Everything You Need To Know Before Your First Disney Cruise

Disney Cruise Line website looks overwhelming with too many options? Unsure where to start? Wondering what the difference between Port Arrival Time and Boarding Group is? It can be a bit confusing and overwhelming during the booking process and in the lead up to your first every Disney cruise and you may have absolutely no idea what to expect! Well, look no further! Below is all of the things you need to know.

What Makes Disney Cruise Different?

It's not your typical cruise. Yes, you have the typical elements of a cruise, but there's a lot of additional Disney elements too! From Disney character meet and greets, to exclusive Disney shows and experiences. There is something for everyone, whether you want to be fully immersed in Disney, or just sprinkled with pixie dust.

Rotational dining makes evenings easier. Disney operates their evening meals on a rotational dining schedule. You will be allocated a specific restaurant at a dedicated time, which is where you will have your meal. The restaurant will be different each night, but your server team will follow you to each restaurant. They will learn the things you like and dislike and they will build a great relationship with you!

Included entertainment is extraordinary. Disney Cruise Line includes so many different types of entertainment. This includes Broadway style shows, variety acts, game shows, onboard activities, trivia, adult exclusive entertainment, dance parties and so much more. You will never be bored!

Disney service is second to none. That traditional Disney touch that you love? You will find that onboard in abundance. From towel animals, chocolates on your pillows every night, incredible interactions and so much fun, the crew onboard Disney Cruise Line are the best in the business.

The Disney bubble...at sea! It truly is a lovely escape from the real world, where nothing matters but faith, trust and pixie dust.

What's Included?

• Main dining room food

• Quick service food

• Snacks

• Sodas, water, juices, teas, coffees, hot chocolates

• Kids clubs

• Adult entertainment

• A lot of onboard activities

When To Book & How Pricing Works

Pricing fluctuates. I think that goes without saying. I will always suggest to book as soon as booking becomes available. Not only will you usually get the cheaper price, but you will be more likely to be able to book the stateroom you want. As a travel agent, I regularly monitor pricing so you can check in with me directly.

Itinerary and ship matters. The newer ships (Wish, Treasure and Destiny) carry a higher price than the classic ships (Magic, Wonder, Dream and Fantasy). The Adventure sits in the middle of the two at the moment due to it not having any ports. Usually, the 3/4 night Caribbean cruises going to Nassau and Castaway Cay/Lookout Cay are the cheaper options to go for and are great for your first cruise. Europe routes tend to be the more expensive options, but they visit a lot of ports.

Stateroom categories make a difference. If you are looking for the luxury experience in Concierge, you will be paying extra for it! If, like us, you aren't that bothered and are happy in an inside stateroom then you can get some great staterooms for an even better price.

New cruise offers. Disney has recently begun launching some offers for cruises, from 50% off children's fares to 20% discount on sailings. As a travel agent, I also get access to these!

Disney Cruise Line Navigator App

Download before you go! Make sure you have the app downloaded (and updated) before you get to the port. It will prevent any issues with using it on the cruise.

Connect to the ship wifi. You should be able to connect to the ship wifi from the port, so make sure you do and you will be able to see your dining rotation! You will also be able to see all the included onboard activities, shows and characters.

Check the app daily. The app is updated regularly throughout the cruise, with activities being added and changed all the time. You can "heart" things you want to remember and they will show up in your daily planner.

Embarkation Day

It's a whirlwind. Don't worry if you get overwhelmed on embarkation day - it's a lot! Don't feel like you are missing out if you don't get done what you wanted on this first day, you will have plenty of time!

Don't arrive before your Port Arrival Time. When you check in online, you will select a Port Arrival Time. Make sure that you stick to this time as if you arrive early, you may not be allowed to enter the terminal building until your time! Remember, this is your arrival time, not your boarding time.

Check in is easy. Depending which port you are embarking at will depend on how they do things. However, you will need your Port Arrival Form, passports/ID and copies of any visas required. You will then go through airport style security - although no liquid limits here! After this, you wait for your boarding group to be called before you head onto the ship!

Top Tips

• Don't over plan - leave some room for spontaneous activities or relaxing!

• Budget for extras like port adventures, gratuities and merchandise

• Make sure you know your activity booking window

• Make time for things you know you will love

• Try room service at least once!

• Make sure you "heart" all the activities on the app you want to do

Hopefully, this has put your brain at ease when it comes to booking your first ever cruise. If you are still baffled or feel like it's still too much, let me do all the faff for you! Enquire here for fuss-free planning.

Share your top tips below!