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Our First Disney Cruise: Fantasy from Southampton to Spain

We’re already big Disney fans, but nothing could have prepared us for just how magical a Disney Cruise would be (not even the hundreds of vlogs we watched!). Our first ever cruise was a 5-night adventure aboard the Disney Fantasy, sailing from Southampton with stops at Vigo and La Coruna in Spain.

The Navigator App: Your Best Friend on Board

Once we boarded and connected to the ship’s Wi-Fi, the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App became our go-to guide. It lists every activity, show, and character meet happening each day.

On our first afternoon, we sat down together, scrolled through, and “hearted” the things we didn’t want to miss. That little step saved us so many “what should we do next?” moments later in the week.

Tip: Set aside some time to become familiar with the app and work out your plan for your cruise

Finding Our Disney Cruise Community

Before sailing, we joined a Facebook group for our specific cruise date. It was full of useful info, but the real magic began once we boarded and someone set up a WhatsApp chat for our sailing.

Thanks to that group we:

• Discovered bonus character sightings that weren’t listed on the app
• Were alerted the second someone spotted the infamous last-day Mickey Churro Waffles!
• Shared excitement and tips in real time with other families on board

We also joined in with Pixie Dusting — a fun Disney Cruise tradition where families leave little treats outside cabin doors. My kids were beyond excited checking ours each day and loved leaving surprises for others.

Some families also take part in a more organised gift exchange using a Fish Extender — a bag or container that hangs on a hook outside your cabin (the hook is shaped like a fish, hence the name!). These gifts are often personalised based on who is in the cabin and their age.

Tip: Cruise doors are magnetic, so bring decorations — it makes identifying your room easier and adds to the fun!

Getting Started: Boarding Day

The first day felt like a whirlwind. Once we’d checked in, we had a choice of lunch at Cabanas (buffet style but busy) or Animator’s Palate (sit-down and calmer). We went for Animator’s and it was the perfect start, relaxed, delicious, and not too overwhelming.

After that came the Muster Drill (safety briefing) mandatory for all guests and then it was time to head to the upper deck for the Sail Away Party. The music, characters, and excitement were incredible, and the moment the ship’s horns played “When You Wish Upon a Star.” Yes, I cried!

Tip: Boarding day is also the best time to explore the ship. The kids’ clubs hold open houses where parents can join in, helping little ones feel comfortable before they go on their own.

Pool Time & Splashing About

The pools were definitely a hit with the kids, though it’s worth noting they’re not really big enough for proper swimming, more for splashing and cooling off. Disney also runs a 10-minute break every hour, encouraging everyone to get out and use the bathroom. Accidents do still happen, and we saw the pools drained, cleaned, and refilled more than once.

👉 Good to know:

• Main pools are only for toilet-trained children (no swim nappies allowed).
• There are separate splash areas for younger kids.
• Adults have their own dedicated pools and sun decks, which looked wonderfully peaceful, one for the list if your little ones are in the kids’ club!

Dining & Room Service

Each evening, we rotated through different dining rooms, which kept things fresh and fun. We’d chosen late dining, which meant we caught the nightly Broadway-style show first and then enjoyed a relaxed meal. For us, it worked perfectly.

One small thing we noticed: the lifts (elevators) got very busy at peak times, especially in the evenings when everyone was heading to dinner or the shows. If you can manage it, the stairs are often quicker, particularly if you’re going down.

That said, if you’re lucky enough to catch one of the first two lifts mid-ship, you’re in for a treat. The glass lifts glide past beautiful character animations, we spotted some of our favourites floating by, which made the ride part of the magic!

Room service is available 24 hours, and the pool kiosks meant we never went hungry! Our son loves chicken tenders, and even when they weren’t on the menu, our server happily brought them, Disney magic at its best.

We also tried the continental breakfast option, which you order via a form left outside your cabin door. Small tip: have some small dollar bills handy for your server. You can also take food from Cabanas back to your room, perfect if you fancy Mickey Waffles in bed!

Our Stateroom Experience

We loved our stateroom, and it quickly felt like a home-from-home. Our room host, Pa, came to introduce herself on the very first day, and she couldn’t have been lovelier. Each evening we left her little treats and notes to say thank you and one night she surprised the kids by putting on Disney-themed bedding. That isn’t standard, so it felt really special!

All tips can be prepaid before you board, but we made sure to leave Pa an extra thank-you at the end of our cruise.

Tip: Keep some small dollar bills on hand for tipping room service.

Evenings On Board

The shows were incredible, Disney really knows how to put on a performance. We learned quickly to arrive about 30 minutes early if we wanted good seats. And don’t forget the popcorn! Buy a souvenir bucket on your first night and enjoy discounted refills every evening after that!

And if you’re not quite ready for bed after all that? Head up to the top deck where Funnel Vision plays Disney movies under the stars. It can get a bit windy and chilly up there, but fear not — lovely warm blankets are tucked away in the towel cupboards. There was something so special about snuggling under a blanket with the kids, watching a Disney classic against the backdrop of the night sky. Pure magic.

Port Days & Life at Sea

Our cruise had two stops: Vigo and La Coruña. We only got off the ship in La Coruña, where Disney’s Cast Members kindly handed out beach towels for us to use — such a thoughtful touch and meant we didn’t need to pack our own.

On the day we docked in Vigo, we decided to stay onboard. It turned out to be a great choice — the ship felt much quieter, and we loved spending a calmer day by the pool.

One thing worth mentioning: on our first full day at sea, the ship’s rocking was very noticeable. A few people did experience seasickness. We’d packed travel bands and Kwells, and although none of us felt particularly ill, we wore the bands and took a tablet out of caution. The onboard shops also sold remedies, and the Health Centre could help with medicine if needed.

Tip: Even if you think you won’t need them, it’s worth bringing seasickness remedies — just in case.

Final Thoughts

Our first Disney Cruise was everything we hoped it would be and more. The shows, the food, the characters, the ports of call, the little Disney touches everywhere, it all came together to create a holiday we’ll never forget.

If I had to sum it up, I’d say: plan a little (download the app, join the Facebook group, know your dining time), but also leave room for surprises. Like grabbing a coffee or hot chocolate from Vista Cafe and having your favourite character appear on top!

Would we do it again? In a heartbeat. The Disney Fantasy truly lived up to its name , a floating dream of Disney magic.