Last Christmas, we got to experience something our family will truly never forget. Disney invited us to be part of the Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade, and somehow that already pinch-me experience became even more magical because it included a Disney cruise! We’ve done lots of Disney as a family, but experiencing Disney at sea was completely new for us. I had heard so many amazing things about Disney Cruise Line, especially for families with young kids, and now I completely understand the hype. Between the ship, the kids club, the dinners, the characters, the Bahamas and getting to film something so special with Disney, it was one of those trips where I kept thinking, How is this real life?
From the second we arrived, Disney made traveling with kids feel surprisingly easy. One thing I immediately noticed was how much they had already thought through for families. We didn’t have to lug Pack ’n Plays and a million extra things from home because so much of what you need when traveling with little ones is already available. Our room was designed with families in mind, too. There was actually enough space for everyone, and all of those little Disney details made it feel extra special.
The Kids Club Was UNREAL
We were blown away by the kids club on the cruise! It was on another level!! There is a slide the kids can take to enter from the main level, which obviously had them sold immediately. Once they’re inside, there is basically everything a kid could dream of—Marvel, princesses, sports, crafts and so much more. They don’t allow parents to take videos inside, so I couldn’t show everything, but trust me when I say it was incredible. And possibly the best part for Mom and Dad? The kids club stays open until midnight so David and I were able to leave the kids and have some time to ourselves to go grab a drink! Disney really said vacation for the whole family.
All the Disney Magic
Of course, it wouldn’t be Disney without the characters. We got to see Mickey and Minnie in their holiday best, meet some of the kids’ favorite characters and have those little Disney moments that are somehow just as exciting for me now as they are for them. Watching your kids experience Disney is already magical, but getting to do it during Christmastime made everything feel even sweeter. There were Christmas touches everywhere, festive treats, entertainment and so many little details that made the whole trip feel special.
Filming the Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade
And then there was the reason this trip was extra special: getting to be part of the Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade! It was so fun getting a peek behind the scenes and seeing how a production like this actually comes together. There were cameras and crew everywhere, and it was surreal knowing that what we were filming would eventually be part of the Christmas Day special that so many families watch at home. Getting to share an experience like this with our kids is something I don’t take for granted.
A Christmas Memory We’ll Always Keep
Looking back on this trip now, I think that’s what made it so special. Yes, getting invited by Disney and being part of the Christmas Day special was incredible, but my favorite memories are all the little ones in between. Watching the kids run into the kids club. Getting everyone dressed for dinner. Waking up together in the Bahamas. Seeing their faces when they met a character they love. Sneaking away for a drink while they were having the time of their lives.
We are so grateful to Disney for inviting our family along for such a special experience and giving us a Christmas memory we’ll be talking about for a very long time.
And now I completely understand why families become Disney Cruise people. We’re ready to go back! ❤️🚢✨
