer. Some programming options include special visits by amazing Disney characters, Star Wars and Marvel experiences, dance parties, science experiments, and more. 

Family Entertainment –  

While some cruise lines had already brought Broadway onboard, Disney wanted to do it in a way only they could manage. The main theatre was set to host original Broadway-style shows featuring Disney stories and characters. FUN FACT: Disney Dreams was the first show to be performed on the Disney Magic, and it still runs today. Disney built a 268-person movie theatre, Buena Vista Theatre, to show Disney originals and other first run movies. No movie is the same without popcorn, and there is a popcorn stand outside each theatre to cover that for you. Not long after opening, Disney also added Pirate Night on the open deck including Buccaneer Blast (FIREWORKS AT SEA), a first of its kind. 

Food and Beverage –  

On most cruise ships at the time, everyone ate in one large, typically opulent, dining room. Most of the time you would be dining with other guests at the same table. Disney decided they wanted to have multiple themed restaurants that the guests would rotate through for their dinners. Over time, these restaurants have evolved to be full of entertainment including a visit from a surfing sea turtle to dining with princesses or going on a Marvel adventure. Another Disney difference with dining is that when you change restaurants each night, so does your dining team. That’s right, you have the same team with you each night learning your preferences, and most importantly remembering them. If your kids can’t get enough of the kids’ clubs, there is expedited dining for the kids so you can get them right back to playing. 

The ships also have 1 or 2 adults-only restaurants onboard. Palo is an Italian themed restaurant, and Remy is a French concept created in partnership with 3-star Michelin chef, Arnauld Lallement. Both restaurants are an additional fee. 

Disney also makes sure that you have food available whenever the craving hits. Room service is complimentary and available 24-hours a day, there is an entire section on the open decks for quick service items, like chicken fingers and pizza, also complimentary, and soft-serve ice cream and fountain soft drinks are always free! On the larger ships, there is also a themed ice cream parlor with house-made gelato for a nominal charge. 

Staterooms –  

Thinking about families, Disney designed most staterooms on their ships with split-bathrooms. This means that one bathroom has the toilet and one sink, and the other bathroom has a bathtub (not just a shower with a too friendly curtain) and a second sink. Each stateroom has an actual queen-size bed, not two singles made into one, and a couch with a room dividing curtain. Many staterooms also have a bunk b ed that domes out of the ceiling. 

Conclusion: 

While Disney Cruise Line doesn't replicate a theme park at sea, it has redefined cruising by offering unique experiences that other lines may not provide. From daily character meet-and-greets to rotational dining, Disney caters to families and adults seeking a distinctive cruise experience. Though not the most economical option, Disney Cruise Line includes many onboard services in its fare, contrasting with other lines that charge extra. 

Set course for family fun and lifelong memories—secure your Disney cruise adventure today with me or the assistance of your favorite Sojourney advisor! 

Timeline: 

• 1995: Disney commissions two ships 
• 1997: Disney buys Gorda Cay (Castaway Cay); opens first cruise terminal in Port Canaveral; Disney Magic sets sail
  
• 1998: Castaway Cay opens for guests
  
• 1999: Disney Wonder sets sail
  
• 2007: Two additional ships commissioned with Meyer Werft
  
• 2010: Disney Dream sets sail
  
• 2011: Disney Fantasy sets sail
  
• 2016: Two new ships commissioned with Meyer Werft
  
• 2019: Disney purchases Lighthouse Point on Eleuthera
  
• 2022: Disney Wish sets sail; opens new terminal in Port Everglades; names Singapore as base for its 7th ship
  
• 2024: Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, Bahamas opens for guests; Disney set to launch Disney Treasure
  
• 2025: Disney set to launch Disney Adventure
  
• 2026: Disney set to launch Disney Destiny
  
• 2029: Disney partner Oriental Land Co. set to operate new ship