Disney Cruise w 3-year old - first timers
 

We are planning to take our 3-year old daughter on a 4-day Disney Cruise. For anyone who has been on this cruise - what was it like? Would you go again? What kind of room did you have and did you like it (we will probably select a room with either an ocean view or terrace). What's the best time of year to go?

My husband and I (childless) took the 3-night Disney cruise 5 years ago. There were a lot of children on board but we still had "adult" areas to escape too. In my opinion it is still the best cruise I have ever been on. This may be attributed to the fact that it was my first cruise, coupled w/my first Disney experience. We had a room w/a balcony. It was wonderful!! I would definitely go again

We have cruised with Disney (without kids) multiple times. It is geared for adults as well as children. Adults can enroll their children in activities and are given a pager -- so the adults can enjoy time together not worrying about the kids. Note that there is no casino on board, and that smoking is only allowed on deck in designated areas.

You can expect quality Disney stage shows. Unique to Disney is "rotation dining," where each night you dine in one of three main dining rooms, and your server and assistant server rotate with you. There are two dinner seatings, at 6:00 and 8:30. I recommend the early seating for those with children.

We enjoy a cabin with a veranda. At a minimum, I recommend a cabin with a window.

We have cruised throughout the year. The price of Disney cruises fluctuates dramatically, and is most expensive when school is out or during holidays. For example, it can cost twice as much to cruise during Christmas break than the week before or after. Some people avoid hurricane season. With a three-year old and not having to work around a school schedule, you can probably get a bargain in the fall or spring.

Woody

Since you do not have to worry about school, I would suggest going late November to February. Avoid the major school holidays for the best prices. Late November is outside of hurricane season. I have done the Magic twice. It is a great experience. My son was 4 when we took him on his first cruise on the Big Red Boat which was Disney affiliated before they launched their own cruiseline. He had an absolute blast and so did I.

I forgot to add that we had a deluxe stateroom on the Magic with a very large porthole. It was lovely. Disney is more expensive than other cruiselines and offers fewer discounts so the balconies may be pricey. We did a Magic bacony on our second trip in 2001. I have done a dozen or so cruises and half of them with balconies. See what the price difference is and whether it is worth it. I am not sure a balcony and a toddler is the best mix but I am an overly nervous mom. One slightly negative about balconies is that they tend to attract smokers so try to get one upwind. Some ships put the smokers on one side or the other.

Thanks for the input. Since we have to work around my husband's teaching schedule for the fall, we are planning to take a 3-day cruise toward the end of September, when prices seem to be more reasonable. Interesting feedback about the rooms. I was leaning toward a room with a balcony, because I was concerned that just a window (even oceanview) might make the room seem a little "closed in". Anyone have a space issue with any of the rooms??

The staterooms on the Disney ship are wonderful! We took our 4 kids in January and had 2 connecting Cat. 9's. The large porthole window was nice.
I had concerns about no balcony also and debated about getting one or not. We opted not to and for a 4 day I did not see the necessity in it (for us anyways).
My kids are 13, 11, 9 & 6 so we did not have to worry about naps or anything like that.

If your daughter usually naps during the day for a few hours than you may want a balcony so that you can relax outdoors while she naps.

Now, if you are planning on going into Nassau and getting off at Castaway Cay for the day - the only day you would sit out on the balcony would be the day at sea.

Is it worth the extra $ for 1 day on the ship?

We LOVED the Disney Cruise and my kids want to go on 7 day next - you are pampered and well looked after when you travel with Disney!