Vacationing with a family of six I imagine would normally restrict our affordability to packing up the tent and cooler and trucking up to the mountains. Admittedly we are spoiled. We've been able to visit many places at rates that keep us coming back for more.
Last week we returned home from an amazing 7 day cruise on board the Disney Wonder. The first few times we looked into booking this particular cruise we could see that the price was clearly out of reach for us and our four children. Every time we looked up rates that tent in the mountains became more and more appealing. Last August however, Disney released travel agent availability for 7 days on the Disney Wonder. The original price we thought was $300 per person plus gratuities and port charges. We were ready to book then. Looking into more closely we found that the $300 price INCLUDED the gratuities and port charges! Needless to say we booked that day.
We did have some concerns that the ship was only at port three days. Our kids can get restless easily and we weren't sure how they would do with 4 days at sea. Frankly, we worried needlessly. While our kids had a blast going ziplining through the trees, scuba diving, snorkeling, and parasailing in Cabo San Luca and Puerto Vallarta they LOVED being on board the ship! With current release movies in the full size Disney theater, sports courts, swimming pools, kid's clubs, and more, our kids were anything but board. The only time they slowed was when their heads would hit the pillow at night until early in the morning when they woke. Not once did they sleep in. They were far too worried about missing out on the experience.
We also had concerns about needing to keep track of four kids at all times on board. Disney provided cell phones in each stateroom that worked on board in which our kids or staff from the kid's clubs could reach us at anytime. Every time our youngest daughter (3 years old) was in the kid's club I was constantly checking my phone to see if I just didn't hear the call or message come through saying my daughter needed me. After too long I would even feel the parental need to check in myself on her. Every time she told me she wanted to stay in the club. She had the time of her life!
The staff of the Disney Wonder was fantastic! We could relax at dinner while our servers entertained our kids with magic tricks and even cut their food up for them. Our staterooms were always in perfect order and the kids adored the towel animals along with the mints each night. One night they asked the room steward for extra chocolates and were spoiled with dozens the following night.
This was truly a magical vacation for all of our family. The kids unanimously said it was one of their favorites and preferred it over going to Disneyland. That's not to say that we won't be taking advantage of the current travel agent rate to Disneyland of $99 a night including two adult three day park hopper passes and up to three more for $99 each, in February!
Happy vacationing!
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