Great to hear that you're checking out a Disney Cruise, Billie Jean!
You and your 9-year old will surely enjoy this vacation -- my kids and I will always vote for the longer cruises, we're a bit biased. The
Disney Dream offers Bahamian cruises that make a stop at Disney's private island, Castaway Cay. I personally feel that the 3-night cruises are too short and the vacation gets over too quick for me. I think my parent brain tells me that I just need more time to relax onboard this awesome cruise ship.
The 4-night Bahamian cruise does give you an extra full day out at sea. That alone, will allow you to enjoy the ship's amenities the whole day (sea day) - and gives you some extra 'me time' at the spa if you decide to. A few more times on the
AquaDuck will be something that your 9-year old might like. The amazing brunch at Palo is also offered on a sea day, and you'll want to surely check that out. Your 9-year old will also get a chance to spend more time at the Oceaneer Club and Lab with friends, enjoying fun supervised
youth activities for the day and evening. On 4-night voyages, you get to rotate through the 3 main dining restaurants and either do a repeat on your 4th night -- or have a chance to do date night at Palo on one of the other evenings (or on the last night).
No matter which voyage you choose - you'll get a chance to experience the world class service, top notch entertainment and superb amenities that only Disney can offer. You've got lots of magical memories waiting to be made, Billie Jean!
Happy planning!
~ Dolly