This was not only our first Disney cruise, but also our first EVER cruise for everyone in the family. I must admit, we had concerns about sailing going into it, but it didn't take long for us to realize that we were going to have a wonderful time.
Overall, our experience on the Fantasy was excellent. It started with an easy transfer from our hotel (Radisson Resort at the Port, which was a great stopping point with fun pool for the kids and nice accommodations) and a short trip through check-in to get onto the ship. I don't the kids will forget walking aboard and seeing that grand, two story foyer. It really sets you up with the feeling that this is going to be a great trip.
We found our stateroom fairly easily. We were surprised how much space we actually had as a family of five in a Family Oceanview with a Verandah. The murphy bed, transforming couch, dropped bunk from the ceiling, and the curtain separator were perfect touches to make the room transform from a place to relax to a comfortable place to sleep. Being in an outside cabin and having a Verandah is a must, in our opinion. I spent many hours out there reading my book while we were at sea.