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JLS STAR ASTON MERRYGOLD’S DREAM FAMILY CRUISE WITH DISNEY

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ALL ABOARD for excitement: JLS and Strictly star Aston Merrygold and his wife Sarah are busy parents who know better than anyone that kids on holiday need to be entertained. That’s why Disney Cruise Line is the perfect choice for families with little ones. With non-stop fun on tap, Mum and Dad can hit cruise control and let the voyage of adventure take its course.

“Holidaying with the boys is always so much fun, but it can get a bit hectic,” Aston, 37, says of sons Grayson, seven, and Macaulay, five. “But sailing with Disney Cruise Line was easy. There’s so much to see and do. The staff were great, and our family stateroom was so comfortable it felt like home.” The ship was their oyster, with an array of eating options on board from relaxed buffet style to fine dining – each with a different atmosphere inspired by Disney magic. The family ate at each of the main restaurants on board – Royal Palace, Enchanted Garden and Animator’s Palate, where dinner is accompanied by Disney animations dancing around the walls. For daytime fun there are waterslides and aqua play areas including Nemo’s Reef for the littlies, and a family friendly pool set right next to a giant screen showing your favourite Disney movies. You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to entertainment, with live musicals at the Walt Disney Theatre and a cinema showing the latest Disney releases. There are also deck parties where guests can hit the dance floor with Mickey and gang, plus adults-only lounges and nightclubs. The only hard part is choosing what to do! Aston and family found the answer – let everyone live their Disney dream by drawing up their own itinerary for the day.

First up, Grayson and Macaulay. The boys’ mouths had watered at the prospect of the famous Mickey waffles in Cabanas’ boardwalk-style buffet since the moment they stepped on board. “Waffles always go down a treat, but Mickey-shaped waffles…” Aston laughs. Then it was outside on deck to play shuffleboard in the sun – and who should turn up to cheer them on but Pluto? “Our kids are always full of energy, but to see them so excited really makes the Disney experience something extra special,” says Aston. After that, they headed to Disney’s Oceaneer Club, a kids-only space where tinies to teens can let their imaginations run wild while accompanied by trained Disney staff. Parents are allowed during open house – and Grayson and Macaulay challenged Mum and Dad to compete in a family dance-off. But even Aston’s nifty moves – honed to perfection on Strictly – were overshadowed by the arrival of some famous faces from the boys’ favourite film: Toy Story. “Our kids are hardly ever shy, but they were speechless when Woody and Jessie walked in – seeing their faces was priceless,” Aston says. “Grayson said it was the best place ever!” Then ahoy, me hearties: it was dress-up time in the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique for a pirate party. “The kids had a great time singing along and dancing as their favourite characters saved the ship from Captain Hook,” Aston says. “But – honestly – I think Sarah and I had even more fun. It brought back great childhood memories for both of us.”

The boys were a tough act to follow, but Aston was up for it – his day kicked off with a ride on the AquaDuck, a three-storey water chute that spins around the whole ship. “This was my highlight,” Aston says. “I love a fun ride and this was next level. The views!” Next up was a detective game played all around the ship – and Goofy popped along to help out with the clues. Dinner was at Animator’s Palate – where an animated Crush from Finding Nemo kept them all entertained with some fun over dessert. Aston’s next port of call was the Walt Disney Theatre for a performance of Aladdin – complete with popcorn, of course. “The theatre was up there with the best – and I’ve performed in a few greats,” he says. “Aladdin is a big hit in our house and we had a great time singing along. The Genie made the boys laugh so much.”

Then it was Sarah’s day, and her dream was simple – to chill out for a few hours. “The most-used word in our house is probably ‘Mummy’, so Sarah deserved a bit of alone time to feel like a Disney princess,” Aston says. Senses Spa & Salon is a tranquil haven with private whirlpools overlooking the ocean, a zero gravity suite and a host of luxurious treatments. After a luxury facial, Sarah enjoyed a quiet mocktail by the adults-only pool. Later, the family met a REAL Disney Princess – Snow White – and Sarah and Aston decided on a date night, while the boys returned to play at Disney’s Oceaneer Club. “This was our first time booking our boys into a kids’ club. As a parent you always worry, but we were totally put at ease by the Disney team,” Aston says. The couple headed off to Palo, the ship’s fine dining Italian restaurant, followed by cocktails at swanky Meridian. “The food in Palo was delicious, but my favourite part of the night was sampling some incredible drinks at the cocktail bar.”

Mickey shows them how it’s done on the dance floor

Kids’ day

Dad’s day

Mum’s day

ALL ABOARD!

The Disney Dream will be sailing out of Southampton from summer 2026 with three- and four-night sailings during school holidays, perfectly crafted for your first Disney Cruise Line holiday. Magical adventures await

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Grayson and Macaulay enjoy Mickey-shaped waffles at Cabanas

Aston takes to the AquaDuck water chute with Grayson

Sarah chills out at the Senses Spa & Salon