Preparing for Disney When You Aren’t a “Disney Family”
This year, we wanted to plan a big trip, something everyone in the family could enjoy. We tossed around a few ideas and finally settled on … a Disney cruise! Now, if you know us, you might find this surprising. We aren’t what you’d call a “Disney family.” My husband and I both visited Disney World as kids, several times, and we love some of the classic movies, but it’s not our thing. We aren’t one of those hardcore Disney families and have never felt the need or desire to visit the parks as adults and we’re definitely not up-to-date with all the latest characters and movies. However, the idea of relaxing on a ship while still getting a taste of Disney magic sounded like a great way to unplug and connect as a family, without all the intensity of park lines and schedules. Also, I’ve heard nothing but great reviews about the Disney Cruise. So… we are going, in just a few months.
Once we made our choice, the planner in me kicked in. I began reading up on everything Disney cruise-related and soon realized just how much we had to learn! From “pixie dust” to “fish extenders,” I discovered that Disney cruises come with their own unique culture and traditions. So, if you’re like us — Disney newbies who still want to make the most of the experience — here’s how we’ve been preparing as a family to make this cruise magical.
Step 1: Movie Marathons to Meet the Characters
As it turns out, Disney has come a long way since our childhood favorites! While The Lion King and Toy Story are still classics in our house, there’s a whole new generation of characters we need to meet. So, I am making it a family mission to watch some Disney movies as we lead up to the cruise. I have been letting my kids pick a different Disney or Pixar movie to watch together. Note: My kids don’t know about the trip so I’ll be framing this just as fun experiences for us.
So far, I’ve enjoyed some new to me movies and I’m impressed by the elevation in theming. It’s a fun sneak peek of some of the characters we’ll likely see on the ship. Plus, it’s a low-stress way to ease ourselves into Disney culture.
Step 2: Learning Cruise-Specific Traditions
One thing I didn’t expect when I first started researching was the amount of Disney-specific cruise traditions. As I scrolled through videos and blogs, I started to see terms like “pixie dusting” and “fish extenders,” and I quickly learned that Disney cruises are all about spreading little bits of magic.
Pixie Dusting is a fun tradition where guests leave small surprises or gifts for one another. It’s optional and a simple way to spread some joy and show some generosity.
Fish Extenders are similar but are grander and a bit more organized. They are essentially a structured group gift exchange that is coordinated within cruise specific Facebook groups. You hang a pocket organizer outside your stateroom door, and families in the same group leave small gifts for each other throughout the cruise. I’m a DIY queen and love giving thoughtful gifts, so I’m especially excited about this tradition! I’ve already signed our family up and received the names of our partner families.
Step 3: Prepping Fun Outfits
Since it’s a Disney cruise, it feels almost mandatory to have some themed attire, right? We’re not dressing in full costumes, but I wanted to make it fun by gathering some Disney-inspired outfits. I have some t-shirts being made and have matching outfits for us on the signature pirate night. I’ll be gathering some Mickey and Minnie ears and some other fun accessories. It’s been a great little project to get us in the Disney spirit, even if we don’t have every character memorized.
Step 4: Getting the Kids Excited
Again, my kids don’t know about this trip yet. We plan to keep it a secret until we are closer to the actual trip. To make sure our kids are prepared without feeling overwhelmed, I’m going to introduce it a few weeks in advance. My plan is to have them watch some YouTube videos so they could see what the ship looks like, the activities available, and take a peek at the kid’s club. I’m also planning a special phone call from their favorite characters to get them excited about it all.
Step 5: Embracing the Unknown and Keeping an Open Mind
I’m a big fan of planning, but I have had to lessen my own expectations and accept that I can’t prepare for everything, and that’s okay! Part of the magic of Disney is letting the unexpected unfold. I know there will be moments when we’re confused by a character or not sure of a reference, but that’s all part of the adventure. My goal is to let go of the idea of “perfect” and just enjoy the moments as they come. I know that my kids will be overjoyed by the experience and every little thing is more than they knew existed.
Final Thoughts: Why We Chose Disney in the First Place
As much as we debated over whether to do the parks or the cruise, I’m glad we settled on the cruise. It feels like a chance for us to unplug and let Disney take over the logistics. For families like ours, who may not be obsessed with all things Disney, it’s been an exciting journey of discovery and preparation. I can already tell this adventure will be one to remember! So, here’s to all the “non-Disney” families giving Disney a try.
