Archive for the ‘Cruising with the Mouse’ Category

The keel has been laid for the new Disney Cruise Line ship, the Disney Dream. Florida’s Port Canaveral will welcome the Disney Dream in 2011, followed by the Disney Fantasy in 2012.  The port itself is being upgraded with a new multi-level parking structure and enlargement of the Disney terminal.  With 1250 staterooms, both new ships will be significantly large than their fleet-mates.

The Disney Magic will add new ports of call during 2010 with a return to the Mediterranean and a new Northern European itinerary which will include Germany, Russia, and Scandinavia.  Announcements indicate plans to expand to other parts of the globe as the new ships are launched.

The Disney Wonder, ranked #1 large cruise ship for 2009 by Condé Nast Traveler, will transition to its new home, the Port of Los Angeles, beginning in 2011.  With its unique family-oriented niche and the outstanding service guests have come to expect from the Disney company, Disney Cruise Line really does offer something for everyone!

I read something today written by a person who has taken 120 cruises.  He stated that the most memorable, by far, was the one he took with extended family.  This type of trip is so much more than the sum of the shipboard activities, it is about memories shared, and a ship encourages and fosters the family reunion experience.  It offers opportunities for people to spend time together, and the space for separate pursuits.

Disney cruises, in particular, are a great choice for a multi-generational vacation.  One of the concerns when planning an extended-family trip is making sure that there is something for everyone.  On a Disney cruise, there are activities, dining options, recreation, and public spaces for all ages and interests.

Features like the split bathroom design and large staterooms make family travel more comfortable.  Rotational dining allows the group to stay together with their wait staff while enjoying different dining venues during the cruise.  There are food choices to suit every taste, from kid-friendly buffets to the elegant Palo for adults.  Of course, everyone loves the chocolate chip cookies and milk delivered to the stateroom for late-night snacking.

Disney’s beautiful private island, Castaway Cay, has separate beaches for families, teens, and adults.  Onboard, there are the renowned children’s programs with specially-designed areas and appropriate activities for different age groups from three to seventeen, plus a nursery for little ones.  Adults can enjoy their own special areas – a separate adults-only pool, a sybaritic spa, a café, and special nighttime entertainment venues.

Those who love the parks will appreciate those special Disney perks – top quality family entertainment and, best of all, Disney characters!  A Land and Sea Vacation Package will seamlessly blend a fun-filled stay at Walt Disney World with a relaxing cruise experience.  Whether you’re considering a trip with grandparents or a once-in-a-lifetime get-together with all the aunts, uncles, and cousins, Disney Cruise Line can help make it unforgettable.

The spa experience, appreciated by other cultures for generations, has truly been embraced by the American audience over the past ten or fifteen years.  Disney has risen to the challenge, offering facilities at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa in Disneyland; Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa at Walt Disney World; the availability of in-room treatments at the Disney Resorts; spas onboard the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder; and even cabana massages on Disney’s beautiful private island, Castaway Cay. 

It is a highlight of many Disney park and cruise vacations, and we get such glowing reports from guests about their spa experiences that I wanted to be able share my own spa stories.  Alas, I was the last spa holdout on the planet.  

Now, the whole thing sounds so wonderful in theory: gentle, restorative massages; brisk, citrusy exfoliations; warm, petal-strewn baths; relaxed, limp-noodle results.  Say all you want, however, about professional draping, and professionals pursuing their professions with professional professionalism; the bottom line:  you’re in a room naked being rubbed by a complete stranger.  Relaxing; are you crazy?  I would leave with so much tension in my neck and shoulders, I wouldn’t be able to move my head for a month.    

Still, I did want to familiarize myself with the spa, so I decided to try a manicure – how traumatic could that be?  I made appointments at the Grand Floridian Spa and went with a friend.  We were ushered into a quiet and peaceful area with subdued lighting and shown through the treatment rooms, the lounge and locker areas, and the whirlpool room.  The atmosphere was hushed and serene and even a simple manicure was made special with a pampering hand and arm massage.  

I had a chance to chat with a number of different patrons in the pleasant lounge where cool drinks and herbal teas are available.  It turns out that almost everyone was fairly intimidated by the idea of their first spa treatment.  Each person had a story, but all agreed that the Disney cast members go out of their way to make the experience as comfortable as possible.  If you’re not thrilled with the idea of fully undressing, you can dip your toe in the spa waters by choosing a type of treatment, such as a facial or reflexology massage, that doesn’t require it.  Even full-body massages can be accomplished while wearing a swimsuit, although a better treatment can be provided if you are willing to disrobe.  Keep in mind that you will be left alone to undress and untreated areas are fully covered by a drape at all times. Also, you can indicate your preference for a male or female massage therapist.  Generally speaking, swim suits and/or robes are worn in most other areas such as the whirlpool.  Expect to tip about 20% and don’t be surprised at the sales pitch for the spa products.  

While I did find this all very interesting, and even somewhat reassuring, I still haven’t made the leap.  Meanwhile, current spa aficionados looking for a truly luxurious and inclusive spa vacation are invited to consider our Grand Indulgence itinerary.

For now, if you see a stiff, obviously unmassaged person (with nicely-manicured nails) walking around Walt Disney World – that would be me!!

 

 

Some of the most interesting accommodations on the Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Wonder and Disney Magic are the category 7 staterooms featuring the Navigator’s Verandah. Rather than the more common open balconies, these are enclosed and private with a large open-air porthole.  The porthole is round on Disney Magic, and oval on Disney Wonder.

They are inviting and cozy with touches of teak, nautical maps and accessories; even a little built-in bench.  They’re perfect for the sailor who  may not be fond of heights  but enjoys the fresh air, as well as those on a budget since this category offers the pleasures of a walk-out area at a lower price.  These staterooms sleep up to three in a queen or two twin beds plus a single convertible sofa.  For cruises during the hot summer months, the enclosure provides welcome protection from the sun, and the additional privacy can be appreciated all year-round.