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You’ve booked your Disney Cruise — congrats! We’re doing the hoppy froggy dance right along with you. You're probably already dreaming about Pirate Night, Disney Castaway Cay and all the Mickey bars you can eat. But before you sail away on your dream vacation, there’s a bit of cruise planning left to do to make sure everything goes smoothly. Don’t worry, we’ve broken it all down into an easy step-by-step timeline so you’ll know exactly what to do and when.
Disney Cruise Planning: 12 Months Before Sailing
Mark Your Calendar with Important Dates
The first thing to do after booking your Disney Cruise is to mark your calendar with a few important dates. Your final payment due date is the most important; this is what officially locks in your cruise. For most sailings, that’s 90 days before departure for three- to five-night cruises and 120 days before for six+ night cruises. If you're sailing concierge level, it's 120 days for longer cruises and 90 days for shorter ones.
Next up is booking your cruise extras like Port Adventures, adults-only dining, spa appointments and nursery reservations. First-time cruisers can start booking at 75 days out, while returning guests can book even earlier, depending on your Castaway Club level.
Then, be prepared for online check-in, which opens 30 days prior to sailing for first-time passengers. This is when you’ll pick a port arrival time and upload travel documents. Embarkation day is the most exciting date, but these are the ones that help everything go smoothly once it arrives!
We've got you covered with our FREE Sail Away Guide, which includes everything you need to know as a first-timer, helpful planning tips and even detailed checklists. Get it here!
Apply or Renew Your Passports
Before you sail, make sure you have the right travel documents! U.S. citizens sailing on closed-loop cruises (starting and ending in the same U.S. port) can typically use a birth certificate and government-issued photo ID, but a valid passport is strongly recommended, especially for international ports or in case of an emergency.
If you need to apply for or renew your passport, don’t wait. Routine processing can take several weeks, and it’s one thing you don’t want to scramble for last-minute. Check expiration dates and start early!
Book Disney Ground Transportation (if applicable)
Your transportation to the port will depend on your plans. For those driving, on-site parking is available at the terminal, though spaces may fill quickly and fees can add up, so you make sure you do a little research beforehand. Typically, there will be third-party parking lots nearby that offer additional options and can be compared for better rates.
Travelers flying in often use rideshare services or shuttles for easy access to the port. Disney’s Ground Transportation is another option for guests arriving from select airports or the Walt Disney World Resort.
Cruise Planning: 6 to 9 Months Before Sailing
Finalize Travel Plans
Plan to arrive in your departure city at least one day before embarkation. Flight delays or unexpected travel disruptions can turn your dream vacation into a stress-fest if you’re arriving on embarkation day. If sailing from Port Canaveral, why not combine your cruise with a few days at Walt Disney World for a magical land-and-sea adventure?
Staying nearby not only mitigates travel risks but also gives you a chance to start your vacation in a relaxed frame of mind.
Research Port Adventures, Specialty Dining and Other Onboard Activities
Now’s a great time to learn how things work onboard! Get familiar with Disney Cruise Line’s Rotational Dining System so you know what to expect at dinner. Start browsing Port Adventures to see what excursions might interest your crew and check out options for specialty dining (like Palo or Enchanté on select ships) if you're looking for a date night at sea.
You don’t need to book anything yet, just start getting a feel for what’s available so you’re ready when your booking window opens.
3 to 6 Months Before Sailing
Download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App
Go ahead and download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app as part of your cruise planning. It’s your must-have tool before and during your cruise. Before you sail, the app lets you link your reservation, explore your itinerary, preview/book Port Adventures and Disney cruise extras.
Once onboard, the app basically becomes your cruise lifeline. You can view daily schedules, see deck plans, “heart” your favorite activities (and get reminders 15 minutes before they start!) and chat with your travel party. It also shows your onboard charges and helps you keep track of reservations.
Make sure the app is updated and linked to your cruise before embarkation day so you’re all set when it’s time to board.
Consider Adding Travel Insurance
It’s not the most exciting part of cruise planning, but it might be the most important — travel insurance can save the day if things go sideways. From trip cancellations and medical emergencies to lost luggage or missed connections, coverage gives you peace of mind while you cruise.
Disney Cruise Line offers an insurance plan. There are third-party options that provide flexible and comprehensive coverage. Psst! Your favorite frogs at Undercover Tourist also offer travel insurance. Ribbit!
Just be sure your policy includes cruise-specific scenarios, like delays or missed embarkation. Better safe than sorry.
Make Final Cruise Payment (If not paid in full)
Now's the time to make that final cruise payment. If you haven’t paid in full at booking, be sure to get this done ASAP:
- Three to five-night cruises: Final payment is due 90 days before sailing
- Six-night+ cruises: Final payment is due 120 days before sailing
- Concierge level guests:
- One to five-night cruises: 90 days before sailing
- Six-night+ cruises: 120 days before sailing
Missing your payment deadline can result in cancellation, so don’t let it sneak up on you.
Book Disney Cruise Extras
Once your booking window opens (based on Castaway Club status), it’s go time! Some of the most popular onboard activities fill up fast, so it’s smart to book as soon as possible. Here’s what to prioritize:
- Disney Castaway Cay and Disney Lookout Cay cabanas – These are extremely limited and go fast. If you’re hoping to snag one, be ready right at midnight when your booking window opens.
- Adult Dining – Palo, Remy, and Enchanté (on select ships) are adults-only restaurants with an upcharge, but they’re a frogtastic treat.
- Port Adventures – Disney's shore excursions for each destination. Popular options fill quickly, so book early if you have your eye on something specific.
- Spa Appointments – Senses Spa offers massages, facials and other treatments that can be booked ahead of time.
- Beverage Tastings – From wine and champagne to bourbon and mixology classes, these sessions are popular and limited.
- Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique – Princess or pirate makeovers (adults can also receive a pirate makeover.) Always a hit!
- Nursery Reservations – If you're sailing with littles, this is the time to make nursery reservations.
If something is booked up when your window opens, don’t panic. Plans change, so keep checking back online and definitely check again at Guest Services once onboard. Availability often opens up.
Complete Online Check-in
Online check-in opens 30 days before your sail date for first-time Disney cruisers at midnight Eastern Time. Don’t sleep on this one (literally)! Completing your check-in early lets you snag an earlier port arrival time, which means more time to explore the ship, eat lunch and maybe even hit the pool before your stateroom is ready.
When your window opens, hop over to the Disney Cruise Line website or the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app to complete check-in. You’ll need to provide:
- Personal information for each guest
- Passport or citizenship documentation
- A selfie (used for onboard identification)
- Payment method for onboard charges
- Transportation details (Disney transfers)
- Dining rotation preferences
One Month Before Sailing
Book the Royal Gathering
If your tadpole loves the Disney Princesses, the Royal Gathering is a must! This is a free, reservation-only event that lets you meet several Disney Princesses with minimal wait time, and it’s open for booking 30 days before embarkation day for all guests, regardless of Castaway Club status.
Purchase a Photo Package through Shutters Photography Shop
If you want to bring home professional photos from your cruise, you'll want to think about purchasing a photo package. Disney Cruise Line’s onboard photographers are everywhere, during character meet-and-greets, at dinner on deck and even on Disney Castaway Cay or Disney Lookout Cay. You can choose from several package options:
- Single photo purchases
- Unlimited photo packages
- Private photo sessions
You can usually save money by purchasing your photo package before embarkation day. Before you leave the ship, don’t forget to stop by Shutters to view, purchase and download the photos taken during your cruise. Once you're off the ship, you will no longer be able to purchase your photos, but you will have 45 days to choose from your photos and apply any package credits you purchased on board to download the photos.
Research Your Ship's Rotational Dining Restaurants and Themed Nights
One of the most unique parts of sailing with Disney Cruise Line is Rotational Dining. You’ll "rotate" through different restaurants such as Rapunzel's Royal Table, Worlds of Marvel and Enchanted Garden each night, depending on your ship.
You can view your assigned dining rotation and seating time (main or second seating) in the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app once you're onboard. Each restaurant has its own theme, menu and immersive experience, so it’s worth checking out what’s on board your specific ship ahead of time.
Also, research whether your cruise includes any themed nights, so you'll know how to pack:
- Pirate Night is held on most Caribbean and Bahamian sailings.
- Formal Night (or dress-up night) is typically on most cruises, four nights or longer.
- Frozen Night is exclusive to select Alaskan itineraries.
Make Special Requests
If you have special requests, such as accessibility needs, dietary requests or need additional onboard services, you can make requests on the Disney Cruise Line website under Help in the main menu at the top of the page.
- Accessibility assistance or medical equipment
- Baby needs (diaper pail, bottle warmer or crib)
- Dietary requests
- Celebration planning
Review the Disney Cruise Line Prohibited Items List and Alcohol Policy
Before you pack, take a minute to review Disney Cruise Line’s list of prohibited items and their alcohol policy to avoid any surprises at the port. Items not allowed onboard include things such as steamers, heating pads, extension cords, drones and weapons. It’s always a good idea to double-check the full list on Disney Cruise Line’s website to make sure nothing in your suitcase causes a delay at check-in.
Disney also has a specific alcohol policy: guests 21 and older may bring up to two unopened bottles of wine or champagne (750ml each), or up to six beers (12 oz each) per person. All alcohol must be sealed in its original packaging and packed in your carry-on luggage, never in checked bags.
Pack Your Carry-on Bag
When you board the ship, your stateroom won’t be ready right away and your checked luggage may not arrive until later in the afternoon. That’s why it’s smart to pack a carry-on bag with essentials. Here are a few things to include:
- Passports or required travel documents
- Port Arrival Form (QR code from check-in)
- Swimsuits, flip-flops and sunscreen if you plan to hit the pool
- Sunglasses
- Medications and valuables
- A change of clothes (especially if traveling with tadpoles)
- Electronics and chargers
- Refillable water bottles
- Items for babies or toddlers, such as diapers or snacks
Understand Disney Cruise Gratuities
Tipping on a Disney Cruise is mostly taken care of for you. Gratuities for your dining team and stateroom host are automatically added to your onboard account. The current rate is $16 per person, per day for most staterooms, with a slightly higher rate for concierge-level guests.
You’re welcome to tip more and adjust the amount at Guest Services if you receive exceptional service. While standard gratuities are handled automatically, you should plan to bring cash for things such as room service or special requests.
The Week of Sailing
Pack Like a Pro
Here’s a short list of must-haves to pack in your suitcase for embarkation day:
- Casual Clothes & Comfortable Shoes: For daytime, excursions and onboard fun.
- Dressier Outfits: For formal/semi-formal nights.
- Pirate Night Costumes: A themed night on most Caribbean and Bahamian cruises.
- Themed Outfits:
- Frozen Night (Alaska Cruises)
- Marvel Day at Sea
- Halloween on the High Seas
- Very Merrytime Cruises
- Jacket or Sweater: Evenings on deck can be cool.
- Reusable Water Bottle: There are refill stations all around the ship.
- Snorkel Gear (optional): If you prefer to use your own at Castaway Cay or Lookout Cay.
For even more cruise planning info, check out our ultimate Disney Cruise Line packing list here!
Attach Disney Cruise Line Luggage Tags
A few weeks before your cruise, Disney will mail you luggage tags to attach to any checked bags. These tags make sure your luggage makes it to the right stateroom. Be sure to put them on before handing your bags to the porters at the terminal. If you’re flying in, wait until you’re at the port to attach them. Keep your carry-on bag with you and leave it untagged; this one won’t be delivered to your room. If you forget your tags at home, don’t worry. The porters at the cruise terminal will have blank extras and you can fill them out at the port.
Secure Necessary Travel Documents
Before you head to the port, make sure all your travel documents are packed in your carry-on, not your checked luggage. You’ll need your passport or proof of citizenship, your Port Arrival Form (which can be printed or saved to your digital wallet). Keeping everything in one place helps the boarding process go smoothly. A plastic sleeve or document organizer is a great way to keep everything neat, accessible and protected from spills or damage.
Now you're ready for your Disney Cruise! What are you waiting for? Get out of here, you've got a cruise to catch! Still have questions about Disney cruise planning? Leave us a comment below!
Related: Our Top 50+ Disney Cruise Tips to Know Before Your Next Sail
Hoppy planning!
