When people find out that I have been on a Disney cruise and that I am going on one again I usually get one of two reactions. One being that the person I’m speaking with has either been on a Disney cruise and loved it or, they are planning on taking a Disney cruise in the future and want to know all about it. Then there are the other people, you know who I’m talking about, the ones that think Disney theme parks are for little ones. Let’s call them the non-believers of all things magical and imagined. They always seem to ask the same question “aren’t Disney cruises just for kids?” When someone first asked me that question I have to admit I got a little defensive about my beloved Disney. I took it as a slight against Walt Disney himself and what he set out to do beginning with Disneyland by creating guest experiences that were not meant just for children but for the entire family which includes adults too!
After being asked the question quite a few times I decided to use a different strategy. I realized the best defense was a good offense and although I am by no means a sales person I went into full sales mode whenever someone asked “aren’t Disney cruises just for kids?”
The Disney Cruise Line is comprised of four ships the Wonder, the Magic, the Dream, and the Fantasy. A Disney cruise ship is a floating deluxe resort where guests are waited on hand and foot. It also has many theme park elements some entirely for the enjoyment of children and others exclusively for the pleasure of adults. Both the Disney Dream and Fantasy have the incredible AquaDuck water slide the children and adults love to ride over and over again. There is so much to do on a Disney cruise ship from relaxing poolside, taking in a movie, spa treatments, shore excursions, the magical and mystical Castaway Cay (Disney’s very own private island) watching one of the ship’s Broadway like shows and so much more. All four Disney cruise ships have an adult only restaurant in Palo, serving northern Italian style cuisine while both the Dream and Fantasy have an additional adult dining destination in Remy, serving French cuisine. For many of the ships adults the daytime and mealtime is just a warm up to what takes place at night. All four ships have a wide variety of adult entertainment and night life. Having been on the Dream I will use it as the example of the night life you can find on all four Disney cruise ships as many of the clubs and bars share the same names and themes.
Many of the bars and clubs are located on Deck 4 of the Disney Dream starting with the District Lounge and its very inviting modern feel. During the day it serves as a gathering place for everyone. At night it caters to adults looking to relax and have an alcoholic drink or two. My favorite place to hang out at night on the Dream is Evolution with its butterfly themed dance club playing a wide variety of music that serves adult beverages at nighttime. Then there is the exquisitely designed Pink made to look like the inside of a champagne bottle. The setting of this adults only bar has a very tranquil effect on its guests. Also on Deck 4 is a contemporary sports bar 687 where families can participate in games and other activities during the day and at night it’s a place for adults to relax and get a cocktail. Another great place to hang out have a drink and stare at the changing window scenes is the Skyline cocktail lounge.
Other places adults can have a drink is the Vista Café located mid ship on Deck 4 it serves coffee and pastries in the morning and cocktails at night. On Deck 3 is the Bon Voyage lounge where everyone can relax and adults can have a drink. The Cove Café is an adults only bar on Deck 11 serving coffee, snacks and cocktails. The Meridian on Deck 12 is an adults only bar with an ocean view and outdoor deck. Also on Deck 12 is Waves serving chilled drinks and alcoholic beverages to adults. Currents can be found on Deck 13 where you can get a number of Disney’s favorite concoctions.
As you can see going on a Disney Cruise is not just for kids!
I cannot tell you how excited I am to be going on another Disney cruise with my wife and the very first one for my daughter. The wait that seemed so far away is now a mere twenty-five days from today and of course I am talking about Lou Mongello’s WDW Radio Dream Cruise 2.0 with a group of approximately 500 people including Lou’s very special guest and Disney Legend, Richard M. Sherman.
Stuart Sternberg is the founder of WDW Fan Zone you can find him on Google +, Facebook, and follow him on Twitter @disneygeekdad.
