arlier in the year we were struggling with our failed attempts to adopt and we were trying our best to just celebrate the season of life we were in currently. We decided with the extra money we are always saving in hopes of adoption, plus the fact that I wasn't pregnant and both of our kids were potty-trained and older than 3, we were in a perfect position to cruise Disney style. Those (age+potty training) are required to cruise and utilize the included kids club. We kept it a secret from the kids. We went to St. Augustine, Florida first as a diversion of the real goal. Joshua did some research before on St. Augustine, but we didn't tell them anything else. They were thrilled to explore the pretty beach, wander the streets of St. Augustine, and eat hotel breakfast.
We took videos of our big reveal but they weren't over the top excited because they've never been on a cruise before, so they were actually just asking us questions. Nathan was actually sad because our ship didn't have cannons, and he was worried that pirates were going to shoot our ship and kill it. (This came from our educational tour of St. Augustine the night before.)
Nathan made a friend within 5 minutes of waiting in the port terminal.
Announcing our family on the ship
Straight to lunch and then waterslides
Our room was ready early, and it was perfect. The room had a bunk bed that came out of the ceiling at night. It had a heavy curtain that divided us from the kids. Everyone slept every night, and we didn't feel like we had to whisper or be super quiet so the kids could sleep. Disney thought of everything.
The kids club is the best part of a Disney Cruise. The kids were surrounded by kids and counselors that were truly magical. Both boys made friends, with kids and adults alike, each time they went . The kids didn't just play solo but participated in planned activities done on the "Disney" level. You could also take your kids during meal times, and they would feed them. Matt and I had some time alone while still being on vacation with our kids. You have phones that work on the ship, and they could call you anytime something is needed for the kids. The kids had bracelets that tracked them, and they were intense with hand-washing and sanitizing.
We loved the view from our room and the kids loved watching us approach land.
The ship is filled with places to relax with and without kids. We had fun playing games, eating while looking at the ocean; and we enjoyed the live music every evening.
Nathan loves Mickey Mouse and just hugging characters!
Dance party with the characters
Really busting a move
Fun Detective game onboard using the pictures on the walls of the ship
Participating in a family game night and Joshua was chosen to be the leader of a group which is a big deal for this shy kid.
Jedi Training was funny. Joshua was a professional. Nathan was easy to spot because if the light sabers were up then his was down and vice versa. He didn't want to go back up to fight Darth Vader. He did use the force though safely on the ground.
Eating time was always a treat. The waiters were phenomenal as they anticipated the kids needs. The kid food always came immediately. One night Nathan wanted steak, and the head server came and cut it up while he visited with our table.
He said moms are supposed to be on vacation 24/7 on a Disney cruise.
Our waiters were the best. Dancing.
Magic tricks.
Donuts while you wait for your breakfast....
Waiters that know you want chocolate milk and water.
Beautiful ship.
Heading to our submarine excursion.
Exploring the Bahamas.
Couldn't participate in the distillery tour.
Disney's island is the best. Do you see me just holding the towels provided for me? That is magical. Chairs, hammocks, towels, and toys all on the island.
Joshua got to snorkel.
Characters everywhere.
We rode bikes together. Nathan kept yelling that this was the best day of his whole life. The views around the island were incredible.
Afternoon naps were crucial.
Pirate night was awesome. The boys loved dressing up and just the energy on the whole ship was festive and exciting.
Nathan can cross his eyes too!
Fireworks ended the night with a bang.
The Disney shows every night were amazing. I loved the musical shows but the boys enjoyed the ventriloquist the most. Movies were also on board all day inside and outside. Matt was able to see the new Pirates of the Caribbean movie in 3D the night before it was released on land.
To say this was an amazing vacation is an understatement. We will cruise again! It was a great vacation and valuable time with the four of us before life as we know it changes forever!
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