If you are preparing for a Disney Cruise, you probably are making a list of the things you will need to bring. While there are certain things you will be able to buy on board, there are certain items you are better off packing in your luggage. We have a Disney Cruise packing list that contains 18 items that we think are essentials.
BEST Disney Cruise Packing List
Wondering what to bring for your Disney Cruise vacation? Of course you will need clothes, but much of that will depend on your destination.
Our Disney Cruise Packing list contains all the things you might not be thinking of, but will certainly use while on your cruise, despite your destination.
Disney Cruise Packing List
Sunglasses
You will be spending a lot of time outdoors and you need to protect your eyes. Make sure that you have sunglasses with polarized lenses packed!
Beach Toys
One of the benefits of going on a Disney Cruise is going to their private island, Castaway Cay!
You can purchase sand toys there, but if you have your own, you might as well bring them to avoid the extra charges of buying them when your kids decide they want to build a sand castle.
Toddler Swim Vest
If you are travelling with little ones who aren't as comfortable in the water, you might want to bring your own set of water wings for Castaway Cay.
Castaway Cay and the Cruise Ship both provide the use of flotation vests for free, but they aren't that comfortable for little ones.
Pirate Costume
All Disney Cruises have a Pirate Night when all Cast Members, Crew, and Guests are dressed in their finest Pirate attire.
They will give you bandannas to wear, but why not go the extra step and pack a pirate outfit, sword or eye patch to take with you!
Lightweight Sweater or jacket
Yes, you are most likely planning a cruise during warm weather, but in the evenings the wind may pick up or you may find that the restaurants are a little cool.
Having a cardigan sweater or lightweight jacket to throw on (especially for little ones) is great to have just in case.
Flip Flops
You can walk around barefoot on the Disney Cruise line pool deck, but it can get quite slippery.
Be sure to pack flip flops or water shoes to wear poolside and while on the beach in Castaway Cay.
Travel Laundry Detergent
There are laundry facilities on the cruise ships for you to use.
Not that anyone wants to do laundry, but it is nice if you have a few Tide pods or individual load Tide packs packed just in case you need them.
We also know that sometimes you just want to wash the chlorine or salt water out of your swimsuit.
These sink packs are perfect for freshening up a suit.
Snacks
You can bring bottled water & snacks on board the Disney cruise ship to keep in your cabin.
This way you will have something to take with you on your excursions, to the movies on board the Disney Cruise, or just to have in your state room.
Waterproof Phone Pouch
A waterproof case to hold phone, key cards, money, ID is great to have at the pool and when you go on excursions.
Motion Sickness Meds
Even if you don’t normally get sick, you should be prepared for motion sickness anytime you cruise.
Towel Clips
These towel clips are multi-functional.
They keep your towels attached to your chair when it’s windy & is great for putting things to dry on balcony chairs.
You can also use them to secure curtains!
Binoculars
You don’t have to buy fancy ones, small inexpensive binoculars will do.
These are great for sitting on your balcony or checking out Castaway Cay and other destinations you might go to.
Pop-up Laundry Hamper
These are great to give you a place to put all those dirty clothes.
I love this collapsible hamper because you can just throw it into your suitcase at the end of your trip!
4-Port USB Hub
Disney Cruise ships never have enough places to charge your devices.
If you bring one of these hubs, you one plug will turn into several USB ports so you can charge your phones.
Packing for a Disney Cruise can be overwhelming so we hope that our list helps you remember to bring things you might not have thought about.
Am I missing anything? If you have something to add to our Disney Cruise packing list, please comment below!
Becky
Friday 22nd of November 2019
We understand that we can carryon 2 bottles of wine or 6 beers. Will I be able to take a corkscrew in carryon or checked luggage?
Stacy
Sunday 1st of July 2018
Why birth certificates? Also, do they definitely have puddle jumpers to use or buy? I don't want to fly with those. Thanks!
Kristi
Monday 2nd of July 2018
If you have a passport, you won't need your birth certificate. Complimentary flotation vests are available on the pool decks aboard all Disney ships. You can't take them off the ship, but they are available at Castaway Cay and on most Disney Excursions involving water/ beach activities.
Michele
Wednesday 28th of March 2018
There is no pirate night for Alaska cruises. Keep the pirate costumes home and bring rain gear. Don't over pack; you may have tea with a princess but you won't have dinner with the queen of England . We, my husband and I, did the two week cruise on the Wonder through the Panama canal with only a roll on each. Yes, the Mouse is very strict on over the door anything. Use magnetic hooks and clips.
Kristi
Tuesday 25th of April 2017
You would need to pack it in luggage that would be checked in, not carry on.
Jody
Friday 15th of March 2019
Please do not pack drinks in carry on luggage at the port. They should be carried on. The porters are not very gentle with the luggage and if your bottles of water break, they can make a mess of your things and other people's things, too.
Missy D
Sunday 23rd of April 2017
How do you get bottled water onto the ship if you are flying? It was you can take that and alcoholic beverages (only a certain amount) in your carry on, but you can't carry that onto a plane! We are flying non-stop to Orlando and taking the Disney shuttle bus to the port. Any suggestions?
TA
Thursday 19th of October 2017
If you are flying in the day/eve before, take a rideshare service from MCO to the nearby Walgreens (Semoran Rd.) and back. There's a Starbucks and several restaurants in the same area as the Walgreens, too.