We’ve covered the youth activities on board, but what about those families who want to play together? Well for those times that you want to hang out as a family, Disney certainly hasn’t forgotten you! Now be warned, it’s hard to tear the kids away from the youth activities that Disney offers on board. I’ve talked to many younger guests, especially those who are repeat guests, and they can’t speak highly enough about the youth activities!
For the families, let’s start with the obvious…the pool! There are several pools on board, and one is specifically for families. This is the largest pool, and the one right in the middle of the ship. The official name is not the “family pool” though, it’s Goofy’s Pool! This is where the Bon Voyage party takes place on the first night of the cruise, and this big pool is open to everyone. Children must be age ten or older to be unaccompanied though. There’s lots of room to splash and play, two big spas, and Pinocchio’s Pizzeria is right nearby to enjoy snacks and drinks while dining! There’s also a nearby stage, and two bandstands, with music playing throughout much of the trip. The pools are filled with seawater, but it is filtered, not to worry! Goofy’s Pool has a constant depth of four feet, and the pools are heated when the temperature drops below 75 degrees. Disney’s ships are two of the only ships where the pools are filled before heading out to sea. On both the Magic and the Wonder, there is now a huge screen which plays videos and movies over the family pool. This change was made just last month while the ships were in dry dock. Watch movies under the stars on these giant LCD screens. At the Lake Buena Vista Theater, you and your family can enjoy movies, first run, and Disney favorites, in this state of the art theater.
How about family games? Visit the Wide World of Sports deck, where you can enjoy basketball or street hockey. Also, around the family pool areas, there are ping pong tables for your enjoyment. At the Quarter Masters arcade, you’ll find a traditional arcade filled with video games (state of the art of course!), air hockey, and all of your arcade favorites! You can also play shuffleboard, or take a jog around deck 4’s 1/3 mile track!
Last but not least, there’s Studio Sea. Here you can enjoy a game show which you can participate in, and family dance parties. This studio is set up like a television soundstage, with monitors and directors chairs. It’s loads of fun for everyone!