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Disney Cruise Tips and Tricks

Updated February 22, 2024

So, you have booked a Disney Cruise and are now looking for tips and tricks to help your cruise go smoothly.

Learn More About Your Ship

Disney Cruise Line has five ships; Magic , Wonder , Dream , Fantasy , Wish and this year, the Treasure ; each has unique features. Learn more about each ship by following the links.

Join Your Facebook Group

The first thing I recommend doing after booking a cruise is to join the Facebook group for your cruise. This will allow you to get to know some of the people you are cruising with. It is a great resource to learn more about your sailing. Usually, group members will remind you about important dates like the date to pay in full “PIF”, book excursions and onboard activities, and check-in.  You can find your cruise groups for each ship; Magic , Wonder , Dream , Fantasy , and Wish .

If you are travelling to Europe, I recommend joining The Disney Cruise Mediterranean, Greek Isles, and Europe Cruise Planning Group .

If you want to participate in the gift exchange or “ Fish Extender Exchange,.” You would sign up in your cruise group. You can find other exchanges there, like magnet and candy exchanges.

Check Out Your Stateroom

Did you book a special room like a secret porthole room on the Magic or Wonder? You can often find YouTube videos of many staterooms .

Cruise Essentials

Next up, start to think about what you need for the cruise. Check and see what I think are essentials for the cruise . If you are going to dine at any of the Adult venues (Palo and Palo’s Steakhouse, Remy’s, Enchanté), make sure you are familiar with the dress code. Disney Cruise is one of the few cruise lines with DIY laundry rooms . It is handy when travelling with kids and means you could pack less. Ensure you know the dress code for the different dining venues and specialty nights.

Book Your Activities, Excursions, and Character Meets

When your booking window opens, book what you want to do first. When you can book, activities depend on your Castaway Club status . Know which days you are in port and which excursions are available on your cruise. Book any adult dining and beverage-tasting seminars. This will also be your first chance to book time at the spa. If you are travelling with any 3 and under, book time in the nursery. If you travel with anyone 12 and under, don’t forget to check out the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique . Guests over three years old check out the Pirate League on the day of the Pirate Deck Party.

Don’t forget to book any character meets you may want to do. There will be many opportunities to meet characters on the ship, but Disney will have meetups you can pre-book. In the past, they have been for princesses and Frozen characters. You will have other choices if you go on a themed cruise, Marvel, Star Wars, or Pixar.

Learn more about Disney’s newest ship, the Wish .

Learn about Castaway Cay if your ship is stopping there. 

Explore Food and Dining Options

Are you wondering what the food choices will be on the cruise? Check out the menus . Learn about rotational dining and dining seating .

See what the dessert experience at Remy is like.

Thirty days before your cruise, you will be able to check-in . Make sure you know what identification you need and have it ready.  

Add any pre- or post- transfers or pre-pay your gratuities before you sail. 

Getting to the Port

Learn about taking Disney transfers to the port.

Prepare for Boarding Day

When your boarding day finally arrives, ensure you have all your documents, arrive at your Port Arrival Time and know what you can pack in your carry-on. Once on the ship, remember you cannot do everything. Make sure you take some time to relax and enjoy yourself .

Don’t forget to get a placeholder to book a future cruise at a discount. 

Learn about the Disney Wonder will be sailing transpacific cruises in 2023 , followed by cruises sailing from Australia and New Zealand. Also, Disney’s newest ship, the Disney Treasure , is coming in 2024.

Finally, sign up for our newsletter to keep up with the latest Disney Cruise News , Rumours , discounts and tips and tricks .

This post may contain affiliate links. Meaning, that if you make a purchase through my links, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support of this site.

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101 Great Disney Cruise Line Tips

While Disney Cruise Line is a relatively hassle-free vacation, we have 101 tips & tricks that can save money and time. With our advice, your sailing aboard the Disney Magic, Wonder, Dream, or Fantasy can be an even better experience, and you can squeeze extra value out of the trip!

Our 101 Disney Cruise Line tips offer random ideas that cover all of the ships and an assortment of itineraries. They are based on our experiences aboard Disney Cruise Line and (unfortunately) some mistakes we’ve made while going from cruise newbies to Castaway Club Gold Members.

For those Disney Cruise Line seasoned pros who have even more experience than us, please leave any tips of your own that you think are helpful. In fact, if you have some really good tips, I might just steal them and put them into the post. 😉

With that said, let’s get started with the list of Disney Cruise Line tips & tricks…

• Due to Disney Cruise Line’s popularity, its cruises are rarely discounted. Disney doesn’t make it easy to find deals (to maintain its image that it’s a “premium” vacation product), with only Military and Florida Resident discounts listed on Disney Cruise Line’s Special Offers page . However, last minute deals can be found on select sailings for “restricted guarantee” rooms. These are often unpublished on DCL’s site (so you need either a travel agent or to research via a third party site), and require a bit of flexibility as you cannot choose your stateroom.
• On Embarkation Day, you can sign up for a free 50MB Connect@Sea WiFi package. Before doing this, be sure to disable all cloud and background services that might be running on your computer. Avoid watching video, stay off of photo-heavy websites (like this one!), and don’t use your package on port days (when free WiFi can be found ashore). By following these tips, there’s a good chance this free WiFi package will last your entire cruise.
• Yes, there is pin trading aboard all Disney Cruise Line ships. You’ll find Cast Members with trading lanyards in various places, most notably in gift shops where there are also pin trading books or boards behind the counter (ask!). Buying pins from Amazon for trading before your cruise will save a lot of money. (Our other Disney Pin Trading Tips are also applicable for Disney Cruise Line.)
• “Fish Extenders” are a common type of decoration that serious Disney fans like to hang on the fish located right outside their door. These extenders are used for groups to identify other members of that group, or just for Disney fans to share gifts and notes with other fans.
• Want to dine at Tiana’s Place Restaurant from the Princess and the Frog ? Set sail on the Disney Wonder!
• The nightly stage shows are broadcast on your stateroom TV. So, if you want to watch the shows, but don’t want to wear pants, you’re in luck! 😉
• Castaway Cay is Disney’s private island, and it’s a wonderful mix of Imagineered details and tropical paradise. We recommend getting off the ship first thing at Castaway Cay and staying until the very end of the day, as it’s an exceptional experience. For more on the island, read our Castaway Cay Guide & Tips .
• The flavors of soft serve ice cream change throughout the cruise. This used to occur daily, but on our last cruise, we had strawberry banana for a couple of days. Mango is our top pick!
• Your stateroom TV has a station with Disney music on it. Perfect for turning on while you get ready for the day to get you in a “Disney mood.”
• One of the best ways to save money on a future Disney cruise is to book while onboard a cruise. This offers up to a 10% discount, $200 on-board credit, and reduced deposit. You can even book a ‘placeholder’ cruise if you don’t know your precise sailing date!
• Aside from Castaway Cay, Nassau, Bahamas is the port most frequently-visited by Disney Cruise Line. Rather than booking a Port Adventure, we recommend doing a self-guided tour of Nassau. We detail what we did in our 3-Night Bahamas Disney Cruise Line Report .
• Disney Cruise Line used to have a really relaxed carry-on alcohol policy. This has since been restricted, but you can still bring two bottles of wine or a six-pack of beer per person.
• Disney Visa cardholders receive 10% discounts on merchandise purchases of $50+, photo packages, and Castaway Cay Getaway packages. Discounts of 20% are offered on select spa packages while the ship is docked at a Port.
• The “Mickey Mail” autograph service has been discontinued. We feel this is important to mention because we still get questions about it, and it’s a persistent ‘top tip’ you’ll still see pop-up if you’re on Pinterest.
• On the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy ships, there are 4 “mini-suite” rooms, which are larger than the other 8 Category 8A Deluxe Family Oceanview Staterooms. These are rooms 5020, 5022, 5520, and 5522.
• In Disneyspeak, a travel agent is called an “Authorized Disney Vacation Planner.” Using them to book your cruise is a great way to save time and stress, and it doesn’t cost you anything! They can also find you deals (namely, last-minute ones) on cruises. They get their commission from Disney, so the authorized planners won’t charge you for booking the trip or helping to plan. Request a vacation price quote from an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner here .
• Often, Disney’s Port Adventures are offered via third parties that also sell the same or similar excursions directly or via other third party sites. Researching these Port Adventures before booking via Disney can save you a lot of money.
• Disney Vacation Club members can use their points for Disney Cruise Line sailings, but this is an awful use of points in terms of value . You’re better off renting out your points , putting that money towards paying for the cruise, and pocketing the difference.
• Online check-in opens on different dates depending on your Castaway Club status. Platinum Castaway Club members and concierge guests can check-in online at midnight, 120 days before sailing. Gold Castaway Club members can check-in online 105 days before sailing. Silver Castaway Club members can check-in online 90 days before sailing. All other guests can check-in 75 days before sailing.
• As soon as you’re able to check-in, you’re able to book Port Adventures, cabanas, spa packages, Palo, etc. Book these as soon as possible, as some sell out.
• On the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy ships, there are eight over-sized 8A cabins with open floor plans that are laid out as an L-shape room (the non-split bathroom forms part of the “L,” making the living area square). These rooms are 5018, 5518, 6012, 6014, 6016, 6510, 6512, and 6514.
• Don’t pack an inner tube or even this delightful sea dragon (I know, right?!). Disney Cruise Line doesn’t allow them…probably because they want you to pay their rental fees at Castaway Cay.
• The locker room showers in the Fitness Center are always open for guest use, and make a workable option if there is “excessive demand” for your stateroom shower.
• If a particular itinerary is a must-do for you, book it as soon as sailing dates are announced. While we have several tips about saving money, the cheapest prices you’ll find on many Disney cruises is when they’re released. With regard to pricing, Disney Cruise Line has more in common with airlines (in that prices can fluctuate based on occupancy projections) than Walt Disney World (which has a fixed price ceiling but offers discounts to meet occupancy targets).
• There is a huge CVS located just outside of Port Canaveral where you can stock up on sunscreen, booze, and really just about anything else you might need on a cruise that you could’ve forgotten.
• Cruising is not for everyone, but before you dismiss it out of hand, do some research. As I’ve written, I thought I was not a cruise person, but got hooked by my first Disney Cruise Line vacation .
• A one-way rental car from Walt Disney World (there’s an Alamo at the Swan & Dolphin) can be cheaper than paying for Disney’s shuttle–do the math.
• Some cruise ports, particularly those in the Caribbean, have problems with pickpockets who prey on tourists. Wearing a neck wallet ( this one is ~$2 and also offers RFID protection ) under your shirt can be a safe option to avoid being successfully targeted.
• Booking two rooms can be cheaper than booking a single room that sleeps 4 or 5, depending upon the room categories. Price things out and do the math for yourself.
• Castaway Cay has a post office drop-box that has an exclusive Castaway Cay postmark. You can purchase Bahamian stamps aboard your ship, and mail a postcard from here.
• On cruises that stop in Grand Cayman, we highly recommend the “Adventure to Stingray City Sandbar” Port Adventure . This stingray encounter is unlike the one at Castaway Cay, and is an incredibly cool experience.
• The “Art of the Theme Ship Tour” is offered on most cruises, and offers insight into the design choices, theming, and visual motifs the ship. It is not a behind-the-scenes tour, but is still well worth doing, and will give you a greater appreciation of the design of each ship.
• If you’re willing to roll the dice on hurricane season, September can be a cheaper time to sail, particularly if you want until the last minute to book. January and February are also less expensive months, in our experience. Basically, any time school is in session–aside from holiday seasons and other special sailings–is your best shot at last-minute discounted prices.
• Animator’s Palate is a distinctly Disney dining experience that brings some magic from the parks to the cruise ships. Do not skip this restaurant.
• You can purchase a discounted beer cup aboard the ships, which will work out to be a good deal if you plan on drinking quite a bit and forget to bring your own alcohol.
• On channel 5 starting at 6 a.m., there are tips specific to that day of the cruise. Something to put on in the background while you’re getting ready!
• Standard staterooms have 3 power outlets. For even our party of 2, this is insufficient. Power strips are not allowed, but we have had no issue with our USB charging hub . (Perhaps we’ve gotten lucky, but I doubt it.)
• Serenity Bay is the adults-only beach on Castaway Cay, and is most distant beach on the island. As compared to the other beaches, it is much quieter. We recommend hitting the family beaches for active entertainment (like water slides) first thing in the morning, and then heading to Serenity Bay (if you don’t have kids) to unwind and relax after lunch.
• All on-board transactions completed with your Key to the World card, which is your room key and has your credit card stored in it. This makes Disney Cruise Line (potentially!) cash-free.
• While Mickey Mail has been discontinued, characters at meet & greets will still sign items aside from autograph books. Popular items with cruisers are (still) picture frame mats and pillow cases.
• There’s a free chat feature in the in Disney Cruise Line Navigator app, which is great for keeping in touch with your family without buying an internet package. Now, if only those cool emojis could be used in iMessage!
• Babysitting (err, “kid’s entertainment”) is free for children over the age of 3, and there are a variety of age-specific activities available for all children, which are exclusive to kids.
• Coffee is not served on Castaway Cay. Addicts take note, and plan accordingly. 😉
• Get up for sunrise. Not only is seeing an explosion of color out at sea first thing in the morning beautiful, but you’ll also have a peaceful experience as the ship is devoid of other guests. (I also enjoy seeing all the maintenance and upkeep being done at these early hours–makes me appreciate the beauty of the ship even more!)
• In addition to pricier laundry pickup and dry cleaning, there are 24-hour, self-service laundry facilities equipped with washers and dryers, along with detergent and complimentary ironing equipment.
• You might want to bring foreign currency for port days, which can be ordered from your local bank with 2-3 day advance notice (normally). We don’t do this, instead using a credit card with no foreign transaction fees. Whenever possible, we prefer not to carry cash in touristy places where pickpockets are a known issue. So long as you have a chipped credit card with no foreign transaction fees, you’re good to go pretty much anywhere in the world (just make sure the business accepts credit card).
• There are a variety of themed cruises available throughout the year, including Star Wars or Marvel Days at Sea , Very MerryTime , and Halloween on the High Seas Sailings .
• Bringing your own blowdryer is not recommended. The room offers one with the correct voltage so you don’t blow a fuse and Sarah reports that the in-room one is “satisfactory.” (Sorry, I have no first-hand experiences with it to share.)
• Hidden Mickeys can be found aboard every Disney Cruise Line ship, from the Disney Magic to the Disney Fantasy, and in all areas of the ships–even the bars & lounges. For Hidden Mickey hunters of all ages, we recommend Hidden Mickeys Go To Sea: A Field Guide to the Disney Cruise Line’s Best Kept Secrets . It’s a great guide to spotting cool details aboard the ships!
• All four ships now have concierge lounges, along with a range of other concierge benefits . Everyone we know who has done concierge on Disney Cruise Line has loved it, but has cautioned that once you cruise concierge, it’s tough to go back.
• We recommend the 3-in-1 Castaway Cay Getaway Package, which provides snorkel equipment for the day, an inner tube for the day, and bicycle rental for one hour. With this package, you basically pay full price for the inner tube and snorkel equipment, and get the bicycle rental for free.
• There is no limit to what you can order at rotational dining restaurants aboard Disney Cruise Line. If you want multiple entrees or all the desserts , you can order them. It’s all included.
• We recommend packing a swimsuit and change of clothes in your carry-on/day bag for Embarkation Day.
• During the “See Ya Real Soon” show held on the last night of your cruise, stand in the middle of the atrium towards the iconic character statue. Typically, Captain Mickey Mouse will appear for a meet & greet in this location immediately after the show ends, and you’ll be right at the front of his line. Shortest wait for Captain Mickey all cruise!
• You can schedule a free wake-up call from Baymax (characters rotate, but he was the one on our last cruise) by pressing the wake up call button on your stateroom phone.
• Guests take Pirate Night seriously. Many kids and even adults go all out for it, getting completely dressed up. We recommend buying your kids pirate attire at a cheaper cost online , as what you’ll find on the ship is pricier. (Everyone gets a free Pirate Mickey bandana, which is enough for many adults.)
• Shortest waits for Aquaduck (Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream) or AquaDunk (Disney Magic) will be early on Embarkation Day, late at night, or during port days. Get your fix of these slides then, and avoid it completely on days at sea.
• Family photos on theme nights are a must. We recommend getting these in the atrium before you go up to the deck (or after the events are over, when the atrium will have fewer people in it). The lighting is harsh and over-saturated on the deck. Unless you have a powerful flash, your group might end up looking like Smurfs.
• If you’re a soft serve ice cream fiend like me, always take the stairs when going up to the deck, so you can enjoy unlimited ice cream guilt-free. 😉
• Shutters photography on Disney Cruise Line is similar in concept to PhotoPass in the parks, but with a number of significant differences. We’ve never purchased any photos on board (the pricing is too steep for us for average-quality photos), but here’s a good article answering frequently asked questions about photography on Disney Cruise Line .
• We have had exemplary service on every Disney cruise we’ve taken, and we end up supplementing the base tips for our servers and stateroom host as a result. On the last night of the cruise, there’s often a wait in line at Guest Relations to do this. Bringing some cash (to put in Disney’s provided tip envelopes) for these supplements is a good way to bypass that line.
• The Palo Brunch is unquestionably worth the money , in our opinion. While you still pay a surcharge, unlike dinner at Palo, you are not missing out on a good rotational dining experience, so the overall cost (upcharge + opportunity cost) is effectively lower.
• Speak with your doctor before cruising if sea-sickness might be an issue. Failing that, Sarah uses Sea-Band Anti-Nausea Gum , which she says works well.
• Fireworks at Sea on Pirate Night are not to be missed. If you have a Verandah Stateroom on the starboard side of the ship, you can see them from your balcony…although Disney’s official line on this is “don’t do it.” 😉
• Several characters have dedicated meet & greets on Castaway Cay, but one of the coolest character encounters is seeing Captain Jack Sparrow on Serenity Bay’s beach, which typically occurs late morning.
• Embarkation times vary, but we recommend being at the port and embarking as soon as your scheduled time slot will allow. More time on the ship and an “extra” meal is nice. Don’t arrive too early, though, as waiting around a crowded port is not exactly pleasant.
• Remy is a fine dining experience from a Michelin-starred chef that is available on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy ships. While the added cost is steep, so is what you’d pay at a real-world Michelin 3-star restaurant. In addition to the fine dining meal, Remy serves a a champagne brunch, a dessert experience, and the “Petites Assiettes de Remy” (a 6-course small plate experience with wine pairings).
• Another upcharge experience is the Royal Court Royal Tea Party , which is a tea party with Disney Princesses offered on all four ships. In addition to the tea, two courses of food are served and keepsakes are given out to kids. The experience is pricey–and actually more expensive for kids than adults.
• Aside from the tip, there’s no surcharge for room-service, so take advantage. Nothing beats a cup of coffee and meal to start the day on your stateroom verandah! (Assuming, of course, that you have a verandah.)
• Unless you know what you’re doing, don’t purchase diamonds or other high-dollar items in ports. All it takes is a quick Google search to reveal countless horror stories about scams to scare you away from doing this. (Even Disney’s featured on-board merchants, like Diamonds International, are pretty shady.)
• Sarah recommends the Rainforest Room Day Pass, which is relatively inexpensive (<$20). On the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, this provides access to a dry sauna, two steam rooms, multiple “rain” showers, heated loungers, and two hot tubs with ocean views. (When she went on a girls cruise without me(!!), she says she and her friends spent practically all day in the Rainforest Room.)
• Sarah also recommends the (alcoholic) beverage seminars for guests. She felt these offered good value for money (as compared to purchasing drinks on board the ship) and the experience was very fun. These can only be booked on board the ship and can sell out quickly.
• Pack your library card. Not because your library has a branch on the ship (although you never know what they’ll add), but because the stateroom lights require a card to activate. Using your Key to the World card for this is a hassle.
• If you’re doing a Land and Sea Cruise, do the Walt Disney World leg of the trip first. This will make the cruise feel like even more of a vacation, as you decompress from marathon days in the parks.
• Skyline Bar on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy is the coolest lounge aboard any of the ships. It’s chic and metropolitan–in the sense that there’s a rotating skyline (once per 15 minutes) behind the bar. The effect is really cool, and it’s worth sticking around long enough to see the full rotation of cities.
• If you are not able to make reservations prior to your cruise for character meets, Palo, Remy, etc., check for availability as soon as you board the ship. They may have additional availability on a first-come, first-served basis.
• While the Cabana Beach Retreats at Castaway Cay are pricey , they include a lot of perks and regular cruises highly recommend them. They’re also nearly impossible to book unless you’re a Gold or Platinum Castaway Club Member, as there is limited availability and they sell out quickly.
• While we don’t normally recommend travel insurance, give it some thought when cruising–especially if anyone in your party is prone to getting sick, or you’re cruising during hurricane season. This post covers what to look for in a cruise insurance plan .
• Premium Mickey Ice Cream Bars are available via room service or on the kids’ menus at every rotational dining restaurant. Yes, adults can order them, too.
• In Nassau, Junkanoo Beach is easy to access by walking a few blocks from the port. However, it’s touristy. Walking a few blocks farther (~40 minutes total) will get you to Saunders Beach , which is much more secluded.
• Some itineraries, such as the Alaskan Cruises on the Disney Wonder, offer exclusive merchandise available only on those sailings . (Speaking of which, this sounds like the ultimate bucket list cruise–seeing bald eagles, whales, and bears from the ship? Sign me up!)
• Running the Castaway Cay 5K is a nice way to score a rare freebie: a runDisney Castaway Cay (rubber) medal. It’s casually organized and features no on-course entertainment, but is still a fun, one-and-done race.
• Crew Members might advise you that the Youth Activities Band (Disney Cruise Line MagicBand) is “yours to keep as a souvenir,” what they might not say is, “but you’ll incur a fee if you do keep it.” This DCL MagicBand is useless, so purchase a different souvenir and avoid that charge.
• All three buffets (Cookie’s, Cookie’s Too, and Serenity Bay BBQ) all feature the exact same cookout style buffet food, with one exception: Serenity Bay BBQ offers ribeye steaks. They’re not amazing, but they’re one of the better foods on the buffet, so if you’re an adult, eat there.
• If you’re cruising without kids, choose the second dinner seating and earlier entertainment showtime. Both dinner and the show will be less crowded.
• Midship Detective Agency (particularly the Muppet version) is fun even if you’re an adult, and it provides an excuse to really explore the various floors of the ships, which is a satisfying experience.
• There’s a Disney Vacation Club Member Celebration on Embarkation Day, which provides free alcoholic drinks and a wealth of prizes. It exists to convince members to add-on (and will offer quite the compelling and emotional pitch), but is worthwhile for the free drinks and prizes.
• Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique offers princess and knight makeover packages on all 4 ships. On Pirates Night, the location transforms into Pirates League with packages for that.
• If you do not have small children, you can safely skip the Sailaway Party and Pirate Night “skits.” While the former is a fun way for people of all ages to get in the spirit at the start of the cruise, both are basically smile and wave shows that won’t captivate adults.
• Even if you do not have small children, don’t skip the nightly shows. The quality of these does vary, but they are produced at an exceptional level, have some funny moments, and will tug at your heartstrings. Remember: you’re paying a premium for the Disney experience and this is a big component of that Disney experience–might as well get the full value out of that!
• While day-of upgrades are uncommon, check at the terminal when checking in whether any upgrades are available. If they are, the price will typically be far lower than what you’d pay at the booking stage. (Any upgrades that are available are on a first-come, first-served basis, which is another reason to arrive at the terminal early.)
• Breakfast is not served on Castaway Cay, and the buffets do not open until lunch.
• The hot new Disney Cruise Line dining experience is Tiana’s Place on the Disney Wonder. This is the first time the restaurant from Princess and the Frog has been built by Disney (what took so long?!) and it offers a menu with cajun cuisine plus live music, dancing, Mardi Gras beads, and more.
• If you’re going on a European cruise and travel internationally at least occasionally, consider buying a MiFi unit and Orange Holiday SIM card. I own this Huawei 4G LTE Mobile Wifi Hotspot and highly recommend it. If you do not internationally at least on occasion, rent a MiFi instead.
• If the Castaway Cay 5K is not enough running for you…well, you might be crazy. 😉 If so, every Disney Cruise has a jogging track on Deck 4 where you can run laps (2.5 laps = 1 mile).
• You can take food from the ship ashore with you, but some ports require that it’s sealed.
• If you plan on watching a first-run movie at the Buena Vista Theater, grab soda and snacks from Cabanas (or the deck) before the movie. There’s also a snack stand outside of the theater, but they charge for snacks and drinks there.
• Many cruises have fan-made Facebook groups ( past example ) associated with them. Search Facebook for your cruise itinerary (and date), and you might find a closed group you can request to join.
• Pack a sweatshirt. Sounds crazy, especially if you’re heading to the Caribbean, but the cruise ship can be cold inside. Likewise, the cool ocean breeze in evenings can mean you want another layer, even outdoors.
• Since you won’t have internet–or will have very limited internet–on your cruise, we recommend printing this page for reference during your cruise. It’s also advisable to pack The Unofficial Guide to Disney Cruise Line 2020 as a reference during your cruise.
• Finally, information and policies are constantly changing and sometimes inconsistent. For example, there’s a lot of info out there suggesting that the Pirate Buffet has been discontinued. While it’s true that this buffet does not occur on many cruises (for reasons unbeknownst to us) it still does occur on some sailings. Be mindful of policy changes and be prepared to roll with the punches.

That’s it…for now! Even though planning a Disney Cruise Line vacation is relatively stress-free (as compared to Walt Disney World, for example) there are a lot of other secrets and lesser-known tips that can really enhance the experience and improve your cruise. Read as much as you can when planning your cruise—part of the fun of the voyage is building up anticipation, so a little extra research never hurts! 🙂

Planning to set sail aboard one of the Disney Cruise Line ships? Read our comprehensive Disney Cruise Line Guide to prepare for your trip, plan entertainment and other activities, and learn what to expect from your Disney cruise!

If you want personalized recommendations for Disney Cruise Line itineraries, ships, and more, click here to get a cruise quote from a no-fee Authorized Disney Vacation Planner . They can find you all of the current discounts, and help you plan the details of your cruise!

Your Thoughts

Have you set sail aboard Disney Cruise Line? Do you have a favorite ship? Any tips of your own to add to improve the experience? Port Adventure recommendations? Upcharge or other add-ons you’d recommend? Anything to add about Castaway Cay, travel insurance, dining, spas, or anything else we’ve covered in this list of tips for Disney Cruise Line? Any questions? Hearing from you is half the fun, so please share your thoughts in the comments below!

Written by Tom Bricker

fyi, tip 10 is now unfortunately outdated, as the on board credit is no longer offered. but 10% off still is and it’s still worth it to me.

You actually can use the emojis. You have to download their app and play it to unlock them. Even after that its difficult and annoying to use them, but they’re cute!

My wife Renee & I went on the British Isles cruise on the Magic Sept 2, 2018. Visited Cobh (Cork) & Dublin, Ireland, Greenock, Scotland, & Liverpool, England. We booked excursions to the Blarney Castle in Cobh, walked around town in Dublin, (had to find the Guiness Storehouse as well). We highly recommend the Gourmet Glasgow excursion in Greenock. The gourmet guides name was Maddie. Took us around Glasgow to different, out of the tourist area restaurants, went a cheese tasting shop then had dessert at University Cafe in Glasgow. Such a fantastic time we had. In Liverpool, we booked the Titan Zip Line (videos can be found on youtube) excursion in Wales. So much fun. We enjoyed the British Isles cruise so much that we have booked the cruise again on Sept 8, 2019. Ports of call are Dublin, Belfast, Greenock, Liverpool. We stayed in Disney’s recommended hotel in London, the JW Marriott Grosvenor House. It was a pleasant stay. Everything in walking distance, the Underground stops are very close. The disappointing part was the ground transportation in and out of London from Gatwick. Too much stop & go traffic. Took to long to get to the hotel & out again. In 2019, we will be staying at a hotel at Gatwick airport. There is another Disney hotel there as well. Several trains run continuously in and out of Gatwick to London. Easy in, easy out, easy transportation to Dover from Gatwick. We highly recommend the British Isles cruise. We had a great time.

In reference to #12 “You can also save a bit by purchasing duty-free alcohol on board the ships (rather than from the bars), and making your own cocktails in-room”. Don’t they hold your duty-free alcohol till the last night of the cruise?

That’s what I was going to ask, too! I thought they would- I know they’ll collect any liquor you bring in from a port.

Bring your own travel mug or cup on board with you. The sodas are free on the pool deck, but the cups are small. Having your own cup will keep you from having to run back again and again!

I would also suggest bringing plastic skirt hangers. We use those to hang our wet bathing suits on the clothes line in the shower. It helps them to dry faster since they aren’t doubled over. When we pack up to leave (such a sad thought), we just toss them in the recycle bin in our room.

My last tip is to stay the night before near the port. You can rest easy that you aren’t caught in traffic or delayed flights that could make you miss the ship!

The hangers are a great idea! cruising next week, and I’m adding that to my list! Thank you!!

I am planning to sail the Wonder out of San Diego in Sept 2018.my husband wants to book a veranda . I see there are veranda that have obstructed views. Is it worth getting a veranda vs a port hole if you can’t see anything unless you stand up and look over the railing?. I don’t like to white metal wall. Are all cabins like this with the white wall.? Anyone have advice on this? Thanks- Susan

Oh I will be on this cruise too…. we are very excited for our Norway adventure!!

Hi Cruisers! For first time cruisers who are definitely interested in booking a verandah room to Alaska, is there a best area to stay on the Wonder? Front, middle, back, left side right side? Thanks in advance!

Not sure about room selection from a view standpoint, but I will tell you that the rooms towards the back of the ship can be loud when the ship docks. We were in a room on the 7th floor at the very back of the ship (Disney Fantasy) and when the ship would dock, it would literally shake the entire room and was loud enough that it woke up even our son who is a very sound sleeper.

If you see something in the gift shop on board that you must have – buy it then. Unlike a park gift shop, the ship can’t restock during the week. I’ve found it’s especially an issue with unusual sizes in clothes or specialty merchandise. I can’t WAIT to reach your Norway trip report!

My family is actually going to be on the same Norwegian cruise at the beginning of June, and I was debating the idea of getting a new camera. I previously had a Nikon DSLR camera, but am admittedly a novice and know very little about photography. The Nikon eventually broke and I have used my iPhone almost exclusively since. Based upon review of some of your other blog posts (which we’ve enjoyed very much and used extensively), do you still think the Sony RX100 is the best bet as far as point and shoot cameras (in particular as it relates to some of the shots I might try to get while in Norway/Denmark)?

You mentioned that Disney Visa card holders receive a discount on photo packages…is that only if you purchase them on the cruise ship, or if you pre-order on the Shutters website?

You’ll love Norway! I did a Norwegian Fjords cruise on Holland America and it was by far my favorite itinerary. Visit Norway has great information on their website (they used to make free brochures but stopped). Most ports we did something on our own rather than schedule a shore excursion – this is particularly easy for Stavanger and Bergen. Food is rather expensive in Norway, so we had our meals on board and then would snack in the ports (I had so many waffles!).

We just went on our first Disney cruise in January. Our kids were 6, 5, and 2. Disney has got the elementary ages covered in regard to entertainment. Our 6 and 5 year olds didn’t want to leave the kids club. (“But Mom, Captain America is coming in 15 minutes! I don’t want to swim/ eat dinner/ go to bed!) That being said, it was a rough cruise for our 2 year old. That poor child was so bored, and we did everything that was appropriate for his age. His favorite time of the day was the one hour when the cast members brought out a small selection of toys for toddlers. If we went again with a pre-kids club age child, I would bring a bag of toys for them to play with. (We looked into the nursery program but it seemed better suited for infants. Our son unfortunately fell in the gap between infant and preschooler.) We will wait to cruise again until our youngest is at least 5.

We went when ours were 3 and 4 and had a great time, they both were old enough to do the kids clubs. We can’t wait to go again, but just added another munchkin to our clan- so will definitely be waiting until he’s 3 so he can participate in the kids program, otherwise I totally agree- there isn’t much to do for a toddler

I’ve been wondering about the kids clubs a bit. We’re doing a 3 day cruise in November, and I honestly did not plan to drop our 7 or 4 year old off at the daycare / club thing at all. Not trying that there’s anything wrong with it, it’s just that it’s a short cruise and I look forward to exploring the ship and going on adventures / swimming / activities with them. That being said, are there big things the kids can’t miss at the kids club? Sounds like they do character visits, what are some of the other activities that kids would rave about? And do they post a schedule / itinerary, so that we can take the kids for things they are interested in and skip other stuff?

We went in November 2017 with our 5 year old and 2 1/2 year old. I was worried about the nursery being more geared toward infants, but we were so wrong. Our 2 1/2 year old loved the nursery. They painted, played games, played with balls, colored etc. I also felt she got a little more 1 on 1 attention since she was at a fun age to actually play with. She didn’t want to leave the first night we left her and begged to go back the second night when our son went to kids club. We were shocked we didn’t think either of our kids would want to part from us. The second night my husband and I were at a complete loss of what to do without kids, since it wasn’t in our plan to not have either of them.

On the Dream/ Fantasy, if you want to avoid the crowd for the fireworks and don’t care about the show portion of that, try going to the Currents bar area above the adult pool, and go to the railings on the starboard side. you still hear the music, there’s a great view, and there’s even some seating if you get there early enough!

I would really, really like to visit Norway some time. Enjoy the cruise!

Welcome to Norway! I hope you both enjoy your stay in our country. Please feel free to ask me anything you want to know about Norway or Norwegians. I have lived in this country all of my life so hopefully I can be of some help ☺️

In terms of questions, do you have any recommendations for things to do in Stavanger, Alesund, Geiranger, or Bergen while we’re in port? The more specific the recommendation, the better (e.g. places to eat, quaint shops to visit, etc.) I have a pretty good idea of what points of interest are popular and highly recommended in each port, but what I’m lacking is a local’s perspective on hidden gems and that type of thing.

Now, I realize I just listed several places in an entire country, so I’m not expecting you to have comprehensive knowledge of all this, but anything you can offer would be most appreciated! 🙂

Stavanger: Det lille hjørnet is a tiny café with great ambience serving coffee with cool crema designs. Sabi Omakase is a sushi restaurant which recently received a star in guide Michelin. It is supposed to be one of a kind amazing. Bergen: Klosteret kaffebar (small pub/café). Geiranger: I have never been there, but the view from Eagle Road looks truly spectacular. Ã…lesund: I love the view from the top of Aksla, the small “city mountain”.

I would definitely recommend Kafe Spesial in Bergen. A good menu with good beers and not too expensive for Norway. Also would highly recommend getting the funicular and walking around the top of mt Floyen – there are plenty of trails and some really spectacular views. Enjoy Norway, it is incredible, we were there in february and everything was covered in snow, so I imagine your experience will be slightly different, but I would love to go back and visit in the warmer months.

I’m so happy to see this post! We just booked our first EVER cruise for April 2018. I’ll definitely be reading this post a few times.

A note on number 13 regarding the Disney Visa and DVC discounts on merch. We routinely forget about the discounts and on our last cruise realized we had again forgotten it on the last day. The crew member at the register was able to “return” all of our purchases from throughout the cruise and re-ring them all together (so all those less then $50 purchases were also included). I don’t know if that is standard operating procedure, it could have been a one time – employee going above and beyond- type of situation. But it couldn’t hurt to ask if you find yourself in that situation.

I’ve heard of this happening at Walt Disney World as well. So, while it might not be “official” policy, I don’t think it was a one-off exception, either.

102. If you or the kids collect the smashed pennies, the only DCL penny machines are located in the terminal prior to departure. You will not have a chance to get them once you board your cruise as you depart through a different area. 103. If the above applies, bring change with you. There is not (or wasn’t the last time we went) any place to get change in the DCL departures terminal.

Thanks for this tip–I had no idea (although that does make sense).

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The Latest Disney Parks and Disney Cruise Line News Revealed at Destination D23 2023

• by Michelle Snow
• September 9, 2023 September 20, 2023

This morning, Destination D23 kicked off with the panel “A Celebration of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow” hosted by Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro, and quite a bit of news was revealed…and even more teased.

The panel went over an hour and was co-hosted by various Disney Imagineers as new lands and attractions at Disney parks around the globe were highlighted, along with the latest from Disney Cruise Line (DCL).

Also co-hosting were The Muppets, which I’m sure was due to the SAG-AFTRA strike prohibiting any actors from appearing to promote attractions based on their films. But I didn’t mind, because I LOVE The Muppets, and we got to see a lot of them from Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzy, and Gonzo to lesser seen characters like Uncle Deadly.

D’Amaro said during the presentation: ““Over the next decade, we’re going to have more projects underway than at any point in our history. Our sole purpose is to give you more and more of what you love about a Disney experience. And then surprise and delight you with things you never dreamed possible.”

So let’s go park by park and talk about what we Disney fans can expect in the near future at the parks and at the DCL.

After highlighting recent events, like the reopening of Mickey’s ToonTown at Disneyland, we got a video update on a new attraction coming to Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure.

First mentioned last year during D23 Expo 2022, this attraction is based on the Marvel “Multiverse Saga” also highlighted at last year’s event …and pretty much up in the air right now due to the strikes.

Anyways, the attraction will feature a “multi-world initiative” to defeat the big bad King Thanos (who is an alternate-reality variant of Thanos from Marvel Comics).

Brent Strong, executive creative director at Walt Disney Imagineering, shared an early peek at the ride vehicle featuring a design that “combines elements of Tony Stark’s time-suits with Xandarian jump points and Wakandan technology.”

No opening date was given for this attraction.

The bulk of the news released dealt with various developments at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. I guess Disney’s Hollywood Studios gets to sit this year out.

Let’s start with the OG Walt Disney World park, Magic Kingdom. Josh D’Amaro and Bruce Vaughn, Chief Creative Officer at Walt Disney Imagineering (who returned to Disney earlier this year), touched briefly on some “bluesky project” that will be happening at the park, “beyond Big Thunder Mountain.”

This project has been talked about before, and honestly other than showing the same images as last time, not much more was learned about this project than D’Amaro saying, “it will be the biggest thing they’ve ever done in park” “similar in scale to things like ‘Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge’ and ‘Pandora – The World of Avatar,’ adding new attractions, restaurants, shows and more,” and they’re “about to go into overdrive” on the project.

We also learned from Disney Imagineer Chris Beatty about the revamp of “ Country Bears Jamboree, ” which will find the Bears learning a variety of classic Disney songs performed in various country music styles. We then saw a clip of the musicians recording a country-fied version of “Bear Necessities.” No date was given for this new show to start.

@disneyparks Rehearsals are now under way! 🪕Country Bear Jamboree is getting new songs and a new act reinterpreting favorite Disney songs in 2024 🐻🎶 @Disney D23 #Disney #DisneyParks #DisneyWorld #MagicKingdom #CountryBearJamboree #NewShow #CountryMusic #Nashville #DisneyNews #DestinationD23 ♬ original sound – Disney Parks

Beatty said, “The Country Bear Jamboree will still have the fun and friendly tone fans enjoy with the same famous characters like the loveable Trixie, Big Al and others.”

Fozzy Bear also showed up to tell a few jokes: “How do the Country Bears catch fish? With their BEAR hands. wocka wocka” “What kind of bears don’t eat with their teeth? Gummy bears.”

We also got a look at the show’s new poster:

We actually have a date the Hatbox Ghost will make his appearance at the “Haunted Mansion”…sort of. Disney Imagineer Daniel Joseph came on stage to announce the ghost will be materializing in the Haunted Mansion as you pass the attraction’s Endless Hallway in late November.

Finally, a new Pirates of the Caribbean-themed lounge is coming to the attraction at Magic Kingdom, sure to serve up a variety of rum and more. No opening date was given, though The Barker Bird, a green macaw, will feature in the design.

@disneyparks ☠️ THIS IS NOT A DRILL ☠️ A new Pirates of the Caribbean-themed lounge is coming to Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World 🏴‍☠️ @Disney D23 #Disney #DisneyParks #DisneyWorld #MagicKingdom #DisneyNews #Pirates #PiratesOfTheCaribbean #DestinationD23 ♬ original sound – Disney Parks

Over at EPCOT, we have several bits of news reveal, including opening dates.

Teased for well over a year, Figment will FINALLY be making meet-and-greet appearances at the park starting tomorrow, September 10, at the Imagination Pavilion.

@disneyparks IMAGINATION 🌈✨ IMAGINATION 🌈💜 @Disney D23 #Figment #Disney #DisneyParks #DisneyWorld #EPCOT #DisneyNews #Imagination #DestinationD23 ♬ original sound – Disney Parks

“ Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana ” will open to the public on October 16, 2023 (we’ll have passholder and DVC preview info later this weekend), and that is also the date that Moana herself will start doing meet-and-greets near her new attraction.

@disneyparks Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana opens Oct. 16 AND Moana begins meeting guests in a new dedicated space in World Nature 🌀🌐 @Disney D23 #Disney #DisneyParks #DisneyWorld #EPCOT #Moana #JourneyOfWater #DisneyNews #DestinationD23 ♬ original sound – Disney Parks

We got both a title and an opening date for the new nighttime spectacular that was also mentioned at D23 Expo 2022.

The show will be called “Luminous: The Symphony of Us” and it will open on December 5, 2023…which also happens to be Walt Disney’s 122nd birthday.

Partnering with Chevrolet, Disney will once again be revamping “Test Track” using inspiration from the original “World of Motion” attraction. We also got a peek at one of the ride vehicles. No date was given for the new version to start.

@disneyparks Think you know Test Track? THINK AGAIN 🏎️🏁 @Disney D23 #Disney #DisneyParks #DisneyWorld #EPCOT #TestTrack #DisneyNews #DestinationD23 ♬ original sound – Disney Parks

Finally, the last section of the park that has been revamped, World Celebration , will reopen in December 2023, including Dreamers Point.

World Celebration will unite the front of the park, tying together the other two new EPCOT neighborhoods, World Discovery and World Nature, and it will be the latest major milestone of the multi-year transformation of EPCOT.

Finally, let’s hop over to Disney’s Animal Kingdom for two news reveals.

First, “Zootopia” is coming to the park, but not as a land (boo!). Instead it will be a new show that will reside inside the Tree of Life in the Tree of Life theater. Guests will visit the different biomes in the film, traveling along with Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde and other characters.

And while it wasn’t said, it most likely it will replace “It’s Tough to be a Bug!,” since I can’t see the theater hosting two shows. No date was given for the opening of this new show, but ride “It’s Tough to be a Bug!” while you can. I wonder if this new show will get rid of all of those “bugs” in the seats. (If you know, you know.)

The revamp of Dinoland was also talked about and since the park already has Africa and Asia sections, Disney has decided the park needs a “Tropical Americas” section, which will replace Dinoland.

This new section will cover the northern part of South America, stretching up into Central America, and it was hinted “Encanto” and “Indiana Jones” could find a home here.

We got a look at an artist rendering of the reimagination of this area. I’m hoping that temple top right means a version of Disneyland’s “Indiana Jones Adventure” is coming to Walt Disney World.

Top left looks vaguely like Casa Madrigal, too.

Nothing more concrete was announced, and no opening date was even hinted at. So I guess TBA on all of this.

Disneyland Paris

In a pre-recorded video, Thomas Muller, scenographer at Walt Disney Imagineering Paris, guided viewers on the construction site of what will become the ultimate Disney royal address at Disneyland Paris, including a first glimpse of the Royal Banquet which will invite visitors to attend a royal feast amidst a gallery of portraits.

The Disneyland Hotel , located at the entrance to Disneyland Park, will reopen its doors in the first quarter of 2024

The video also looked at construction happening for the “Frozen” land coming to Walt Disney Studios Park.

Tokyo Disney Resort

The new Fantasy Springs opening at Tokyo Disney Resort in 2024 was spotlighted briefly.

This eighth themed port of Tokyo DisneySea will feature “Rapunzel’s Forest,” “Peter Pan’s Never Land” and “Frozen Kingdom” – all inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios Films.

No new news was added to what we learned last month , though we got a new artist rendering of the entire land:

Shanghai Disney Resort

D’Amaro touched on the upcoming Zootopia land coming to Shanghai Disney Resort, which we gave you details on earlier this week . No new news about it was released today.

Hong Kong Disneyland

Earlier this week, Disney announced the opening date of “ World of Frozen ” at Hong Kong Disneyland would be November 20, 2023, so during today’s presentation, a video of the new land at night was shown:

Multi-Parks

Several updates concerned attractions that were available in more than one park.

We got a look at a video showing the animatronics that will be going into “ Tiana’s Bayou ,” coming to Disneyland and Walt Disney World next year.

Asha, a new character from the upcoming Disney Animation film, “ Wish ,” will be coming to EPCOT, Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris. Dates weren’t given, but most likely will be timed to the film’s release on November 22, 2023.

Also, starting next Spring, “Star Wars” character Ahsoka will be added to the “Star Tours” attraction at parks across the globe.

Disney Cruise Line

Thomas Mazloum, president of Disney Signature Experiences, dropped two Disney Cruise Line news nuggets for fans during this presentation.

First, the ship that will sail from the new Singapore port of call ( announced earlier this year ), will be called the Disney Adventure. It was formerly the Global Dream , and was purchased earlier this year to be retrofitted Disney-style.

Second, the new Disney Cruise island port of call will be named Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, an extension of the soon-to-open Lighthouse Point in the Bahamas.

He said, “Disney teams are collaborating with talented artists and cultural advisors in the Bahamas to shape an experience that celebrates the natural beauty, traditions and artistry of the one-of-a-kind nation.”

And of course he touched on the Disney Treasure , which had its reveal earlier this week . No extra news revealed other than a photo of the ship and its Grand Hall under construction.

Mazloum then gave away a cruise on the Disney Treasure to a member of the audience. Congratulations Heather! Members of the audience were also given a commemorative map for the Disney Treasure.

That’s it for all the news reveals at the parks and Disney Cruise Line. Did you have any favorites? Did they not cover something you hoped to hear about. Let us know in the comments! Me? You’d think with all the Muppets present, they could at least announce a Muppets Coaster or something. Show of hands…who wants a Muppet Coaster?

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Disney Cruise Line Tips for First Timers

D isney Cruises can be so much fun for families. In addition to the daily port visits, you will also enjoy activities, shows, fun kids’ clubs, delicious food, character greetings, shopping, and so much more.

If you are headed out on your first Disney Cruise Line cruise, you’ll definitely want to be prepared. Preparing for a cruise can often be stressful for families, especially if you aren’t sure what to expect. Since we absolutely want you to have the best experience, here are a collection of Disney Cruise Line tips for first timers.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and purchasing and/or clicking on some of the links (or calling the number) may result in a commission paid to us at no additional cost to you. We’ve been on a media preview cruise and two cruises as part of Disney Social Media Moms (as well as 12+ cruises that I paid for on my own). All opinions are my own.

Book Your Disney Cruise

First, you’ll want to book your cruise. If you really aren’t sure what to do, it’s a good idea to go with a Disney travel agent, who can help you remember key dates (for final payments, etc). Otherwise, you can book directly through Disney. You’ll need to research sailing dates, ships, itineraries, and stateroom categories before you book.

When booking a Disney Cruise, I recommend booking with Get Away Today. Plus, when you mention Family Travel Magazine, you get an extra $25 on board credit! Give their agents a call at 877-510-2929.

Think about the type of experience you want to have. Obviously, an Alaskan cruise is much different than a Caribbean cruise. For a first cruise, I like the Disney Wish 3-day itinerary. It’s a good way to get started cruising, without too much risk. Many families even combine that agenda with a Walt Disney World trip for a Disney land and sea vacation .

Disney Cruise Line currently has five ships (the Dream, the Fantasy, the Wish, the Magic, and the Dream). While these ships do vary in size and amenities, I would generally recommend starting with the itinerary you want to go, rather than the ship.

You’ll also have your choice of staterooms. My family typically books a family stateroom with verandah. I like being able to stand out on the verandah throughout the day, and it also extends the room a bit. Other options include interior, oceanview (but no balcony), and concierge rooms.

When you book, you’ll also choose a seating time for dinner. I prefer the earlier time when traveling with my kids. Be sure to select a time when booking your cruise, and if your preferred time isn’t available, you can get on the waitlist.

Research Your Disney Cruise 

After you’ve paid your deposit, it’s a good idea to do some research – about the ship, and the ports of call. You’ll find that there are so many excursions offered, and you’ll want to book them ahead of time because they do fill up.

Keep in mind the ages of your kids – some of the excursions are definitely too challenging for younger kids, but the Disney Cruise Line website does a fantastic job showing that info. You should also research the different entertainment and dining options available on board, that way you know exactly what to expect.

Remember that you don’t have to do an excursion in every port, if you don’t want to. There’s always the option to explore on your own, or to stay on the ship.

In Grand Cayman , for instance, I booked a day stay at a hotel on Seven Mile Beach. I contacted the hotel directly for that, and just took a cab to and from our destination. Just keep in mind that you’ll be responsible for getting yourself back to the ship in time at the end of the day. If you don’t want to be worried about that, booking an official excursion is your best option.

Book Hotel, Airfare, and Transportation

I always recommend arriving the night before sailing if you are flying into your port of call. That will help avoid the potential of flight delays.

If flying into Orlando International Airport , I like to stay at the  Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport  (see the  reviews on TripAdvisor  and book here ). You should also plan transportation to the port.

When we sail out of Port Canaveral , I prefer to take the Disney shuttles, which makes it nice and easy. Port Miami and Port Everglades (in Fort Lauderdale) are very close to the respective airports, which makes it easy to get there.

Check In For Your Disney Cruise

As a first-timer, you’ll be able to check-in 75 days before sailing. Disney Castaway Club members are able to check in earlier, which means that you may find some excursions that are already booked up by the time you check-in.

I definitely recommend that you already know which excursions you want, so you can book them right after checking in. Prepare a second and third choice option as well.

At this time, you’ll also fill out the guest information form, the payment authorization form for your on board purchases, and some other forms. If you need special services when on board, this is the time to request them.

You can also book certain on board experiences, like a meal at Palo. Because you’ll be one of the last to check in, you’ll want to do it right when your booking window opens. Your cruise will have to be all paid off before you are able to book anything.

Prep Door Decorations and Fish Extenders

If you aren’t aware, many Disney Cruise Line guests participate in a fun little unofficial program called  Fish Extenders . Essentially, you get together with other families and swap little gifts throughout your cruise. It’s completely optional, but can be a fun thing to do. My fish extender post contains all of the information that you need to know.

In addition, many families decorate their stateroom doors, so you’ll want to check out my post on decorating your Disney Cruise Line stateroom door  if you are interested in doing that.

Most families do some form of decorating, so you’ll probably want to do at least something. It’s a good way to be able to identify your door among the sea of doors that look exactly the same.

A relatively new tradition on cruise ships (not just Disney) is cruise ducks. It’s completely unofficial, but some guests hide rubber ducks on the ship for others to find. You can learn more about cruise ducks on this post.

Shop Before Your Trip and Pack Appropriately

There are shops on the ship, but they aren’t open when the ship is in port, and they have a limited selection of merchandise. So, you’ll want to have everything you need in your suitcase . Be sure to pack any medications you definitely need, as well as anything that you may potentially need on your trip.

Bags are delivered throughout the afternoon and evening, so you’ll want to pack a day bag for the first day on the Disney Cruise Line . We typically put essentials, sunscreen, medications, electronics, and evening dinner apparel in our day bag.

That way, if our suitcases don’t show up before dinner, we are still prepared. We also put our door decorations in that day bag so we can start decorating right away.

You won’t be able to get in your room until the early afternoon, so you won’t want your day bag to be too heavy. If your kids are older, you may want everyone in your family to carry a small backpack to spread out the weight.

If you are traveling to a warm weather destination, you may find yourself wearing a bathing suit much of the day. In that case, you may not need as many daily clothing items as you’d expect.

We often rewear things on a longer cruise because we aren’t wearing them for more than a few hours. Overpacking isn’t a big deal – but keep in mind that there isn’t tons of space in your stateroom.

If your ship will have a pirate night , you may want to bring pirate apparel. It’s totally optional, but many guests do dress up. We never dress up for pirate night, but we are generally in the minority. You’ll see all levels of pirate dress, from t-shirts and bandanas to full costumes.

Bring whatever you are comfortable in. Kids may like to have glow sticks for pirate night as well.

There are a few cruise specific things you may want to bring. The doors in the room are magnetic, and along with door decorations, I like to bring magnetic hooks.

That gives us a few places to hang wet clothes beyond the shower. I bought ours at the Container Store, but these from Amazon.com are similar. You may also want to purchase autograph books in advance. They are also available on the ship, but shops don’t open on the first day until after you set sail.

If you are participating in a fish extender exchange , in addition to your gifts, you’ll want to buy or make a fish extender. There are lots of options on Etsy. Fish extenders can be as deluxe or as basic as your want. I’ve seen some people use a tote bag, while others have personalized, embroidered fish extenders.

Activities on the Ship

Even if your kids don’t generally love kids’ clubs, they’ll probably love the clubs on the Disney Cruise Line. As a result you may find yourself with some free time.

When you book at the activities available to book on the app, you’ll probably see some availability for beverage seminars. These are adult-only, and include martini tasting, wine tasting, and mixology. I’ve done most of them, and we always enjoy them.

During your cruise, you’ll be using the Disney Cruise Line app often. You’ll want to download that while you are still able to access cellular data. The app includes a daily schedule, menus, and information about the various ports of call on the trip.

You can also communicate with other passengers on the ship using the app, even if you don’t purchase WiFi or have cellular service turned on. My family regularly uses the app to communicate because it’s a great way to keep in touch as we head in different directions throughout the day.

Disney’s Castaway Club

Once you’ve completely your first sailing on the Disney Cruise Line, you’ll be a member of Disney’s Castaway Club. Castaway Club members receive a lanyard at check in.

For your first sailing, you won’t receive one. They are pretty handy to have, however, so you may want to bring a regular lanyard or purchase one on board to hold your Key to the World card.

Disney Cruise Line is rolling out MagicBand use on the ships. These are optional, and you do have to purchase them separately.

You won’t have to sign up to become a member of the Castaway Club – it just happens when you complete your first sailing. There are four levels of the club, and you’ll get different perks and benefits as you sail more times.

What’s Included on a Disney Cruise Line trip

As you budget for your Disney Cruise Line trip, you’ll probably want to know what’s included. Alcohol, packaged snacks, premium coffee, popcorn, excursions, premium meals (in Remy, Enchante, and Palo), photos, the spa, and the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique all cost extra. If you don’t prepay your tips, you’ll do that on board as well.

To know what to expect on your first day, be sure to read this post .

More Disney Cruise Ships Resources: Click to read more about the Disney Cruise Line ships including restaurants, tips, itineraries, activities, and more.

The post Disney Cruise Line Tips for First Timers appeared first on Family Travel Magazine .

• Disney Cruise Line / Disney Treasure / Disney Wish / Itineraries / Ships

Let’s Answer Some of Your Questions about Disney Cruises

by David Mumpower · November 23, 2023

Disney Cruise Line has evolved into one of the most popular vacation options in the industry.

As I recently discussed , yet another independent evaluator named Disney Cruise Line the best family cruise company in the world.

Photo: Disney Parks Blog

Since the Disney Wish set sail in 2022, Disney Cruise Line (DCL) has exploded in popularity.

You’ve probably heard that these cruises are great, and you are probably looking to book.

Credit: Disney

As a novice, you may not understand some aspects of a cruise, though.

So, let’s answer some questions about Disney Cruise Line and how cruises work.

Does the Deck Matter?

When you reserve a cabin for your Disney cruise, you’ll encounter some oddly specific questions.

Some of them matter a great deal since they partially determine the price of your room as well.

I won’t take this answer ship by ship since the answer varies. Instead, I’ll use the Disney Wish as an example of how this works.

Disney’s latest and most luxurious cruise ship hosts 1,254 staterooms across ten passenger decks.

Overall, the Wish covers 15 decks, but five of them don’t have cabins.

When you book, you’ll primarily decide between a handful of these options.

As is usually the case with cruise ships, each deck comes with pros and cons.

Photo: Disney

You can study the ship’s deck plan here to gain a general understanding of its layout.

The deck you choose will impact your vacation enjoyment, at least somewhat.

Like everything else in life, it’ll seem like a bigger deal on the first day. After that, you’ll probably stop thinking about it.

Even so, your vacation style should determine the deck you choose.

Are you a light sleeper? If so, you should pick decks 7-9 on the Disney Wish.

The cabins here have cabins above and beneath them. You won’t notice as much noise from the entertainment areas of the ship. It’ll be more like an apartment instead.

Do you plan to swim a lot? If so, you may prefer a higher deck that’s closer to the main pool.

Those of you who plan to visit the Grand Hall frequently should choose something lower, such as decks 6 and 7.

Photo: Attractions Magazine

Finally, tourists prone to motion sickness should pick a low deck.

For various scientific reasons, you’ll feel motion more on higher levels of a giant cruise ship.

Does After/Midship/Forward Matter?

At the risk of shaming my late father, who served on a Navy battleship during wartime, I am NOT great with ship terminology.

Still, I know enough about Disney Cruise Line to answer YES to this question.

Aft means the back of the ship, Forward signifies the front of the ship, and Midship is self-explanatory as the middle of the ship.

With the Disney Wish in particular, there’s a peculiarity to acknowledge.

Elevators play a factor in where you should select a cabin. These are both convenient means of reaching your destination AND high-traffic areas.

Some guests desire a cabin near the elevator, while others want as much distance as possible for the sake of quietness.

Photo: Disney Cruise Line

On the Disney Wish, you won’t find any midship elevators. Instead, Disney has placed eight in the Aft section and eight more in the Forward section.

So, that works to your advantage in selecting a cabin. If you want to avoid elevator noise, choose Midship!

(David Roark, photographer)

When you prefer elevator proximity, Aft and Forward will both work. However, I’ll add a bit more science here.

Forward staterooms are more susceptible to motion sickness. If that’s an concern, your answer is obviously to book an Aft cabin.

To a larger point, you should again study the ship layout to determine how far your cabin will be from various destinations.

You may alter your booking should something look too far away from your first choice.

What Does Guarantee Mean?

No, this isn’t an SAT test. We all know what Guarantee means, but it comes with a specific definition with Disney cruises.

First, you must understand the difference between booking a cruise versus a hotel room.

When you reserve a hotel stay, you’re not picking any particular room for the most part.

Sure, you may book the Honeymoon Suite or the Presidential Suite for a big event, but you’re typically just saying, “I need a room.”

When you book a Disney cruise, you’re selecting a specific cabin number as a rule.

Remember how we just discussed boat decks and Aft/Midship/Forward?

Once you answer those questions, you will reach a screen where you pick a cabin. It’ll include the cabin number to avoid any confusion.

That’s what typically happens. However, since Disney cruises sell out so often and no-shows are a thing, the system adds a different option.

You can book a Guarantee instead. In such instances, you’ll reserve a slightly different cabin option.

Disney calls this category GTY, and it works similarly to a hotel reservation.

Disney Cruise Line

You’re not booking a cabin number with a GTY. Instead, you’ll pick a cabin type such as Oceanview Guarantee or Verandah Guarantee.

Disney won’t assign you a cabin number immediately. The company guarantees that you’ll get a cabin that’s at least at the level you pay for, though.

In some instances, guests have reported room upgrades because Disney had availability in a nicer cabin than, say, Oceanview.

Since DCL has guaranteed you a room of at least that quality, it’ll give you something even better.

Image Credit: Disney Cruise Line(Matt Stroshane, photographer)

You SHOULD NOT expect that. It’s more of a demonstration of what Guarantee means.

Disney will assign you a cabin in the appropriate category, if not an even better one.

Is Going on a Cruise As Hard As It Seems?

Absolutely not!

Booking a cruise is always the most stressful part of the entire cruise experience.

Image Credit: Disney

Then, packing and travel are the next most aggravating parts.

Once you board the Disney Cruise Line, all your troubles will fade away.

You’ll quickly discover the joys of cruise life and might even become a cruise person, someone who spends every vacation on a luxury boat.

Still, the initial aggravation could wear on you. That’s why I’d strongly suggest that you contact MickeyTravels.

These Authorized Disney Vacation Planners have booked countless Disney cruises.

They know night and day more about booking a cruise than I ever could.

Image Credit; Disney

Just get in touch with one of them, and they’ll set you up with the cruise of your dreams! And they’ll do it for free!

They probably know more nautical terms than me, too. Sorry, Dad.

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Disney Cruise Line in a Jiffy: What is a Cruise Transfer?

Transfer is the word that Disney and many other cruise lines use to refer to ground transportation on either end of your cruise. This may include:

• Transportation from an airport to the cruise embarkation port
• Transportation to an airport from the cruise debarkation port
• Transportation to the cruise embarkation port from an approved hotel
• Transportation to an approved hotel from the cruise debarkation port
• Transportation to/from an approved hotel to an airport

Not all of these options are available at every port. Most of the time when you’re on a transfer, you’ll be riding a coach-style bus, but you may also be able to arrange private transportation at some locations.

Prices for transfers vary widely. In the United States they run from about $18 (per person for a transfer from San Diego’s airport to the cruise port) to about $50 (per person for a transfer from Honolulu’s airport to the cruise port). European transfers cost more. For example, transfers from the major London airports to the Port of Southampton are about $75 per person. You can find a complete list of available transfers and pricing on the Disney Cruise website.

Of course, you’re always welcome to arrange your own transportation to get to and from your cruise. There is no requirement at you use Disney’s system.

If you’d like to arrange a transfer, speak with your travel agent or call DCL directly at 800-951-3532. Arrangements should be made at least four days prior to sailing. If you arrange a transfer at the end of your sailing to an airport or hotel, this will be indicated on your Key to the World Card .

Disney Cruise Line in a Jiffy is an offshoot of our “ Disney in a Minute ” posts. Both are bite-sized nuggets of information that can better help you understand a Disney term or planning topic, but here we’ll be focused on all thing Disney Cruise Line (DCL). Have a question about a DCL term that is unfamiliar to you? Suggest it here for an upcoming segment.

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Erin Foster

Erin Foster is an original member of the Walt Disney World Moms Panel (now PlanDisney), a regular contributor to TouringPlans.com, and co-author of The Unofficial Guide to Disney Cruise Line. She's been to WDW, DL, DL Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland, Aulani, DVC Vero Beach, and DVC Hilton Head. She's a Platinum DCL cruiser and veteran of 10 Adventures by Disney trips. Erin lives near New York City, where she can often be found indulging in her other obsession - Broadway theater.

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