27 Disney Cruise Tips I Wish I’d Known Sooner

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I have been sailing with Disney Cruise Line for twenty years, and I have been on a lot of Disney cruises.

And one thing I have learned is that there is always something else to learn.

Some Disney Cruise tips will save you money. Others will save you time. And some will simply stop you standing in the middle of the ship thinking, Why did nobody tell me this before?

So rather than give you the usual advice about remembering sunscreen and downloading the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app, I wanted to put together the tips that I think actually make a difference.

Some are particularly useful if this is your first Disney cruise.

But even if you have sailed with Disney many times, you might find a few things here that you haven’t thought about before.

1. Don’t Assume You Need to Arrive at the Port as Early as Possible

I know. You have paid a lot of money for this cruise and you want to get onboard!

I completely understand.

But there is a difference between arriving early and arriving too early.

Disney assigns you a Port Arrival Time during online check-in. Unless you have a reason that allows you to arrive outside that system, there isn’t much advantage in turning up significantly before your assigned time.

Personally, I would much rather have a relaxed morning than spend it standing around waiting for my vacation to begin.

Once boarding gets moving, the process can be surprisingly quick.

What is You Port Arrival Time and Why is it Important?

2. Be Ready for Online Check-In Before Your Window Opens

Disney Cruise online check-in is one of those things that seems simple until you actually start doing it.

Then you realize you need photographs, identification details, payment information and various other pieces of information.

If getting an early Port Arrival Time matters to you, have everything ready beforehand.

Don’t start looking for passport details at midnight.

I have a complete step-by-step Disney Cruise online check-in guide that explains what you need and how the process works.

Related: The Easy Step By Step Guide to Online Check

3. Put More Than You Think You’ll Need in Your Carry-On

Once you hand your checked luggage over at the port, you may not see it again for several hours.

Usually this isn’t a problem.

Unless the thing you suddenly desperately want is inside your suitcase.

Keep your medication, documents, valuables and anything else essential with you.

And if you want to swim as soon as you board, pack your swimsuit in your carry-on.

I also like having anything I might want for dinner with me just in case my luggage takes longer than expected to arrive.

Related: How to Pack Your Cruise Carry on Like a Pro

4. Don’t Rush Straight to the Buffet on Embarkation Day

This is something I think a lot of first-time Disney cruisers don’t realize.

The buffet isn’t your only lunch option.

There is usually a sit-down restaurant open for embarkation lunch as well.

And depending on my mood, I often prefer this.

After dealing with luggage, transportation, check-in and boarding, sitting down and having someone bring lunch to me can be a much nicer way to start the cruise.

The buffet is great.

But you don’t have to follow everyone else there.

Related: All Your Disney Cruise Embarkation Lunch Choices

5. Your Stateroom Probably Won’t Be Ready When You Board

Staterooms do not open until 1.30 pm when you board.

You may be onboard for a while before you can get into your stateroom.

Anything you carry onto the ship stays with you until your room is available.

That giant bag that seemed like a wonderful idea in the hotel room can feel considerably less wonderful after you have carried it around the ship for an hour.

Pack what you need.

But keep it manageable.

6. Learn the Ship Layout Before the First Sea Day

Disney ships are easy to navigate once you understand the layout.

Before that?

Not always.

Spend a little time on embarkation day working out where everything is.

Find your rotational dining restaurants, the Walt Disney Theatre, adult areas, kids clubs, pool deck and wherever you are likely to spend most of your time.

It is much better to do this when you aren’t rushing to get somewhere.

7. The Elevators Aren’t Always Your Friend

Particularly after a show, around dinner time or when everyone is heading to Castaway Cay.

Sometimes you can wait several minutes for an elevator only for the doors to open and discover there is absolutely no chance another person is getting inside.

If you can comfortably use the stairs for a deck or two, it can save a surprising amount of time.

And possibly justify another dessert.

At least that’s my theory.

8. You Can Order More Than One Thing at Dinner

Can’t decide between two appetizers?

You can order both.

Want to try a second entrée?

Ask.

Curious about two desserts?

This is vacation.

Disney’s rotational dining isn’t structured like a regular restaurant where ordering another entrée automatically means another charge.

Obviously, I wouldn’t order food simply to waste it, but don’t feel that you have to choose between two things you genuinely want to try.

This is particularly useful if you are curious about something but aren’t quite sure you will like it.

9. You Don’t Have to Eat in Your Rotational Restaurant Every Night

I really enjoy rotational dining, and it is an important part of the Disney Cruise experience.

But you don’t have to do it every single night.

Perhaps you have Palo or Remy booked.

Maybe you have eaten a huge lunch and just don’t want another full meal.

Or perhaps you simply want something quick and an early night.

That’s fine.

If you know you aren’t going to dinner, it is courteous to let your serving team know.

Related: Palo Steakhouse Dinner Review

10. Don’t Give Up on a Palo Reservation

Palo reservations can disappear quickly before the cruise.

That doesn’t necessarily mean you have lost your chance.

Keep checking.

Plans change and reservations can reappear.

There may also be availability once you are onboard.

I would never guarantee that you will get the reservation you want, particularly on a short cruise, but I certainly wouldn’t stop looking just because nothing was available the first time you checked.

Related: The Complete Guide to Booking Activities on a Disney Cruise

11. Do the Math Before Buying a Wine Package

This is something I have looked at in considerable detail.

The wine package sounds like an obvious way to save money.

But is it?

Not necessarily.

Whether it makes sense depends on which wines you would actually order and how much you would otherwise spend.

Don’t buy it simply because the word “package” makes it sound like a deal.

Look at the current prices and work out whether it makes sense for you.

12. Remember That Your Cruise Fare Isn’t Your Final Cost

This is an important one when budgeting.

Your Disney Cruise fare includes a huge amount.

But it doesn’t include everything.

Gratuities are an additional expense. Then you may have alcohol, specialty dining, Port Adventures, spa treatments, internet, shopping and all the other tempting extras onboard.

You can absolutely have an amazing Disney cruise without spending a fortune once you get on the ship.

But you need to know what isn’t included before you sail.

Related: What is Not Included on a Disney Cruise

13. Check Your Onboard Account Before the Last Night

Don’t wait until you are trying to pack, put your luggage outside and get some sleep before an extremely early breakfast.

Check your onboard account during the cruise. It is a lot easier to spot mistakes if you check it every day.

If something doesn’t look right, deal with it while Guest Services isn’t surrounded by everyone else trying to do exactly the same thing.

It also helps you keep track of just how much those little onboard purchases are adding up.

They can add up remarkably quickly.

14. You Probably Need Less Stuff Than the Internet Tells You

I have seen Disney Cruise packing lists that make it look as though you are moving onto the ship permanently.

You really don’t need to bring everything.

There are certainly some things that can make your stateroom more organized and your cruise easier.

But don’t feel that you need to buy 47 “cruise essentials” before you leave home.

You don’t.

Disney Cruise staterooms are thoughtfully designed, and most people would benefit more from bringing less rather than more.

Related: My Suggested Things to Take on a Cruise

15. Magnetic Hooks Can Actually Be Useful

Having just said you don’t need every cruise gadget ever invented, this is one I do find useful.

Many stateroom surfaces are magnetic, so magnetic hooks can give you additional places to hang lightweight items.

They can be useful for hats, lanyards and other small things that otherwise end up covering every available surface.

Just don’t turn your stateroom into a hardware store.

A few are enough. Here are the ones I take.

16. Don’t Automatically Book a Port Adventure for Castaway Cay

If your Disney cruise visits Castaway Cay, you absolutely do not need to book an excursion to have a great day.

There is plenty included.

You have beaches, food, character appearances and lots of places to simply relax.

Port Adventures can be great if there is something specific you want to experience.

But don’t book one because you think you need an activity to enjoy the island.

You don’t.

Related: Complete Guide to Castaway Cay

17. Get Off the Ship Early at Castaway Cay

This one I do recommend.

Castaway Cay feels very different earlier in the day.

You have more choice about where you want to sit, temperatures can be more comfortable and you have more time to enjoy the island.

You have paid for a Disney cruise that includes Castaway Cay.

I always leave the ship early.

18. Don’t Forget About Serenity Bay

If everyone in your party is 18 or older, remember that Castaway Cay has an adults-only beach.

Serenity Bay has a completely different feel from the family beach.

Some people love it.

Others actually prefer the atmosphere closer to the ship.

Try it for yourself rather than assuming the adults-only beach is automatically going to be your favorite.

19. Character Meet Times Matter

If meeting Disney characters is important to you, don’t just turn up at the most obvious time and then wonder why everyone else had the same idea.

Look at the Navigator app and plan.

Character lines can vary considerably depending on what else is happening around the ship.

Sometimes changing your plans slightly can mean spending much less time standing in line.

20. Don’t Try to Do Everything

This may be the Disney Cruise tip I am worst at following.

There is so much happening.

Shows. Characters. Trivia. Movies. Dining. Pools. Crafts. Tastings. Live music.

You could spend your entire cruise moving from one scheduled activity to another.

And miss the fact that you are actually on a beautiful ship in the middle of the ocean.

Pick the things that matter most.

Leave some space.

Some of my favorite Disney Cruise moments haven’t been scheduled at all.

21. Look at the Navigator App Every Day

Don’t assume you know what is happening because you looked at the schedule before the cruise.

Activities and times can change.

I usually look at the app in the morning and favorite anything I am particularly interested in.

You will get reminders, which is very helpful when you have completely lost track of time.

Something that happens very easily on a cruise.

22. Research Your Stateroom Before You Book

Not all staterooms within the same category are identical.

Location can matter.

Some people want to be close to the elevators. Others would rather be farther away from busy areas.

Some staterooms have interesting configurations, oversized verandahs or other features that make them particularly desirable.

There are even certain Disney Cruise staterooms that have become “secret” favorites amongst experienced cruisers.

A few minutes of research before booking can make a big difference.

23. Check Prices Even After You Book

Booking your Disney cruise doesn’t necessarily mean you should never look at the price again.

Disney Cruise Line pricing changes.

Special offers appear.

Different stateroom categories can change in price.

The rules around whether you can take advantage of a lower price will depend on your particular reservation, fare and timing, so don’t assume you will automatically be able to change it.

But I still think it is worth knowing what is happening with prices.

24. Don’t Ignore the Adult Areas

Disney Cruise Line is obviously very family focused.

But that doesn’t mean adults have to spend the entire cruise surrounded by children.

Every Disney ship has adult spaces, including bars, lounges, pools or outdoor areas, although the designs vary considerably from ship to ship.

Explore them early.

Even if you are sailing with children, there may be times when they are very happily occupied elsewhere and you can enjoy some adult time.

25. Your Final Morning Is Earlier Than You Think

This catches first-time cruisers by surprise.

The final morning is not another relaxing cruise morning.

It’s early.

Really early.

Breakfast may be at a time when you normally wouldn’t even consider being awake on vacation, particularly if you have first seating.

And everyone needs to leave the ship that morning.

My advice is to do as much as possible the night before.

Pack properly. Check your account. Know where you need to go. And don’t leave everything until morning.

Related: How to Prepare for a Stress Free Disembarkation

26. Think Carefully Before Putting Your Luggage Out on the Final Night

Disney gives you the option of leaving tagged luggage outside your stateroom on the final evening so that you can collect it after leaving the ship.

Very convenient.

Until you realize your shoes are inside it.

Yes, people really do forget to keep clothes for the next morning. I have seen people disembark in pyjamas.

Keep a small bag with everything you need overnight and for disembarkation.

That includes clothes, toiletries, medication, documents and anything valuable.

27. Stop Trying to Have the “Perfect” Disney Cruise

This is probably the biggest thing I have learned after all these years.

Something will not go according to plan.

You might miss a character.

It might rain at Castaway Cay.

Your favorite activity may be full.

The restaurant dish you were looking forward to might be disappointing.

You might not get the Palo reservation.

And it really doesn’t matter.

Disney cruises are expensive, and I completely understand wanting to get as much as possible out of the experience.

But sometimes that creates so much pressure to do everything that you forget to enjoy where you actually are.

Some of my best memories have come from things I didn’t plan at all.

So research your cruise.

Know the things that matter to you.

Have a plan.

And then be prepared to completely ignore it sometimes.

One More Disney Cruise Tip…

If I had to give a first-time Disney cruiser just one piece of advice, it would be this:

Don’t plan your cruise according to what everyone else says you “must” do.

If your family couldn’t care less about meeting characters, don’t spend an hour waiting for Mickey because someone told you that you should.

If you would rather sit on your verandah with coffee than race to another activity, do that.

If your idea of a perfect Castaway Cay day is sitting under an umbrella and doing absolutely nothing, that sounds pretty good to me.

There is no single right way to experience a Disney cruise.

And after sailing with Disney for years, I think learning that might be the best Disney Cruise tip of all.