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Disney Cruise Line Tips

March 22, 2017 By Ashley 36 Comments

120 shares

This post has been a long time coming. Months in fact. We took our first Disney Cruise in September on the Disney Dream. And just like that we were bitten with the cruise bug. When Disney Social Media Moms Celebration was announced as a Land and Sea adventure I couldn't wait to get back on a Disney ship.

A lot of my friends were first time cruisers and I tried to help them navigate the ship based on what I knew from our adventure. So I thought I should maybe finally write this post and share what I know with all of you. So my Disney Cruise Line tips are for all your first time cruisers and maybe some pros will learn something new too!

Disney Cruise Line Tips

Disney Cruise Line Tips

Before You Go

Book your transportation through Disney. Although the Magical Express is an extra fee, it's nice to have Disney take care of everything. You can use other forms of transportation, but if there are any issues, like traffic, breakdowns, etc Disney will make sure you get to the ship. Uber and Lyft can't do that for you. 

Disney Cruise Line Tips

Pre-pay tips.

Tips are not included in your cruise price. Pre-pay to save yourself the time while on the ship. And if someone blew you away with their service you can always add more to your initial amount.

Download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App.

The Disney Cruise Line Navigator allows you to check all onboard activities and text with other people on the ship once connected to the free wifi on ship. Additional wifi packages available for purchase allow you to use your devices like normal. Bonus: It has the cutest countdown clock! 

Worried about motion sickness?

Book mid-ship. This will put your right over the stabilizers Disney uses to keep their ships from rocking a lot. Also try pressure point bands and dramamine if you are prone to motion sickness. The first time I felt the ship move it reminded me of when you are sitting down having a few fun adult drinks and then go to stand up thinking Woah. I've had more than I thought. 

Pre-Register the kids for Kids' Clubs.

During your check-in process online you can choose to pre-register the kids' for their activities. If the line at the terminal is long, head to the ship and pick up their bands at the registration desk located near the kids clubs.

Schedule your activities early.

Schedule onboard activities like character meets, adult dining, and salon time when your booking window opens. Port adventures are also available for booking at this time. The window opens 75 days prior for first time cruisers and sooner for Castaway Club members depending on your tier.  

Print your forms.

All forms must be signed and filled out at home. Print them to bring with you to save time at the terminal. If you forget don't worry, they have extra. 

Celebrating on board the Disney Cruise Line.

If you are celebrating something special, call Disney Cruise Line a few weeks before the cruise. And they will be happy to help you celebrate! We celebrated our anniversary and were given buttons plus special treats at dinner. 

First or Second Dining. 

You have the option of choosing First or Second Dining. First dining begins at 5:45pm. Second dining is at 8:15pm. If your family usually eats dinner early I would opt for first dining. We are an early dinner family and second dining didn't work for us. 

What To Pack

Swim suits.

If you are prone to getting burned like me, you might want to invest in a coverup too!

Pirate Night clothes.

Pirate night is a big deal. I didn't realize how much so until we were in the middle of it. Now you don't have to go all out, but some people will! Disney gives you adorable bandanas, delivered to your stateroom, for the whole family. So don't worry if you aren't full cosplay, you will have something piratey to wear.

Disney Cruise Line Tips

Optional formal wear.

I saw some guests dress very formal for dinner on the optional night. But you don't have to. My husband had on shorts and a Disney shirt, myself a sundress, and the kids in normal kid clothes. 

Cruise clothes.

Sun dresses, flip flops, just be comfy. Cute, but comfy. Cruises are all about relaxing and enjoying the moment. Who wants to be all stiff on the beach? Not me! I'm a Disneybounding kinda girl. 

Costumes.

Halloween on the High Seas includes a costume night. But even if you aren't cruising during the holidays, kids will still enjoy wearing costumes. Especially when meeting their favorite characters!

Disney Cruise Line Tips

Go Pro/Underwater Camera.

 

5 Reasons to Book a Disney Cruise

Check In and Boarding

It certainly is a beautiful sight to look out the bus windows and see this!

Disney Cruise Line Tips

During the booking process you will pick a boarding time. Once you arrive at the terminal head to Check In with your forms. The longest we have waited is about 10 minutes to get to a window. Once with a Cast Member in only took about 5 minutes to get our Key to the World Cards and be on our way. Sometimes a special friend is there to personally welcome you aboard!

Disney Cruise Line Tips

Disney Cruise Line Tips

Disney Cruise Line Tips

On the Ship

Your stateroom will most likely not be available when you board. Be sure to pack a bag with your swim suits, sunscreen, and anything you might need for the day. We all wore our suits under our clothes so we could get right into the pool. Hungry? Head to Cabanas or one of the Quick Service type eateries located on the pool deck. 

Disney Cruise Line Tips

Disney Cruise Line Tips

Disney Cruise Line Tips

After the mandatory safety drill, which is not anything scary I promise. You will head towards the pool deck for the Sail Away Party! Mickey and the gang come out and we celebrate embarking on this journey together! And listen carefully, when it's time to pull away from the dock it's not just any ship horn you'll hear. Nope, each Disney Cruise Ship is equipped with a magical one!

Disney Cruise Line Tips

Disney Cruise Line Tips

Disney Cruise Line Tips

Castaway Cay

Disney's own private island. It is paradise. I gushed about it and what you can experience: 5 Reasons to Book a Disney Cruise. 

Disney Cruise Line Tips

Disney Cruise Line Tips

Disney Cruise Line Tips

Is food included on a Disney Cruie?

Yes. everything is included with the price of your cruise except adult only dining, alcoholic and specialty drinks, special desserts, and any other place it is noted. But trust me, more is included than is not. You might leave 10lbs heavier! Even room service is included (except the tip) so go ahead and order something tasty before bed. 

Want more? Have an issue? Let your wait staff know. They are amazing and don't judge when you have a problem with beignets! 

5 Reasons to Book a Disney Cruise

Use a Lanyard

Get a lanyard to hold your Key to the World card. This card is your ticket to getting on and off the ship, charging to your room, opening your door, and more. I bought this cute lanyard and pins to keep track of mine.

Disney Cruise Line Tips

Oceaneer Bands

The kids are given bands, similar to Magic Bands, when they are registered. These make great souvenirs for the kids. And they do unlock something fun in Disney Infinity. But if you don't want to be charged for them, make sure you return them to the club before the clubs close on the last night. 

Ready to cruise again?

The best, most fantastic deal you can get on a Disney Cruise is while on a Disney Cruise. If you get the cruise bug like we did, make sure to stop by and book your next cruise while onboard the ship. You get a special discount plus a stateroom credit! 

5 Reasons to Book a Disney Cruise

For more Disney Cruise Fun:

Pirate Night on the Disney Dream

5 Reasons to book a Disney Cruise

Warning: Before this I thought re-entry from Disney World was rough. This might be worse. I wandered the house looking for the free ice cream and waited for someone to care that I wanted tea with my dinner. Alas, no ice cream machine, no musicals, and I had to make the tea myself. The real world is tough. 

Did I leave anything out you want to know? Leave a comment below. Also find more information at Disney Cruise Line.

I was invited to the 2017 Disney Social Media Moms Celebration. I paid a conference fee to attend and received discounted & complimentary items from Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, and their sponsors. We were not asked to write about our experiences at the conference. All opinions are my own. This post contains an affiliate link. 

120 shares

Filed Under: Disney, Disney Vacation, Featured, Travel Tagged With: Disney, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line Tips, Disney Dream, Disney Social Media Moms Celebration, Disney Vacation, Disney Wonder

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Avatar for robin Ruerobin Rue

    March 22, 2017 at 9:19 am

    I am not sure if I will ever make it on a Disney cruise, but if I do, I will keep your tips in mind. Thanks ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  2. Avatar for Shirley WoodShirley Wood

    March 22, 2017 at 9:21 am

    Your kids obviously had a great time. We have never been on a cruise and the Disney Cruise always looks so fun! My what a gorgeous sunset over the ocean. I really want to go.

    Reply
  3. Avatar for Jessica TaylorJessica Taylor

    March 22, 2017 at 10:10 am

    This looks amazing! I was about to plan our Disney trip, but a Disney cruise looks like so much more fun!

    Reply
  4. Avatar for Kristen MorrisKristen Morris

    March 22, 2017 at 10:20 am

    I’m a HUGE Disney nut, my husband and I go to the world typically once a year, we tried cruising with NCL last year and now I’m hooked on cruising too. Of course the next logical step is Disney cruise! I’m going to save this page for later because your tips are fabulous- I thought I would have to dress formally for dinner and I’m relieved to see that isn’t the case!

    Reply
  5. Avatar for Catherine SargentCatherine Sargent

    March 22, 2017 at 10:57 am

    A Disney cruise looks like so much fun. Thanks for the great tips. The next time I go on a cruise I will have to make sure I bring a Go Pro/Underwater Camera.

    Reply
  6. Avatar for jennifer Bjennifer B

    March 22, 2017 at 11:15 am

    This cruise looks like so much fun! We’ve never been on one before so these tips are certainly handy too. I get terrible motion sickness and it’s good to know that booking mid-ship might help with this!

    Reply
  7. Avatar for Lois Alter MarkLois Alter Mark

    March 22, 2017 at 11:31 am

    We love cruising, although we’ve never been on a Disney cruise. They look like so much fun, and I hope to take one one of these days!

    Reply
  8. Avatar for KatjaKatja

    March 22, 2017 at 12:35 pm

    The packing advice: golden. I always pack too much of irrelevant stuff so good to have a point of reference.
    Katja xxx
    http://www.katnapped.com

    Reply
  9. Avatar for MelanieMelanie

    March 22, 2017 at 2:20 pm

    A Disney Cruise is our dream trip. My husband went on one when he was a tween, and it was his favorite family vacation. We’re thinking we will schedule one when our youngest is a few years older so she can really enjoy all of the kids’ activities. But in the meantime, I’m doing all my research. These are all great tips!

    Reply
  10. Avatar for Jessi JoachimJessi Joachim

    March 22, 2017 at 3:59 pm

    I want to take my kids on a Disney cruise, but right now they are still a bit too young I think. Especially for how much they cost. I mean the youngest is only 6 months lol. Maybe when he is 4 or 5, my daughter will be 7 or 8 then we can go and really have fun!

    Reply
  11. Avatar for KimKim

    March 22, 2017 at 5:51 pm

    Omg looks like such a fun family trip! I would love to do this once I have kids ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  12. Avatar for Mandy CarterMandy Carter

    March 22, 2017 at 5:53 pm

    Looks like you all had a blast. We have been on over 18 cruises but not Disney yet. I keep telling myself to wait until the kids are at the right age to enjoy it all!

    Reply
  13. Avatar for MilenaMilena

    March 22, 2017 at 6:34 pm

    This looks like a great trip with the kids. I have never been on a cruise before.

    Reply
  14. Avatar for Sondra BarkerSondra Barker

    March 22, 2017 at 7:01 pm

    This trip looked like such a great time, I always hear nothing but good things about Disney Cruise Line trips. Your kids are adorable and looked like they truly enjoyed themselves.

    http://prettyfitfoodie.com/2017/03/22/2017-disneyland-food-and-wine-festival/

    Reply
  15. Avatar for Dawn NievesDawn Nieves

    March 22, 2017 at 8:16 pm

    I love all your photos! I’m officially hooked on Disney Cruises and cannot wait for out next one! (and you’re totally right re-entry is MUCH harder from the cruise)

    Reply
  16. Avatar for Stephanie JeannotStephanie Jeannot

    March 22, 2017 at 8:40 pm

    I have definitely got to get on a cruise. Looks like such a nice time. Amazing tips here.

    Reply
  17. Avatar for Author Brandi KennedyAuthor Brandi Kennedy

    March 22, 2017 at 8:44 pm

    One of my major dreams is to spend a year cruising the world on various ships – for the experience, yes, but also for the travel. I feel like cruising is such a great way to see various parts of the world, and who doesn’t love a mobile hotel where everything’s included, right?

    Reply
  18. Avatar for Diana RatanaDiana Ratana

    March 22, 2017 at 9:04 pm

    So fun! I love that the cruise has themed nights. So now I know that when I book my Disney cruise, I can finally make use of my old pirate costume ๐Ÿ˜€

    Reply
  19. Avatar for Rebecca BryantRebecca Bryant

    March 22, 2017 at 9:21 pm

    These are great tips. I love that you made sure to get a picture of the beignets. I admit I have been bit by the cruise bug too.

    Reply
  20. Avatar for CathyCathy

    March 22, 2017 at 9:37 pm

    So many great tips! Castaway Cay literally looks like a little piece of paradise.

    Reply
  21. Avatar for Claudia KruschClaudia Krusch

    March 22, 2017 at 11:41 pm

    These are great cruise tips. I have been saving up to go on another Disney cruise. The first one was so much fun I can not wait to do it again.

    Reply
  22. Avatar for KrystenKrysten

    March 23, 2017 at 2:15 am

    I have never been on a cruise before! I think I would like to start my cruise experiences with a Disney cruise. It looks so fun!

    Reply
  23. Avatar for Elizabeth O.Elizabeth O.

    March 23, 2017 at 2:32 am

    I’m sure you had an amazing time there! I think these tips are really helpful especially for families who are going for the first time.

    Reply
  24. Avatar for Carol CassaraCarol Cassara

    March 23, 2017 at 2:36 am

    I would love to go on a Disney cruise just to experience how awesome it truly is! This is a lovely guide, thanks for all the tips that you shared! I hope to schedule a trip soon.

    Reply
  25. Avatar for OtiliaOtilia

    March 23, 2017 at 3:28 am

    Wow! Wish I had the money to take my girls on a cruise like that

    Reply
  26. Avatar for Milton GohMilton Goh

    March 23, 2017 at 6:52 am

    Oh I love Disney so much. Have not been on a Disney cruise line before but it’s definitely in our family bucket list!! Thanks for all the golden tips!

    Reply
  27. Avatar for Emily FarrenEmily Farren

    March 23, 2017 at 9:34 am

    These are such amazing tips that i know i will use in the future. From pre-tipping to downloading the app- i never would have known!

    Reply
  28. Avatar for EmilyEmily

    March 23, 2017 at 12:08 pm

    These are great tips, thank you! We hope to go on a cruise next year with the kids and the Disney one is something we are really considering. It looks like so much fun!

    Reply
  29. Avatar for Nicole AguilarNicole Aguilar

    March 23, 2017 at 4:58 pm

    Cruises always look so fun, but I get sea sick, so they’re kinda my worst nightmare haha These are awesome tips though!

    Reply
  30. Avatar for Cynthia NicolettiCynthia Nicoletti

    March 23, 2017 at 8:30 pm

    We went on cruise last year and had a lot of fun. Great tips for someone planning a Disney Cruise.

    Reply
  31. Avatar for hey sharonooxhey sharonoox

    March 24, 2017 at 2:41 pm

    Looks like a fun and relaxing cruise! My health doesn’t permit me to travel far but this cruise sounds like something both my family and I will enjoy. The kids can play while I just chill around. My dream vacation!

    Reply
  32. Avatar for LauraLaura

    March 25, 2017 at 12:10 am

    It sounds like you have to be really prepared when undertaking anything ‘Disney’. I hope your prep helped you enjoy things.

    Reply
  33. Avatar for Sandra crespoSandra crespo

    March 25, 2017 at 10:40 am

    I love all of your pictures! I have not been on a Disney cruise line since I had kids I went before I had kids LOL but I cannot wait to take them on such a fun adventure.

    Reply
  34. Avatar for NayNay

    March 25, 2017 at 4:45 pm

    I’d love to do this, it looks amazing. Great tips!

    Reply
  35. Avatar for katriza | Mommy Engineeringkatriza | Mommy Engineering

    March 29, 2017 at 4:01 pm

    I’m curious how my family would do on a cruise! I’ve always wanted to try and this would be so perfect for the whole family to go! I love these tips! I’ll have to save them for when we go!

    Reply

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Avatar for katriza | Mommy EngineeringAshley Saunders is a movie critic, writer, podcaster, and gamer from the Washington DC area who is always ready to travel.
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