Top 20 Disney Cruise Line Tips and Tricks

20 Disney Cruise Line Tips You Need to Know

Stepping onto a Disney Cruise Line ship feels less like boarding a boat and more like entering a floating kingdom where the “hustle” of the theme parks is traded for the gentle rhythm of the ocean. While the legendary service, Broadway-caliber shows, and world-class dining come standard, navigating a Disney cruise like a pro requires a bit of “pixie dust” planning. Whether you’re looking to dodge the embarkation day crowds, score the best character photos without the lines, or find the secret “adults-only” sanctuaries hidden away from the splash zones, a few expert strategies can transform a great vacation into a truly seamless voyage.

Tips for Booking & Saving Money

1. Book as Early as Possible: Disney Cruise prices typically increase as the sailing date approaches. Booking early also ensures you get your preferred stateroom and dining rotation.
2. Use a Disney Visa Card: Checking in with this card unlocks 10% off select merchandise (over $50), 10% off digital photo packages, and 20% off certain spa treatments on port days.
3. Consider Two Staterooms for Large Families: If you have a party of five, booking two connecting inside staterooms is often cheaper than booking one “Deluxe Family” room that sleeps five.
4. Watch for “Guaranteed” Rates: Look for IGT (Inside), OGT (Oceanview), or VGT (Verandah) categories. You can’t pick your exact room, but the savings are significant.
5. Book Your Next Cruise Onboard: Visit the “Next Vacation” desk to place a placeholder deposit. This usually grants you a 10% discount on a future cruise and a reduced deposit.

Stateroom Tips

6. The “Split Bathroom” Advantage: Most staterooms feature two separate bathroom areas—one with a toilet and sink, and one with a shower/tub and sink—allowing two people to get ready at once.
7. Decorate Your Door: Disney ship doors are metal. Bring magnetic decorations to personalize your stateroom; it’s a fun tradition and helps you find your room in long hallways.
8. Store Suitcases Under the Bed: The beds are specifically elevated to allow standard suitcases to slide underneath, freeing up valuable floor space.
9. Bring an Old Hotel Key Card: To keep the power/lights on in your room, you must insert a card into the slot by the door. Use an old hotel key instead of your “Key to the World” card so you don’t accidentally leave your room key behind.
10. Magnetic Hooks are Essential: Because the walls are metal, heavy-duty magnetic hooks are perfect for hanging wet swimsuits, lanyards, or day bags.

Dining & Food Tips

11. Order “All Hands on Deck”: This is a popular (and free) room service cheese plate. It’s perfect for snacking on your verandah before dinner.
12. Free Room Service: Most room service items are included in your fare. Don’t forget to tip a few dollars to the crew member who delivers it.
13. Soda is Free on Deck: Unlike most cruise lines, soda is free at the 24/7 beverage stations on the pool deck. However, you will be charged for soda ordered at bars or through room service.
14. The “Secret” Drink Station Tip: Bring your own large insulated refillable mug (like a Yeti or Tervis). The cups provided at the drink stations are small, and a larger mug keeps your drink cold longer.
15. Request a Private Table: If you prefer not to sit with strangers, you can request a private table through your travel agent or at the dining desk upon boarding (though not guaranteed).

Onboard Activities & Packing Tips

16. Download the Navigator App Early: Do this before you leave home. Once onboard, it becomes your primary source for schedules, menus, and a free chat feature to message family members.
17. Carry-On Your Swimwear: Checked luggage can take several hours to arrive at your room. Wear or carry your swimsuit so you can hit the pools or the AquaDuck immediately after boarding.
18. Bring Your Own Alcohol: Adults (21+) can bring up to two bottles of unopened wine/champagne or six beers at the beginning of the cruise and at each port. These must be in your carry-on, not checked luggage.
19. Characters at Night: Lines for character meet-and-greets are often much shorter late at night or during the first dinner seating (if you have the second seating).
20. Pack Laundry Pods: Every Disney ship has self-service laundry. Bringing your own pods saves you from buying expensive detergent onboard.

Are you ready to set sail with Disney Cruise Line?

Let our friends at Get Away Today help you book your next Disney Vacation. They are the preferred Travel Agency of Chip and Company and Disney Addicts, and who we use ourselves.