Disney Cruises can be so much fun for families. In addition to the daily port visits, you will enjoy activities, shows, fun kids' clubs, delicious food, character greetings, shopping, and so much more.
If you are heading out on your first Disney Cruise Line cruise, you'll 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 want you to have the best experience, here is 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 15+ cruises that I paid for on my own). All opinions are my own.
Disney Cruise Line Tips for First Timers
Book Your Disney Cruise
First, you'll want to book your cruise. If you aren't sure what to do, it's a good idea to go with a Disney travel agent who can help you remember critical 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. 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 six ships (the Dream, the Fantasy, the Wish, the Treasure, 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 to rather than the ship.
You'll also have your choice of staterooms. My family typically books a family stateroom with verandah. I like standing 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 many excursions are offered, and you'll want to book them ahead of time because they fill up.
Keep in mind your kids' ages —some of the excursions are definitely too challenging for younger kids, but the Disney Cruise Line website does a fantastic job of explaining that. You should also research the different entertainment and dining options available on board so you know exactly what to expect.
Remember that you don't have to go on an excursion to 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 and took a cab to and from our destination. Just keep in mind that you'll be responsible for getting 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
If you are flying into your port of call, I always recommend arriving the night before sailing. That will help avoid potential 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). It would help if you also planned 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 can check in 75 days before sailing. Disney Castaway Club members can check in earlier, which means that you may find some excursions already booked by the time you check-in.
I recommend that you 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 onboard purchases, and some other forms. If you need special services while on board, this is the time to request them.
You can also book certain onboard 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 must be paid off before you can book anything.
Prep Door Decorations and Fish Extenders
If you aren't aware, many Disney Cruise Line guests participate in a fun, unofficial program called Fish Extenders. 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 if you are interested in doing that, you'll want to check out my post on decorating your Disney Cruise Line stateroom door.
Most families do some form of decorating, so you'll probably want to do at least something. It's a good way 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. However, Disney Cruise Line has discouraged this practice.
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 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 need and anything that you may 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, valuables, and documentation. Some guests wear bathing suits under their clothes or pack them in their suitcases.
That way, we would still be prepared if our suitcases didn't arrive before dinner. 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 your day bag should not be too heavy. If your kids are older, you may want everyone in your family to carry a small backpack to spread the weight.
If you are traveling to a warm-weather destination, you may wear a bathing suit for much of the day, so you may not need as many daily clothing items as expected.
We often re-wear 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 optional, but many guests do dress up. We never dress up for pirate night but 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 with. Kids may like to have glow sticks for pirate night as well.
You may want to bring a few cruise-specific items. The room's doors are magnetic, so I like to bring magnetic hooks along with door decorations.
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, you'll want to buy or make a fish extender in addition to your gifts. There are lots of options on Etsy. Fish extenders can be as deluxe or as basic as you want. 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, including martini, wine, and mixology. I've done most of them, and we always enjoy them.
During your cruise, you'll often use the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app. You'll want to download it while you can still 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 completed 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.
You won't receive one for your first sailing. However, they are pretty handy, 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 must 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. The club has four levels, 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 also do that on board.
To know what to expect on your first day, 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.
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