Thinking About a Disney Cruise? Here’s How to Make the Most of It

A Disney cruise is truly a dream vacation, and Disney Cruise Line just launched their sixth ship, the Disney Treasure. Are you considering a Disney Cruise, or have one on the calendar next year? Read on for our ‘been there, done that’ tips and tricks to make sure you get the best Disney Cruise experience possible.

Tips to Make the Most of a Disney Cruise

What to Bring and What to Leave at Home

A day bag: If you’re travelling to your cruise from a Disney resort, expect to have your bag ready to go hours before departure. The cruise line will arrange for your bag to be transported onto the ship, so you’re free to travel light for the day in transit. Having a day pack with a change of clothes, swimsuits, and your electronic equipment is essential. A small backpack for kids and diaper bags for babies will also helpful. These bags will also be perfect for any day trips you take while at port.

A light jacket or sweater: You never know what kind of weather to expect at each port. It can be quite chilly and windy at Port Canaveral, so pack a light jacket or sweater for each member of your family.

Snacks and drinks for your stateroom: Disney is one of very few cruise lines that allow guests to bring snacks and alcohol from shore to be enjoyed in your stateroom. Non-perishable snack foods are fine as long as they are sealed and in their original packaging. All alcoholic beverages you bring aboard must be kept in your room. You can purchase drinks to be enjoyed by the pool or in restaurants from staff.

Important documents: You will not be able to board the ship without you family’s travel documents, so ensure you have passports, boarding passes, etc. with you.

Good to know: Be prepared to tip for your stateroom host and wait staff on your final day on the ship. Tip voucher cards are provided by your steward in your room. Click here for Disney’s suggested guidelines for gratuities.

If You’re Travelling with a Toddler or Baby…

Your baby must be at least 6 months old on the day of sailing. The minimum age for Transatlantic, Hawaii, and Panama Canal itineraries is one year of age on the day of sailing.

Leave your travel crib or pack ‘n play at home. If you’re travelling with a small child, your stateroom host will be your best friend on the trip. Each evening the steward will come and set up a ship-provided pack ‘n play for your child and (if you wish) will fold it down to make more room during the day.

Bring your stroller. The ships are massive. Having a stroller will make getting to and from meals and activities much easier to navigate. The restaurant cast members (all Disney staff are called cast members) are more than accommodating and will help make room for your stroller in the restaurants—especially if you have a sleeping baby with you.

Kids clubs and babysitting services are available for kids of all ages, although some charges apply for babies and young toddlers. If you’re itching for a grown-up night out you can book a reservation in an adults-only restaurant and the kids will be taken care of by the excellent Disney cast members in the kids and baby clubs.

The pools do not allow babies in swim diapers. That doesn’t mean leave the swim diapers at home. There are splash areas for toddlers and if you’re in the Caribbean you won’t want to miss out on swimming in the ocean with your little one while at port.

If you’re travelling with young kids, request the early seating for dinner. Your time slot stays the same each night, but your assigned restaurant changes (your wait staff rotate restaurants with you).

Staterooms Are Definitely the Way to Go

Staterooms might appear small in photos, but you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how spacious they are once you’re settled and unpacked.

Once upon a time they provided “wave phones” to keep in touch while on board. Now everyone is expected to use their own mobile phones to access Disney Cruise Line Navigator app to keep in touch.

Staterooms have all the essentials to make you feel at home. Provided are: hairdryers, high-quality shampoo, soaps and creams, flat-screen television, mini refrigerator, super comfortable beds, closets to hang your clothing, safe for travel documents, alarm clock/stereo speaker and more. Bonus, the beds are raised high enough for your suitcases to slide underneath, so you won’t be tripping over them while in your room. If you’re celebrating a special occasion on board, bring decorations to dress up the door to your stateroom.

Get to Know Your Ports of Call Before You Leave Home

A little research before embarking on your trip will save time and allow you to make the most of your days on port.

Castaway Cay is the Disney-owned port-of-call in the Bahamas. If you’re spending a day at Castaway Cay be prepared to simply relax. All meals and non-alcoholic beverages are included as are beach chairs, some activities and more. The beach is breathtaking if you choose to simply sit and watch the waves and make sand castles, for the more adventurous types there are playgrounds on shore and in the water for kids, bikes for rent and water-sport activities and rentals.

In 2024, Disney introduced Disney’s Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point (or just Lookout Cay) that features three beaches, one for families that includes a water play area for kids and a splash pad for tots, and extensive adults-only offerings including a beaches, dining, bars, and beachside cabanas.

It’s All About the Princesses!

Book character experiences as soon as you get on board. Reservations to meet princesses fill up fast, so booking early is essential.

Each ship offers different character experiences, so prep your child before the trip so they are not disappointed if they don’t meet their favourite character.

Go early. To meet characters, be prepared to get there early and wait in line.

Don’t miss the character dance party! It’s a ton of fun for young and older kids.

Each evening your stateroom host will leave an information booklet listing all the next day’s character experiences and entertainment. It’s a good idea to read it over and plan your day the night before so you don’t miss out on any of the fun.