Ahoy, Allison!
What an awesome Christmas surprise you have in store for your boys! They are the perfect ages to really enjoy all that a Disney Cruise has to offer. Our girls were around the same ages when we surprised them with a post-Christmas cruise a few years ago. It's certainly one of our favorite Christmas (and Disney Cruise Line) memories!
We were excited to discover that the ship was still decorated when we cruised right after Christmas. We were on the ship through New Year's, and disembarked on January 3rd. Immediately following our voyage, they began taking the decorations down. I think that with a January 5th sail date, the holiday decorations will probably already be put away. No worries, the Disney Dream is so gorgeous, there's no need for decorations - it's beautiful with or without!
Your little cruisers will have plenty to do on the Disney Dream! I encourage you to have them check out the
Youth Clubs on the ship. Energetic Youth Counselors are on hand to lead them in games and fun themed activities throughout the day. You can find a schedule of the day's activities in your Personal Navigator, a daily schedule delivered to your stateroom.
If your boys are into sports, they'll love hanging out on
Goofy's Sports Deck - an open-air activity area for all ages. With mini-golf, sports simulators and sports courts, young athletes will find their happy place on Deck 13! The
Aqua Duck is also a favorite spot onboard for most kids. Developed by Disney Imagineers, the 765-foot water coaster is the place to be for thrill-seekers!
I know you must be counting the days until your first Disney Cruise! I'm excited for you! - Diane W.