40 Disney Cruise Tips and Secrets You Should Know Before You Go

Disney Cruise Line transforms the traditional cruise experience into something truly magical. Even if you think you’re well-versed in the ships and onboard activities, you might still miss hidden sundecks, surprise character meet-and-greets, or delightful Mickey-shaped snacks. To ensure you don’t overlook these gems, we consulted two seasoned experts for their top Disney cruise tips and secrets. Before you dive into planning, read on to maximize your adventure.

Book your cruise early for the best rates.

Disney employs a dynamic pricing model, so the earlier you book, the more you save. Early reservations also guarantee your preferred cabin choice. You can even reserve your next cruise while onboard for added savings. The cherry on top? This placeholder is fully refundable if your plans change.

Think about booking a themed sailing.

Disney Cruise Line features a select number of themed sailings, including Marvel Day at Sea. Be sure to check out special holiday cruises for Halloween and Christmas. On these sailings, you’ll see characters in festive costumes and enjoy themed food, drinks, special entertainment, and more. Guests often embrace the theme by wearing creative attire, so pack accordingly if you want to join in on the fun.

Save big by letting Disney choose your cabin.

If you’re flexible about your cabin location, you can save a significant amount by allowing Disney to assign your room. Just select your cabin type, such as an inside cabin, and your specific room number will be assigned closer to your sailing date.

Check for cabin upgrades upon arrival at the port.

When available, guests may snag an affordable last-minute upgrade at the port, potentially saving hundreds on a higher-tier room.

Download the app before you set sail.

The Disney Cruise Line's exclusive Navigator app is essential for maximizing your time at sea. It streamlines practical vacation elements like payments, online check-in, and trip modifications. Use it to pre-register for a wide array of activities and keep track of the daily schedule, including showtimes and deck parties. Plus, you can communicate with your family and fellow cruisers for free using the app.

Don’t overlook this handy notification feature: "Scroll through the daily activity schedule for entertainment options that catch your eye, and make sure to click the heart icon next to any listings you don’t want to miss," advises planDisney panelist Adrianna Hwang to Travel + Leisure. "If you’ve enabled notifications for the app, you’ll receive a reminder about 15 minutes before an activity starts. It’s a lifesaver when you lose track of time lounging by the pool!"

This is especially crucial if meeting characters is a priority for you. "The Disney Cruise Line Navigator app lists character appearance times and locations, ensuring you don’t miss your favorite Disney characters onboard," Hwang adds. "If you select a specific character in the Daily Activity Schedule, you’ll see the full schedule of times to meet them throughout the cruise so you can plan accordingly." Hwang recommends arriving at the meet-and-greet spots at least five to ten minutes early.

Utilize your Castaway Club perks for early bookings.

If you’re looking to book extras like shore excursions or premium dining experiences, your booking window will depend on your loyalty to Disney Cruise Line. The Castaway Club is Disney’s frequent cruiser program, and guests earn status based on the number of sailings they’ve completed. Higher status means earlier booking windows, allowing Disney Cruise Line loyalists to secure their desired reservations first.

Plan to exchange your currency onboard.

Disney Cruise Line doesn’t charge a commission for currency exchange and will honor the exchange rate for any leftover money. Just present your receipt before the cruise ends, and they’ll convert your foreign currency back to your preferred denomination at the same rate, even if the rate changes. (Note: This applies to bills only, not coins, and there is no ATM onboard.)

Bring a reusable water bottle.

While there are water fountains and refill stations onboard, they can be quite a distance from your cabin — and disposable bottles (not included in the fare) can add up. The tap water in your room is drinkable, but sinks are often too small for larger bottles. You can bring packs of bottled water, but they must be carried through embarkation — they cannot be packed with your luggage — so consider bringing refillable bottles or tumblers.

Meet characters in their special cruise attire.

Think you know everything about the Fab Five? Wait until you see them in their exclusive Disney Cruise Line outfits. Goofy, Donald, Daisy, Mickey, and Minnie wear special costumes for Pirate Night, and they also customize their outfits based on the ship's destination. On Alaskan sailings, expect to see Mickey in fisherman’s overalls and Minnie in a fur-lined coat; on Mediterranean voyages, Goofy sports an Italy-inspired suit. Specialty characters may also make appearances, like Minnie, Daisy, and Clarabelle as the Sanderson Sisters from Hocus Pocus during the spooky season.

Aspiring princesses won’t want to miss the Royal Gathering.

"Complimentary tickets to the Royal Gathering can be booked online or through the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app 30 days before your sail date," Hwang adds. "Elevate the experience for your little one by reserving a Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique makeover an hour or two before the Royal Gathering starts."

The most unforgettable character experiences go beyond meet-and-greets.

Lines to meet Mickey and Minnie are surprisingly short on Disney Cruise Line, but other favorites like Daisy Duck often wander around the pool and jogging track decks, delighting guests with surprise interactions and even sharing elevator rides. Don’t miss the character dance parties, where kids and adults can line dance with Goofy and groove with Donald Duck for an experience that’s more than just a hug and a photo.

You can order more than one dish at dinner.

Disney Cruise Line’s dinner service operates on a rotating restaurant schedule, allowing you to enjoy each non-premium restaurant — and some more than once on longer sailings. These themed restaurants, like Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure on the Disney Wish, feature pre-fixe dinner menus. Torn between two entrées? Order both! Each of your ship’s included rotational dining restaurants offers a fixed three-course menu, but you’re free to order two different appetizers or entrées to sample.

Splurge on specialty dining.

While standard dining is fantastic, Disney ships also feature adults-only restaurants for an additional charge. Depending on your ship, this could include the French-inspired Remy or the beloved Palo. While Remy and Enchante can be pricey, you can enjoy Palo for around $50.

And on the Disney Wish and Disney Treasure, don’t miss its newest iteration, Palo Steakhouse. "If you’ve sailed with Disney before, you may know Palo, but Palo Steakhouse is even better," Heather Peggs, a Disney travel expert with Castle Bound Travel Company, tells T+L. "I highly recommend trying the A5 wagyu steak, which is about a fifth of the price it would be on land, and it’s absolutely phenomenal!"

These upgraded dining experiences often fill up quickly, but there’s sometimes a waitlist for canceled reservations. "If you can’t secure a reservation before your cruise, ask in person on embarkation day," Hwang suggests. "Look for the activity listed as 'Dining Reservation Changes' to talk with a crew member about availability."

Request the best seat in the house at dinner.

Have you always dreamed of sitting by the stage at Tiana’s Place on the Disney Wonder or enjoying dinner in the stunning booths at Enchanted Garden on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy? While it’s not entirely luck-based, nothing is guaranteed. You can add requests for specific tables to your Disney Cruise Line reservation, and it’s worth making that extra phone call. Concierge guests can also make seating requests to their Concierge Service Specialist before boarding. You never know when Disney will sprinkle a little extra magic onto your vacation.

Don’t miss the best dinner entertainment.

The dinner show at Animator’s Palate is a highlight if you’re sailing on the Magic, Wonder, Dream, or Fantasy, but it’s the second visit to that dining room that you can’t skip. It’s called Animation Magic, where guests get to draw their own characters and see them come to life on the screens during the meal. This incredible experience is only offered on longer sailings on the Disney Magic and Disney Fantasy, so make sure you don’t miss it. Even better? Request that your rotation allows two visits to Animator’s Palate that don’t coincide with Pirate Night to ensure you catch the show.

Grab a free soda at beverage stations.

Soda is included during sit-down meals, but if you’re craving a drink outside those times, head to the free beverage stations near the pools on each Disney ship. These stations also offer coffee with milk and sweeteners.

Sip cocktails at this favorite bar.

There are plenty of themed bars in the adults-only areas of the ships, but on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, Meridian is the spot to be. This upscale bar and lounge is located next to Palo and Remy on both ships, but it welcomes all adults who adhere to its business casual dress code. Known for its martinis, Meridian also features a cigar bar, custom craft cocktails, and a gin and tonic cart, plus a private deck with stunning sunset views.

Check out the Star Wars-themed bar on the Disney Wish.

The Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge is an exclusive bar on the Disney Wish. "Whether you’re a die-hard Star Wars fan or just want to explore the galaxy, you can enjoy delicious alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages that are simply out of this world," Peggs adds. Reservations aren’t required anymore, but there might be a wait, especially during peak hours; visit when the ship is in port to avoid the crowds. During the day, guests of all ages are welcome.

This venue offers a multi-sensory experience, so keep your eyes peeled for anyone ordering the $5,000 Kaiburr Crystal cocktail.

Save on drinks during happy hour at sea.

Check the Navigator app for daily happy hours at various bars and lounges. The exact offers vary, but they may include deals like half-off draft beer and discounts on specialty cocktails. If you’re eager to enhance your cocktail skills, cruises also offer add-on mixology classes and tasting experiences.

Ask about the Sommelier Bin for discounted wine.

Once a bottle of wine is opened, Disney must serve it (in its entirety) that day. Because of this, Disney ships feature a sommelier bin, where opened bottles of wine are served by the glass at significantly discounted prices. This is your chance to enjoy otherwise pricey pours at a bargain. Now that’s Disney magic!

Or B.Y.O.B. to save money.

Looking to save a few bucks? While Disney ships offer an array of specialty cocktails, you can bring your own drinks — with some limitations. Hard liquor is off-limits, but each cruiser aged 21 and over can bring two bottles of wine (or one six-pack of beer) in their carry-on. If you plan to bring that bottle of wine to dinner, keep in mind that Disney charges a corkage fee. You can also bring sealed bottles of water onboard.

Take a second look at that barbershop on the Disney Wish.

Hook's Barbery may look like any upscale barbershop at first glance, but it hides one of the best-kept secrets aboard any Disney ship. Nestled within the salon is a speakeasy-style bar serving expertly crafted cocktails, including a smoked old-fashioned. Its liquor selection is extensive and includes rare and vintage pours.

Snack on soft serve on and off the ship.

If you’re a frequent Disney cruiser, you’re probably familiar with the line’s free-flowing soft-serve ice cream. If you get a craving while visiting Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, you’ll be pleased to know it’s also available there for the ultimate sweet treat in the sun.

Get an extra-magical coffee.

Few can resist a Mickey-shaped treat while visiting any Disney property, but the best mouse-themed treat on the ships can be found at Cove Café. Order a cappuccino, ask for Mickey’s face on it, and enjoy your caffeine boost with a touch of magic. It’ll cost a few bucks, but the joy of sipping a "Mickeyccino" will always outshine the complimentary coffee served onboard.

Order a Mickey bar — and more — with free room service.

You’ll be happy to know that, unlike other cruise lines, Disney Cruise Line’s room service is completely free and available 24/7. The best part? You can have the iconic Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bar delivered straight to your room.

Book early if you plan to use the ship’s nursery.

Bookings open early for guests looking to take advantage of the onboard nursery. For an extra charge, the It’s a Small World Nursery supervises children ages six months to three years — perfect if you want a peaceful dinner or time to explore one of the ship’s many themed lounges without your little one. Don’t forget, the other youth clubs for kids, tweens, and teens are completely free.

Teens can hang out in the coolest part of the ship.

Every Disney ship features Vibe, an exclusive youth club for teens ages 14 to 17. With supervision and Disney Cruise Line’s famously fun activities, it’s practically a private resort for high schoolers to chill all day and night — no parents allowed.

Explore the kids’ clubs during open house hours.

Activities at the Marvel Super Hero Academy and Star Wars: Millennium Falcon play areas are reserved for the little ones, but all kids club spaces open up during open house hours, allowing anyone to wander in and check out Vibe’s arcade games or Oceaneer Lab’s high-tech designs. Don’t miss Andy’s Room, which brings Toy Story to life and makes for fantastic Instagram snaps. And be sure to try the multilevel slide on the Disney Wish that takes you from floor to floor in the ship’s soaring lobby. "Little ones can get comfortable and excited about areas where they’ll play without their grown-ups," shares Hwang.

Join a secret community of friends — hiding in plain sight.

Ever noticed those homemade decorations hanging by neighbors’ doors? They’re called fish extenders, used by a network of families who pack small gifts, treats, and trinkets to exchange throughout their trip. To join in on the fun for your next sailing, check out the DisBoards Cruise Meets forum or CruiseCritic’s Roll Calls. Many times, there are Facebook groups for your specific sailing as well. This can be especially helpful for shy kids, as they can connect with other cruisers their age before the journey begins.

Add an Adventures by Disney trip to your vacation.

You can enhance your Disney Cruise Line experience with Adventures by Disney Escapes before or after your sailing. Explore global cities through expertly curated itineraries in Barcelona, Paris, Rome, and beyond.

Opt for a concierge-level room and unwind on a private sundeck.

Booking a concierge-level room comes with plenty of perks — including early access to onboard bookings, personalized service, and in-room amenities. Perhaps the best part is that concierge guests have access to their own private sun and lounge deck equipped with upscale lounge chairs, complimentary sunscreen, and chilled face towels. A host is available to fulfill any requests for total relaxation.

Catch the latest Disney movies.

Enjoy the newest Disney releases at the onboard theater without needing to buy tickets in advance. Even better? Many new Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars films are shown in 3-D, offering eye-popping effects on the high seas. Movie times are available on the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app. During holidays, classic films are featured, such as "Hocus Pocus" on Halloween sailings.

Skip the ports for fewer crowds at the pool.

While it may be tempting to disembark and explore Jamaica or relax on Castaway Cay, staying onboard means fewer crowds at the pools. This could be your chance to experience the AquaMouse water coaster, the cruise line’s first attraction at sea on the Disney Wish, with little to no wait.

There are also plenty of activities to enjoy onboard. "I have to say I’m a huge fan of staying onboard even on port days to explore the array of classes, Broadway-caliber shows, and, of course, the games," adds Peggs. "If you’re looking for family-friendly options, a couple of my favorites are Bingo, which they host every day during your sailing, napkin and towel folding, bar trivia, and much more!"

Don’t miss the musicals.

Broadway-quality productions like "Beauty and the Beast" and "Aladdin" (exact offerings depend on the ship) are must-sees. "These shows are beautifully done and are wonderful for the entire family," Peggs adds. "Plus, if you buy a popcorn bucket at the beginning of the cruise, you can enjoy $1.50 refills for the rest of your sailing!"

There’s an under-the-radar design tour.

Adults 18 and over can enjoy one of the cruise line’s best walking tours. "The Art of The Theme Show Tour gives adults an insightful look into the detailed and thoughtful design of several spaces throughout the ship," Hwang adds. "It’s usually offered in the mornings and provides fun trivia to share with anyone in your party."

Unwind at the spa.

"If you’re interested in booking a spa treatment, attend the open house before the ship sets sail," Peggs shares. "You might get lucky and win a voucher for 10 percent off or possibly a facial or massage during the raffle. Speaking of savings, the more spa services you book while onboard, the better the price will be. If you want to secure a spa day/week pass, book sooner rather than later as they sell out quickly!"

There’s a totally free fan-favorite activity.

If your itinerary includes Disney’s Castaway Cay, you can participate in one of Disney Cruise Line’s most beloved activities, the Castaway Cay 5K — and it’s completely free for all guests. Suitable for runners and walkers alike, this self-paced race invites you to explore Disney’s private island from a unique perspective as you navigate its stunning tropical paths. All participants receive an exclusive medal upon completion.

Feeling under the weather during your sailing? Disney can help.

There’s nothing worse than being sick on vacation. But don’t worry, the mouse is here to assist. Each ship is equipped with on-site medical help, and complimentary medicine is available for seasickness.

Capture every moment before time runs out.

Even if you skip all character meet-and-greets, you can still snap a week’s worth of photos at "Til' We Meet Again," the farewell show on the final night of each sailing. After a brief, heartwarming performance, numerous Disney characters, princesses, and theater performers will mingle with the crowd, posing for photos on a first-come, first-served basis. The onboard photographers will have already wrapped up, so you can take as many smartphone pictures as you’d like, creating a full album in one go. This experience lasts about 20 minutes; the exact time can be found in the Navigator app.

Want to disembark first? Carry your own bag.

Avoid souring a wonderful vacation with a long line just to exit the ship. Instead of leaving your luggage out the night before, carry it off the ship yourself and arrive at your final destination without waiting in lengthy port queues.