Travel:Disney Cruise & Grand kids. CA, US, March 22-27/2026

On the backdrop of the 4th week into the raging US/Israel war of attrition with Iran, and 2 weeks before Passover - the Holiday of Freedom -David and I were due to board The Disney Wonder -Disney Cruse Ship with our grandchildren, which was long booked a head. Tel: 800 951 3532 DCL GUEST.COMMUNICATIONS@disneycruise.com

While in Israel, the grandchildren weren't spared theIranian ballistic missile horrific retaliation, during the first round of the 12 Days Israel/Iran war ((June 13–24, 2025)

So this time they were exempt from this second round, and instead were subjected to a more age appropriate friendlier experience....

Infect all the innocent children who have been impacted by this bloody war should be treated to such a Disney Cruise relief as to reinstate their belief in the power of benevolent dreams and in the goodness of humanity...

Apparently this joint military "0pertaion" named  "Rising Lion"/Epic Fury which began on 02. 28, 2026, and was positioned as "Zbang in one Bang" ordeal, has lingered and blown up into a prolonged full fledged, regional war

Its economic and environmental catastrophic global impact, about which I commented in my previous posts here and here, has engulfed many other countries,

A full month later, the military conflict has not yet reached a decisive defeat, or victor,y, nor an expected expatriation date can be seen on the near horizon.

Narges Bajoghli Associate Prof. of ME Studies at the Johns Hopkins U .School of Advanced International Studies, stated that

Iran's Strategic Doctrine of "Survive and Exhaust" has been working for now.

since Iran has been absorbing strikes and continuing to function.

It is a war of will and defiance, not capacity, and its goal is not to defeat the U.S. or Israel in any conventional sense,.but to show them both that the cost of confronting Iran is militarily, economically, and politically unsustainable.

Concurrently while Trump Tells Aides He Wants Speedy End to Iran War , IDF has Accelerated Strikes as Possibility of U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Looms but Netanyahu's interest is to prolong it, and the Gulf Countries Want Trump to End Iran War - but Not Yet 

Considering the upcoming US mId Congressional Elections, the Iranians see the "obvious wisdom in patience" regardless the destructive costly blows their country has been sustaining.

It is still a mystery if Rambo Trump will seize the island of Kharg

Or will Invade/Seize Several other Islands...

In the mean time Israel is now being missile attacked simultaneously on 3 fronts by Iran, from the East, Hezbulla from Lebanon in the North, and by the Houthi - from Yemen in the south, while on going fighting against terrorism continues in Gaza and the West Bank,

Israel's Military chief Eyal Zamir told Netanyahu that he is" raising ten red flags" as the Israeli military will collapse without more manpower, Fight on several fronts leading to collapse. 

.

He warned that the IDF needs laws for conscription, reserve duty and mandatory service as war exhausts reservists ability to carry the war load

Furthermore, under the pretense of a "must war," executed by secular reservists majority the Gov passes judiciary revolution draconian laws, which undermine their sustainability .

Israel Defense Forces has deployed an extra 100,000 reservists to the West Bank, Lebanon,Gaza, southern Syria and Iran in addition to the 50,000 that were already in service

The establishment of over 150 new Jewish settlements/outposts in the West Bank (over the last 2 years) have exhausted defense resources.

Compiled with abandoning defenseless communities on the northern border, and with loss of thousands of private  businesses, as a result of reckless discriminating and corrupt economic policies, all have catastrophically depleted the country's resilience, moral and resources.

 As was predicted by the renown Organizational Advisor Issac Adizes, already in March 2023, that Netanyahu - a power obsessive leader- would collapse the country, to the brink of catastrophic fate. Indeed Adizes' doom and gloom prophecy has materialized.

The clip shared 2 years ago is in Hebrew but short summary in English is below

"Bibi is the type that when he comes to power, he doesn't allow himself to lose.

He twists and lies and does everything to not lose control. to the point that he will also destroy what he built if he can't control it. When he can't control, he doesn't see reality. Leaders like him neurotically tied to control and in order not to lose control, they are willing to destroy.

This is what happened with Hitler. At the time, Hitler gave an order when the Allies were advancing towards Berlin; he said to burn Germany, burn, destroy everything, because Germany doesn't deserve to exist if it doesn't win this war. He was willing to destroy the entire country, because he couldn't control it anymore. …

And this is what is happening to Bibi now. He is committing suicide and taking the entire country with him. This is something psychologically, sick, and extremely dangerous. He is capable of doing whatever it takes to stay in power. and when he can't stay in power, he will destroy and destroy and destroy endlessly. He is not doing this to avoid prison, it is much beyond that. If he can't control, he will destroy everything.

He needs to be removed from power. What's sustaining his rule are the Haredim - Ultra religious and the extreme ideological ultra national settlers. They're using him and together with them, he'll destroy everything. 

++++++++++++++

For the sake of all involved, how I wish this war ends much sooner then later, with an western coveted political agreement, so this global, regional and national catastrophic disaster impacting so many lives, would eventually metamorphosed into civilized co-existence normalcy.

A Cold Peace is better than a bloody war.

Embarking now on a Disney Wonder Cruise where a promise of the leading prophecize motive 'Dreams come True" was an ultimate escapism under such frighting circumstances,

How poignant are the associative images of Women, depicted in delivering the birth dreams of Life,

in contrast to the realistic finality of Death executed by worrier men....

Landing in San Diego

A day after my return from the East coast, visiting my older daughter Keren in Washington DC (here) David, I and the 2 older grand kids (children of my younger daughter Inbal) were back on the plane flying out South to San Diego (March 22nd)

Prior to boarding the "Disney Wonder Cruise ship" (the following day) we all spent a grand afternoon at Sea World, the Aquarium, Zoo Theme Park in Mission Bay Park San Diego

Encountering a diverse range of marine mammals and marveling at thrilling live shows that featured Dolphins, Orcas and Sea lions., as well as riding the Bayside Skyride gondola which travels along a stretch of wire over Mission Bay, were the highlights of the day

Staying the night over at the Hilton Bay Front suites by Bay View Park - a hidden gem on Coronado Island. was a convenient choice, which also offered one of the best views of the San Diego Skyline

We even gave up on car rental and used UBER services to get us around which amounted to less then rental and parking fees.

Breakfast by the Hotel

And the Fish Market Restaurant located on the water front of down town San Diego ( 750 N Harbor Dr,) offered the freshest sea food catches, and is highly recommended for lunch and dinner.

Getting on Board

Disney offers several legendary cruise ships to many exciting destinations.

The one departing from San Diego seemed to best fit with the grand kids' Spring vacation break..

The Disney Wonder - a 2,713-passenger cruise ship launched in 1999, is renowned for its classic, art nouveau design, 2019 refurbishment, and extensive children’s programs.

It is known for operating in Alaska and on the West Coast,

The 4 nights cruise we boarded on the Disney Wonder, started in San Diego and sailed south, with stops in2 Ports

The First in Santa Catalina Island (CA)

is one of California’s rocky Channel Islands,, which lies in the Pacific Ocean, 35 KM southwest of Los Angeles. with a population of about 4,000

The Second stop in Ensenada , Mexico

Known as "The Cinderella of the Pacific."

the coastal port town was founded in 1882, and is situated in Bahía de Todos Santos , and is the third-largest city in Baja California. set about 125 KM south of San Diego, Its population is of about 330,000

The city is an important international trade center and home to the Port of Ensenada, the second-busiest port in Mexico.

The diverse predominantly mid-rise building beach city. was morphed by Spanish, Russian, and American influences. It offers many bars, Cafes restaurants and trinket shops.

Its proximity to California  makes it a tourist destination for short cruise ship trips

It was the first huge ship Cruise of 3000 passenger's capacity and 1300 staff members, we ever boarded. We had no idea that Disney Cruises, are very popular, and apparently are one of most favored by American families, who some that we met shared with us, that they have been on 15 of such cruises or more ..

The fabulous Art-Deco well preserved Disney wonder Ship is truly grand,. It is beautifully designed, and decorated with opulent carpers, original light fixtures and Disney's movie characters aspiring motivation and dreams, projected onto walls and screens, in the spirit of their imaginative inventor Walt Disney-American animator, film producer, voice actor, and entrepreneur. A pioneer of the American animation industry,

The last available suite on the ship, which we booked, was elegant, very spacious and greatly equipped, with 2 showers/bathrooms and an huge balcony.

The 4 large restaurants, each theme-decorated differently, offered a huge variety of food choices. though we found most dishes to be to be mediocre.

Tiana’s Place is a popular unique theme rotational dining restaurant designed to feel like a New Orleans supper club, with festive atmosphere, inspired by "The Princess and the Frog" -2009 American animated musical fantasy comedy

It features Southern- Cajun/Creole cuisine, live jazz music performance - jazz trio.the "Crawfish Crooners," plays throughout dinner, songs from the film and Disney classics, A lively Mardi Gras-style parade. and Princess Tiana visits tables for photos and conversation.

Food, beverages, and Ice Cream were also served all day long by the pools .

As we signed for Disney Cruise Line Concierge level we were privy to a premium, experience of spacious suites, a dedicated lounge with complimentary drinks/snacks, at a private sun deck club., early booking windows, priority boarding, and specialized concierge hosts for booking activities and dining, in great comfort and convenience. 

The all day operational Concierge Club, which we could frequent any time, saved us waiting on the long lines at the other large restaurants, and benefited us with small portions but more quality food. It also facilitated great service and  access priority to other activities. and shows

The Concierge category is worth every dime.. as it saves on long lining time and prevent from crowded gatherings .

3 outdoors pools, and Jacuzzi, are being constantly safe-guarded, and all day droop-in well thought kids clubs activities. keep the kids occupied and entertained, while freeing parents to their own vices.

Disney movies were screened throughput the day and late into the night, at the ship's large theaters, in public lounges, on outdoors huge screens by the pools and on room's TV

Drawing Disney Characters , randomly encountering Disney characters, and Photo-shooting with Disney favorite characters, were the daily delightful preoccupation for both kids and adults

Long lines were formed daily on 3 mid- ship decks, with parents and children waiting patiently for their turn to get a glimpse, get a hug, and stage a photo shot with those coveted childhood adorable figures

Special Hugs

Party Time

High-energy deck parties illuminated by fire crackers, and dazzling Broadway-style stage shows filled with energizing music, beloved melodies and incredible costumes, set design and choreography, brought Disney storytelling to life in heartwarming productions of Frozen, musical spectacular, the tale of Disney Dreams –  and the star-studded The Golden Mickeys awards show..

The grand kids had absolutely a fantastic time, running around the ship, meeting the adorable Disney charterers. in the lounges , clubs and shows, as well as having a limitless access to any food, beverages, and desserts they coveted.

Off Shore Touring

Santa Catalina, CA

A rented gulf cart upon disembarking in Santa Catalina, on the second sailing day, facilitated a pleasant one hour touring ride , up and down the hilly narrow meandering roads of the rugged island, which offered exposure to its ocean stunning views. and a joy ride for the kids.

Ensenada, Mexico

A local bus service ($4 per adult) right off the ship's disembarkation point at Ensanada's cruise terminal, offers a

10 minute ride (instead of 40 minutes walking by foot) to the historic town's center, dropping the passengers at Plaza Pueblo Antico - an old town's square, of small cultural and shopping village at the heart of the city,

Colorful buildings, and local artisans, small shops, populate the plaza as well as local Tour companies offering day/hours excursions/attractions to be booked.

La Bufadora - a Blowhole natural marine geyser. which is located 27 KM south of Ensenada at the tip of the Punta Banda peninsula, is one of most popular tourist excursion attraction (which we didn't go to see). It does not have a thermal source or cause, as geysers do. In this case, the spout of seawater is the result of air, trapped in a sea cave, exploding upwards, ejecting water up to (30 m above sea level

Endless stretch of souvenir shops, free stands and pestering vendors as well as many bars, cafes and eateries that cater to the incidental passing by tourists are located on Avenida López Mateos , the tourist-oriented shopping street ,also called 1st Street or Calle Primera in down town. Most shops offer similar goods, including leather goods, handicrafts, art, blankets, and jewelry..

Ensenada Port

We declined any additional land excursions and stuck to exploring the down town.

The pestering vendors exhausted the grand kid's curiosity and patience after only one hour of strolling throughout this prime shopping street, so we escaped back to the ship.

Ensenada Harbor Views from the Disney Wonder Ship

Last Day on the cruise Ship

On the last night of the cruise our bedroom, was thoughtfully decorated with Disney's presents and memorabilia props for David's BT occasion,,which especially delighted the surprised grand kids. who immediately took into partying...

Being the last to disembark the cruise ship, back in San Diego, on the morning of March 27th, saved us the long exit and costumes lines, as well as had shorten the wait time at the airport,

With flying back home, the "Dream World Respite" was left behind, and we were fast ejected right back to the reality of life's mondaine routines, and the ever devastating news on the continued war..

Back Home

Yet Life goes on... and Hopeful BT celebration continued

++++++++

Wishing you & your family a calm and meaningful Passover, FREE of bondage & Wars