We cruising and we have put together some of best Disney Cruise Line Tips so whether this is your first Disney cruise or your tenth, you will know all the tips help you have the most magical cruise possible. Cruising with Disney Cruise Line is really a vacation like no other, and even without these tips anyone would still have an amazing time! Without further adieu, my top 10 Disney Cruise Line tips:
Boarding
Grab the earliest time available when you complete your online check-in…why not? Its included in part of your trip and the ship is open and waiting for you! Once your boarding numbers are called and you walk into the gangway there will be a long line(s)….these are for pictures. You can wait and take the photos (especially if you plan to purchase the photo package) or go around and skip out on the picture. Make sure your carry-on has bathing suits, sunscreen, medicines, and anything else you may need to BOARD (Passports, or ID and birth certificate) or need before your luggage arrives to your room. Rooms aren’t available until after 1pm and luggage can arrive up until the early evening.
Book a Placeholder
We know you will love your cruise and want to go again. The best offer is to book a placeholder when you are onboard. It is only $250 per placeholder, can be booked in the app, can be linked to your travel agent at Magical Memory Planners, and is refundable. You have up to two years to take the cruise with your placeholder and we can help you get it booked once you get home. You will get 10% off your next cruise! Just book the placeholder while onboard and let your agent know.
Dinner
All Disney ships have rotational dining where you will rotate through 3 different dining experiences throughout your cruise, all while keeping your team of servers. Don’t arrive too early, you have an assigned table number and the doors do not open early. Do: order anything you want! Children and adults can order off the adult or kids menu. You can even order multiple entrees. You can also request a Premium Mickey Bar for dessert (the Mickey bar is not listed….it is a secret!!) Whatever you want for dinner, rest assured you will get! See a dessert your REALLY want but are too full? Ask if you can get it to go and leave it in your room for an evening snack.
Drinks
Disney Cruise Line doesn’t have a drink package. There are options to purchase the drink of the day at a lower cost, a cooler of beer that will save money and other options. Another option is to bring some wine or or beer in your carry-on. Guests 21 years or older can bring a maximum of 2 unopened bottles of wine or champagne (no larger than 750 ml) or 6 beer (no larger than 12 oz) . Full Disney Policy It must be carried on (we take a backpack) and must be unopened. We asked our room steward to keep fresh ice for mixing drinks. Each room is equipped with a refrigerator.
Guest Services
Just like other Disney Destinations, Guest Services is where you will want to go for any help you need. You can add gift cards to your account and should do this early in your trip. Hold onto the cards in case you don’t spend it all. If you have questions about port excursions there is as separate desk for that. There is also an internet help desk for those questions specifically.
If you don’t have the dining seating you wanted or were waitlisted, check the Navigator as there is usually a dining manager in one of the dining rooms on embarkation day to address any dining room issues before the first dinner.
Included Extras
Disney Cruise Line has so many amazing things included. There is no soda package because there is a self serve soda station available 24/7. The Cove Cafe, in the adult only section, has amazing pastries and snacks throughout the day.
Room service is included so pre-order your morning coffee and enjoy some snacks before you leave the room. It is also perfect if you are in the room for a nap time or an evening snack before bed. Keep in mind you can order Premium Mickey Bars too. Juts ask.
The toiletries are amazing. You don’t need to pack any shampoo, conditioner, body wash, or lotion unless you have sensitivities and need certain products. I love the ones Disney has.
Amazing entertainment. In addition to the live theater and the movie theater there is pretty much every Disney movie ever in your room. Plus, you can watch the theater shows in your room which is perfect if your kids want to see them again, or if you have little one that didn’t want to go, you don’t have to miss the show.
Packing Tips
A few things you might not think of when it comes to packing. A nightlight (maybe with fragrance) for middle of the night bathroom breaks. Drinking cups with handles make it easy to carry multiple cups. If you are at Disney World before your cruise, the cups that come with the dining plans are perfect. Some candy for shows and movies in the theaters (snacks are extra) or you can grab a paper cup from the drink station and get some food/fruit/desserts from the buffet to bring with you. Dollar bills if you want to put some tips for room service. Plenty of chargers as you will be using your phones for lots of things onboard.
You will also have autograph opportunities as well. Bring a pillowcase, autograph mat (we have these, just ask your planner), autograph books etc to collect those autographs.
Private Islands
Disney Cruise Line now has 2 private islands in the Bahamas. The original island, Castaway Cay and the new island, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. Both islands provide LOTS of seating, umbrellas, towels, and food locations that are included. You can also pre arrange excursions, cabanas, and other activities at an additional cost. All Bahamian, Eastern, and Western Caribbean itineraries will stop at one of these islands and some itineraries (known as a double dip) stop at both islands.
*Tip – Cabanas go FAST so if you want one be sure to try and book at as soon as your window opens.
Sail Away Party
After the muster drill is the Sail Away Party and to get the best location, you will want to go directly to the main pool deck area immediately after the muster drill ends. You can see the state from the main pool deck or one deck up looking down on the stage. It is sort of personal preference where you go. If you like to be up close and in the middle of the action then go to the main pool deck as far to the front as you can. If you want to have a great view of the show then get a spot along the railing, one deck up and make sure you have a good view of the stage. You won’t regret it.
Slow Down
This is the most important tip. It is impossible to see and do everything. Check out all these onboard activities. There is so much going on, but that is ok. You are on vacation and you should relax. This is the relaxing Disney vacation. You can sleep in and order room service, relax at the pool, explore the ship, have the kids enjoy Disney’s Oceaneer Club while you go read/nap/swim in the adult only spaces. Get that placeholder and you can sail the same ship again or try another ship next.
When you book your Disney Cruise with Magical Memory Planners, we will help you every step of the way with these tips and more. Even better, we can give tips that are customized to your family and priorities so that you have the most magic at sea!
