Disappointing photos show what it's like to go on a Disney Cruise

Jill RobbinsDec 15, 2022, 23:12 IST

In my experience, the crowds are a lot larger than expected on Disney cruises.Jill Robbins

Some of my favorite vacations have been on Disney cruises, but the experiences aren't perfect.
The pools look great in marketing materials, but I find they're usually too crowded.

As an avid cruiser, I've noticed that some Disney Cruise Line ships aren't as perfect as they seem from afar.

I've been on the Disney Magic, the Disney Wonder, and the Disney Dream.Jill Robbins

The pools can get so crowded during sea days that my family usually skips them altogether.

The family pools have been super popular during my sailings.Jill Robbins

If I don't snag a lounge chair early in the morning or late at night, I'm often left without one.

I avoid the pools on Disney cruises, as they're often packed with people.Jill Robbins

People often talk about the cruises' amazing buffets, but not many mention the lines to get there.

The line at Cabanas can get very long at meal times.Jill Robbins

Sometimes the deck parties get so crowded that I can't even see the stage.

Those who don't love crowds should know that the deck parties can get rambunctious.Jill Robbins

To secure a prime viewing spot, I typically have to get to the deck at least 30 minutes before showtime.

Large crowds gather on a Disney cruise ship.Jill Robbins

We recently had to wait 90 minutes for a meet-and-greet with some of our favorite Disney characters.

The lines to meet Disney characters on cruise ships can take well over an hour.Jill Robbins

The lighting in the dining rooms can make it challenging to capture high-quality photos of your meals.

The lighting in Animator's Palette is pink, making it difficult to capture a great photo.Jill Robbins

Sometimes dishes are lacking in the presentation department.

The meat and potatoes from Rapunzel's Royal Table looked unappetizing to me.Jill Robbins

Still, these small disappointments aren't substantial enough to keep me from cruising with Disney.

Even though this selection of Disney Cruise photos might be less than magical, the memories I've brought home with me from the trips are the real deal.Jill Robbins

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