Disney Cruise Line for Beginners: First-Timer Cruising Tips
Disney Cruise Line Castaway Cay
Ahoy Matey!! Great, ready to sail the seas with Captain Minnie and friends! We will cover the general basics of cruising with Disney, so you know what to expect on any of their ships. Don’t worry; more blogs will come going over all the details of the ship and future ships coming to Disney Cruise Line. As a newer cruiser, I will cover all the details of the ships we travel and any ships we already have booked for our next Disney Vacation.
The Disney Difference
Just like everything Disney does, you can expect the highest level of white glove service. I have been on other cruise lines before and I can see why people say once you do a Disney cruise, it will be hard to do anything else. Even more than the service, I also think that when you are surrounded by everything Disney, that also adds to the magic. From the movies on the ship, the Broadway-level shows, trivia based on Disney, the character meet-and-greets all around the ship, and the dinner entertainment, it is a dream for any Disney fan.
The Ships
Disney offers a variety of cruise options, from 3-day to 7-day trips and beyond, sailing to destinations like the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, and more. Consider the length of your trip and the destination that best suits your family’s needs. Shorter cruises are great for first-timers who want a taste of the Disney Cruise Line experience. Currently, there are 5 ships in rotation, but now members are able to book for the Treasure and the Destiny. The Walt Disney Company is heavily investing in Disney Cruise Line and will expand its fleet worldwide to 13 ships by 2031. This is absolutely incredible and gives us numerous more destinations to travel to!
Pro Tip: If your heart is set on a specific itinerary, book early. Disney cruises are popular and they are the cheapest when they first come up and the prices continues to climb.
Current Ships:
Now Booking:
Disney Treasure (December 2024)
Disney Destiny (November 2025)
Coming Soon:
Room Types
Verandah Oceanview Room 3 person sleeper
When booking a cruise, it's important to carefully consider the type of stateroom that best suits your needs. For instance, Disney Cruise Line provides four main types of staterooms: Inside, Oceanview, Verandah, and Concierge-level rooms. Each type comes with its own set of advantages. However, if you're traveling with your family and looking for some additional space, you might want to consider booking a Verandah room. These rooms feature private balconies that offer stunning views of the ocean, providing a wonderful and relaxing experience for you and your loved ones.
Motion Sickness
There is a medical — on board. So you don't have to worry if you get sick. But to ensure I had everything, just in case, here is the list of items I brought. I've never really experienced motion sickness, but my husband has, so I was very worried about him. We brought everything we thought we might need, but ultimately, we didn't need any of it. I wanted to have it just in case, rather than try to find it on the ship.
Disney Cruise Line App: The Navigator App
When planning your Disney Cruise Line adventure, the first step is to download the Navigator app. This app will serve as your home base, similar to My Disney Experience or the Disneyland App. The Disney Cruise Line app will be your go-to for everything.
Disney Cruise Line Navigator App
Once you open the app, you will find two tabs on the home screen: "On Board or at the Port" and "At Home."
While you are at home, you will have several different booking windows. As a first-time cruiser, you will have the last booking priority. However, don't worry, you will still be able to secure some of the things you want through the waitlist. Additionally, once you board the ship, you can visit guest relations, and they will try to assist you.
The Disney Cruise Line Navigator app is your best friend while on Board. It allows you to view daily schedules, restaurant menus, character appearances, message other guest on board and book activities. You can also use it to message others in your group, which is particularly helpful for coordinating plans without needing Wi-Fi.
Embarkation Day: Port Canaveral - Getting on Board
On embarkation day, arriving at the port early is best, especially if you have an early boarding time. We had a 2 pm slot, so we arrived about an hour and a half before that time. When you arrive, you will check in your bags. Make sure you have your bag tags that are mailed to you about 30 days prior to departure. We took an Uber to the port since it was cheaper for the two of us. If you were using Disney transportation, they would have already picked up your bags from the resort.
It's important to remember that there's no food available at Port Canaveral, so if you need snacks, make sure you bring them with you. Also, there wasn't much space at the port, so we spent much time waiting outside. If kids were with us, I might choose an earlier boarding time to give them more time to explore the ship.
Once you're on board, take some time to explore the ship. Get to know the dining areas, pools, lounges, and entertainment spots. If you have kids with you, check out the kids' clubs and get them registered and comfortable with the area. Our room was ready very early, so by the time we went to the kids' club, we could already enter our room. Our luggage arrived at dinnertime, but we could get into the room, and that was awesome. I'm glad I brought a smaller bag in my big bag so I could take the smaller purse to dinner.
Essential Paperwork: Don't forget your travel documents—make sure your passports, IDs, and any other necessary paperwork are ready for smooth boarding.
Dining on a Disney Cruise
Disney Cruise Line offers unique dining options through its "rotational dining" system. This means you rotate through three different themed dining rooms during your cruise, but your waitstaff follows you to each restaurant, ensuring personalized service.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget about adult-exclusive dining options like Palo, Encanté, or Remy, which offer gourmet meals for an additional fee. Be sure to make reservations early for these, they are very popular! Also men will need pants to be able to enter the restaurants, so pack accordingly if one of these places in on your list.
Onboard Entertainment and Activities
Disney Cruise Line is packed with activities and entertainment for all ages:
The Walt Disney Theatre - Disney's Aladdin
Broadway-style shows: Original productions like Beauty and the Beast, Frozen, and The Little Mermaid are staged in the luxurious Walt Disney Theatre.
Character meet-and-greets: Throughout the cruise, you’ll have the chance to meet Disney characters in exclusive settings. Make sure to check your Navigator App for the most up to date times for characters, and also remember about the Royal Gathering that you can make a reservation for and meet 4 -5 princesses.
Pools and AquaDuck: Each ship has a variety of pools, including family pools and adult-only areas. The AquaDuck, a thrilling water coaster, is a must-try for adventure seekers.
For Adults: There’s plenty of adult-only spaces like lounges, spas, and specialty coffee bars. Kids clubs like the Oceaneer Club and Lab keep the little ones entertained, leaving you free to relax.
Kids Club
It's a Small World Nursery
“it’s a small world” Nursery (Ages 6 months-3 years): For the littlest sailors, this nursery offers supervised care in a soothing environment with plenty of toys, games, and rest time.
Oceaneer Club (Ages 3-12): This is the main kids' area, packed with immersive themed sections like Marvel Super Hero Academy, Fairytale Hall, and Star Wars Cargo Bay (ship-specific). Children can engage with their favorite characters, play games, and participate in activities that bring the magic of Disney to life.
Oceaneer Lab (Ages 3-12): A creative and educational space where kids can conduct science experiments, create art, and join in on storytelling activities. It's a sister area to the Oceaneer Club but focuses on hands-on fun.
Edge (Ages 11-14): A space designed for tweens to connect, play video games, participate in group activities, or just hang out with friends. The vibe here is casual and fun, giving tweens a space of their own.
Vibe Kids Club
Vibe (Ages 14-17): This cool, laid-back teen space offers a place for older kids to socialize, play games, watch movies, and enjoy some independence with organized events and meet-ups.
The 1820 Society on Disney Cruise Line is a special social group designed for young adults aged 18 to 20. This age group can often feel caught between the teen clubs and adult activities, so the 1820 Society provides them with their own space to socialize and participate in age-appropriate activities.
While they don’t have a designated club like Edge or Vibe, the 1820 Society offers a variety of activities and meet-ups throughout the cruise, such as:
Icebreaker games
Trivia contests
Group movie viewings
Special dining or social event
It's a great way for young adults to connect with others in their age range and still be a part of the overall Disney Cruise magic!
Private Island Castaway Cay and Private Beach Lookout Cay
Serenity Bay Adult Only Beach at Castaway Cay
Castaway Cay is Disney Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas, exclusively for Disney Cruise guests. It's a tropical paradise with pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and family-friendly activities like snorkeling, biking, and character meet-and-greets. The island has specific areas for families, adults, and teens, along with water slides, BBQ dining, and plenty of spots to relax or explore.
Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point is Disney's second private beach, located on the island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas. Like Castaway Cay, it will offer beautiful beaches, immersive Disney experiences, and activities celebrating Bahamian culture, with an emphasis on sustainability and environmental preservation.
Shore Excursions and Port Excursions
Disney Cruise Line offers curated excursions at each port, known as Port Adventures, which are designed with Disney’s high standards of quality, safety, and fun. These excursions can range from sightseeing tours and beach days to adventure-filled activities like zip lining, snorkeling, and cultural experiences.
Tipping and Gratuities
Disney Cruise Line provides exceptional service throughout your cruise, and the crew members who serve you work hard to make your experience magical. Tipping is a way to show your appreciation for this service, and Disney makes the process clear and organized.
Gratuities are generally provided to four key staff members:
Tipping Envelopes for Disney Cruise Line
Dining Room Server: The main person who serves you at dinner each night.
Assistant Server: Helps with beverages, bread, and other service tasks during meals.
Head Server: Oversees the entire dining experience and ensures your specific needs are met.
Stateroom Host/Hostess: Keeps your cabin clean, makes your bed, and provides turn-down service, often going above and beyond to enhance your stay.
It's a good idea to pre-pay these gratuities before boarding the ship. However, bringing additional cash from home is also important to give the staff an extra tip; no ATMs are available on board the ship. The service is excellent, and the staff genuinely deserve it.
Gratuities are a big part of showing appreciation for the crew on a Disney Cruise, and Disney makes it easy with both prepaid and onboard tipping options. By handling gratuities through the white envelopes or by prepaying, you can ensure that the amazing staff who made your trip magical are rewarded. Prepaying gives you peace of mind, while the white envelopes allow for personal thank-yous at the end of your journey.
Packing Tips for a Disney Cruise
For a Disney Cruise Line vacation, pack essential travel documents, medications, toiletries, and comfortable clothing, including swimwear and casual outfits for daytime, plus formal attire for evening events. Don’t forget themed items like pirate costumes for Pirate Night, Disney character costumes, Mickey ears, and autograph books. Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a day bag for shore excursions, along with beach gear if needed. Comfortable shoes are a must for exploring ports, and a refillable water bottle helps with hydration. Extras like a power strip, lanyard, and packing cubes can help make your cruise more organized and convenient.
Debarkation - Leaving the Ship
After your cruise ends, Disney Cruise Line ensures that the debarkation process is seamless. You will receive instructions on when and where to meet, and you can savor a farewell breakfast before disembarking the ship. You can fly out on the same day, as the disembarkation is typically around 7:30 am once local authorities have cleared the ship. However, I would recommend not scheduling a flight earlier than 1 pm on that day.
Final Thoughts…
Disney Cruise Line The Wish Atrium
If you are a Disney family who wants to have a real vacation, a genuine relaxing vacation wrapped in Disney Magic, Disney Cruise Line is for you! A Disney Cruise is a vacation like no other, blending the magic of Disney with the excitement of ocean travel to create a truly one-of-a-kind experience. From the moment you step on board, you’re immersed in Disney Magic, where characters come to life in Broadway-style shows and themed dining experiences. Whether you are traveling with young children, tweens, teens, or adults seeking relaxation and fine dining, there’s something for everyone. Combining top-notch service, exclusive activities, and amazing destinations makes every moment on a Disney Cruise feel magical. By planning ahead—booking popular Port Adventures, securing dining reservations, or downloading the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app to keep up with onboard activities—you can fully immerse yourself in all the unique features and perks Disney Cruise Line offers. Your first Disney Cruise will be an unforgettable adventure, creating magical moments for all ages and leaving you with memories to last a lifetime. I cannot wait to go back! There will be so many more blogs to come!
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Thank you for visiting the Well Hello Magic Blog. If you have questions, please leave them in the comments, and I will be sure to answer them.
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I am so happy to be on this journey with you.
