The Royal Gathering on Disney Cruise Line: What You Need to Know (And Why You Need to Calm Down)

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Look, I get it.

You’ve heard about the Royal Gathering. You’ve seen the photos. You know it’s the most popular princess meet-and-greets on Disney cruises.

And now you’re stressed out of your mind about getting tickets.

Let me help you take a breath and understand what’s actually happening here – and what to do about it.

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What IS the Royal Gathering?

The Royal Gathering is a character meet-and-greet experience where you’ll usually get to meet 4 Disney Princesses at once.

It is included in your cruise fare. Nothing extra to pay.

Why is this such a big deal?

Because it’s the most time-efficient way to meet multiple princesses during your cruise.

Instead of standing in separate lines throughout the week hoping to catch each princess, you can see multiple princesses at one time.

You’ll meet them in the Grand Hall on Wish-class ships or the Atrium on Dream-class and Classic ships.

Now, here’s the thing: specific princesses are not guaranteed. You’ll usually meet four or five princesses, but Disney doesn’t promise which ones.

I have most often seen Cinderella, Belle and Tiana – but also Mulan, Snow White (on Disney Fantasy), Ariel, Rapunzel, Jasmine and Moana.

And yes, you WILL have other opportunities to meet princesses throughout your cruise. This isn’t your only chance.

But it IS the most efficient chance. Usually the process only takes between 15 and 20 minutes.

Which is why everyone wants it.

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When Do Tickets Become Available?

Royal Gathering tickets are released at midnight EST exactly 30 days before your cruise.

And they go FAST. Like, gone-in-minutes fast.

Here’s where it gets tricky for first-time cruisers…

Online check-in ALSO opens at midnight EST, 30 days before your cruise.

So you’ve got two things happening at the exact same time, and you can really only focus on one.

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The Port Arrival Time Dilemma

When you check in online, you select your Port Arrival Time – which is one of the things that determines when you can board the ship.

You can see how the check in online process works here.

The earlier you check in, the better selection of arrival times you get.

If you delay check-in because you’re trying to snag Royal Gathering tickets first? You’re probably getting a later Port Arrival Time and that means a later Boarding Group.

So here’s your choice:

Option 1: Prioritize check-in, get an early Port Arrival Time, board the ship sooner… but probably miss Royal Gathering tickets.

Option 2: Prioritize Royal Gathering, try for those tickets first, but accept you’ll likely get a late Port Arrival Time and board the ship later.

You can have two people on two devices with one prioritizing check in and the other Royal Gathering, to maximize your chances of getting an earlier PAT and the Royal Gathering. This sometimes works, but those tickets go fast!

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The DCL Shuttle Exception

Now, if you’ve booked the Disney Cruise Line shuttle from MCO Airport, MCO Hyatt or a Disney World Resort to the port , this whole Port Arrival Time thing matters a lot less.

Why?

Because the DCL shuttle runs on its own schedule regardless of your selected Port Arrival Time. You’re boarding when the shuttle arrives – not based on the time slot you picked.

PLUS , shuttle passengers typically get a Boarding Group between 3 and 10 (though this isn’t guaranteed). You’ll be among the first groups on the ship anyway.

So if you booked the DCL shuttle? Go ahead and prioritize Royal Gathering. Your Port Arrival Time doesn’t really matter.

Related: Everything You Need to Know About the Disney Cruise Shuttle

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What If You Don’t Get Tickets?

Okay, so midnight hits. You tried. You didn’t get tickets.

Now what?

First: Breathe. This is not the end of the world or your cruise.

Here’s what you can do:

1. Keep checking the Navigator App. Sometimes people cancel – don’t get obsessed about this, It is unlikely to happen but it is worth looking.
2. Check the Navigator app as soon as you get to the port. Connect to the ship’s wifi and check for any cancellations or newly released spots.
3. Go straight to Guest Services when you board. Sometimes they have last-minute availability.
4. Accept that you’ll have other chances. You WILL have other opportunities to meet princesses throughout your cruise. It might take more time, but the magic is still there.

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The Bottom Line

People get VERY stressed about the Royal Gathering. Like, losing-sleep-over-it stressed.

And then they get upset when they don’t get tickets.

I need you to hear this: It’s not worth ruining your cruise excitement over.

Yes, it’s a great experience. Yes, it’s efficient. Yes, it books up fast.

But it’s also INCLUDED, which means Disney isn’t making money off it, which means they’re not incentivized to offer unlimited spots.

Make your choice:

• Want Royal Gathering more than an early boarding time? Go for it at midnight.
• Want to board early and settle in? Do check-in first.
• Booked the DCL shuttle? You’ve got more flexibility – try for Royal Gathering.

And if you don’t get it? You’re still going on a Disney cruise. You’re still going to meet princesses. You’re still going to have an amazing time.

The Royal Gathering is wonderful, but it’s not the only magic on that ship.

Now go enjoy planning the rest of your cruise!