Is it confirmed that SW will be premiering on the last night? Or is it wishfully thinking? We have 4 nights booked at the Grand for our anniversary but looking at possibly switching to this cruise. Will there be special Holiday things going on? Obviously you would all pick the cruise over WDW but can anyone tell me why you would? We are WDW veterans but have never done a Disney cruise before.
I called
DCL a while back, and they won't say for sure, said we have to call a few weeks before the cruise. That is pretty typical response about what movies will be showing that far out. But from what I have seen on the DIS, DCL
ALWAYS does the Prem-Ear at sea at midnight when a movie is released on land the next day. So, I am going on the assumption it will be, but prepared to go and see it Friday when we get off the ship if for some reason it isn't! If you want to be 100% sure, you would have to book the Dream leaving on the 18th (3 days) or the Fantasy on the 12th (7 days). If you wait after that you run into holiday rates which are crazy expensive.
There are lots of threads on here about DCL vs. WDW. Having lived most of my life in Orlando, and with my father and 2 siblings working at WDW, I have literally been hundreds of times to the parks, so obviously I love WDW, but I prefer to cruise. Much more relaxing, especially as a mom, I don't have to worry about where we are going to eat, transportation (be it driving or bus or monorail) or really anything. Just look at the navigator and see what looks good - everything is a 2 minute walk from your room, and there is plenty to keep everyone in the family occupied separately, but lots to do together.
A couple years ago when I sailed the Fantasy in early December, the Christmas decorations were up, including a giant Gingerbread house. I believe everything starts going up right before Thanksgiving. Obviously some events only occur on the actual Christmas cruise, but here is what I got from the DCL website:
Location: Fleetwide
This holiday season, delight in magical merriment at sea with Very MerryTime Cruises—a Disney Cruise Line event—available on sailings departing November through Christmas! Share seasonal splendor with loved ones as you enjoy a twist on holiday traditions.
Sail Dates
Ship Sail Dates
Disney Magic TBD
Disney Wonder TBD
Disney Dream TBD
Disney Fantasy TBD
Holiday Cheer at Castaway Cay
A winter wonderland awaits you aboard each ship—as well as at Castaway Cay!
Disney's private island paradise is transformed with "snow" flurries, a Christmas tree and more. Be on the lookout for Mr. and Mrs. Snowman, dressed in their island attire. Plus, the island's tram is decorated to resemble a reindeer, complete with antlers and a tail.
Onboard Experiences
On the ship, discover a festive fusion of holiday-themed entertainment, activities and décor—with a life-sized gingerbread house, 24-foot Christmas tree, garlands, poinsettias, shimmering lights and more!
Other holiday enhancements include:
- Deck the Deck Tropical Holiday Party, a celebration in addition to Pirate Night, with candy-cane limbo, dancing and games
- Tree Lighting Ceremony, where kids can help light the tree and kick off the holiday festivities
- Santa Claus meet-and-greet, an exciting opportunity to take family pictures and see Santa and his elves
- Meet-and-Greets with some favorite Disney Characters, dressed in their holiday attire
- Teen-only and tween-only holiday parties—private celebrations where teens and tweens can hang out with new friends
- Holiday storytelling, with new and old tales about holidays at sea and around the world
- Themed activities and crafts for kids—decorate stockings, make holiday cards, go on a holiday scavenger hunt and more
- A life-sized gingerbread house made completely with edible ingredients—and the opportunity to make your own gingerbread house*
- Holiday merchandise available for this event
Plus, on December 24 and 25, enjoy additional holiday experiences:
- Cookies on Christmas Eve
- Special holiday towel animals
- Special holiday surprise
- Holiday caroling with the kids and crew
- Religious Services
When you celebrate winter holidays with Disney Cruise Line, you can spend more quality time together with loved ones as you sail from one spectacular port to the next.
Book a Very MerryTime Cruise
To celebrate the winter holidays with Disney Cruise Line, book online, call (800) 370-8046† or contact your Travel Agent.
Holiday activities and offerings are subject to change and may vary by ship and itinerary.
*The life-sized Gingerbread Houses will be constructed in November, and will not be available on early November sailings. It should be completed and ready for viewing in the last week of November.
