One of the most important things that you can do to make your trip smooth is to book it early; the best staterooms go fast. Do a little research on the type of room that you'd like. Disney Cruise Line's official website has pictures and floor plans to make that decision easier. Order the free DVD. You might want to consider booking through a travel agency. Often Disney offers discounts to agents who will then pass them to you. A knowledgeable agent will also help you decide which stateroom is right.
It's a family vacation, so make sure you spend some time together. There are many onboard activities for the whole family. Dinners are held in different restaurants to keep the theme interesting. There are two different family pools. There's live entertainment and first-run movies available. Don't forget the characters. You'll see them at the deck parties, at designated character greetings and maybe on chance encounters.
Disney Cruise Lines has age-appropriate "Youth Clubs." Kids can spend time with other kids their own age, run by specially trained staff. Flounder's Reef Nursery is for the smallest kids, ages three months through three years. Kids ages three to seven can play dress-up and participate in lots of activities in Disney's Oceaneer Club. Ages eight to 10 have Disney's Oceaneer Lab. Ocean Quest is for ages 11 to 13. Finally, there's Aloft or the Stack (depending on which ship you're on), a place for teens to hang out with other teens.
A Disney cruise isn't just for the kids. Whether the family members are all spending a few hours "doing their own thing" or you're traveling without children, Disney Cruise Lines offers numerous choices for the adults. Palo is an adults-only restaurant that offers an intimate dining experience. There are many adults-only nightclubs and lounges aboard. The Quiet Cove Pool is only for the adults, and it includes two whirlpools.
Take advantage of the shore excursions. Disney owns Castaway Cay, a Bahamian island. This excursion offers three beaches (family, teens and adults), snorkeling and other water activities, hiking, massages and plenty of other things to do. Other shore excursions offer water activities, sightseeing, adventure sports and nature.
