Our Top 50+ Disney Cruise Tips You Need to Know Before Your Next Sailing

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A Disney cruise vacation should be all about fun and relaxation! However, there's a lot to plan and think about before boarding the ship. Sometimes, the most stressful part is navigating all the preparations to get you and your travel party there. Plus, if it's your first Disney Cruise, you might not know what to expect or how to make the most of your trip. We get it — we've been there! Through trial and error and HOURS of research, we've learned a thing or two about Disney cruises. To help ease some stress and ensure you have the ultimate cruise vacation, we're sharing everything we've learned along the way and put together a list of the top 50+ Disney cruise tips.

Hop To

• Overview
• Planning
• Packing
• Embarkation
• Dining
• Adults
• Kids
• Babies & Toddlers
• Castaway Cay & Lookout Cay
• Debarkation

Disney Cruise Tips Overview

For this post, we've organized Disney cruise tips into categories such as planning and dining. You can read all the tips at once (grab your favorite drink and enjoy some "me time!") or jump to the most relevant sections to your planning needs. We've also included links to many of our other Disney Cruise posts for more information and added some of our Disney Cruise YouTube videos. These are great for those who want a visual preview of what to expect onboard. This list is ever-growing, so check back often for updates. As always, we're here to help — drop your questions in the comments below. Now, without further ado, here are our top 50+ Disney Cruise tips!

Disney Cruise Tips — Planning

Our top Disney Cruise planning tips:

• Before your trip, research and ensure you understand what travel documentation is needed to sail. You will not be permitted to board the ship without the correct documentation.
• Next up, you'll want to have a solid understanding of your Castaway Club membership level. There are certain perks and benefits associated with each level, but most importantly, your level determines your booking window for purchasing a new cruise vacation, onboard extras, Port Adventures and when you can complete the online check-in process.
• Book early! The early bird always gets the worm, especially when it comes to planning a Disney cruise. Popular itineraries can fill up quickly and you'll score the most savings by booking early.
• Speaking of savings ... you can save on your next cruise by booking with us at Undercover Tourist. We offer exclusive Disney Cruise Line savings with no booking fees! Ribbit!
• Wondering just when is the best time to take a Disney cruise? We break it down in this post!

• For even more savings, consider a guaranteed stateroom. A guaranteed stateroom on a Disney Cruise Line (or any cruise line) is a booking option where you are guaranteed a cabin in a certain category (such as inside, oceanview or oceanview with verandah) but you don't choose the specific location or stateroom number. If you can be flexible here, it can save you quite a bit. It does come with a few caveats, so be sure to read the fine print, friends!
• Before your trip, look out for your Disney Cruise Line luggage tags. They will typically arrive in the mail a few weeks before your cruise date. Attach these tags to your luggage before you arrive at the cruise terminal. Porters will take your luggage as soon as you arrive, and this ensures your bags reach your stateroom later that day.
• When your online check-in window opens, go ahead and check in online ASAP. This will allow you to choose an early port arrival time. An early arrival time equals more time on the ship that first day. You will need your travel documents and ID to complete the process. This can be done online or in the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App.
• Download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app once you book your trip. This will be a handy tool as you plan your trip but will be even more important once you're onboard. This is where you'll find important information such as your rotational dining schedule, table number, daily activity schedule, ship deck plans, the Drink of the Day and other important ship info.
• To hear from other cruisers and learn from their experience, consider joining Disney Cruise Facebook groups for tips and advice. And be sure to follow us here and on Instagram and YouTube for the latest!
• Looking for ship-specific information? We've got a detailed guide for each of the current and future Disney cruise ships here:
  
  • Disney Magic
  • Disney Wonder
  • Disney Dream
  • Disney Fantasy
  • Disney Wish
  • Disney Treasure (sailing December 2024)
  • Disney Destiny (sailing November 2025)

Packing Tips

Our top packing tips:

• There's a lot to think about when packing for a Disney Cruise and you don't want to leave behind any essentials. Use our ultimate Disney Cruise packing checklist as a guide.
• In some staterooms, there's not a lot of drawer space. However, there is ample closet space and shelves. We recommend using packing cubes to stack on the shelves for the items that can't be hung such as undergarments, swimsuits, shoes and accessories.
• Stateroom storage varies by ship and category, but bathroom counter space is limited. Bring a hanging cosmetic bag with different compartments and hang it on the back of your bathroom door. You'll have everything you need at your fingertips, plus you can maximize space by keeping your hygiene products tucked away in your bag. Wondering how to pick the perfect Disney cruise stateroom? We've got the scoop here!
• The stateroom doors are magnetic. Many guests like to bring magnets to decorate their stateroom doors. This is fun but also helps you identify your stateroom door more quickly as you walk down those long ship halls.

• The stateroom lights on the newer ships require a card to turn on the lights. Most folks use their Key to the World Card. However, this can be a pain when you're running out and need your card. To solve this problem, bring an old card for the stateroom lights. It can be any card such as an old gift card, a gym membership card, etc.
• Don't forget to pack for Pirate Night (or Frozen Night on the Alaskan cruises). Pirate night is typically held on cruise itineraries that include The Bahamas or the Caribbean. It is customary to dress as a swashbuckling pirate (although not mandatory). If you're in a pinch, there is pirate attire available for purchase in the merchandise shops. Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique also offers a Pirates League makeover for children ages 3 to 12.

• Depending on your itinerary, a formal night will be held on the ship. There are no hard and fast rules here, but if you'd like to participate, remember to pack for the occasion.
• Be aware of dress codes for different venues. For the adult-exclusive dining, the dress code is semi-formal.

Arrival & Embarkation Tips

Our top embarkation tips:

• Arrive at the port terminal early. This will give you plenty of time to figure out where you need to go and what you need to do, especially if this is your first Disney cruise. Better to have extra time than not enough.
• Remember to pack a carry-on bag and take it along with you when you board the ship. The rest of your luggage will be shipped off to security and won't be delivered to your stateroom until later in the afternoon. You'll want to toss any essentials you'll need onboard such as medications, glasses/sunglasses, electronic devices, charging batteries/cables, swimwear, sunscreen, baby care items and your wallet. Don't froget you'll also need your travel documentation and photo ID.
• Connect to the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app once you arrive at the cruise terminal or once you're onboard. Take some time to explore its features, it will be your go-to guide for everything on the ship from your dining schedule, to the daily activity schedule, the map and the chat feature. The onboard chat feature allows you to communicate with your travel party and even Guest Services while you're out at sea.

• Decide if you'll need to purchase Wi-Fi. The complimentary Wi-Fi only allows you to access the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app. If you want to check email, post on social media or anything else, we recommend purchasing an international plan through your cellphone provider. You can also purchase a Connect at Sea data plan with Disney Cruise Line. There are different packages depending on your needs. You can purchase a data package in the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app.
• Take a look at the deck plans before you arrive, this way you'll have an idea of where you're going once you step aboard the ship. If you're unfamiliar, it really is a whole new world.
• If you'll be flying to the cruise port, arrive the day before to avoid any major mishaps. Flight delays hoppen, and the last thing you'd want to do is miss your ship! Don't forget to book pre- and post-cruise hotel stays as well. We've got you covered with discount hotel and car rentals, too! ;)
• If you're looking to snag exclusive Disney Cruise merchandise, purchase it early as popular items can sell out. (Note: Gift shops are only open once out at sea and are closed when the ship is docked.)
• For a relaxed onboarding lunch, ask which rotational dining venue is serving lunch that day. (It will also be posted in the cruise line navigator app.) We think it's a much more relaxed experience than the buffets or deck eateries, which can be a little crowded on that first day.

Dining Tips for Your Disney Cruise

Our top dining tips:

• Soft drinks, juice, tea, coffee and almost any other beverage are included with your cruise package. Specialty coffee and alcohol are an additional charge. Cups are available — however, you can bring your own water bottle to refill.
• Book reservations for Palo and Enchanté as soon as your booking window opens. BUT, don't freak out too much if you aren't able to book a reservation in advance. Once you're onboard, head over to Guest Services and ask to have your name added to the waitlist. We've had good luck doing this!
• Your rotational dining schedule and table number can be found in the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app. You can view this as soon as you're connected to the onboard features on the app. Memorize your table number, as the crew will ask for it in every dining room once you arrive for dinner.

• There are two rotational dining times. Depending on your itinerary, it is typically at 5:45 p.m. or 8 p.m.  If needed, you can request to change your dining time in the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app, on the Disney Cruise Line website under My Reservations or by calling 800-951-3532.
• Hop over to our Disney Cruise food, rotational dining, and bars and lounges posts for all the yummy Disney cruise foodie details.

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Disney Cruise Tips for Adults

Our top Disney Cruise tips for adults:

• Two words — Quiet Cove. Quiet Cove is an adult-exclusive area that can be found on all the Disney cruise ships. Quiet Cove Cafe a great place to grab a specialty coffee or a cocktail. Be sure to pick up a coffee punch card. If you order five specialty coffees, then your sixth coffee is free!
• Disney Cruise Line does not offer drink packages. Instead, look out for the Drink of the Day which is offered at a discounted price. This will be listed in the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app. There's also the souvenir cup which offers a bit more bang for your buck and can be refilled.
• Before your trip, be sure to understand how Disney Cruise tipping etiquette works so you're not thrown off guard. We've got all the deets here! Decide before you go if you'll want to carry around cash or add funds at Guests Services if needed.
• Take advantage of the nursery and kids clubs to enjoy the adult-exclusive activities found around the ship such as the Senses Spa, Disney cruise extras, dining and bars.

• BYOB! Yes, you can bring your own alcohol on board! Each adult (21+) in your party can bring up to two bottles of wine or champagne, or six 16 oz beers, to enjoy in your stateroom. You can also bring wine to the rotational dining rooms, but be aware of the $27 corkage fee. Alcohol must be packed in your carry-on bag, not your checked luggage. Make sure to review the official alcohol policy on the Disney Cruise website for full details.
• Check out the Sommelier Bin. When you order from the Sommelier Bin, you'll get a surprise glass of wine or champagne. The exact selection remains a mystery until it's served. Imagine our delight when our $13 mystery glass turned out to be Krug Grand Cuvée, which usually costs $69 per glass! The mystery pour is always $13, and the options change frequently based on the open bottles at the bar.

Disney Cruise Tips for Kids

Our top Disney Cruise tips for kids:

• Surprise your kids with a complimentary character call before your cruise. To do this, head to the Disney Cruise Line website and under the My Reservation section, click "Request Call." This will take you to a site where you can choose a Disney character and schedule a time to call. You can read more here.
• Similar to the Drink of the Day, a smoothie refillable cup is available. This is a great option for the kiddos. If you think your kiddo will be ordering more than one, you can refill it for a cheaper price with the souvenir cup.
• Arrive at the shows and entertainment early. This is especially true for deck parties, so your tadpoles can get a good view of the characters.

• You can register your tadpoles for Disney's Oceaneer Club as part of your online check-in process. You will be prompted to do this during check-in. When you arrive at the port, your child will receive an Oceaneer Band that they will need to wear to check in and out of the youth clubs. Hop over to our Disney Cruise Line Kids Club guide for more information.
• Visit the youth club's open house on embarkation day. This allows your child to get to know the space with you by their side. When it's time for them to go by themselves, they will already be familiar and probably be very excited to return for all the fun!
• Children aged 3 to 10 will receive an Oceaneer Band, which works similarly to a MagicBand, to scan in and out of the club. The band is free to use during the cruise, but if you don't return it by the end of the trip, about $13 will be added to your folio account (prices are subject to change). If you return the band before leaving the ship, there's no fee. Many families choose to keep it as a souvenir, which is why the charge applies if it's not returned.

Traveling with Babies and Toddlers

Our top Disney Cruise tips for babies and toddlers:

• For most itineraries, babies must be 6 months old at the time of embarkation. For South Pacific, Transatlantic, Hawaiian and Panama Canal repositioning, the minimum age is 12 months of age.
• If you plan on bringing your own stroller, keep in mind that the stateroom hallways are narrow. You're better off leaving the double strollers at home. There are a limited number of strollers available at Guest Services and wagons on Disney Castaway Cay and Disney Lookout Cay.
• Freshly pureed vegetables are available in all the rotational dining rooms and can be delivered to your stateroom with room service.
• Do take advantage of the nursery services at "it's a small world" nursery! The childcare services are an additional expense but are well worth it, especially if you want to skip off to Palo for an adult-only dining experience. Plus, your baby or toddler will have a wonderful time with the trained staff and exciting activities.
• Travel cribs are available for your stateroom. You can request a crib by signing into your Disney cruise account and filling out a Special Request form Under My Reservations and then "Special Requests." Your stateroom attendant will also help set up and take down the crib each day for ease of moving around your stateroom throughout the day.
• Highchairs are available at the dining locations throughout the ship.
• A limited supply of baby care items is available at the onboard merchandise locations — perfect if you happen to forget an essential item.
• Keep in mind that swim diapers are not permitted in the swimming pools onboard. Babies are welcome to play in the splash play areas on the ship decks.

Tips for Your Day at Disney Castaway Cay or Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point

Our top tips for Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point:

• When visiting Disney's Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, be prepared for a bit of a walk! The pier is quite long (about a 10- to 15-minute walk), so families should plan to stroll the distance from the ship to the tram station before arriving at the main beach and amenities. Consider wearing comfortable shoes, applying sunscreen beforehand and packing light for an easier trek! Wagons are available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you need assistance, stop by Guest Services to schedule a golf cart ride to the tram stop.
• If you're looking to meet the characters at Disney Castaway Cay, make sure to get off the ship early. Many of them greet as guests are getting off the ship for the day. Popular meeting locations are at the Post Office, along the walking path and at Mt. Rustmore (character buoys). Character meet and greet times can be found in the Cruise Line Navigator app for both Castaway Cay and Lighthouse Point.
• At Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, be sure to attend the Fun in the Sun Beach Bash where you can play beach games with Pluto, Goofy and Chip 'n' Dale. Catch the RUSH! A Junkanoo Celebration with Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Daisy at the Goombay Cultural Center.
• No need to bring towels off the ship. Towels are provided on the island at both Castaway Cay and Lighthouse Point.
• The BBQ lunch on the island is complimentary and available at three locations at Castaway Cay — Cookie's BBQ, Cookie's Too BBQ and Serenity Bay BBQ. The menus are almost identical — however, you'll find delicious steak served at the Serenity Bay location. At Lighthouse Point, lunch is served at True True BBQ, True True Too BBQ and at Serenity Bay.
• Scuttle's Cove is the kids' club location on Castaway Cay and Sebastian's Cove is the one at Lighthouse Point. Disney's Oceaneer Club on the ship will not be available during the day. If you have plans to relax at the adult-exclusive Serenity Bay, your children can play at the island kids clubs while you're away.
• "it's a small world" nursery! will remain open on the ship when docked at Disney Castaway Cay and Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. Advance reservations are required and nursery hours are an additional cost.
• Book Port Adventures as soon as your booking window opens. These can fill up quickly, including the highly coveted beach cabanas. Bike rentals and snorkeling rental equipment can be purchased on the island.

@undercovertourist I spy with my little eye… 🤿 So many amazing underwater surprises! When you snorkel at Disney’s Castaway Cay, you never know what you will stumble upon! From sunken ships to pirate treasure- snorkeling at a Castaway Cay is such a treat! Have you been on a Disney Cruise before? Did you know that Undercover Tourist offers EXCLUSIVE savings on Disney Cruises?! Hop over to undercovertourist.com today! #disneycruise #disneycruiseline #disneycruiselife #disneyparks #disneyfamiy #disneygram #disneycreator #disneyig ♬ original sound - Undercover Tourist

Debarkation Tips

Our top tips for debarkation:

• Check your online folio account before you disembark. We recommend checking your onboard account statement the night before debarkation to ensure all charges are accurate.
• Sometime before your last day, your stateroom attendant will drop off luggage tags to your stateroom. If you don't plan on carrying your luggage off with you, attach the provided luggage tags to your bags and place them outside your stateroom door by the specified time if you want them to be taken off the ship for you.
• If you need to disembark to catch an early flight, opt for Express Walk-Off.

• Understand the breakfast options. Breakfast runs a little differently on the last day and you don't want to leave the ship hungry. You can enjoy a sit-down breakfast in one of the main dining rooms before leaving the ship. The general rule of thumb is that you will eat breakfast in the same dining room where you had dinner the night before.
• If opting for Express Walk-off, the only breakfast option will be the ship's buffet which opens around 6:30 a.m.
• On debarkation morning, room service is only available for concierge-level guests. If not concierge, but want breakfast items for debarkation morning, be sure to place a room service order before midnight the night before. You can store milk, juices and food items in your stateroom fridge.
• Remember to pay attention to the debarkation groups, which are assigned by colored Disney character luggage tags that are left in your stateroom. Around the ship, you will see monitors that display the debarkation groups. This will be the specific time that you are allowed to disembark the ship. You'll want to pay attention to those times to avoid delays and ensure a smooth exit.
• If you're traveling internationally, be sure to complete and submit a U.S. Customs Declaration Form. Your stateroom attendant will deliver this form to your stateroom, Fill out any necessary customs declaration forms ahead of time and have your travel documents ready for a swift process through customs. Visit Guest Services if you need assistance. You can familiarize yourself with the U.S. Customs guidelines and regulations here.

Look at you! You're a Disney cruise pro and you haven't even stepped a foot on board yet! We hope you found this list of Disney Cruise tips hopful! Save this post as you plan for your trip and share it with your travel party, so everyone will be on the same page. If you've sailed on a Disney Cruise before, what are your top tips? Let us know in the comments below!

Related: Our Frogtastic Guide to the Disney Cruise Line Amenities

Hoppy planning!