My household is Disney obsessed, to place it frivolously. My daughter has seen each single film. Her favourite character adjustments day-after-day (for the file, immediately’s is Tiana). We stay in driving distance to Disneyland and are annual move holders—we will’t get sufficient of the magic! So, we made it our mission this 12 months to take extra Disney-inspired household holidays to make distinctive reminiscences collectively. Our best choice? Somewhere tropical, however nonetheless magical. And then the chance got here as much as embark on the unique Disney Vacation Club Member Cruise on the Disney Dream. So, clearly we have been pumped!
I can not start to say how blown away we have been. This was our first cruise expertise and now we’re hooked. It was enjoyable, enjoyable…and crammed with plenty of pixie mud! From the unique programming of the Member Cruise and basic character experiences to the exceptional excursions, this trip was one for the books.
A little bit in regards to the Disney Vacation Club—as a member of this versatile trip possession program, you possibly can take pleasure in years of distinctive Disney experiences with your loved ones. As we set sail, I heard from so many fellow passengers that their membership allowed them to put aside particular household time for Disney holidays yearly—whether or not discovering new international locations by Adventures by Disney, exploring the seas with Disney Cruises, staying someplace unbelievable whereas visiting the Disney Theme Parks, and extra.
Our tropical trip was a part of DVC’s annual, members-only cruise. And belief me, they up the magic to an unbelievable degree as a means of celebrating with Disney’s greatest followers. We have been fortunate sufficient to expertise this unique journey—and it was so enchanting.
Kickstarting the Fun at Walt Disney World
The magic started earlier than we even obtained to the port! My California household flew into Orlando two days early and visited Walt Disney World for the very first time. We noticed the fort, took enjoyable pictures, and watched the fireworks.
While visiting the happiest place on Earth, we stayed at Copper Creek Villas & Cabins—which is a dad or mum’s dream. Our cabin even had its personal jacuzzi (excellent for soaking after a day on the Park)! Disney’s Wilderness Lodge can be residence to Reunion Station, a members-only space that provides a lounge-like expertise for a payment with breakfast, wine and cheese occasions, and courses in the course of the week. By the time our keep concluded and we headed to board the ship, we have been already glowing.
An Adventure at Castaway Cay
We boarded our ship and headed to Castaway Cay—Disney’s personal island within the Bahamas. We loved particular character meet and greets as Disney Vacation Club took over the island, spent our time swimming within the bluest water I’ve ever seen, and launched into enjoyable excursions.
There have been so many outings to select from, together with kayaking and a stingray expertise. We picked snorkeling and it was superb. But one among my daughter’s favourite actions? She couldn’t get sufficient of the limitless ice cream!
One of my prime picks must be collaborating within the particular voluntEARS mission. We had the chance to fill backpacks with faculty provides for native Bahamian youngsters. It meant a lot for us to work collectively to present again to the group.
Our favourite mouse was additionally an enormous a part of the cruise. This 12 months marks the 90th anniversary of Steamboat Willie and the introduction of Mickey and Minnie! What higher approach to commemorate this milestone than with a Member Mouse Party?
During the day on Castaway Cay, there have been particular celebration video games impressed by a few of our favourite Mickey motion pictures and shorts. We had a blast tackling the Fantasia-themed bucket race.
The festivities continued on into the night time. I let my preschooler keep up WAY previous bedtime, however for an excellent purpose! The prime deck of the ship remodeled right into a dance celebration full with all of our favourite characters—roaming the celebration freely. I’ve by no means seen my Four-year-old fairly as excited as when Goofy joined her on the dance ground. And the finale? The greatest fireworks show in Member Cruise historical past. Dreams actually do come true!
Going Behind the Scenes
Another providing of the Member Cruise is the distinctive programming. We obtained a behind-the-scenes take a look at Ralph Breaks the Internet with Storyboard Artist Josie Trinidad, heard from Screenwriter Jared Bush in regards to the expertise of taking Zootopia and Moana from script to display, and even obtained to take a seat in on a chat with Director Pete Docter and Composer Michael Giacchino about shifting from Disney display to attain. My husband is an expert musician and this was positively his favourite presentation.
Seeing every of those Disney artists in particular person was an exceptional expertise. A number of of them introduced their households alongside, too! In addition to those occasions, there have been additionally particular performances from DCappella and Disney Broadway artists, and a chat with Roy Patrick Disney (Walt’s great-nephew) about what it was wish to “grow up Disney.” Just after I thought there couldn’t be something extra, we obtained to see Christopher Robin WEEKS earlier than its launch!
Bring on the Gifts
It’s no secret—one of the vital coveted components of a DVC cruise are all of the items and boy are they thrilling. Twice a day we discovered unique goodies in our stateroom simply ready to be found. My daughter had a blast discovering them after we returned from our adventures. From seaside umbrellas and themed lip balm (she claimed these for herself) to Marcy Carriker Smothers’ signed cookbook and a seaside bag, the DVC staff considered each element.
Next 12 months, DVC will likely be providing two Member Cruises (one to Bermuda and the opposite up the Pacific Coast). Now the one query is, which do you select?!
For extra Disney magic, take a look at these Mickey DIYs for back-to-school season:
