Being a single of 2 boys (12 & 4), my vacation selection was limited. So, I opted to do the Disney Magic Cruise for 7 days. From doing extensive research online, I thought this would prove to be the answer for all our vacation needs. And in truth, it was!

We went in August of 2009. Stayed in a beautiful oceanview suite on Deck 5, which happens to be the same deck as the youth program is on. Very convenient for me and my 4 year old. 3 Decks below, is where my oldest spent 3/4 of his time with other pre-teens. A room called Ocean Quest, with the latest gaming systems, a simulated bridge and some pretty awesome counselors.

My oldest and his new friends pretty much had the run of the whole ship, where they played man-hunt (with and without the counselors), sports and the occassional treasure hunts. I purchased over-priced walkie-talkies from the gift shop, just so I can keep tabs on him. Other than dinner and a show each night, I barely saw him until midnight, when Ocean Quest closed. I was worried he would be bored on this ship, since I thought it was more geared towards my 4 year old and not my 12 year old. Boy, was I wrong!! Read more