Mom And Son Water Slide
  • On Jan 8, 2025
    Mike from IL Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    Hello, This is my wife and i first cruise on Disney. We are taking our 12 year old grandson as a birthday surprise. It would be on the Disney Magic, a 6 day cruise. What should I expect on the cruise. I want him to have the best time possible.

    Ahoy, Mike! How exciting that you’re not only about to embark on your first cruise with your wife, but that you’re bringing your grandson along for the adventure too! Let me assure you that you’ve come to the right place with your question and I’m going to pour all my planDisney experience into helping you make this voyage extra magical.

    Here are a few of the can’t-miss moments to look forward to on your sailing:

    Edge
    I would start on embarkation day by visiting the Open Houe at Edge, the Tweens Club exclusively for Guests ages 11 to 14. Not only will he get to meet some of the Counselors right away, he might meet some other kids his age and start making friends to explore the ship with. Operating hours can vary, but Edge is typically open from 10 AM - 1 AM, and there’s always something fun going on for tweens, from video games to dance parties.

    AquaDunk
    If your grandson is looking for high-speed adventure on the high seas, look no further than AquaDunk! More than just a water slide, it’s a tube ride with twists, turns, and a 212-foot plummet. I like to spend my pool time alternating between plunging on AquaDunk and lounging with (complimentary) soft-serve ice cream while lounging by the pool and watching my favorite Disney films on Funnel Vision.

    Rotational Dining
    A special aspect of dining with Disney Cruise Line is that not only do you get to experience a wide array of restaurants, your servers travel with you to each one. That means they get to know your family and can cater your service accordingly, from bringing your favorite drink before you sit down to even starting dinner with dessert if you so choose. Speaking of personal favorites, Animator’s Palate is by far my top dinner experience on board the Disney Magic.

    Pirate Night & Fireworks at Sea
    I would never forgive myself if I didn’t also mention to attend all the deck parties, especially Pirate Night! Every Guest is given a bandana to wear (if and as they choose), but many also pack pirate garb to get dressed up too. After dinner, head up to the deck to party like a pirate and watch the only fireworks show at sea (weather permitting).

    With all of these suggestions and entertainment options, you’ll also want to go ahead and download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app. Not only will you find a fun cruise countdown before your trip, but once on board it will be your go-to source for all the fun on board. You’ll find everything from family trivia to Character Greetings, not to mention showtimes and a fun chat feature that’s free to use as well.

    One of the reasons I love Disney cruises for families and multi-generational travel is because there are just as many opportunities to make memories together as there are for each age group to enjoy their own offerings. And because you’re on a 5-night sailing, can I make one final recommendation? Consider booking a meal for just you and your wife at Palo toward the end of your cruise while your grandson eats with some of his new friends. This adult-excluive is a real treat, whether for dinner, wine tastings, or brunch. You can book online when your onboard activities window opens up or wait until you get on the ship (additional charges do apply).

    I hope I’ve given you just a taste of all that is to come on your first Disney Cruise. If you have any other questions that arise, my planDisney pals and I will be here waiting!

    Bon voyage,
    Sami
thumbnail image for Sami

Meet the Panelist: Sami, Tennessee

Hey Howdy Hey! I'm Sami - an author, TV Host, & new empty-nester living in Nashville with two teenagers in college. We enjoy sports, live music, and making magical memories aboard Disney Cruise Line & in Disney Parks worldwide. I raised my kids just around the riverbend from the Walt Disney World Resort and celebrated every milestone with their Disney friends. With so many incredible itineraries and delicious dishes on board, I love helping my extended ohana discover a whole new world at sea! Learn More About Sami

Related Video

  • thumbnail image for Sailing with Teens and Tweens | Disney Cruise Line

Didn't find what you were looking for? Click the Ask a Question button to open the Ask a Question dialogue box. If you are not logged in a dialogue box will appear to signin in order to ask a question.

To submit your question, please log in now if you have not already done so.

Ask a QuestionOpens the Ask a Question dialog box.
x

Update Browser

For a better experience browsing this website, please download an updated version of Internet Explorer.


Or you can continue browsing without updating.