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The Details
A few weeks ago my siblings and I were randomly surprised with a 4-day Disney Cruise for the short Easter break. The plan is to fly out and make it to Florida on Wednesday April 16th, boarding the ship (The Disney Dream) on the next day. Through this trip, we are having a day at sea, and then also heading to both of Disney’s private islands/peninsulas (Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point) in the Bahamas before heading back.
Around the Ship
Photo Credit: The Points Guy
This trip is not my first rodeo. Being my third Disney Cruise, I know what to expect from the experience, and my favorite places to see and things to do to stay busy and have a good time.
One of my favorite things to do on a Disney Cruise is to check the itinerary for fun activities throughout the ship. In different clubs, it’s easy to find little trivia competitions about Disney movies and times to take photos with your favorite characters. 24/7 room service and open restaurants and buffets provide infinite opportunities to grab snacks on the go, and relax with a good soft serve ice cream once and a while. But overall, my favorite experiences of a Disney cruise are the Broadway level show experiences at night and the dining experience.
This trip we have the opportunity to see three shows- Beauty and the Beast, The Golden Mickey’s, and Disney’s Believe. The Golden Mickey's is something new and exciting to me, being in the format of an awards show. As a theatre obsessed nerd, these probably make me more excited than the average seventeen year old, but they are still super exciting immersive shows for the whole family.
Photo Credit: Disney Character Central
On the topic of the dining experience, Disney cruises have about three dining rooms per ship that are themed differently for a fun and different experience every night. This particular ship has an enchanted garden, an animator’s desk, and a royal themed dining room. Each room contains their own special decor that brings a different mood to your dining experience, and some things are interactive and fun to look out for.
Packing
Coming from North Dakota to the tropical atmosphere of the Bahamas is a culture shock to say the least, it is very important to dress according to the weather. I mostly pack the expected clothing: jean shorts, t-shirts, bathing suits, flip flops, and tennis shoes. An important item all ND inhabitants must NOT forget is sunscreen. No matter who you are, everyone burns, and it can be extremely painful. Another item cruise goers should consider is a lanyard for your cruise card. It is an easy way to keep it safe and with you throughout the entire cruise, and you can order themed ones for your trip!
Photo Credit: (Top) DisneyAdultingFinds via Etsy, (Bottom) mfolsescu via Ebay
When going on a Disney Cruise, it can be so fun to bring Disney accessories as well. My family acquires a number of mouse ears that are cheap and creative to buy from etsy shops versus the actual Disney brand, and are usually more selections such as Anxiety from the second Inside Out movie. Another fun tradition of Disney cruises is to bring a number of collectable pins from Disney parks, whether to trade with other passengers or just to wear on your lanyard.
Castaway Cay
One of Disney’s private islands, Castaway Cay, is one I have been to twice before. This island is lovely; food is included in the cruise price and the beaches are perfect to spend a whole day. There are many excursions available for guests’ enjoyment from biking to snorkeling to dolphin encounters. I personally am excited to spend a day relaxing away from school work and ND’s crazy weather, and this beach provides that too.
Photo credit: (Top) Travel + Leisure, (Bottom) wdwmickyhunter via Instagram
Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point
Photo Credit: (Top) Disney Cruise Line, (Bottom) DCL Fan
For a first, I have never been to this peninsula of Disney’s, so I’m excited to have a new experience. From my research, this area pays tribute to the native culture of the Bahamas themselves. Excursions include the Goombay Cultural Center where guests learn about culture from local artists, and the Rush Out Gush Out Water Play where families can have fun water time at a Bahama-inspired water play area making waves and playing water drums.
All things aside, I hope this vacation gives my family some time to connect and share experiences with each other. We have been so scattered throughout a busy school year, and finally have a time to relax and enjoy each others’ company. The beach and warm weather are totally just a bonus.
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