Several years ago, we went on a Disney Cruise with our extended family, about 37 of us in total. It was a fantastic experience. I have two boys that are around the same age, and a niece that is the same age as the youngest of my two boys. They were in the teen club at the time, and they had a ton of flexibility on where they could be on the ship. Every day, they would hang out by the pools and eat nearly non-stop. I guess that is what teenage boys do, it has been a while since I have been one. My niece would hang around with them, and would eat the food, but every time it came to eating the ice cream, she would refuse.
My boys never even thought twice about her not eating ice cream, they were too busy getting their own. This went on for 6 days. Finally, the last night of our cruise, my niece started complaining to her mom that my boys were so spoiled, they got everything they want, and she didn’t get anything. After some confusion, we all finally figured out that she didn’t know the ice cream was FREE!
She immediately ran out of the room directly to the ice cream shop and loaded up with the largest ice cream you have ever seen, trying to make up for the missed days.
The lesson we all learn is that you should be fully aware of what is and is not included on a Disney Cruise. A rough guide is that ALL food is included on your Disney Cruise. There are some recent exceptions where some items on the room service menu now have a cost listed by them, but any food that you eat in a restaurant or that you order at a window will be free, even if you order three entrees and two desserts at dinner (not that I have ever done that). All soft drinks are included with your meals or from the drink station up by the pools. Any drinks that include alcohol are NOT free.
Before your next Disney cruise, make sure everyone understands what is and is not included in your cruise fare. No one wants to miss out on free ice cream, and no one wants a huge bill at the end when you assume something is free that is not.
Each Friday, I provide 5 Disney things all Disney fans should know about from this past week, just in case you missed them. Here are the super important items for this week:
Awaken Summer Discount at Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World has released a brand new discount for Summer travel dates, save up to 30% on your Walt Disney World Resort room! The Awaken Summer discount is available now, for travel dates between June 12 and August 25, 2016.
For the last few years, Disney has done their own kind of March Madness, starting with 32 “teams” based on Disney attractions, including such teams as the Dole Whips, the Space Mountain Blast and the 2015 champions, the Gracey Manor Ghouls. Disney makes limited edition (by time) t-shirts and posters available for each team, but as the teams are eliminated from the tournament, their shirts become no longer available. If you have a fondness for one of the teams, you may want to grab a t-shirt or two before they are gone. 16 of the 32 teams will be out of the tournament by March 24, and then half the remaining teams will be out every few days.
Disney Cruise Line tested out a “Star Wars Day at Sea” on select 2016 Disney Cruises, basically only the Western Caribbean cruises on the Disney Fantasy. It was so successful, it is returning for 2017, but this time, it will be featured on 17 different cruises on the Fantasy during January, February and March, 2017.
During this day-long celebration, Star Wars Day at Sea combines the power of the Force and the magic of Disney for an out-of-this-galaxy cruise experience unlike any other.
Each sailing features a full day of dark side and light side fun, including official appearances of Star Wars characters, a deck party and fireworks, Star Wars-themed family and youth activities, at-sea screenings of Star Wars films, unique food and beverage offerings, and special merchandise.
Throughout the day, Star Wars Younglings, Padawans and Jedi Masters alike can enjoy the immersive and intergalactic entertainment, including a deck party and fireworks display, exclusive event merchandise, and specialtyStar Wars-themed food and beverage items.
Characters from across the Star Wars galaxy will also be onboard for interactions, photos and also may be seen patrolling the decks. And, in “Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple,” Force-sensitive children learn the ways of the Jedi and use their new-found skill in a final face off with Darth Vader.
It’s not every week a brand new ride opens up in a Disney theme parks. This week, a new ride has opened in Cars Land in Disney California Adventure, Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters. This ride has replaced the oft broken and poorly received Luigi’s Flying Tires. Each ride is different, as the cars “dance” around the area, finishing with a mighty twirl. While it won’t entertain the average teenager for too long, the ride is very cute, well done, and should be a crowd favorite for years to come.
Disney Magic Kingdoms App Launches
Today, Disney Games has launched Disney Magic Kingdom, a new app available on both iOS and Android. This app allows you to build your own Magic Kingdom, and is getting rave reviews from all who have downloaded and played it. The game is free to download and play, but with most free apps these days, there are in app purchased you can make if you have the money to spend.
WELCOME TO THE MOST MAGICAL PLACE ON MOBILE!
When Maleficent casts an evil spell on the Kingdom, ridding it of all of its powerful magic, can you help bring it all back? Relive the thrill of Disney Parks and create the most fantastical Park of your dreams in Disney Magic Kingdoms!
EXTRAORDINARY & TIMELESS DISNEY PARK ATTRACTIONS
Charming attractions such as “”it’s a small world,”” Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor and Space Mountain from Disney Parks around the world, including Disneyland, California Adventure, Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland and Disneyland Paris!
Dazzling new attractions found only in the game such as WALL-E’s House and Cyclops Sushi — all uniquely inspired by their movies!
Relive magical moments from the Parks with lively Parades featuring beautiful floats and fireworks!
CHARACTERS SPANNING MORE THAN 90 YEARS OF DISNEY
Share spectacular moments with beloved characters such as the ever-optimistic Mickey Mouse, the spirited princess Rapunzel, brave space ranger Buzz Lightyear, the sweet and sassy Tinker Bell and more!
Hundreds of whimsical and animated quests that bring every pixel of your Kingdom to life!
Collect memorable Disney-themed items to bring each character back from Maleficent’s evil spell!
A RIVETING TALE OF HEROES AND VILLAINS
Unravel a magical story and an exciting adventure with every tap!
Stand off against menacing villains such as Pete, Mother Gothel, and Zurg to save the Kingdom!
Did I miss any Disney news this week that should have been included?
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