These expert tips will make your Disney cruise vacation even more magical.
Disney Cruise Line takes the traditional cruising experience and adds a little bit of magic.
before you roll planning, read on to get the most out of your sailing.
Credit: Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line
Meet the Expert
Adrianna Hwang is a planDisney panelist specializing in Disney Cruise Line.
Heather Peggs is a Disney travel expert with Castle Bound Travel Company.
Book your cruise early to get the best deal.
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Disney uses a dynamic pricing system, meaning the earlier you book, the more youll save.
Early bookings also ensure that you get your desired cabin.
you’re able to even book your next cruise while on board to save even more.
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This placeholder is fully refundable if plans change.
Consider booking a themed sailing.
Disney Cruise Line offers a limited number of themed sailings, includingMarvel Day at Seaitineraries.
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Youll also want to check out the special holiday cruises surrounding Halloween and Christmas.
Save big and let the mouse pick your room.
See if cabin upgrades are available when you arrive at the port.
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Download the app before you go.
Disney Cruise Lines exclusiveNavigator appis an absolute must-have to make the most of your time at sea.
It’s a really helpful feature when you lose track of time relaxing by the pool!
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This is especially important if character meet-and-greets are a priority for you.
Hwang suggests arriving at the greet locations at least five to 10 minutes early.
Use your Castaway Club perks to book extras early.
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Higher status translates to earlier booking windows, so Disney Cruise Line loyalists can score their desired bookings first.
Plan to exchange your currency on board.
Bring a reusable water bottle.
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The tap water in each room is drinkable, but sinks are often too small to accommodate big bottles.
See characters in their special cruise wardrobe.
Thought you knew everything there was to know about the Fab Five?
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Wait until you see them in their exclusive Disney Cruise Line wardrobe.
Aspiring princesses wont want to miss the Royal Gathering.
The most memorable character experiences wont be at meet-and-greets.
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The lines to meet Mickey and Minnie are (amazingly!)
You’re allowed to order more than one dish.
These highly themed restaurants, like Arendelle: AFrozenDining Adventure on theDisney Wish, offer pre-fixe dinner menus.
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Torn between two entrees?
Splurge on specialty dining.
Standard dining is fantastic, butDisney shipsalso have adults-only restaurants available at an extra charge.
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Depending on your ship, this could include the French-focused Remy or fan-favorite Palo.
While Remy and Enchante can be pricey, you’re free to enjoy Palo for around $50.
And on theDisney WishandDisney Treasure, you wont want to miss its newest iteration, Palo Steakhouse.
Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line
Look for the activity listed as Dining Reservation Changes to speak with a crew member about reservation availability.
Request the best seat in the house at dinner.
Well, it’s not entirely luck of the draw.
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Concierge guests can make seating requests to their Concierge Service Specialist before boarding as well.
You never know when Disney will sprinkle a little extra magic onto your vacation.
And dont miss the best dinner entertainment.
Grab a free soda at beverage stations.
Stations also have coffee with milk and sweeteners available.
Sip cocktails at this favorite bar.
Check out theStar Wars-themed bar on theDisney Wish.
TheStar Wars: Hyperspace Loungeis a bar exclusively found on theDisney Wish.
During the day, guests of all ages are allowed in.
Save on drinks during happy hour at sea.
Be sure to check the Navigator app for daily happy hours at different bars and lounges.
The exact offers vary, but they can include deals like half-off draft beer and discounts on specialty cocktails.
Ask about the Sommelier Bin for discounted wine.
Once a bottle of wine is opened, Disney must serve it (in its entirety) that day.
This is your chance to sip on otherwise pricey pours at a bargain price.
Or B.Y.O.B.
Looking to save a few bucks?
you’ve got the option to also bring sealed bottles of water on board with you.
Take a second look at that barbershop on theDisney Wish.
Tucked away within the salon is a hidden speakeasy-style bar serving expertly crafted cocktails, including a smoked old-fashioned.
Its liquor selection is extensive and surprising with rare and vintage pours.
Snack on soft serve on and off the ship.
If youre a frequent Disney cruiser, youre probably familiar with the lines free-flowing soft-serve ice cream.
Get an extra-magical coffee.
Order a Mickey bar and more with free room service.
Book early if you plan to use the ships nursery.
Bookings open early for guests looking to take advantage of the onboard nursery.
And dont forget, the other youth clubs for kids, tweens, and teens are absolutely free.
Teens can hang out in the coolest part of the ship.
Every Disney ship has aVibe, an onboard youth club exclusively for teens ages 14 to 17.
Explore the kids clubs during the open house.
Don’t skip out on Andy’s Room, which bringsToy Storyto life while making for incredible Instagram snaps.
Join a secret community of friends hiding in plain sight.
Ever seen those homemade decorations hanging beside neighbors' doors?
To get in on the fun for your next sailing, visit theDisBoardsCruise Meets forum or CruiseCritic’sRoll Calls.
Many times, there are Facebook groups for your exact sailing as well.
Add an Adventures by Disney trip to your vacation.
you might enhance your Disney Cruise Line experience withAdventures by Disney Escapesbefore or after your sailing.
Experience global cities through expertly curated itineraries in Barcelona, Paris, Rome, and beyond.
Spring for a concierge-level room and relax on a private sundeck.
A host is on hand to fulfill any requests for total relaxation.
See the latest Disney movies.
Enjoy the latest Disney releases at the onboard theater without having to buy tickets in advance.
Movie times are available on the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app.
During holidays, classics are featured, such as Hocus Pocus on Halloween sailings.
Skip the ports to enjoy fewer crowds at the pool.
There are also lots of activities to take advantage of on board.
Dont miss the musicals.
These are beautifully done and are wonderful for the entire family, Peggs adds.
Theres an under-the-radar design tour.
Adults 18 and up can enjoy one of the cruise lines best walking tours.
It’s usually offered in the mornings and provides some fun trivia to share with anyone in your party.
Unwind at the spa.
Youre on vacation its time to pamper yourself in the state-of-the-art spa.
Theres a totally free fan-favorite activity.
All participants receive an exclusive medal when they finish.
Not feeling well during your sailing?
Theres nothing worse than feeling sick on vacation.
But have no fear, the mouse is here to help.
Each ship is equipped with on-site medical help, and if you experience seasickness, complimentary medicine is available.
Grab every photo before the clock runs out.
Want to disembark first?
Carry your own bag.
You dont want to sour a wonderful vacation with a never-ending line simply to exit the ship.
