Disney Cruise with a 4 year old in the spring

Posted by Jill Henderzahs-Mason @jillyhm, Oct 3, 2018

Any experience, thoughts, ideas or tips on choosing a Disney cruise? It will be my 4 year old son, myself, husband, and mother in law looking to go in spring. I have heard great things about the Disney Dream, but they are limited to 3 and 4 night only. We have considered doing a 4 night Bahamas cruise then spending another few nights at the beach, but I am really at a loss as to what may be the best first time option for us. I would appreciate any tips!

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Have not sailed on Disney but have taken our grandchildren on Royal's Harmony of the Seas. They were 4 and 6 and found plenty on the ship to keep them entertained (ice skating, muffalo the potato, Ocean Adventure, water slides...). We booked 3 cabins. One that was connecting to their parents so the girls could sleep in one cabin and their parents in the cabin next to them. Dreamworks is on board the Harmony and all entertainment was awesome (especially the high-diving water show). We did a 7-night Eastern Caribbean out of Fort Lauderdale. Ports were San Juan (created a walking adventure for the kids taking them past all the historic icons), Saint Maarten, and Royal's private island, Labadee, where we rented a beach cabana so the kids could rest if needed. If you would like to discuss further, let me know and I will provide my contact info.

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We have been on a Disney cruise and it was AMAZING! Highly recommended! We did the 7-day Alaskan cruise but that obviously wouldn't be a good spring option. 🙂

We haven't traveled to the Bahamas via Disney cruises, but I have heard the huge benefit of that is the stop at the Disney exclusive Island of Castaway Cay.

There is A LOT to do on the ship, so if you choose a 4-day and then beach time, I would recommend taking in all that you can on the ship. There is excellent entertainment at night, great character visits ongoing, an area the kiddos can go for special age-appropriate activities so the adults can enjoy some time too. My youngest wanted to spend every free minute in his age-appropriate center.

Hope this helps. If you go this route, know that Disney won't let you down. 🙂

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We did a land and sea package with Disney when our sons were 8 and 10. It was amazing! Something they will always remember!

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We have sailed the Disney Dream twice and the first time we went my youngest was 5. Cannot say enough fantastic things about it! Everything is geared for the family, the kids clubs are awesome. Castaway Cay is just paradise. We did the 4 day the first time, and the 3 day the second. It does go quick, I believe that they have a phone app now with all of the day's events. We stayed on board when we docked in Nassau the second time and just spent the day in the pool, on the Aquaduck and exploring the ship. My kids are not usually the type to sit and watch a show - but they loved the shows onboard. It seems that @transom and I have very similar vacation experiences, so please ask questions as you plan.

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thanks for all of the input! I think that we are now leaning towards the E. Caribbean 7 night on the Fantasy. Hoping this gives us some nice ship time and nice time to explore the islands too, which is something that our family does enjoy. Any additional thoughts or input would be appreciated though!

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We sailed on the Disney Dream a couple of years ago. It was amazing! They have so many activities for the kids. They will even serve the kids first at dinner and then the kids club staff will come and get them so that you can enjoy your dinner. Our daughter was 13 when we sailed so she was in the teen club but I have heard wonderful things about the kids club. Castaway Cay is amazing, so beautiful. There is a wonderful adults only beach but the family beach is just as wonderful. No need to plan excursions on Castaway Cay, just enjoy the beach. Dinners on any Disney Cruise are done in two separate seatings. You will be on a rotation that will allow you to experience all the restaurants. The best part is that the wait staff rotates with you so that you have the same servers throughout the cruise.

As far as Port Arrival Times, if you take Disney transportation from the airport, you will not pick a Port Arrival Time, the bus will get you there in plenty of time. If you are not taking Disney transport, then once your booking window opens up, you will be able to select a PAT. My suggestion would be to pick something around noon, that way you can pretty much check in and walk right onto the ship.

If you have any questions at all, please feel free to ask me. Our cruise was amazing. Disney is top notch and is the only way we will cruise from now on.

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We Went on Disney’s Dream this past June! It was Amazing! The Food was Awesome. My grandson is 5 and he loved all of it. There is a lot to do! The Pirate Party was Fun. Loved all of the little “Princesses” running around after the got made up at the Bippity Bop Salon:) Adorable! It’s a really Fun Atmosphere and the Ship is Wonderful! With the Disney Music playing in the hallways and lobbies you can’t help but feel your “inner child” :). Castaway Cay was Awesome too!!

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