Beginner's Guide to Planning a Large Family Disney Cruise Vacation

Motion sickness

Motion sickness occurs due to a conflict between what your eyes see (which might be the relatively stationary interior of the ship) and what your body feels (which may be the movement of the ship). This uncomfortable effect can really take the wind out of your sails during a cruise vacation!

To avoid motion sickness, go for the midship cabins.

Here's why:

• Stability: Midship areas of a cruise ship ordinarily experience the least amount of motion because they're centrally located along the ship's length and width. So, the midship section is where you'll find the most stability. It's kind of like being at the apex of a seesaw, where you won't swing as hard as on either end.

• Lower Decks: Coupling a midship location with a cabin on one of the lower decks is an even better choice. The physics are pretty much the same as above— just as you experience less motion in the center of the ship’s length, you also feel less motion in the center of its height. Plus, this location is closest to the ship's center of gravity.

• Interior Cabins: Interior cabins located midship on the lower decks are thought to be the best rooms for those who suffer from motion sickness. As there are no windows, your eyes aren't at odds with your physical sensations, which can help alleviate symptoms.

Unique Perks Sailing with Disney

• Broadway-Quality Shows
Pools, Waterslides & Recreation
Spacious Staterooms
Upscale, Casual & 24-Hour In-Room Dining
Adult-Exclusive Activities
Clubs for Infants, Kids, Tweens & Teens.

Here is the Breakdown of Disney Perks:

• Inclusive pricing: Your cruise price includes almost everything you’ll need — stateroom, food, entertainment and activities! There are additional charges for specialty dining, certain beverages, spa services and shore excursions, but budgeting is more straightforward with most costs upfront.

• Split Bathrooms: Many staterooms have split bathrooms — one half contains a sink and tub/shower, and the other, a sink and toilet. This can be a major plus for families with kids when multiple people are getting ready at the same time, making your stay smoother and more comfortable.

• Spacious Staterooms: Staterooms on Disney Cruise Line typically are larger than average in the cruise industry. Many can accommodate up to five people for larger families or those traveling in groups.

• Round-the-clock Entertainment: Disney Cruise Line offers Broadway-style stage shows, first-run films in 3D, Disney-themed trivia, character experiences, deck parties and much more! Many of these offerings are included in your cruise fare.

• Kid's Clubs: Supervised activities are available for Kids, Tweens, Teens and infants in thoughtfully themed spaces featuring Disney storytelling. Trained Disney staff are always on hand to ensure children are having a fantastic time.

• Adult Spaces: While there's a lot for kids, adults also get pampering with adult-only pools, bars, lounges and a place to relax: Senses Spa. The nighttime entertainment district is also adult-exclusive after 9 pm.

• Disney Magic: Expect top-notch service, incredible attention to detail and the magical touches that Disney is known for — from fireworks at sea, to your favorite characters roaming the deck and themed dining.

• Diverse Dining: With rotational dining, you move through different restaurants on your cruise, but your wait staff travels with you. Not only will you get to try different cuisines, but your servers will know your likes and dislikes, creating a personalized experience.

• Private Island: Most Disney cruises in the Caribbean and the Bahamas include a stop at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, which is an exclusive paradise with all the Disney magic.

• Connectivity: The Navigator app lets you access daily schedules, keep in touch with other members aboard, view menus and even watch Disney movies on your device.

Things to Bring:

• Magnetic Clips: Given the metallic nature of cabin walls on most cruise ships, magnetic clips can be a lifesaver. Use them to pin up daily itineraries, important reminders or your souvenir postcards right on the wall.

• Non-Surge-Protected Power Strip: With limited power outlets in the cabin, an approved power strip can help you charge multiple electronic devices simultaneously. Always remember to check with cruise line guidelines to ensure what type of power strip is allowed.

• Highlighter Pens: Keep everyone's plans well-organized by using different color highlighters for each person in your group. It makes it easy to mark up the complimentary newsletter with the daily activities each of you fancy.

• Portable Fan: If you like a gentle breeze to lull you to sleep or just prefer a fresh circulation of air in your cabin, a small portable fan will come in handy.

• Portable Speaker: For music lovers, a compact portable waterproof speaker can allow you to enjoy your favorite tunes, whether you're getting ready for dinner or relaxing on your balcony.

• Spray Bottle: A small spray bottle can be filled with water to mist your face on those warm Caribbean days. It's also handy for wetting your hair or freshening up your clothes.

• Hanging Organizer: A simple over-the-door organizer can make a world of difference in maintaining an orderly cabin, especially for large families. It offers a handy storage option for your smaller items.

Choosing The Best Cabin:

Cabins away from the elevators tend to be quieter as it's away from the frequent foot traffic and people gathering.

Deluxe Inside Stateroom: Decks 5 to 9.

The Deluxe Inside Staterooms are located, tucked away from the highly frequented areas, and these staterooms offer a quieter location.

Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom: Decks 1 and 2.

These rooms, situated on the lower decks, tend to be quieter due to their distance from pool areas, restaurants and deck activity venues.

Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom: Decks 2, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9.

These rooms are known for their peaceful ambience since they are quite a distance away from primary areas of activity on the ship.

Deluxe Inside Stateroom with Verandah: Decks 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10.

These staterooms give you the privacy of a verandah and are strategically located to minimize noise further.

Concierge Stateroom: Decks 11 and 12

Placed on the highest levels of the ship, the concierge staterooms often provide the quietest accommodations.

Bonus for Large Families

Disney Cruise Line ships feature a variety of connecting cabin options that can be linked via an internal connecting door, allowing families or larger groups traveling together to move between rooms easily. These connecting staterooms are available in multiple accommodation categories — from Inside staterooms to Verandah staterooms. Some Concierge-level cabins on Disney ships can connect. Do keep in mind that availability of connecting cabins can sometimes be limited. If you're interested in booking connecting cabins, it's recommended to book as early as possible. Cabins accommodate up to five and the bathrooms are split so more people can get ready at the same time.