This collection of Disney Cruise tips and tricks covers ways to save money, ideas for keeping kids entertained, lesser-known foods to try, and practical advice for first-time Disney cruisers.
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As promised in an earlier cruise hacks post, here is an organized, up-to-date list of the best Disney Cruise tips and tricks we’ve learned while planning and enjoying a Disney cruise. Whether this is your first sailing or you’re looking to refine your strategy, these practical tips will help you make the most of your vacation.
I love sharing helpful little secrets. Disney cruises have some key differences from other lines, and knowing a few of them before you book will make your trip smoother and more fun. Let’s get started!
Disney Cruise Wi‑Fi and App Tips
Download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app before boarding. It’s the easiest way to see daily schedules, menus, character appearances, and make or view reservations.
Put your phone in airplane mode once you board and connect to the ship Wi‑Fi. The onboard Wi‑Fi provides free access to the Navigator app so you can receive daily updates and reminders without paying for data. You’ll also get iMessage over Wi‑Fi even if regular texts don’t work.
Download podcasts, music, and videos you’ll want for offline use before you board, since cell service near ports and on the ship can be spotty. If you need any cellular data, stop by the Connect at Sea desk early to adjust settings that may drain data.
Register for Disney Connect @ Sea on day one to get 50 free megabytes—enough for occasional social posts or checking the app. More data is available for purchase if needed.
First‑Day Dining Options
On embarkation day you’ll usually have two lunch options: the buffet (Cabanas) or a sit‑down dining room, depending on boarding time and the ship’s schedule. Check the Navigator app for availability.
On our sailing the day‑one sit‑down restaurant was Animator’s Palate. If timing allows, a sit‑down lunch is a nice way to start the cruise and meet your dining team.
Cabin Organization Tips
Two familiar cruise organization hacks need slight tweaks on Disney ships because cabin doors and walls are different than other lines.
1. Over‑the‑door shoe organizers are tricky because closet doors aren’t always compatible. Use sturdy magnetic hooks on cabin doors, or hang organizers from coat hangers or the bathroom door if needed.
2. Cabin walls are generally not magnetic, but cabin doors are. Bring magnetic clips for the door to hold artwork, daily navigators, receipts, and other small items. The back of the door becomes a great staging area for papers and kid art.
Laundry Tips
If you plan to do laundry, bring a few Tide Pods and dryer sheets. Self‑service machines are available for a modest fee (around $3 per load), so try to minimize onboard laundry when possible.
Bring a laundry bag or hamper. Use vacuum bags to compress dirty clothes in your luggage if you need space—no vacuum required; just press out the air.
Onboard Entertainment
Most entertainment is included in your cruise fare and is excellent. The ship often screens recent movies (sometimes still in theaters) in 3D, and new releases have premiered onboard in the past.
Try the cooking demonstrations—chefs prepare dishes you can sample, often paired with a complimentary wine taste. Evening stage shows are high quality and included; missed a show? Check your stateroom TV—many performances are available on demand.
If you go to a movie, consider bringing your own candy or bagged popcorn to avoid premium theater prices.
Room Service Tricks
Room service is included on Disney ships, unlike some other lines, so use it liberally. Stewards do not receive gratuities from the prepaid gratuity charge, so bring small bills to tip for room service deliveries.
Order a carafe of coffee to enjoy warm mornings, or request hot water if you prefer instant coffee. You can also request treats like Mickey Bars, Smucker’s Uncrustables, cake of the day, extra ice, or empty wine glasses—some items are complimentary if you ask.
Fill out the continental breakfast order form each night to have fruit, pastries, and more delivered in the morning.
Dining Tips and Tricks
Kids receive kid‑friendly menus each night, but they can order from the adult menu if they wish. We encourage trying one new food per day—cruise dining is a great opportunity for that.
Sit‑down breakfasts and lunches often offer better food quality and service than the buffet. And like most cruise lines, you can order as much or as little as you like—sharing appetizers is a fun way to sample more dishes.
Bring a large reusable cup for soda stations—the cups on board are small and require frequent refills. If you dislike paper straws, bring a reusable straw to use instead.
Fine Dining: Palo and Remy
Palo (and Remy on select ships) are adults‑only upscale restaurants worth trying. They require reservations and sometimes a dress code; children can be checked into the kids’ club if you plan to dine late.
Palo often offers a prix fixe multi‑course pairing menu for an extra charge (for example, a 6‑course pairing). It’s a decadent experience if you’re looking to splurge for a special night.
Cove Cafe
Cove Cafe is a quiet adult area coffee shop with complimentary pastries at certain times—ask a crew member which items are free. In the evenings you can often get small plates like charcuterie without charge. If you buy drinks, pick up a punch card for a free drink after several purchases.
Alcohol: What You Can Bring and Onboard Deals
Per adult, you may bring either two 750 ml bottles of wine or six 12‑oz beers per port of call. This means you can restock at each port rather than bringing everything at embarkation. No liquor is permitted to be brought onboard.
Onboard wine packages exist but may not always save much. Beer packages (for example, buy‑20‑get‑4 free) can be a better value and often include a branded cooler you keep. Store beers in your room with help from your stateroom host and ice from room service.
Oceaneer Kids Club
Disney’s youth clubs are exceptionally creative and engaging. The Oceaneer Club features themed spaces like Toy Story and Marvel rooms, and kids often want to visit daily.
Attend the open house on the first day to familiarize kids with the space. Kids can also eat in the club for lunch or dinner if that’s more convenient for your schedule. Castaway Cay also offers a kids club and activities for younger guests.
Castaway Cay Tips
The Castaway Cay 5K is a free, fun event—sign up during your experience‑booking window. It can fill up, so register early if you plan to run.
Castaway Cay is often the highlight of the cruise: beautiful beaches, plentiful seating, and complimentary island food. Cookie’s BBQ serves burgers, fruit, sides, and soft‑serve ice cream. For a quieter adult experience, visit Serenity Bay.
Bring your own sand and water toys if you want them—onsite rentals and gift shop prices are higher. Check inflatable rules in advance; only Coast Guard–approved personal flotation devices are allowed.
Character Meet‑ups
Character interactions are frequent on Disney cruises. To maximize meet‑and‑greets, use the Navigator app to find scheduled appearances and be ready to line up during the 15‑minute window for each meet.
If you spot a short or unlisted line, take it—unexpected opportunities happen, including characters walking around the ship. Bring autograph items and a pen, and be aware that costumes change by theme nights (Pirate Night, Formal Night, etc.), so characters may appear in different outfits throughout the cruise.
Money‑Saving Souvenir Tips
There are several inexpensive and meaningful souvenirs you can make or buy without breaking the bank.
Autograph Pillowcase
Create an autograph pillowcase for characters to sign. Use a piece of cardboard inside the pillowcase to keep the fabric taut and secure it so signatures go on cleanly. This makes a special keepsake for a low cost.
Pin Trading
Pin trading is available on board. Buy authentic pins ahead of time to save money and bring plenty to trade—cast members will trade pins but typically limit trades with the same person each day. Look for officer pin trading events in your daily planner.
Other Souvenirs
Pressed pennies may be available at certain terminals before boarding. Fish Extender gift exchanges are a popular way to swap small handmade or inexpensive items with a handful of nearby cabins—it’s fun and inexpensive compared with many shop purchases.
Booking Onboard Experiences
Many special onboard and port experiences require advance booking. First‑time guests can book 75 days before sail date; returning and concierge guests may have earlier access. Popular events include Disney Junior breakfast, Frozen gatherings, princess meet‑ups, Castaway Cay 5K, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, Palo/Remy, beverage seminars, and spa appointments.
If an event is full, check guest services as soon as you board—ships often release additional spots or maintain waitlists that can be filled once onboard.
What Not to Bring
Avoid packing items that are prohibited or unnecessary on board. These typically include:
- Weapons, illegal drugs, or alcoholic beverages beyond allowed limits
- Bottle warmers and clothes steamers
- Surge protectors and electric heating elements
- Large coolers and candles
- Gaming consoles and extra towels (towels are provided)
- Private floaties (PFD vests are available at pools and on Castaway Cay)
- Shampoo/conditioner/body wash (rooms provide H2O products)
How to Save on a Disney Cruise
One effective saving strategy is buying Disney gift cards at a discount from warehouse retailers. Gift cards can be used toward your cruise fare, onboard purchases, specialty dining, beverages, gratuities, and more. Keep at least one empty card until any potential refunds are processed, since refunds must go back to an original payment method.
For room upgrades, consider booking a lower category you’re comfortable with and checking frequently for upgrade offers—upgrades can sometimes be cheaper than booking a higher category initially.
If you book your next cruise while onboard, you can often receive a discount (for example, a percentage off the fare) and place a small down payment as a placeholder to reserve the rate for future travel.
Debarkation Tips
Disney’s debarkation process is generally smooth and well organized. Earlier departures are assigned to higher cabin categories, so nicer rooms may disembark sooner. Keep a 24‑hour bag with essentials—medication, toiletries, and a change of clothes—since checked bags are collected the night before.
You can opt to carry off your luggage yourself (Express Walk Off), but this can be challenging with children. Some sailings offer airline tag transfers for checked bags the night before, which can simplify airport connections.
Miscellaneous Tips and Favorites
Many park favorites are available onboard: Dole Whip, Mickey Krispy Treats, Mickey Ice Cream Bars (often complimentary), and themed items at special events. Portions and pricing vary, so plan accordingly.
Bring a holder for your Key to the World card—lanyards or retractable card holders with sleeves make accessing your room, charging purchases, and signing into youth clubs much easier.
Join your sailing’s Facebook group after booking to connect with other guests, organize fish extender exchanges, and get up‑to‑date tips from those on the same cruise.
There are many movies and shows available on demand in your stateroom. Also schedule downtime—Disney cruises are activity‑packed, and daily rest periods help kids (and adults) recharge.
We skipped the professional photo package and never regretted it—character attendants are typically happy to take photos with your camera or phone if you ask.
This guide covers hundreds of useful tips to help you enjoy a Disney cruise more fully. If you have additional tips from your own cruises, please share them in the comments so other travelers can benefit.
If there are any Disney Cruise tips I missed, please leave your suggestions in the comments!