October 2010 I went on my first Disney Cruise. Being an experienced cruiser with close to 20 vacations under my belt I had a general idea of what to expect but there were certain things you just can't prepare for that Disney brings to the table.
Walking on board for the first time you are introduced to the lobby by a waiting caller and then offered directions to different activities currently being held around the ship. If you embark around lunch time I highly suggest eating at Parrot Cay, you get a buffet with out fighting the crowds on the top deck and are served drinks by waiting cast members.
The dining on board is done differently from any other cruise line I've been on. Instead of staying in one room with a changing menu every night, aboard the Disney ships you have 3 different restaurants that you switch between and your waiting staff follows you to each room. On the Wonder the 3 main dining rooms are Parrot Cay, Triton's, and Animator's Palate. Each restaurant has its own special attributes associated to it. Parrot cay which is a buffet feels as if you are sitting inside an expanded Enchanted Tiki Room with all the vibrant colors and tropical birds painted everywhere. Triton's, true to it's name, has a mosaic mural on the back wall inspired by The Little Mermaid and is lit from large jellyfish like lamps on the ceiling making you feel as if you are dining in an underwater wonderland. Last but not least Animator's Palate is the most technological of all the general dining. While you eat the soundtrack of classic Disney movie music accompanies your meal as you can delight in the changing colors and pictures around the room.
There is always something going on to entertain the guests. Many activities you can partake in are in the theaters. The Disney Wonder has 2 movie viewing areas, one large inside which will play midnight releases of new movies (got to see Secretariat on my cruise!), and the outdoor screen by the pool. There is also the large Walt Disney Theater where the major performances are held every night. Just like the shows in the parks these are not to be missed.
As a teen it may seem that there isn't much to do, but like most cruise lines there is a strictly teen lounge. It is a great place to meet up with other people your age and chill out, play video games, or just get away from family for a while. One thing I would not suggest is sitting around bored if there is something going on! Little things such as audience participation which may seem like it is just for little kids is just as fun at 16 and 17! I've made some great lasting friends from cruises, and with social networking sites and texting it is beyond easy to keep in touch.
In true Disney fashion fireworks are not to be missed. The only cruise line to have a fireworks show definitely puts Disney Cruise Lines just another step above. Albeit the show is no where near in comparison to anything at the parks but for being in the middle of the ocean it is a pretty spectacular sight.
Have a magical day!
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