100 Random Tips for a Disney Cruise (2026)
After quite a few sailings with the Disney Cruise Line, I’ve learned that the little things you know ahead of time can make a huge difference in how smooth, relaxing, and memorable your trip feels.
That’s why the team at Be Prepared Vacations and I put together this giant list of Disney Cruise tips. These are the exact things we wish someone had told us before our first cruise, along with all the helpful tricks we’ve picked up since.
From packing and planning to entertainment and dining, these tips will help you have the smoothest, easiest, most magical Disney Cruise possible.
Before You Sail (Planning and Prep)
#1. Complete online check-in as early as possible; Port Arrival Times go fast.
#2. Download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App before you leave home. Before boarding, it allows for online check-in, making payments, and booking activities like spa appointments or Port Adventures. Once on board, it provides a daily schedule, interactive deck plans, onboard chat with fellow travelers, and access to dining and entertainment information
#3. Screenshot your Port Arrival Form QR code, so you have it even without WiFi.
#4. Book onboard activities and shore excursions as soon as they open to you. Many things go REALLY quickly.
#5. Join a Facebook group for your sailing date; fellow cruisers share great tips and meetups. Join a fish extender gift exchange if your sailing group organizes one.
#6. Print all cruise documents; you will want paper backups when WiFi is spotty. Then, pack a simple folder for passports, cruise paperwork, and receipts.
#7. Prepay gratuities if you want a smoother final night with fewer last-minute charges.
Packing Tips (Clothing and Essentials)
#8. Review our Disney Cruise Packing list! Includes a downloadable checklist.
#9. Bring multiple swimsuits per person; they dry slowly in the sea air.
#10. Pack a light sweater or cardigan; dining rooms and theaters can be chilly. If you are going somewhere cooler, like Alaska, pack layers such as gloves, warm socks, and a hat.
#11. Bring comfortable walking shoes for port days and excursions. Pack water shoes for rocky beaches or certain excursions.
#12. Include at least one dressier outfit if you want nicer family photos or adults-only dinners.
#13. Do not forget pajamas, including one fun pair for Goofy’s PJ Party or similar events.
#14. Pack a belt bag (fanny pack) or small day bag for getting around the ship hands-free.
#15. Bring a small laundry bag or pop-up hamper for dirty clothes so they do not take over the stateroom.
Toiletries and Personal Care
#16. Pack reef-safe sunscreen for Castaway Cay and other tropical ports that require it.
#17. Bring lip balm with SPF to protect against sun and wind.
#18. Bring motion sickness remedies, even if you think you will not need them.
#20. Pack aloe vera gel for sunburn relief.
#21. Make a mini first-aid kit with band-aids, moleskin, and antibiotic ointment.
#22. Bring hair ties, clips, or scrunchies for windy deck days.
For Families (Kids and Babies)
#23. Bring favorite stuffed animals or blankets to help little ones sleep.
#24. Pack small toys, coloring books, or activity kits for downtime in the stateroom.
#25. Bring a collapsible stroller if you have young children; long corridors can be tiring.
#26. Pack swim diapers for little ones; they are required in pools and splash areas.
#27. Use a portable white noise machine or phone app to help everyone sleep.
#28. Pack extra shoes for kids; wet shoes can derail a fun day quickly.
#29. Bring favorite snacks for kids between meals.
#30. Download shows and movies to tablets before sailing so you do not rely on the ship’s WiFi.
Cruise Essentials (Ship Hacks and Must-Haves)
#31. Bring magnetic hooks for hanging lanyards, hats, printed schedules, swimsuits, and bags on your stateroom walls. Stateroom door magnets make for fun décor and easy room identification.
#32. Pack a reusable water bottle; the beverage station cups are small and refills are free.
#33. Bring an external battery (portable charger); the Navigator App can drain your phone battery.
#34. Pack wet/dry bags for swimsuits, sandy shoes, and beach gear.
#35. Bring a beach bag for pool decks and port days.
#36. Pack a waterproof phone pouch for photos and protection around water.
#37. Use Ziploc bags for snacks, electronics, and organization.
#38. Bring a lanyard for your Key to the World card if you do not already have one.
Embarkation Day Tips
#39. Arrive at the port at your assigned arrival time, not earlier.
#40. Pack swimsuits in your carry-on; you may not see your checked luggage for several hours. Many guests also wear swimsuits under your clothes if they want to hit the pool right away.
#41. Have your Port Arrival Form ready to show at multiple checkpoints.
#42. Drop your checked luggage with porters as soon as you arrive at the terminal. Bring small bills for tips.
#43. Explore the ship early on Day 1 to get your bearings before it fills up.
#44. Take photos in the atrium early, before it gets crowded.
#45. Check your rotational dining schedule as soon as you board. Also, see where you are dining first.
#46. Visit the kids’ clubs during open house hours so children can explore with you. This will help them feel more comfortable staying there alone.
Stateroom Tips
#47. Store suitcases under the bed to free up floor space.
#48. Use the privacy curtain at night to create separate sleeping areas.
#49. Bring a small nightlight to avoid turning on bright lights overnight. The flashlight on your cell phone also works great.
#50. Use higher shelves for items you will not need every day.
#51. Keep all charging cables in one designated spot.
#52. Put magnets or a dry erase board on your door for fun messages and easy room recognition.
#53. Order room service breakfast at least once for a relaxing morning.
#54. Use the provided hairdryer, shampoo, conditioner, and lotion if you do not want to pack your own.
Dining Tips
#55. Do not be shy about ordering multiple appetizers or desserts; it is all included.
#56. Let your servers know about allergies or food preferences (especially for kids) early; they are very accommodating.
#57. Try breakfast in the main dining rooms at least once for a quieter, sit-down meal.
#58. Order Mickey waffles; they are a Disney Cruise classic.
#59. Bring your kids’ favorite spill-proof cups if they drink better from them.
#60. Bring your own candy for movie nights to save money at the theater.
#61. If you have late dining, grab a small snack for kids in the afternoon.
#62. Do not skip the soft-serve ice cream machine; it is a fun anytime treat.
#63. Chat with your servers; they often share great ship and port tips.
Entertainment and Activities
#64. Attend the sail-away party; it is a fun way to kick off your vacation.
#65. See the Broadway-style shows; the quality is excellent.
#66. Arrive 15 to 20 minutes early to major shows for better seating.
#67. Check the Navigator App daily; schedules and activities are updated often.
#68. Try at least one trivia game; they are surprisingly fun and competitive.
#69. Visit character meet-and-greets early in the cruise to avoid long lines later.
#70. Participate in deck parties; they are high-energy and memorable.
#71. Dress up for Pirate Night and stay for the fireworks.
#72. Watch a movie in the ship’s theater; new releases often play at sea.
#73. Schedule some downtime; you do not have to do everything to have a great time.
#74. Trade pins with other cruisers; many people hang pin boards on their doors.
Port Day Tips
#75. Research your port ahead of time so you know what to expect and what you want to see.
#76. Bring some cash for small purchases and tips; not all vendors accept cards.
#77. Wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven terrain.
#78. Keep passports in the stateroom safe and bring photocopies or photos instead.
#79. Reapply sunscreen throughout port days, especially on outdoor excursions.
#80. Pack snacks for kids; excursions can run through normal meal times.
#81. Carry a portable charger for longer excursions.
#82. Ask your excursion guide for local tips on food, shops, or sights.
#83. Plan to be back on board well before the all-aboard time; the ship will not wait (unless you are on a Disney planned excursion).
#84. Keep valuables in sealed, waterproof pouches when near water.
Adults-Only Tips
#85. Visit the adults-only pool area for a quiet, relaxing break.
#86. Try adults-only dining at Palo, Enchanté, or Remy for a special night out. Reserve as soon as possible if this is a priority.
#87. Sign up for a wine tasting or mixology class.
#88. Visit adults-only lounges for late-night entertainment and live music.
#89. Book spa treatments early; popular time slots fill quickly. Consider a couple’s massage or spa package for a memorable experience.
#90. Look for adult-only trivia, games, or comedy sets on the Navigator App.
Photography Tips
#91. Bring a waterproof case or pouch for phone photos at the pool and beach.
#92. Ask Cast Members to take photos with your phone; they are happy to help.
#93. Use the ship’s photo backdrops in the atrium for great family portraits.
#94. Visit character meet-and-greets early for shorter lines and fresh smiles.
#95. Capture sunset photos from an outer deck, such as Deck 4.
#96. Take a photo of your decorated stateroom door as a fun keepsake.
#97. Use the staircase in the atrium for classic cruise family photos.
#98. If you purchase a photo package, get pictures taken every day to maximize value.
#99. Use portrait mode on your phone for beautiful shots with the ship in the background.
Money-Saving Tips
#100. Don’t miss your chance to save 10% off your next Disney Cruise (only available while onboard). If you put down a $250 deposit on a future cruise during your sailing, you save 10% off current rates. The term for this is a “Placeholder Reservation.” It’s an amazing discount, and we take advantage of it every time we cruise with Disney.
#101. Bring your own wine or beer within Disney’s limits to save on bar tabs.
#102. Pack your own movie candy instead of buying it at the onboard theater.
#103. Use refillable water bottles rather than purchasing bottled water.
#104. Pack plenty of sunscreen from home instead of buying it on board at higher prices.
#105. Bring your own snorkel gear if you plan to snorkel multiple days.
#106. Take advantage of all the free onboard activities before adding paid extras.
A Disney Cruise is one of the easiest and most relaxing vacations you can take, especially when you know what to expect.
With these tips, you will be packed, prepared, and ready for a smooth sailing filled with incredible memories, great food, and plenty of magic.
Do you have any tips to add? If so, leave a comment below!
