In the first part of this Disney Cruise series we talked about reasons to take a Disney Cruise, and some of the things that there are to do onboard the ship for children and teenagers. Today we will talk about the many things that there are to do for adults. There is so much to do as an adult while onboard that it’s hard to believe you’re on a ship in the middle of the ocean.
Where do we start? There is so much, and I have such fond memories of them all that it’d be an injustice to try to pick one to start with. Well I’ll start with my wife’s favorite, the Vista Spa and Salon. The Vista Spa is located towards the front (or for you nautical nuts: the fore) of the ship. When you first enter the Vista Spa you are immediately greeted by the smiling faces at the reception desk, along with a relaxing yet elegant décor. It is nearly breathtaking. One thing to remember when visiting the Vista Spa is that these are NOT included with the price of your cruise, however for the pleasure and enjoyment you will receive it is well worth it. The best thing to do is check in with the Spa when you first board the ship, that way you can learn what specials they will be having and make plans (and reservations) accordingly. There are far too many things in the Spa and Salon to list here, but there is one that is noteworthy. Men note this for your wives, as sending them here will gain you many points in her book and also free up some “man time” to spend in the ESPN lounge. The one I am talking about is the ladies only Strawberries and Champaign afternoon. This ladies only event is more of a sampler than anything. They lounge in the heated lounge chairs in one of the rooms of the spa, while sipping Champaign and eating chocolate dipped strawberries; they also will get a massage and pedicure. My mom and my wife both went to this and are still raving about it 2 years later.
One must also note the adults only pool, this nice sized pool is a good place to get away from the kids, whether they be yours or someone else’s. It also has many lounge chairs, which make for a good place to catch up on that reading, or just to get that tan. The really nice thing is that this good sized area is for the most part quiet. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the full sized basketball court located in the top level of the ship. From here you can look out over the ocean while you try to make your fee throws. It’s completely enclosed by nets so there are no worries about launching yourself or your ball over the edge (unless you’re as bad a shot as I am). This isn’t strictly an adult only thing but I’ve seen very few kids playing, it seems to mostly be adults up there.
Night life. So, the kids are in bed but you’re not tired? There is plenty to do if you’re over 21. Sleep? Who me? No thanks, there’s too much to do. Disney has gone all out once again to ensure that we have fun things to do, and it’s done as only they could do. This is another area of the ship that Disney has elected to make different on the two ships. On the Disney wonder you will find: Route 66; while on the Disney Magic you’ll find: Beat Street. Along Route 66 you will find: WaveBands, Diversions, and The Cadillac Lounge. While on Beat Street you will find: Rockin' Bar D, Diversions, and Sessions. Each club is distinctly different, my advice is: go to each.
There is a lot more to do on the ship, there is the movie theatre and the main theatre, the Walt Disney Theater. This floating marvel of modern technology is one of the most advanced to ever be put into use at sea. The Walt Disney theater has 1,022 seats and features state of the art entertainment technologies, all geared toward making your visit an enjoyable one. The stage shows here are second to none. Now I’m not normally a stage show person, but I’ll try anything once, and after one show I was hooked. You will think you are on Broadway while sitting there watching the show, and your children will be as awed and entertained as you. The way it works is there are two sittings for dinner and two sittings for the shows. If you pick the 6:00pm dinner then you go to the 8:00pm show, and visa-versa. This is different from other cruise lines where you have 1200 people in one large restaurant. Breaking it up like this makes the theater more enjoyable because it is not as crowded, it also make dinner better because your server can spend more time with you, thus giving you better service.
Disney does another thing different when it comes to dinner. Instead of the one large restaurant that everyone goes to there are three and one for adults-only. Each one is themed differently, with different menus, and outfits for the servers. The food is scrumptious; don’t plan on keeping to your diet here, though they do offer low-fat options.
Palo is the adults-only restaurant. It features Italian cuisine with an open kitchen so that you can watch the chief. There is a $5 wine stocking fee for Palo, and it is reservation only. (NOTE: Reservations fill up fast! After 4 cruises we have still not been able to time it right.)
Parrot Cay is a Caribbean themed restaurant, with menu items you’d expect on one of the islands. The décor is outstanding, if it weren’t for the fact that you knew you hadn’t stepped off the boat you could imagine yourself on one of the tropical islands, eating and relaxing.
Animator’s Palate is my family’s personal favorite. The entire place is in black and white, even the server’s vests; and as the evening progresses the walls begin to change color, and the pictures on the walls start to shine with radiant colors. By the end of the meal the servers have changed their vests to colorful ones, and the walls and ceiling are dancing with color. The food is outstanding as well, but the walls are really the center of attention here.
Lumière's onboard the Disney Magic is a French themed restaurant with an exquisite menu. This elegant restaurant has a Beauty and the Beast theme, and you can easily picture yourself in the grand ballroom from the movie, all that is lacking is Angela Lansbury as Mrs. Pottsworth.
Triton's on the Disney Wonder is a seafood masterpiece, themed after the movie The Little Mermaid. What I like about this one is the seafood, the nearly unending supply of seafood. This is a nice restaurant, but a little formal for me. Still, it is very nice.
There are recommended dress codes for each restaurant, but I have never seen anyone thrown out for not wearing the appropriate attire. Basically you should plan to wear casual work clothes to diner, and when eating at Lumière's/Triton's plan on dresses for the ladies and ties for the men. Another thing to note is that since all your food is INCLUDED in your ticket you should make sure that you fill up. For example, I am a sucker for shrimp cocktail; one night it was on the menu, so I ordered three. Guess what? I got three! Another night I got two steaks and lobster tails. No worries, it’s already paid for, enjoy!
That’s it for part 2, check back next time for part three – when I will be discussing ports and shore excursions.
Well that’s an earful – until next time, I’m Scott Short
