First Things First: I love the DisBoards – if you have never been there, go. Now. Tips, discussions, trip reports, reviews, debates, ideas, rumors and much more – almost ALL related to Disney! I’ve been a member since 2006 (GreenAcres is my DisBoards’ name) and I have found the information there invaluable.
People on the cruise boards are always asking questions about dressing for a Disney Cruise – specifically, what families should expect / wear on formal night. I’ll tell you – the full-blown formal attire, dressed to the nines – is going out of style on Disney Cruises. If you wear long dresses or tuxedos, you will certainly be among the minority. That being said, we still do it – Dress for Formal Night. Raymond and Joseph have owned their own tuxedos for years (WAY less expensive than renting, I promise) and Megan and I have always purchased our dresses strategically to ensure uber-bargain prices. I know what you’re thinking – I’m on vacation and I do NOT want to go to all that trouble…I’ll be uncomfortable…I only want to wear shorts and tee shirts – and you’d have a point. Still – I think everyone ought to be free to choose what makes their vacation special.
Why do we dress up? I’ll give you the top fives reasons:
1. You get the opportunity to go all out – spit and polish, together as a family – and let your children show off all those good manners you’ve been drilling into them year after year.
2. Gives children the opportunity to shine – to truly feel like the prince or princess you tell them they are. If you have a need to feel royal as well – this will allow you a grand chance to embrace your inner monarch.
3. Great practice for proms and weddings or if your children ever need to attend a red carpet event – they’ll be ready! Don’t laugh – both of my dear offspring have expressed a time or two how happy (grateful even) they are to feel comfortable when faced with formal occasions.
4. Family pictures! I like the professional pictures we’ve had taken on the ship, but I love the candid shots we took ourselves even better.
5. Memories – making them as well as recalling the past. For me, dressing up triggers memories of one of the happiest days of my life. When I see Raymond in his tuxedo – I can perfectly recall the excitement of our wedding day (when my Disney life began!).
Need to know where to shop? Want to know what to pack for a cruise? Questions and comments are always welcome.