Many people think Disney cruises are just for kids, but my new friend Shellie Wylie knows a secret. She and her husband of 17 years have found real life magic and romance on the Disney Cruise line, and it is their favorite way to travel WITHOUT the kids! Let’s cruise along with Shellie today, and see through her eyes, how and why one can find very grown- up treasure on the high seas with Disney.

Real Life Magic and Romance on the High Seas (with a Splash of Disney!) Written by Shellie Wylie

My husband and I have taken three Disney cruise vacations without children in tow. All three vacations were simply wonderful! Because I am the owner of a travel agency, we have traveled often sans children as well. Despite the perception that Disney cruises are just for kids –  our favorite…by far… adults only vacations have been on Disney ships.

The feeling of being valued and appreciated by all crew members begins the moment we arrive at the terminal. The efficient check-in process starts the trust in Disney’s ability to care for us in that special Disney way. I enjoy the experience with excitement as the daily stress carried around in my shoulder muscles begins to drop away.

By the time we reach the gang-way and the cast member calls out “Welcome to the Wylie family”, I am in tears. The impact of that entrance, the grandness, the beauty, the simple yet profound welcome sets the stage for what is to come.

How does this relate to romance?

Well, because of the superior service and beautiful surroundings, as a couple, we are freed enough from our real lives to see each other again as we did 17 years ago. Disney is a master at story telling. On the ship the story they are telling is your own. You write it. They’ve given you a beautiful sea-bound canvas. Classic, well designed stateroom, charming coffee bar, opulent and fun restaurants, room service, night club, piano bar, sports bar, adult exclusive pool, and so many options for activities if your story should include them.

 In this environment I am so very important again to my husband, and he to me. I begin to remember why we fell in love so long ago. We focus on each other because we trust Disney to do everything else. And they do.

Our stateroom is always clean. Our food is always wonderful. If we choose to sit and read on deck, we can do that in peace together on wonderful round cushioned loungers. We can play 70’s Music Trivia, or disco dance. Romance can be found on a Disney cruise because these ships give us a chance to look into each other’s eyes and fall in love all over again. The details are all taken care of, so we are able to put our focus elsewhere.

We have our own real life magic – with just a subtle sprinkle of Disney magic thrown in. It feels good to be a part of the magic. It’s magic, not Mickey Mouse. It’s NOT in your face Mickey or Minnie. They are there for sure should you seek them out. These ships have a feeling, a personality that does not focus on the Disney characters. The focus is on the elegance and magic to set your mind at ease. You get to create your own story – and my husband and I choose to create a story of romance.

But it’s not ALL about us. Another gift that is included with a Disney Cruise is meeting fellow passengers who also know how to appreciate the magic. They are people like you. They are people who enjoy family. They are people who are kind and thoughtful. They are people who enjoy excellent Broadway quality shows who probably do similar things at home. And in all my cruise vacations, I have never seen an adult embarrassingly inebriated on a Disney ship as on other ships.

It’s the magic that sets the Disney ships apart from other cruise lines. It’s Walt’s belief that we NEED some magic in our lives now and then. He was right. We do need it. I think we need it now more than ever before. Simple beauty. Simple service. Simple kindness. These go a long way to un-complicating my life for a little while, and helping my husband and I find romance and real life magic on the high seas.

When you board the Disney Magic, or Wonder, or Dream, or Fantasy, the magic of Disney is where you live 24 hours a day. Ironically it feels like a fantasy to be freed from the cares and worries of the “real” world. And that my friends…amounts to a hefty dose of romance.

Shellie Wylie is the owner of Wishes Family Travel – your FREE, concierge level, personal service, luxury travel agency for families. 

Learn more about Wishes Family Travel – and how Shelly or her agents can help you book the vacation of your dreams – by clicking the logo below.