Ultimate List of Disney Cruise Tips for First Timers 

First, check that you can log into your Disney Cruise Line account in advance. You will upload passport information (or birth certificate details if it’s a closed-loop USA cruise and you don’t have a passport).

Then you will add the details about your emergency contact, it’s helpful to already have this information pulled up- for someone not traveling with you, because I don’t know about you, but I don’t remember phone numbers for anyone at this point, not even my mom. 

This one is important and very helpful to have ready to go in advance! Have photos of each of your traveling party. It should be a photo with a neutral white or cream background, no glasses or hats, with shoulders and above only. You’ll upload this photo for each person. You should have photos of your travel documents as well! 

One last detail before you get to the fun part is saving the payment method. If you have a Disney credit card, use it here! 

If you don’t have a Disney card, they recently announced a brand new Inspire card that is actually very worth it if you plan to travel to any Disney locations or on a cruise once per year. Check out the details here if you are interested in applying (I get a small referral fee if you apply, at no cost to you!)

What Is Port Arrival & What Do You Need to Do?

Your Port Arrival Time is your designated window to arrive at the cruise terminal.

On embarkation day you will:

1. Arrive at the port during your window (we usually drive and aim to be parking 30 minutes before our time)
2. Show required documents
3. Go through security screening
4. Check in at the desk
5. Wait to board

The earlier your port time, the sooner you can:

• Register kids for the clubs
• Book last-minute onboard activities
• Start enjoying the ship

Summary of what you need to have ready:

• Passports
• Credit card
• Travel details
• Headshot photo of each person (taken in advance)
• Flight details and arrival information 
• Hotel details (before and after your cruise)

Takeaway point for all of the above: completing check-in early will lead to a smoother embarkation day and more time on the ship!

Fine Specialty Dining

There are usually 1 to 2 fine-dining options for adults on Disney cruise ships. They should be booked in advance, though you can often squeeze in a reservation when you arrive if you don’t need a specific time. 

Depending on your ship, look out for Remy, Enchante, and Palo. You can opt for a brunch or dinner experience. 

Late Night

• Room service (yes, the Mickey bars are included)

You will not go hungry, but you may need to search around a little bit around dinner time if you plan to skip the rotational dining in the main dining room. And if you have dietary restrictions, Disney is truly exceptional at accommodating allergies and preferences. 

What Additional Experiences Are Available on a Disney Cruise? (free & paid)

While so much is included, there are also special experiences you can book – some free, some paid.

Even if you don’t plan on buying anything extra, you will want to read through this section! 

Royal Gathering (FREE – but requires a reservation)

This is a princess meet-and-greet event where you can meet multiple princesses in one session, usually in the Atrium of the ship. Spots go quickly, so book this as soon as your onboard activities window opens.

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique (Paid)

This experience is similar to the one offered in the Disney parks. Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique offers princess and knight makeovers onboard, and pirate transformations for Pirate Night, plus additional experiences depending on the ship. 

Packages can include everything from hairstyling to costumes, makeup and nails to accessorries. It all depends on the package selected. 

This is another one to book in advance if your child loves dressing up, this is especially magical on Pirate Night or formal night.

Hook’s Barbery (Paid)

Hook’s Barbery is one of the most unique offerings at sea, and is in such a cool space.

They offer haircuts for kids and adults, and even a special package if it’s your childs first haircut! 

It’s such a sweet memory-maker.

Pro-tip: If you are sailing on one of the Wish class ships, look into the secret speakeasy in the barbery! It’s absolutely worth the experience if you like elevated drinks. 

Drinks

There is no unlimited drink package like other cruise lines. Which I actually enjoy since it’s a very family-focused cruise experience. 

Alcohol, speciality coffee and mocktails are all an additional cost, but soda, drip coffee, tea and juices are included. Shakes, smoothies, and water bottles are all an additional fee. 

​If you are opting to enjoy some of the additional cost beverages, you can save money in a few ways. 

Alcoholic drink savings: look out for happy hours in the lounges, drinks of the day, Sommelier’s Bin wine glasses, the cruise beer mug and discounted packages of specific drinks. 

You can bring a limited amount of wine on board; be sure to check the restrictions prior to sailing. It’s usually 2 bottles of wine per adult. 

On our first day, we will purchase one of the drink packages with a cooler. Usually Truly’s or something similar for a flat rate ends up being 1-2 free based on the cost. We then focus on happy hours as they rotate times around the ship, so we visit bars with a current happy hour and then move to the next when the happy hour starts there. When there isn’t a happy hour, we either try a Sommelier’s Bin wine glass, the bartender’s choice at $12 (available only at some lounges). 

Coffee: Don’t forget to ask for a coffee punch card when buying speciality coffees! After buying a five, you will get one free. 

Senses Spa & Salon: Relaxation at Sea

While Disney Cruise Line is incredibly family-friendly, there are beautiful adult-exclusive spaces onboard – including Senses Spa & Salon. This is your peaceful retreat away from the pool deck energy. These services are an additional cost and can book up quickly, especially on sea days.

Your typical spa offerings are available, like massages, facials, body treatments, and more, but they also have the Rainforest Room. 

Rainforest Room (Fan Favorite)

One of the most popular spa experiences is the Rainforest Room. You can purchase a day pass or a length-of-cruise pass. Availability is limited for both, so if this is a priority, head here after registering for the kids club on embarkation day. 

Depending on the ship, this may include:

• Heated loungers
• Aromatherapy steam rooms
• Dry sauna
• Hydrotherapy showers
• Outdoor hot tubs (on select ships)

Even just walking through the spa on embarkation day can help you decide if it’s something you want to add.

WiFi on a Disney Cruise

WiFi is not included in your Disney Cruise fare, so it’s something you’ll want to think about ahead of time if staying connected is important to you. 

Disney Cruise Line offers paid internet packages that vary based on the length of your cruise, the speed level you select, and the number of devices you plan to connect.

There are typically tiered options available, ranging from basic packages designed for social media browsing and email to mid-tier plans that support streaming, and higher-speed options for heavier internet usage. You can purchase an internet package for the entire length of your cruise, choose a 24-hour access plan, or upgrade your plan mid-sailing if you realize you need more connectivity than expected.

Whether or not you should purchase WiFi really depends on your vacation style. If you need to check work emails, want to post on social media in real time, or simply prefer staying connected, a WiFi package may be worth the added cost. On the other hand, if you’re looking forward to a true digital detox, feel comfortable waiting to upload photos until you’re back on land, or don’t need regular communication with the outside world, you may decide to skip it altogether.

One important thing to know, and something many first-time cruisers don’t realize, is that the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app works onboard without purchasing a WiFi package, as long as you’re connected to the ship’s network. 

That means you can still access the daily schedule, check your rotational dining time, message members of your travel party, and view deck maps without paying for internet access.

For many families, that level of connectivity is more than enough.

Disney Cruise Photos: Are They Included?

Professional photography is everywhere onboard a Disney Cruise. From the moment you step into the terminal on embarkation day, you’ll notice photographers set up to capture your family’s vacation memories. Throughout your sailing, you’ll find them stationed at character meet-and-greets, formal night backdrops, Pirate Night celebrations, and special themed photo locations around the ship.

Unlike some cruise lines, Disney Cruise Line does not include unlimited digital photos in your cruise fare. All professional photos are an additional purchase.

Here’s how the process works:

• Each photo taken is linked to your stateroom using your Key to the World card or DisneyBand+. 
• After your pictures are taken, you can view them in the onboard Shutters photography shop or directly inside the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app. 
• From there, you can choose to purchase individual prints, digital downloads, or, depending on availability, photo packages that bundle multiple images together.

Are Photo Packages Worth It?

Whether a photo package is worth it really depends on your priorities.

If your goal is stress-free family photos with Disney characters, they can absolutely be worth the investment. You won’t need to hand your phone to a stranger and hope for the best. The lighting is professional, the backgrounds are polished, and you’re much more likely to get a full family photo, including parents, which rarely happens at home.

However, if you’re comfortable snapping photos on your own phone and don’t mind candid, less polished shots, you can absolutely skip purchasing professional photos altogether. Cast Members are usually happy to take a picture with your device during character meet-and-greets.

A Pro Tip for First-Time Cruisers

Even if you don’t think you’ll buy a photo package, take advantage of the photographers anyway. Scan your card or band at each opportunity and let them capture the moment. You can always review your photos later and decide before the end of the cruise whether any are worth purchasing.

Many families are surprised by one standout photo from Pirate Night or formal night that ends up being frame-worthy.

What Is DisneyBand+ and Do You Need One?

If you’ve been to Walt Disney World, you might be familiar with MagicBands. On Disney Cruise Line, the equivalent is DisneyBand+.

DisneyBand+ is a waterproof wearable device that allows you to stay connected to many things on the ship. From opening your stateroom door to making purchases, everything you would use your “Key To The World” card for, you can use the DisneyBand+. 

The kids club provides a version for each child when they register, and there are now options for everyone if they want one. 

Is DisneyBand+ Required?

No,  it is completely optional. You will receive a Key to the World card at check-in that works for everything onboard. Many families are perfectly happy using the card. However, DisneyBand+ can make things more convenient, especially with kids who don’t want to keep track of a card.

Is It Worth It for First-Time Cruisers?

It depends on your family’s travel style.You may love DisneyBand+ if you want a hands-free experience, are used to MagicBands from the Disney Parks, or want something special as a souvenir. You could easily skip it if you want to save money, don’t mind using a lanyard, or your kids are too young to need purchase privileges. 

I cannot write a Disney Cruise guide without talking about the kids clubs. My daughter practically wants to move in every time we are sailing with Disney. 

The Kids Club Is Truly the Best at Sea

The kids clubs are split between ages while onboard. Which helps my slight anxiety about dropping her off for hours while she lives her best life. 

Children ages 6 months – years can be dropped off at “it’s a small world” nursery. This is a paid per hour childcare option, and hours can be booked during check-in. If you want to change your hours, or even just to confirm timing, I suggest visiting the nursery once you are onboard to get everything set up. This is the only paid childcare experience; all others are complementary. 

Disney’s Oceaneer Club, for children ages 3-10, is unlike anything else at sea. The spaces are immersively themed, the crew members are some of the best you will ever encounter, and they are highly trained. The check-in and check-out process is secure with scanning in and out, and it’s engaging for all of the young children onboard!

The Edge zone is for ages 11-14 and lastly, Vibe is ages 14-17. 

​Just one more note on what really sets Disney apart when it comes to the kids club. There are character visits, could you image hanging out with new friends and Belle walks in to read you a story in her library? Or while you are working on a project in the Star Wars area and Stormtroopers pop in. It’s insane the thought put into the experiences for the kids! 

Don’t forget to make the kids club your first stop once you board. Registration is smoother before crowds build.

Also, attend Open House so you can explore it with your kids before drop-off.

Disney Cruise Line Port Excursions

One of the most exciting parts of cruising is waking up in a new destination – but figuring out what to do in port can feel overwhelming.

Disney Cruise Line offers Port Adventures, which are organized shore excursions you can book directly through Disney.

But are they worth it? And do you have to book one? Let’s break it down.

What Are Disney Port Adventures?

Port Adventures are curated excursions operated by vetted local tour providers and booked through Disney Cruise Line.

They can include experiences like:

• Beach days
• Snorkeling trips
• Cultural tours
• Historical sightseeing
• Food tours
• Dolphin encounters
• Ziplining or adventure activities

If your sailing includes Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay or their private port Lookout Cay, excursions there may include things like bike rentals, snorkeling packages, or cabana rentals.

The biggest benefit? If your Disney-booked excursion runs late, the ship will wait for you. If you book independently and your tour is delayed, the ship will not wait. That peace of mind is often worth it for first-time cruisers.

When Can You Book Port Excursions?

Port Adventures open for booking based on your Castaway Club status:

• First-time cruisers: 75 days before sailing
• Silver: 90 days
• Gold: 105 days
• Platinum: 120 days

If there’s something specific you really want (like a cabana rental), book as soon as your window opens.

Do You Have to Book a Port Excursion?

No. You have three main options in port:

1. Book a Disney Port Adventure
2. Book an independent excursion
3. Explore on your own

For some ports, especially beach destinations, you may feel comfortable grabbing a taxi and heading to a beach club. For more complex ports or international destinations, booking through Disney can simplify everything.

Are Disney Port Adventures More Expensive?

Often, yes. But you are paying for convenience, vetted providers, transportation coordination, and the guarantee that the ship will wait for you. 

For first-time cruisers, many families appreciate the simplicity.

What About Disney’s Private Island Stops?

If your itinerary includes Disney’s private island experience, most beach access, lunch, and tram transportation are included in your cruise fare.

You can relax on the beaches, enjoy a delicious lunch, meet characters in their coastal attire, run a 5k (and even get a medal!) or drop the kids off at the kids club- all for free. You could also opt to pay for additional experiences or excursions. We usually focus on what’s free for these port days. 

For many families, a private island day requires very little planning – which is part of the magic.