Guest Warns Against Popular Disney Vacation Experience After Disappointing Trip

When most people think about a Disney vacation, their minds often gravitate toward the iconic theme parks: Walt Disney World in Florida or Disneyland in California. These enchanting locations are a staple of the Disney experience, drawing millions of visitors each year to explore the magic of beloved characters, thrilling attractions, and themed dining.

However, Disney is much more than just its famous theme parks. In 1998, Disney introduced its own cruise line, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the company’s vacation offerings.

Related: Everything You Need to Know About Disney Cruise Line

Over the past few decades, Disney Cruise Line has become a popular choice for families, thanks to its unique blend of Disney magic and luxury travel. But not every Disney cruise is as smooth as one might hope, and one guest has recently shared a warning about their experience that might make you reconsider your next Disney cruise vacation.

While Disney cruises are known for their impressive ships, exceptional service, and world-class entertainment, not every cruiser has the same experience. One guest’s recent adventure on the Disney Dream has sparked conversations among Disney fans.

The guest, Reddit user GeorgiaGallivanting, recounted their first Disney cruise with their daughter, and while they praised the ship’s beauty and the impeccable service, the overall experience left them questioning whether cruises were truly their thing—especially during peak seasons.

In a detailed Reddit post, the guest shared their experience and offered advice to other potential cruisers. Here’s what they had to say:

“Don’t do it. 😉 Just got off the Dream, and I definitely do not recommend ever going over spring break. I did a lot of research (this page, FB, etc.), and the majority of people said that it’s crowded but not unbearable, even on spring break, because the ship is so big. I wholeheartedly disagree. This was my first cruise, so maybe I have just learned that I am not a cruise person. And that’s ok! I have zero regrets going, that’s for sure, but I would not do it again. The pools were so crowded I could not even get in with my daughter, Cabanas was a free for all—kids running around unsupervised—kids running at full speed up and down the halls, everything was just crowded, all the time. AquaDuck rarely less than 45-minute wait (except the one day we purposely missed our early dinner seating and stayed at the pools.) THAT BEING SAID, the service on the boat was impeccable. Our servers at dinner, our room host, every single person we encountered was so kind and helpful and wonderful. Rapunzel spent 20 minutes with my daughter and a few other kids playing duck duck goose, hide and seek, dancing. My daughter loved the kids’ club, food was good, room was cozy. Would I go back? Probably not. But the wonderful service and memories are unforgettable! (Would love advice—Is there ever a time during the year where the boats are chill?)”

Disney Dream over spring break…
byu/GeorgiaGallivanting indcl

Related: Luxury Disney Cruises: The Ultimate Guide to an Elegant Voyage

As you can see, the guest’s review touches on several aspects of the Disney cruise experience. While the ship itself and the service were up to the high standards Disney is known for, the crowds made the experience less than magical.

What Can Other Disney Cruisers Learn from This Experience?

Many other users in the Reddit thread chimed in, offering their perspectives on cruising with Disney, particularly during peak times like spring break. One commenter shared that Disney cruises, in general, tend to have a lot more children on board compared to other cruise lines, which is to be expected given Disney’s family-friendly reputation.

However, the commenter also pointed out that it’s possible to avoid the crowds by making some adjustments during your cruise.

Definitely encourage you to find the quieter areas. We went on the dream spring break last year. My husband almost had a heart attack day 1 with all the crowds, but we learned how to avoid them. We avoided Cabanas and instead chose to do either sit down breakfast or room service. For lunch we did the windows.

We spent lot of the day doing activities and found so many fun things that were not crowded at all- open house at the kids clubs, Disney Junior Dance Party, kids crafts, character meet and greets. The pool deck and cabanas were really the only two places that felts like they were “too much”.

Tips for a Better Disney Cruise Experience:

• Cruise During Off-Peak Seasons: To avoid large crowds, consider cruising during the less crowded months of January to May (minus spring break) or September. These months are often more affordable and provide a more relaxed atmosphere.

• Opt for Longer or Repositioning Cruises: Longer cruises or repositioning cruises tend to attract fewer families with young children and are more appealing to seasoned cruisers looking for a more laid-back experience.

• Avoid Popular Dining Areas: Skip the crowded buffet-style dining areas like Cabanas and opt for sit-down meals, room service, or quieter dining options like Windows.

• Seek Out Quiet Areas: Onboard, there are plenty of spots to escape the crowds, such as lounges, quiet corners of the pool deck, and hidden gems around the ship where you can relax without feeling overwhelmed by other guests.

• Be Flexible: Be ready to adjust your schedule to make the most of the experience. While the main areas might be crowded, the ship offers many lesser-known activities and quieter spaces where you can unwind.

It’s important to remember that every Disney cruise is different, and the experience can vary based on timing, the ship’s itinerary, and the season. Disney Cruise Line’s commitment to exceptional service remains a consistent highlight, but as with any vacation, there will be some bumps along the way.

The key takeaway from this guest’s review is that there is a learning curve to cruising, and making a few strategic choices can significantly enhance the overall experience.

Have you been on a Disney cruise? Did you have a similar experience, or did you enjoy a more peaceful sailing? Share your thoughts in the comments below!