The Magic of Disney, Closer to Home
For our Texas families, a Disney vacation doesn’t have to begin with a flight to Florida or California. With Disney Cruise Line currently sailing seasonally from Galveston (and anticipated to be sailing year round starting in 2027) the magic has sailed right into your backyard!
We love that instead of juggling airport stress, baggage fees, and long flights, you can pack the car, drive to port, and begin your vacation the moment you step onboard as Cast Members call your name over the speaker “Welcome Texas Family!” (insert clapping)
>> Explore our Disney Cruise Line overview to see what makes these sailings so unique <<
A Convenient Drive for Texas Families
Galveston’s location makes it a drivable port for most Texas families. Houston, Dallas–Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio, College Station, and beyond are all within reach. Families can save thousands of dollars by avoiding flights, pre-night hotels, and transfers simply by sailing out of Galveston!
>>Learn more about Disney Cruises sailing from Galveston <<
- Save about $1,200 to $2,000+ by not having to purchase airfare for a family of four flying to Florida or California!
- Eliminate pre-cruise night hotel or airport transfers if you don’t mind getting up a little early – see our estimated Driving Distances table below.
- Make packing kids’ gear (strollers, costumes) painless and not having to worry about packing light and avoiding luggage fees.
- With this savings, you can can upgrade to your dream cabin, add premium excursions or stretch you budget to take another vacation sooner!
>> Explore what is included with a Concierge Cabin on a Disney Cruise <<
Easy Access from Houston
Houston traffic can absolutely be a thing, but the Port of Galveston is roughly 45 to 90 minutes from Houston Hobby Airport (HOU) and Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), which means flexible arrival options and simple pickups for family members who are flying in to sail with you!
Estimated Driving Distances & Times (to the Port of Galveston)
Houston area roads can be a bit unpredictable, but these drive times are good for a litmus and are estimated using an average highway speed of 65 mph, with a 15-25% urban area buffer and rounded for simplicity:
| City | Distance (miles) | Estimated Drive Time |
|---|---|---|
| Houston, TX | ~58 mi | ~1 hr 15 min |
| Cypress, TX | ~89 mi | ~1 hr 40 min |
| The Woodlands, TX | ~89 mi | ~1 hr 40 min |
| Katy, TX | ~95 mi | ~1 hr 45 min |
| College Station, TX | ~130 mi | ~2 hr 30 min |
| Beaumont, TX | ~130 mi | ~2 hr 15 min |
| Austin, TX | ~218 mi | ~3 hr 30 min |
| Waco, TX | ~230 mi | ~3 hr 45 min |
| New Braunfels, TX | ~233 mi | ~3 hr 45 min |
| Tyler, TX | ~244 mi | ~4 hr 15 min |
| San Antonio, TX | ~257 mi | ~4 hr 15 min |
| Victoria, TX | ~160 mi | ~2 hr 45 min |
| Dallas, TX | ~307 mi | ~4 hr 45 min |
| Fort Worth, TX | ~323 mi | ~5 hr |
| Lufkin, TX | ~185 mi | ~3 hr 15 min |
| Corpus Christi, TX | ~250 mi | ~4 hr 30 min |
Attractions Before or After Your Cruise
Many families extend their vacation with a night or two in Galveston:
- Moody Gardens: Turn your cruise into a long weekend with the Rainforest Pyramid, Aquarium, and (seasonal) waterpark fun.
- Schlitterbahn Waterpark: Seasonal slides and lazy rivers.
- Historic Pleasure Pier: Classic rides, beach views, and boardwalk treats make an easy pre and post cruise day.
- Seawall Beaches: Relax before embarkation or after your cruise.
>> Learn more about cruising from Galveston <<
Your Disney Cruise Ship: A Destination in Itself
Disney ships are more than transportation—they’re floating resorts designed for families. Many cruisers choose to stay onboard for at least one “port day” because the ship itself is so much fun.
Family Fun Everywhere
- Pools & Splash Zones: Mickey’s Pool, AquaLab, and AquaDuck or AquaDunk water slides.
- Kids Clubs: Disney’s Oceaneer Club, Edge, and Vibe, with themed activities, Character meet-and-greets, crafts, trivia, and more with their favorite characters and stories
- Entertainment: incredible Broadway-style shows with a caliber you would find in New York or playing at the Hobby Center, first-run Disney movies, and fireworks at sea.
Parent-Friendly Spaces
- Quiet Cove Pool: Adult-exclusive pool area, deck and cafe
- Senses Spa & Fitness Center: Massages, facials, and ocean-view workouts.
- Specialty Dining: Palo offers upscale dining and sweeping views.
Disney Cruise Line does a fantastic job of balancing kids needs with downtime for parents, and having shared family moments.
Family Friendly Staterooms
Split bathrooms, smart storage, and layouts that can sleep 4 to 5 comfortably make everything from mornings to bedtime smoother!
Rotational Dining
You rotate through themed restaurants while your servers stay with you with personalized service kids recognize and love.
Western caribbean Itineraries Families Love
Most Disney Cruises from Galveston typically visit the Western Caribbean. Each port of call offers a mix of beaches, adventure, and cultural discovery. Disney makes each stop easy, with excursion options for everyone. Here are a few highlighted port locations:
Cozumel, Mexico
Cozumel is known for turquoise waters and Mayan heritage where you can experience shallow-water snorkeling at Chankanaab National Park, Mayan sites, or book a family-friendly all-inclusive beach club pass with food, pools, and shaded cabanas.
Progresso, Mexico
The gateway to Mayan ruins like Chichen Itza and Uxmal, offering families both a relaxing beach day and a chance to explore history. With easy excursions for kids and adults alike, Progreso adds both culture and relaxation to Disney’s Western Caribbean itineraries.
Grand Cayman
Grand Cayman blends natural beauty with adventure where you can enjoy Seven Mile Beach, Cayman Turtle Centre, and gentle stingray encounters.
Jamaica
Jamaica offers both excitement and culture consider Dunn’s River Falls, river tubing, ziplining, cultural tours, or relax at family-friendly beach clubs with authentic jerk chicken.
Your Disney Cruise Ship as a Port of Call
Sometimes the best “port” is staying onboard. Pools, kids clubs, Broadway style shows, movies, and character meet and greets make the ship itself a destination with a TON to do!
What to expect Onboard a Disney Cruise (At-a Glance)
- Kids clubs by age group.
- Rotational dining with themed restaurants.
- Pools, splash zones, and waterslides.
- Broadway musicals and movies under the stars.
- Adult-exclusive pools, lounges, and dining.
>> For more details, see our Mom Approved guide on what is included on a Disney Cruise <<
Why Book with Mom Approved Travel
As an EarMarked™ Authorized Disney Vacation Planner based near the Port of Galveston, Mom Approved Travel specializes in family-focused Disney vacations, including Disney Cruises. Booking with our Mom Approved Cruise Experts means:
- Expert stateroom recommendations.
- Personalized excursion planning.
- Insider tips for dining and sea days.
- Full support before, during, and after your trip.
Ready to Set Sail?
Disney Cruises from Galveston combine the ease of a drive-to port with Disney’s world-class service and unforgettable ports of call. From Mayan ruins to stingray encounters to fireworks at sea, this is a vacation built for Texas families.
>> Start planning your Disney Cruise From Galveston with Mom Approved Travel now <<
