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Top 5 Must Do’s on Disney Cruise Line’s Very Merrytime Cruise

By Jade Monzo, Owner, Rope Drop Travel December 17, 2019

Sailing away for the happiest holiday at sea? If you’ll be lucky enough to spend part of your season aboard the Disney Cruise Line for their Very Merryitme cruises, you’re in for a magical, holiday spirit-filled time! With so much to get you in the Christmas Spirit, you’ll find no shortage of festive aboard. Because there is so much to do onboard it can be hard to figure just what to do so here are my top five must-do’s aboard Disney Cruise Line’s Very Merrytime Cruise.

1. SAIL AWAY PARTY ON THE VERY MERRYTIME CRUISE

Your little ones will have such fun watching the boat set sail and leave the port. This is the perfect way to transition you from land to sea and it’s sure to put you in the holiday and vacation spirit! 

There are other deck parties during the cruise too so make sure to catch at least one.  

2. MAKE A RESERVATION FOR PALO OR REMY 

While Disney Cruise Line has some of the most amazing, theatrical and delicious restaurants to eat at that are included in your cruise fare, I highly suggest considering paying the upcharge and visiting either Paolo or Remy, depending on which Disney ship you are on, for brunch or dinner. With both a table service menu and buffet options you will be dazzled by the number of food selections. After personally experiencing Palo for brunch recently, I would suggest checking them out so you don’t miss any of your reserved dinner restaurants that come assigned to you when booking. You won’t be disappointed!

3. MEET THE CHARACTERS IN THEIR HOLIDAY BEST 

Is there anything more fun than seeing your children interact with some of their favorite characters in real life? How about seeing their joy when they realize said favorite characters are dressed in their holiday best? The lines are not that long, and most will wait a maximum of about 20 minutes to meet these fun and interactive costumed friends. Keep your eyes open for the cast members bringing around delicious, chocolate for your children, and yourself, to enjoy while you wait. Don’t worry, they have lids so your children won’t spill them. Disney always thinks of everything! 

4. ATTEND THE SHOWS!

One of the most amazing perks of a Disney Cruise is the Broadway-style shows that Disney offers as part of your cruise fare. For my family of eight to travel to New York City to see one of the amazing Disney Broadway productions costs us more than one of our cruise fares! You and your children will be mesmerized by Disney’s theatrics and the magic they make come alive in their shows. They are truly Broadway-quality onboard your ship. 

5. MICKEY’S TREE LIGHTING ON THE VERY MERRYTIME CRUISE 

This is one of our favorite events on the Very Merrytime Cruise, and it happens on the first night. Mickey, Minnie and their pals come out in their festive attire and light up not only the tree but the whole atrium! Garlands and wreaths throughout the ship get lit up and suddenly it feels just like Christmas. While this is definitely not to be missed, it does get crowded so be prepared to either wait for a good space or strain to see over other people’s heads. They do reserve a special section for children so they can see, so if your child is a bit older and you are ok with them being away from you, they just might get a better view than you do!


Jade is the owner of Rope Drop Travel, a full-service travel agency specializing in Disney destinations. She lives with her husband and seven little ones' ages eleven and under. She enjoys helping with her children’s school PTO’s and all things Disney.


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