ULTIMATE Disney Cruise Tips for First Time Cruisers
By: Author Wandermust Daddy
Looking for the best first time Disney cruise tips? In this guide we round up our essential Disney cruise tips for first timers whether you plan to sail on the Disney Magic, Disney wish, Disney Wonder, Disney Treasure or Disney Fantasy.
We love a cruise, no matter the cruise line and have been lucky enough to sail on Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America , Carnival and more. However the cruise line that is most renowned for being the best for families has to be Disney.
However, like with any Disney vacation around the world, it requires planning and the Disney element means it is important to plan exactly what you want to get out of your vacation.
Therefore in this guide we will round up our favorite Disney cruise tips to help you with booking, planning, packing and more!
Important Note : This post may contain affiliate links which means if you click through and make a purchase I will make a small commission at no extra cost to you!
Table of Contents
Disney Cruise Tips for First Time Cruisers
To make these tips easier to navigate we have split our cruise out into those to be down before you board your ship, tips for on board and some destination specific tips.
Tips for booking and planning your Disney cruise
Book in advance – the earlier the better.
It is a truth universally acknowledged that Disney cruises get more expensive the closer to the sail date you book. Therefore if you want to get the best price we recommend booking as far in advance as possible.
And typically speaking you are unlikely to find special offers and deals, or even Black Friday sales on Disney cruises so I would book as far out as you can.
Wondering if infants cruise for free on Disney ? Check out our guide to infant cruise costs.
Consider booking a themed cruise
A Disney cruise is fun no matter when you visit. However Disney Cruises also run special themed cruises at special times of year.
The most popular themed cruises are the Halloween ones, known as Halloween on the High Seas and their Very Merrytime Cruises at Christmas.
But there are also cruises themed around Star Wars, Marvel and Frozen. So if you have someone in your party who loves a particular franchise it is worth keeping your eye out for these themed sailings.
Book a Starboard room
Pirates Night is the highlight of any cruise sailing and comes with an amazing fireworks display. If you are likely to head back down to your room before the fireworks (i.e. you have little people who won’t stay up), book a starboard side room as this will have better views of the firework display.
Note: Disney does not recommend using your balcony during the fireworks display but you can see from inside your stateroom.
Purchase travel insurance
You should never travel without travel insurance, and a cruise is no different. It will cover you should you get ill on your vacation but you will also want to purchase specific cruise insurance to make sure it covers you for cancellations such as if you are traveling during Hurricane season.
Download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App
No matter the Disney vacation you are on, it is important to download the Disney app. There is one specially designed for Disney Cruises instead of the parks.
We recommend doing this before you travel as you can peruse the menus, book shore excursions and more even before you embark. And it will save you having to battle with ship wifi to download or use data roaming.
And once you are on board the app can be used to find out the daily program, your dinner location and more.
Things to Book in Advance
There are a lot of things that you can book in advance for a Disney cruise these include:
- Speciality Dining,
- dining seating time,
- shore excursions,
- cabanas on Castaway Cay
- Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique,
- some character meet and greets
Book port adventures & specialty dining as soon as you can!
If you are a first time Disney cruiser you will be able to book your port adventures & make specialty dining reservations (for Palo & Remy) 75 days prior to your sailing.
You also are able to complete your online check in during this time as well. However these things do get booked up very quickly. We recommend getting all of your bookings in place as soon as they are open.
Decide whether you want to book excursions through Disney
No matter the cruise line you are on, you will need to decide whether you want to book shore excursions directly with the cruise line or third party operators.
Booking directly through your cruise line, in this case Disney’s Port Adventures, you have a guarantee that the ship will wait for the tours return should it run late. However you will pay a premium for booking direct.
It really depends on how comfortable you feel booking separately and also on the tour and timing as to whether it is worth booking directly or not.
Book your character breakfasts
Unlike at Disney World and Disneyland, character breakfasts are included in the cost of your sailing. However these are extremely popular and require advance bookings.
Be sure to book your slots as soon as booking opens to avoid disappointment.
Arrive in town the night before your cruise
The day you board a cruise is called Embarkation Day . We recommend booking your flights to get you in the day before your cruise embarkation. There would be nothing worse that having a delayed flight that causes you to miss your ship.
Therefore we recommend booking a hotel close to the port for the night below your leave to make sure you have a stress free morning before embarking.
Join Your Cruise Facebook Groups
First Time Disney cruise tips – join a Facebook group
If you use Facebook you may want to search groups to find a group for your ship and date of sailing.
These groups are used to share tips as well as for Pixie dusting other guests. On the last cruise we were on we got information quicker on our ships Facebook group than through official ships communication. We had an itinerary change that the group posted about well before the Captain made an official announcement.
What to pack for your Disney Cruise
Ultimate first time disney cruise tips
For me the success of a cruise can be made and broken by my packing list. If you are traveling with toddlers or a baby you may want to check our our full toddler cruise packing list to make sure you don’t forget an essential.
But you will also want to think about packing motion sickness medication or bands, and costumes for special nights i.e. Pirate night, or costumes your kids might want to wear for meet and greets and character dining.
Also you will want to pack a separate bag for embarkation. Your luggage is taken from you at the port, and may not get delivered to your stateroom until late that night. Therefore you need to pack a bag to see with you on embarkation day that contains essentials such as medication, nappies, baby supplies and also swimwear so you can use the pool as soon as you get on board.
Also it is worth noting that you are allowed to bring a limit supply of wine or beer onboard with you which can be a saving if you are cruising on Disney with a budget.
For a full Disney cruise packing list check out this post.
Bring some Rubber Ducks and Fish Extender
Outside of your stateroom you will find a “fish” which is where your room steward will place tickets and other information and documentation.
Some cruisers take a pocket organiser to extend this fish. Other cruisers can then leave gifts (similar to pixie dusting at Disney World). It’s a fun way of connecting with fellow passengers and is something uniquely Disney.
Alternatively you could bring rubber ducks and hide them round the ship for other people to find.
Use an experienced travel agent.
I am always in favour of booking things myself. However if you don’t feel confident you could use a Disney travel agent. There are a lot of Disney travel agents out there who specialise in booking Disney Cruises and Disney World vacations.
You can find a Disney travel agent who does not charge you any fees but will do all the booking for you while also offering lots of tips and insider information on how to get the most out of your Disney vacation.
Tips for first time Disney cruisers on-board
So now you know all the things you need to do for booking and before boarding your first cruise, we will turn our attention to how to make the most of your time while on board whatever ship you are sailing on.
Arrive Early
Disney Cruise Tips
As with everything Disney shows and meet and greets get long queues. Therefore if you want to watch a show or meet a character in a scheduled Disney character meet and greet you should arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the start time to avoid disappointment.
Do Character Meet and Greets
One of the highlights of doing a Disney cruise is doing character meet and greets outside of the parks. These meet and greets are extra special too because the character have special cruise wardrobes and even some destination specific ones.
You may also want to remember to pack autograph books or an autograph book alternative to collect souvenirs from your trip.
Note: if you want some fun instagram captions for your Disney cruise check out this post!
Take Advantage of Kids Clubs
If you are traveling with children then you will want to take advantage of the kids club. There are clubs for all age children and they will be split into appropriate age groups.
Disney is renowned for having the best kids club at sea and is a great way for kids to make friends on their cruise but also gives grown ups a chance to get some adult only time and explore the adults only area of the ships.
Let people know if you want your own table
Traditionally, cruises will seat different parties together on the same table. However this isn’t something everyone enjoys, and I know we for one like to have a table on our own. If you want your own table speak to the concierge on embarkation.
Use Room Service
Room service was traditionally included in the cost of your cruise however a lot of lines now have a surcharge for this. However Disney is one of the lines where room service is still free.
We love the room service on Disney cruises as it isn’t just main meals but amazing Disney snacks such as Mickey Ice Cream bars.
Head to the Pool Early
The pool gets busy, especially on sea days. Therefore if you want to snag a seat get to the pool deck early. Also if you want to use the slides at the pool, we recommend trying to do these early in the day as the queues get long in the afternoon especially.
Budget for your Gratuities
Gratuities are part of all cruises and are added to your bill. at the end of your trip. Remember to check the amount of gratuities you are required to pay (it varies based on the cruise cabin you are in) and put aside the correct amount for the end of your vacation.
Destination Specific Disney Cruise tips
So now you know your generic Disney cruise tips we will look at specific destination related ones. This is particular relevant for those going on a Caribbean cruise that stops at Disney’s private island Castaway Cay and Alaska .
- Castaway Cay Tips
Disney Cruise Castaway Cay Tips
As with everything at Disney getting there early is key. If you want a good spot on the beach, we advise getting off the ship as early as possible.
The slides on Castaway Cay are another thing that get busier as the day goes on. So if you want to partake in the waterslides do them early in the day.
Two Sisters Abroad
two sisters exploring the world
15 Essential First Time Disney Cruise Tips – For Stress Free Travel
Hi all! Are you a new Disney cruiser? Wondering what to expect on board? Then you’re in the right place! Welcome to your cruising guide, complete with 15 first time Disney Cruise tips!
In this post you’ll find everything you need to know to have an amazing first Disney Cruise!
15 First Time Disney Cruise Tips
1: download the disney cruise app.
This app is definitely a necessity for your cruise. It allows you to message other cruise-goers while on board – which is so helpful. It also has lists of your dinner locations and all of the day’s activities and shows!
Before your cruise departs, you can also use the app to browse menus, port excursions, and reserve activities.
2: Pack first-day essentials in a shoulder bag
When you first arrive at the cruise terminal, your suitcases will be taken from you. This is great, so you don’t have to carry them on board yourself.
However, although you will board the ship in the early afternoon, and probably get access to your stateroom around 1:00/1:30, your luggage may not be delivered to your room until the early evening (sometimes as late as 6:00/6:30.)
Because of this, it is necessary to pack important items in a shoulder bag to carry onto the ship with you. Be sure to have your bathing suits, camera, medicine, electronics and a change of clothes for dinner (if you’re going to the early seating.) Often your bags will arrive earlier than expected, but don’t rely on it.
3: Go to the late dinner seating
If you aren’t traveling with young kids then I highly recommend the 8:00 seating. If you’re cruising in Europe, the late seating is at 8:30. The early seating, 5:00/5:30, is packed with young children (of course). Therefore may be less enjoyable for families with older/no children. You’ll also be so busy on the cruise that 5:30pm will feel like the middle of the afternoon and way too early for dinner.
4: Arrive to dinner 5 minutes late
People will start lining up for dinner outside of the dining room about 15 minutes before the doors open. There is no reason to do this. Instead, go to dinner five minutes late to avoid the rush! Your waiter will still meet you at the door and it will be a much more relaxed process. One of my favorite parts of a Disney Cruise is the rotational dining. There are three main restaurants on board, and throughout the cruise you’ll dine at each one. The best part is, your waiters come with you! You get the same waiters every night, and they are always so kind and accommodating.
5: Alert cruise staff in advance if you don’t want to dine with other families
Sometimes on a Disney Cruise you’ll be assigned a dining table with another group of travelers. This happens most often if your group is small and there is space to seat another small family with you. Since your waiter moves with you from restaurant to restaurant, this means the other family will move with you as well. While some people really enjoy this, and find that it’s a great way to make friends, it’s definitely not ideal for everyone. Personally, when we travel we prefer to sit with just our own family.
If you do not want to dine with other travelers, be sure to alert customer service in advance! If you forget, and are seated with another family the first night, you can always talk to the concierge or the dining room staff and they can (most often) arrange another table for you.
6: Order room service – it’s free!
Although there is always food available on the ship during the day (in the dining rooms, the pool deck and at the upstairs buffet, Cabanas), room service is another convenient option. It’s especially great at night when all of the restaurants and snack bars are closed.
Unlike on some other popular cruise lines, on Disney Cruises, room service is free. The menu is pretty extensive and you can get anything from a full meal to dessert to snacks. Room service is available 24 hours a day. This is fantastic for when it’s 2am and you realize you need a pizza and some cookies!
7: Dine at the adult-only restaurants
Cruise guests who are over the age of 18 have the opportunity to make reservations for the ship’s adult-only restaurant. This is either Palo or Remy, depending on the ship. These meals are not included in the cruise fare, but they are delicious and definitely worth the extra cost once (or twice) during the cruise.
You can dine at Palo and Remy for brunch or dinner, and I highly recommend both. It’s a wonderful opportunity to get dressed up, enjoy the beautiful atmosphere of the restaurants, and have dinner with no kids. I recommend dining at Palo or Remy on a day that you are not excited about the dinner menu on your restaurant rotation. Be sure to make your reservations before the cruise begins, or as soon as you arrive on board. These restaurants have limited seating and the reservation slots are often taken quickly.
8: Pack your own alcohol
Disney allows each adult (21+) to bring up to two bottles of wine/champagne or six beers on board on embarkation day and at each port. To note: Alcohol has to be in your carry on . Do not pack alcohol in your checked suitcase or it will be confiscated.
Being able to bring your own alcohol is extremely helpful as Disney Cruises do not have an all inclusive alcohol package. There are often many ports of call on each cruise itinerary. Therefore, you will be able to restock your alcohol supply regularly.
Be advised that the drinking age on board is 21. This is true no matter what the drinking age is in the country/port you are visiting. On some cruises parents can sign a drinking waiver, if you have kids over 18 but under 21. This waiver will allow 18-20 year olds to drink with their family, but never alone.
Your ‘ Key to the World Card ‘ will not allow you to purchase alcohol, or be served alcohol, on board if you are underage and don’t have the alcohol waiver. Read Disney’s alcohol policy here .
9: Take advantage of the Kids Clubs
Parents, definitely let your kids go to the kids clubs! Bring them on the first day so they’ll meet other kids and make friends for the entire cruise. The kids clubs are great, and they’ll be having so much fun that they’ll be entertained for hours on end. The ships are very safe, so you really have nothing to worry about – even if your kids are out late.
Disney has clubs for all ages, even teens, and it’s a really great way to make sure your kids are having a great vacation. It’s also a great way to ensure that you can have some time to yourself to enjoy the ship and adult-only areas!
10: Go to the 18-21 club!
If you’re between the ages of 18 to 21 (really like 25) then there’s a ‘club’ for you too! Disney organizes meet-ups for young adults so that making friends and having fun on the ship is easy. I’ve been going to these for the past few years and I’ve always made fast friends to hangout with for the rest of the cruise. Definitely go to the first meet-up, because after that a lot of people will break off into groups and not go to the meet-ups on other nights .
11: You can book your own Port Adventures outside of Disney
On our first cruise we signed up for a port adventure through Disney Cruise Line. Unfortunately, it wasn’t exactly what we were looking for. It’s not that it wasn’t fun, it’s more that we’re not huge fans of large group, tour bus activities. Often, the Disney port adventures are crowded. You’ll likely be packed onto a bus with tons of other families while wearing a Disney Cruise tag around your neck. These adventures can also be pretty pricey. However, although they aren’t necessarily for me, they are convenient. Especially if you don’t mind the ‘typical’ cruise tour format. There are also tons of adventure options to choose from, so for many families Disney port adventures are preferred.
Besides the one Disney Cruise Line port adventure, we’ve always booked our own private tours/excursions at each port. So far, they have all been fantastic!
12: Use Tours by Locals and other sites for port tours + activities
I recommend booking private drivers/tour guides though Tours by Locals (or other websites like AirBnb Experiences). With these tours, a driver will meet you at the port and take you to all of the tourist sites, restaurants, shops, museums, etc. that you want to visit. You won’t be stuck with tons of other families, and you’ll plan your time around exactly what you want to do. These tours are much more flexible. If you’re looking to be able to customize your experience then I highly recommend them. Additionally, I love that these private tours allow you to connect with a local and learn about their favorite parts of their city! We’ve used Tours by Local on tons of Disney Cruises, and they’ve been great every time.
13: You don’t have to get off at the ports
Of course, on a cruise, most everyone will want to get off and explore the ports, but keep in mind that it’s not required. This is especially helpful if you’re traveling with older or younger family members/friends who may prefer not to leave the ship for extended periods of time. We took a cruise with our grandparents and it was wonderful for them to be able to stay on the ship. They enjoyed the quiet, relaxed, and almost empty ship while we went on a day long tour.
14: Book spa treatments onboard
If you want to get a spa treatment on the ship, and are flexible with the date and time, then book it on board! There are daily spa specials offered at non-peak times that are totally worth taking advantage of. Normally, these treatments will be offered while the ship is docked at a port. Head to the spa on the first day of the cruise to see the daily specials and spa treatment offers.
15: Ask for sea-sick medication
You do not need to bring your own sea-sick medication, especially if you aren’t sure if you’ll get sea-sick. Medicine is available on board, and it is free if you need it. The medicine works great, but it may make you drowsy.
So there you have it! I hope you found these 15 first time Disney Cruise tips to be helpful! Disney Cruises are so much fun, and there are so many different itineraries to choose from! Additionally, depending on the length of the cruise and the type of stateroom you choose, they can be very affordable for families. We highly recommend booking a Disney Cruise for your next vacation, it will definitely be unforgettable!
If you enjoyed these first time Disney Cruise tips, please share this post on social media!
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27 comments.
These tips are so helpful! So glad to have this info. Great post!
This is extremely helpful as I am planning our trip on Disney—Thank You
Thank you so much, I’m so glad you found it helpful! If you have any questions please let know. I hope you have a wonderful trip!
Sounds like such a fun family vacay! Thanks for sharing!
These are great cruise tips! I’ve only been on 2 cruises but can relate to all of these as well even though they weren’t disney cruises (especially packing your own alcohol!) I didn’t know that room service was free though that’s something great to keep in mind
This actually sounds really fun. I’ve never done a cruise, even though I’ve done heaps of them. I think I should give it a go one day.
I’ve been waiting to go on a Disney cruise for a while and I love these tips! I think the one about excursions is especially helpful. I like the idea of taking a step back from all the people and taking a tour yourself.
Nice tips. I’ve never been on a cruise so I’ll have to keep these in mind! Bringing your own alcohol is a must 🙂 🙂
I’ve never been on a cruise, but these are some great tips! I’ll keep them in mind in case I ever go on one!
This looks like so much fun! Thank you for the tips!
Fantastic tips! Love the use the Tours by Locals tip, that’s a great one! Definitely saving this for later
These are so helpful! I’d love to do a Disney cruise one day, so I’m definitely pinning this for later. It seems like a lot of fun!
Sounds like a nice trip and you had a lot of fun!
Such a happy adventure! Thanks for the learning! I’m greatly inspired!
I’ve never been on a cruise but you’ve totally sold me on them! These are great tips, thanks for sharing them.
These are great tips! I have only been on Carnival Cruises but I think I’d enjoy a Disney cruise, too! Also, I had never heard of an alcohol waiver. Good to know for future trips.
I was so ill when my family went on a disney cruise – from sea sickness and a cold I’d got beforehand. It’s nice to see that it can actually be fun when you aren’t a rashy disaster!
Thanks for the great guide! I’ve never been on a cruise so I wouldn’t really know what to expect from one. I’m saving this guide because a Disney one sounds fantastic!
Hannah | https://getlost.blog/
Awesome post! I found it to be super informative. I seriously want to get into a cruise ship now!!!
I have been dying to go on a Disney cruise! This looked so fun!!
This is a very comprehensive list. Great for anyone thinking of a Disney cruise!
I’d love to go on a Disney cruise – it’s my ultimate cruise bucket list!
Francesca x // glutenfreehorizons.com
I haven’t been on a cruise for so so long but these are super helpful! The Disney ones especially look insanely fun! Love this.
Great advice! Esp about the free room service- I had no idea! We’re planning for a 2024 Disney cruise 😉
So exciting! If you have any questions please let me know 🙂
Hi! I’m a huge disney frantic, so I really enjoy reading up on your post. I’m planning a disney cruise right now, so I’m super excited and pumped up thanks to your post! (:
That’s fantastic news! I hope you love your Disney Cruise. If you have any questions, please let us know 🙂
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The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Disney Cruise: 80+ First Time Disney Cruise Tips
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Disney cruises are a magical way to get a dose of Disney while also seeing different parts of the world. Whether you’re new to cruising or just new to Disney Cruise Line, planning a Disney cruise can be a little overwhelming. Between figuring out what to pack, checking in and booking onboard excursions, we have you covered with these first time Disney Cruise tips from start to finish.
Keep reading for over 80 tips for Disney cruises for first timers (from a travel agent!)
Table of Contents
General information on disney cruises.
Disney Cruise Line currently operates five cruise ships: The Dream, Fantasy, Wonder, Magic and Wish. The Wish is Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, which had its inaugural sailing in 2022.
Disney Cruise Line offers a variety of sailings, including:
- Caribbean cruises from Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Port Canaveral, New Orleans and Galveston
- Baja Mexico cruises out of San Diego
- Alaskan cruises out of Vancouver
- New England and Eastern Canadian cruises departing from New York City
- European Cruises including the Mediterranean, British Isles and Norwegian Fjords
- Transatlantic and Panama Canal Cruises
- Starting in 2024, Disney Cruise Line will also be sailing around Hawaii, Australia and New Zealand
Wondering what’s the best Disney cruise for first timers? A 4-night cruise is always a good place to start if you’re unsure about cruising for 5+ nights. 3-night cruises can feel rushed, but a short Disney cruise is better than no Disney cruise!
Planning a Disney cruise for summer 2024? Summer 2024 Disney Cruise Line itineraries were just released, and you can book at summer 2024 Disney cruise starting on March 30, 2023. This includes the new Lighthouse Point , which is Disney’s private oasis on the island of Eleuthera that will debut in the Bahamas in June of 2024.
Tips for Booking a Disney Cruise
Booking a Disney Cruise is very involved, from choosing the right sailing to picking the best stateroom. Below is some information to get you started with planning.
- Use a travel agent who specializes in Disney. A Disney focused travel agent knows the ships and ports of call best. They will help you pick the best room, walk you through the pre-cruise processes and answer questions along the way.
- You can search Disney cruise itineraries by visiting disneycruiseline.com , calling Disney Cruise Line or contacting your travel agent.
- A deposit is required to secure your cruise , and it’s typically refundable prior to final payment at 90 days. Be sure to read the full terms and conditions before making a deposit.
- Disney Cruise room types include inside rooms, oceanview rooms, verandah rooms, concierge rooms and suites. The suite sizes and locations can vary by ship.
- Oceanview and Verandah rooms both have split bathrooms and they also have a bathtub. (Something you don’t typically see on other cruise lines!)
- Inside rooms are the least expensive and smallest room types.
- Not sure which location of the ship is best between forward, aft and midship? Midship rooms are typically known for experiencing less motion than aft (back) or forward (front) rooms. Motion on the ship affects people differently, however, so what works best for one person in terms of deck number and location may not be an ideal room choice for someone else.
- Guaranteed (GTY) rooms are generally made available for certain room categories at a discount as inventory starts running low. It means that your category is guaranteed, but your actual room number and deck will be assigned prior to departure.
- If you’d like an elevated experience, Disney Cruise Line concierge rooms are available as well. These offer things like specific concierge lounges, larger rooms, complimentary alcoholic drinks and booking excursions and experiences early.
- Standard cabins only sleep a maximum of 5 people. For families of 6+ , either 2 connecting cabins or a 1+ bedroom concierge suite are required regardless of your kids’ ages.
- If you need a passport for your cruise, be sure to apply for it at least 3 months before, unless you do expedited processing.
If you’re not currently working with a travel agent, feel free to contact me to get started. Not only do I provide Disney Cruise tips and tricks, but I also assist with each step and actions required along the way.
Pre-Cruise Tips
- Excursions and onboard experiences can be booked starting at 75 days out from your cruise (at midnight) for first time cruises. It will be earlier if you have Castaway Cay Club status or are cruising concierge.
- Online check-in dates depend on your Castaway Cay member status and room type. Pearl and Concierge guests can check in as early as 40 days prior to sailing. Platinum is 38 days, Gold is 35 days and Silver Castaway Cay members can check in 33 days prior to sailing. Everyone else can check in 30 days prior to sailing, starting at midnight. In order to get an earlier port arrival time, checking in at midnight is recommended, but it’s not required. Have images of your documents and headshots saved in a folder on your phone or computer to work through the process more quickly.
- Upon checking in, you’re assigned a Port Arrival Time (PAT.) This is the time you can arrive at the port before boarding. You’re also assigned a boarding group #, which determines when you can actually board the ship once you pass the initial checkpoints at port.
- Disney Cruise Line bus transportation is available from the airports or hotels to port at select locations. Check here to find out if it’s available for your sailing. You can call DCL to have it added up to 3 days before sailing (or ask your TA to do it for you!)
- Royal Gatherings and special meet and greets for Marvel and/or Pixar Day at Sea sailings are also available for booking 30 days out at midnight.
- Passports are recommended for cruising, but for many sailings that start and end in the US they’re not required. Find the Disney Cruise Known Before You Go overview here for sailing requirements and acceptable proof of identification for cruising on Disney Cruise Line.
- You can prepay gratuities prior to sailing, otherwise they will be added to onboard expenses at the end of your cruise. As of February 2023, prepaid gratuities are $14.50 per person per night.
- Download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app on everyone’s phone before you sail. This will make it easier to access the itinerary and activities when you get onto the boat.
- To engage with other cruise goers and stay informed, join the Facebook group for your cruise . You can usually find this by searching Disney [ship name] and the date of sailing.
- Disney Cruise Line Fish Extender groups exchange items like ornaments, snacks, etc and are usually managed by the Facebook groups. You can buy a fish extender here to put outside of your cruise door.
- Disney cruisers are big on decorating their doors, and cruise door magnets are a fun and easy way to do it.
- You can schedule a Disney Cruise Line pre-cruise call with Minnie and Mickey or Goofy. To book your DCL character call, go to My Reservations and select “Request Call.”
- Vaccinations and covid tests are no longer required for DCL sailings as of November 14, 2022.
Packing Tips for Disney Cruises
When packing for a Disney Cruise, our biggest tip is to not over pack. Cruise cabins are smaller than traditional hotel rooms and you will likely need less than you think. Below are a handful of packing tips for Disney cruises.
- Pack anything you need for the first day in your carry-on , including prescription medicine, identification documents and port arrival forms. We recommend bringing a swimsuit or change of clothes, sunscreen and anything else you need until your luggage is delivered.
- Make sure you have the identification documents you used for online check-in. You will not get on the cruise if you forget these! I always recommend taking a picture of birth certificates as a backup as well.
- Each adult 21+ can bring up to 2 bottles of wine or a 6 pack of beer or hard seltzer onboard. Another one of our lesser-known Disney cruise tips is that you can also bring unopened bottles of water and packaged snacks. Just make sure any alcohol, bottled water and snacks are unopened and in your carry-on bags. (Note: So many people ask about alcohol packages on Disney Cruise Line, and there isn’t one.)
- What should you wear on a Disney cruise? Disney cruises tend to be more casual than other cruise lines. Casual clothes like shorts and tees or a swimsuit and cover up are great for during the day. While we tend to dress a little nicer for dinner, you can also get away with wearing shorts and t-shirts unless you’re dining at the adults only restaurants.
- Itineraries with 7+ nights typically have a formal night and those with 4+ nights typically have a dress up night. Call DCL or ask your travel agent to find out what night this is. (But again, with Disney cruises being more casual, you won’t be out of place if you don’t participate!)
- Don’t forget to pack your Disney gear! Minnie ears, Disney shirts and princess dresses are all encouraged on Disney Cruise Line.
- Some extra things we like to pack for a Disney cruise: refillable water bottles, magnets for your door and inside the room, and activities/ fidget toys for the kids to have at dinner.
See Disney Cruise Line packing tips for more tips on packing and what to bring your cruise carry on.
Booking DCL Excursions & Onboard Experiences
Like all cruise lines, Disney Cruise Line offers a variety of excursions at each port. In addition, Disney cruises offer several free and paid activities on the ship for both adults and kids. You can find more information on both below.
- You book them on any day under onboard activities and they will be available for the duration of the cruise.
- If you don’t purchase the photo package, you can still purchase individual pictures before you leave the ship.
- Photos are available for download up to 45 days after your sailing at disneycruise.disney.go.com/photos/ .
- Disney cruise offers a specific list of excursions, and they can change by sailing. You can find the list of Disney Cruise Line Port Adventures here .
- If you need towels for an excursion, they’re provided when you get off the ship.
- If you have to make changes to excursions or onboard experiences , you can go to Guest Services or cancel directly in the app. Just be sure to review cancellation policies as you will be charged if you don’t cancel within the specified timeframe.
- The shows on the Disney Cruise Line are Broadway style and offered two times a night. The first show is typically at 6:30pm and the second show is typically at 8:15pm. Shows differ by ship and sailing.
- Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique on Disney Cruise Line is offered for ages 3+ and includes a full makeover, hair and nails. You can pack your own outfit or purchase something there for an additional charge. This can be booked in advance under onboard activities or when you arrive on the ship.
- Disney Cruise Line offers a great spa, salon and barber shop for adults. You can book these in advance under onboard activities or head to the spa when you arrive to schedule a time. (I got a haircut and style at the Tangled Salon on the Disney Wish and had such a good experience!)
One of our biggest first time Disney cruise tips is to take full advantage of the included activities offered on the ship. You can easily have an amazing time without spending any additional money.
Disney Cruise Embarkation Day Tips & Overview
Wondering how the Disney cruise boarding process works? The highlights are below.
- When you arrive at the port, the porters will take your luggage except for carry-ons. (I recommend having a few dollars on you for a tip!)
- When it’s your port arrival time, you’ll go through screening so they can check carry-ons, Port Arrival Time (PAT) form and documents for identification.
- Have your PAT document accessible at all times since they’ll ask for it multiple times as well as your docs (ID + Birth Certificate or passport.)
- When it’s time for you to board your ship, your boarding group number will be called over the loudspeaker. There’s typically a holding area to wait until your boarding group is called which is similar to airport gates. (Note: Your Disney Cruise boarding time will vary depending on how quickly they move through the boarding groups. On our most recent cruise, we had a PAT of 11:15am and our boarding group was called at 11:45am.)
- When you get on the ship, you can do a number of things including lunch at the buffet or available table service restaurant, check out the kids’ clubs, use the pool etc. (One of our biggest Disney Cruise embarkation tips is to explore and check out the areas you may not otherwise get to access during the cruise, like adults only dining, kids’ clubs, etc.)
- Rooms are typically ready around 2pm and luggage will arrive after that.
Tips for During Your Cruise
There were a handful of things we didn’t realize on our first Disney cruise. These tips for first time Disney cruisers include a handful of things we learned on the cruise.
- The full itinerary , character greetings and activities will be available in the Navigator app when you arrive at port. Be sure to review the daily schedules on your first day. One of our Disney cruise hacks is to “favorite” the activities you want to do so that you get reminders throughout the cruise. (This applies for things like character greetings, family crafts, adults only activities and more.)
- The Sail Away Party is a can’t miss activity on Disney Cruise Line. It’s a fun party with singing, dancing and so many characters as the ship sails away.
- Pirate Nights take place on most Caribbean Sailings and have fun activities, characters dressed in pirate gear, a special show and fireworks at night. The Disney Cruise pirate night menu is also available for most sailings, which is a special themed dinner with items like crab cakes, shrimp and jerk chicken.
- If you’re looking for free adults only activities on Disney Cruise Line, there are things like adults only trivia, crafts and more that are only for 18+. You can also use The Cove, which is an adult only pool and relaxation area on Disney Cruise Line.
- You can communicate on the ship using the chat feature between those in your stateroom. To communicate with those outside of your stateroom, you need to get their chat ID number.
- Wi-Fi on Disney Cruise Line is an extra charge and options vary by ship. To avoid additional cell phone charges, put your plan on airplane mode with the onboard Wi-Fi.
- Character meet & greets typically take place in the ship’s grand hall/ atrium or in the kids’ club areas. Lines typically go quickly, and you likely will not wait more than 15 minutes for a meet and greet. Try to arrive a few minutes early to get in line.
- Take a screenshot of your charges in the app before leaving the ship, as it’s the only way you can review the detailed charges. Visit Guest Services to resolve any discrepancies before disembarking.
Dining Tips for Disney Cruise Line
One question I get a lot is, how does dining work on Disney Cruise Line? Each cruise line has its own approach to dining, and Disney has some unique features that we feel sets it apart.
- Disney Cruise Line has rotational dining each night for dinner, which means you will rotate to different themed restaurants each night of your cruise. You can request a specific dining rotation prior to your cruise by calling DCL or asking your Travel Agent to do so. You won’t find out the confirmed dining rotation until you board the ship.
- There are two Disney cruise dining times . Main dining is at 5:45pm and second dining is at 8:15pm. Main dining fills up first, but you can be added to a waitlist if you don’t initially get the seating you want.
- Smaller groups are typically sat with other families. You can request a private table, but it’s not guaranteed. DCL usually aims to put people of similar ages/ families together.
- There’s a buffet on Disney Cruise Line that’s open for breakfast, lunch and dinner with a variety of options for every age and diet. On most ships, the buffet is called Cabanas, but on the Disney Wish it’s called Marceline Market.
- The pool decks offer unlimited soft serve and fountain drinks as well as a variety of lunch options.
- Standard tips for servers and room hosts are automatically calculated per person. Envelopes and tickets with the total amount of gratuities are provided on your last night. You can add additional cash to the baseline tip for the amazing staff at the end and then hand it to the servers at your last meal. Note: When you purchase an alcoholic drink at dinner or in a lounge, 18% gratuity is automatically added up front.
- The bars throughout the ships typically serve specialty coffees in addition to alcoholic drinks. Punch cards are available for a free coffee after you purchase 5.
- Lounges on Disney cruise ships are open to kids during the day, and they are adults only in the evenings.
- Room service on Disney Cruise Line is included with your rate. It includes everything from coffee and pastries to dinner and Mickey bars. A $1 per item tip is recommended for delivery.
- Adults only dining on Disney cruises is also available. These specialty dining experiences are available for an additional fee, and you can book them when your onboard activities booking window opens.
Tips for Cruising with Kids on Disney
There are so many amazing Disney cruise activities for kids, that it’s no surprise it’s one of the best cruise lines for families. Below are a few tips for going on a Disney Cruise with kids.
- Kids must be potty trained to use the regular pools, but all Disney Cruise ships have a splash pad for younger kids.
- Life vests are provided on board and at Castaway Cay for kids.
- Strollers are available to borrow at Castaway Cay, and some ships also have them available as you leave for excursions.
- With the exception of the nursery, the kids’ clubs on Disney Cruise Line are included with your rate. They include: Oceaneers Club for ages 3-12, Vibe for ages 11-14 and Edge for ages 14-17.
- Disney Cruise Line kids’ clubs are open for all ages during Open House on the embarkation day. It’s a fun way for the whole family to explore these areas.
- Your kids ages 3+ will get a wrist band to access the kids’ clubs during the cruise. They charge you $12 up front, and the charge is removed when you return it.
- The nursery is available on a half hour basis for kids up to (and including) age 3. The current rate is $4.50 per half hour for the nursery on DCL. You can sign up for the nursery in advance on the Disney Navigator app or book when you arrive on the ship.
- Your room host will set up your pull-down beds based on your family’s needs. Pack-n-plays and bed rails are available upon request.
- If you’re going on a Disney cruise with a baby or toddler in diapers, a diaper genie will also be provided in your room. Baby food can be requested as well.
- The minimum age for infants on a Disney cruise is 6 months for most sailings.
Disney Cruise Disembarkation Tips
Disembarking is always the saddest part about a Disney cruise. Below are a few tips so you know what to expect when disembarking a Disney cruise.
- The night before you disembark your Disney cruise, you’ll get luggage tags with a Disney character. Place them on your luggage and leave them outside of your door for pickup by 10:30pm.
- If you have an earlier flight the next morning, you can use express walkoff and take your luggage yourself, versus leaving it outside the night before. (Pro Tip: Check the recommended departure flight times for Disney Cruise Line to ensure you have enough time to get to the airport.)
- Disembarkation day breakfast is usually at the same restaurant you ate at the prior night, which your servers will confirm. Those with Main Dining have breakfast around 6:45am, and those with Second Dining typically have breakfast around 8am. You can also have breakfast at the buffet on your Disney cruise disembarkation day. It’s usually open from 6:30- 8:30am.
- The ship will typically clear customs around 7:30am, pending any issues. At that time, an announcement will be made over the loudspeaker that guests are able to disembark.
- Guests should plan to bring checked bags to breakfast and vacate the ship directly after breakfast. You’ll pick up your luggage after disembarking in the area with the character that matches your luggage tags.
- There isn’t technically a set disembarkation time for Disney cruises . At most ports, guests are asked to clear the ship by 9am and should exit by 9:30am at the latest.
Disney Cruise Line Placeholder
If you loved your Disney cruise experience (as I’m sure you will!) be sure to check the Navigator app for an offer to put down a deposit for a placeholder for 10% off a future cruise. You can reserve up to 2 placeholders by paying a $250 fully refundable placeholder deposit that will go toward the cruise. (Pro Tip: We usually do 2 placeholders just in case we invite family or friends- knowing that we can cancel the 2nd for a refund if we don’t use it.)
You can then apply the placeholder(s) to the same cruise for up 24 months from your current sailing. Be sure to also select your travel agent in the drop down if you want to work with them again! After purchasing your placeholder, you’ll receive an email with a reservation number to book your next cruise. This is a great offer if you think there’s even a chance you will sail again on Disney Cruise Line.
Pre and Post Cruise Plans
- We always recommend flying in the night before your cruise and staying nearby. If you experience flight delays (which is so common right now) you could risk missing the cruise disembarkation if you fly that day.
- If you have a late flight out on the evening of disembarkation day, many rental car companies have free shuttles from port if you want to explore for the day.
- If you’re traveling out of Port Canaveral, you can tack on a visit to Disney World or stop at Kennedy Space Center on the way back to MCO airport.
If you book your Disney cruise with a travel agent, they can also help with your pre-cruise and post-cruise travel plans and logistics. Another reason to book with a TA!
Have you been on a Disney cruise before? I’d love to hear any tips for planning a first Disney cruise in the comments.
Related Blog Posts
- Disney Very Merrytime Cruise Tips
- Tips for Cruising with a Baby or Toddler
- Disney Cruise Packing Tips
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The remaining people pay a reduced rate based on their ages: adult (13+), child (3-12), and infant (2 or younger). These rates usually don’t change much (if at all), no matter the type of stateroom. Example: 3-Night Bahamas Cruise in May 2024, in an oceanview stateroom. First two adults: $1,329 each.
Last Minute Tips and Advice for First Time Cruisers. These are some miscellaneous bits of advice for your first time cruising with Disney Cruise Line. Return the Kids Club Band . If you receive a bracelet for the kids club (similar to a Magic Band at Disney World) for your child, make sure you return it to the club by the last day of your cruise.
What to pack for your Disney Cruise. Bring some Rubber Ducks and Fish Extender. Use an experienced travel agent. Tips for first time Disney cruisers on-board. Arrive Early. Do Character Meet and Greets. Take Advantage of Kids Clubs. Let people know if you want your own table. Use Room Service.
These first-time Disney Cruise Line tips will help you with things you might not know about the Magic, Fantasy, Dream, and Wonder DCL ships. Most are mistakes we made–and learned from–on our first DCL vacation, but we’ve also updated and tweaked this list with new info, ideas & changes. ( Updated October 31, 2019 .)
2: Pack first-day essentials in a shoulder bag. When you first arrive at the cruise terminal, your suitcases will be taken from you. This is great, so you don’t have to carry them on board yourself. However, although you will board the ship in the early afternoon, and probably get access to your stateroom around 1:00/1:30, your luggage may ...
In November 2010, we set off on our very first cruise, the seven-night Western Caribbean Disney cruise (Castaway Cay, Bahamas, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel), aboard the Disney Magic. We learned there were some things we would want to do differently next time. 1. An Extra Bathroom Makes a Room Feel Bigger. We stayed in an inside stateroom (the ...
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3. You Can Book Some Character Meets in Advance. One of the things that sets Disney apart from other cruises is the opportunity to meet some of your favorite characters. The Navigator app will list when certain characters are meeting and where, but there are some experiences you can reserve in advance.
Top 6 Reasons to Take Your First Cruise. 1. You’ll Find Family-Friendly Fun Galore. Spending quality time as a family can feel seemingly impossible while trying to keep up with the daily grind. A cruise vacation offers an impressive mix of activities everyone can do together, making it an ideal way to squeeze in that bonding time you’ve ...
Here are some tips for first-time cruisers aboard Disney cruise ships: Choosing the Right Disney Cruise Line Ship Disney Cruise Line has 6 ships to choose from as of 2024: Disney Magic, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Treasure, Disney Wish and Disney Wonder .