Embarking on your very first Disney Cruise Line adventure? Get ready for a voyage filled with magic, fun, and unforgettable moments! To make sure you have a smooth sailing experience, here are my top 10 tips for first-time Disney cruisers. 🚢✨
1. Kick Off the Magic with a Special Surprise
The excitement starts before you even step onboard! Once your cruise is booked, log into the Disney Cruise Line Planning Center and schedule a complimentary character phone call to surprise your family. Imagine their delight when Mickey, Minnie, or another Disney pal calls to say, “See ya real soon!” 📞🐭 Be sure to have your camera ready to capture the reaction!
2. Download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App
This must-have app is your key to navigating everything onboard, from daily schedules and dining times to character meet-and-greets and entertainment lineups. Be sure to download it before you sail while you still have cellular service—it’ll connect to the ship’s complimentary WiFi once onboard. Check out this video.
3. Pack More Than Just a Swimsuit
Yes, you’re heading for tropical bliss, but don’t forget to pack for cooler moments too! Dining rooms and theaters can be chilly, so bring a sweater or light jacket. Also, make sure to have comfortable shoes, evening attire for optional dress-up nights, and pirate gear for the themed Pirates IN the Caribbean night! 🏴☠️
4. Show Your Disney Side
Disney Cruises are all about letting your personality shine! Decorate your stateroom door with fun Disney magnets, dress up for themed nights, and bring costumes or accessories for events like Pirate Night. If you forget, don’t worry—you can find plenty of festive gear in the onboard shops!
5. Plan Your Character Meet-and-Greets Early
With so many beloved Disney characters onboard, it helps to plan ahead. Check the Navigator app on embarkation day for a full list of appearances, and stop by Guest Services to book exclusive meet-and-greets if you weren't able to obtain a Royal Gathering reservation prior to embarkation. This ensures you don’t miss out on magical moments with Mickey, Minnie, Elsa, and more! 🐭❄️
6. Party Like a Pirate!
Pirate Night is one of the most anticipated evenings onboard! The Pirates IN the Caribbean Deck Party features games, themed dining, live entertainment, a spectacular fireworks show at sea, and even a late-night buffet. Bring your best pirate gear and get ready to set sail on a swashbuckling adventure! 🏴☠️🎇
7. Arrive Early for Broadway-Caliber Shows
Disney Cruise Line is known for spectacular theater productions! From Frozen: A Musical Spectacular to Beauty and the Beast, these shows rival Broadway performances. Arrive early when doors open for the best seats. Pro tip: Saving seats is discouraged, so use this time to chat about your favorite parts of the day while you wait!
8. Take Full Advantage of What’s Included
Your Disney Cruise fare covers so much more than just the room and meals! Enjoy complimentary room service, catch new-release movies in the theater, and feel free to order extra appetizers or entrees at dinner. Make the most of these all-inclusive perks and enjoy every magical moment! 🍽️🎬
9. Treat Yourself to Some “Me Time”
While family fun is at the heart of Disney cruises, don’t forget to carve out some relaxation time for yourself. Take your kids to the Kids Club Open House on Embarkation Day to get them excited and comfortable in the kids clubs. They can have fun while you enjoy a spa treatment at Senses Spa, sip cocktails in an adults-only lounge, or indulge in a romantic dinner at Palo or Remy. 🍷✨
10. Leave Room for Spontaneity
One of the best parts of a Disney Cruise is the unexpected magic! You never know when you’ll stumble upon Goofy jogging on deck, a surprise dance party, or a spontaneous character interaction by the pool. While planning is helpful, leave space for fun surprises—they often make the best memories! 💙✨
Bonus Tip: Work with a Disney Cruise Line Specialist (Like Me!)
First-time Disney cruisers often have tons of questions, and I’m here to help! As a Certified Disney Cruise Line travel specialist, I can assist with choosing the perfect itinerary, securing the best stateroom, booking onboard experiences, and making sure your trip is stress-free from start to finish. The best part, by booking your Disney Cruise vacation with me, my services won't cost you a cent more & I often have access to booking incentives that are not offered by booking direct.
💌 Ready to set sail? Contact me today and let’s plan your dream Disney Cruise Line vacation!
💻MagicalVacationsbyBrandi.com
📲(703)447-6479
🚢✨ What tip are you most excited to use? Seasoned Disney cruisers, what would you add to the list? Let me know in the comments! ⬇️
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