'Tis the season of joy and excitement, and for our family, this Christmas is extra special as we finally reveal the surprise we've been keeping for nearly a year – a Disney Cruise on the Wish! The countdown has begun, and with just a month left, it's time to dive into the magical preparations that come with a Disney adventure at sea.
The presentation of the cruise was much easier said than done. I got the poster printed off and I glued it to a piece of foam board. I did not anticipate this taking very many balloons to lift. 5 trips to Dollar Tree, over 40 balloons and nearly a mental breakdown later, the picture finally lifted off the ground. Our first box was nowhere near big enough to fit that many balloons so Ben took to putting together 4 boxes to create the massive box seen below. It all worked out as I imagined (with kids not being near as excited as Ben and I are)!
First on the agenda is finalizing outfits that capture the spirit of Disney enchantment. From Mickey ears to princess dresses, we're ensuring our wardrobe is as whimsical as the cruise itself. Next up, the essential "cruise ducks" – those adorable rubber ducks with personalized tags that my kids get so excited to hide. I hope other people on our sailing are planning on hiding ducks, it's definitely something my family looks forward to!
The most challenging decision, however, lies in choosing and executing the perfect door theme. With the excitement of collaborating with my parents, who will be in the adjacent room, I've explored various options. The heartwarming tale of "Up" tugs at my emotions, being my mom's favorite, but the challenge lies in finding the right artistic inspiration online. Alternatively, the magic of Encanto or the nostalgia of Monsters Inc. offers tempting possibilities. Mirabel's magical doors or Mike and Sully's iconic duo – the choices are endless, and the pressure is real!
Adding an extra layer of fun to the cruise experience, I eagerly signed up for the FE Gift Exchange, a tradition unique to Disney Cruise Line. The Fish Extender, aptly named for its location outside stateroom doors, connects families through a delightful exchange of gifts. Tote bags with sailing details became the perfect gift for the adult couples, though navigating the exchange proved to be a more significant undertaking than anticipated. Another delightful venture is the recipe exchange – a simple yet charming way to share a piece of home with fellow cruisers.
There were also a Palm of Hand, magnet, and ornament exchanges organized, but I decided to skip those and focus on the main FE (which I'm really glad I did given the amount of money and time I've spent on it). Each of these activities, which I have only experienced while prepping for this Disney Cruise Line and has been orchestrated through our sailing Facebook group, has added an extra layer of excitement to our upcoming adventure.
As we eagerly anticipate setting sail on the Disney Wish, these preparations and exchanges have not only heightened our excitement but also connected us with a community of fellow cruisers. If you're planning an upcoming cruise, regardless of the cruise line, joining your sailing group page is a must. The camaraderie, shared tips, and organized events make it a voyage of not just discovery but also newfound friendships.
Stay tuned as we prep our way to my family's very first Disney Cruise!
Wow sounds so fun! Wish I was going!