First Time Disney Cruise Tips

What I Wish I Knew Before My First Disney Cruise

Disney cruises are hands down my favorite vacation for busy families. There are so many opportunities for family time, but the kid’s clubs are so fun you don’t feel guilty for spending time away from your kids, either. You get that Disney magic without the stress and activity of the theme parks, and there are plenty of activities that’ll ensure there’s never a dull moment for kids (and adults) of all ages!

I’m a planner by nature and I did all sorts of research before my first cruise, but there were still some things that I wished I’d known before my trip! Whether you are a cruise newbie, this is your first cruise with kids in tow, or you are a regular cruiser on other lines, there are some things you should know before your first Disney cruise. So, hoist your sails and get ready for a journey on the high seas with my top Disney cruise tips!

Choosing the Right Stateroom is Extremely Important

The good news is that Disney cruise lines have some of the largest and most well-designed staterooms in the industry. They are up to 25% larger than average cruise line cabins, but—like any stateroom—they can feel a bit cramped at times, so choosing the right stateroom for your family is a must.

Unlike a resort stay, where you book a room type and hope the front desk works some magic, on a cruise, you get to choose your exact stateroom. But there’s a bit more to think about than just your budget. For example, the last thing you want is to tuck the kids in above the ruckus of the adults-only nightclub. Personally, I always choose a higher deck, near the aft stairs, with cabins both above and below for a little extra peace of mind. It keeps things quiet, convenient, and close to the drink stations at Cabanas (easy access to a morning coffee or mid-afternoon lemonade is always a win in my book)!

If you need a little help, download my Guide to Choosing a Disney Cruise Line Stateroom.

You can Book some Character Meets in Advance

One of the things that sets Disney apart from other cruises is the opportunity to meet some of your favorite characters. The Navigator app will list when certain characters are meeting and where, but there are some experiences you can reserve in advance.

Once your cruise is paid in full, you can make reservations online within your advance booking window. Your advance booking window is determined by your Castaway Club membership level, and you might be able to reserve:

• Princess Gathering
• Frozen Meet and Greet
• Disney Junior Character Breakfast (select cruises only)
• Disney VIP Character Breakfast (select cruises only)
• Royal Court Royal Tea (select cruises only)

Full is not full 

If this is your first Disney Cruise, your booking window will open a little later than it does for repeat cruisers, which means some of the popular activities might show as full before you even get a chance to reserve them. Don’t worry, though! This is one of my favorite Disney cruise tips: many of those experiences, like character meet-and-greets or tastings, often open up once you’re on board. Just stop by Guest Services early in your sailing to check for last-minute availability. Being a first-time cruiser (cruisee? cruise…ette?) doesn’t mean that you’ll have to miss out on the fun!

The same goes for dining times. If your preferred seating wasn’t available when you booked, ask to be added to the waitlist! You’ll usually hear back before you embark, but if not, Guest Services can often work a little Disney magic once you’re on the ship.

You don’t have to arrive at the port before your check-in time

Once you’ve made your final payment, you’ll be prompted to complete your online check-in—and that’s where you’ll select your port arrival time. Some guests love to snag the earliest time so they can start the fun right away, while others prefer a later slot to skip the lines and chaos. If you arrive early, just know you may need to wait until your boarding group is called. (If you’re sailing from Port Canaveral, the wait isn’t bad—there are even character meet-and-greets in the terminal!) Personally, I like to pick a midday boarding time and arrive just a few minutes after my window opens so I can breeze through check-in and walk right onto the ship.

And as an extra Disney cruise tip: most families make a beeline for the buffet and pools after boarding, but I love heading to the main dining room instead. It’s calm, comfortable, and the perfect place to ease into vacation mode. After a relaxing lunch, you can explore the ship before your stateroom is ready. Just be sure to keep anything you’ll need for the next few hours—like swimsuits, sunscreen, or medication—in your carry-on, since your luggage won’t be delivered to your room until later on.

How many activities are onboard

I took my first Disney Cruise about six years ago, right after I began my career as a Travel Advisor specializing in Disney vacations. I went in with the best of intentions—to try everything so I could give my clients first-hand advice (and, of course, come up with a list of my best Disney cruise tips)! But I quickly learned the truth: there’s absolutely no way to do it all. Even on a seven-night sailing, I barely scratched the surface!

As a natural planner, it was tough to let go of the idea of scheduling every moment. But once I did, everything changed. On my next cruise, I ditched the overplanning and simply checked the Navigator app each morning to see what I felt like doing. And you know what? I actually experienced more—and enjoyed it so much more too. Sometimes, the best Disney magic happens when you leave room for a little spontaneity.

A Few Things I Wish I Had Packed

Again, being a planner, I had compared dozens of packing lists before deciding what I was going to bring on my cruise. One thing I kept seeing was a lanyard, but I didn’t see myself wearing one, so I decided to omit it. (Hint: that was a mistake)! Let me tell you, lanyards are super handy to keep your Key to the World (your combination room key and charging card) in. That way, you don’t have to worry about carrying a purse or wallet! Plus, I wish I’d brought a large tumbler; there are beverage stations located throughout the ship, but the cups are teeny-tiny! I know they take up a lot of space, but I would still recommend bringing a large (24-ounce or more) tumbler. I mostly keep mine filled with water, but if I’m hankering for a sweet treat, I’ll treat myself to some soda or some of the wine I brought on board (you’re allowed 2 bottles per port, so pack wisely)!

WIFI costs add up

If you want to stay connected while you’re sailing, you’ll need to purchase a Wi-Fi package—but trust me, use it wisely. It often gets left off of lists of Disney cruise tips, but this is always the expense that sneaks up on me (the curse of trying to work at sea)! To save both data and dollars, download books, movies, and apps before you board so you can enjoy them offline. And whenever possible, wait until you’re in port to upload photos or check emails. A little planning ahead goes a long way toward keeping your Wi-Fi bill—and your stress—under control.

Every Disney Cruise is magical in its own way—but the more you know before you sail, the smoother (and more relaxing!) your vacation will be. Whether you’re a first-timer figuring out staterooms and boarding times or a seasoned traveler looking to make the most of your onboard experience, a little planning goes a long way.

From understanding Wi-Fi costs to embracing a bit of spontaneity, these small Disney cruise tips can make a big difference in how much you enjoy your time at sea. And if you’re feeling overwhelmed trying to piece it all together—I’ve been there! I can help you plan the perfect Disney Cruise experience that fits your family’s needs, budget, and travel style.

Who is Christina?

Christina Vieira, a Traveler, a Planner, and a Mom. She is also the owner of Showcase the World Travel, a modern travel agency that helps busy Moms take the vacation they deserve without adding “planning it all” to their to-do lists.  After all, Mom should get to enjoy their vacation too.

She specializes in Disney, Caribbean, Europe and has helped dozens of families have magical vacations that they will always remember. She loves traveling with her four-year-old daughter, Annabelle. Her favorite destinations include Walt Disney World, Wyoming, and Prague.