The Disney Cruise Line offers one of the best family vacations, with bright, colorful ships, friendly staff, and loads of magical, kid-friendly activities. If you are considering a Disney Cruise but are wondering what you’ll do onboard, here are some of the most fun things for kids to do on the Disney Cruise Line.
Disclosure: We’ve received complimentary and media rates but have also paid full price over a dozen times.
Kids’ Club
The Disney Cruise Line kids’ clubs are unparalleled, with kid-friendly activities and epic themes throughout. There’s so much for the kids to do in the clubs; you’ll likely have some free time to spend in the adult-only activities!
Character Greetings
Some of the most popular Disney characters, including princesses and the Fab Five, offer character greetings for guests. You can find these schedules on the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app. While there are often lines, these lines tend to be much shorter than those at the theme parks.
Pools and Slides
Of course, if you are sailing in warm weather, the pool deck, splash pads, and slides are some of the biggest attractions. Pack bathing suits in your cruise carry-on bag, or wear them under your clothes so you can enjoy them on your very first day (before your cruise luggage arrives).
AquaDuck/AquaMouse
Unique to the Disney Cruise Line are the AquaDuck and the AquaMouse, fun slides/attractions that go around the ship’s perimeter at the pool deck. You’ll find the AquaDuck on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, the AquaMouse on the Disney Wish, and the new Disney Treasure.
Movies on the Pool Deck
At the pool deck, on one of the ship’s funnels, is FunnelVision, a large screen showing movies throughout the day. You can watch the movies while in the pool, or can enjoy staying dry on a deck chair facing the screen.
Musicals and First-Run Movies
The Walt Disney World company is known for world-class entertainment, which extends to the musicals playing in the Walt Disney Theater each night. Shows do vary by ship, but include a mix of some originals and some classics (like Frozen and Beauty and the Beast). In addition, first-run movies from the various studios owned by Disney play throughout the sailing in the movie theater.
Pirate Night
Pirate Night is one of the most popular activities on the Disney Cruise Line. Guests love it, and many dress up in pirate apparel and bring pirate accessories onboard. The evening includes a kid-friendly pirate show, a late-night pirate show, and fireworks (weather permitting).
Sports Deck
Do your kids want to stay active on your vacation? Many sporting activities are available, including mini golf, sports simulators, and basketball. Options vary by ship.