Updated February 22, 2024
So, you have booked a Disney Cruise and are now looking for tips and tricks to help your cruise go smoothly.
Learn More About Your Ship
Disney Cruise Line has five ships; Magic, Wonder, Dream, Fantasy, Wish and this year, the Treasure; each has unique features. Learn more about each ship by following the links.
Join Your Facebook Group
The first thing I recommend doing after booking a cruise is to join the Facebook group for your cruise. This will allow you to get to know some of the people you are cruising with. It is a great resource to learn more about your sailing. Usually, group members will remind you about important dates like the date to pay in full “PIF”, book excursions and onboard activities, and check-in. You can find your cruise groups for each ship; Magic, Wonder, Dream, Fantasy, and Wish.
If you are travelling to Europe, I recommend joining The Disney Cruise Mediterranean, Greek Isles, and Europe Cruise Planning Group.
If you want to participate in the gift exchange or “Fish Extender Exchange,.” You would sign up in your cruise group. You can find other exchanges there, like magnet and candy exchanges.
Check Out Your Stateroom
Did you book a special room like a secret porthole room on the Magic or Wonder? You can often find YouTube videos of many staterooms.
Cruise Essentials
Next up, start to think about what you need for the cruise. Check and see what I think are essentials for the cruise. If you are going to dine at any of the Adult venues (Palo and Palo’s Steakhouse, Remy’s, Enchanté), make sure you are familiar with the dress code. Disney Cruise is one of the few cruise lines with DIY laundry rooms. It is handy when travelling with kids and means you could pack less. Ensure you know the dress code for the different dining venues and specialty nights.
Book Your Activities, Excursions, and Character Meets
When your booking window opens, book what you want to do first. When you can book, activities depend on your Castaway Club status. Know which days you are in port and which excursions are available on your cruise. Book any adult dining and beverage-tasting seminars. This will also be your first chance to book time at the spa. If you are travelling with any 3 and under, book time in the nursery. If you travel with anyone 12 and under, don’t forget to check out the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. Guests over three years old check out the Pirate League on the day of the Pirate Deck Party.
Don’t forget to book any character meets you may want to do. There will be many opportunities to meet characters on the ship, but Disney will have meetups you can pre-book. In the past, they have been for princesses and Frozen characters. You will have other choices if you go on a themed cruise, Marvel, Star Wars, or Pixar.
Learn more about Disney’s newest ship, the Wish.
Learn about Castaway Cay if your ship is stopping there.
Explore Food and Dining Options
Are you wondering what the food choices will be on the cruise? Check out the menus. Learn about rotational dining and dining seating.
See what the dessert experience at Remy is like.
Check-In
Thirty days before your cruise, you will be able to check-in. Make sure you know what identification you need and have it ready.
Add any pre- or post-transfers or pre-pay your gratuities before you sail.
Getting to the Port
Learn about taking Disney transfers to the port.
Prepare for Boarding Day
When your boarding day finally arrives, ensure you have all your documents, arrive at your Port Arrival Time and know what you can pack in your carry-on. Once on the ship, remember you cannot do everything. Make sure you take some time to relax and enjoy yourself.
Don’t forget to get a placeholder to book a future cruise at a discount.
Learn about the Disney Wonder will be sailing transpacific cruises in 2023, followed by cruises sailing from Australia and New Zealand. Also, Disney’s newest ship, the Disney Treasure, is coming in 2024.
Finally, sign up for our newsletter to keep up with the latest Disney Cruise News, Rumours, discounts and tips and tricks.
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