Planning a Disney Cruise can feel overwhelming, especially when activities and excursions sell out quickly.
And everyone is telling you how great all the activities are but you have no idea which to prioritize, which don’t matter, and how to even book them anyway!
Don’t worry. Help is here.
Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned Castaway Club member, it’s important to know that you don’t need to book every activity in advance to have an unforgettable vacation.
This guide will help you balance pre-booking must-dos like the Royal Gathering, managing online check-in, and embracing all the onboard magic—even if you don’t get every reservation you planned.
Booking in Advance: What You Need to Know
Disney Cruise Line offers pre-booking options for activities such as Port Adventures, adult dining, tastings, and spa treatments.
These extras can add magic to your trip, but they aren’t required to have a memorable experience.
Related: Disney Castaway Cay Activities – What You Must Know
Know When Your Booking Window Opens
Your booking window depends on your Castaway Club status or stateroom category.
Here’s when you can start pre-booking:
| Guest Type | When Booking Opens |
|---|---|
| First-Time Cruisers | 75 days before sailing |
| Silver Castaway Club | 90 days before sailing |
| Gold Castaway Club | 105 days before sailing |
| Platinum Castaway Club | 120 days before sailing |
| Pearl Castaway Club | 123 days before sailing |
| Concierge Guests | 130 days before sailing* |
(*Concierge guests can email Shoreside Concierge to request reservations.)
Booking opens at midnight Eastern Time (ET) on your designated date, so set a reminder!
What Activities Can You Book?
- Port Adventures: Relax at Castaway Cay, explore local culture, or enjoy thrilling excursions.
- Adult Dining: Reserve a table at Palo, Remy, or Enchanté for a fine dining experience.
- Spa Treatments: Book massages, facials, or access to the Rainforest Room.
- Royal Gathering: Meet several Disney Princesses in a single magical session (details below).
- Mixology & Tastings: Fun and interactive beverage classes.
- Onboard Activities: Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.
- Nursery Time: Reserve childcare for toddlers (6 months–3 years) at “it’s a small world” nursery.
Disney Rainforest – Should You Spend the Money?
The Royal Gathering – What it is and Why People Stress About This But Don’t Need To.
The Royal Gathering is one of the most sought-after experiences on a Disney Cruise.
It’s a special event that lets guests meet multiple Disney Princesses at once.
You do need tickets for it.
But this is not your only chance to see the Princesses. There will be other meet and greets with the Disney Princesses available – it is just that the Royal Gathering provides the most efficient way of seeing the Princesses in the shortest amount of time.
When to Book
The Royal Gathering opens for booking 30 days before your sail date at midnight Eastern Time (ET). For first-time cruisers, this is the same time as online check-in.
And this is where first time cruisers can get stressed and upset. But you really don’t have to.
How to Prioritize It
- Decide What’s More Important:
- If you’re a first-time cruiser, you’ll need to choose between booking the Royal Gathering or securing an earlier port arrival time (PAT) during online check-in.
- If you’ve booked Disney Cruise Line transportation (a transfer from the airport, the Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport, or a Disney resort), you don’t need to worry about a PAT, as Disney transfers do not require one. In this case, prioritize booking the Royal Gathering.
- If you’re driving or arriving independently, decide whether an earlier PAT or Royal Gathering is more important for your trip.
- Use Multiple Devices: The Disney Cruise Line app can be glitchy, so it’s best to use a computer for one task (e.g., booking the Royal Gathering) and a phone for the other (e.g., completing online check-in). Enlist a second person to help if possible.
- Plan Ahead: Disney doesn’t publish Royal Gathering times in advance, but you can check the “My Plans” section of the Disney Cruise Line website to see available days for your itinerary. Decide on ideal times in advance, and avoid booking during Port Adventures or other activities. It is usually on multiple days early in the morning from 9 am ownwards.
- Be Quick: The Royal Gathering often sells out within minutes, so log in prior midnight ET and complete your reservation as quickly as possible.
- Look at Later Days: Most people look at the days from first to last – this means that you are slightly more likely to get a reservation if you start at the latest day of your cruise, rather than Day 2.
What If You Miss It?
If the Royal Gathering is fully booked, don’t worry.
Disney Princesses also appear at individual meet-and-greets throughout the cruise, which don’t require reservations.
While the Royal Gathering is convenient, it’s not your only chance to meet the princesses.
What If You Can’t Book in Advance?
If you don’t get the activities you want during the booking window, there are still ways to secure a spot:
- Check the App Regularly: Cancellations happen, and new availability can pop up at any time.
- Log In at the Port: Once you arrive, connect to the ship’s Wi-Fi through the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app. Activities often open up on embarkation day. I managed to get a Mixology Class Booking on my last cruise whilst I was waiting in port.
- Visit Guest Services: After boarding, head to Guest Services, the Spa, or the dining reservations team to join waitlists or book held-back spots.
Related: How to Make the Most of Your First Hours on a Cruise
Disney Cruises Are Magical Without Reservations
Even if you don’t pre-book a single activity, Disney Cruises are designed to be full of fun, excitement, and relaxation.
Here’s a look at what you can enjoy—without the need for reservations:
Broadway-Style Entertainment
On your cruise you’ll have access to world-class shows that rival any Broadway production. These performances, included in your fare, are a highlight of the cruise. From original Disney stories to beloved classics, these shows are truly amazing.
There really is nothing else like it at sea.
Pools & Water Play Areas
Each Disney ship is equipped with pools, splash areas, and thrilling water slides like the AquaMouse and AquaDuck.
Whether you’re relaxing under the sun or racing down a slide, the pools are a perfect way to spend your day.
Rotational Dining
Disney’s rotational dining system lets you enjoy a different themed restaurant every night, with immersive environments and delicious menus.
Your dining team moves with you, ensuring personalized service throughout your trip.
Related: Rotational Dining – What You Need to Know
Character Interactions
Even without the Royal Gathering, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to meet Disney characters.
From Mickey and Minnie to Marvel superheroes and other beloved Disney favorites, character appearances are scheduled throughout the ship and don’t require reservations.
You can find out all the character appearance times on the App when you board.
Hero Zone & Sports Decks
For families or active cruisers, Hero Zone on Disney Wish, Disney Treasure and Disney Destiny offers obstacle courses and interactive games at select times.
Outside, the sports deck is perfect for mini-golf, basketball, or simply enjoying the ocean breeze. Each ship offers something different but there is always something to do.
Themed Deck Parties
Disney’s deck parties are legendary, featuring music, dancing, and even fireworks at sea (on select itineraries).
These events are included in your fare and are a must-experience highlight of your Disney Cruise.
Related: How to Make the Most of Pirate Night
Kids’ and Teens’ Clubs
For younger passengers, the kids’ clubs (ages 3-17) are a highlight.
These expertly staffed areas offer themed play spaces, games, and activities that will keep kids entertained for hours— all included in your fare.
Relaxation for Adults
Adults can unwind in exclusive areas like Quiet Cove Pool, indulge in a drink at a specialty bar, or enjoy live music in the evenings. No reservations required!
Related: How to Have the Time of Your Grown Up Life on a Disney Cruise
Tips for Smooth Sailing
- Mark Your Calendar: Set reminders for your booking window and online check-in date.
- Use Multiple Devices: Minimize app glitches by using a computer for one task and a phone for another.
- Plan Ahead: Research your itinerary and prioritize activities that matter most to you.
- Be Flexible: If you can’t get your first-choice reservation, other options are often just as magical.
Relax and Let the Magic Happen
A Disney Cruise is designed to be magical, whether you’ve planned every moment or decided to go with the flow.
With so many included activities, dining experiences, and entertainment options, you’ll never run out of things to do.
Focus on the memories you’ll make, not the reservations you didn’t get.
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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.