No matter what time of year you decide to go on a Disney cruise [1], you're pretty much guaranteed to have an incredible time if you're a Disney fan. But when the holidays start to near, a typical, fun-filled sailing adventure turns into a Winter wonderland adventure filled with seasonal additions. From over-the-top Christmas decor to a life-size gingerbread house, Disney goes above and beyond to infuse holiday magic throughout their Winter Merrytime sailings.

The Ship Is Completely Transformed in 1 Day

After months of planning, these ships are transformed into Winter wonderlands in just one day while docked between sailings thanks to hundreds of employees who add holiday touches throughout the entire ship.

There's a Life-Size Gingerbread House

This gingerbread house isn't just massive — it's also made from real ingredients so it fills the room with an authentic, warm holiday smell.

Floors Are Filled With Holiday Spirit Even When You're Heading to Bed

You can most likely find an abundance of decorated doors no matter the season of your sailing, but as soon as November rolls around, these decorations turn into holiday-inspired hangings complete with hats, scarves, wreaths, and stockings.

Seasonal Decor Is Unique to Each Space

Although their are traditional poinsettias as well as red and green accents, much of the holiday decor matches each space's unique theme to give every room a holiday feel while also enhancing its existing style instead of overshadowing it.

Soft Holiday Music Fills the Different Floors

Without overwhelming you, Disney cruises play chipper holiday tunes throughout your trip to compliment their extensive decor and get everyone smiling.

Gift and Souvenir Shopping Is Made Easy

Not only do you automatically have stress-free ideas for what to bring back for loved ones, but the holiday items also make sentimental and lasting souvenirs for you to remember your fantastic trip.

The Characters Don Holiday Outfits

Decking the ship halls in jolly holiday accents isn't the only source of Christmas cheer. Many beloved characters come out in their own spirited outfits for special holiday photos and an extra touch of seasonal joy.

The Staff Is Decked Out in Christmas Spirit (and Attire)

As soon as you come on board, you'll notice the ship's staff oozing holiday spirit. From Santa hats to striped scarves, it's hard not to get in the holiday mood when everyone around you is smiling while rocking red and white accessories.

It's a Festive Place to Escape Those Winter Blues

Not only is it an exciting way to escape the Winter weather, but a Merrytime Disney Cruise transports you to a tropical location without you having to give up on the best parts of Winter: that warm holiday vibe.

You Get the Perfect Christmas Card Photo

One of the most exciting moments on the trip is getting to meet with a beloved character while posing for a photo. But thanks to the holiday decorations (that come out even before Thanksgiving!), you can walk away with a cherished souvenir and the perfect holiday card photo.

Stockings Replace Fish Extenders

Instead of more traditional fish extenders, Christmas stockings hang from doors and fill the different corridors with an extra boost of playful Christmas magic, waiting to be filled with special treats.

You're Blown Away by Frozen Without Actually Freezing

When you sail on the Disney Wonder, you have a chance to see the Broadway-caliber Frozen performance. Not only does this amazing show take you on a weather-appropriate journey perfect for the holiday season, but it also puts you in the loving holiday spirit without you actually having to freeze.

There's Mulled Wine For Adults

As families wait in line for the chance to snap a pic with their favorite characters, adults might notice a familiar smell that immediately warms them: mulled wine. This special touch is available for purchase and brings an extra boost of seasonal cheer as anticipation builds for the coveted photo.

Castaway Cay Gets in on the Holiday Cheer

Once you get off the boat at Castaway Cay, Disney's private island [5], the holiday spirit isn't lost just because you're in paradise. Disney extends the Christmas cheer off of the boat and throughout the day spent at this warm getaway.

There's Storytime With Mrs. Claus

As if being surrounded by your favorite characters and a chance to meet Santa Claus wasn't enough, there's even some magical time arranged with Mrs. Claus. On every Merrytime cruise, there's storytime with Mrs. Claus in the ship's lavishly decorated atrium.

There's Seasonal Entertainment

On a Disney cruise, it's all about the entertainment, and things get kicked up a notch during the holiday season. From Christmas-infused costumes and shows to seasonal activities like gingerbread house decorating, you can't help but be transported to a Winter wonderland while sailing on a Disney cruise during that time of year.

There Are Even More Perks on Christmas Eve and Day

If you decide to sail on Dec. 24 or 25, you are in for a magical Christmas. From cookies on Christmas Eve and children caroling to holiday towel animals and special surprises, spending this Winter holiday on the boat will definitely be unforgettable.