When I took my first Disney Cruise I admit I was nervous. I mean like really nervous as I have a natural fear of open waters. So I wasn’t sure how this was going to go down. But I had dreamed of taking a Disney Cruise for so long I decided to face my fears and book a cruise,. Yay me!!!
Now I know Disney pretty well and I know they do things up right but taking a cruise was a lot different from walking a park. Not to mention there would be all that water but never being a person to hide I booked our cruise. What I learned as a novice to cruising was very insightful.
So much so I’ve been back on the Disney cruise 4 more times and each time it gets better. So as a Disney travel planner and a Disney fan I wanted to share some easy tips for you whether you are new to cruising or a veteran cruiser.
Easy Tips for Cruising With Disney Cruise Line
Pack Light
I learned real quick that I never wore half of what I packed on my first cruise. Pack light depending on the season and length of trip you can get away with a few changes of clothes and a light jacket. If you are traveling in summer a swimsuit is a must. If traveling in winter though temps are mild a jacket or sweater may be needed. When packing pack items that are able to mix and match to create new looks. Also, pack sunscreen and motion sickness medicine both are a must-have.
Activities
Book your activities in advance. We learned the hard way getting photos with your favorite character will take a long time if not booked in advance. Also, download the Navigator app to keep up with all the happenings for the day. We almost missed Bingo if not for the app. From movies to shows to cooking demos and games there are lots of things to do on a cruise.
Food
The food on a cruise is so good. I learned it’s unlimited. From buffets to sit-down food is not only endless it’s delicious. Disney also can work with any dietary restrictions. For me, I tend to lean more towards vegetarian eating. This was no problem because you are assigned a table and a server that rotates with you throughout your stay your server learns your eating habits. Yes, dining is a rotational meal plan with three exceptional restaurants to eat at. So you actually get to enjoy all three through rotational nightly seating. Oh and here is a bonus food tip. Like a certain dessert from a restaurant like the beignets at Tiana’s Place. You can get that dessert the next night at Animator’s Palate or Triton’s just ask your server.
Paper Work
Make sure you have the correct paperwork in hand with ID when boarding. I had my original birth certificate which was issued by the hospital many many moons ago and I almost did not get cleared to board. I learned that only birth certificates issued by Vital Statistics and/or passports are usually accepted. Luckily the manager on duty recognized my birth certificate as being a hospital-issued one and let me passed.
Bonus Tip and Information
Finally, I learned that when on a cruise you stay so busy having fun that you forget you are at sea. My fear of open water only bothered me when someone would remind me I was at sea. I also learned that once you take a cruise you will want to take another and another and another. So much so I have book 4 more cruises over the years and have one scheduled for this year fingers crossed.
Update– Due to COVID 19 cruising will most liking have big changes coming. That said Disney has released their 2022 itineraries include 3 new destinations. If you would like to know more or want to get a free quote to feel free to ask me I am your trained Disney Travel Advisor here to make your vacations stress-free.
Do you have any Disney Cruise tips? What about some cruise tips in general?
As a Qualified Independent Travel Agent Affiliated With Academy Travel And Mickey Vacations. I Specialize In Planning Disney Vacations. Contact Me HERE For Your FREE No-obligation Quote. Plus as a mobility expert who has visited Disney multiple times, I can help you with most questions.
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