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Top 10 Tips For Sailing With Disney Cruise Line

For those of us who love cruising, it’s hard to believe that 9 out of 10 Americans have never taken a cruise!  It’s simply a fabulous way to vacation! If you’re  a landlubber considering getting your sea-legs, you can’t go wrong with Disney Cruise Line!  Here are my top 10 tips:

For a no obligation, FREE Quote with new bookings contact our sponsor Magical Vacation Planner by calling: 1(407)442-0289 Or for a free no obligation quote with new bookings you can fill out the form by Clicking HERE!

1. Book Early!

Disney Cruise Line isn’t exactly a bargain cruise line, so how can you know you are paying the lowest price possible?  Book Early!  Disney Cruise Line bases their pricing on demand, which means as the ship fills up, the prices rise.  You will get the best pricing as soon as new dates and itineraries are released, so keep your eyes and ears open for announcements.  Better yet, partner with a great Disney Specialist Travel Agent who will let you know when these new sailings will be released and will get you booked as soon as possible.

2. Online Check-In

Once you’re booked, you can go online and start filling out important cruise documents and view details of your cruise. After you’ve paid in full, you will then be able to book shore excursions, spa treatments, onboard specialty dining, activities and choose your port arrival time.  Your date for being able to book these will depend on two factors – first, you will need to have paid your cruise in full, and second whether you have previously sailed with Disney Cruise Line or whether it’s your first cruise.  Depending on which category you fit in to will determine your date, and Disney rewards repeat cruisers with the ability to book those items before first-time cruisers.

3. Adult Dining

On the subject of booking things in advance, don’t miss dinner or brunch in one of the Adult-only specialty dining restaurants. Even though you’re traveling with the kiddos, it doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy a gourmet meal where you won’t be rushed, the food and service are exquisite, and no one will ask you to take them to the bathroom just as the main course is being served!  Brunch in Palo is the highlight of any cruise for me,  and is a not-to-be-missed food extravaganza!

For a no obligation, FREE Quote with new bookings contact our sponsor Magical Vacation Planner by calling: 1(407)442-0289 Or for a free no obligation quote with new bookings you can fill out the form by Clicking HERE!

4. Room Service

Disney Cruise Line has 24 hour room service, and there are some great choices for breakfast, lunch, dinner and even snacks. One of our favourite snacks is the All Hands On Deck cheese, crackers and fruit platter.  Once on board, order one of these to enjoy with a glass of wine and you’ve got the perfect sail-away celebration to enjoy on your private balcony.  Craving fresh-baked cookies and a glass of milk before bedtime?…no problem!  Just call up room service and it will be delivered in no time!  Oh, and though it’s not listed on the Room Service menu, you can even order the ever-popular Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bars!  Be sure to bring some $1 bills with you so that you can tip the friendly Cast Members who deliver your yummy  treats…they are the only onboard Cast Members who accept cash tips, and it is a kind gesture.

5. Pirate Wear

Disney Cruise Line has a fun and raucous celebration on one night of each cruise – the Pirates IN the Caribbean night. You will see crew members and guests in full pirate regalia, so don’t be left out of the fun by not being prepared.  Pack your eye-patches, pirate themed t-shirts or full-on costumes and you’ll fit right in!  While Disney Cruise Line does provide pirate bandanas to each guest on the cruise, it truly is fun to bring along a few extra items.  Oh, and did I mention that there will also be fireworks at sea?  One of the best ‘wow’ moments of the whole cruise!

6. Rainforest Room in the Spa

Disney Cruise Line has a decadent array of spa treatments available, but one of the least expensive and most enjoyable is the Rainforest Room.   You can purchase a day pass or a length of cruise pass to this oasis or tranquility and relaxation.  You will find heated lounge beds, aromatherapy rain showers and steam rooms, which are the perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of the ship and spend some quality recharging time!

7. Navigator App

Disney Cruise Line publishes a Navigator each day with a full schedule of activities, shows, character appearances, dining times and anything else that’s newsworthy that you need to know. Before you set sail, be sure to download this free app so that you will have all of this info accessible at your fingertips throughout your cruise.  There’s even a handy messaging  The best part is, you can set your phone to airplane mode and use this app for free over Disney Cruise Line’s wifi.

8. Pack your swimsuits in your carry-on

It can take several hours after boarding before your luggage will magically appear at your stateroom.  You and your family will want to immediately take advantage of all the fun, so be sure to pack your swimsuits in your carry-on so you can start riding the AquaDuck the minute you board!

9. Book your next cruise while still onboard

Want to save money on your next Disney Cruise, AND get an onboard credit? Just stop by the Future Cruise Desk during your cruise and put down a $250 ‘place holder’ deposit.  This gives you 2 years to travel, so you don’t have to decide your cruise date at that time…and it’s fully refundable should you change your mind. The Future Cruise Desk will have full details of this offer, and you will also receive a notice in your room.

10. Book with a Disney Travel Specialist

By choosing a Travel Professional who specializes in Disney Destinations you will be assured of the best pricing, most accurate information and peace of mind knowing that you don’t have to worry about any of the details and dates.  Your Disney Travel Specialist will take care of all of that for you, allowing you to just look forward to your cruise and pack your bags for a Bon Voyage!

For a no obligation, FREE Quote with new bookings contact our sponsor Magical Vacation Planner by calling: 1(407)442-0289 Or for a free no obligation quote with new bookings you can fill out the form by Clicking HERE!

About Kristen deHaan

I've pretty much been obsessed with all things Disney since my fist visit at the age of 2! I am an alumni member of the Disney Parks Moms Panel, and loved advising guests on their Disney vacations with tips, tricks and advice I've learned through 100+ visits to Walt Disney World. I'm a Platinum Castaway Club Member, having sailed on Disney Cruise Line 14 times, with another very soon! When not visiting Walt Disney World or sailing on Disney Cruise Line, I enjoy exploring the world with Adventures by Disney. As a Personal Vacation Advisor with Magical Vacation Planner, my greatest pleasure is introducing others to the joy and magic of a Disney Vacation. (K.deHaan@MagicalVacationPlanner.com)