Most European hotels do not have the typical “American-sized” hotel rooms. The actual size of the rooms and beds are often smaller, and many hotels limit occupancy to two people. While splitting up into multiple rooms can work for a few nights, do you really want to spend your entire vacation down the hall from the rest of your family?

Some European hotels offer “family rooms” (often connecting rooms), but these usually come at a much higher price point.
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Cruise lines vary in their stateroom offerings, but many cabins accommodate three, four, or even five guests comfortably!

Photo:  Verandah Stateroom on the Disney Dream.  This room sleeps up to four guests.  The couch converts to a twin bed, and an "upper berth" twin bed folds down from the ceiling at night.  

The ideal vacation overseas would include a direct flight overnight, allowing everyone to wake up in their new destination and start their day.  When that overnight sleep doesn’t happen, and someone needs to catch up on sleep, many cruise itineraries make this possible.

Some cruise itineraries start with a day at sea, giving everyone in the family a full day to adjust to the new time zone.  If the kids have adjusted and you haven’t, they can head off to cruise activities or the kids' club while you catch a much-needed nap.

Many cruise itineraries give you a sampling of Europe without fully committing to one destination.    What’s better than visiting one country in Europe?  Visiting more than one! 

Our first cruise included ports in Spain, Italy, and France.  Our second European Cruise included stops in Denmark, Sweden, Germany, and Norway. 

​We are so grateful that our kids have checked off that many fun places without having to constantly pack and change hotels.

Traveling somewhere unknown can be unsettling, especially when you have your kids in tow. 

Maybe you studied abroad in Florence, so you don’t need a guided tour or set excursion to navigate that area.  Or maybe you're the opposite and feel nervous because you don't want to do it alone. 

Cruise line excursions offer a variety of options, but if you’re comfortable, you can walk off the ship and explore independently.  If you prefer more structure, you can choose an excursion that meets onboard and guides you step-by-step through the day.  While safety during travel can never be promised, choosing the level of structure that fits your comfort zone can help mitigate risk.

It’s funny how quickly your cruise ship starts to feel like home. 

By day three, you can find your room without hesitation. The barista knows your name. The bartender remembers how you like your martini.
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Each day you get to go out on a port adventure, it’s a new city, often times with new menus in different languages.   Walking up to a local restaurant can raise some questions: What if I can’t read the menu or pricing? What if the server tries to get a tip because they know I’m American?  What if I order something entirely too adventurous for my palate?  It is great to know that while you may have a different meal or two while ashore, your "home" is waiting for you. Back on your cruise ship, French fries and chicken fingers are always available!

​Katie D is a travel advisor with Magic Expeditions who specializes in family travel, Disney destinations, and cruises. She helps families plan trips that feel manageable, memorable, and fun - especially when navigating international travel with kids.

For families who want to ease into international-style travel without leaving the U.S., the Adventures by Disney Yellowstone and Wyoming is the perfect starting point.

​This guided family tour includes classic Western experiences like horseback riding and whitewater rafting. Families also explore Yellowstone National Park, with VIP access to Old Faithful and wildlife viewing opportunities.

If your family craves a tropical getaway, Costa Rica delivers a mix of adrenaline and natural beauty.

​Ziplining through the rainforest canopy, spotting monkeys and sloths, and soaking in volcanic hot springs are just a few of the highlights. Disney’s Adventure Guides ensure every detail is seamless, so families can enjoy the thrill without stress.

Europe can be intimidating if you have not been there (or have not been in many years).  When you add kids into the mix, things always feel even more complicated! 

​The London & Paris itinerary solves this with VIP access to landmarks like the Tower of London and the Eiffel Tower. These are the iconic sites parents love to share with their children - bringing to life what they have only seen in books or on TV back home.  Families enjoy these must-see highlights with all the logistics handled — no worrying about tickets, lines, or transportation.

We have helped a lot of families plan incredible vacations over the years.  Our clients often tell us that having our advice on which trip to start with made the decision far easier than sorting through every option on their own.  These three itineraries are consistently rated as the best introductions to family guided tours / Adventures by Disney by our clients. They balance iconic destinations with Disney’s trademark storytelling and service, giving families a smooth first experience before tackling more exotic itineraries.  (We will be there to help you with those too!)

As professional travel agents, we help families choose the right trip based on ages, interests, and travel style. We’ve seen first-hand how the right itinerary can turn a good vacation into an unforgettable one.

We can answer the questions you did not know you had before you travel - and Disney will be there to ensure your trip is smooth as soon as your flight lands.  

Dining & Drinks
Aulani is not an all-inclusive resort and there are no dining plans.  You will pay for food and drink as you go during your vacation.  Aulani offers character breakfasts at Makahiki, fine dining at ‘AMA‘AMA, and lots of options for cocktails, poolside snacks, and quick-service meals.  Depending on your room type, you may have a kitchen or kitchenette so you can do some of your own cooking.  

Luau
The KA WA‘A, A Lu‘au at Aulani, is a separately ticketed event with food, music, and hula performances.  It has a focus on Disney story-telling and offers a special kids' menu.  Alcohol is included with the Luau.  There are two different pricing options:  General Seating and Preferred Seating.  The Preferred seating will get you closer to the stage, an early check-in, and a photo download.

Excursions & Adventures
Any off-property tours and excursions (snorkeling, sailing, sightseeing) booked either through Aulani or third parties will have extra cost.  We can give you a lot of suggestions for Oahu - there is so much to see and do on the island.  (For this reason, we also recommend a rental car for Hawaii!)

Rainbow Reef Snorkeling
Aulani's Rainbow Reef is a dedicated snorkeling "pool" in the center of the property.  You can purchase a length-of-stay pass or a single-day passes to swim with tropical fish in the Rainbow Reef.  Prices are subject to change, but current pricing will be posted at the resort or on Aulani's website.  

Spa & Relaxation
All Laniwai Spa treatments, including massages, facials, and hydrotherapy will have an extra charge. The Painted Sky, HI Style Studio is a kids' salon space for chidlren ages 3-12.  All salon services like hair braiding or makeovers will have varying costs.

Select Resort Activities
Activities like Make Your Own Mickey Ears at the Community Hall will have a surcharge and require a reservation. 

Aunty's Beach House (for kids) will also have some premium crafts or experiences that will require reservations and an additional fee.

We will help you secure these types of reservations when you book with us, but if we cannot get the reservation before you arrive, you can often find same-day openings at the resort.  

Other Premium Experiences
You can book private photography sessions during your stay that are separate from the photographers found around the resort.  Photos from your stay are also sold separately.  

Private cabana rentals by the pool or beach are available for rent, but there are also a lot of free chairs for your use.

‘Imi Loa Nāa Hōkū is a premium stargazing experience with a focus on how Polynesian Ancestors used the stars to navigate at sea.  

Our biggest tip is to plan for days to simply stay at the resort and engage with all the activities and characters.  While we definitely want you to explore Oahu, you need time to soak up the magic of Aulani during your trip too.  

​While at Aulani, here our some quick tips:

• Use the included activities: Kids’ club, pools, beach access, and cultural programs add a lot of value without extra cost.
• Plan for dining: Budget for daily meals since they are not included in your stay. Consider buying groceries if staying in a villa with a kitchen.  (We will help you find the right room for your family.)
• Pick and choose extras: Most families say the luau and a spa day are worth the splurge, while other excursions depend on your interests.

We can talk to you options like a "split stay" on the island - staying near Waikiki Beach for part of your stay and spending those days exploring the island before transferring to Aulani for more resort days with relaxation and Disney magic.