If you’re going on a Disney Cruise soon or hoping to book one, then you’ll want to know these Disney Cruise tips before you go. Disney Cruise Line brings the magic so much more than other cruise lines do. They are so fun for families and people of all ages to go on.
Book Early To Save
Book your Disney cruise as far in advance as you can, even a year or more in advance. This will get you the best deal on prices and give you time to save and pay for it all.
Book A Character Call
Before you go on your Disney Cruise, you can have a Disney character call your kids with a prerecorded message. After booking your cruise, look at your reservation, select My Cruise, and “Request Call”.
Request Character Sheets
When you get on the ship and get to your stateroom you’ll meet your Stateroom Attendant. You can talk to them and request character sheets for your kids bedding. They have Frozen and more cute Disney options they’ll put on your kids beds in the evening.
Learn About Your Ship
Before going on your cruise, learn all about your ship. Learn what the restaurants are and what fun there is on your ship so when you get there you aren’t trying to learn it all.
Don’t Try To Do It All
There are so many things going on on cruise ships at all time. It’s impossible to do all of the activities and character meet n greets, so pick a few you want to do everyday and make sure to leave some time for relaxing too.
Book Your Reservations 75 Days In Advance
First time Disney cruisers can book shore excursions, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, and dining reservations 75 days before embarkation day. Silver Castaway Club Members can book 90 days in advance, Gold Castaway Club Members 105 days, and Platinum Castaway Club Members and Concierge Guests 120 days out.
Royal Gathering Reservations
Royal Gathering is where you can meet lots of Disney princesses all in one area. It does not cost extra to do, but it’s very popular, so you need a reservation for it. You make reservations 30 days in advance.
Try To Get Reservations Onboard
If you couldn’t get the reservations you want for anything before your cruise, go to guest services right away once you’re on the ship and see if they have availability and can get you in. They usually can if you try right away.
Go To The Shows
Disney Cruise Line is known for their Broadway level shows and musicals. Guests are really loving “The Tale of Moana” on the Disney Treasure right now.
Do The Early Dinner For Kids
There are two options of times for dining in the sit-down restaurants for dinner. They have an early dinner and a late dinner. If you have kids, do the early dinner so they aren’t too exhausted or even asleep by the time the late dinner comes around.
Download The App
Download the app for Disney Cruises before you get on board. It’s called Disney Cruise Line Navigator App. Poke around and familiarize yourself with it before your cruise.
Get A Magical Cappuccino
Go to Cove Cafe and order a cappuccino with a Disney character on it. You can get Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, cruise designs, and more right on top of your coffee. This is an extra charge, but seriously so cute and magical.
Themed Sailings
Disney has some themed sailings throughout the year that you can consider booking if you like the themes. They have special Halloween and Christmas themed cruises and some other sailings have a Marvel Day At Sea.
Book A Placeholder Reservation
When you’re on your cruise you can book a placeholder reservation for your next cruise. You will get 10% off the future cruise you book. There are blackout dates that apply to this, but you will save a lot on your next cruise by booking it this way. You can book it in the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App. This costs $250 to do and you can cancel it and get a refund if you change your mind later.
Bring A Refillable Water Bottle
Bring a refillable water bottle with you to save money and not need to buy water bottles for your room. There are water refill stations throughout the ships that you can use.
Get Mickey Ice Cream Bars
The iconic Mickey Ice Cream bars from the Disney parks are also available on Disney Cruise ships, and they’re included in the cost of your cruise. You can order them via room service 24/7. Room service is included in your cruise, but consider tipping a couple dollars to the worker who brings it to you.
Get Complementary Soda
You can complementary soft drinks at the beverage stations around the ships and at the sit down meals. These drink stations also have coffee and tea at them.
You Can Order Extra At Dinner
You’ll have dinner at a sit-down restaurant each night of your cruise. Dinner comes with an appetizer, an entree, and dessert. If there are two desserts you can’t decide between, order both! You can do this with appetizers and entrees too.
You Can Request Better Dining Seating
You can call or request in the app to have a preferred table at the dinner restaurants. The Disney Treasure has a Coco themed restaurant called Plaza de Coco. Guests like to be close to the entertainment in this restaurant to see it better, although some say it’s too loud when they’re right next to it.
Request Animator’s Palate Twice
Animator’s Palate is a restaurant on the Disney Wonder, Magic, Fantasy, and Dream cruise ships. If you’re on a cruise that’s 4+ nights, request to eat here twice. It’s on the second time of eating here that guests can draw and their drawings will be on the screens throughout the restaurant.
Decorate Your Door
The doors of the staterooms are magnetic, so you can decorate your door with cute Disney magnetic decorations. This will help little ones remember where their door is by looking for their decor.
Kids Club Open Houses
The kids clubs are designed for kids of certain ages and most of the time you have to follow the strict guidelines to drop your kids off at them. They have open house times though where anyone can go in and check them out and have some fun.
Buy A Popcorn Bucket
You can buy a Disney Cruise Line popcorn bucket on your cruise and refill it throughout your cruise for just a few dollars. This is great for when you go see movies and shows, or just want to snack on delicious Disney popcorn.