This week, my family and I took a much-needed vacation on a Disney Cruise! I love Disney, and I’ll admit I’m kind of a Disney adult—but you won’t catch me decked out in Mickey ears, Disney jerseys, or with a castle tattoo on my wrist. I like my Disney magic a little more subtle; there’s no need to announce it to the world, right?

What made this trip extra special was sharing it with my entire family. Having so many of us together made everything more fun.

Day 1 – Fort Lauderdale & The Art of First Impressions

Every Disney experience starts long before you actually step into its world. For us, that meant kicking things off in Fort Lauderdale, where we boarded the ship. Disney’s commitment to branding was obvious from walking in, the entire cruise terminal was designed to immerse you in Disney magic before you even set foot on the vessel. The boarding process was smooth, efficient, and just fancy enough to feel special.

Once we got onto the ship (the Disney Dream), it was clear that every detail—from lighting to background music—was curated to create a sense of wonder. This was Olivia and Landon’s first Disney Cruise, so they were extra excited! (For me, this was my fifth—I blame my parents.)

Day 2 – Marvel Day at Sea

Pool Deck onboard the Disney Dream, Photo by me

If there’s anything Disney excels at, it’s franchise integration. Marvel Day at Sea was a prime example of how the company has seamlessly woven its acquired properties into its brand. The attention to detail extended beyond just character appearances—music, decor, and even ship-wide announcements reinforced the Marvel theme, creating a fully immersive experience. Even the dining experience leaned into the Marvel theme, with character-inspired dishes that ranged from fun to… questionable. I didn’t take a picture, but one course featured a cold avocado soup, and let me just say—it was disgusting. Disney’s commitment to theme sometimes outweighs practicality, and this was definitely one of those cases. Still, it was interesting to see how every detail, even the menu, played a role in reinforcing the immersive experience.

With no port stops today, I got to see just how well Disney keeps its guests engaged, even when they have nowhere to go. The ship was packed with activities, ranging from Disney song trivia to Disney Broadway performances, yet nothing felt forced or overwhelming. Probably cause we payed for it, but who cares. This day was also another Marvel Day at Sea, so we decided to watch the new Captain America: Brave New World. I really enjoyed it, though my family had differing opinions.

Day 3 – Cozumel & The Power of Controlled Experience

House ruins at the San Gervasio Mayan Archaeological site, Photo by me

Our third day brought us to Cozumel, Mexico, a port stop that was decent but not without its inconveniences. As we stepped off the ship, we were greeted by a strong wind, making the half-mile walk down the pier a bit of a challenge. About halfway through, the weather took a turn, and sudden rain forced us to stick close to our tour guide. Some people prefer this kind of structured experience, but I personally enjoy exploring and finding things to do on my own rather than paying for an excursion. Of course, it all depends on the port and the experiences available. While Cozumel itself was vibrant and full of local charm, the structured nature of Disney’s excursions meant we had little choice but to stay within their curated experience.

Rather than leaving guests to navigate the unfamiliar, Disney ensures that each experience is controlled to meet its standards of cleanliness, safety, and efficiency. Our excursion took us to the Mayan Chocolate Experience at Playa Mia, a place we actually visited on our last cruise. This time, however, we opted to explore the Mayan ruins, and I learned so much about the culture and history. The ruins revealed incredible insights into the Mayan way of life, from their intricate calendar system to their advanced knowledge of astronomy and engineering. Seeing these ancient structures up close made me appreciate just how advanced this civilization was. Even though the experience was guided, it was fascinating to see how Disney curates these moments to provide both entertainment and education, keeping the experience engaging while maintaining their high service standards.

Black and White tailed iguana at the San Gervasio Mayan Archaeological site, Photo by me

Day 4 – A Day at Sea & The Art of Keeping Guests Engaged

I spent most of the day lounging on the Disney Dream’s upper decks, soaking in the sun and enjoying the view of the open ocean. The pool areas were lively and a little overwhelming for me, im not much of a public people person. There was always someone wandering offering drinks though so that did help me loosen up!

The Disney Dream on Castaway Cay, Photo by me

Day 5 – Castaway Cay & The Power of Exclusivity

There’s a reason Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island, is one of the most beloved stops on the itinerary. Exclusivity is a major component of Disney’s success, and Castaway Cay is a physical representation of that principle.

Unlike other cruise lines that dock at public beaches, Disney owns and operates Castaway Cay, allowing them to control every aspect of the experience. The result? A pristine, perfectly maintained island that feels like an extension of the ship itself. Last time we visited, we opted for a private cabana, which was an incredible experience—hot towels, complimentary drinks, and a fully stocked mini-fridge made it feel extra luxurious. However, this time, since we were traveling with more family, we decided to stick to the family beach area so that Olivia and Landon could explore more freely.

Mac and Landon took advantage of the Castaway Cay 5K, running the entire course and earning medals at the finish line. Meanwhile, I spent the day snorkeling in the water before soaking up the sun on the beach. Disney has structured Castaway Cay so that whether you’re looking for exclusivity or an interactive family adventure, theres truly something for everyone!

Day 6 – Fort Lauderdale & Closing the Loop

We woke up at the port, so we quickly went up and had a big breakfast before our long 10-hour drive back to Atlanta. This trip showed me a lot, and I’ve realized that if you change your perspective, you can really change your life—it’s just that easy.

I’ve been on a weight loss journey and haven’t really taken my shirt off to swim or ever in public, and this was the first trip where I did that. I wouldn’t have done it seven months ago, but being here, in this experience, surrounded by family and enjoying the moment, I finally felt comfortable enough to let go of that fear. It was a small but powerful moment, and it made me appreciate not just the trip itself, but how far I’ve come.

This realization tied into something even more personal for me. Over the past year, I’ve been working on myself, making changes, and pushing myself out of my comfort zone. A year ago, I never would have felt comfortable taking my shirt off at the beach. But this trip? I did it. And that’s when it clicked—just like Disney constantly refines its experiences to create something better, I’ve been refining myself. Change doesn’t happen overnight, but with small, intentional steps, everything shifts.

This trip meant so much to me, and I’m incredibly grateful I got to share it with those closest to me. Experiencing it with my family made every moment more meaningful, the best journeys aren’t just about where you go, but who you share them with.

Photo of Me, by Me, for Me and You