Disney Cruise Line Tops the Industry!

Condé Nast Traveler has rated the Disney Cruise Line and its ships in the top tier of the cruise line industry. Results are based on Readers' Polls, and include awards for top cruise line and cruise ships.

Disney Cruise Line Ship at Sea

For more information, keep reading!



In November of 2012, the Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards were announced. For Large Ship Cruise Lines, Condé Nast readers rated Disney Cruise Line first in its category, with a total rating of 88.4. Other cruise lines in the category include: Celebrity, Princess, Royal Caribbean, and Carnival. These results were published in November of 2012.

Disney Magic

In addition, Disney Cruise Line was named to Condé Nast Traveler's Gold List 2013, ranking 2nd out of 7 ocean cruise lines. Disney Cruise Line was the only large ship cruise line included on the list, with an overall rating of 88.4.

Disney Wonder

Finally, it was recently announced that all four of the Disney Cruise Line ships were ranked in the top 20 large cruise ships in the world by in the 2013 Readers Poll conducted by Condé Nast Traveler. In fact, all four ships were ranked in the top 10, also taking the top 3 spots! The rankings and ratings are:
  • #1 = Disney Magic (89.9) - Disney's first cruise ship is still at the top!
  • #2 = Disney Wonder (89.6) - The second ship of the Disney Cruise Line
  • #3 = Disney Dream (89.5) - Disney Cruise Line's third ship
  • #8 = Disney Fantasy (84.8) - New to the poll, also Disney's newest ship
Disney Dream
One of my first posts to this blog was titled: Why Cruise? Why Disney? I think these results speak for themselves.

Disney Fantasy





For more information on the Disney Cruise Line, you may also want to read:
 If you have questions about a Disney Cruise, or would like more information, feel free to comment below!

Overlooked Attractions: Future World

Epcot at Walt Disney World is an enormous park, and Future World is the largest section, which makes it very easy to overlook fun attractions in order to fit in the more popular experiences.


However, there are several experiences worth doing that you may have overlooked. Read more to find out which ones!





These attractions are often bypassed as guests attempt to race to the most popular rides in Epcot: Soarin', Mission: Space, and Test Track. In addition, the large centerpiece of Spaceship Earth catches every guest's eye upon entering the park.

Ellen's Energy Adventure

Located close to the main entrance to the park, on the left as you enter, Ellen's Energy Adventure is a fun journey through the history of energy. Ellen DeGeneres and Bill Nye the Science Guy star in this adventure, where the theater becomes a time machine, using surround cinema technology to enhance the experience. During the show, the theater transforms into 6-passenger vehicles that move through various displays, ending with another movie experience. The show lasts about 45 minutes, but new shows start approximately every 17 minutes.


Advanced Training Lab

This attraction is actually the post-show to the Mission: Space adventure, and is often bypassed on the way out of the ride. However, there are four different interactive experiences here:
  1. Mission: Space Race - Two teams (astronauts and ground control) compete to be the first to send a rocket from Mars back to Earth. Up to 56 people can play at once.
  2. Expedition Mars - The object of this joystick video game is to find your 4 fellow astronauts on the surface of Mars within 4 minutes.
  3. Space Base - This interactive space-themed playground is designed for young children.
  4. Postcards from Space - Guests can email a space video of themselves to anyone. This is a great souvenir of your trip!

It is possible to explore the Advanced Training Lab without riding Mission: SPACE.


The Circle of Life

This attraction is found in The Land Pavilion, and is often overlooked in favor of Soarin' and Living with the Land. This 20-minute movie includes scenes filmed in over 30 countries, as Simba, Timon, and Pumbaa explain the importance of protecting our land and environment. Children enjoy the mixture of animation and live film.



 Innoventions

Innoventions is an experience full of interactive exhibits for all ages. Housed in two separate pavilions labeled "East" and "West", there is a variety of adventures to explore!

Innoventions East:
  • The Sum of All Thrills - Design your own thrill ride using math, science, and engineering. Then experience your ride using a simulator!
  • StormStruck - Learn how to be prepared in the event of a weather emergency.
  • Test the Limits Lab - Attempt to damage everyday objects to test their safety.
  • Environmentality Corner - Discover how to have a "green" mentality.
Innoventions West:
  • Segway Central - Experience a Segway personal transporter. There are age and size limitations.
  • SmarterPlanet - Create an avatar to use in a video game! You can then email your game to anyone!
  • The Great Piggy Bank Adventure - This interactive experience helps teach children to save for a future goal.
  • Video Game Playground - Play a variety of video games using the latest technology.
  • Where's the Fire? - Learn about fire hazards and fire safety in an interactive game house.
Segway Central
  Conclusion

Since these overlooked attractions do not have a minimum height requirement (with the exception of Segway Central), they are ideal for families with younger children.

What do you think of these overlooked attractions in Future World?

A Pirate's Life for Me! Pirates League Pirate Makeovers

Have you seen pictures of little girls after their princess makeover, and wondered what the options are for your child who would rather be a pirate? The Pirates League in the Magic Kingdom specializes in makeovers for pirates-in-training.


There are several packages available to transform each guest into a pirate or mermaid. Read more to find out how!


The Pirates League is located in Adventureland, near the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. It is open every day, and Magic Kingdom park admission is required. Reservations are strongly encouraged, and may be made up to 180 days in advance.


Each aspiring pirate may choose one of four pirate makeover packages. Additional costumes and accessories may be brought with you or purchased separately through The Pirates League. Portrait sessions are also available for an additional charge.

Package Options

Jake and the Neverland Pirates Package - $29.95 plus tax
  • bandana with faux hair
  • facial effect
  • sword and sheath
  • Pirates League bag
  • pirate coin necklace
The "First Mate" or "Empress" Package = $34.95
  • choice of facial effect
  • reversible bandana
  • earring and eye patch
  • sword and sheath
  • temporary tattoo
  • unique pirate coin necklace
  • personalized pirate oath
  • official pirate name
Mermaid Package - $39.95
  • mermaid makeup and makeup palette
  • hairstyle and color-changing hair clip
  • color-changing mermaid necklace
  • nail polish
  • mermaid sash
All new pirates and mermaids have the option of participating in the Parade of Pirates in Adventureland, which occurs daily, weather permitting.




This experience is a fun option for all aspiring pirates. It is also an alternative for those who are unable to reserve an appointment for a princess makeover, or who would prefer a less costly option.

Resort Spotlight: Disney's Coronado Springs

Disney's Coronado Springs is one of the moderate resort hotels on Walt Disney World property. To tell you more about this resort, I invited my friend and colleague Sherry Jackson to share her experiences there.



Read more to see what Sherry says about this moderate resort hotel with a Southwestern flair.




Disney's Coronado Springs Resort
from Sherry Jackson

Disney's Coronado Springs Resort

Disney’s Coronado Springs is a beautiful, peaceful resort. With Mexican and American Southwestern décor, you walk in and truly feel like you have stepped into a far away, exotic location. Split into 3 different themed areas: the Ranchos, Cabanas, and Casitas, this is a huge resort! This is a convention resort, but we found it to be a very quiet and cozy place. 

Room at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort
Most of the rooms contain two queen beds, a table and chairs, and a vanity outside of the bathroom, and coffeemakers can be found in every room. Outside of your room, you will find a white sandy beach, palm trees, hammocks swaying in the breeze, and maybe even an extra friend or two! 



Dining options include Café Rix, Laguna Pool Bar, Maya Grill, Pepper Market, Rix Lounge, and Siestas Cantina. We ate breakfast at Maya Grill, and it was delicious!



Transportation at Coronado Springs to the parks is by bus only, and this is a non-sharing bus resort, meaning you won’t have to wait for other resort stops along the way. Unless you request a room near a bus stop, walking from your room can be about an 8-10 minute walk, depending on where your room is located.

Lost City of Cibola Pool at Disney's Coronado Springs

There are 3 themed swimming pools, the main pool sporting a huge Mayan pyramid with a waterfall cascading down, and a water slide around. We loved it! There are so many magical things about this resort, and I could go on for days about it! We will definitely stay here again and again!



Thank you, Sherry!

Many thanks to Sherry Jackson for her insight on this wonderful moderate resort! Be sure to check out Sherry's blog: Disney by Pixie.

To read more about the various resorts at Walt Disney World, read my previous blog post:  Behind the Magic: Disney World Resort Options.