Welcome Aboard, Lennie!
Thinking about your first cruise is a daunting task. There are many things to consider, and I am so glad that you navigated your way to the Disney Parks Moms Panel to ask your questions!
On our first cruise, we booked a
Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah. I was convinced that I would spend countless hours on that verandah, enjoying an adult beverage, reading a book, or dining on room service. The reality? I don't think I can count on one hand the times I actually went out on the verandah. And countless hours? I didn't have the time to think straight, much less lounge on my verandah!
There are so many activities going on while cruising, and we wanted to do it all! Our girls spent most of their time in the Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab, while my husband and I attended wine tasting classes, an art auction, and Disney trivia games. I did spend plenty of hours up on the pool deck, in a lounge chair, with a Bon Voyage in my hand. While it wasn't my private verandah, it was also in the sun, which is where I prefer to be.
After twelve Disney Cruises, I now tend to book the most affordable stateroom, since I would rather spend the extra money on a fun Port Adventure for our family. We are cruising next month, in two connecting inside staterooms, on the Disney Dream. We love the "virtual portholes", they have Disney characters pop in to visit periodically! It is also a real-time view, so its like having a real porthole, but with some Disney magic.
I hope this helps with your decision! Please visit again with more questions as they arise.
Happy Cruising, Tracy V.