Hey Dreamers! Getting ready for your first Disney cruise? Or maybe you’ve sailed before but want to make your next vacation a little easier? There are plenty of Disney cruise tips that can help you feel more prepared before you ever step aboard. From knowing when your stateroom will be ready to finding the best ways to enjoy your first afternoon, these are the little things that can make a big difference. After sailing on Disney Cruise Line many times, I’ve learned that some of the most helpful advice isn’t necessarily found in a packing list. It’s the things you might not think about until you’re already onboard!
Whether you’re planning your first sailing or returning for another adventure, these 10 Disney cruise tips will help you know what to expect, make the most of your time onboard, and avoid a few surprises along the way. And make sure you stick around for number 10. It’s one of my favorite little surprises!
1. Schedule a Complimentary Disney Character Call Before You Leave Home.
Here’s something you might not know: Disney Cruise Line offers complimentary prerecorded character phone calls before your vacation! It’s a fun little surprise that can get the entire family excited about an upcoming sailing.
Imagine your children receiving a phone call from one of their favorite Disney characters wishing them well before their cruise. It’s a simple extra, but it can make the countdown even more exciting.
How Do You Schedule a Character Call?
After booking your cruise, sign in to your Disney Cruise Line account and visit My Reservations under My Disney Cruise. Then… look for the Free Character Call section and select Request Call. From there, you can choose an available character, enter your phone number, and schedule your call.
There are a few restrictions to remember:
- The person requesting the call must be at least 18 years old.
- There is a limit of two calls per reservation.
- Character calls are available to residents of the United States, Canada (excluding Quebec), and the United Kingdom.
- Calls are prerecorded, not live conversations.
You can also review the current call policies and instructions for what to do if you miss your scheduled call.
Here’s the official information: Disney Cruise Line Character Calls.
This is one of those Disney cruise tips that costs nothing but adds a little excitement before your vacation even begins! Just don’t miss this call though!
2. Download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App Before You Sail.
If there’s one thing I want every first-time cruiser to do before leaving home, it’s download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app. This is probably one of the most important Disney cruise tips on this list!
The app is your onboard guide to everything happening throughout your vacation. You can download it before your sailing, log in, and familiarize yourself with the features. Once you’re onboard, the app becomes especially useful because it puts your daily schedule and important cruise information right at your fingertips.
Here’s what you’ll find:
- Daily activities and entertainment schedules.
- Character appearances and meet-and-greets.
- Dining times and rotational dining assignments.
- Restaurant locations and dining information.
- Port Adventures and excursion information.
- Your booked onboard activities.
- Youth club schedules.
- Ship maps and deck plans.
- Onboard chat to communicate with family and friends.
You can also use the app before your cruise to manage reservations, complete online check-in, and book activities when your booking window opens. One of my favorite features is being able to see what’s happening throughout the ship each day. You can look at the schedule, save activities you’re interested in, and plan your day without constantly wondering what’s coming up next.
Here’s how to get the most out of it:
Step 1: Download the app and sign in.
Before you leave home, download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app and sign in to your Disney account. Once your cruise is linked, you’ll be ready to start exploring.
Step 2: Open the Explore tab.
This is where you can browse what’s happening throughout your sailing. You’ll find character meet-and-greets, movie schedules, trivia, crafts, entertainment and plenty of other onboard activities.
Step 3: Tap the heart to save your favorites.
See something your family wants to try? Tap the little heart next to the activity. It will save to your plans so you can easily find it again instead of searching through the entire schedule.
Step 4: Check your plans once you’re onboard.
The app becomes your daily guide at sea. You can check activity times, entertainment schedules, dining information, youth club activities, deck plans and even chat with other members of your sailing party.
Step 5: Keep checking for last-minute openings.
Here’s one of my favorite Disney cruise tips: Don’t assume a sold-out activity is completely out of reach. Plans change, and people cancel reservations all the time. If there’s an experience you wanted to try but couldn’t book ahead, keep checking the Navigator app once you’re onboard. You can often find a last-minute opening when someone cancels. It’s never guaranteed, but it’s absolutely worth checking!
My recommendation: Download the app before you leave home, make sure you’re signed in, and keep your phone charged. You’ll use it throughout your sailing!
3. Your Stateroom Probably Won’t Be Ready Until 1:30 p.m.
One of the first Disney cruise tips to know is that your stateroom generally won’t be available until around 1:30 p.m. on embarkation day. There’s always a small chance your room might be ready earlier, but I wouldn’t plan your afternoon around it. Disney needs time to prepare thousands of staterooms between sailings, so it’s best to assume you’ll have a little time to explore the ship before settling into your room.
There’s something else to keep in mind: Your checked luggage won’t necessarily arrive when your stateroom becomes available. It can take several hours for your bags to make their way to your room, which is why your carry-on is so important! Anything you think you might need before your luggage arrives should travel with you onto the ship.
Here’s what I’d recommend keeping in your carry-on:
- Swimsuits and cover-ups if you plan to enjoy the pools.
- Sunscreen and sunglasses.
- Prescription medications and other essentials.
- Travel documents and identification.
- A change of clothes for younger children, plus small snacks for the way to port!
- Anything your family might need during the first few hours onboard.
Don’t pack something you’ll need immediately into your checked luggage. You don’t want to spend your first afternoon waiting for a swimsuit or searching for medication! This is one of those Disney cruise tips that can make embarkation day much easier, especially when you’re traveling with children.
4. Go Get Ice Cream as Soon as You Board!
Did I just hear Ice cream???! Here’s a fun way to start your Disney cruise! Once you board the ship, head up to the pool deck and look for the soft-serve ice cream station. Yes, you can enjoy complimentary soft-serve ice cream as part of your cruise fare, and there’s no reason you have to wait until later in the afternoon to enjoy it!
One of the fun things about doing this early is that you might find a much shorter line than you would later in the day. Many families head straight to lunch or begin exploring the ship, so you may have an opportunity to grab a cone without much waiting. Of course, operating hours and availability depend on your ship and sailing, so check the Navigator app before heading up.
There’s something really fun about stepping aboard your Disney ship, heading up to the pool deck, and enjoying your first ice cream cone while you take in the excitement around you. After all, you’re officially on vacation!
5. Expect a LOT of Waiting on Embarkation Day.
Let’s be honest. Embarkation day is exciting, but it can also be a little chaotic. Everyone is excited to board, families are arriving at different times, and there are several steps between walking into the cruise terminal and finally getting settled into vacation mode. So… one of my biggest Disney cruise tips is to start the day with a little patience.
When we sailed, the drive from Walt Disney World Resort to Port Canaveral took approximately an hour. Once we arrived at the port, we still had some waiting ahead of us. We waited approximately 30 minutes for our boarding group to be called, then headed to Marceline Market for lunch, where we had to wait to find a table. Everyone also must attend mandatory muster drill, which involved additional waiting, and spent time exploring the ship and figuring out where everything was.
And that’s just part of the experience! Your boarding group and wait times will vary depending on your sailing, but it’s helpful to know that you probably won’t walk onto the ship and immediately head to your stateroom.
My biggest recommendation? Don’t overschedule your first afternoon. Give yourself time to enjoy the experience without feeling like you have to accomplish everything immediately. Everyone is excited, anticipation is high, and there will be a little waiting along the way. Take a deep breath, enjoy the excitement, and remember that it’s all part of getting your vacation started.
6. Get to Know Your Childcare Options
If you’re traveling with children, this is one of the most important Disney cruise tips to understand before you board. Disney Cruise Line offers several youth spaces, and most are included in your cruise fare (be aware that one of them does cost). However, there are some important differences between the kids’ clubs and the nursery.
Disney’s Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab
The Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab are designed for children ages 3–10. These spaces offer themed play areas, activities, and opportunities to interact with Disney characters and specially trained youth counselors. And they are SUPER CUTE!!!
One thing parents should know is that the kids’ clubs don’t necessarily open for regular drop-off programming as soon as you board the ship. On embarkation day, Disney schedules designated Open House hours. These allow parents and children to visit the spaces together, explore the different areas, and become familiar with everything available.
Here’s what I’d recommend:
- Check the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app for the Open House schedule.
- Make a point of visiting the Oceaneer Club before approximately 5:30 p.m. if that’s when your sailing transitions to regular programming.
- Take your children inside, explore the different themed areas, and meet the counselors.
- Complete registration and make sure everything is set up before you plan to use the clubs.
Remember, Open House hours vary by sailing, and the 5:30 p.m. timing isn’t a universal schedule. Check your app for the actual times. During Open House, parents can accompany their children into the spaces. Once regular programming begins, registered children who meet the requirements can enjoy the clubs without their parents.
What About the Other Youth Clubs?
Disney also offers spaces designed for older children and teenagers. Edge generally serves ages 11–14, while Vibe is designed for ages 14–17. Standard youth club programming is included in your cruise fare, so there is no additional childcare fee for these clubs.
Disney also has the 1820 Society for young adults ages 18–20. On select ships, including the Disney Wish, Disney Treasure, and Disney Destiny, young adults can enjoy social gatherings and activities at The Hideaway. Schedules and available experiences vary by ship and sailing.
What About Babies and Toddlers?
If you’re traveling with a little one who isn’t old enough for the regular youth clubs, Disney offers another option: “it’s a small world” nursery!
This is a separately priced childcare facility for children ages 6 months through 3 years on most itineraries. For Transatlantic, Panama Canal, and Hawaii itineraries, the minimum age is 1 year. Unlike the youth clubs, the nursery charges an hourly fee, with a reduced rate for additional children from the same family. Pricing and policies are subject to change, so check your Navigator app for current rates and availability.
Reservations are limited, so booking early is a good idea. The initial reservation requires a one-hour minimum, with additional time available in half-hour increments.
What Should You Bring to the Nursery?
If you plan to use the nursery, make sure you have the essentials your little one needs. Items to bring may include:
- Sealed baby food.
- Pre-mixed baby formula or breast milk.
- Diapers or pull-ups.
- Baby wipes.
- Diaper cream.
- Extra clothing.
- A non-restrictive sleep sack.
- A pacifier.
Label your child’s belongings so the counselors can easily identify everything. Check Disney’s current nursery and onboard food policies before packing, particularly for baby food, formula, and medications.
What Does the Nursery Provide?
The nursery has several supplies available during your child’s reservation, including:
- Bottles, cups, bowls, and utensils.
- A bottle warmer.
- Water.
- Milk, with a dairy alternative available upon request.
- Apple juice.
- Crackers.
Availability can vary, so check the current nursery guidelines before sailing. For families traveling with babies and toddlers, these are particularly helpful Disney cruise tips to have before leaving home.
7. Don’t Stress Too Much About What to Wear.
One of the most common questions first-time cruisers have is what they should pack for dinner. And here’s my advice: Have fun with it, but don’t stress!
Disney Cruise Line generally follows a cruise casual dress code in its main dining restaurants. You’ll see everything from shorts and T-shirts to beautiful dresses and suits. Formal and semi-formal nights are opportunities to dress up, but formal attire is optional. Disney isn’t expecting every family to show up in gowns and tuxedos.
If you have something special you’d like to wear, absolutely bring it! Many families enjoy dressing up for photographs, and it’s a fun way to make the evening feel a little different. You’ll see some beautiful outfits on formal and semi-formal nights, but you’ll also see families who choose to keep things comfortable and casual.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Cruise casual is appropriate for the main dining restaurants.
- Shorts, T-shirts, dresses, and other comfortable clothing are permitted.
- Swimwear and tank tops aren’t permitted in the main dining restaurants.
- Formal and semi-formal nights are optional opportunities to dress up.
- Pirate Night is another fun opportunity to wear themed clothing or costumes.
And don’t forget about adult-exclusive restaurants! If you have a reservation at Palo, Palo Steakhouse, Remy, or Enchanté, you’ll want to pay attention to their separate dress guidelines. These restaurants have a more upscale atmosphere, and their dress expectations are different from the main dining rooms. If you have a reservation at Palo, I’d absolutely pack something a little nicer. It’s a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a special evening!
The bottom line? Bring something semi-formal if you enjoy dressing up, pack something fun for Pirate Night, and make sure you have comfortable clothing for the rest of your vacation. These Disney cruise tips should help you avoid overpacking while still being prepared for all the different dining experiences.
8. Pre-Shop Onboard Gifts and Amenities.
Did you know you can purchase gifts and have them delivered directly to your stateroom before you even board the ship? Disney Cruise Line offers onboard gifts and amenities that can make your sailing a little more special.
These are especially fun if you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, honeymoon, or another special occasion. You can also surprise someone else who is sailing with a little bon voyage gift. Depending on your sailing and availability, you can browse different options, including stateroom decorations, sweets and snacks, cakes and celebration treats, beverages, flowers, and other special amenities.
The process is pretty simple. Locate your cruise reservation, browse the available items, and select what you’d like delivered onboard. You can start here:
Disney Cruise Line Onboard Gifts and Amenities.
This is one of those Disney cruise tips that is easy to overlook when you’re busy getting everything else organized. But if you’re celebrating something special, it’s worth taking a look before you sail.
9. Consider Pre-Ordering Your Disney Cruise Photography Package.
One thing I always recommend is looking into the photography packages before your sailing. First reason being cost (yes, it is expensive), and second reason being being prepared for all the photo ops. Disney has professional photographers throughout the ship, capturing family portraits, character greetings, special moments, and more.
And here’s something worth knowing: You can pre-purchase the Photo: Unlimited Package before your cruise and save compared with the onboard price. If you’re someone who loves having professional family photographs, this can be a great option.
But here’s my advice from experience: Think about how many photographs your family will actually want. There are so many opportunities to take pictures throughout a Disney cruise. You’ll see photographers at character meet-and-greets, around the ship, and at special photo locations. Before you know it, you might have quite a collection!
A few things to consider before sailing:
- Look at the available photography packages.
- Compare the pre-cruise price with the onboard price.
- Think about how much your family enjoys professional photographs.
- Take advantage of character photo opportunities if you’ve purchased a package.
You can find the details here:
Disney Cruise Line Photography and Photo Packages.
If you think the photography packages are too expensive, be mindful of how many pictures you take. It’s easy to get to the end of the cruise, see all those wonderful family memories, and suddenly wish you could purchase every single one!
10. Ask Your Stateroom Host About Character-Themed Bedsheets!
Here’s a little something I discovered that my children absolutely loved! When you first meet your stateroom host, you can politely ask whether any character-themed bedsheets are available for your room. Now, this isn’t something Disney guarantees, and availability will vary (Plan Disney says sheets are “extremely limited”), but it never hurts to ask!
When we sailed, we received Frozen and Spider Man sheets. My kiddos absolutely loved them. It was such a small detail, but it made the stateroom feel a little more like home. Was it a necessity? Absolutely not. Did my kids love having their favorite characters on their beds? Absolutely!
If you have younger children who love Disney characters, this is a fun little request to make when you meet your stateroom host. Just remember that these aren’t a standard amenity or something you can reserve in advance. Be polite, ask if anything is available, and enjoy the surprise if you’re lucky enough to receive them.
Sometimes the smallest details become some of your favorite cruise memories. And that’s why I wanted to save this one for number 10!
Looking for an Adventure Beyond the Caribbean?
A Disney cruise doesn’t have to mean palm trees and turquoise water! If you’re dreaming of glaciers, incredible scenery, wildlife and a completely different kind of Disney adventure, Alaska might be calling your name. I’ve put together a guide with all the details on what it’s really like to sail on a Disney Alaska cruise, including what to expect along the way.
Read more: What It’s Really Like to Sail on a Disney Alaska Cruise
How I Can Help You Plan Your Disney Cruise
A Disney cruise should be something your family looks forward to, not another vacation you have to figure out on your own. And while I would love to tell you that booking a cruise is as simple as picking a ship and a date, there is actually quite a bit to consider. The ship, itinerary, stateroom location, dining, activities and even the time of year can make a difference.
That’s where I come in. I get to know you, your family, your interests and what you hope to get out of your vacation. From there, I can help you choose the right ship, the right itinerary and the stateroom that makes the most sense for your family. I’ve sailed Disney Cruise Line many times, and I use that experience to make recommendations based on what I know, not just what looks good on a website.
And my help doesn’t stop once you book. I keep an eye on promotions and special offers that may become available, even after your reservation is made. I can help you understand which onboard experiences are worth considering, what you can skip, and how to make the most of your time. I can also put together a personalized cruise itinerary to help you feel prepared without making every minute of your vacation feel scheduled.
All of this planning support comes complimentary when you book your Disney cruise with me. There is no additional planning fee.
One thing I’ve learned after all those sailings is that you don’t have to do everything to have an incredible Disney cruise. You don’t have to book every excursion, experience every activity or fill every moment. Sometimes the best vacation memories come from slowing down, enjoying the ship and choosing what matters most to your family. I wrote more about that in my article, Disney Cruise Line Mistakes: 10 Things to Avoid Before Sailing.
I care a great deal about the families who trust me with their Disney vacations. I want you to feel confident before you ever step aboard, supported while you’re planning, and excited about the vacation ahead. My goal isn’t to help you do more. It’s to help you plan a Disney cruise that feels right for you.
Whether it’s your first Disney cruise or your fifteenth, there’s always something new to experience. Here’s to making wonderful memories at sea!
Bon Voyage, Dreamers! 🚢 – Morgan
