At first glance, Disney Destinations are not synonymous with a place where teenagers would select to vacation. Disney connotes cheerfulness, whimsy and merriment. If you have a teenager living under your roof, I think you’d agree that these adjectives wouldn’t be used to describe the typical teen disposition. But if there is a place where your too-cool-for-school teen can be liberated from his or her moodiness and angst, it’s Walt Disney World, Disneyland or Disney Cruise Line. Trust us!

On our recent family vacation on a seven-night Western Caribbean itinerary on the Disney Fantasy, our newly-turned 13-year-old replaced his ear buds and iPod with genuine laughter, bright smiles, new friendships and adventure. In his own words, he’s sharing what he enjoyed most about cruising with Disney on this edition of Friday Fives.