Cruising with Kids - Port Canaveral: Disney World

This was the day that my daughter had been talking about for months.  From the moment we told her we were going to take her on a cruise that went to Disney World all she could talk about was her day at Disney.  Luckily she wasn't disappointed.

We arrived at Disney World at about 11:30 - about 1½ hours later than I thought we would, but it was pretty clear that nothing, not even less time would dampen the expectations of our kids.

Disney is not inexpensive and thanks to my parents the day was their treat.  They splurged for the tickets for us to visit as well as gifts for the kids at the end.

We raced (and this is not an exaggeration) from ride to ride to make sure that the kids got the most of the day.  Luckily Alex slept for the first two hours.  Since he's only three we didn't think he'd miss much (or remember it for that matter) so we decided not to wake him.

There are several things you should know about Disney, first if you have small children with you rent a stroller right away.  It's worth a few bucks not to have to carry your grandchildren and all their stuff!  Secondly, bring bottles of water that you can drink and refill at the many water fountains.  It's hot and the expense of buying water can really add up.  Thirdly apply sun block right away!  Then your set for the fun!

We borrowed a book on Disney that helped us select the appropriate rides for the kids.  The one warning we didn't heed was the "Pirates of the Caribbean" ride and that was a mistake!  It was dark, loud and terrified Madison as did Space Mountain.  The best ride by far was Peter Pan and Buzz Lightyear.

We didn't have time for a character meal and although we saw some of the characters it was most often a fleeting glimpse of them in the distance.  We did wait and see Ariel's Grotto which we thought was a ride and turned out to just be a photo opportunity.  I thought they'd be disappointed, but the kids didn't seem to mind and were pleased to have their picture taken with her.  The husbands seemed to enjoy this too as Ariel was great looking.

We had to be back at the bus by 6:00pm to make it to the ship on time, and although it was a short day it was enough time for our kids.  Older kids may be disappointed and we heard that trips to Cape Canaveral and Universal Studios are better for them.

We have decided however that our next trip to Disney will be longer and we'll stay on the property.  Hey, maybe I'll get to review a trip there next!

Do you have a Disney story you'd like to share?  Send it in!

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