Just a few weeks ago, we were invited by Disney for our first-ever sailing on Disney Cruise Line. While Mr. Daps and I have sailed on a few different cruise lines together, we had always heard that Disney was on a different level. As we immersed ourselves in everything the Disney Wonder had to offer, the real magic came from the hard-working cast and their relentless pursuit of unreasonable hospitality.
In 2022, restaurateur Will Guidara released the book Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect. The book detailed how Guidara made Eleven Madison Park the world’s number one restaurant through excellence in hospitality. The first time I heard about the concept of unreasonable hospitality, it changed my outlook on the service industry entirely. What sets unreasonable hospitality apart is that it energizes the person delivering it as much as it energizes the guest receiving it. This magical experience elevates great service to incredible memories you will carry for a lifetime.
At every turn on Disney Cruise Line, we found cast members who were thrilled to deliver the best they had to offer. I think of our assistant server, Andres, in the rotational dining rooms, who learned on day one that I love Diet Coke. From that point forward, my Diet Coke never ran out, and at times, it was ready as soon as I sat down at our assigned table. When something as simple as your drink order is taken care of, you have more space to relax and focus on the really exciting things, like what’s on the menu for dinner!
The real magic of Disney Cruise Line comes when you realize that cast members like Andres are not rare to find on the ship. Whether it’s a stateroom host greeting you by name the moment you see your cabin for the first time, a bartender remembering your signature drink and adding a little extra magic, or a server going out of their way to find you a complete set of Princess and the Frog coasters, the Disney difference is felt in every moment on the ship. As Guidara says, service is black and white, and hospitality is color.
Now, a month later, I realize that all of the most magical memories I have of the trip are due to the cast members’ relentless pursuit of magic for every guest that boards the ship. No matter what you are boarding the ship to experience, you are going to find a cast member who will find a way to leave a lasting impression during your stay.
If you have ever thought about a Disney cruise, it is absolutely something to add to your Disney dream list. It is an experience unlike any other, and it is all thanks to the crew in every area on the ship. If you do have a Disney cruise coming up, be sure to give some extra recognition to the cast members. When excellent hospitality is recognized, it fuels everyone involved and truly creates a little extra magic to change the world.
