Preparing for your first Disney Cruise can feel overwhelming. Here is everything you need to know before you go!
**Update** Disney Cruise Line has announced that cruising from Florida will resume on August 9th. For the most up to date information on cruising policies and procedures visit Disneytraveltradeinfo.com/disneycruise. Keep in mind that the information in this post is mostly prior to the suspension in March 2020. Some items may be different and you can see the latest update in the link above, BUT, don’t worry. Remember to contact Magical Memory Planners to get on our mailing list or book your cruise because there is even more we can help you with. We don’t charge you anything extra and we know everything about Disney Cruise Line. We will ensure you have the most up to date information.
Ships
Disney Cruise Line currently has 4 ships in their fleet: the Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Magic, and the Disney Wonder. We are excited to announce that 3 new ships will be joining the fleet. The Disney Wish will begin sailing in Sumer 2022. The other two ships will be coming in the following years. Their names have not been announced yet. You will find specific information for each of the current ships throughout this article.
Definitions
Port: The left side of the ship (Both have 4 letters)
Starboard: The right side of the ship
Aft: The back of the ship
Forward: The front of the ship
Embarkation: The process of loading/boarding ship
Debarkation: The process of unloading the ship
Cay: pronounced KEY
Muster: The lifeboat safety drill
FE (Fish Extender): A pre-arranged swap of goods between cruisers
DCL: Disney Cruise Line
Getting Started
How to do your Disney Cruise Line online check in at 75 days prior (If you’ve never sailed DCL before)
Decide if you want to park at the port or off-site to save money. If you are flying, have your agent check the price of a private transfer versus the Disney shuttle. Families of four or more will save money doing a private transfer. Your port arrival time should be chosen now that you have completed your online check-in. Give yourself about an hour and half from the Orlando airport to arrive. The Disney shuttle will pick you up and drop you off at their convenience. If the bus is full, you will have to wait for the next. We highly recommend flying in at least the day before your cruise to prevent any travel delays from affecting your cruise departure.
What to pack? How to pack a family of four in one suitcase and what I carry on versus checking at the port.
What should you not pack? Disney Cruise Line Prohibited Items List.
If you leave from a US port and arrive back at a US port, you are not required to have a passport at this time. (This is subject to change at any time) A certified copy of your birth certificate and a current driver’ license are sufficient. A passport is ALWAYS recommended for cruising in case of emergencies.
Arriving at the Port (Port Canaveral)
Carry some small bills to tip the porters for handling your luggage. I suggest $1-2 per suitcase.
Prepare to turn over your checked luggage to the porter upon arrival at the port. It should all be tagged with your cruise tags that came with your documents. MAKE SURE YOUR PAPERWORK IS NOT IN A CHECKED BAG! Once your checked bags are turned in, you can proceed to security.
There are two entrances into the port, one is upstairs through the parking garage and one is downstairs at the drop off. I personally liked the upstairs entrance because it has a great view of the ship for pictures and it is less crowded as fewer people drive and park at the port. Have your confirmation number, stateroom number, and ID’s handy. You will show these as you enter the security area.
TIP: there is also a restroom in the bottom level of the parking garage for those who arrive early and cannot enter the port terminal.
Your carry-on luggage must have certain dimensions, as all luggage is scanned before it enters the ship. The dimensions are as follows: 22 inches wide, 14 inches high and 9 inches deep.
REMINDER: all liquids like water bottles and alcohol must be carried-on and not checked.
You must arrive to the port no later than 3:30pm to ensure boarding.
Inside the Port (Port Canaveral)
Once you enter the port, you will be guided to a check-in line. Previous cruisers have their own line as well as concierge.
Once you get to an agent, you will provide all documentation for boarding: The cruise documents that you printed from your online check-in, your passport or Driver’s License and Birth Certificate, and a signed copy of your heath questionnaire (given to you at the port). You will also pose for a picture that will be linked to your Key Card.
You will be given a boarding group number at this time, listen for the numbers to be called over the speakers.
At this time you can wait in line to have your picture taken with Mickey Mouse, grab a pressed penny, or head over to the Children’s Activities line to finalize the club paperwork. Restrooms, water fountains, vending machines, and TVs playing cartoons are also found inside the terminal. There is a separate waiting area for the concierge guests and they will board first. Now is also a good time to look through the Navigator to see what activities are available, tickets can be picked up, and other services that are offered the first day. You will also want to be sure you have your Disney Cruise Line app downloaded and get that all set up. You will be able to text other cruisers for free through the app as well as have access to lots of great information.
Once your number is called to board, you will enter through the yellow ears and wait in a line to have your family picture taken. This picture has face recognition and helps forward future professional pictures into your Shutter’s folders. After you have your picture taken, you will then board the ship! You will be asked for your family name and the cast members will announce your arrival onto the ship. A cast member will then approach your family and tell you about the ship and dining options. You will spend a few minutes with this cast member before you are off on your own.
Boarding the Ship
Once you board the ship head over to the Guest Relations counter if you need tickets for anything. Example: some cruises have Tea with Alice or character meet up tickets. All the details for these options will be in your Navigator that they gave you at check in.
Guest Services can also help you with changing your dining time or adding gift cards to your on board account. You can add your gift cards anytime during the cruise so if there is a long line come back another day. The last evening will also have long lines so try to get things done before then if you can.
You can now head to lunch. There will be two restaurants open. Cabanas is on the pool deck and will be a busy buffet. This is where most people go. Find a table and make a “home base before you head to get your food so you know where you are going. You will still have your carry on items so you will want to put those down. The second option is the restaurant on Deck 2/3. This will be much quieter. They will seat you and take your drink order and then you can serve yourself at the buffet. This is our recommended option for those with food allergies since you will have a direct contact upon arrival to assist you with dietary needs.
Your room will not be available to enter until 1:30pm, so now is the time to explore the kid’s clubs and finalize their paperwork if you opted to not do that at the terminal.
They also offer a Walking Ship Tour typically around 1pm. Check your Personal Navigator for exact time and location. This may be helpful for first timers or if you want to check out where everything is on the ship.
Your Cabin
Here is a list of items in your cabin:
A bed (Luggage stores nicely underneath)
A couch (will fold out to a bed… the bunk pulls down from ceiling above couch) – These will be done by your room steward while you are at dinner so don’t worry about how they work.
An alarm clock (Also an iPod docking station)
A room safe (inside closet)
A Cooler Box (like a refrigerator but isn’t quite as cold)
A steamer trunk for storage
A laundry bag (DCL will charge you if you take this home)
An ice bucket
A hairdryer (in desk Cabinet)
A set of wave phones (on desk)
A light blanket (on the couch)
A set of postcards and pen (in the desk)
Toiletries: Shampoo, Conditioner, Lotion, Bath and Face Soap
*Laundry rooms and irons are on each floor
Debarkation
Disney Cruise Line has the best debarkation process of any cruise line. The last day of your cruise you will get character colored luggage tags in your room with your debarkation information. Read through everything so you are prepared for a smooth debarkation. You will have to pack your luggage and have everything tagged and outside your cabin by 10pm. Be sure to keep back at least one carryon/ backpacks that will have room for the last items you have. Something small enough to be manageable to carry off the ship. Leave out pjs, and clothes for the next day. Be sure to keep your documentation, medication, and your last toiletries and pack those in your carryon the next morning.
On Debarkation morning you will go back to the same restaurant that you had dinner at the previous night at a specific time that will be in your debarkation instructions. Typically 6:45am for first seating and 8am for second seating. You will bring all remaining items with you and will not return to your room after breakfast. You can give your gratuities to your servers and say goodbye. After you are done with breakfast you will proceed to exit the ship. You will go to the luggage area in the terminal where you will find your luggage based on the character colored tag you had.
After you grab your luggage you will proceed through US Customs & Border Protection. There are porters available in the terminal if you need assistance with your luggage but be prepared to give them a cash tip for their assistance. You will need your passports/documents for this process. Then you will exit the building and follow the signs for your next step such as taxis, transfers, ride share, parking lot etc.
There is also an express walk off option where you do not put any luggage outside your room but instead you walk off as the first group off the ship. You will skip breakfast in the dining room and have to take all your luggage off. There will be no option for assistance. They will allow you walk off as soon as they are cleared. Since you already have all your luggage with you, you will go right to US Customs and Border Protection. You will need to leave your cabin by 7am and wait in the lobby until you are permitted to leave.
Dining
(Not all 4 ships have the same dining options)
Your dining rotation will be listed on the bottom of your room key. If you decide to dine at the pool deck restaurant, Cabanas, any night or if you have Palo or Remy reservations, PLEASE tell your server ahead of time so they do not wait for your party.
Rotation Dining
Dream:
A-Animator’s Palate (dinner only)
E-Enchanted Garden (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
R-Royal Palace (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Fantasy:
A-Animator’s Palate (dinner only)
E-Enchanted Garden (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
R-Royal Court (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Magic:
A-Animator’s Palate (dinner only)
R-Rapunzel’s Royal Table (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
L-Lumiere’s (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Wonder:
AP -Animator’s Palate (dinner only)
TP -Tiana’s Place (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
TR -Tritons (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Buffet
Cabanas is a breakfast and lunch buffet and a table-service dinner option located at the pool deck.
*There will be a secondary buffet option on embarkment day. This will be the less chosen, less busier option.
Adult-Only Fine Dining
Palo/Remy (Remy can only be found on the Dream and the Fantasy) they are adult only, have a dress code, need reservations, and have a fee. Dinner at Palo starts at $40 per person and Remy is $125. Palo also offers a brunch on four night cruises or longer on sea days. Remy offers multiple experiences such as brunch, dessert experiences and wine pairing options.
Quick Service
Dream
Eye Scream and Frozone Treats- softserve with toppings (toppings can vary and be non-existent)
Flo’s Café- quick service area featuring 3 unique stations – American fare, pizza, salads and more (Station names include: Luigi’s Pizza, Tow Mater’s Grill and Fillmore’s Favorites)
Fantasy
Eye Scream and Frozone Treats- softserve with toppings (toppings can vary and be non-existent)
Flo’s Café- quick service area featuring 3 unique stations – American fare, pizza, salads and more (Station names include: Luigi’s Pizza, Tow Mater’s Grill and Fillmore’s Favorites)
Magic
Eye Scream and Frozone Treats- softserve with toppings (toppings can vary and be non-existent)
Duck-in Diner- quick service American fare
Pinocchio’s Pizzeria- quick service pizza
Daisy’s De-Lites- Snacks
Wonder
Eye Scream and Frozone Treats- softserve with toppings (toppings can vary and be non-existent)
Pete’s Boiler Bites- quick service lunch and dinner
Pinocchio’s Pizzeria- quick service pizza
Daisy’s De-Lites- Snacks
Unless you specify that your family like to dine alone, Disney may pair you up with a like family at dinner. Have your agent specify on your reservation if you prefer to dine alone.
Early dining is at 5:45pm and late dining is at 8:15pm. Do not show up early or there will be a crowd at the door.
If you are paired with a family and you feel uncomfortable after the first night, ask guest services to change your seating for the following nights.
Your last morning breakfast before you debark you will be requested to dine in the restaurant that you ate at the prior night. This will give you a chance to say goodbye to your serving staff and hand them their tip envelopes. You can opt to NOT dine here and eat at the pool deck buffet, let your servers know that last night so they do not expect you the following morning.
Room Service
Room service is FREE. The menu is located in the book on the desk. A tip of at least a $1 per item is expected. There are items not listed that are available like a daily desert, mickey bars, cookies and milk, and uncrustables sandwiches. Room service is NOT available for the morning of debarkation. You can order a carafe of coffee and some cereal boxes to be delivered the night before if you need to hurry off the ship in the morning.
Lounges
Dream
Pub 687- Family Sports bar
Bon Voyage- family bar
Cove Café- an adult-only coffee bar where the pastries are FREE
Currents- Sunny and scenic deck bar
District Lounge- all ages during the day and adult only at night
Evolution- a dance club for adults only
Meridian- adults only on the deck next to Palo
Pink- adults only champagne bar
Skyline- adult’s only-transforming views bar
Vista Café- an all age’s coffee bar
Fantasy
Bon Voyage- family bar
Cove Café- an adult-only coffee bar where the pastries are FREE
La Piazza- adults only, Italian inspired bar
Meridian- adults only on the deck next to Palo
O’Gills Pub- adults only Irish bar
Ooh La La- adults only French inspired bar
Skyline- adult’s only-transforming views bar
The Tube- adult’s only nightclub
Vista Café- an all age’s coffee bar
Currents- Sunny and scenic deck bar
Magic
Cove Café- an adult-only coffee bar where the pastries are FREE
Fathoms- adults only nightclub
Keys- adults’ only piano bar
O’Gills Pub- adults only Irish bar
Promenade Lounge- family bar with scheduled activities
Signals- adults only deck bar
Wonder
Cadillac Lounge- an adult only piano bar
Cove Café- an adult-only coffee bar where the pastries are FREE
French Quarter Lounge – adults only jazz club
Crown & Fin Pub- adults only English pub
D Lounge- family bar with scheduled activities
Signals- adults only deck bar
Azure – adults only trendy nightclub
Pools
Dream
AquaDuck- water coaster
Donald’s Pool- family pool
Mickey’s Pool- a children’s pool with a one-deck high slide
Nemo’s Reef- young kid’s splash deck
Quiet Cove Pool- adult-only pool
Satellite Falls – adults only wading pool
Fantasy
Aquaduck- water coaster
Aqualab- water play area
Donald’s Pool- family pool
Mickey’s Pool- a children’s pool with a one-deck high slide
Nemo’s Reef- young kid’s splash deck
Quiet Cove Pool- adult-only pool
Satellite Falls – adults only wading pool
Magic
AquaDunk – 3 story water slide
Aqualab- water play area
Goofy’s Pool- Family pool
Quiet Cove Pool- adult-only pool
Wonder
Goofy’s Pool- Family pool
Aqualab- water play area
Quiet Cove Pool- adult-only pool
Activities
Located on all ships unless otherwise noted
Arr-cade
Bippity Boppity Boutique- located on the Fantasy
Buena Vista Theater- dial 888-325-2500 to see what movies will be playing on your cruise
Fitness Center- fully loaded facility
Goofy’s Sports Deck- miniature golf, virtual sports simulator, basketball/volleyball on Dream and Fantasy
Meet and Greets
Mid-Ship detective/Muppets Adventure Game- on Dream and Fantasy
Navigator- a daily itinerary of all activities found in your room at turn down and at guest services. Also available on the DCL App
Rainforest Room- $16/day for adult-only scented steam rooms, tiles loungers and private jacuzzies
Senses Spa and Salon
Shows- opposite times as your dinner. First showing is at 6:15 and the second show is at 8:00
Wide World of Sports- recreational activities on Magic and Wonder
Shows in the Walt Disney Theatre
Dream
Disney’s Believe
The Golden Mickeys
Beauty and the Beast: The Musical
Fantasy
Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular
Disney’s Believe
Frozen, A Musical Spectacular
Magic
Disney Dreams – An Enchanted Classic
Twice Charmed: An Original Twist in the Cinderella Story
Tangled: The Musical
Wonder
Disney Dreams – An Enchanted Classic
The Golden Mickeys
Frozen, A Musical Spectacular
Castaway Cay
Castaway Cay is a private island reserved just for DCL guests on Bahamian and Caribbean cruises. There are plenty of chairs and umbrellas for every person on the ship; there is no need to rush off. Castaway Cay has unlimited fountain sodas and ice cream as well as an included BBQ-style lunch. Lunch is provided at Cookies and Cookies Too.
Here is a list of what is available for free:
Beach Towels
Castaway Family Beach
Chairs
Character Greetings
Grouper Game Pavilion (shaded recreation like foosball and ping pong)
Hammocks
Handicapped wheelchairs
The Hide-out (Teen only beach)
In Da Shade Pavilion (A shaded recreation area)
Pelican Plunge (2,400 sq ft platform water play area)
Serenity Bay (Adult only beach)
Scuttle’s Cove- a supervised free kid’s club
Snorkel (FREE if you bring your own equipment)
Spring-a-Leak (2,400 sq ft water play area)
Sports Beach (Volleyball and tetherball)
Swimming
Umbrellas
Wagons to transport children and belongings
Water splash areas
Here is a list of activities with a fee:
Bike rental (They have bikes with training wheels, bikes with child seats and helmets)
Buy the Sea Shore (retail store)
Cabanas
Flippers and Floats (rent inner tubes, masks and fins)
Gil’s Fins and Boats (rent snorkel gear, kayaks, paddleboats etc)
Hair braiding
Kayaking
Marge’s Barges and Sea Charter Dock (for offshore recreations)
Open Air Massages
Paddle Boats
She Sells Sea Shells…and Everything Else (retail shop)
Snorkel
Water Sports
TIP: Ask about the buy one get one free alcoholic beverages in the afternoon
TIP: Pack your own sand toys to save money
TIP: There is a post office on the island, if you want something postmarked from CC you will need to stop by guest services before you get off and get Bahamian Stamps. The post office will not deal with American money.
Shutters
Shutters is the photography service on the ship. You can view and purchase your photographs daily. Most dinners, pre-dinner and character meet will have a professional photographer available for pictures. The picture you took prior to boarding serves as the face recognition for future photos to be put into your onboard Shutters folder of pictures. IF you think you are missing any photos tell a CM and they can assist you.
You can purchase photobooks, individual photos and an all-included package. Stop by Shutters for pricing. You can also pre-purchase certain packages at a discount. Packages are per room so if your family is split in two rooms you can get the second room at a discount.
Gratuities
Gratuities are per person per night, regardless of child’s age. The tips will be taken from your onboard payment method unless you specify otherwise. You can also pre-pay these before you board. Tips are divided between:
- Server
- Assistant Server
- Head Server
- Stateroom Steward
Alcoholic beverages and Spa Services have tips included. It is recommended to tip Room Service $1 per item ordered It is recommended to tip Palo and Remy servers $10+ per person dining.
You CANNOT give cash tips to any of the counselors or nursery staff
Kid’s Club/Nursery
All four ships have the same club names. On the Magic and the Wonder, the Oceaneer Lab and Oceaneer Club are across the hall. Which means you may go to pick up your kid and find out they have been escorted to the other area. When you sign your child up for the clubs, they will be given a magic band bracelet (fee if lost or you want to keep) and you must provide a list of people that can check-in and check-out the child along with a password. You MUST have your Key to the World card to check your child in and out. There are “open house” opportunities; this is the only time adults are allowed into the clubs. Counselors will page your wave phone if any problems arise and you need to come and get your child.
Children must be potty trained and self-sufficient to enter the clubs. Parents with children with special needs should talk to the counselors on board regarding any special needs.
On the Dream and the Fantasy, they are connected. Here are some brief summaries on all the clubs.
Disney’s Oceaneer Club
Children aged 3-12 can create, perform, play games and more. Play areas, reading areas, televisions, play structures and more. Activities change every half hour to hour and are listed on the daily navigator. Children can eat lunch and dinner in the club.
The Dream has 4 distinct play areas: Andy’s Room, Disney Infinity Game Room, Pixie Hollow, and Star Wars: Millennium Falcon.
The Fantasy has 4 distinct play areas: Andy’s Room, Star Wars: Command Post, MARVEL Super Hero Academy, Pixie Hollow
The Magic also has 4 distinct play areas: Andy’s Room, Marvel’s Super Hero Academy, Disney Junior, and Pixie Hollow
The Wonder has 4 distinct play areas: Andy’s Room, Marvel’s Super Hero Academy, Disney Junior, and Frozen Adventures
Disney’s Oceaneer Lab
Children aged 3-12 can explore and have adventures. The Lab has science experiments, cooking classes and other hand on play.
The Dream has the Animator’s Studio, Craft Studio, Media Room, Playmation, the Wheelhouse
The Fantasy has the Animator’s Studio, Craft Studio, Media Room, Sound Studio, the Wheelhouse
The Magic has the Animator’s Studio, Craft Studio, Captains’ Workshop, and Navigation Game Station
The Wonder has Andy’s Room, Frozen Adventures, MARVEL’s Avengers Academy, and Media Room
Edge
Tweens aged 11-14 can participate in arts and crafts, sing karaoke, watch television, and take part in special events like scavenger hunts and themed nights. There are video games, computer labs, flat screen TVs and more.
Vibe
This is a teens-exclusive club for ages 14-17. A central place to meet and greet and hang out with a private sundeck, individual nooks and lead by the coolest counselors on deck. Your teen will love this spot.
It’s a Small World Nursery
Children 6 months to age 3 are safely cared for in 3 distinct areas: An acclimation zone, a main play area and separate room for naps. Movies, crafts and story time are offered for a per hour rate. Nursery time should be pre-scheduled when doing your on-line check-in. Drop in times are also sometimes available. Diapers, formula, baby food, extra clothes should be brought to the nursery at drop off.
Guest Services
Guest services located on the third deck is a go-to for all your questions and needs. You can add gift cards to your account, switch dining rotations and times, check for lost and found items and so much more. The are typically most busy on the first day of the cruise and last full day of the cruise before disembarkation. If you have something that is not urgent, visit during the day on one of the other days.
Rebooking Desk
There is an area that has agents available for cruisers to rebook on board for a future cruise. Rebooking on board gives you special offers such as a discount and/or onboard credit. If you are unsure about a specific date but want to take part in the discount, ask the agent about placeholder. This is a reservation with a minimal deposit that can be officially booked at another time. When you finalize your date you will pay the remaining balance. You must sail within 18 months and not be in black out dates. Make sure you document your current agent’s name on the reservation for more goodies and let us know so we can celebrate with you!
What to Wear
Resort casual clothing is the best way to describe how one should dress aboard the ship. Bathing suits, shorts and tank tops are not suggested for the main dining rooms. Palo has dress requirements like dress shirts, dress pants and skirt/dress or pantsuit. Remy requires a suit or dress pants and jacket. Women should wear a cocktail dress, pantsuit or skirt with blouse.
There will be semi-formal nights offered on most cruises but you are not required to dress up. On 7 night cruises a formal night will also be offered.
Swim cover-ups should be worn when walking through the hallways and lobby.
And don’t forget your pirate costumes if there will be a Pirate Night on your cruise!
Phone/Internet
There is internet access onboard the ships but due to the technology, service can be slow and unreliable. You pay by the mb so if you have apps running in the background you can burn through it really fast. Usage rates and international fees vary from each phone service, it is recommended to keep your phone on airplane mode to avoid unnecessary fees and roaming charges. Look for internet cafes at your ports of call. Example: There is a Starbucks on Nassau that has free internet.
You will want to download the new Disney Cruise Navigator app to see the daily itinerary and use for the new texting options. This service is free and you just have to be logged into the ships wifi. If you have any problems with the internet, your app, or your internet package visit the internet help desk on the ship.
Want to Book a Disney Cruise?
Does all this sound amazing? Are you ready to book a Disney Cruise or at least talk with an expert to get your questions answered? We would love to help you with our free services. Contact us to get started.
