Public Areas & Facilities

Reminiscent of classic ocean liners, Disney vessels have two funnels (the forward one is nonfunctional) and high-tech interiors behind their art deco and art nouveau styling. Whimsical design accents cleverly incorporate the images of Mickey Mouse and his friends without overpowering the warm and elegant decor. Artwork showcases the creativity of Disney artists and animators. The atmosphere is never stuffy.

More than 15,000 square feet -- nearly an entire deck -- is devoted to children's activity centers, outdoor activity areas, and swimming pools. Theaters cater to family entertainment with large-scale production shows, movies, dances, and lively game shows.

Adults-only hideaways include an avenue of theme bars and lounges tucked into the area just forward of the lobby atrium; the Promenade Lounge, near the aft elevator lobby; and Cove Café, a quiet spot adjacent to the adult pool to relax with coffee or a cocktail, surf the Internet, or read.

Restaurants

In a novel approach to dining, passengers (and their waiters) rotate through the three main dining rooms in two assigned seatings. Parrot Cay and Animator's Palate are casual, while Triton's on Disney Wonder and Lumière's on Disney Magic are a bit fancier. Palo is a beautifully appointed Northern Italian restaurant for adults only that requires reservations.

What Works & What Doesn't

Even though only potty-trained children can enter the swimming pools, youngsters who wear swim diapers aren't left out entirely; a special filtration system allows them to use the Mickey's Pool fountain play area. Every parent knows that little details like that can make or break a child's day. Fast-food favorites are alternatives for meals on the go: burgers from Pluto's, pizza from Pinocchio's, and ice cream at Scoops. Of course, you should be aware that, although a Disney cruise isn't all Disney all the time, it can get tiring for passengers who aren't really into it.

Accommodations

Layout: Designed for families, Disney ships have some of the roomiest, most functional staterooms at sea. Natural woods, imported tiles, and a nautical flavor add to the decor, which even includes the touch of Disney-inspired artwork on the walls. Most cabins can accommodate at least three people and have a sitting area and unique bath-and-a-half arrangement. Three-quarters of all accommodations are outside cabins, and 44% of those include private balconies with kid-proof door handles and higher-than-usual railings for safety. All cabins have adequate closet and drawer-shelf storage, as well as bathroom shelves.

Amenities: Though not luxurious, Disney cabins are comfortably furnished, and each has a small refrigerator, personal safe, and a hair dryer; bathrobes are provided for use during the cruise. All suites have concierge service.

Suites: Suites are truly expansive, with master bedrooms separated from the living areas for privacy. All suites have walk-in closets, dining table and chairs, a wet bar, VCR, and large balcony.

Good to Know: Sixteen cabins are wheelchair-accessible.

Category	Size (square feet)
Walt & Roy Disney Suites	1,029
2-Bedroom Suite/1-Bedroom Suite	945 /614
Deluxe Family Suite	304
Deluxe Balcony/Ocean View	268 /226
Deluxe Inside/Standard Inside	214 /184

Favorites

Best Added Value: All soft drinks are included in the cruise fare, so there's no need to worry about maxing out your onboard account to keep everyone satisfied.

Teen Scene: Not quite kids, not quite adults. Disney ship designers recognized that teenagers are at an awkward stage in their lives, so a lot of extra effort went into re-creating the teen territories in 2004. The Stack on Disney Magic and Aloft on Disney Wonder are more hip dorm lounge than family room -- adult-free spaces where teens can have the freedom they crave and where parents are not allowed. However, in Disney style, they are discreetly supervised by counselors.

Our Favorite Spot for a Nightcap: Have no fear -- you won't be limited to milk and cookies. Each ship has a piano bar-jazz club for easy listening and late-night cocktails.

Good for Families: There are plenty of connecting cabins that sleep 3, 4, and 5. Two-bedroom suites sleep up to 7; one-bedroom suites sleep 4 or 5; and deluxe family balcony staterooms sleep up to 5.