Everything I Wish I'd Known Before My First Disney Cruise - Mummy Of Four

If you’re thinking about sailing on a Disney Cruise – maybe you’ve got one booked and you’re feeling excited but also a little bit overwhelmed – you’re in exactly the right place.

In this post, I’m sharing all the things I wish someone had told me before our very first Disney Cruise. These are the lessons we’ve learned from experience – and now, with our fifth cruise on the Disney Fantasy just around the corner, I finally feel like we’ve got the hang of it!

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Table Of Contents

Booking Your Cruise: Disney or Travel Agent?

You can absolutely book directly through Disney Cruise Line, but it’s not your only option. Third-party travel agents may offer the same cruise at a similar price – but sometimes with added bonuses like onboard credit. It’s worth shopping around and seeing what extras might be included.

Download the Disney Cruise Line App Early

Make sure you download the DCL Navigator app as soon as you’re booked. Before you get on the ship, it’s got the basics – your booking info and countdown. But once you’re onboard and connect to the ship’s Wi-Fi, the app transforms completely. You’ll be able to check schedules, see your dining rotation, and message members of your party.

Wi-Fi on Board: What’s Included and What’s Not

There’s complimentary Wi-Fi for app access and messaging, but if you want full internet access, you’ll need to pay. The packages can be pricey, so it’s worth deciding in advance whether you’ll need proper internet or if the free access to the app will be enough.

Stay Near the Port the Night Before

If you’re more than an hour away from the port, I really recommend staying nearby the night before. The last thing you want on embarkation day is to be stuck in traffic and feeling flustered. We’ve done it both ways – and checking in the night before makes everything more relaxed.

Check Which Documents You’ll Need

The ID and travel documents you need vary depending on your itinerary, your departure port, and your nationality. For example, our first cruise during the Magic at Sea sailings didn’t require passports – but now, sailing to Spain from the UK, we absolutely need them. Always double-check Disney’s official guidance before you travel.

Room Service Breakfast Is a Game-Changer

Even if you’re planning on going for a sit-down or buffet breakfast, I highly recommend ordering room service too. It’s included in your cruise price (just tip your server), and it means the kids can graze while everyone’s getting ready. That way, if you get distracted by a character or spontaneous activity, no one ends up hungry.

You’ll find the room service slip in the dressing table drawer – fill it in before bed and hang it on your door.

You Can Order Room Service All Day

Room service isn’t just for breakfast. You can order throughout the day using your stateroom phone – check the menu in the Navigator app. And yes, even if Mickey Bars aren’t on the menu, you can absolutely still ask for them.

Early or Late Dining?

You’ll choose your dining time before you sail – either the early or the later seating. We chose early the first time because that’s when our children usually eat at home. But once you’re on board, you’re eating so much throughout the day that you may find you’re not hungry by 5pm. We now prefer the later slot.

Also keep in mind that your show time will be opposite your dining time – so if you choose early dining, you’ll go to the later show and vice versa.

Understanding Rotational Dining

You’ll rotate through three different themed restaurants during your cruise – but you’ll have the same table number and server team every night. Your servers get to know your preferences and really add to the experience.

Planning Your Cruise: My Magical Cruise Planner

Shop The Magical Cruise Planner

There’s a lot to think about before your cruise, and that’s exactly why I created my Magical Cruise Planner. It takes you step by step through the entire process – from picking a ship and route, to booking and checklists, to packing and making magical memories. There’s even a version for the kids with activities and autograph pages. You can grab yours in printable or book format.

Pack Comfortable Shoes

Even though you’re not in a theme park, you’ll still do loads of walking on a Disney Cruise – especially if your kids like to explore every inch of the ship like mine do. I now always pack comfy shoes like Sketchers or flip-flops, and I’ve even found wedge sandals that are as comfy as my trainers.

Wear Shorts Under Dresses

On our first cruise, I had a very Marilyn Monroe moment on Deck 11. Since then, I always wear cycling shorts or dresses with built-in shorts to avoid any embarrassing gusts of wind.

Budget for a Placeholder

Onboard, you can pay a $250 deposit for a “placeholder” – which gives you 10% off your next cruise if you book within 24 months. If you change your mind, you can get a full refund. Just remember: if you pay for the placeholder in dollars via the app, you’ll need to pay for your next cruise in dollars too. If you want to pay in pounds, go to Guest Services instead.

Don’t Stress About Booking Extras

If you’re a first-time cruiser, you won’t get early access to book the popular extras – and they may sell out before your booking window opens. But don’t worry! We’ve done cruises with no extras booked at all and still had an amazing time. There is so much included in your cruise already.

What Is the Castaway Club?

Disney’s loyalty programme is called the Castaway Club. After your first cruise, you’ll be Silver, and after five cruises you’re Gold. Each level comes with perks like earlier booking windows and earlier check-in times – which means more choice when it comes to staterooms and onboard extras.

Disney Is Amazing With Dietary Needs

Whether you have fussy eaters, allergies or special requests, Disney’s crew are incredible. The servers go out of their way to accommodate everyone – even offering meals from other restaurants or bringing extra desserts when you can’t choose. Every family I’ve spoken to with allergies has said the same thing – the service is outstanding.

Pack Smart for Embarkation Day

You won’t have immediate access to your main luggage after you board, so make sure your carry-on includes anything you’ll want right away – swimsuits, medication, entertainment for the kids, or valuables. I used to take a backpack full of tech, but I now take a small wheelie case instead. Much easier on the back!

Bring Two Types of Refillable Water Bottles

Bring one insulated water bottle to use on deck, and one non-insulated bottle to refill and store in your fridge. This way, you’ll always have chilled water ready. Drinks from room service are an upcharge, so it’s handy to have your own stash.

Prepare for the Disney Blues

No one warned me how hard it would be to leave the ship. The Disney blues are real – and the only cure seems to be booking another trip. Just something to mentally prepare for!

Want My Free Cruise Planning Resources?

If you’re planning a Disney Cruise and want step-by-step support, videos, checklists and all of my best tips sent straight to your inbox, head to: mummyoffour.com/plancruise

You’ll feel so much calmer knowing what to expect and how to get ready – and you can actually enjoy the countdown instead of stressing over the details.

Planning Your Disney Cruise

If you’re planning your Disney Cruise, don’t forget to check out my Magical Cruise Planner to help you organise everything – from check-in to packing to outfit planning

Magical Cruise Planner

There’s even a kids’ version, filled with fun activities, places to record memories, and spots for autographs. Perfect for keeping little ones busy while travelling or waiting to meet characters.

You can grab yours using the link below – and Magical Adventures Club members get an exclusive discount.

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Magical Cruise Planner

Want help planning your cruise in order to make the most of the magic? Either grab a pen and paper and make nites of everything said in there video, or check out my Magical Cruise Planners, available in digital (printable or to be filled out on a tablet), coil bound or perfect bound book versions.