Why Disney Cruises Are Our Top Pick for Traveling with Kids

Traveling with kids can be a daunting task, no doubt about it. From car-sickness to canceled flights and nap protests, we’ve weathered our fair share of storms as family travelers. But fear not! There’s a solution that can turn your family trip into an enchanting adventure. If you’re seeking the ultimate family vacation—one that’s easy, magical, and captivating for everyone—we consistently find ourselves returning to the Disney Cruise Line.

Now, before I get going, let’s make it clear that this isn’t a sponsored endorsement by the DCL. (Although a girl can dream, right?) These opinions stem solely from our personal experiences.

Five years ago, I wouldn’t have been caught dead on a Disney cruise—or any cruise, for that matter! My younger, kid-free, adventure-hungry self would’ve scoffed at the very idea. Flash forward to me tentatively suggesting our first Disney Cruise to my absolutely stunned husband, and then immediately booking our second (and third!) while still on board the first. Disney Cruises have proven to be easy, magical, and game-changing family vacation experiences.

The Effortlessly Magical World of Disney

When it comes to family travel, Disney stands as the epitome of joy and wonder. Whether you’ve just won the Super Bowl or know every word to “Hot Diggity Dog,” Disney has that unique knack for sprinkling magic into your vacation. And yes, while we adore Disney World Parks, let’s be real—Disney Cruises take the enchantment to a whole new level.

Curious why? Let’s dive right in!

Smooth Sailing, Smooth Planning

Want to book your cruise and be done with the planning? You totally can, and still have the time of your life. Unlike the parks, there’s no fretting over dining reservations, line-hacking, Genie+ stacking, or scouring for the best attractions and crowd calendars. On a Disney cruise, you’ll have a full schedule of activities at your fingertips, guaranteed fun for your little ones, and a tidy room awaiting you each day. Sure, you can put in extra effort if you’re up for it, but even if you’re not, Disney’s got your back. Book your trip, open your app, and set sail—it can be as breezy as that.

Character Access Like No Other

While Disney parks offer character meet-and-greets, often entailing pricey meals, long waits, or Lightning Lane mayhem, mingling with characters on Disney Cruises is a breeze. Characters roam the ship and are always eager to chat. The cruise app lists meet-and-greet opportunities – from classic characters to princesses to characters in themed costumes – and we’ve never waited more than 15 minutes. With rotational dining, you’ll meet even more characters! This is a highlight for both kids and adults alike.

Endless Adventures Afloat

Whether your child adores the kids’ club scene (which caters to ages up to 17) or not, the ships are designed to cater to all family members, ensuring tailor-made activities for each individual’s interests. My 4-year-old thrives on craft activities, while my 2-year-old is practically inseparable from the splash pad. There are movies, spectacular shows (we’re talking Broadway-level amazing!), pools, slides, splash pads, Bippidi Boppidi Boutique, tours, tastings, trivia—regardless of your child’s age, there’s always something to captivate their imagination (with zero effort on your part!).

Did I mention the Kids Clubs?! Because, guess what, there are adventures and activities tailored just for YOU, too. Sometimes that means entrusting your little ones to the Kids Club so you can savor those moments while they have a blast. For those of you who are raising an eyebrow at the thought, believe me, I was right there with you. On embarkation day, the ships host an “Open Mouse” event, offering a chance to explore the kids club spaces, get your questions answered, and soak in the atmosphere. I’d never left my kids with a sitter before, but all the sudden I was leaving them at the “it’s a small world” nursery and Oceaneer Club. It felt comfortable and secure, and my kids absolutely loved the experience and kept asking to go back. This newfound freedom meant my husband and I got to relish some quality time together, too!

The Magic of Disney Cruisers

On our inaugural Disney Cruise, we missed out on some passenger-led fun. But hey, you can learn from my missteps. Disney Cruisers dive headfirst into the magic-making, resulting in some of the most cherished moments of your trip. From Fish Extender groups to duck hiding, dressing up, and pixie dusting, Disney cruisers are pros at having a great time and spreading the magic.

Port Adventures (or not) 

If your family’s up for port exploration, fantastic options await. And if not, staying onboard provides a chance to experience the ship sans crowds. I never thought I’d recommend staying onboard during port visits, but our first cruise forced us to due to illness, and it turned out to be our favorite day of the trip. Now, we always plan for at least one onboard day during the voyage. Whether your family craves activity or relaxation, the choice is yours—guilt-free.

Rotational Dining

What truly sets Disney Cruises apart is their rotational dining. Typically, you’ll rotate between three restaurants each night of your cruise. This means your family will experience diverse atmospheres, cuisines, and interactive entertainment. Rotational dining keeps kids engaged and enthralled during mealtime—a potential lifesaver for traveling parents dealing with restless children. Worries about fidgety kids at the dinner table become a thing of the past—each new restaurant brings renewed wonder.

Plus, Disney waiters are pros at serving kids. Got a picky eater on your hands? (Same!) they can try different things or even order ‘off menu’ as long as you give your waiter a heads up. My daughter likes to eat Mickey waffles for every meal… (hey, I can’t blame the girl!)

Get Ready to Set Sail!

Disney Cruise Lines have perfected the art of transforming ordinary moments into extraordinary memories. With each voyage, they capture your family’s imagination and leave a trail of unforgettable memories. Those precious wide-eyed looks of wonder from your children, as they meet beloved characters, take in captivating shows, and splash joyfully in the pools, become the heartwarming treasures of your journey.

These experiences are worth every bit of planning and effort. From the seamless schedules that ensure both entertainment and relaxation, to the easy access to characters that leaves your kids beaming, the adventure-packed days that cater to every age, and the opportunities for newfound connections among fellow Disney cruisers—it is all truly enchanting.

So, whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or it’s your maiden voyage, whether your kids are toddlers or teens, Disney Cruise Lines crafts extraordinary family vacations. So, set your sights on the horizon and embrace the adventure! Bon Voyage!