Are you planning a cruise with DCL and need some Disney cruise line tips for families before your voyage? A Disney Cruise vacation is a fantastic way to connect with family members and have some relaxation time as well. These are some of my best tips as a travel agent and answers to questions I receive most often from clients. I hope you have a fantastic time on your Disney Cruise Line vacation!
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What can I expect on my first day on a Disney Cruise?
It’s so exciting! Once you arrive, porters will whisk away your luggage so be sure to keep a carry-on with any essential items. If you plan to hit the pools, be sure to pack a bathing suit, flip-flops, and a cover-up to have that afternoon. You can explore the ship as soon as you are on board. Most people head to lunch at the buffet or one of the sit-down restaurants.
Visit guest services if you have any requests. If you have little ones and need to request a crib or side rail, you can do this as well. Visit the kids’ clubs when they are open and be sure to catch the sail away party.
You will be alerted that all in your party must attend the safety drill, so be aware of that when making your plans. Eventually, you will receive a notification that your suitcases have been delivered to your stateroom, so you can begin unpacking!
Another of my key Disney cruise line tips for families…be sure to pack any needed medications and chargers in your carry-on. You don’t want to need these items and then realize you don’t have them because they are packed away in your suitcase.
Can you hug Disney characters on a Disney Cruise Line cruise?
Yes, you can now hug Disney characters on Disney Cruise lines. If you have young kids that have a favorite character or princess, a Disney cruise is a fantastic way to experience character meet and greets. Your Disney Cruise Line Navigator app will keep you updated on where and when they are meeting on any of the Disney cruise ships.
Whether you are on Disney Fantasy, Disney Dream, Disney Wonder, Disney Magic, Disney Wish, or Disney Treasure, you can meet all sorts of characters at no additional cost! It’s a good idea to pack an autograph book and clickable Sharpie for your cruise to capture all those signatures.
What are fish extenders?
Fish extenders are a way for cruisers to connect together while on the ship. Before your cruise, search for your cruise’s group on Facebook. Just search the name of your ship and the departure date, and you will likely find a Facebook group already formed. Within this group, cruisers will often form a fish extender group for those that want to participate.
If you want to know how to make a fish extender to hang outside of your cabin, you can find a great tutorial here. Once you decide on participating, you will purchase various small items to gift to other cruisers. If you love to meet other cruisers and don’t mind packing extra small gifts in your luggage, this is a fun thing for the whole family. However, it is entirely optional, so if it stresses you out, it’s totally fine to skip it!
What is the suggested tip rate for Disney Cruise Line?
One of the best things about Disney Cruise Line is the crew members and cast members on Disney ships. Whether it’s room service or servers in the main dining room, sitters in the Kids Club, or on Disney’s private island, you will find the amazing Disney service you have come to expect. A great way to show your appreciation is by tipping your servers and hosts.
As with many cruise lines, Disney recommends a set amount per day per cruiser to tip for the staff. You can always consult the Disney Cruise Line website for the latest suggested tip rate. The current rate is $14.50 per day per guest for regular voyage fares and $15.50 per day per guest for concierge guests.
Pre-paid gratuities go to the following crew members: your dining room server, dining room assistant server, dining room head server, and your stateroom host. You can prepay this gratuity amount before your Disney vacation by adding it to your cruise fare. Just ask your travel agent to add it or request it when you call Disney Cruise Line.
Otherwise, gratuities are automatically added to your folio and charged at the end of your cruise. You can always visit Guest Services if you wish to change this amount. Read more about tipping on Disney Cruise Line here.
What is the best age for a child to go on a Disney Cruise?
It is a personal decision to decide on the best age for a child to go on a Disney cruise, and most likely, it will vary from person to person. If you have a young child under 3, they will need to stay in the Small World nursery for child care which is an extra charge per hour.
Another important thing to keep in mind is that if your child is not potty trained, he or she will not be allowed in the pools with swim diapers. Children that are not potty trained are only allowed to be in the splash pad area of the pool deck.
Also, be sure to consider ports of call for your particular itinerary. Will your children want to participate in the port adventures for your particular cruise? Check the pricing of the port excursions. Some allow children under 3 for free, while others require payment for every age.
All of that said, we had a great time on our most recent cruise with Disney in the Mediterranean. Our youngest, who was 2 at the time, absolutely loved being in the nursery with other young children. She had so much fun, she didn’t want us to pick her up. She called it “her school” and had the best time. For our family, the nursery was worth the extra money, for sure!
Does Disney Cruise Line watch your kids?
Disney Cruise Line has a great reputation for families for a reason. I always recommend it as one of the top cruise lines for families! There are plenty of fun activities for everyone while on the ship to enjoy, like the pools, trivia, entertainment, and sports!
If you want a little break from the kids, you will definitely appreciate the kids’ clubs for all age groups. Be sure to check them out during the Open House time on the first day of each cruise.
During this time, you and your children can explore the different kid areas, including the Oceaneer Club and the Oceaneer Lab which are for kids ages 3-12. The Small World Nursery is also open to exploring for those small sailors under 3.
Our tween absolutely loved the tween club called Edge and older teens will enjoy hanging out in Vibe. There is really something for kids of all ages and the clubs are a fun way for your kids to meet other families. Our kids still stay connected with friends they have met over the years on Disney cruises!
Another of my Disney cruise line tips for families? Check the Disney Cruise Line app for the open house hours at the beginning of your sailing so your kids can check it out, particularly if it is their first cruise. So much fun!
How does rotational dining work on a Disney cruise?
One of the best things on a Disney cruise is rotational dining. On your Key to the World card, you will find your rotation listed for each evening and that will be your assigned restaurant for the night. On your first night, you will meet your servers. These servers will rotate with you during your cruise, so they get to know you and your family very well!
During your booking period, you can request main dining or late dining. In general, the main dining time begins between 5:45-6 PM, and the second seating starts between 8:00-8:30 PM. If you don’t get your preferred time at booking, place your name on a waiting list and visit Guest Services when you board the ship.
One thing to keep in mind when requesting your dining time is port excursions. If your cruise is port intensive, and you plan to spend lots of time on land, maximizing your day in port, you may want a later dining time. However, if you have younger children that may meltdown by the late dining time, stick to the early dining slot.
Do you pay extra for a drink package on Disney Cruise Line?
Disney includes soft drinks at no extra charge on your cruise. Additional charges do apply for wine, beer, bar drinks, and bottled water. There are beverage stations available on each Disney cruise. However, let me give you a pro-Disney cruise line tip.
Pack a refillable cup with a lid. They will hold much more than the paper cups provided at the beverage stations. A lid helps if the ship is a little rocky or you are walking back to your room or off the ship. This is my favorite refillable cup from Amazon.
Is food free at Castaway Cay?
Castaway Cay is Disney’s private Island. Pretty soon, Lighthouse Point will also join as Disney’s other private island. Both of these islands feature food options for you! You will find popular grilled options and outdoor seating.
At Castaway Cay, the buffet restaurant is called Cookie’s BBQ and Cookie’s Too BBQ. The buffets run from 11:30-2 PM and feature hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, and grilled chicken sandwiches. Cajun chicken, ribs, and a veggie burger are also available.
There are lots of sides included as well. They include potato salad, corn on the cob, couscous, tomato salad, slaw, and chips. There is also a great flatbread you should try!
Desserts offered are cookies, fruit salad, banana bread, pineapple cake, and soft-serve ice cream. The adults-only buffet at Serenity Bay features the same options, along with steak, salmon, and fish.
Does Disney Cruise Line have free ice cream?
100 percent yes! Our kids live for the ice cream and grab some soft serve as often as they can! Our favorite is usually the vanilla and chocolate swirl, but if you are a banana lover, the banana flavor often gets rave reviews.
What kind of activities are on board Disney Cruise Line?
One of the most common concerns I hear from clients is “Will I have enough to do on board a ship with my family?” I understand because I asked the same thing! Here are the highlights of a few of our favorite activities on board a Disney cruise.
Live shows
I love the live shows on board a Disney cruise! Typically there is a live show or entertainer every night before or after the dinner rotation. You might see Disney’s Aladdin, Disney Dream, Tangled, The Golden Mickeys, Disney’s Believe, and Frozen.
Kids clubs
Of course, the kids’ clubs will be a huge perk for your children! If this is your first cruise, try looking online for videos on the kids’ clubs so your children will know what to expect. Another great thing to do is to connect with other cruisers before your vacation via Facebook groups. Your kids can connect with other kids before they even get on board!
Nightclubs and Lounges
If parents want to get away, check out the nightclubs and lounges. Check the Disney Cruise Line app for special activities offered each night!
Pools and Slides
One of our favorite things on a Disney cruise is the pools and slides! Check out the Aquaduck slide. Here’s a pro tip – if you are staying on board during one of your port days, that is a great time to check out the slides. Also, fewer people are in line in the late afternoon so that’s another time for lower crowds.
Aqualab is an awesome splash pad and Donald’s pool features the main pool and two whirlpools with a huge movie screen. Mickey’s pool is great for little ones while the Quiet Cove pool is perfect for adults only. Nemo’s Reef is another perfect place for little ones with jets and fountains.
Spa and Salon
One place you might want to check on after your port arrival time is the spa and salon. Many times, you can sign up for treatments or sign up for special promos. The Rainforest Room is a personal favorite of mine, the perfect place for relaxation! Manicures, pedicures, and massages make a perfect at-sea day!
Sports and Fitness
Want to stay in shape while on the ship? Each Disney cruise ship has a great workout facility onboard, along with group classes and personal trainers for one on one consultations. A walking/running track is also available on each ship.
Do I need to pack a pool towel?
Pool towels are available at each pool, so save room in your suitcase for some fantastic Disney Cruise Line souvenirs!
When can I book port excursions on Disney Cruise Line?
As soon as your cruise is paid in full and your booking window opens, you can begin to book port excursions. First-time guests can begin to book 75 days before the cruise, Silver Castaway Cruise members 90 days prior, Gold members 105 days prior to sailing, and Concierge and Platinum guests can book 120 days in advance.
Just sign into your app under “My Reservations” and select “My Plans”. Schedule your plans under “My Plans” each day. You can also schedule port adventures once on board at the Port Adventures desk. Another one of my key Disney cruise line tips for families – you can always cancel these adventures before your cruise, so if you see something you like, snag it and cancel closer to your cruise, if needed.
How much luggage can you take on a Disney Cruise?
Each guest can bring two suitcases on board a Disney cruise ship, one carry-on, and one personal bag. You will receive luggage tags before your departure to attach to your suitcases so your porters know which bags belong to you. If you don’t receive these tags before your trip, no worries! Your porter will attach some to your bags upon arrival at the ship.
On your last night, you have the option to pack your luggage and leave it outside of your stateroom for your stateroom attendant to take off the ship for you on your last morning. Generally, you have to have these out by 10 PM. This is optional.
One of my best Disney cruise line tips for families is to just pack lightly and roll your suitcases to breakfast and take them off by yourself. This saves you the stress of having to pack up the night before. Just know you can choose what is best for your family!
Can you bring alcohol on board a Disney Cruise?
Guests can bring two unopened bottles of wine or champagne or 6 beers with their carry-on luggage. If you bring it to a dining room, you will be charged a $26 corking fee.
Do Disney Cruise cabins have hair dryers?
All cabins include a hair dryer in each stateroom. Irons and ironing boards can be found in the laundry room on board the ship. You can find prohibited items here.
Is there a movie theater on Disney Cruise Line?
Yes! We love watching movies on board a Disney cruise. If you are lucky enough to be sailing during a new Disney movie’s release, you might be able to watch it on board! Check out the app for the latest movie showings and times.
I hope this list of Disney Cruise Line Tips for families helps you and your family on your next Disney Cruise Line adventure. Be sure to keep reading for more great travel tips and sign up for my free newsletter below!
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