Introduction
We have sailed on 18 Disney cruises. Over the years we have sailed everywhere from the Caribbean to Alaska and even through the Panama Canal. Along the way we have learned what works, what does not, and the hidden gems that most first-time cruisers never discover.
If this is your first Disney Cruise Line vacation, you will find plenty of lists online with generic advice like “pack sunscreen.” What you will find here is different. These are real-world strategies that we have tested as a family. They are practical, family-friendly, and will help you make the most out of your first sailing.
Booking and Planning Secrets
Book Early, Use a Travel Agent
Opening-day pricing is almost always the best. Disney Cruise Line uses tiered pricing that increases as staterooms sell. If you want the lowest price, book as soon as reservations open. If you cannot be online at that moment, use a Disney-focused travel agent. They are on the phones the minute reservations open and can secure your booking quickly.
The key is to do your homework in advance. Know the ship, itinerary, and stateroom you want so you are ready to book as soon as the window opens.
Always Buy a Placeholder
One of the easiest ways to save money on your next cruise is to buy a placeholder while onboard. This small deposit locks in flexibility and guarantees you a lower price on a future sailing. We almost always do this, because it ensures that another Disney cruise is always on the horizon.
Stateroom Secrets
We usually book a verandah stateroom because nothing beats sitting on your balcony with a glass of wine while watching the sea. An oceanview cabin is also a good option, especially for shorter cruises or itineraries where scenery is not the highlight. We have also stayed in a Secret Porthole room, which is an oceanview room with a slightly obstructed view at the price of an inside room.
We have not yet tried concierge, although it looks amazing. For the price of one concierge sailing, we can usually take two or three verandah cruises, and that always wins out for us. For scenic itineraries like Alaska, Norway, or the Panama Canal, a verandah is worth every penny.
Departure Day Hacks
Embarkation day is exciting, but it can also be chaotic. It may take hours for your luggage to arrive at your stateroom, so pack a carry-on bag with swimsuits, sunscreen, and anything you want for the first few hours. That way you can head straight to the pool while everyone else waits for bags.
If you are bringing alcohol, remember the rules. Each adult may bring two bottles of wine or a six-pack of beer per port, but it must be in your carry-on. Disney only serves Coke products, so if you need Pepsi or Mountain Dew, bring your own supply. You can also bring bottled water but the water onboard is quite good.
Before you even step onboard, download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App. Internet packages are expensive, but the app allows you to text your group for free and is the hub for daily schedules and activities.
Packing Like a Pro
Over the years we have built a list of must-haves for every sailing. A pop-up hamper keeps dirty clothes contained. An over-the-door shoe organizer helps organize small items. Magnetic hooks add extra storage since the walls are metal.
For themed fun, pack pirate night outfits, door magnets, fish extender gifts, and lanyards. These touches make the cruise even more magical.
Bring a refillable water bottle. It is free to fill at the drink stations and saves you from buying bottled water. We always pack a Yeti or insulated tumbler, which keeps coffee, soda, or wine cold for hours.
Do not overpack. Laundry facilities are onboard and cost only a few dollars per load. The Navigator App even notifies you when your laundry is finished.
Onboard Insider Tips
Dining Wisdom
Rotational dining is part of the magic. Each night you rotate to one of three themed restaurant, but your servers follow you, which creates a personal experience.
Palo Brunch is a must. We discovered it on our first cruise and have made it a tradition ever since. If you enjoy French cuisine, Remy and Enchanté are spectacular. We once splurged on the chef’s choice menu with Wagyu beef and wine pairing. It was the best beef I have ever had and one of our most memorable meals at sea.
Try to get an adult dining reservation as soon as your activities booking window opens. If you cannot get a reservation before your cruise, visit the dining representative as soon as you board. They usually hold a few spots for embarkation day.
Cove Café is a hidden gem. The coffee is paid, but pastries, cheese plates, and desserts are free. Stop in before dinner for a snack. Don’t forget to get a rewards card where you get a free drink for every five purchased.
Skip the theater popcorn. Instead, grab snacks from quick service or room service at no extra cost. I will admit, we do occasionally get the popcorn as it is hard to resist that smell!
Bars and Lounges
Some of our favorites include Skyline Bar on the Dream and Fantasy, Hyperspace Lounge on the Wish, the Pubs, and the Champagne Bar. The Pubs are especially fun for trivia and scavenger hunts, and they often serve free late night snacks.
If you enjoy learning about spirits, try one of the tasting classes. Whether it is wine, whiskey, or cocktails, the cost is reasonable and the experience is worth it. This is the second activity we pre-book, after adult dining.
Kids and Teens
The kids’ clubs are incredible, but not every child will feel comfortable at first. Pre-register your kids online before boarding and attend the open house on embarkation day. Meeting the staff ahead of time helps ease nerves. Look for special activities such as making Flubber or meeting an Avenger.
Teens have their own dedicated spaces, Edge and Vibe, where they can hang out independently in a safe environment.
Family Fun
Some of the best moments onboard are the ones that surprise you. Do not miss Jack Jack’s Diaper Dash, where babies crawl-race to the finish line. It sounds silly, but it is a ship-wide favorite.
The Broadway-style shows are outstanding and should not be missed. Watching Funnel Vision movies under the starshas become one of our family traditions. On sea days, you can be as busy or as relaxed as you want. That flexibility is one of the reasons we keep coming back.
Excursion and Port Day Wisdom
Disney vs Private Excursions
We have done both Disney excursions and private tours. Book with Disney if you want the peace of mind that the ship will not leave without you. Book privately if you want to save money or avoid large groups.
Some of our highlights include:
- Disney: A helicopter ride to a glacier and dog sledding in Alaska.
- Private: A sailboat charter in St. Thomas for snorkeling.
- Surprise: A seaplane ride in Saguenay, Quebec on our daughter’s birthday.
Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay
Castaway Cay is one of Disney’s best perks. Get off the ship early if you want a choice location, as they go quickly. Bring your own snorkel gear to save money, although flotation vests are provided and required.
Serenity Bay, the adult-only beach, is calm and offers extra food choices, including steak. Rent a bike or join the 5K run for a fun way to explore. You even receive a medal for completing the run.
Cookies BBQ is included and provides a great beach day meal. Do not forget sunscreen, as the sun can be strong.
Luxury-for-Less Hacks
Disney cruises are not inexpensive, but there are ways to save. Buy discounted Disney gift cards at Target for an easy five percent discount. Purchase the refillable beer mug to get a large beer for the price of a small, and reuse it on future cruises.
Room service is free 24 hours a day, although we always tip a few dollars. Keeping a plate of cheese and fruit in the stateroom fridge makes for a nice late-night snack.
Look for the Captain’s Reception, which often offers free cocktails. Officer pin trading is also worth doing, but arrive early if you want the best pins.
Movies onboard are included, and if you happen to be sailing during a premiere, you may even see a new release known as a PremEAR at Sea. We watched a Spider-Man movie this way, but the theater filled quickly, so arrive early.
End of Cruise Tips
Tipping is automatically charged to your account, but envelopes are provided if you want to add cash. You can also have additional tips charged to your onboard account. Just stop by Customer Service.
On debarkation day, you will be assigned a breakfast time. Once you leave your stateroom for breakfast, you cannot return, so plan ahead. The process is organized but feels chaotic. You can either leave your luggage in the hall the night prior ro be delivered to the port, or carry it all off yourself if you need to depart early. The best advice is to take your time and not rush.
Mistakes to Avoid
Our biggest mistake was waiting too long to try Disney Cruise Line. After our first sailing, we realized how much fun we had missed. We didn’t want the cruise to end!
Do not try to do everything. Some of the best moments come from slowing down.
Do not overspend on extras. So much is already included in your fare.
Family Traditions That Make It Magical
Every family builds their own rituals, and ours have become part of the magic. We always have dinner together, no matter how busy the day has been. We enjoy trivia, drawing lessons, and Funnel Vision movies on the deck. These small traditions are what make Disney cruises feel like home to us.
Conclusion
Disney Cruise Line is packed with magic, but it is also filled with opportunities to overspend or miss out if you do not know where to look. With these insider tips from 18 cruises, your first sailing will be smoother, more affordable, and full of family traditions that make you want to book the next cruise before you even leave the ship. What tips have worked for you and your family?
