Cruises are a great way to vacation with a family. I can attest to this because we’ve already taken our daughter on five cruises and she’s only four!
We’re big fans of Disney Cruise Line. Whether you’re traveling with babies, toddlers, tweens or teens, Disney knows how to keep your kiddos entertained so that you can relax. We recently set sail on the brand-new Disney Fantasy to find out what your kids can do while on-board. In a word, TONS!
The Clubs
As with other Disney ships, there are plenty of areas just for kids. These kids “clubs” are grouped by age. That means your teen isn’t hanging out with toddlers and your babies aren’t with the big kids which is a win-win for everyone!
It’s A Small World Nursery is for children age 3 months to 3 years. Inside there are areas for napping and playing.
The Oceaneer’s Club & Lab is sprawling space for 3-to-10-year-olds. On the Club side, kids can spend time in the themed rooms including Andy’s Room (from Toy Story), Pixie Hollow and Monster’s Academy (from Monsters, Inc.). At the Lab, they can get entertainment and exercise on the Magic PlayFloor. Inside the Animator’s Studio, kids can create their own animated characters. Events are planned throughout the day that kids can choose to join. Our daughter enjoyed doing science experiments with Professor Make-A-Mess. On most days, lunch and dinner is served there so your kids don’t have to leave to eat. This is very helpful because you will have to drag your children out of here. They won’t want to leave.
For the Tweens (the 11-to-13-year-old set), there’s Edge. It’s a loft space packed with high-tech entertainment. There’s a massive video wall that stretches 18-feet wide and five-feet tall that’s used for gaming and TV watching. There’s a dance floor and karaoke, too.
For those age 14-to-17, they can hang out in Vibe. Inside Vibe is technology, dancing and a fountain bar. Outside, the teens have a private deck with wading pools and fountains.
Water, Water Everywhere
There are all kinds of water activities on-board including one of the coolest features of the Fantasy - the AquaDuck! It’s a 765-foot-long water coaster that kids and adults love.
For those too small (or too scared) to ride the AquaDuck, there’s a nearby slide. It’s a swirly slide that’s safe and fun for smaller children.
Donald’s Pool and Mickey’s Pool are the two family pool areas. While your kids are swimming, they can watch movies on the giant Funnel Vision screen on deck. One evening we couldn't get our kid out of the pool becuase she was so wrapped up in swimming and watching Wall-E.
There are two other splash zones. Nemo’s Reef is a place for younger kids to play in jets, bubbles and fountains. The AquaLab is a splashy spot where bigger kids can control the speed and temperature of the shooting water.
Shows & Movies
Inside The Walt Disney Theater, catch family-friendly performances of original productions such as Disney Wishes, Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular and Disney’s Believe.
Movies are shown day and night at the Buena Vista Theater. The movies are first-run meaning the same ones playing in theaters right now are also showing on the ship.
{related: 5 reasons to book a family cruise}
Sports
Goofy’s Sports Deck is an open-air place where you and your kids can get active playing mini-golf, basketball, ping-pong, foosball and much more.
D Lounge
The D Lounge has the vibe of a nightclub, but it’s a family-friendly zone. Families can dance, karaoke and play games together. Events are happening inside the lounge throughout the day and late into the night.
Princess & Pirate Makeovers
New to the Fantasy is the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. Inside this special salon princesses can get pixie-dusted makeovers. You can purchase a variety of packages ranging from hair and makeup to costumes complete with crown, wand and shoes.
On pirate night, kids and adults can get pirate makeovers. The makeover includes themed makeup, bandannas, eye patches and your choice of a hook or sword. Pirate costumes are also available. You’ll be given a pirate name and you’ll have to swear your oath to the Pirate’s League before you leave.
{related: magical makeovers at sea for pirates & princesses}
Spa Time
If your teen wants some spa time, they can relax at Chill Spa. It’s a special spa area just for teens 13-to-17-years-old. Treatments are designed just for them and include the Fabulously Fruity Facial, the Hot Chocolate Wrap, a Surfer’s Scrub and an Ice Cream Manicure and Pedicure.
Is That All?
This is just a highlight of some of the kid-friendly fun found aboard the Disney Fantasy. There’s so much more to see and do while you sail. Consult your Personal Navigator each day for a full list of events including where to find Mickey, Minnie and other Disney characters.
One bit of advice, be sure to take your kids with you when you dine at Animator's Palate. On Animation Magic night, you will be given a piece of paper on which you create your own character. Dinner culminates with an animated show which features the diners' drawings. It's super cool and should not be missed!
The Disney Fantasy sails out of Florida’s Port Canaveral on 7-night cruises to the Carribean. You’ll find many of the amenities mentioned here on other Disney ships as well, including the Disney Dream. Details about upcoming cruises can be found on the website or on the Disney Cruise Line Facebook page.
GalTime has sailed on several Disney cruises. Find additional information about the ships and itineraries as well as our photos here.
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