A magical part of the Disney cruise experience is finally returning — and Olaf can't wait
Summer Hull , aka Mommy Points, ran the Mommy Points site for families who want to travel more for less using miles and points for seven years. She now heads up a variety of special projects at TPG when she isn't exploring the world with her own two girls.
August 26 2022
•
5 min read
A magical part of the Disney cruise experience is finally returning — and Olaf can't wait
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What's the one thing many kids want when they meet Mickey, Minnie and other favorite characters on a Disney Cruise Line ship? A nice warm hug (as Olaf would say).
Though character hugs and autographs have been back in the U.S. Disney parks since April, the interactions with characters on Disney Cruise Line sailings remained distanced. Even on our Disney sailing a few weeks ago, you still had to stand at least 6 feet away from Captain Minnie and Mickey.
The line has been inching back to more normal offerings over the course of the last 12 months since sailings first restarted after the pandemic-related pause in operations. But this one big COVID-era rule has stuck around.
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I've witnessed the heartbreaking scene that unfolds when a kid tries to go toward a character for a hug and that character has to dodge the embrace; it's awkward to say the least. Plus, with so much of the cruise ship experience returned to normal, this level of social distancing feels out of line — and a little sad.
But parents and kids can rejoice because character interactions will be back to normal across the Disney Cruise Line fleet by Aug. 29, as reported by the Disney Cruise Line Blog.
While this is an incremental change on paper, it's one that is likely to warm many hearts and set the stage for the moments that turn into memories. After all, these interactions are a big part of what makes a Disney trip special.
Disney Cruise Line has also announced other changes that will make cruising more accessible and easier for families. Children under 11 and under are no longer required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination effective Sept. 2, though pre-departure testing requirements remain. Masks are no longer required on Disney Cruise Line ships, and vaccinated guests can now test in advance of the sailing instead of at the port.
Read on to learn more about what it's like to sail with Disney Cruise Line:
- 7 ways we were surprised by the new Disney Wish
- How to save money when booking a Disney Cruise
- Guide to Disney Cruise Line ships and itineraries
- Tips for sailing on Disney Cruise Line
- Everything you need to know about Disney's loyalty program
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Featured photo by Matt Stroshane, photographer
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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Apply for Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
TPG Editor‘s Rating
Go to reviewCard Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
Rewards Rate
| 6X | 6x points at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program. |
| 4X | 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping. |
| 2X | 2x points on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
Limited Time Offer: Earn 100,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after spending $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer expires 11/2/22.Limited Time Offer: Earn 100,000 points75,000 pointsAnnual Fee
$125Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO© Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.670-850Excellent/Good
Why We Chose It
The Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex is a stacked card with a rewards rate that will help you earn bonus points on everyday and business-related purchases. You'll earn 15 elite night credits each calendar year, and receive automatic Gold elite status. Finally, the free night award certificate with a redemption level of 35,000 points or less can get you hundreds of dollars in potential value each year.Pros
- 6x points on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program
- 4x points at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and U.S. shipping
- 2x points on all other eligible purchases
- Earn a free-night award each card renewal month (up to 35,000 points)
- Receive 15 elite night credits to jump-start status
- Transfer Marriott points to 40+ airlines
Cons
- Airline points transfer ratios are poor
- Must spend $60,000 in a year for second free-night award
- Limited Time Offer: Earn 100,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after spending $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer expires 11/2/22.
- 6x points at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
- 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
- 2x points on all other eligible purchases.
- Receive a 7% discount off standard rates for reservations of standard guest rooms at hotels that participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program when you book directly. Terms and Conditions Apply.
- Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award after you spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
- Enjoy Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status with your Card.
- Terms apply.
- See Rates & Fees