Learning Onboard: World Lessons Disney Cruise Style
I got my first ‘hit’ of Disney magic at age 7 when my family went to visit Disneyland. From that point on I was hooked. I always wanted more. A Disney addict? Is that a thing?
The urge was so strong that as a newlywed I somehow convinced my husband that we should take my young nephews to Disneyland because I felt like it wasn’t something an adult should do sans kids. Naïve youthful delusions! And clearly, my husband loved me. For our 3rd anniversary, we decided we could brave Disneyworld all alone. Needless to say, every one of those experiences was different and also wonderful. I wanted more. We eventually had kids of our own and they have been to varying Disney parks and resorts an embarrassing number of times for a family from Montana.
Aulani Resort Hawaii 2014
Disneyland Paris 2017
Disney World 2016
Disneyland 2015
Of all my “Disney Goals” (and there are still many) I believe I have pestered my husband about a Disney Cruise the most. A Mediterranean Disney Cruise to be specific because I loved the idea of showing our children other parts of the world as well.
“The kids will love it!” I exclaim. To which he simply arches his eyebrow at me. “Oh alright,” I say grudgingly. “I will love it!”
He would gently try to sway me with other cruise lines that had the same itinerary during the same timeframe but at a more reasonable price. I wasn’t having it. I wanted Disney. I wanted that feeling of pure magic that I still remember from childhood. And besides, this cruise ship was actually called the Disney Magic! How perfect is that? He eventually relented and the plan was set in motion.
Ultimately, the cruise ship was beautiful, the entertainment spectacular and the food varied and plentiful. And as usual, the cast members truly made the experience magical in many ways but I am most grateful for their kind willingness to go all Ariel on us and help us feel “Part of Your World”.
When Kevin and I first discussed traveling around the world with our kids, one of our primary motives was to expose them to a bit of diversity. No offense to my beloved Montana but it’s not exactly known for being very diverse. We had no idea that being on a cruise ship would provide them with wonderful opportunities to learn about others on a more personal level without ever having to even leave the ship! On the Disney Magic, there were 1000 crew members representing over 50 nations. Each crew member dons their home country on their name badge and we found they were delighted to tell us a bit about where they are from if we took the opportunity to just ask.
Eric told us about his children and wife back home in India. He spends 5 months at a time aboard the ship and communicates with his family as often as possible via Skype. He says his work with Disney provides a comfortable life for his loved ones and allows his kids to attend a good school. He spoke of them so longingly and thanked us many times for asking about his life and family. My daughter and I both teared up thinking about leaving our family for such a long time. He said when he told his wife about our reaction, she was so touched that she offered us a place to stay if we ever made our way to India. Eric’s work ethic is a great reminder of how fortunate we are that this level of sacrifice isn’t necessary for our family at this time.
Kwani, from Thailand, took the time to write down some simple phrases for us to use in her native language and deliver them to us. She also provided us with a list of lesser-known towns to visit if we go to Thailand so we can get a more authentic experience. She told us about her plans for her future and her desire to use the money she is saving from her work with Disney to start a Youth Hostel in her hometown of Chiang Mai. A tale of determination and entrepreneurship. It would make Walt Disney proud.
Padraig told us about his life as a young boy in hostile Northern Ireland. I knew conflict had existed there but I really didn’t understand why. He explained the difference was more religious than political. The Protestant majority wanted to remain part of the United Kingdom while the Catholic parties wished to become part of the Republic of Ireland. It got ugly for awhile. He told us about how he had to use a fake name at times because the name Padraig “outs” him as a Catholic and could have been dangerous. He told us about his siblings, his parents and missing home and family gatherings. He made sure we knew that Northern Ireland was safe now and we should definitely visit if we get the chance. The way he sees it, more tourism in Northern Ireland means a stronger economy for the future and its potential uncertainty following Brexit.
The list of amazing cast members goes on and on but the overall message is the same one Disney tried to teach me at age 7. I can still hear it loud and clear:
It’s a world of laughter,
A world of tears.
It’s a world of hopes,
And a world of fears.
There’s so much that we share,
That it’s time we’re aware,
It’s a small world after all.
Thank you, Disney, for always knowing exactly what ‘magic’ my soul needs and sharing that with my children. I agree that it is imperative we appreciate both the differences and the many, many similarities that we all share around the world. Until we meet again.
Disney Cruise 2017
