Disney Cruise Line, from a teen’s perspective

Teens rule in Vibe, a club created exclusively for guests ages 14 to 17 aboard the Disney Dream. Photo: Diana Zalucky

By Kristen deHaan, Disney Parks Moms Panelist

This year our family will be setting sail on at least one Disney Cruise Line voyage. Inevitably, when telling people where we’re going, we’ll be met with a raised eyebrow and an “aren’t your kids too old for Disney Cruises?” That’s the opening I’m waiting for to start telling them all of the wonderful things that we enjoy on Disney Cruise Line, and why it’s the first choice for us, including our almost-adult children. Yes, along with the legendary service Disney is famous for, Disney Cruise Line has amazing spaces and activities for the younger members of your family; and my kids enjoyed all of those once upon a time. But tweens, teens and young adults have definitely not been forgotten when it comes to entertainment on one of the four Disney ships. I thought I’d ask my own two kids (ages 18 and 19) as well as some family friends (ages 14 and 20): “What are your favorite things about Disney Cruise Line?”

Here’s what they had to say:

• Endless Activities: The kids loved that they could basically spend their days doing as little or as much as they wanted. With dedicated clubs offering fun, supervised activities for both tweens and teens, a sports deck, a movie theater showing first-run films, swimming pools, the AquaDuck watercoaster (on the Fantasy & Dream), daily activities like putting contests and trivia games, college-age meet-ups, and Broadway-quality theatre productions, there really is something to keep kids of all ages occupied.
• The Food: Overwhelmingly this was mentioned by all of the kids. What teen doesn’t love endless ice cream cones, hot dogs, chicken fingers and pizza whenever they please? Add all-you-can-drink refreshments and these kids were all super happy. But it isn’t just the snack food they love. One of the kids said “I’ve tried so many new foods on Disney Cruises that I found out I liked—even escargot! If the waiters hadn’t been so nice and encouragedme to try it, I wouldn’t have.” And the older kids in the group felt extremely special after turning 18 when they were finally able to dine at Palo, the adults-only restaurant that was off-limits to them in the past.
• The Crew Members: All of the kids are well traveled and have lots to compare to. They said they love the crew on the Disney Cruise Line ships; “so nice,”  “fun,” “treat us with respect even though we’re kids,” “care that we’re having fun,” “better than anywhere else”—these were all things they told me about the crew members. Disney definitely doesn’t forget that everyone appreciates good service—and kids will notice these things!
• Castaway Cay: No other cruise line has a private paradise like Disney’s Castaway Cay. This is a tropical playground unlike any other, and is a cruise highlight for all! Besides lying in the sun on a gorgeous beach, they can run a 5K, go parasailing, snorkeling or biking, rent jet-skis, play beach volleyball and other organized sports, plus there are crab races, sting-ray encounters and much more. And let’s not forget the fabulous BBQ lunch and ever-popular soft-serve ice cream cones. Said by the kids about Castaway Cay: “no place like it” and “It’s probably my favorite place in the world.”

I think these kids are proof-positive that Disney Cruise Line is not just for little ones! I’ve seen even the “coolest” teen grin from ear to ear when Mickey walks by and gives a high-four! With all of the exciting new itineraries just announced for 2014, it’s going to be hard to decide where to take our next voyage. But one thing I am sure of: Wherever it is, we all will have a wonderful time making memories that will last a lifetime.

Kristen deHaan is a member of the 2013 Disney Parks Moms Panel. Panelists havereceived/will receive a Walt Disney World Resort, Disney Cruise Line, Adventures by Disney, Disneyland Resort or Disney Vacation Club vacation for panelist and up to three family members and/or park tickets for their participation on the Walt Disney World® Moms Panel. The views expressed in the Panel are those of the panelists, who are independent contractors. These views are not intended to reflect the opinions of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Online, its affiliates, its management, its agents or its employees and have not been reviewed or approved by Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Online prior to posting.

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