Have you ever wondered what magic at sea feels like? Then you must book a cruise with Disney Cruise Line. From the iconic fireworks to the friendly characters, nostalgic music, and the once-in-a-lifetime themed dining experiences, Disney cruises make you feel as if you are in a classic film yourself! You are genuinely treated like a main character.
But if you are interested in maximizing your experience, continue reading to learn some tips and tricks to make your getaway even better!
Some of these tips are hidden gems the cruise line doesn't tell you, so whether it’s your first or fourteenth Disney cruise, these are tried-and-true strategies that cruise experts have known for years.
Pull back the curtain and check out these marvelous tips to ensure your vacation is unforgettable!
1. Many repeat Disney cruisers bring "fish extenders", which are decorations attached to the fish hanging near their stateroom door. These extenders are used for groups to identify other members, or just for Disney fans to exchange gifts and notes with other fans.
2. Boarding begins based on your boarding group number, which you will receive when you arrive for check-in at the cruise terminal.
3. You can check in for your cruise 30 days before the cruise on the Disney Cruise Line website if you are a first timer, and 40 days before if a Pearl member.
4. Each show on the main stage is available to watch on your stateroom television, so you do not have to go to the theater to see the performance.
5. Be sure to pre-book spa packages, cabanas at Castaway Cay, specialty dinner meals, and anything else you want to do, because they sell out.
6. Disney has two private destinations in the Bahamas. Castaway Cay is the line's private island, while Lookout Cay is the newest private destination on the island of Exuma.
7. If you book another cruise while on a Disney cruise, the cruise line will give you up to a 10% discount and reduced deposit on 7-night or longer sailings.
8. Disney allows you to bring on board two bottles of wine or a six-pack of beer per person.
9. If you have the Disney Visa credit card, you can get discounts on photo packages and spa treatments.
10. If you are a Disney Vacation Club owner at Walt Disney World or Disneyland, you can use your points towards a cruise.
11. Your Disney cruise stateroom will not be ready for you to use until around 1:30 PM.
12. If you want the best views at the Sail Away Party, try for one of the higher pool decks: Deck 10 on the Magic and Wonder, Deck 12 on the Dream and Fantasy.
13. You can store your luggage (and anything else bulky) under your stateroom bed. The ottoman top comes off and has storage inside as well.
14. On the Dream and Fantasy cruise ships, your Key to the World card activates the light switch in the room. You can place pretty much any other card you might have to keep it on as well.
15. You can always use the showers in the Fitness Center locker rooms, even if you aren't going to the gym. This is helpful for families sharing a bathroom.
16. If you want to send a letter to be postmarked from Castaway Cay, there is a mail drop box on the island. You can purchase Bahamian stamps aboard your ship, and mail a postcard when you get to the island.
17. If you are looking for a cheaper time of the year to cruise, hurricane season (especially September and October) offers some of the lowest prices on Caribbean Disney cruises.
18. You can save time by skipping the elevators and taking the stairs. This will also help burn off a few extra calories!
19. You may make requests for your dining time preferences through a Disney reservation agent, as well as again when you check in at the cruise terminal.
20. The popcorn and snacks offered at the Buena Vista Theater cost extra, but you can bring complimentary food from elsewhere on the ship into the theater.
21. There are Disney films shown in the Buena Vista Theater, which are free to watch and even include new releases.
22. Soda is complimentary throughout your cruise at the stations on the pool deck.
23. Every sailing has a pirate night, which means guests of all ages are encouraged to dress up as pirates. Be sure to bring your own costume!
24. At meals in any restaurant, there are no limits on how many appetizers, entrees, or desserts you can order. Feel free to sample as much as you like.
25. At Castaway Cay, Serenity Bay is the adults-only beach for those who want to take a break from the families.
26. Anything you purchase on your Disney Cruise is done via your Key to the World card. You will not need cash onboard (other than giving tips here and there).
27. The Disney Cruise App is free and includes a complimentary chat feature.
28. There are hidden Mickey's all around your cruise ship to discover. These are carefully arranged silhouettes of Mickey Mouse that can be a great sea day activity to try and find.
28. If you book a suite, you can access the concierge lounge.
29. Have your kids get woken up by a Disney character. Call guest services to set up a wake-up call!
30. The best time to ride the water slides like AquaDuck, AquaDunk, or AquaMouse is on embarkation day. Be sure to bring a swimsuit with you on embarkation day.
31. Another trick for enjoying the water slides with a short wait is to get in line 10-15 minutes before they open each day.
32. Bring cash with you on the cruise to provide for gratuities on the last night of the cruise.
33. Disney is the only cruise line to offer fireworks at sea. Do not miss it!
34. Room service is complimentary 24 hours per day, but a (cash) tip is expected.
35. There is unlimited free soft serve ice cream at the pool deck.
36. You can order Mickey Bars through room service or ask for them as your dessert in the dining room.
37. Pay off your onboard account before the last day. There is always a long line at Guest Services on the final day, so take care of it before then.
38. The Castaway Cay Getaway Package is a great deal, which offers snorkel equipment, bike rental, and an inner tube for the whole day. It's priced at around $54 for passengers aged 10 and up and $34 for cruisers between the ages of 5 and 9.
39. The second seating of dinner usually has fewer kids, if that matters to you.
40. If you are a runner, there is a 5K race held at Castaway Cay (and it's complimentary).
41. All the buffets at Castaway Cay offer the exact same menu, with the exception of Serenity Bay offering ribeye steaks.
42. DVC members can get a free alcoholic drink on embarkation day at the Member Celebration event.
43. The nightly shows in the theater are a must-see. They differ depending on the ship. For example, Disney Magic is the only ship in the fleet to feature Tangled, while Moana debuted on the Disney Treasure.
44. There is no breakfast or coffee served at Castaway Cay.
45. You can meet characters not only on your cruise ship, but also at Castaway Cay. Keep an eye on the schedule for when characters will appear.
Did we miss anything?
Are there any Disney Cruise Line tips you think are worthy of being on this list? Have you tried any of these tips yourself?
Share your experiences and best advice in the comments below.
Matt Hochberg
Matt loves to cruise, and started Cruise.Blog as a place to share different cruise experiences, advice, and what to know before going on a cruise.
He lives in Florida with his wife and two daughters, where he can be found on any given day trying to convince his wife they "need" to book another cruise.
