I will never forget the first time we took our oldest son on a Disney cruise. He was around 14 months old. I have vivid memories of him waddling around the ship on unsteady legs in a Mickey Mouse costume, rubbing noses with Stitch, and shouting “Donald Duck” on repeat. It was a trip filled with special moments, and everyone from the toddler to the grandparents had a blast. Disney cruises do such an amazing job of making each trip feel like a magical getaway that we keep coming back for more.
If you are looking to head on your first Disney cruise, it can feel like stepping into a whole new world (pun unapologetically intended 😉). Even if you have cruised with other companies, a Disney cruise is guaranteed to be a different kind of experience. There are so many things that are unique to Disney Cruise Line (DCL) that the learning curve can be steep. So, we are pulling together all of the information you need to prepare for a Disney cruise so that you can relax and enjoy it once you arrive.
If planning your first Disney cruise (or any kind of trip) has you feeling overwhelmed, check out the end of this post for more information on how our amazing friend Hayley with Love of the Magic Vacations can take care of all the details for you.
Itineraries
DCL currently offers the following cruise destinations and options: Alaska, Caribbean, Canada, Europe, New Zealand and Australia, Pacific Coast, Panama Canal, South Pacific, and Transatlantic. DCL’s offerings have been steadily expanding over the past few years with an increasing number of ports of call. Some types of cruises, however, are still limited to a couple of options each year. For example, at the time of posting, there were four cruises available on the Pacific Coast and three Transatlantic cruises available to book with just one date offering apiece. However, there were 175 cruises available in the Caribbean. The key takeaway here is that if you are hoping to cruise to a more unique destination, book well in advance because of the limited availability of options.
DCL’s website makes it easy to search for cruises by date, departing port, destination, length of cruise, or even holiday theme. Wondering what is best for your first Disney cruise? We recommend starting with at least a 3-night cruise (though 4-5 night would be even better) from Port Canaveral or Fort Lauderdale. These cruises typically include at least one stop at a Disney island. Some include a stop in Nassau, Bahamas; Cozumel, Mexico; or both islands.
FERRY TRAIL TIP: If your cruise includes Nassau and you have little ones in tow, we recommend skipping disembarkation and staying on the ship instead. Most of the things to see and do in and around Nassau are tailored to adults and older kids, and many of the Disney-run excursions in Nassau are strictly limited to ages 10 and up. On a short cruise, we find that replacing Nassau with a ship day gives us more time to relax and enjoy all the fun to be had on board.
Basic Passenger Requirements
6 months old is the minimum age requirement for most DCL cruises, except for Transatlantic, Hawaiian, and Panama Canal cruises, which require guests to be at least 1 year old. Parents must sign a special authorization if their children under 18 are traveling with other adults.
Every guest must have proper identification. See DCL’s FAQs to make sure you bring the appropriate documentation.
Also note that women who have entered their 24th week of pregnancy will not be allowed to board. So, if you are pregnant or plan to be, make sure you time your cruise with this deadline in mind or simply wait to cruise until baby meets the minimum age requirement.
Luggage
Checked Bags
Each guest is allowed 2 pieces of luggage, and there are no weight or size requirements. Keep in mind that staterooms are limited on storage space, though, so packing light is always a smart idea. Luggage tags should be mailed to you 1-3 weeks prior to your cruise date. When you arrive at the cruise port, porters will take your luggage, and it will arrive outside your stateroom in a few hours.
If you do not receive your luggage tags in the mail, don’t worry about it. The porters will make sure your bags are properly tagged when you arrive.
FERRY TRAIL TIP: If you have any extra luggage tags, you can also attach them to a case of bottled water, which is handy for island and excursion days.
Carry-on Bags
Make sure you pack a day bag with anything you might need while you are waiting for staterooms to be available and luggage to arrive. Don’t forget cruise documents, passports, phone chargers, basics for your little ones (diapers, wipes, a change of clothes, etc.), and swimsuits if you want to hang out at the pool while you wait. The buffet and one table service restaurant are normally open for a bite to eat.
Dining
Restaurants
Like most cruise lines, each DCL ship offers different types of restaurants: buffet, counter service, table service, and adults-only premium restaurants. For a fast meal, check out the buffet at Cabanas (Magic, Wonder, Dream, and Fantasy) or Marcelline Market (Wish), or a quick service option by the pool like Duck-In Diner (Magic), Flo’s Café (Dream and Fantasy), Pinocchio’s Pizzeria (Magic and Wonder), or Mickey and Friends Festival of Foods (Wish).
Every DCL cruise includes three complimentary table service restaurants open for dinner, one of which is normally open for breakfast and lunch as well. See the next section on “Rotational Dining” for more information on how dinner works at these main dining restaurants.
Each ship typically includes at least one premium adults-only restaurant: Palo (Magic, Wonder, Dream, Fantasy), Palo Steakhouse (Wish), Enchanté (Wish), and Remy (Dream and Fantasy). These adults-only restaurants are not included in the price of a cruise, so additional fees will apply. Reservations are necessary for all adults-only restaurants.
Rotational Dining
One of the biggest differences between DCL and their biggest competitors is that DCL is the only one that uses rotational dining. All guests in a stateroom are assigned to a time slot for dinner: Main Seating around 5:45 PM or Second Seating around 8:00 PM. Guests are then assigned to one of the three main restaurants each night for dinner (hence the rotational part of rotational dining as you move to a different restaurant each night).
What if you want to eat at a different time than you were assigned? If you have a particular time that you prefer to eat, you can call DCL and request the time slot. For instance, if you have young kids, you may want to score Main Seating at 5:45 because your kids will be complete monsters (not the good Mike Wazowski kind, more like the Randall Boggs kind) by 8 PM. If you reserve a cruise online, it is crucial to call as soon as possible and request Main Seating. We have done this each time we cruised with our kids, and we have never had a problem securing the early spot. However, if you wait too long, those spots will fill up.
We love the rotational dining system. One of the most often asked questions in our family while traveling is “Where do you want to eat?” And the answer is almost never easily attained. But while on a Disney cruise, we have one less thing to plan because dinner is already organized.
Ferry Trail Tip: Celebrating a special occasion like a birthday, anniversary, or first cruise? Make sure you let the staff know when you book. You can get a pin for your occasion at guest services and an additional dessert if you remind your dining staff at dinner.
What if My Family Wants More Flexibility?
If you are concerned that the rotational dining plan may restrict your options, you may be pleasantly surprised. You are free to decide as a family if you want to eat at the assigned restaurant or elsewhere on the ship. If you prefer to eat elsewhere, you can always opt to eat at the buffet on the top deck, have room service delivered (it is complimentary, so go ahead and have milk and cookies or a Mickey bar delivered every day!), or make a reservation for an adults-only restaurant instead. You may even be able to make a request to skip a main dining restaurant and repeat another if you talk to a DCL Cast Member at guest services. There is, however, no guarantee if tables are already booked.
Entertainment
Evening Shows
Evening entertainment is timed to align with rotational dining times. There are two showings every night (5:45-6 PM or 8:15-8:30 PM) so that guests can watch the show regardless of their dining time. Of course, the shows are optional, but they are so good that we usually prioritize them unless the kids are having a particularly rough night.
FERRY TRAIL TIP: Bring your kids to the show in their pjs to make the late bedtime a little easier.
Daytime Activities
There are lots of options to check out during the day while at sea or at port: trivia, crafts, drawing classes, exercise classes, and much more. You will not be bored—but you can also avoid all of the things and just relax at the pool if you prefer. Many of the daily activities are included with the cruise. There are some activities that charge an additional fee (like princess or pirate makeovers, tea parties, certain specialty classes, etc.), which can often be booked ahead on the app (scroll down for more app info). Check out the app in advance to see options for each day, and be sure to book early.
Character Appearances
Another unique aspect of Disney cruising is the opportunity for character meet and greets. The Sensational Six have special costumes for the ship and islands that you won’t find elsewhere. In addition, you can take pictures with Disney princesses and some special characters like Stitch and Captain Hook on Pirate Night. Some ships also have Marvel and Star Wars characters. Be aware that if you missed a chance to see a favorite character, they will all come out on the final night at the farewell party.
Kids Programs
Most cruise lines offer some kind of youth area with daily activities, but DCL goes above and beyond in offering multiple spaces designated for different age groups. Parents and guardians are required to register children of all ages. You can pre-register through their website or complete registration for your child(ren) on embarkation day when each youth club usually has an Open House. Open House is the only time in which families are welcome to walk through the spaces. Once regular youth programs commence, family members are not allowed beyond the pick-up/drop-off point.
For an additional fee, babies and toddlers (6 months to 3 years) can play or rest at “It’s a Small World” Nursery. The nursery is the only youth program that requires an additional fee (around $9/hr at time of posting). We recommend making nursery reservations early online or on the app as space is limited, but you may be able to snag some last-minute time slots on board at the beginning of your trip. Just be aware that it is a first-come first-served situation.
Children 3 and up (who are potty trained) can enjoy the youth clubs at no additional cost. Kids ages 3-10 can play at the Oceaneer Club (on the Magic, Wonder, Dream, Fantasy, and Wish) and Oceaneer Lab (Magic, Wonder, Dream, and Fantasy). Tweens have their own space at Edge (Magic, Wonder, Dream, Fantasy, and Wish). And teens can hang out at Vibe (Magic, Wonder, Dream, Fantasy, and Wish).
Pirate Night
Almost every Disney cruise has one pirate themed night in which guests are encouraged to dress in swashbuckling attire for dinner. The evening includes a pirate-themed deck party and special character appearances. On our first couple of cruises, it seemed like many people weren’t aware of pirate night. But word seems to be getting out. The more Disney cruises we have been on, the more people we have seen dressed up in pirate attire. So don’t be afraid to join in!
Also, don’t feel like you have to break the bank on costumes. DCL provides free pirate bandanas to all guests on every cruise. Keep it simple with striped shirts and eye patches, or if you are able to time it right, wait for the day after Halloween and find some pirate garb for half price.
Disney Navigator App
On a recent cruise with another cruise line that shall not be named, we were lamenting the shortcomings of said company’s app and wishing it was more like DCL’s Navigator App. It checks all the boxes in terms of what we want and need from an app before and during the cruise.
Planning Your Cruise
The Navigator App serves as a planning platform prior to embarkation. You can find information about all activities that can be pre-booked on the app: port adventures, adult dining, spa and fitness activities, nursery reservations, and other onboard happenings.
DCL operates on the following schedule for booking activities, which is based on your Castaway Club membership (how many DCL cruises you have been on):
- First-Time Guests: 75 days prior to sail date
- Silver Castaway Club Members: 90 days prior to sail date
- Gold Castaway Club Members: 105 days prior to sail date
- Platinum Castaway Club Members: 120 days prior to sail date
- Pearl Castaway Club Members: 123 days prior to sail date
- Concierge Guests: 130 days prior to sail date
Booking as early as possible is a good idea for some popular excursions and activities that fill up quickly.
Daily Schedule and Map
Once you are on board, the app becomes a navigating guide for daily activities and ship information. Before the ship leaves port, you will need to connect to the DCL-Guest Wi-Fi network. Once connected, you can then use the Navigator App in “cruise” mode. It is free to use the guest Wi-Fi for the app only. Charges will apply if you use it for other activities. We highly recommend having the app downloaded well before boarding to avoid incurring additional fees, and make sure to turn your phone to airplane mode to avoid roaming charges in international waters.
Messaging
Our favorite thing about the Navigator App is easily the chat platform. You can use the app to message anyone in your party either individually or in group chats. Again, it is free to use the app, but you must first connect to the DCL-Guest Wi-Fi. This is a wonderful way to know where everyone is and to make plans even while enjoying different activities across the ship. And did I mention it’s free?
Guests are generally able to use iMessage and WhatsApp for texts while on board without incurring additional cell charges as well. However, photos and videos require a paid internet or cell service plan.
Disney Islands
Disney now has cruises with destinations in two Caribbean islands: Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. Castaway Cay is a private island, and Lookout Cay is a private peninsula on the Bahamian island Eleuthera. Both islands offer a family beach and an adults-only beach, buffet-style BBQ restaurants, special character appearances, game and sports areas, and a variety of excursions by local tour operators. Castaway Cay has two water slides at Pelican Plunge. Lookout Cay includes a water park with two slides and splash pads. The Goombay Cultural Center on Lookout Cay gives guests a look at Bahamian culture. Lookout Cay also offers a kids-only area at Sebastian’s Cove with a splash pad and dining space.
Food, towels, chairs, and tram transportation are all included. For an additional fee, you can rent snorkel gear, inner tubes, kayaks, aqua trikes, bicycles, and cabanas on the islands. We recommend doing this in advance on the app.
Fish Extender Gift Exchanges and Pixie Dust
If you are looking to add a little extra magic to your trip, you can also join a fish extender gift exchange. What on earth is a fish extender? Named after the fish-shaped clips outside of staterooms on some of the original ships, fish extenders are bags or containers hung from these clips for participating in group gift exchanges. You can sign up for a gift exchange by finding the official Facebook group for your cruise dates. Admin in the Facebook groups organize these gift exchanges and will post a link to the sign-up sheet.
There are various types of gift exchanges available on most cruises: mixed adult and kid exchanges, kid-only exchanges, adult-only exchanges, magnet exchanges, pin exchanges, and more. So you can sign up for whatever suits your family. Most groups aim for 5-10 rooms or families per exchange group.
Pixie dusting, named after Tinkerbell of course, is the term used for gifting cruisers at random with no set exchange group. It can be lots of fun for you and the kids to wander the halls and drop goodies in people’s fish extender bags spontaneously.
Want more details and ideas for fish extenders and pixie dust? Look for an upcoming blog post with more info coming soon!
DVC Member Perks
If you are a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) member, you can enjoy a few perks on Disney cruises. DVC members receive discounts in shops on board (currently 10% on purchases of $50 or more). DVC members can also get a spa discount on port days and sometimes receive a 10% discount on digital photo packages. The discounts are subject to change, so don’t forget to ask about ongoing deals while on board.
Placeholder Discount on Future Cruises
If you are enjoying your first Disney cruise and can see your family doing another one in the near future, we highly recommend taking advantage of Disney’s placeholder offer while on board. DCL offers very few discounts for their cruises besides military discounts and occasional discounts for certain residents (at time of writing, residents of Florida and Canada can receive a discount) and cruise destinations (currently Australian cruises). We are very aware of how expensive Disney cruises are, so we are always looking for ways to save when we book one. Placeholder reservations are the best way to ensure a discount on a future cruise.
Here’s how it works. Essentially, if you place a deposit for a future cruise (normally around $250) while still on board your current cruise, the deposit works as a placeholder for any DCL cruise within 2 years of the placeholder reservation. You can place your deposit in person at guest services or online. DCL will promote this offer multiple times (through announcements and in paper flyers) during the cruise, so just follow their directions.
Whenever you are ready to choose a particular cruise, you can call DCL’s booking number and make a reservation. The overall cruise cost will be discounted 10% of the original price. The cruise must sail before the 2-year placeholder period expires. For example, we put a placeholder for a future cruise while onboard a Labor Day weekend cruise in 2023. To use the discount, we needed to book a cruise that sailed before Labor Day weekend of 2025.
What happens if you neglect to book a cruise within the 2-year period? Great news! Disney will automatically refund your deposit. So, it literally will cost you nothing if it doesn’t work out! The placeholder discount is a win-win!
Using a Travel Agent for Your Next Adventure
Planning a trip can be both exciting and overwhelming. With countless options and endless details to consider, it’s easy to get lost in the process. That’s where I come in. Hi! I’m Hayley with Love of the Magic Vacations. I’m here to take the stress out of planning and ensure you have the best possible experience from start to finish.
What Do I Do as a Travel Agent?
As a travel agent, I wear many hats. My main goal is to create a personalized travel experience that caters to your specific needs, desires, and budget. Here’s how I do that:
- Customized Itineraries: I get to know you—your interests, your travel style, and your preferences. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach getaway, an adventure-packed journey, or a cultural exploration, I tailor every detail to match your vision.
- Exclusive Access and Deals: With connections across the travel industry, I have access to exclusive deals, perks, and upgrades that you won’t find online. From room upgrades to special experiences, I can often add value to your trip that goes beyond what you’d get on your own.
- Time-Saving Expertise: I do the research, comparison, and booking for you. My expertise allows me to find the best options quickly, saving you hours of scrolling through websites and reading reviews.
- Personalized Support: Should anything unexpected occur during your trip, I’m just a phone call away. I handle any issues that arise, so you can relax and enjoy your vacation.
- Budget Management: I work within your budget to maximize your experience. I can help you find the best deals and make sure you’re getting the most for your money without sacrificing quality.
Why Is It Beneficial to Use a Travel Agent Versus DIY Travel Planning?
While planning your own trip might seem straightforward, there are several reasons why working with a travel agent can enhance your travel experience:
- Expert Knowledge: I have extensive knowledge about destinations, accommodations, activities, and travel trends. This means I can recommend the best places to visit, the best times to go, and hidden gems you might not find on your own.
- Stress-Free Planning: Instead of juggling flights, hotels, activities, and transportation on your own, you can leave the logistics to me. I handle all the details, so you can focus on what matters—enjoying your trip.
- Customized Travel: Every traveler is unique, and so is every trip I plan. I take the time to understand your needs and preferences, ensuring your itinerary is tailored specifically to you.
- Cost-Effective: Contrary to popular belief, using a travel agent doesn’t necessarily mean spending more. In fact, I can often save you money by finding the best deals, avoiding costly mistakes, and providing insider tips.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing that you have a dedicated professional handling your travel arrangements provides peace of mind. If anything goes wrong—whether it’s a missed flight or a change in plans—I’m here to resolve it, so you don’t have to worry.
When you work with a travel agent, you’re not just booking a trip; you’re gaining a partner in travel who is committed to making your journey memorable, stress-free, and perfectly tailored to you. Whether you’re planning a quick weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, I’m here to help every step of the way.
Contact Information
The easiest way to get ahold of me is via email at [email protected]. I can also be reached almost all major social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. I also have a website you can check out and be added to my email list.
Facebook: Hayley – Love of the Magic Vacations
Instagram: Hayley_loveofthemagicvacations
TikTok: @hayley_lotmv
Conclusion
Disney cruises can be a lot to take in, but one thing they shouldn’t be is a lot of stress. We hope these tips help you know what to expect with your first DCL experience so that you can enjoy your trip to the fullest. If you are like us, your biggest regret in trying your first Disney cruise will be that you didn’t try it sooner. Happy travels, friends!
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