25 Best Disney Cruise Tips for First Timers

Castaway Cay Water Climbing Equipment

It’s no secret that planning a vacation can be a lot of work! But it can also be totally worth it for an unforgettable family trip.

Disney Cruise Line is the perfect option for families because the ships offer so much to see and do onboard. In addition to this onboard fun, you can visit amazing ports of call in locations all around the world.

This means Disney cruises offer activities and adventures for all guests and are sure to please everyone in your family. Before you leave to embark on your cruise, be sure to check out our Disney cruise tips and tricks below.

From the planning process to debarkation day, these tidbits of advice will help you map out the do’s and don’ts of your Disney cruise vacation. Read all about our favorite hacks for packing, dining, visiting Castaway Cay, and more in our Disney cruise tips for first timers guide!

Planning Tips for Disney Cruise First Timers

If this is your first cruise, the planning process for a Disney Cruise Line vacation may seem a bit overwhelming. However, Disney really does a great job of organizing the information you need. Below are my top tips for getting through the planning process of a Disney Cruise Line vacation.

Download the Disney Cruise Line App

We recommend downloading the app right after you initially book your cruise. In addition to the Disney Cruise Line website, the Disney Cruise Navigator App features a ton of information and features. My family and I especially love the cruise countdown on the app as it really gets the family super excited for the upcoming trip.

Disney Cruise Tips Pinterest pin

The Disney Cruise app also holds important details about your trip, including information about your account, stateroom, port adventures, and more. And once you’re onboard, you will notice it contains everything you need to know about the ship in general. You can use the Navigator App for directions, dinner rotation information, daily schedule of activities, reservations, etc.

It’s also a great way to communicate (at no extra charge) with your family members while on the ship. You and your family can text each other via the Navigator App without having to worry about using up all the data on your phone.

Use Disney Ground Transportation

Disney Cruise Line ground transfers are a super reliable and easy way to arrive and leave the port. I highly recommend adding this shuttle service to your cruise reservation, especially if you are cruising with toddlers or babies.

(Note that your travel agent would need to add this onto your reservation if you booked through an agent.)

Disney Cruise Ground Transportation

My husband and I like that the Disney shuttles take care of our luggage so that we aren’t trying to keep up with two little kids, carryon bags, AND large suitcases. If you have a family of four, these Disney buses are really cost effective as well.

You can find out more information about the pricing and other details on the official website for Disney Cruise Line.

Get an Early Port Arrival Time

We like to arrive at the port and board the ship as early as possible. This allows you to enjoy lunch and the ship’s pools before your room is ready. This early Port Arrival Time is popular, so you will want to be diligent about choosing your time as soon as its available.

This means you will want to login to your Disney account as soon as online check-in becomes available. Then, you can make sure to snag the coveted early times before they book up.

Mickey ear entrance Port Canaveral

There is a trick to getting an early port arrival and boarding time even if they are all taken by the time you check in. Guests who book the Disney Cruise Line ground transportation do not have to choose a port arrival time since you are permitted to enter the terminal when the DCL bus arrives.

Furthermore, it has been my family’s experience that when we choose to use the Disney Cruise Line ground transportation AND we book a pre-cruise hotel through Disney Cruise Line, we are also given a low boarding number for embarkation day.

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Disney Cruise Planner

Now, if you are staying at a Walt Disney World hotel before your cruise, the DCL shuttles do not pick you up super early. However, if you book one of Disney’s pre-cruise hotels near Port Canaveral, you can board the ground transfers early to be one of the first to arrive at the terminal.

Book Activities ASAP

If you’re a first-time cruiser with Disney Cruise Line, you may book certain cruise activities 75 days before cruising as long as you are paid in full. This is especially important if you are wanting to book super popular activities activities like the Princess Gathering and other character meet and greet opportunities. 

Pelican Plunge at Castaway Cay
Pelican Plunge at Castaway Cay

That being said, you’ll find plenty of Disney characters available onboard and on the private island that do not require reservations. If you aren’t able to snag a reservation for something that you really want, keep checking the app for cancelations.

In addition, we highly recommend joining the Facebook group for your specific sailing as other families tend to post when they cancel a reservation, which allows you to pick one up. If all else fails, visit Guest Services once you get on the ship, and a cast member should be able to add you to a list for the activity you are wanting.

Fly in a Day Early

If you live somewhat close to your departure port, you may be tempted to fly in the morning of your cruise, but don’t do it! The weather is so unpredictable, and I’m sure you don’t want to feel stressed about missing the ship. 

Flying in the day before you are scheduled to set sail allows you extra time to ensure you make it to your final destination…the Disney cruise ship! If you would like to read reviews and tips on where to stay the night before your cruise, you can check out these posts:

Best Tips for Boarding Day

The day that you finally get to board the Disney cruise ship is known as Embarkation Day. This can be a hectic day since you will be juggling your cruise documents, luggage, transportation information, and more.

Our Embarkation Day post provides a packing list for your day bag as well as tips to help the day run smoothly for your family. Below are some additional tips for boarding on embarkation day:

Wear Bathing Suits

I know you are probably wondering what to wear on your cruise. You will see all types of clothing worn on the ship. No matter how formal or casual you choose to be, you won’t be alone.

Disney Magic Pool Deck
Disney Magic Pool Deck

Most of the people I see on our cruises look casual and comfortable. This is especially true on embarkation day when a lot of kids are just wearing swimsuits and coverups. As a family, we tend to wear our swim gear under our clothes.

My husband and I also like to board the ship wearing flip flops or sandals that slip off and on easily. My kids like to spend time on the pool deck after our embarkation lunch, and I usually need to take off my shoes for the splash zone and pool area. Embarkation day is a great time to experience the water slides and pools without standing in line or being surrounded by a lot of people.

Ask to Upgrade Your Room

I want to preface this by saying that you should first make sure you book a room that you are completely comfortable with. Then, you can ask the cast member who is checking you in at the port if there are any room upgrades available. 

If Disney Cruise Line has available rooms, you can choose to upgrade for significantly less than what the room regularly costs. My family and I used this trick on our most recent cruise when we upgraded at the port to a concierge-level room.

This was a huge perk as concierge guests receive a lot of additional perks. Again, this is not guaranteed and it’s not even common. So, make sure you have a room you love in case an upgrade isn’t available.

Disney Cruise Stateroom Tips

As mentioned above, even if you are planning to inquire about a room upgrade at the port, you should initially book a stateroom that meets the needs of your family. These are some of my personal guidelines for booking a stateroom. This list also includes some little known facts about your cabin:

Stay Aft or Mid-Ship

If you have never cruised before, I recommend booking a stateroom in the middle or back of the ship. This may just be a personal preference for me, but I feel the motion of the ship much more at the front.

Disney Magic Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah
Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah

If you are concerned about seasickness, you may want to consider a room in an area other than the forward (front) end of the ship. We typically feel the movement a lot more when we are in a venue at the front of the ship compared to at the back (aft) or middle.

Pack Magnets

You have probably seen photos of decorations on the outside of stateroom doors. These items attach to the door with a magnet. Similarly, the walls and doors INSIDE the cabin are also magnetic. One of my favorite packing hacks is to bring magnetic hooks with us on our cruises. You can stick them to the walls and doors in the stateroom to hold all kinds of things.

We hang our wet swimsuits, hats, towels, etc. on these hooks. I also use the magnetic hooks on the bathroom door in our cabin. This is a great place to hold an over-the-door shoe organizer. You can store all kinds of things in the shoe organizer from hairbrushes to sunscreen to toiletries.

Memorize Your Room Number

You will be asked for your room number often during your cruise vacation. For example, when you are in line to take pictures with characters, the photographer will need your stateroom number. It’s a good idea to memorize the room number early on so that you can quickly recite it when a crew member asks.

Disney Cruise Dining Tips and Tricks

The dining rooms on the Disney cruise ships provide really great food, service, and entertainment. The rotational dining method that DCL uses can seem confusing if you are a first time cruiser. Below are some of our top tips for dining on your Disney Cruise Line vacation.

Get on the Waitlist

Depending on when you book your cruise, the main dinner seating may be full. If you would prefer your family eat at the main dining time (around 5:45) rather than at the second seating (around 8:15), call Disney Cruise Line and ask to be put on the waiting list.

Rapunzel’s Dinner Show on the Disney Magic
Rapunzel’s Dinner Show on the Disney Magic

Then, check your online Disney Cruise Line account often (like daily). Sometimes the early time opens up, and it will randomly become an option for you to choose in your account. (This happened for me on my last cruise at about 30 days before sailing.)

If you really need the early dining time and it does not open up in the app, just check the appointment spot for dining requests on embarkation day. You will see a time and place to make dining requests onboard.

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Disney Cruise Planner

To make changes onboard, you just stand in line until you can meet with the cast member in charge to request early seating. Disney has always been able to meet our request on board; although, we tend to sail during the off-peak season.

If you are okay with eating at the later dining time, many avid cruisers actually prefer it. The dining rooms tend to feel less crowded and rushed during this time.

Request a Private Table

If you would rather eat at a table with only your travel party and not with strangers, you can mark this request in the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App. Disney will not guarantee to grant this request; but, they will do their best to make it happen.

Disney Cruise Line ship, bathroom, water slide, and Mickey Mouse with text Disney Cruise Tips and Hacks

On embarkation day, you will receive a paper newsletter (called a Personal Navigator) that lists a meeting place and time for dining changes. You can go to this location at the specified time to confirm your request for a private table was granted. 

Specialty Drinks include Tips

If you order an adult beverage or a specialty kid’s drink, a gratuity is automatically applied to the price. When you get your receipt, make sure you don’t double tip…unless you just want to.

Best Tips for Castaway Cay

If you are lucky enough to visit Castaway Cay on your cruise, you won’t be disappointed! Disney’s private island in the Bahamas provides stunning beaches and lots of fun activities. You will find some great tips for visiting Castaway Cay below. (Since I have a toddler, some of the tips are baby or toddler specific.)

Borrow a Stroller

If you don’t want to bring a stroller from home for your young children, you can borrow one from Guest Services. They will charge your account $250 for the stroller, but DCL will remove the charge once the stroller is returned.

Strollers wagons and wheelchairs on Castaway Cay
Strollers are also available free of charge on Castaway Cay.

The ship strollers are City Mini Baby Joggers. We had to fold it up before fitting it through the stateroom door on the Disney Magic, but they are super easy to collapse.

The stroller can then be stored in your room, under the bed, or even in the closet. If you are cruising with a little one but don’t want to borrow a stroller on the ship, you can grab any of the available strollers or wagons on Castaway Cay to use for free on the island.

Sit near the Climbing Feature

Castaway Cay has a climbing feature that’s perfect for young kids just off the shore of one of the family beaches. The beach and water in front of this play zone often has far fewer people than other areas on the island.

Castaway Cay Climbing Feature
Castaway Cay Climbing Feature

Even at prime beach time, you should be able to find loads of seats and umbrellas in this area. If your kids enjoy climbing, you can easily monitor them from the beach in this area.

Pack Water Shoes

The sand and water at Castaway Cay is often full of tiny (and sometimes sharp) shells. You can get by without water shoes if you are careful. However, you may want to add them to your beach bag for peace of mind and for your kids’ feet. 

Disney Cruise Packing Tips and Hacks

Below you will find some brief notes on packing tips and hacks for your Disney Cruise Line vacation. For a full guide to packing, we suggest checking out our post that includes a free printable Disney Cruise packing list. In that post, we list all the essentials you need for your trip. Plus, we explain the reasoning behind some of the really unique items be make sure to take with us!

Bring $1 Bills

We often find that we need dollar bills for tipping various people throughout our trip. These are some of the positions we tipped on our last cruise:

  • motor coach driver who drove us to the port
  • porter who handled our bags at the port 
  • $1 per item ordered from room service
  • motor coach driver who drove us to the airport

We also added cash to the gratuity envelopes for our room host and dining servers. Note that you do not need to add additional tips to these envelopes unless you feel you received exemplary service. The regular tip amount is fine to leave. For more information, please check out our post on Disney Cruise gratuities.

Pack an Embarkation Day Bag

Your room probably won’t be ready until 1:30, and your luggage may not arrive until after dinner. So, pack a carryon bag for boarding the ship in case you need certain items before your luggage arrives.

Insider Tips for Shows

The Broadway style shows on Disney Cruise Line provide really great family entertainment that kids of all ages can enjoy. Here are a few tips for visiting the theater and enjoying onboard activities:

Arrive Early

The seats in the theater fill up during the nightly live shows. We try to arrive 15-20 minutes before the show starts to make sure we find seats together as a family. My kids typically don’t mind being seated early as we bring snacks and coloring books to entertain them before the show starts.

Grab a Booster Seat

I have a six year old who is really small for her age. My husband likes to grab a booster seat for her to sit on during the shows. You can get a booster seat at the entrance to the theater each night. This allows little ones to better see the stage from their seats. 

Pack Snacks and Drinks

You can purchase popcorn, candy, and drinks right outside the theater at Preludes. However, you are welcome to bring your own snacks as well. This is a great way to save money and stay on budget for your cruise! Just make sure any food you bring on board is pre-packaged as you are not permitted to carry on opened or homemade items.

Last Minute Tips and Advice for First Time Cruisers

These are some miscellaneous bits of advice for your first time cruising with Disney Cruise Line.

Return the Kids Club Band

If you receive a bracelet for the kids club (similar to a Magic Band at Disney World) for your child, make sure you return it to the club by the last day of your cruise. If you don’t, Disney Cruise Line will charge your account for the bracelet. 

Grab a Paper Navigator

The Disney Cruise Line Navigator App is a great resource while on the cruise. However, I still prefer to have a paper copy of the daily personal navigator. You can easily pick up your Navigator at Guest Services each day.

Disney Cruise Personal Navigator
Personal Navigator

You do not have to wait in line to do this. Guest Services should have a stack of Navigators set out for guests to freely grab and go.

Pack Early

If your final cruise day is at a port like Castaway Cay, it may be tempting to leave the packing until later so you can enjoy the beach. However, if you want Disney Cruise Line to handle your luggage on debarkation day, it needs to be packed and in the hallway that last night. 

Disney Cruise Planner

Give yourself plenty of time to pack your bags and set them in the hallway by the luggage pickup time. This will help the end of the cruise and disembarkation day run much more smoothly. There’s nothing worse than spending your last night on board rushing to pack rather than enjoying the final entertainment options available with your family.

Schedule a Character Call

Disney Cruise Line provides two free calls from characters prior to your cruise. Depending on when you are cruising, you can receive a call from Goofy, Mickey, or Minnie. On a special note, if you are sailing on a holiday themed itinerary, you may be able to receive a unique holiday call from characters!

Don’t Stress about Laundry

If you are sailing on a longer Disney Cruise itinerary, you may feel uncertain about how to handle laundry on the ship. I assure you this process is super simple! You can read our full guide to Disney cruise laundry here, but I will briefly explain the process. We carry a bag of dirty clothes to the launderette onboard.

disney cruise detergent machine in laundry room

You use the digital screen to purchase the use of the washer and/or dryer. (The price is actually super reasonable, which you can read about in the post linked above.) Disney has all the detergents and things you need for an additional small fee. You then receive a message via the Navigator App once your clothes are finished washing.

You can then move them to the dryer where you’ll receive a second message once they are dry. If you prefer not to do your own laundry onboard, Disney Cruise Line offers full service laundry services as well.

Final Thoughts on Disney Cruise Tips and Tricks

I hope you found these tips for your first Disney cruise really helpful! Sailing with Disney Cruise Line is the most fun and relaxing way to travel. Whether you’re looking for pre-cruise advice or tips to use onboard, the information above should come in handy.

We hope your vacation runs smoothly with our planning and packing hacks. Once you are cruising with Disney, you’ll realize just how special a Disney Cruise Line vacation truly is.

Have a magical trip!

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