Disney Magic in Europe

[MarkC]

Hi All,

We just returned from a 7 day cruise to the Mediterranean on the Disney Magic. My DW, 2 sons ages 23 and 21 and oldest son's wife. We had two rooms to let the newlyweds of 1 year be alone.

I'll just give some highlights and tips if you've ever wondered if you could do Europe. First, the trip was wonderful. The Disney Magic is still first rate in all areas even though its going in for rehab.

As for the cruise, we hired private drivers at all the ports-- Barcelona, the French Riviera, Rome, Florence/Pisa and Pompeii/Positano. It was about half of what Disney charged and they picked us up in either a Mercedes or VW van. All drivers spoke good English. Lots of highlights but seeing the Statue of David in Florence, the Colosseum and Sistine Chapel in Rome were bucket list items. And the views from the mountains on the French Riviera and Amalfi Coast in Italy are not matched anywhere in this country-- sorry for that but true.

A couple of comments: we were always in tourist towns but could not go anywhere without seeing or hearing other American tourists. We had no issues with anyone or any crime. Most people were very friendly and spoke a decent amount of English. Several places did not take Visa so bring Euros. Food is pretty expensive there-- figure $15 per person for even a cheaper lunch. Even the Vatican and Pompeii did not take Visa. You often have to pay about .5 Euros to use the bathroom except in major tourist spots or nicer restaurants.

I took several hundred pictures and have wittled it down to about 400. Really.

Also, I would not take kids younger than college age as I don't think they can appreciate or even enjoy most of it. They would enjoy the Disney cruise parts but not the tours. So if you're thinking about a Disney cruise with young kids go to the Caribbean.

As always, the Disney food and service were top notch. I was stunned this morning when I weighed and found out I only gained .5 pounds. If anyone has any questions please let me know.
I heartily recommend the cruise for the right people.

[faline]

Sounds like it was a fabulous trip!!!

[DisneyorBust]

May have to consider this when DW and I trek to Europe!

[January-2007]

Thanks for reporting.

[Katzateer]

Sounds like a greattrip. My dream cruise would be a Disney cruise to Alaska. Thanks for sharing.

[vizsla]

Thanks for the report.

[AgentC]

Thanks for the report. I've always been curious about the European cruises. It sounds like a great experience.

[Mickey'sGirl]

Thanks for your review! I think it's a fabulous iterary!

Also, I would not take kids younger than college age as I don't think they can appreciate or even enjoy most of it. They would enjoy the Disney cruise parts but not the tours. So if you're thinking about a Disney cruise with young kids go to the Caribbean.

I think you are wrong ... my children (aged 15 and 9) travel all over the world with us, and have vivid thoughts and memories and appreciation for what they have seen and done in Europe and North America. Don't underestimate them!! We're heading to Germany and France for 3 weeks in August, and they are both excited and involved in our planning.

[emerzmom]

Your trip sounds wonderful!!! Thanks for sharing.

Julie

[joanna71985]

The cruise sounds amazing! I would love to do a Med cruise someday (if I could ever afford it)

[pdrlkr]

Thanks for the Report!

[PlutoPlanet]

Great report. How did you pick your private drivers?

[MarkC]

I used Trip Advisor and just picked the highest rated tours. All were very, very good. A couple of drivers were great but that is probably just personal preference. However, all 5 of us agreed on the same ones so there may be some logic to it. It was much cheaper than doing what Disney charged. The only disadvantage was that when we were tendered and had to take a shuttle boat, Disney tours had top priority. Our longest wait for a shuttle was 15 minutes so it wasn't a big deal. I would do it again that way every time in these areas where tourism is popular. In other areas I may stick with the cruise ship tours.

[KylesMom]

What an incredible trip - thanks for posting your memories and your advice!