Top Disney Cruise Tips for First-Time Sailors

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I feel like I could go on a hundred Disney cruises and I would still learn something new every time. There is so much to do on the ships and so many things to know before you go. It can definitely feel overwhelming, but it shouldn’t. Even if you just book the cruise and show up on departure day, you’re going to have an amazing time! But I’ve compiled these Disney Cruise tips to consolidate the most important things new (and returning) cruisers should know before they go so you can further maximize the fun.

A Disney Cruise is an amazing experience, especially for families, but there are a few tips that can help you get the most out of your trip. Here are some key tips to know before you go. And if you’re still trying to decide if you should book a Disney cruise, check out my other popular blog post, Is a Disney Cruise Worth It?

1. Book Early and Choose the Right Stateroom

• Why Book Early: Disney Cruises are very popular and prices tend to go up as the departure date approaches. Booking early is one of the easiest ways to save money on your cruise. Plus, you’ll have a wider selection of staterooms to choose from.
• Choosing Your Stateroom: Depending on your budget and needs, consider booking a room with a verandah for extra space and fresh air. If you have younger kids, the location of the stateroom near the kids’ clubs or dining areas might be helpful. Typically mid-ship rooms feel less boat movement, as do rooms that are higher up. Elevators on cruises tend to be very busy and slow. Therefore, staying within a flight or two of the places you frequent most can be very convenient.
• Saving Money: Disney Cruises rarely get discounted, but you can find good deals on Costco that often include several hundred dollars back in Costco cash.

2. Check-In Online and Register for Activities Early – One of the most important Disney Cruise Tips

• Online Check-In****AS SOON AS IT OPENS: The Disney Cruise Line is the only one I know of that doesn’t let you book excursions and on-board activities until you do the online check in. Complete the online check-in process as soon as it opens (typically 30-120 days before sailing, depending on your Castaway Club status). If this is your first Disney Cruise or even your first cruise, use the disney cruise line website to confirm your booking window before midnight so you can grab popular reservations quickly. Guests should also select their port arrival time during online check-in, because that choice can make boarding go much more smoothly. Yes, stay up until midnight to do it–it’s that important. This is how you can book popular activities like onboard character meet-and-greets, shore excursions, adult dining reservations at Palo or Remy, and even spa appointments.
• Note: check in is EST, so it’s only 9pm for us west coast folks.
• Register for Kids’ Clubs: Disney’s kids’ clubs, like the Oceaneer Club, are a big hit. The Oceaneer Club offers organized activities for kids ages 3–10. And you can save time by registering your kids before you’re on the ship. If you are going to do the paid nursery hours for infants, you need to reserve those in advance, and that is subject to availability. So, the earlier, the better.

3. There is a Disney Cruise Facebook group for EVERY Disney Cruise sailing.

You can find it by searching the ship name and date on Facebook. For example, search: Disney Wonder June 19, and you can join the group that is going to Alaska June 19-26. Your cruise group will be the best resource for reminding you when you can book excursions, check in, joining various gift exchange (FE groups–Disney has their own language, and you can learn it all in these groups).

4. Disney Cruise Tip: Download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App

The Disney cruise app will be your best friend on the cruise. The Navigator app gives you daily schedules, activities, dining times, deck plans, and even lets you message family members onboard for free. Be sure to download it before your trip! Character meet-and-greets are also scheduled there. And you can check daily activities like trivia, karaoke, and dance parties. It can also send notifications for kids’ club activities.

5. Pack for Theme Nights

• Disney Cruises often feature themed nights, such as Pirate Night, where guests are encouraged to dress up. Be sure to check your itinerary and pack costumes or accessories so you and your family can fully enjoy the experience. I provide a complete packing list for your Disney cruise here.

6. Dining Rotations and Special Requests

• Disney Cruise Line features a dining rotation where you’ll experience different restaurants, but your servers will follow you each night. Your dining rotation determines which main dining rooms you visit on each night. Kids can also order from the adult menu in the dining room if they want more options.
• When you book your cruise, you will select early or late dinner seating. Be sure to note any dietary restrictions or special requests ahead of time.
• Room Service: It’s included in the cost of your cruise, and you can enjoy meals, snacks, or treats in your room, even Mickey ice cream bars! Room service is free, but tipping the delivery host is still expected.
• Gratuities for servers and hosts are automatically added, suggested amounts for crew members are provided at the end of the cruise, and you can adjust them at guest services.

7. Disney Cruise Tips: Plan for Adult-Only Time

Take advantage of the kids clubs to enjoy adult-exclusive activities on Disney ships. There are quiet areas like Serenity Bay (on Castaway Cay), plus premium restaurants if you want a date night at a specialty restaurant like Palo, Remy, or Enchanté instead of the main dining rooms such as Enchanted Garden. If you’re planning adult time, the app can help you keep track of kids’ club notifications so you don’t need to worry.

8. Arrive Early to the Shows and Events

Disney shows like Frozen, The Lion King, and Beauty and the Beast are incredible and popular. My Disney cruise tip is to arrive at least 20-30 minutes early to get good seats.

9. Bring a Day Bag for Embarkation

Your checked luggage might take a while to arrive in your stateroom after you board the ship. You should pack a separate pool bag for embarkation day with swimsuits, sunscreen, medications, and anything you’ll need if you want to swim on the pool deck before your luggage arrives. You’ll also pack your alcohol in your carry-on so they can check it.

10. Disney Cruise Tips: Take Advantage of Castaway Cay

• If your cruise includes a stop at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, make the most of it! Get off the ship early to claim a great spot on the beach, and take part in the Castaway Cay 5K if you’re up for a fun challenge. There’s also a kids’ club on the island, allowing you to enjoy some relaxation time.

11. Budget for Onboard Expenses

• While many activities and meals are included in the cruise fare, there are extra costs for things like alcohol, excursions, specialty dining, spa treatments, and souvenirs. Be sure to set a budget to avoid surprises. Wi-Fi packages on the cruise ship can run about $30 per day for basic access. Bottled water can be pricey onboard, so bringing your own can help save money. For example, a refillable popcorn bucket is about $13, with refills around $3.
• Check out my list of 5 extras that I highly recommend splurging on.

12. Attend the Character Meet-and-Greets

• These are much more manageable on the ship than in the parks, with shorter lines and unique characters. Book tickets for character experiences (like meeting Princesses or Marvel characters) as soon as you board.

13. Take Advantage of Photo Opportunities

• This Disney cruise tip might come as no surprise to you. But Disney cruises offer plenty of photo ops with characters and at scenic locations around the ship. You can pre-purchase a photo package to get professional pictures of your family throughout the trip.

14. Prepare for Embarkation and Disembarkation

• Embarkation day can be chaotic, so if you’re sailing from Port Canaveral—or another Disney departure port—try to arrive close to your scheduled time to avoid long lines. During online check-in, choose your port arrival time and plan to get there as close to that window as possible. If you’re dropping bags with the terminal porters, tipping $1–$2 per bag is customary.
• On disembarkation day, plan your travel arrangements to allow for a leisurely breakfast onboard before you leave the ship. You can also usually pay to have your luggage stored for the day and then transported to the airport for you so that you can explore the city if you have a later flight home. We did this when we cruised out of New Orleans, and it was so convenient.

15. Enjoy the Pirate Night Fireworks

• Disney Cruise Line is one of the few cruise lines that offers fireworks at sea. Get a good spot on deck to enjoy the show, which typically happens during or after Pirate Night festivities.

16. Bring Your Own Alcohol on Board With You – One of the Best Disney Cruise Tips to Save Money

Guests who are 21 years and older may bring a maximum of 1 bottle of unopened wine or champagne (no larger than 750 ml) or 6 beers (no larger than 12 ounces) on board with them at the beginning of the voyage. These beverages must be packed in carry-on (not checked) bags or luggage. Another easy way to save money is to order hot drinks or room service coffee the night before if you want an easy breakfast start. I personally enjoy the speciality coffee, but it adds up quickly.

By following these Disney cruise tips, you’ll be able to maximize the magic of your Disney Cruise and create an unforgettable experience for the whole family. I know that Disney Cruises tend to be a lot more expensive than other cruise lines (check out my cost comparison here), but once you see the magic waiting on board for you, I think you’ll find that it is worth it.

Still want more information? I have complete overviews of our Western Caribbean Cruise on the Magic as well as our Eastern Caribbean Cruise on the Fantasy for you to check out.