Make Your Cruise Truly Magical
Disney Cruise Line may be one of the smallest in the business but it’s also one the best.
Whether you’re a newbie or a pro when it comes to traveling on the high seas, these tips will help you enhance the magic of your next cruise with Mickey and the gang.
Book Early
Booking your Disney cruise early guarantees great savings through their dynamic pricing system and helps you snag your preferred cabin.
And don't worry about sudden changes in plans—your booking is fully refundable.
Let Them Pick Your Room
If you're flexible about cabin location, let Disney to assign your room and enjoy significant savings.
Simply choose the type of room you want, like an inside cabin, and your specific room will be assigned closer to your sail date.
Book A Themed Sailing
Disney Cruise Line offers exciting themed sailings like Pixar Day at Sea and Marvel Day at Sea, featuring special shows and appearances by beloved characters like Captain America and Buzz Lightyear.
Don't miss out on the holiday cruises during Halloween and Christmas, where you'll see characters in festive clothes and enjoy themed food.
Upgrade Your Room At The Port
Consider upgrading your cabin at the port just before boarding to potentially save on a higher-tier room.
While availability isn't guaranteed, it never hurts to inquire during check-in. This could translate to incredible savings.
Workman, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Download Disney’s Navigator App
Make sure to download Disney Cruise Line’s Navigator app—it's essential for maximizing your time at sea.
From managing payments and online check-ins to pre-registering for activities, this app has you covered. It also facilitates free communication with your family and fellow cruisers.
Pay With Points Or Gift Cards
To save some money, consider using discounted Disney gift cards for payment.
You can find these at retailers like Sam's Club or Target, often with around 5% off. You can also use certain credit card points and miles to help pay for your cruise.
Wilfredo Rafael Rodriguez Hernandez, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Exchange Currency Onboard
Take advantage of Disney Cruise Line's free currency exchange service onboard. They'll even honor the original exchange rate for any leftover money at the end of your cruise, so you get the most value.
Just remember this service applies to bills only, and be sure to present your receipt before disembarking.
Book Two Rooms Instead Of A Suite
If you're considering a suite for more space but find the price steep, booking two staterooms can be a budget-friendly alternative.
Typically, a family of four can expect to pay almost half the price for two cabins compared to a single suite.
Bring A Water Bottle
While water stations are available onboard, they might not be conveniently located, and purchasing disposable bottles can add up.
Consider bringing refillable bottles or tumblers to stay hydrated without the hassle.
Nozzleman75, Wikimedia Commons
Use The Carpet As A Map
Navigating a cruise ship can be daunting, but Disney makes it easier with a simple trick: look at the carpet design in the hallways.
An upside-down pattern indicates you're heading toward the back of the ship, while a right-side-up pattern means you're heading to the front.
See Characters In Their Cruise Clothes
Be on the lookout for your favorite Disney characters dressed in exclusive clothes for special occasions onboard.
From Pirate Night ensembles to location-specific outfits, like Mickey's fisherman overalls on Alaska cruises, these unique wardrobe choices add an extra touch of magic to your cruise experience.
Don’t Miss The Royal Gathering
Check out the Royal Gathering, where you can meet Disney royalty like Tiana and Cinderella all in one place.
While tickets are free, you'll need them to get in, so be sure to book at least 30 days before your cruise sets sail to secure your spot.
Go To The Pools Early Or Late
For a more relaxed pool experience, visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid peak times.
If you want to check out the waterslides, you should do so right after boarding, so you can enjoy them when they're least crowded.
Decorate Your Door
Add a touch of personality to your cabin door with themed magnets. As well as looking cool, door decorations can help you identify your cabin from all the others.
You Can Skip The Meet-And-Greets
While formal meet-and-greets are available, keep an eye out for characters like Daisy Duck walking around the decks, providing fun, unexpected encounters.
You can even join in on character dance parties where you can dance with Goofy and Donald Duck.
Order As Much Food As You Want
On a Disney cruise, indulge in as much food as you want—it's all included in your dining experience.
If you're torn between options, why not try both? Don't forget to create your own dessert sampler to try a variety of tasty treats.
Change Your Dining Plan
If your assigned dining rotation or table arrangements aren't to your liking, just reach out to guest services for a switch.
They'll gladly help you find a solution that suits your preferences.
Indulge In Specialty Dining
While standard dining is great, consider indulging in adults-only restaurants like Remy or Palo for an extra-special culinary experience.
Make reservations early to secure your spot, or check for waitlist availability for last-minute openings.
The Ship Is Cash-Free
Your "Key to the World" room key is your payment method and identification onboard, so you won't need much cash during your cruise.
However, consider bringing cash for tipping your service team or concierge-level staff. It's a thoughtful gesture appreciated by the crew.
Join The Sailing Facebook Group
Joining a Facebook group for your cruise can enhance your experience with opportunities for gift exchanges, pre-cruise networking, and valuable tips from seasoned cruisers.
Simply search for your sailing name (e.g., Disney Wonder Alaska June 12 - 19) on Facebook and join the private group.
Get A Magical Coffee
Visit Cove Cafe for a truly enchanting coffee experience. Order a "Mickeyccino" with Mickey's face artfully crafted on your cappuccino. It's the perfect way to add an extra touch of Disney magic to your coffee.
Get Free Unlimited Soda
Save on beverage costs and get soda from the fountain, conveniently located on the pool deck and in the buffet area.
Instead of purchasing individual cans, bring a refillable bottle to enjoy your favorite sodas throughout the ship without extra charges.
Check For Happy Hours
While alcohol isn't complimentary onboard, keep an eye out for discounted drinks during happy hour. Just check the Navigator App and you can can get all your favorite drinks without breaking the bank.
Ask About The Sommelier Bin
Take advantage of discounted wine options from the sommelier bin, where opened bottles are served by the glass at reduced rates.
This presents an excellent opportunity to enjoy high-quality wines at a fraction of the usual cost, adding a touch of luxury to your dining experience without overspending.
B.Y.O.B.
While Disney ships offer an array of specialty cocktails, guests can bring limited drinks onboard. Each adult aged 21 and up is permitted two bottles of wine or six-packs of beer.
Just remember, there's a corkage fee if you plan to enjoy your wine with dinner, and sealed bottles of water are also allowed.
Buy Merch Quick
If you spot a must-have item like a hat or sweatshirt, don't hesitate to purchase it right away.
The onboard gift shops are only open while the ship is at sea, and popular items tend to sell out quickly without restocking.
Not Just For Families
While families are Disney's biggest customers base, these cruises cater to adults as well. Each ship features adults-only areas, including lounges, nightclubs, and sun decks.
Take Advantage Of Free Room Service
Unlike other cruise lines, Disney Cruise Line offers complimentary 24/7 room service.
Treat yourself to iconic Disney snacks like the Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bar delivered directly to your room at no extra charge.
Book Early For The Nursery
For parents seeking a bit of relaxation or adult time onboard, early booking is essential for the It’s a Small World
The nursery is the perfect places for kids six months to three years, providing peace of mind while you enjoy some downtime.
The Coolest Place For Teens
Each Disney ship has a Vibe, an exclusive youth club catering to teens aged 14 to 17.
With supervision and a bunch of fun activities, it's like having their own private resort onboard—perfect for teens to relax and have fun away from parents.
Get Free Motion Sickness Pills
If the motion of the ocean has you feeling queasy, visit guest services for complimentary motion sickness pills. You can get as many as you need to ensure a smoother sailing experience.
Enjoy The Concierge Lounge
Upgrade to a concierge-level cabin for access to a private lounge offering evening drinks, a private sun deck, and the option to order meals from onboard restaurants to your room.
Plus, enjoy a special evening with a Disney character in the lounge during your cruise.
Indulge In A Cheap Spa Visit
Unwind in the Rainforest Room at the Senses Spa without booking a treatment.
Depending on availability, opt for a one-day pass or a pass for the duration of your cruise at a fraction of the cost of a spa treatment. It's a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the ship.
Visit The Star Wars Bar
Visit the Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge on the Disney Wish for an out-of-this-world experience.
While reservations are no longer required, consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid crowds, especially when the ship is in port. During the day, guests of all ages are welcome to explore this unique bar.
Don’t Skip The Musicals
Don't miss out on your ship's spectacular musical performances, like Broadway-quality productions of “Beauty and the Beast” and “Aladdin.”
These shows are a highlight of any Disney cruise experience and shouldn't be skipped.
Use Adventures By Disney
Elevate your Disney Cruise Line adventure with pre- or post-sailing escapes through Adventures by Disney.
Explore iconic cities like Barcelona, Paris, and Rome through itineraries designed to immerse you in the local culture.
See A New Movie At Sea
Experience the latest Disney releases at the onboard theater, no advance tickets required. Many films are offered in 3-D, and the theatre includes titles from Disney, Marvel, Pixar.
Check Out The Kids Clubs During Open House
While places like the Marvel Super Hero Academy and Star Wars: Millennium Falcon play zones are usually kids-only, that all changes during open houses.
Take advantage of the open house to explore areas like Vibe's arcade games and Andy's Room from Toy Story.
See All The Characters On The Last Night
Don't miss your chance to take photos with Disney characters on the last night of your cruise.
Around 10 or 10:30 p.m., characters gather in the atrium for a short period, allowing guests to bid farewell and snap memorable pictures.
Carry Your Bags To Skip The Line
Avoid the crowds during disembarkation by managing your own luggage on the final morning of your cruise.
By skipping the luggage drop-off the night before, you can disembark earlier, sometimes before the regular disembarkation process even begins. This makes for a smoother exit from the ship and a stress-free end to your cruise.
