5 Reasons to Pass on the Disney Cruise

Something about the Disney Cruise really appealed to us in theory. Last year, we had 4 kids under 12 and loved the idea of "all inclusive." In addition, the thought of getting "alone time" on our $4,000+ vacation really turned our sights to the cruise line. The last 3 years we went to Disneyworld inland, so why not add the cruise? We should have passed and here are the top 5 reasons why.

1. Seasick. Make no mistake, if you take 4 kids cruising, odds are one will get sick at some point (regardless of pills, wristbands and things you can buy to offset it.) We waited all week for our fancy captain's dinner in the nice restaurant and of course, that is when the seas were roaring and one of my kids started vomiting. So, one adult bowed out (me) to take sicky to the room...leaving my husband to have his long awaited steak with 3 kids. Okay, that's not fun.

Not to mention the massive nighttime rock that had my husband and I thinking we were on the Titanic. We lay in bed and laughed how we both thought that. The creaking sounds of the boat adjusting sounded like the noises in the movie (Titanic), it was as if the walls were going to burst. This was no lulling motion...this was "roll-out-of-bed-if-you-don't-hang-on" motion. Needless to say, we both felt sick and had trouble sleeping.

2. Cost of Cabin. For us (with 4 kids) we needed two rooms. That doubled our expenses. The week we could go, the large rooms were all booked (there are limited large rooms.) We were not happy paying for two rooms, because we figured we wouldn't be in the room...but we were, and it still wasn't enough space. We were accommodating napping children and just felt stuck in a small space more than we wanted to be...even with the two adjoining rooms. (Plus, assuming someone gets seasick as mentioned...there you are - in the room, again.)

3. Eat or Not. If you don't eat at the scheduled times, you don't eat. Oh sure, there are little spots here and there to grab a quick bite (limited selection), or you can order expensive room service but the whole point of the almighty "all inclusive" sell point is FOOD (at least it was for us.) So, we found ourselves revolving everything around our scheduled meals. That is so hard on a vacation when you want to sleep in, or take your time, or stay at the pool longer. RING...dinner time, whether anyone is hungry or not, better run (and doing anything fast with 4 kids is hard.) It was a classic example of "if you snooze you lose."

4. Medical Emergency...not included. We docked at the Bahamas and did our own thing (by the way, that was a mistake, we should have paid for the excursions.) But we wanted to be adventurous. Needless to say, my husband and son got sucked in an undertow and nearly drowned. No medic on site had us dying to get back to the boat. Once on the boat, we wanted to see a doctor because my son couldn't see (salt overload.) Standing there with a kid who had been blinded the last 3 hours, we called only to get a recording: The Doctor is only in from this time to this time - essentially off duty. Oh, you could get emergency service...but that was additional 100's of dollars. Great (sarcasm.)

5. Nightlife - too late. You would think accommodating small children that the fireworks show and Mickey Mouse zip-lining over the deck would transpire before everyone falls apart, but they don't. Kids that swim all day are tired and the night deck party was late.

Dinner was more like a watching your kids daze off just eating to eat, but really wanting to fall apart from so much daytime stimulation. Then comes night...the big parties. Sure, kids can get a second wind and sugar high, but they also crash. I just remember standing on the deck thinking...forget this. This is crazy to make them attend this "party" when they can't even stand up! (So back to the room...ughr.)

Disney does A LOT right, don't get me wrong. The on boarding process was so easy and the shout of your family name over the loudspeaker had us thinking we were boarding the ship of dreams - awesome welcome. Castaway Cay was the most amazing place ever and we had a great day there. The shows were fantastic and original. And my 5-year old twin loved the children's play place! But the constant stimulation is a downhill slope and by day 3, we were all ready to walk the plank.