Our Guide to Disney Cruise Line

Over the last few months we’ve told you all about our cruise onboard the Disney Fantasy. Seriously, we had such an amazing time and as a family we love to talk about the trips that we’ve taken and the trips that we have coming up – at least a little bit when they come up in conversation almost every day. When one cruise ends it’s sad, but the magic doesn’t end! And we always have another cruise to look forward to – the same goes for our trips to Disney World! We love sharing about our experience here, and we hope that our posts provide useful, helpful, and entertaining information that gets your excited for your next trip!

We posted a Disney Cruise tips post about three years ago, but a lot has changed since then, and we have taken a lot more cruises since then and now have more information to share with you! We’ve also come to realize, especially while editing and adding new information, that this post is less about tips and more of a guide to cruising with Disney. Don’t worry, we’ll have a post with actual tips in it in the coming weeks. For now, enjoy our guide to Disney Cruise Line!

Before Your Cruise

Use a Travel Agent - I'm going to start out the post to push my business and then I won't mention it again. Using a travel agent shouldn't cost you an extra cent, and with me it doesn't, but it will get you added benefits. Not only will I do all the hard work of price comparing and booking for you, but having been on quite a few* amazing Disney cruises I can help you with first-hand information before and after booking. (*At the time of posting we have taken six cruise with Disney! We have two more booked at the moment, we’re waiting for the next round of itineraries to be announced to book another, and we have plans in the works for many more after that.

Use Online Check In - You can use online check in for air travel and for certain hotels, and it helps to speed things up. It is the same for your cruise, however, online check in for your cruise is way more important because it is where you provide all of your information, to include passports, fill out forms that are needed at the cruise terminal, and pick a time to arrive at the port. Online check in can be done 75 days prior to your departure if you are a first time cruiser with Disney, 90 days out for Castaway Club Silver Members (1-5 cruises), 105 days for Castaway Gold Members (6-10 cruises), and 120 days for Castaway Platinum Members (more than 10). At the time of online check in you may also book port adventures, register children for the youth clubs, reserve times for little ones in the nursery, relaxation at the spa, adult only time at a specialty dining location or even a beverage tasting. You can also reserve your spot for special character meet and greets as well as a character breakfast, too. Take advantage of online check in, you won't regret it.

Make a Packing List - Make a list of all of the things that you think you'll need on your cruise. There are a lot of lists online, but remember, each itinerary and each family will require different items. Make a list of what you know and think you might need. DON’T OVER PACK! If you accidentally forget something that was on your list don't stress out about it! They sell almost anything you could possibly need on board the ship and believe it or not the prices aren't too bad, either. The one thing you should not forget, however, are your cruise documents to include passports.

Cruise Line App – Be sure to download the Disney Cruise Line Personal Navigator App. When this app first debuted it was used as a countdown before you were onboard your cruise, and then once on your cruise you could access the daily Personal Navigators, dining room menus, and to chat with others on board. Recently it has been overhauled! Everything while you’re onboard is the same – but now you can log into your cruise reservation(s) before you board the ship, see your countdowns, access your important information and more! 

Onboard Gifts and Amenities – You can now order gifts like flowers, the deluxe fruit or cheese plate, cakes, and so much more online!

Port Arrival Time – During online check-in you are given the opportunity to select what is called a Port Arrival Time. As the name implies this is when you should arrive to the port and begin the security and check-in process. This is NOT a boarding time. When you board the ship is determined by boarding group numbers, just like when boarding a plane.

Time to Set Sail!

Arrive on Time - During online check in you select a port arrival time, don't arrive too early, it won't do you any good. You'll be allowed to check in, but actually boarding the ship is done by groups, so if you're too early you'll still end up having to wait a while.

Luggage – About a month prior to sailing you’ll receive some Mickey Mail that includes luggage tags with your stateroom number on them. Attach these tags to your bags and drop them at the luggage drop when you arrive at the cruise terminal and they will be brought to your stateroom on the first evening of your cruise.

Day Bag – Your luggage will arrive outside your stateroom by 5pm. In the time between then and when you dropped your bags off you may need something, so it is a good idea to pack a day bag with items that you could want or need before you luggage arrives. Cruise documents, passports, bathing suits, camera, and medicine are all items to consider packing in your day bag. Do not pack too much, your stateroom may not be ready right away and you may end up carrying this bag with you for a few hours.

Check In - Even though you did online check-in you will still need to check in with a person. They will verify your documents and passports, you will have your picture taken for the system when you embark and disembark the ship your Key to the World will be scanned and your picture will be shown on their computer to verify your identity, and your Keys to the World will be given to you.

Key to the World – You’ll need to have your Key to the World with you at all times – much like your Magicband at Walt Disney World. The card itself has important information printed on it – this includes you name, Castaway Club status, you dining time, table number, and dining rotation, if you have charging privileges, whether you are an adult or a minor, and most importantly, it has your muster station letter printed in the corner so that you know where to do for the mandatory safety drill, but also if there is a real emergency. The Key serves as your room key, you need it to embark and disembark from the ship, it can be used to put charges on your onboard account, scanned at photo opportunities, and on the Fantasy and the Dream you’ll need it to keep the lights in your stateroom on.

Boarding – As mentioned above, the order that you will board the ship will be based on your port arrival time. If your arrival time is before, or shortly after, boarding begins you may have a short wait before you board the ship. Boarding is done by group numbers. While you wait you can get your picture taken with a Disney character! Once your group number is called proceed to the boarding entrance, your Key to the World cards will be scanned and you will have the opportunity to have a family photo taken with a Disney Cruise Line back drop. From there you will board the ship amid cheers! (Each family is announced to those that are already on the ship!)

Lunch – Once on board start cruise vacation right by filling your belly! The Quick Service locations (Deck 9 on the Magic and Wonder, and Deck 11 on the Dream and Fantasy), Cabanas (the buffet), and at least one main dining restaurant are open and ready to serve you. Be sure to save room for dinner, too.

Swim – Be sure to pack your bathing suit in your day bag and head to the pool for a swim or to relax! This the least crowded time for the pools.

Explore – Take some time to explore the ship. There is so much to see and do! There are amazing works of art on the walls, especially in the Vista Gallery. Take your time and soak it all in, but don’t try to do it all on the first day.

Open House – On the first day of your cruise all of the youth clubs and the nursery host an open house where everyone is welcome to come and see what it is all about! There are also open houses available throughout the cruise. This is a great time for those that are finally old enough for a new youth club to get to know the area, or for those that are still a little too young to see what they have to look forward to on their next cruise!

Stateroom – Once they are available check out your stateroom. Look around, try out the bed, and if you have a verandah be sure to check it out, too. You can also take this time to decorate! Tape is not allowed, but the stateroom doors are magnetic and you are allowed to decorate them with any magnets that you like (as long as they are tasteful). Show your creative side.

Unpack – Once your luggage arrives take some time to unpack. It is so much easier and so much more relaxing to open a drawer in the morning than to dig through a suitcase. There is plenty of space to store your clothes.

Pools – On each ship there are three pools, two family pools and one adult only pool. Each pool has different operating hours, check at the pool or on the Personal Navigator for hours. The family pools are open to all ages, however those that are not fully potty-trained may not use the pools. Each ship does have a slash zone for those that are not potty-trained – swim diapers are required. Towels and blankets are available poolside. 

Eat – There is something to satisfy every taste on board the Disney Cruise Line ships. Each ship has three main dining locations as well as quick service dining, buffets, lounges, bars, room service and adult only specialty dining.  Quick service locations can be found on the pool deck and offer something for everyone. Some sort of food is available from somewhere on the ship 24 hours a day.

Rotational Dining - Thanks to rotational dining you will get to dine in each of the three main dining restaurants at least once! Your service team – server, assistant server, and head server will be with you each night, they move with you as you move from restaurant to restaurant.

Eat It – If you see something you like, eat it! Think that more than one entrée or dessert, or both, at dinner look good? You can order as much as you want from the menu! This applies in the main dining rooms, and at Palo! Just be sure that if you do order more than one thing that you don’t waste food. Want to experience a sit down breakfast and the buffet – do it!

Drinks – Most beverages are included in the price of your cruise. Water, coffee, tea, soft drinks, hot chocolate, milk and juice are all included! You can get a drink from the self-service drink stations 24 hours a day! (Located on deck 9 on the Magic and Wonder and deck 11 on the Fantasy and Dream.) These drinks are also available in dining rooms. Specialty drinks (smoothies, themed drinks at themed dinners, specialty coffees), adult beverages and soft drinks at bars and lounges are available for an additional price.

Gym – With all of the amazing dining options and food choice that are available on the ship you may want to hit the gym. Don’t worry, those 18 and older can do so on deck 9 on the Magic and Wonder and deck 11 of the Fantasy and Dream. The gyms on the Magic and Wonder overlook the front of the ship, so you can enjoy a workout with a view! The gyms include elliptical machines, stationary bikes, treadmills, steppers, weight machines and free weights. Group classes like spin and yoga are also available throughout the day. Some classes are included, but some due require a fee.

Jogging There is also a walking/jogging path on deck 4 of all four ships. This also offers you a fantastic view while you work out. It is also available to the whole family.

Room Service – Room service is available 24 hours a day, except for on the last night of your cruise. The menu can be found in your stateroom and most items are included. Pre-packaged items, alcohol and bottle water are not included. We recommend ordering the Cake of the Day (Cake at Sea), Cookies and Milk, and a Premium Mickey Ice Cream Bar!

Nursery – It’s a Small World Nursery offers “group babysitting” and gives parents with little ones an opportunity to enjoy some times alone. The nursery is open to guests ages 6 months to 3 years. It is available at a very affordable additional cost ($9.00 per hour for the first child, and $8.00 per hour for any additional children in your family.)

Youth Clubs – Youth Clubs are available for kids of all ages starting at age 3. There are three different clubs which are broken down by age group. Youth Clubs are free of charge! Oceaneer Club/Lab is technically two different clubs, but they are joined by a “secret” hallway – this club is for those ages 3 to 12. Edge is a tween club and is for those ages 11 to 14. And there’s something for the teens as well, Vibe, (which is located in one of the ships funnels on the Magic and Wonder and on deck 5 on the Fantasy and Dream) is for those ages 14 to 17.

Specialty Dining – Each ship offers at least one adult only specialty dining restaurant. The Magic and Wonder offer Palo which is located on deck 10 and offers those 18 and older an Italian feast for dinner (some sailings offer brunch). The Fantasy and Dream offer Palo and Remy, Remy is a French inspired restaurant that like Palo is available for dinner and brunch. These restaurants are for adults only (18 and older), they have a dress code, and must be reserved in advance. They also require an additional fee. Trust me when I say that they are totally worth the extra cost!

TV – The TV in your stateroom has something great to watch no matter what time of day it is. Disney owned channels like ABC and ESPN are available in addition to Disney Channel, Disney Junior, Disney XD and more. You can view the map of your cruise, the view from the bridge, and browse a library of On Demand Disney Movies and shows and from your stateroom TV. (*At the time of writing the Disney Wonder does not have On Demand, however it does go into dry dock in a few weeks and this could change.)

Photos – Photo packages are available and there are many different options. You can book these options in advance and save! These photos include all professional photos taken on board – your boarding family photo, character photos and photo sessions.)

Movies – Movies are available at set and posted times in the Buena Vista Theater – these include Disney first run films that are still in theaters on land as well as those that have come out in the last few months. If you’re on the ship when a movie first comes into theaters on land, don’t worry, it’ll be on the ship, too! You can also enjoy a movie by the pool on Funnel Vision!

Shows – Live shows are performed in the Walt Disney Theater on most nights of your cruise. There are two showings so that you can see the show without having to worry about missing dinner, or vice versa. Had a long day and are too tired to make it to the show, don’t worry, you can watch a pre-recorded version of the show on your stateroom TV!

Port Adventures – This is Disney’s name for shore excursions and they have so many to offer! There is an excursion for every age group, for families, and for every activity level. It is recommended that you book in advance, but some slots may still be available when you board the ship. You most certainly do not have to book an excursion if don’t wish to, you can always explore on your own – just be sure to be back on the ship in time!

Characters - There are characters, EVERYWHERE! Character meetings will be listed on the screens in the ship’s lobby and they will also be listed on the Personal Navigator. These meet and greets only last about 15 minutes, so you should line up early for a character you really want to meet. Some characters have special meet and greet times in the kids clubs. Be on the lookout while you’re roaming the halls, you never know who you may run into. The number of characters available for meet and greets varies based on the length of your cruise. There are also ticketed meet and greets on each sailing – these include the character breakfast (seven night and longer sailings), Frozen, the Princess Gathering and select characters on Star Wars and Marvel Days at Sea. These meets to require tickets, but they are free. Tickets can be booked online before sailing, and some tickets may still be available once you board the ship at Guest Services.

Deck Parties – Deck parties are a lot of fun! Bring your camera and join in the fun, dance with your favorite characters, dress up, and on Pirate Night enjoy fireworks. On the first day of your cruise, just before you leave port the Sail-Away Party takes place on the pool deck – join classic characters to count down to the start of your vacation! On most cruises Pirate Night offers fun and games as well as a fireworks show! Other deck parties may include Pixar Friends, Frozen, and the See Ya’ Real Soon or ‘Til We Meet Again Parties at the end of your cruise. Marvel Day at Sea and Star Wars Day at Sea also include deck parties with fireworks and your favorite Star Wars or Marvel characters.

Personal Navigator – This is the Disney Cruise Line daily newsletter. The Personal Navigator includes operating hours for pools, restaurants, lounges, kids clubs, etc. The evening’s dress code, the cuisine that each restaurant will be serving, port information, show times and a schedule of activities will also be included. Some printed Navigator’s are available at the Guest Service’s desk now, but unless requested they are no longer delivered to your stateroom each night. All of the information can be found on the Personal Navigator app once you have boarded the ship and connected to the WiFi. *On board WiFI is free ONLY for use of the Disney Cruise Line app.

Adults – Disney Cruise Line is a family cruise line, but there is plenty for the adults to do, too! Night clubs, bars and lounges can be found on all four ships. Each ship also has Quiet Cove which is an adult only section of the pool deck, those that are under 18 may pass through, but they may not stay. Quiet Cove includes an adult only pool, a bar, and Cove Café which offers specialty coffees, adult beverages and pastries. There is also the Fitness Center and the Spa which are for those 18 and older.

Tipping – Although not technically required, tipping is encouraged. A set amount is set up for your four main service team members, this includes your dining team and your stateroom host/hostess. They work hard and go above and beyond to make your cruise vacation something truly memorable. You can always increase or decrease the amount for each member of your team before dinner on the last evening of your cruise. On the second to last night you will receive envelopes and a print-out of what each Cast Member is going to receive. Place the correct slip in the corresponding envelope, and give to each member personally on the last night of the cruise. You may also choose to pre-pay your gratuities before boarding or you may place the amount you wish to tip in each envelope in cash (you must speak with Guest Service before doing so, so that it does not get charged to your room as well.). An 18% gratuity will be added to salon and spa services as well as to drinks purchased at the bars and lounges. You may and should tip room service $1-2 depending on how much you order, and if you use a luggage porter you should tip them $1 per bag – these are not required, however it is the polite thing to do.

Dress Up – Since Disney is a family company and a family cruise line you are not required to dress up every night for dinner! There are opportunities to dress up, however. On 7-night cruises there is one formal night and one semi-formal night, you do not have to dress up, but it is fun to do. On cruise casual nights, though, swimwear, tank tops and flip flops are not allowed in the dining rooms.

What’s Included – There is so much that is included in your cruise fare! Dining, including meals in the main dining rooms, quick service dining, and many room service items are included. Drinks, excluding specialty drinks, adult beverages and bottle drinks from room service, are included. Youth Clubs, excluding the nursery, are included. Fun, character meet and greets, a character breakfast (7 nights and longer), games, deck parties, swimming and more, are included! The items that are not included in your cruise fare may be worth it for your family, however, each family is different. Check out our post here to see all that is included!

Alcohol – This is directly from the Disney Cruise Line website, “Disney Cruise Line Guests 21 years and older may bring a maximum of 2 bottles of unopened wine or champagne (no larger than 750 ml) or 6 beers (no larger than 12 ounces) on board at the beginning of the voyage and at each port of call. These beverages must be packed in carry-on (not checked) bags or luggage.

Guests wishing to consume wine or champagne that they have brought on board in one of the dining rooms will be charged a corking fee of $25.00 per bottle.” Alcohol brought on board may not be consumed in lounges or public areas.”

There is also the opportunity for those 21 and older to purchase beverages in the main dining rooms and from various bars and lounges around the ships.

Ports and Food – Food that is not factory sealed may not be brought onto or taken off the ship in any ports of call. Per-packaged snacks that have not been opened are fine. Fresh fruits and veggies, seeds, nuts, backed goods, meat and fish or anything not packaged or in a can that is brought onto or taken off the ship can result in a fine from the Department of Agriculture. 

Special Tickets – Some events on board require a special ticket, these tickets are available at no cost and may be reserved online through the Cruise Planning section of the Disney Cruise Line website at your time of online check-in. These events include special character meet and greets and a character breakfast.

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique – The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is available on all four ships. Princess and Knights can receive a royal makeover here at BBB. On Pirate Night it also transforms into the Pirate’s League! Limited space is available and advance reservations are highly encouraged. The cost of the makeover will vary based on the package selection. Makeovers are available for boys and girls ages 3 to 12.

Split Bathrooms – Most outside staterooms offer split bathrooms. What does this mean? More space for everyone to get ready! One room has a sink and toilet while the other has a sink and the bathtub/shower. While the rooms are not large by any stretch of the imagination the split rooms does make it so that more than one person can get ready at a time.

Magic Portholes – Inside staterooms on the Dream and Fantasy over a unique experience. Since they are inside staterooms there are no windows and no views. However Magic Portholes offer sightings of Disney characters and real-time views of what’s actually outside!

Fish Extenders – What is a fish extender?! Outside of your stateroom there is a fish were information, ex. invitation to an open house, is put. Many cruisers will create or buy something that extends that fish. These extensions are where gifts are placed if you are a member of a fish extender group. To become a member find the Facebook page for your sailing!

Guest Services – Guest Service is the place to go for requests! Want to change the amount on your set gratuities? Did you suitcase break? Need duct tape? Lose your Key to the World? This is where you need to go! This is also where you go to settle your stateroom account.

Castaway Cay – Castaway Cay is Disney’s private island. One of the first things that you should do when you get off the ship is stop by the post office. You send postcards and other small letters back home to friends and family that has the Castaway Cay postmark. The island has two family beaches, and another that is just for adults only. On the beach they have an ample number of beach chairs or they do have cabanas available at an additional charge. If you want to venture further inland while on the island there is a 5K trail that you can either run around or you can rent bicycles and ride. There is a watch tower about halfway through the trail that allows you to see almost the whole island. For lunch they have several areas where you can get a BBQ lunch that includes, chicken. Ribs, hamburgers as well as fish. For sides they have coleslaw and potato salad and so much more.

As with most Disney attractions there is a kids club called Scuttles Cove where kids over 3 are able to experience the island with Disney counselors. There are also a few water slides and areas where kids and adults that are old enough and tall enough can go to slide directly into the ocean. For the younger children there is also a splash zone where they can splash around with the water jets, or there is also the beautiful ocean that you can let your children wade into. Check out our post here that’s all about Castaway Cay.

Stateroom Host/Hostess - Your stateroom host/hostess will be one of the many crew members that you will meet while on your Disney cruise and beside your waiter they are one of the most important people you will meet. While on your cruise your host/hostess will service your room twice a day, once in the morning/afternoon and once in the evening while you are at dinner. During the day the trash will be taken out the beds made and anything that needs to be, restocked. In the evening the beds will be turned down, trash removed, and a towel animal, any additional information (time zone changes, customs information) and chocolates will be placed on your bed. If you need anything at all in regards to your room, be sure to let them know.

If you need something, Ask – If it within their power and abilities the amazing cast and crew members on the Disney Cruise Line ships will make it happen! Don’t hesitate to ask because you think it is something small or trivial! Ask and you will most likely not be disappointed.

Special Cruises – Throughout the year Disney offers specialty cruises, like Star Wars Days at Sea, Marvel Day at Sea and holiday cruises like Halloween on the High Seas and Very Merrtytime Cruises. Be sure to check out our post about our Star Wars Day at Sea!

Post Cards – You can send post cards from Castaway Cay, or once you get home, to let people know that you had an amazing time on your Disney Cruise! But did you know that there are some post cards and Disney Cruise Line stationary in your stateroom for you to use?! You’ll find it in the drawer of the desk.

Complimentary Pastries – There are A LOT of opportunities to have a meal or a treat on board a Disney ship. Did you know that there are complimentary pastries at the Cove Café and the Vista Café? The beverages here are an extra charge, but the pastries are complimentary! Cove Café is located in the adult only area on all four ships, and the Vista Café is located on deck four of the Fantasy and Dream.

Ice Cream – As a family we LOVE ice cream. If you love ice cream too there are a few places on board to get yourself a sweet treat. Ice cream is available each evening as a dessert option in the main dining rooms and at lunch time at Cabanas. Our favorite included option, though, is the soft-serve located on the pool deck that is available each day from about 11AM – 11PM. On the Fantasy and the Dream there is also an option that comes at an additional charge, but is SO worth it! Vanellope’s Sweets and Treats on the Dream and Sweet on You on the Fantasy offer a variety of ice cream flavors for scoops, sundaes, milkshakes and more!

Water – I have seen in multiple blogs, vlogs, and comments online that many people do not like the taste of the water on the ships. We don’t have a problem with it – we drink it from the tap. However, if you do not like the taste you can bring a case of water on board with you. Keep in mind, though, that you must carry it on with you, and you must keep it with you until your stateroom is ready. There is also the option to order bottled water once onboard.

Platinum and Gold Discount – Once you make it to Gold and Platinum Castaway Club status there is a discount on merchandise from the onboard shops!

Enjoy! - Relax, have fun, enjoy! Do what you want to do! Sit by the pool and soak up some sun. Hit the gym. Relax at the spa. Transform into a knight, princess or pirate. Eat until your belly is full, and then some! Do what make you happy and enjoy your vacation! There’s so much to see and do that there’s no way you do it all on one cruise. That’s all the more reason to start planning for your next one.

Plan Your Next Cruise – After all of the fun you’ve had you’ll want to do it all over again. While you’re on the ship you’ll probably already be planning where you want to go next! If that’s the case you can book your next cruise while you’re on board to save! (If you do, you can transfer your reservation to me!). 

Are you ready to start planning your next magical vacation? I’d be happy to help! Contact me at miriyawhitaker@worldofmagictravel.com for your FREE quote and to start planning your next trip on land or sea. For more Disney and travel information follow me on Facebook.