Ahoy, Elizabeth!
So great to hear that you'll be sailing with Captain Mickey in time to celebrate the Holidays -- that is an amazing itinerary you're planning. So many magical memories are waiting to be made!
The advantage of booking your port adventures through Disney Cruise Line, is that the ship will be fully aware of your schedule while on land. Any delays that may happen gets communicated to the ship and they'll make sure that guests make it back for all-aboard times. I'm always confident that the ship won't leave without us, since our full day port adventures are all through
Disney Cruise Line's Port Adventure program. Everything works out, since the full day port adventures usually mean more time at the port to allow guests to get back from their excursions.
I usually do not book excursions outside of Disney's Port Adventure choices -- most of the excursions that we've been on have been very enjoyable and worth it. I'm sure your full day excursion will be action packed, and full of fun moments for your family. Keep your camera handy, Elizabeth. There will be plenty of photo opportunities while out at your ports of call.
Wishing you a magical
Very MerryTime Cruise!
~ Dolly
PS: Have lots of fun at our favorite island,
Castaway Cay!