A Brunch to Remember! Palo on Disney Fantasy

Here's my husband and I after our very delicious meal. 

Words cannot describe how incredible this adult only brunch was on the Disney Fantasy ship at Palo. Up until this past cruise my husband and I have only dined at Palo for dinner, but I am almost more impressed with the brunch and don't get me wrong, I LOVE the dinners too.The brunch is buffet, but its no ordinary buffet. The dishes are categorized into sea food, breads and pastries, appetizers and deserts. You can also order off this one cart which they will make eggs Benedict, pizza and other delicious made-to-order entrees for you. There are designated servers that will walk with you and dish the food for you on your plate so you are never reaching or grabbing anything yourself. 


I highly recommend not only doing Palo for dinner but brunch too! It's a nice time getting away from the kids and just having time for the two of us. The little extra cost of $25/pp is so worth it. You couldn't go to any 5 star restaurant stateside without at least spending $200 for this kind of food quality and service! Make your reservations early preferably online because this is a popular adult eating spot!

Get Your Disney Cruise Personalized Stateroom Door Magnets!

It is no secret that most people doing Disney cruises love to decorate their stateroom doors with fun personalized magnets. I have definitely gotten on that band wagon and not only do I decorate our stateroom door every time we cruise, but being that I am a graphic artist, I started making my own and selling them on my Etsy store! First, I love making them and its fun to interact with other Disney cruise enthusiasts who purchase my magnets. I offer a variety of designs and there will definitely be more designs to come! I often get ideas from customers who are looking for something super unique.

So, check out my Etsy store if you are wanting something super unique and personalized. My magnets are of very good quality. But, just remember these are hand-made. I print, laminate and cut them all by hand.

I also take custom orders and will offer discount on bulk orders!

My two boys on our 3rd
Disney Cruise this Feb 2015

Not Just Your Average Stateroom

Disney Cruise Line has some of the most phenomenal state rooms I have ever seen. Since I travel with the family we typically stay in the Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah  which features a queen size bed, pull-out bunk bed and an additional bed that can be pulled out from wall. So, it can sleep 5, but best two adults and 3 small children. I don't recommend this room for older kids such as teens or 5 adults. So, for a family of two adults and two small children such as ourselves it is perfect! This state room tends to be on the pricier side, but well worth it and you aren't paying top dollar as you would for a suite. Let's just face it, you aren't in your room that often and if you are then you probably shouldn't go on a cruise.

Disney Dream & Disney Fantasy Staterooms

Disney Cruise Line staterooms are among the first in the industry to be designed especially for families—with innovations that ensure ultimate comfort and relaxation for Guests of all ages. From an imaginative inside retreat to a spacious and abundantly appointed suite, our soothing accommodations allow you and your loved ones to travel in grand style.

Categories
When selecting your stateroom, the category designates different room types—or different deck locations within these types. The Compare Staterooms page offers convenient side-by-side comparisons to help you decide which room is best for you.

New Stateroom Categories
Now you can choose from new stateroom categories that allow you to enjoy the verandah or porthole view of your preference.

Options 
Enjoy options like private verandahs that look out onto the sea and scenery, deluxe rooms with expanded space, Magical Portholes for rooms without windows, as well as rooms with crystal-clear porthole views. Each room is adorned from floor to ceiling with elegant Art Deco touches reminiscent of the glamorous 1920s and 1930s.

Experience the special Disney touches, comfort and luxury of a Disney Cruise Line stateroom, and let our enchanting interiors transform your cruise experience into a truly magical time on the high seas.

Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah

This deluxe offering has plentiful space for a family of 5—nearly double the square footage of a standard stateroom—and features a queen-size bed with underneath storage, convertible sofa, wall pull-down bed, split bath, round tub and a private balcony.

• Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah - Disney Dream

Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah

This room offers plentiful space for a family of 3 to 5—substantially more space than a standard stateroom—and features a queen-size bed with underneath storage, convertible sofa, wall pull-down bed in most, split bath and a private balcony.

• Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah - Disney Dream

Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah

This stateroom comfortably fits 3 or 4—much more space than is found in our standard staterooms—and includes a queen-size bed with underneath storage, convertible sofa, wall pull-down bed in most, split bath and private balcony.

• Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah - Disney Dream

Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Navigator's Verandah

This stateroom comfortably fits 3 or 4—much more space than is found in our standard staterooms—and includes a queen-size bed with underneath storage, convertible sofa, wall pull-down bed in most, split bath and private verandah. The navigator's verandah may be smaller than other verandahs and may offer a limited ocean view.

• Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Navigator's Verandah - Disney Dream

Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom

This room offers plentiful space for a family of 3 or 5—substantially more space than a standard stateroom—and features a queen-size bed with underneath storage, convertible sofa bed, wall pull-down bed in most, split bath with round tub, and a large porthole with built-in seating.

• Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom - Disney Dream

Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom

This room easily accommodates a family of 3 or 4 and includes a queen-size bed with underneath storage, convertible sofa, wall pull-down bed in most, split bath, privacy divider and a crystal-clear porthole view. Relax in more space than you'd find in a standard room.

• Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom - Disney Dream

Deluxe Inside Stateroom

This accommodation holds 3 or 4, with substantially more space than is offered in a standard stateroom. Includes a queen-size bed with underneath storage, convertible sofa, wall pull-down bed in some, split bath, privacy curtain and Magical Porthole with real-time views.

• Deluxe Inside Stateroom - Disney Dream

Standard Inside Stateroom

This room comes with many standard amenities, featuring room for 3 or 4, with queen-size bed and underneath storage, convertible sofa, wall pull-down bed in some, separate sleeping and seating areas as well as a couch and desk, plus a Magical Porthole with real-time views.

• Standard Inside Stateroom - Disney Dream

Concierge 1-Bedroom Suite with Verandah

This sumptuous suite is one of the luxurious accommodations for your family. This opulent suite sleeps 5, with a living room, a bedroom with queen-size bed, a bathroom with whirlpool tub, rain shower and vanity mirrors with built-in TVs, walk-in closet, private verandah and numerous upgraded amenities.

• Concierge 1-Bedroom Suite with Verandah - Disney Dream

Concierge Royal Suite with Verandah

This palatial suite is the largest, most upscale offering. It easily sleeps 5 and features a master bedroom with queen-size bed, 2 bathrooms including mirrors with built-in TVs (master bath includes double sinks, whirlpool tub and rain shower), media library, wet bar, pantry, walk-in closet, private verandah with Jacuzzi and many lavish amenities.

• Concierge Royal Suite with Verandah - Disney Dream

Magic Bands Are the Key!

My family and I got to experience the new Magic Bands at Walt Disney World this past year and it was better than expected. During the reservation process online to stay at Disney's Wilderness Lodge I was able to sign up for Magic Bands, select the color and assign names to each band. They were mailed to us within a few days before we left for our cruise as we were also combining a few days at Walt Disney World resort after the cruise. Upon arriving at our resort our Magic Bands were immediately activated and when we got up to our room we put our wrist with our bands up to the door and the door unlocked. Our bands are water resistant so we wore them continuously throughout our stay because we could also use them to purchase items at the Disney stores, it store our tickets to enter the parks and Fast Passes. We also discovered you can buy cute accessories for them, so next time I'll be "blinging" mine for sure!

Your Key to a More Carefree Visit

MagicBands and cards are secure all-in-one devices that allow you to effortlessly access the plans and vacation choices that you’ve made with My Disney Experience.

MagicBands are colorful, waterproof wristbands—resembling a watch or bracelet—that you can quickly and easily touch to a sensor called a touch point. Cards work in a similar fashion, but physically resemble a plastic credit card or driver’s license. Both MagicBands and cards allow you to travel lighter throughout your vacation.

You can use your card or MagicBand to:

• Unlock the door of your Disney Resort hotel room.
• Enter theme and water parks (with valid admission).
• Check in at FastPass+ entrances.
• Connect Disney PhotoPass images to your account.
• Charge food and merchandise purchases to your Disney Resort hotel room (only available during your hotel stay).

Here's more information about Magic Bands on Disney's website.

Grown-ups Have More Fun on Disney Cruises!

I know when many people hear the word "Disney" they think its all about the kids. In some aspects, yes, because it brings out the kid in us parents. However, Disney Cruise Line has not only made it super fun for kids and definitely brings the kid out in me, but the adult activities and adult only areas of the ship are truly adult and hardly child's play!

My husband and I love to travel, but we often struggle if we should take our kids with us or not. Fact of the matter is, we love our alone time, but after a few days or even a few hours we start missing them. That is why we discovered that Disney cruises are the best for spending time as a family but getting that very needed date night or time away from the kids.

All of the Disney ships (Disney Magic, Wonder, Dream and Fantasy) ALL have an adult area of the ship. That means no kid under the age of 18 can go in. With that said, my personal favorite area is the Quiet Cove Pool area. There is a very nice tranquil pool and bar called Cove Cafe. My husband and I particularly loved their drink specials like two for one margaritas or Pina Coladas. It was nice just sitting relaxing and talking to each other about non-kid things for a few hours while the kids were in the youth clubs.

Another place my husband I frequent is the fitness center. I am big on exercise and with all the food I eat on the cruise exercising daily for me is essential. My husband is in the same "boat" and we like to do at least 30 -45 mins of cardio each day. Staying in the same shape as when we first boarded ship is quite important to us and from what we saw pretty important to other guests too! The fitness centers are located in the spa area and over look the ocean. Imagine taking a jog on the treadmill while listening to music and staring out at the ocean.

I have used the Senses Spa & Salon on the Disney Magic ship where I really had a nice relaxing spa afternoon. I had a pedicure and hot stone massage. You can book your spa online prior to your cruise, however, I have found that they have good special deals if you wait until you get on-board. Some of the more popular treatments like couples massage book up quick so best to do online. More about spa here.

Here are some highlights of the spa:

• Comfortable waiting areas
• Showers
• Lockers
• Slippers and robes for use during your treatment
• Men's and women's changing rooms
• Massage rooms
• Sauna
• Beauty products

The nightclubs and lounges are spectacular as well. There a so many to choose from and since the youth club is open until midnight you can have quite a wonderful evening out while the kids are well taken care of! Here's more about the nightclubs and lounges. 

For my husband and I the adult dining is a must every time we cruise. Palo is an adult dining that features Italian cuisine and the service and food quality is 5-star in my opinion. I suggest making reservations prior to the trip when you do your online check-in and you do it when booking your port adventures and spa reservations online. You can do it upon boarding ship, but the date and time you want to dine may not be available. The very first time we dined at Palo we were blown away. Although eating there is not included in the cost of the trip, it is only an extra $25 for either dinner or brunch. Note that wine and alcoholic beverages are an additional cost. See more information here about Palo. I have haven't had the opportunity to dine at Remy yet, but our next cruise I think we will!

Beef tenderloin for me!

Cheers! A nice glass of sparkling wine
with my dinner at Palo!

Here are all the highlights for adults embarking on a Disney cruise whether its with their kids or alone!

Adult Activities – Disney Cruise Line

With an attention to detail and an uncompromising commitment to service as only Disney could provide, all Disney ships include venues and activities created exclusively for Guests 18 years of age and older.

• Spa & Fitness: Treat yourself to rejuvenating spa therapies, get a makeover or enjoy an invigorating workout—all in scenic, modern facilities.
• Adult Exclusive Dining:Savor fine, Northern Italian cuisine and breathtaking ocean views at Palo or delight in elegant, French-inspired fare at Remy.
• Quiet Cove Pool: Unwind at an adult-exclusive pool, offering tranquil solitude and gentle ocean breezes.
• Nightclubs and Lounges:Delight in live music, cabaret shows, sports, dance parties and karaoke at venues that cater exclusively to adults when the sun sets.
• Enjoy original Disney live shows—Broadway-caliber performances—nightly in the Walt Disney Theatre, as well as first-run Disney Digital 3-D movies and classic films in the Buena Vista Theatre.
• Art Gallery: Shop for limited-edition prints or partake in an at-sea auction of fine art rarities

While parents play, the kids can experience the enchantment of Disney Cruise Line youth clubs, where they're cared for by trained, experienced counselors.