The Sweetest Secret: Surprising the Kids With Their First Disney Cruise
By: Anna Trosper
December 16, 2025
I have been holding onto one of the biggest secrets of my life… and it has not been easy. This December, I’ll be taking my niece (33), her daughter (5), and my great-great nephew (10) on their very first Disney Cruise. We’re sailing out of Galveston on the Disney Magic for a 4-Night Very Merrytime Western Caribbean Cruise — and the two little ones have absolutely no idea what’s coming.
Photo Credit: Disney Cruise Line
If you know me at all, you know I love planning magical moments for so many families. But planning one for my own? That just hits differently.
Keeping the Surprise
My niece and I decided from the beginning that this would be a total surprise for the kids. No hints. No clues. No “maybe we’ll go somewhere fun.”
They have no idea - we will just get up on the morning before the sailing and have the car and bags packed. We are headed down to Galveston for the night before so that we are there and ready to go the morning of.
Meanwhile, I’ve been here quietly packing pirate night outfits, matching shirts, and all the cute little Disney details… while trying to look completely innocent. I’m honestly amazed I haven’t slipped up yet.
Hiding the Clues (Not Easy!)
I’ve been secretly gathering all the little touches that make a Disney Cruise extra magical. Pirate Night outfits are tucked away, door magnets are hidden, and little goodies for the fish extender are quietly stashed. Glow sticks for evening fun are safely out of sight, and of course, the matching sail-away shirts are packed without a single hint to the kids. Honestly, I think I deserve a medal for keeping all of this under wraps!
The Reveal: Straight From Mickey Himself
We’re actually arriving in Galveston the night before our cruise and staying at a hotel, so the kids will think we’re just spending a few days hanging out at the beach. On the morning of embarkation, the actual day we sail, they’ll be getting a phone call from Mickey and his friends. Yes, a real Disney character calls telling them, “Guess what? You’re going on a Disney Cruise… today!” I can already picture their reactions: wide eyes, screaming, jumping, and maybe a few happy tears (from all of us). Then we’ll grab our bags and head straight to the terminal to board the Disney Magic. I don’t think I’ve ever been more excited for a travel day in my life.
What I’m Most Excited For
Truly, everything. I can’t wait to watch them run onto the ship for the first time, to see their faces at the Sail-Away Party, to watch them meet Mickey and Minnie in their cruise outfits, and to see their reactions to the fireworks at sea. Every little “oh my gosh!” moment, every squeal of joy, every wide-eyed stare will be unforgettable. There is nothing like experiencing a Disney Cruise through the eyes of children who have never seen it before.
Tips for Families Planning a Surprise
Since I help families plan magical Disney trips all the time, here are a few tips for anyone wanting to pull off a surprise like this. Use the Disney character calls—they are unforgettable. Pack quietly and early so you’re not rushing at the last minute. Bring a few small surprises to reveal each day onboard. Keep the reveal simple and sweet, and make sure your camera is ready to capture the priceless reactions. If you ever want help planning a surprise cruise like this, I would absolutely love to help make it happen.
Final Thoughts
This trip has been such a joy to plan, and we haven’t even left yet. I cannot wait to write the next chapter of this story after we sail—the moment they found out, their favorite parts, and all the special memories we’ll be talking about for years. December 2025 can’t come fast enough.
If reading about our Disney Cruise surprise has you dreaming of creating your own magical family adventure, I would love to help! Whether it’s a first-time cruise, a multi-generational getaway, or a special surprise like ours, I can help you plan every detail so your trip is unforgettable.
You can reach out to me anytime at annat@wishesfamilytravel.com or visit my Facebook page to send me a message. Let’s make your next family vacation a memory you’ll treasure forever!
Let the magic begin!
Disclaimer: I booked this cruise at a rate available to the general public.