RELATED: Is a Disney Cruise Right for Your Family?
Disney Dream Cruise Ship | Photo by Meagan Wristen
Having just finished my first Disney cruise with the kids, I have learned a lot. There are a few things I was able to figure out ahead of time that helped a great deal and a handful of things I learned once I was on the cruise. Now I am sharing them with you in hopes your family has the best Disney cruise possible.
9 Tips You Need to Know Before a Disney Cruise
Mickey greets young guests on Castaway Cay | Photo by Meagan Wristen
Disney Cruise Line Navigator App
This app is a must during your Disney cruise because of the schedule. The app is attached to your Disney cruise account and will keep you on schedule for shows, activities, and dining. It also allows you to message your family and friends on-board. Keep in mind Wi-Fi at sea is not consistent, and you may not receive messages in a timely manner.
Fish Extenders
Disney cruise guests participate in optional gift exchanges on board with other families through a fish extender group. Outside of every cabin door is a little fish or sea horse families can hang something from. Participants hang up something to hold the gifts that they receive. You can learn more: Disney cruise Fish Extender 101.
BYOB
You can bring aboard your own alcohol. You are allowed either 2 bottles of wine or a 6-pack of beer. You must carry this on yourself. You cannot leave it in your suitcase.
Lost children are never lost
Disney utilizes a band system for kids. Everyone who signs their kid up gets a wrist band that their child will wear for the length of the cruise. If your child gets lost on board, they are taken to the kid’s club until a parent picks them up. The parents are notified immediately that their child is in the kid’s club. Don’t forget to return the band the last night of your cruise to avoid being charged for it.
Kid’s Club on the Disney Dream | Photo by Meagan Wristen
Multiple Kid’s Clubs
There are four clubs just for kids and they are broken down by age. One is for toddlers, the next is the Oceaneer Club for kids ages 3 – 12 years old, a preteen hangout called Edge for ages 11 – 14, and Vibe, a teen hang out for ages 14 – 17. If your child is almost old enough to go to the preteen or teen club you can sign a waiver allowing them to hang out in there. My youngest always wants to be with his siblings, so I love having the option of putting him in the next level up.
Themed Nights
Depending on when you cruise, there may be a Super Hero night or a Star Wars night. Not everyone dresses up for these nights, but we do and I recommend you do too. It is another way to add to the fun. On pirate night, everyone on board receives a pirate bandana and at least half the ship will be dressed up as pirates. There is a special show with Mickey Mouse and then a late night firework show with Captain Jack Sparrow. It is perfectly acceptable to wear your pirate outfit to dinner this night.
Castaway Cay | Photo by Meagan Wristen
Castaway Cay Tips
One of the top benefits of taking a Disney cruise is getting to spend a day at Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island in the Bahamas. Here are some tips to make the most of your time there!
Opt for 2 Days at Castaway Cay – Depending on which cruise you book, the ship stops here at least once, but sometimes the ship stops here twice. If at all possible, try to book a cruise that stops here twice.
Castaway 5k – Guests are invited to participate in a 5k the morning you arrive at Castaway Cay. There is no additional charge and at the end you get a cute keepsake medal. You cannot sign up for the 5k until on-board the ship. They suggest you sign up the day you embark, but I did not sign up until the night before, and we were still able to participate.
Drink of the Day – Everyday at Castaway Cay, there is a drink of the day. This is a great way to indulge without busting your budget. The drink of the day is just $5.
I hope these tips help you have the best Disney cruise experience possible. And, if you come across a tip others could use, please leave it in the comments below!
Meagan Wristen
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Can you believe Star Wars is almost over?! That new trailer is just incredible! I have to say I can’t wait to see Rey’s final face off against Kylo Ren.
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