If you’re anything like me, the anticipation of a Disney Cruise is half the fun.
But it can get overwhelming.
Particularly understanding what and when you can book for extra activities on your cruise.
Did you know that as soon as your Disney Cruise Line booking window opens, you can start reserving experiences that will turn your vacation from magical to unforgettable?
Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or sailing for the first time, knowing what you can book—and when—is the key to a smooth, stress-free adventure at sea.
Below, I’ll walk you through everything you can reserve when your booking window opens, along with tried-and-tested advice from my more than two decades of Disney Cruising.
The first thing to do is to make sure you have already downloaded the Disney Cruise App. You will most likely book things on the App, although you can also do this on your computer by going to my reservations on the DCL site and logging into your account.
Know When Your Booking Window Opens
Before you start planning those magical moments, the first step is knowing exactly when you can start making reservations.
Disney Cruise Line opens activity booking in waves, depending on your loyalty level and stateroom type. Here’s a quick guide:
| Guest Type | When Booking Opens |
|---|---|
| First-Time Cruisers | 75 days before your sail date |
| Silver Castaway Club | 90 days before your sail date |
| Gold Castaway Club | 105 days before your sail date |
| Platinum Castaway Club | 120 days before your sail date |
| Pearl Castaway Club | 123 days before your sail date |
| Concierge Stateroom Guests | 130 days before your sail date* |
Concierge guests may book via Shoreside Concierge up to 130 days prior – you can send an email with all your requests. Online booking for concierge guests is available starting 123 days before sailing.
You can read all about the Disney Castaway Club Levels and Benefits here.
Once your booking window opens – which will be at midnight EST on the relevant date before your sail date – then you can start booking things!
1. Port Adventures
Whether you’re looking to unwind on Castaway Cay, try something adventurous, or explore local culture, Disney’s Port Adventures offer a range of experiences to suit every traveler.
I always recommend booking these early, as the most popular tours and activities fill up quickly.
Always remember that you do not have to book DCL activities – you can always use a reputable company such as Viator who may have more availability and different tours for a lower price.
You can take a look at which port adventures might be available for your cruise prior to your booking window opening, so that you have a chance to think about which ones you may choose. You can see this here:
And here is a guide to all the Disney Castaway Cay Activities.
2. Exclusive Adult Dining
If treating yourself to a special meal is on your list, don’t miss your chance to reserve a table at one of the ship’s adult-exclusive restaurants.
These extra charge restaurants are available for reservations for ages 18+
- Palo – all ships
- Remy – Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream
- Enchante – Disney Wish and Disney Fantasy – and will also be on Disney Destiny.
Different experiences are offered at each which may include Brunch and Dinner.
I have dined at all the extra charge restaurants many times and have written these reviews:
An Honest Review of Disney’s Enchante
Should You Book a Palo Brunch?
The Disney Palo Steakhouse Experience – Is It Worth It?
3. Spa & Salon Appointments
A little pampering at sea goes a long way! At Senses Spa & Salon, you can pre-book massages, facials, salon treatments, and even the popular Rainforest Room.
In my experience, the best time slots disappear quickly, so make this a priority if relaxation is at the top of your list.
Here is a Guide to Disney Cruise Spa Pricing and Menu.
Disney’s Rainforest is one of my favorite things to enjoy on the ships. However, they do vary between the different types of Disney Ship. Here is a guide to all of the different types of Rainforest Room.
If you are sailing on Disney Treasure, Wish or Destiny here is my detailed review of this Rainforest Room design.
4. Character Events & Special Gatherings
Certain magical meet-and-greets such as Royal Court Tea and Olaf’s Royal Picnic require advance reservations.
These events are always a hit with kids and Disney fans of all ages—and they make for unbeatable photo ops. Check your cruise itinerary to see what’s available as different events are available on different ships.
Do not confuse this with tickets for Royal Gathering. The Royal Gathering on a Disney Cruise is a scheduled event where guests can meet several Disney Princesses in one location
. It usually takes place in the ship’s atrium or with the newer ships, The Grand Hall. To attend, you need to reserve a spot in advance, as space is limited. The event offers a chance for photos and brief interactions with the princesses.
However, this is only available to book 30 days before your cruise – again the time is 12 am EST.
If you are a first time cruiser this will be the same time as online check in is available – so usually you will do this first and then book the Royal Gathering.
Disney Cruise Online Check in Guide – What You Need to Know
If you are already a member of Disney Castaway Club you will be able to check into your cruise prior to that 30 day date – so these people get a head start on booking Royal Gathering.
Note that the Royal Gathering is not the only chance to meet the Princesses. I know that lots of guests are concerned about this, but there will be other chances. The Royal Gathering just gets you the chance to see multiple Princesses at one time.
5. Beverage Tastings & Mixology Classes
If you’d like to try something new, sign up for a beverage tasting.
Disney Cruise Line offers tastings of wine, whiskey, tequila, martinis, and many more. These are not just delicious, but a lot of fun and a great way to meet fellow cruisers.
Cocktail Magic on the High Seas – Is it For You?
6. Onboard Activities & Experiences
Some activities on the ship—like Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique makeovers for little ones or special fitness classes—can be reserved in advance.
Availability varies by ship, so be sure to check what’s offered for your specific sailing.
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Packages Prices
7. Nursery Time for Little Sailors
Traveling with a toddler (6 months–3 years)? The “it’s a small world” nursery! is a lifesaver for parents wanting a bit of grown-up time.
These slots are limited, so I always recommend reserving early if you know you’ll need childcare.
Complete Guide to it’s a small world Nursery
Remember that the kids clubs for children aged 3 to 17 are at no extra charge and do not have to be booked.
Disney Cruise Kids Clubs – What You Need to Know
Tips for Smooth Sailing
- Mark Your Calendar: Set a reminder for your booking window based on your Castaway Club status or stateroom type.
- Be Prepared: Know what you want to book ahead of time—popular experiences go quickly!
- Use the App: The Disney Cruise Line Navigator app is your best friend for managing and modifying reservations, both before and during your cruise.
- Check Your Ship: Not all activities are available on every voyage. Double-check your itinerary for details.
What if You Don’t Get the Activities and Bookings You Want?
Firstly, don’t give up. There are other ways that you can book these. Not all activities and reservations are released online – DCL do keep some back to only be booked on board.
- Keep checking back online prior to your cruise. Check at different times of day as you never know when there might be cancellations.
- Connect to the ships wifi as soon as you can when you arrive at the port. This is not the same as buying the Internet Package. You connect, via your DCL App, when you arrive at the port so that you can use it on your Cruise. Check the activities section and you may be lucky. On my recent cruise I booked Mixology whilst sitting waiting to board.
I wanted to show you what was available when I was waiting in Port Canaveral to board Disney Wish. Here are the beverage tastings and dining that I could have booked at that time:
- Visit Guest Services or the Dining Team. Check your App to see where your dining team reservations Cast Members will be to help you. This varies on each ship, so check the venue on the App. Recently, Disney Wish and Treasure dining team have been in Triton’s Lounge.
- Keep checking the App during your cruise. Things do become available.
Alison Meacham is the founder of EverythingMouse Disney Blog. For over 15 years she has shared her love of Disney Parks, Disney Cruises and Universal Orlando. In over 30 years of Disney Travel she has spent countless months in Disney Parks and has sailed on over 45 cruises. A British native and now a United States resident she splits her time between California, Florida and the UK. And spends a serious amount of time sailing the seven seas. She helps over 200,000 people per month follow their Disney travel dreams.