Disney Cruise Line is named the best in the cruise industry for many different reasons but above all it is because they cater to families like no other cruise line. If you are planning to take your first Disney Cruise, there are some things you are going to want to know before you go. These are what we consider to be the best first time Disney Cruise tips!
First Time Disney Cruise Tips
When it comes to preparing for your first Disney Cruise, there are some things that the seasoned Disney cruises already know.
We think first time cruisers should know these tips too!
1. Choosing a Disney Cruise Stateroom Matters
There is a lot to consider when booking a stateroom.
First, you want to make sure that you book a stateroom that is going to be the most comfortable for your family.
There are various types of Disney Cruise rooms you will want to consider: interior, exterior with a view, and exterior with a balcony.
Depending on the ship, these rooms can have different price points.
After choosing the type of Disney Cruise stateroom, you want to make sure you understand where the stateroom is located.
Rooms located in the center of the ship tend to be the best when it comes to motion sickness as it is the most stable part of the ship.
Some staterooms are near the stairs which is convenient when you are constantly in & out of the room going places (but also can be a bit more noisy).
You will also want to look at what is located near your room.
If you have small kids that are going to be at the Kids Club or in the Nursery, you may want to be in a room closer to those activity centers.
Traveling with a Disability?
Disney Cruise Line offers special equipment for Guests with disabilities. The following items are available upon request for use in any stateroom:
- Bedrail
- Portable toilet or raised toilet seat
- Shower stool
- Transfer bench
Keep in mind that Disney Cruise Line doesn’t supply wheelchairs, so you will need to provide your own or arrange for a rental, delivery, and pickup from an outside company.
2. Book Your Dining Time in Advance
Don’t wait til the last minute to book your dining time.
Dining reservations fill up fast and if you are an early eater, you will find that if you wait until close to your cruise date to choose a dining time you will be out of luck.
One thing most first time Disney Cruisers don’t know is that kids are served ahead of parents.
This is because kids are able to leave to go to their Kids Club so that parents can eat alone.
This isn’t something you have to do, but is an option.
Our kids have always stayed with us through the entire meal and I’m glad they did because usually there is some type of entertainment at the end of the meal that they enjoyed.
3. If You Have Food Allergies, Let Disney Know Before Your Cruise
Disney is amazing when it comes to dealing with common food allergies.
If you are traveling with a person with specific dietary restrictions, be sure to let the cruise line know when you book your cruise.
Also, tell your head server at each meal (at table service restaurants).
They are prepared to offer alternatives for those allergic to:
- Gluten or wheat
- Eggs
- Fish
- Milk or lactose
- Peanuts and tree nuts
- Shellfish
- Soy
- Corn
4. Enjoy FREE Room Service
Not feeling up to dinner at a restaurant? Kids need to nap? Have dinner sent to your room!
Room service is FREE on Disney Cruise ships which means you can order meals in (breakfast, lunch or dinner) along with snacks!
4. You Can Get Wifi Onboard
You can purchase Disney Wifi. There are special packages through Verizon and AT&T otherwise you will want to contact your provider to see what plan is best for you.
The onboard Wi-Fi that goes anywhere on the ship can be used for FREE through the Disney Navigator App for guests to chat with other people on the cruise.
5. Bar Gratuities are Already Included in the Bill
During your cruise, you may decide to have a mixed beverage from the bar or through a bar attendant at the pool.
You need to be aware that Disney Cruise Line automatically adds a 18% gratuity to all beverages purchased in restaurants, bars, poolside and on the beach at Castaway Cay.
6. Onboard Stores are CLOSED on Days at Port
One thing that many Disney cruisers aren’t aware of before they get on the ship is that all the shops close on days when you are in port.
This means that when you get to places like Nassau, you won’t be able to shop onboard the ship.
This might not seem like a big deal, but if you break your sunglasses or realize you forgot your sunscreen, you won’t be able to buy it on the ship during those times.
7. You can Decorate your Stateroom Door
Bring some magnets & decorate your stateroom door!
This is not only fun, it will help you find your room among all the other ones in a hallway.
You will find that many people do this and some even have Disney pin exchange boards on their stateroom doors!
8. You Can Bring Your Own Snacks & Drink to the Shows
The shows are one of the main events of a Disney Cruise and you shouldn’t miss any of them. Instead of purchasing snacks & drinks at the stand, bring your own.
Bring some small individual snack bags with you on the cruise & grab the free fountain drink at the drink station on your way to the show.
9. You Don’t Need to Pack a Beach Towel
There are several things you won’t need to bring with you on a Disney Cruise and beach towels are one of them.
There will be some in your stateroom and you can find towels on the pool decks.
When you go to Castaway Cay or other beach destinations, you can also take towels and there will be a drop off when you return to the ship.
10. You Can Bring Alcohol onto the Disney Ship
Disney Cruise Line Guests 21 & older may bring 2 bottles of unopened wine/champagne or 6 12oz beers.
All of your alcohol must be packed in carry-on luggage.
You do have the option to bring your unopened wine bottle to the restaurant with you to dinner.
You will be charged an uncorking fee the first night (around $25), but the cruise line will keep up with your bottle, making sure it arrives at the restaurant you will be dining at each evening.
You can request for the bottle to be chilled or at room temperature.
Beer and wine can be enjoyed in your stateroom anytime, but if you choose to take with you outside of the room, it is best to place your alcohol in a cup.
- All of our products are free from BPA
- Spill-resistant lid – Ensures that your drinks staying inside Stemless, not on you; Includes a removable silicone band for easy cleaning
- Ergonomic flat sides; non-slip, silicone bottom – Our patented, easy-grip sides ensure that Stemless stays securely in your hand; The silicone bottom is designed to prevent it from sliding and spilling
- Spill-resistant lid – Ensures that your drinks staying inside Stemless, not on you; Includes a removable silicone band for easy cleaning
You might want to pack a few plastic cups in your luggage or invest in a cute Disney Cruise line wine tumbler.
11. Join a Disney Cruise Facebook Group
Yes, there are Facebook Groups for Disney Cruisers. This is where you can sign up for meet ups & Disney Cruise Fish Extender exchanges.
We always take part in the Fish Extender exchange groups because they are so much fun and a great activity to make your Disney Cruise even more special!
12. Get a Phone Call from Mickey & Friends Before Your Cruise
One of our favorite first time Disney Cruise tips is one that not everyone is aware of!
You can get a call from a Disney character before your First Disney Cruise!!
This is the best way to get the kids excited.
Log in to the Disney Cruise website, find your reservation and request a call from one of your favorite Disney characters.
Just make sure that you answer the call! It comes from an 1800 number which is easy to ignore if you don’t make a mental note about the call!
These are just some things we think would be helpful for first time Disney cruisers to know.
We suggest that you take a look at some of our other posts once you know which ship you will be specifically be cruising on.
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Do you have any first time Disney Cruise tips to share? Leave a comment below.
Julie McAlear
Saturday 25th of February 2023
What are the best months to go on a family cruise?
Kristi
Thursday 2nd of March 2023
All months are wonderful, but the best prices are in the off-season!