Catching a Flick at Sea--A Decadent Treat

There’s something decadent about watching a movie at sea.  While sailing on board Disney cruise ships, guests are treated to first run movies in the Buena Vista Theater with its state of the art system, including the capacity for 3D.

Movies times are listed in Personal Navigators.

The Buena Vista Theater isn’t the only location on a Disney ship where guests can catch a glimpse of a movie on the big screen.  The Arial Screen or Funnel Vision Screen on the pool deck is another place to take in a flick. 

The Walt Disney Theater will on occasion show a movie if no other activities are scheduled in the theater or large crowds are expected that might exceed a comfortable capacity in the Buena Vista Theater.

On our most recent Disney cruise on board the Disney Dream, the husband and I went to an afternoon showing of the new Winnie the Pooh movie in the Buena Vista Theater while the boy was in the kids club.  I must admit, that the dark theater made for a great place for a nap, but I do recall parts of the movie.

As a family, we watched Cars 2 in 3D which was showing in the Walt Disney Theater one night.  We found our spots in the balcony and the husband went off for snacks.

Snacks, including bagged candy, popcorn, and specialty drinks served outside the Buena Vista Theater can be purchased by guests.  We prefer to make our way to Deck 11 and take advantage of the drink station and other food counters, which are included in the cost of your cruise, and bring those to the theater.

Guests in the theater, may also find servers available to sell you a specialty drink, a.k.a. smoothie—alcoholic or non alcoholic, and snacks.  Just provide your Key to the World Card and the charges will be added to your account.

The boy and I also saw UP! on the funnel vision screen on Deck 11 one night after riding the Aqua Duck.  The boy watched the movie from the Donald pool!

So, what makes viewing a movie at sea so decadent?  For starters, there is no cost.  The admission to these movies is included in your cruise.  Then there’s the timing, especially when it is in the middle of the afternoon.  Combine that with location—watching a movie from a pool, and the availability of snacks and food, and you’ve got a winning combination.  Where else can you watch a movie and eat shrimp, or a salad, or a hamburger, or chicken strips? 

We were slow to warm up to the idea of watching a movie at sea.  It took us until our 2^nd and 3^rd  Disney cruise to take advantage of this offering.  It was actually the husband that did it first, by going to a late night movie by himself on our 2^nd Disney cruise.  On our 3^rd Disney cruise the husband and the boy saw The Princess and the Frog and G-Force.

Viewing a movie at sea would be in the top 15 things to do on a Disney cruise.  If your cruising schedule will allow for this decadent treat, give it a try.  I don’t think you’ll regret it.  For us, it’s a special treat.