Don't know why, but DCL still holds a special place in our family.

[brentm77]

There is something special about it!

We don't do characters, and have found we have probably moved passed wanting to see most of the theater shows. We have even tired a bit of the main dinning rooms to an extent. Yet, we will still go back. There is a vibe on the ships that is unique. Add the great service, super clean ships (love the clean bathrooms in themselves), lack of casinos, adult-only entertainment that we like, no indoor smoking, mostly great fellow-cruisers, the unique nature of this forum, and great pre-cruise Facebook groups, and it all comes together for a great experience. Even Cabanas is a happy place for us, and we aren't normally buffet people. The incredible views, pretty good food, and happy vibe is fun.

We have had a very hard year, and we talk often about how grateful and fortunate we are to have cruised DCL and created such great memories. Can't wait to go back soon.

 

[DCLMP]

I don't think this is exclusive of Disney. Anything I did as a child with my parents or did with my kids holds a special place in my heart. I could name dozens of things. Experiences and memories are the best thing about life.

 

[AquaDame]

There was a recent article on Disney addiction:

https://www.latimes.com/travel/stor...disney-world-addiction-travel-craving-science

"Neuropsychologist Paul Nussbaum, an adjunct professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, explains that such cravings can be especially focused on getting specific outcomes from one’s vacation. “Our brain’s circuitry is wired to both desire things and to have our desires resolved temporarily with action,” he says. In other words, for people who describe their love of Disney travel this way, craving a trip to Disneyland may not only be a desire, but a yearning that continues to grow until satisfied."

I definitely suspect that scratching my Disney itch is because I enjoy a certain amount of repetition, like some folk will listen to the same music and watch the same movies over and over again, or redo the same events annually as with holiday merry-making.

Traveling into the unknown is hard, and rewarding, but can leave me exhausted. Disney trips are cookie cutter. I know where to go when to go and what to do to have the time I expect to have. We make certain to do both kinds of trips; maybe 25% Disney, 75% not. They change juuuuust enough that it is not always exactly the same, but much - the lions share really - is. Nostalgia is a heck of a drug... and I suspect what the "magic" boils down to. Even for folk who haven't been going yearly since they were kids as I have Disney are experts at how to plant those memory seeds to reap for years to come.

 

[brentm77]

There was a recent article on Disney addiction:

https://www.latimes.com/travel/stor...disney-world-addiction-travel-craving-science

"Neuropsychologist Paul Nussbaum, an adjunct professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, explains that such cravings can be especially focused on getting specific outcomes from one’s vacation. “Our brain’s circuitry is wired to both desire things and to have our desires resolved temporarily with action,” he says. In other words, for people who describe their love of Disney travel this way, craving a trip to Disneyland may not only be a desire, but a yearning that continues to grow until satisfied."

I definitely suspect that scratching my Disney itch is because I enjoy a certain amount of repetition, like some folk will listen to the same music and watch the same movies over and over again, or redo the same events annually as with holiday merry-making.

Traveling into the unknown is hard, and rewarding, but can leave me exhausted. Disney trips are cookie cutter. I know where to go when to go and what to do to have the time I expect to have. We make certain to do both kinds of trips; maybe 25% Disney, 75% not. They change juuuuust enough that it is not always exactly the same, but much - the lions share really - is. Nostalgia is a heck of a drug... and I suspect what the "magic" boils down to. Even for folk who haven't been going yearly since they were kids as I have Disney are experts at how to plant those memory seeds to reap for years to come.

Very well said. It's one of the things I really like - the easiness of sailing DCL, while still seeing cool places. It feels like a genuine vacation. Vacation time is a valuable asset, so it's nice knowing I won't waste it.

After I made my post above, I started thinking about the music the play in common areas. It's such a small thing, but it adds a touch of nostalgia an happiness, even if you aren't consciously noticing it. I think all those little things add up to something better than many other experiences.

 

[Girl of the South]

That's a good point - it's FAMILIAR. I first cruised on DCL twenty years ago. Don't cruise often but I do smile when I think about a Disney ship. And I do agree, it's because I know what to expect. I know my way around. And I'm not at all a Disney geek!

 

[Cruisinonlydisney]

Very well said. It's one of the things I really like - the easiness of sailing DCL, while still seeing cool places. It feels like a genuine vacation. Vacation time is a valuable asset, so it's nice knowing I won't waste it.

After I made my post above, I started thinking about the music the play in common areas. It's such a small thing, but it adds a touch of nostalgia an happiness, even if you aren't consciously noticing it. I think all those little things add up to something better than many other experiences.

I so agree with the Disney classics playing all the time on board, I love it! There are many times on the ship, (even though I know I am amongst a small town of crew and passengers) where I may be the only person walking down a corridor. It’s almost an eerie feeling listening to the music all by myself, but it puts me at peace for a moment and makes me feel like I have really escaped my chaotic life at home.

 

[justme0729]

I fell in love with DCL on our honeymoon.. what really makes me want to keep doing DCL is visiting Castaway Cay, the service especially at dinner, spa like adult pool areas, quality rooms, and feeling immersed in Disney. I also love the music that plays in the hallways so it’s funny people have mentioned that. Now that I have a 2 year old, I’m excited for her to see the shows and characters she loves. I’m also not super comfortable with traveling outside the US and don’t want to fly with young kids if we don’t have to (we live in FL so don’t need to for a cruise) but feel like Disney makes traveling feel safe/ easy.

 

[mtchurchmonica]

It has been almost 8 years since the last time I went on a DCL vacation, and that was with just my youngest daughter before she finished college. I realize the DCL experience has changed since then, and maybe it isn't what it used to be, I don't know. Yet, I still feel a longing to be on the ship when I see the ad on TV.

Through the years of raising my family, we did go on other cruise lines, but DCL was always the one my family liked the most, and we became Platinum many years ago. I don't know if DCL was so special because of the experience on our first cruise 21 years ago, or it just always was a nicer experience than any other cruise.

Even when it was just my DH and I, even in a concierge cabin on RCCL, we still felt that longing when we pulled up next to the Dream in port.

Years later, my children are grown, one moved away with her family for work, careers and family kept the kids busy, and family vacations are no longer something to be assumed.

I have a grandchild now though, and my daughter has told me that the baby's first cruise will be on DCL, no other. And it got me thinking - what is this hold that DCL has over all of us?

We could have a fun time on Carnival, we have in fact, and it would cost much less. But yet no one wants to do that.

My husband and I could opt for a very luxurious experience on a Seabourn cruise (ok, he would pass out at the price, but does he need to know?). Yet even today we still wish we were on that Disney cruise as it pulls away from Port Canaveral while we are at the beach nearby.

So what is this magic that DCL has over us? Is it the memories of cruises long past that have us desiring to make more of those wonderful family memories? And why didn't we have that on NCL, or RCCL, or any other cruise we did together?

And I know for many, a DCL cruise is just an overpriced cruise, but for those that have felt that "magic", what do you feel made it "magic" for you? Or is my family the only one that drank that Kool-Aid and now we are always thirsty and need more of it?

OMG, for a hot second I thought I wrote this except that I know I haven't posted anything on this board for about 9 years, which was the last time we cruised with DCL, my youngest daughter was still in middle school, and I don't have any grandchildren yet.

The only reason we stopped cruising with DCL was it was too costly for us. The choice was to stay with DCL and cruise less frequently or switch to a less expensive line so we could cruise every year. Now that we're in a position to return, we're also wondering if the "magic" will still be there for us. There's only one way to find out, right?

 

[FastPasser.]

we're also wondering if the "magic" will still be there for us. There's only one way to find out, right?

Yup, jump back in and find out.

I will say that from personal experience, what is commonly referred to as the "magic" isn't everlasting. It can and does fade away in some cases. In my case there is very little magic left. But that's ok, asking for it to not dissipate in my case would be asking for a lot. For those who still feel it, hold onto it, it's a wonderful thing.

 

[wide awake]

We were a DCL only cruise family for many years and will be sailing on the Fantasy the end of next month. TBH DH and I are not looking forward to it, we booked it because our autistic adult son asked for it specifically. We have found truly excellent service on other lines, in fact the two worst room stewards we've ever had were on DCL. We prefer the food on other lines and there are many more alternative options than on DCL. I was on a Cunard Transatlantic last month and it was amazing, and a June family cruise to Norway on Princess was the best vacation we've ever had. This isn't to knock anyone's preferences, but understand DCL doesn't have a monopoly on good service, clean ships, entertaining activities, and professional shows. I felt that way for many years and could kick myself for not branching out sooner. I'd have saved a lot of money and cruised more frequently.

 

[professorandmom]

I just went on my first cruise alone (I am a grandma who agrees that bringing the child of my daughter who also cruised as a child was special) and I think I figured out the lure (for me, anyway)

I love the rituals of the holidays - the music, decor, food, etc...it's the SAME for me on the cruise! The music, the decor, the food...I am only Gold but I know my way around the ships, a visit is predictible and a revisit to a warm place...

How did I figure this out: 1) I was alone and making my own plans (by the way, amazing) and 2) it was a halloween cruise and the music reflected halloween on just one day...it was a bit offputting as I missed the usual backgroun music...

Disney cruises offer me a predictible rhythm of music, food, and decor that are special...

 

[WDWJonasGirl]

I'm 28 and have had a blast on my past Disney Cruises. There's always been some magical moments and memories on several of the cruises I've been on. Here are some of my favorite memories:

I love seeing the characters. In 2012, I had a hilarious encounter with Chip & Dale. It was formal night and even though I was 17 at the time, I still loved collecting character autographs. They start arguing over my autograph pen. I didn't know until later that they take a photo of them arguing. The first time I did the PC cruise, I went to the animation classes. We drew Pluto in one of them and the emcee who was hilarious told us a special friend was coming to visit. That friend was Pluto and it was a fun surprise. After we finished drawing him, you got to take photos with him and the icing on the cake was that there was even a group photo taken. The next time I cruised, I guess Chip & Dale must had liked being with me so much because they threw a tantrum which is something I had never seen before. After the line closed, Dale grabbed my arm and escorted me back to their hideout with Chip and the nice character handler (a Canadian girl).

I love the shows and the guest performers sometimes. The next time I cruised, we had an Abba tribute band as one of the performers. Sure, I may have been one of the youngest in the theater but there was a moment that I'll never forget. They had told us we could record the show which I did. Imagine my shock when during one of the songs, the son of one of the main singers grabs my phone and does a selfie singing into it. I fell in love with this magician couple on the previous cruise so much that the last time I cruised, I wasn't feeling well but managed to drag myself to their show. As I was walking back to the room, the wife must have had a great memory because she notices me and mentions that she remembered me. I couldn't believe it after four years

I'm always amazed about how the staff can remember you from past cruises. The first time this happened to me was the second time I did the PC cruise. One of the girls who worked in the stores on my previous cruise was the first ever CM to remember me from as past cruise. I originally didn't plan on seeing the Edge Effect show but she asked me to and thank goodness she did because I ended up falling in love with them. I'm also amazed that she remembered my twin sister even though she didn't go on this cruise. In fact, she was how I found out that we got a Castaway Club member discount in the stores. The next and most recent time I cruised, she not only remembered me but so did a couple of members of the cruise staff and our server from that cruise. The server saw me at the table one night after I was escorted to the table and visited with me for a few minutes and even pointed out that my parents (who she also remembered) were coming. One of the cruise staffers was the animation guy and he was the first CM I saw on the cruise. He didn't announce my family but we both looked at each other and smiled. The next night I saw one of his fellow cruise staff members at the Walt Disney Theater and she was thrilled to see me

The CM's are amazing. On my 2012 cruise, my sister and I made friends with one of the girls in the stores (not the same one I mentioned). One night, there's a magical moments certificate waiting outside our room which was a cool surprise. On both PC cruises, the same girl from the stores I mentioned earlier wanted to know my room numbers and I was wondering why. Outside my room was a shopping bag and inside was a magical moments certificate which I thought was sweet. I made friends with another one of the cruise staffers on the 2nd PC cruise and I wanted to get one last photo with her on the last night. Who takes the photo you want to know? One of the adults only comedians

 

[MermaidsMom]

We were a DCL only cruise family for many years and will be sailing on the Fantasy the end of next month. TBH DH and I are not looking forward to it, we booked it because our autistic adult son asked for it specifically. We have found truly excellent service on other lines, in fact the two worst room stewards we've ever had were on DCL. We prefer the food on other lines and there are many more alternative options than on DCL. I was on a Cunard Transatlantic last month and it was amazing, and a June family cruise to Norway on Princess was the best vacation we've ever had. This isn't to knock anyone's preferences, but understand DCL doesn't have a monopoly on good service, clean ships, entertaining activities, and professional shows. I felt that way for many years and could kick myself for not branching out sooner. I'd have saved a lot of money and cruised more frequently.

Where did your Norway cruise leave from? Which ship was it? Thanks!

 

[tee11]

We do not live in Florida, and our kids are all still in school. We cruised with 4 different lines total, all before kids.
Our first/oldest was not an easy child. We could not drive anywhere. We have no family, we were exhausted! Booked DCL last minute one winter with a just-turned two-year old. We were beyond impressed - with everything, and every detail! Right down to the rounded table edges. Our youngest has cruised since age 1, and they all learned to snorkel at Castaway Cay. We do other types of vacations regularly, and probably will do other cruise lines mixed in at some point, but there is no question that DCL is "home" for us and always will be!

 

[wide awake]

Where did your Norway cruise leave from? Which ship was it? Thanks!

We left from Southhampton and we were on the Sky Princess. If you'll be cruising from Southhampton I highly recommend staying at the Moxy. Nice hotel, great breakfast, and within a block to a mall and approximately 15 restaurants.

 

[ZerasPride]

I can relate to this post so much! There is just something about a Disney cruise that is intangible and indescribable. We have cruised Carnival (Freedom of the Seas in a junior suite), Royal Caribbean (Oasis of the Seas in a grand suite) and a regular ocean view verandah on the Dream. I only mention the non-Disney cruises were concierge to indicate the service was elevated on those cruises and we received special treatment as suite guests but nothing - nothing compares to our Disney cruise. My husband who is not the biggest Disney fan actually teared up the last morning on the Dream as we said good bye to our wait staff. That is the impression they made on my never shows his emotions spouse.

We will be belatedly celebrating our 30th anniversary in May and while we toyed with the idea of booking Royal's Utopia of the Seas - in the end we decided on a Disney cruise sandwich - a few days at Disney before the cruise, 3 night on the Wish and then another week at Disney after the cruise. I am so stinking excited!!! Disney has my heart. Pure and simple.