Hiya Shauna!
Welcome aboard! A Disney Cruise makes a fabulous gift, your kids are so lucky to go on an adventure with you this holiday season. I hope it will be completely magical!
As it happens, my family actually
was the Family of the Day on a cruise a couple of years ago! There really isn't a secret to it, though. While we were among the first group at the port (due to our pickup time from our Disney Resort) we didn't do anything special. We were just waiting to board the cruise when a sweet Cast Member approached us! It was a very fun experience for us, but not something you can request. It's one of those magical moments that finds you! My best suggestion is to think happy thoughts and enjoy embarkation day no matter what. Every family will be announced as they board the ship, I promise your kids will feel very special!
As much as my kids loved our Family of the Day moment, there's one thing that they always want to do first on a Disney Cruise: go swimming!
We keep our swimming suits in our carry-on bags so that no one has to wait for our stateroom to be ready before they make a splash in one of the pools.
Another great way to surprise your kids would be ordering some stateroom decorations from
Onboard Gifts! I would guess we will see some holiday decor options on the website soon, or you can choose from the cute cruise-themed options. My kids love the sparkling Cloudem-Blue drink (it's seriously the prettiest thing you will ever drink) as a "sail away" toast, and there is some super cute gear just for kids, too. Any of those options would be a really fun surprise!
My kids really loved preparing for our cruise with the
"My Disney Cruise Adventure" booklet. It's free to download and has lots of fun activities! The booklet also gives kids an idea of what to expect on the ship and teaches them some fun nautical terms. Pretty cute!
I am sending all the virtual pixie dust I have for you and your kiddos to have an amazing cruise, Shauna!
Keep moving forward!
Amanda