All right y’all, here’s the truth, we did so much research before our very first Disney Cruise, and somehow we still missed a handful of things that would’ve made our 16-day sailing on the Disney Wonder from Hawaii to Sydney, Australia a whole lot smoother.

If you’re looking for Disney cruise tips for first timers, real life advice, and the things we wish we knew earlier, you’re in the right place.

We definitely made a few rookie mistakes (full transparency!), but now we get to pass along all the Disney cruise tips and tricks, first time Disney cruise tips, and honest Disney cruise advice that’ll save you time, money, and stress. 

Not every Disney cruise tip gets talked about, and not everything people say you “must pack” is actually necessary. This guide is split into two parts: Smart Tips to Make Your Disney Cruise Even Better and Things You Don’t Need to Pack for a Disney Cruise. Consider this your Disney Cruise 101, honest, family friendly advice to help you feel confident and enjoy every magical moment onboard.

Smart Tips to Make Your Disney Cruise Even Better

I’ve gotta give credit where it’s due. Amanda did all the heavy lifting on the research for this cruise. She was deep diving into every blog, Facebook group, and message board she could find, and honestly, she saved us. 

She figured out things like downloading the Disney Navigator App, setting up our ticket QR codes, and getting us organized before we even boarded. Meanwhile, I’m usually a run-and-gun traveler, no beta, no planning, just vibes and that method would’ve failed us miserably on a Disney ship.

So if you’re like us and prepping for your first Disney cruise, here are the Disney cruise tips and tricks, Disney cruise hacks, and smart planning moves you’ll want to know before you set foot on the ship. 

These are the little things that make a HUGE difference and help first time cruisers level up the magic faster than you’d think.

Download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App

Before you even leave home (or your hotel, Airbnb, or wherever you’re crashing pre-cruise), make sure you download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App. 

This is the number one tool every first-time Disney cruiser needs. Trust me, you don’t want to be the person trying to download it while the ship is pulling away from port, the WiFi struggle is real.

The Navigator App holds everything: your profile, your cruise reservation, your ticket QR codes, and even the onboard chat feature so you can message your family or new friends you meet on the ship. 

It also has the full daily schedule, lets you save events you don’t want to miss, and includes an interactive ship map. We ended up using it way more than we expected, especially for planning our days and keeping the kids on track.

If you’re looking for Disney Cruise first time tips, this one is essential. Think of the app as your portable Disney cruise guide that keeps your entire trip running smoothly.

Buy the Internet on Day 1: It’s Cheaper!

If you plan on using Wi-Fi during your trip, here’s one of the best Disney cruise tips and tricks we can share: buy the internet package on Day 1. Disney usually offers the lowest rate when you purchase the full cruise plan upfront, and waiting until mid-sailing almost always costs more. It’s a super easy Disney cruise hack that saves money before you even unpack.

We personally skipped the Wi-Fi and fully unplugged, and honestly, it felt amazing, but if staying connected is important, lock it in early so you get the best price.

Pro Tip: WhatsApp worked surprisingly well for us onboard! We could message each other through the ship’s internal network and stay connected with our pre-cruise WhatsApp groups without paying for a full internet package.

And here’s the cool part: The AI WhatsApp feature still worked, so we were able to get updated news headlines, sports team scores, and quick info checks, all for no additional cost.

Join a WhatsApp Group Before Your Cruise

This is one of those Disney cruise tips for first timers that can go either way depending on your vibe. Joining a WhatsApp group before sailing can be super helpful, but it really depends on the group you land in. 

Our main chat had a lot of negativity (people arguing about rules, plans, or random drama), so we didn’t love that part.

But the specialty groups? Total game-changer.

We joined the wildlife-spotting chat, and it was amazing for getting instant notifications when someone saw dolphins, whales, sharks, or even rare birds off their balcony. If you’re traveling with kids or just want that extra magic at sea. This is one of the tips and tricks for a Disney cruise that can make the trip feel way more fun and connected.

So basically: If you enjoy community and want real-time updates, it’s worth joining. If you prefer a peaceful inbox, stick to the smaller, more focused groups.

Don’t Stress About Baggage Tags

Here’s some advice for a Disney Cruise that’ll save you unnecessary stress. Don’t panic if your baggage tags don’t arrive in time. Seriously, it’s not a big deal. The port team will print new ones for you, and you may just have to fill them out by hand.

Ours were accidentally mailed all the way back to our home in Texas (miles and miles away), and guess what? Our bags still showed up right at our stateroom door without any issues. So if this happens to you, take a deep breath, Disney has this part down.

This is one of those Disney cruise tips and tricks first-timers don’t realize until they’re in the moment. Things go smoothly even when something goes “wrong.”

Grab the Free Lei on Hawaii Itineraries

Here’s one of those Disney cruise tips for first timers we really wish we knew ahead of time. On select Hawaii itineraries, Disney hands out a free lei right as you board and this is such a cute little touch to kick off your vacation.

Don’t make our mistake and buy a lei the same morning before heading out of the Hale Koa. Save your money, embrace the surprise, and enjoy the little bits of Disney magic they sprinkle in along the way.

Adults Can Bring 2 Bottles of Wine or 6 Beers Onboard

One of the best Disney cruise tips and tricks for adults? You can bring your own alcohol. Disney allows each adult (21+) to bring two 750ml bottles of wine or champagne OR six beers in their carry-on at embarkation and port stops. It’s a nice little perk, especially if you’re trying to save a bit on drinks.

Just keep the corkage fee in mind: if you bring your own wine to any of the main dining rooms or adult-only restaurants, Disney charges $29 per 750ml bottle. But if you want to enjoy it in your stateroom, totally free.

We just asked our cabin host for corkscrews and wine glasses, and they brought them right to the room. So if you want a little nightcap without paying onboard prices, definitely grab your beverages before leaving port.

Thinking About Upgrading to Concierge?

If you’ve been debating a concierge upgrade, here’s one of those Disney cruise tips and tricks most people don’t talk about. Pricing is controlled by the port until the ship actually sails.

Once you’re onboard and cruising, guest services may offer a better rate for available concierge rooms. There are zero guarantees, but it never hurts to ask politely, of course.

If you do upgrade, you’ll get access to the concierge lounge, which honestly feels a lot like a Hyatt Regency lounge. Think: a private breakfast, evening hors d’oeuvres with adult beverages, bottled water and sodas stocked daily, a private bathroom, and a calm space to recharge away from the crowds. It’s a splurge, but for some families it can be one of the best Disney cruise hacks for leveling up your trip.

You Can Ask to Adjust Gratuities

Here’s a Disney cruise tip for first timers that a lot of families don’t realize, gratuities are fully customizable. Disney automatically adds the standard rate to your account, but guest services can adjust it up or down, or remove it entirely so you can tip your stateroom host and dining team in cash. We personally liked tipping in person because we knew exactly who was receiving it.

There are tons of conversations on Disney cruise message boards about how tipping works behind the scenes, and honestly, there’s a lot of mixed information out there. Some people say tips help supplement low base wages, others say the cruise line uses pooled gratuities toward salaries, it’s hard to find a clear answer.

Our advice? Don’t remove the automatic gratuities unless you plan to still tip your team. Otherwise, you could end up double paying or under tipping without meaning to. The crew works incredibly hard, and they make your cruise feel magical. So plan ahead for gratuities and tip in whatever way feels right for your family.

Don’t Skip Day 1: It’s Not a Throwaway

Day 1 on a Disney Cruise is chaos in the best way. It feels like a full on whirlwind, maybe even a hurricane 😂, especially if your morning starts rocky like ours did with missing baggage tags and not totally knowing where to go. 

But don’t treat embarkation day like a throwaway day. This is actually one of the most important Disney cruise first time tips because you can knock out so much right away.

Here are a few things you can and should do on Day 1:

• Tour the ship and get your bearings
• Meet your stateroom host (they’re truly magical humans)
• Join all the fun at the Sail Away Party
• Visit the kids’ clubs during open house hours
• Snap character photos while the lines are shorter
• Grab lunch at Cabanas or even one of the main dining rooms if you board early
• Embarkation day sets the tone for your whole sailing, so don’t skip it, don’t rush it… soak it all in and let the magic start from the jump.

What to Buy First When You Get Onboard

If there’s one thing I wish someone told me before our first Disney cruise, it’s this:

Buy your must have merch on Day 1. Seriously. RUN.

We missed out on the Stitch popcorn bucket, forgot to grab pins, and the cruise tote bag sold out before we even made it back to the shop. I’m not kidding when I say the Disney Cruise Line merch disappears FAST, especially anything collectible. And yes… people absolutely resell it on Etsy, eBay, Poshmark, all the places!

So the moment the gift shop opens (usually once in international waters), take 10 minutes to pop into the shops and grab what you know you want. When it’s gone, it’s gone for the entire sailing.

This is one of those insider Disney cruise tips and tricks that saves you from serious FOMO later.

Pixie Dusting From Your Cabin Host

One of the sweetest surprises on our Disney cruise was the pixie dusting from our cabin host. We’d heard about it in a few Disney cruise tips for first timers threads, but we decided to just let the magic happen naturally and I’m so glad we did. 

You can request it, but there’s something extra special about walking into your stateroom and seeing Disney character sheets already set up for your kids.

Ours surprised the girls with princess sheets, and even our 17-year-old got in on the magic. It was such a thoughtful touch that made the room feel extra cozy and fun.

And then there were the towel animals. Every night, we’d walk in to find a new creation waiting on the bed with a little chocolate treat. It sounds small, but after a long day of exploring, those tiny details feel like pure joy.

Honestly, this is one of those Disney cruise secrets no one tells you, how much the cabin hosts go above and beyond to add meaning and memory to your trip.

Should You Join the Fish Extender Exchange?

Okay, let’s talk Fish Extenders, because if you’re a first-time Disney cruiser, this one can feel confusing fast. We kept seeing people talk about it in Facebook groups, but honestly? We had no clue what we’d be signing up for. 

Amanda did most of the deep diving (I was busy doing my usual run-and-gun travel style and working on our Japan posts), but even then, we weren’t fully sure how it all worked.

Here’s the simple version:

A Fish Extender Exchange is basically a gift swap where families sign up to give little presents to other cabins, usually hung on a pocket organizer outside the door. Think of it like a Disney-themed white-elephant meets Christmas morning. The kids love it, and it definitely adds a fun layer of magic.

BUT… here’s the part people don’t always mention in Disney cruise blogs and tips groups: it doesn’t always go smoothly. In our WhatsApp chat, some families were upset because they gave gifts but didn’t receive anything back. They felt frustrated and taken advantage of after spending money and planning for it.

So, should you join a Fish Extender Exchange?

If you love crafting, gifting, and extra activities, it can be fun. But if you’re overwhelmed, especially planning a Disney cruise for the first time like we were, traveling Space-A last-minute, or just trying to pack light, skipping it is totally fine. We opted out, and honestly, we didn’t feel like we missed anything.

If you’re curious about how Space-A works (which is how we even made it to Hawaii for embarkation), you can read our full guide here.

You Need a Fish Extender for Pixie Dusting

Pixie dusting is everywhere on a Disney cruise, like, you truly can’t escape it, and honestly? It’s one of the cutest parts of the whole experience. But what actually is pixie dusting?

It’s when other guests drop tiny surprises into your fish extender: stickers, miniature toy ducks, and other small, fun tchotchke’s that make your kids feel like they’re in their own little treasure hunt. It’s simple, sweet, and one of those Disney cruise secrets that adds extra magic to your days onboard.

And here’s the important part: pixie dusting is not the same as the full Fish Extender Exchange. There’s no sign-up list, no obligation, no stress. We skipped the official fish extender exchange because it felt like too much for our first sailing, but pixie dusting? That made total sense to us. It’s low-pressure, thoughtful, and such an easy way to sprinkle joy around the ship.

Watching your kids, or any kid, honestly, discover a surprise in the fish extender is one of those little moments that hits you right in the heart. If you’re looking for Disney cruise tips for first timers, this is one of our favorites: bring a fish extender so you can be part of the magic without the overwhelm.

Board as Early as Possible

If there’s one piece of advice for a Disney cruise I will shout from the rooftops… it’s this: board early. You paid good money for this experience, and Disney cruises are not cheap, so you want every minute of magic you can get. 

We put this trip off for years (we originally wanted to do the Seattle to Alaska route back in 2020 but couldn’t swing it financially), so when we finally boarded the Disney Wonder, we were determined to make the most of every second.

The earlier you board, the sooner you can enjoy your stateroom, grab lunch, hit the pools, sip a drink, wander the ship, and, let’s be real, attack the ice cream machine like it’s your full time job. 

Early boarding is one of those underrated Disney cruise first time tips that genuinely levels up your day.

And don’t forget:

Check-in opens at 12:00 a.m. Eastern Time on your check-in date.

Your window depends on whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a returning Castaway Club member:

• First-time Disney cruisers: 30 days before sailing
  
• Castaway Club members:
  • Silver: 33 days
  • Gold: 35 days
  • Platinum: 38 days
  • Pearl: 40 days

The earlier your port arrival time, the more time you get onboard for exploring, photos, lunch, and settling in before the sail-away party. Trust me, this is one of the best tips and tricks for Disney cruise planning.

Take the Longer Disney Cruise: If You Can

One of my biggest pieces of Disney cruise advice, especially for first-time Disney cruisers, is to take the longer itinerary if your schedule (and budget) allow it. 

We’ve done the quick 3-day Bahamas sailing, and honestly? It felt over before it even started. But our 15-night cruise from Honolulu to Sydney? Absolute perfection.

Longer itineraries just hit different. You settle in. You slow down. You stop rushing from one thing to the next and actually enjoy the magic instead of chasing it. 

We got to meet almost every character, explore the ship without the mad shuffle, and ease into a resort-style rhythm where the days felt full but never overwhelming.

It’s one of those underrated Disney cruise tips and tricks nobody talks about: Short cruises give you a taste… Long cruises give you the full experience.

If you’re planning your first Disney cruise, trust me, the extra days are worth it.

Add Some Disney Magic: Door Décor & Matching Family Shirts

It’s cheesy… it’s over the top… and it’s honestly one of the cutest Disney cruise traditions out there. Decorating your stateroom door is a full on hobby for some cruisers. 

You’ll see everything from a single magnet to full custom displays that cover the whole door in themed art, quotes, character cutouts, and family names.

Whether it’s your first Disney cruise or your fifth, adding a little door décor makes the whole experience feel extra magical, especially for the kids. Same goes for matching family shirts. 

Are they cringe? Maybe. Did we love it anyway? Absolutely. It’s one of those Disney cruise tips for first timers that seems small but actually adds a ton of fun to the trip.

If you’re looking for Disney cruise hacks, bring your magnets from home. Ship magnets are adorable but they sell out fast and cost more onboard. Plus, decorating your door makes it easier for kids to find your room in those long hallways after a big day of adventure.

Bring a Cruise-Approved Power Strip or USB Hub

One of the best Disney cruise hacks we learned (and actually listened to) was packing a cruise-approved power strip or USB hub. People say the outlets on the ships aren’t always placed the best and honestly, that’s kinda true.

It’s not terrible, it’s just very “hotel-room-ish,” which means fine… but not great when you’re a family who travels with half a Best Buy in your backpack.

We brought a cruise-approved power strip, and thank goodness we did. Between four iPhones, multiple iPads, a laptop, GoPros, and all our camera gear, having those extra USB ports saved us. Just make sure yours is cruise-compliant (no surge protectors), or they’ll hold it until the end of your sailing.

For first time Disney cruisers, this is one of those small things that makes a huge difference, especially on longer itineraries.

Expect Low-Key Nightlife

If you’re used to adult-only ships or full-blown party cruises, Disney Cruise Line is going to feel very different, in the best way. One of the biggest first time Disney cruise tips is knowing that the nightlife onboard is super chill and family-focused.

Evenings look more like cozy entertainment than clubbing:

• Movies under the stars on Funnel Vision
• Broadway-style shows every night (these are seriously good)
• Family games, trivia, and themed activities
• Lounges that are mellow: not loud, not rowdy, definitely not a Vegas vibe

For families or anyone who prefers a relaxed vibe after dark, this is one of the best Disney cruise tips for first timers to know so expectations match the experience. It’s wholesome, calm, and honestly a nice breather from the chaos of everyday life.

Pack Fidget Toys & Boredom Busters

Here’s one of the Disney cruise tips for first timers that nobody really talks about: pack a few fidget toys, small games, or boredom busters for the kids. Not every moment on a cruise is high-energy magic, and no, handing them the iPad the entire time doesn’t count… unless it does 😂.

Lines for character meet-and-greets, theater entrances, or popular activities can get long, especially if your sailing is full. Our cruise was only about half full until Disney marketed hard and bumped it to around 75%, and we felt that increase instantly in the lines.

Having something small to keep the kids occupied is such a sanity saver. Think pop-its, mini puzzles, crayons, a tiny notebook, or whatever your kid loves. Trust me, this is one of those tips for first-time Disney cruisers that keeps everyone happier while waiting for the fun.

Rely on the Kids’ Clubs: But Have a Backup Plan

The Oceaneer Club, Edge, and Vibe are honestly some of the best perks on a Disney Cruise. They’re fun, safe, and full of activities your kids won’t find anywhere else. It’s one of the biggest Disney cruise tips and tricks we can give you: let the kids enjoy their space while you breathe a little.

But here’s the real talk nobody includes in their advice for a Disney cruise: not every kid loves the clubs 24/7. Ours definitely needed breaks. 

Sometimes it was overstimulation, sometimes it was too many little hands touching them, and sometimes they just wanted to hang with us instead. And that’s totally okay.

Rely on the kids’ clubs, yes, they’re amazing. But always have a backup plan: a quiet activity, a walk around the ship, a movie, a snack break, or just some chill family time. A flexible mindset makes the whole cruise feel so much smoother, especially for first-time Disney cruisers.

Come Prepared for Motion Sickness

Here’s the truth: unless you already have thousands of ocean miles under your belt like our family (I have logged over 8,000 miles on small boats 🙃), you’ll want to come prepared for motion sickness. 

This is one of those Disney cruise tips for first timers that can save your whole trip, especially if you’re doing a longer itinerary or a repositioning cruise.

If you’re not sure how your body handles the ocean, try a few different methods before sailing. Some people love Dramamine (dimenhydrinate), others swear by Zofran, and sailors are obsessed with the behind-the-ear Scopolamine patches. 

Addy does really well with pressure bands. ME? I just stares at the horizon like a true sailor. 😂

Even if you “never get seasick,” bring something just in case. This is especially true for itineraries known to be rough, our dining team and cabin host said the Seattle-to-Hawaii route can get gnarly, and I confirm it from my own ocean crossings. 

So knowing what to expect on a Disney cruise when it comes to sea conditions is a must.

The good news? If things get bad, the ship has your back. Guest Services and the medical clinic both had free Dramamine available, and the gift shop sold stronger options along with motion sickness bands.

This is one of the top tips for first time Disney cruisers: pack your meds, pack backups, and don’t assume you’re immune. Better safe than seasick, with a headache and sleepy.

There’s Self Serve Laundry

Here’s one of those underrated Disney cruise tips for first timers that no one really talks about and yes, there is self-serve laundry onboard. On shorter sailings you might not need it, but kids spill things, clothes get sandy, swimsuits get funky… life happens. Having laundry available is a low-key lifesaver.

You can find the laundry rooms on the deck plan maps by the elevators or inside the Navigator app, total Disney cruise hack. If you’re like us and hand-wash delicate items, every state room has a tub that works perfectly. We used that more than anything and just tossed things in the dryer or hung them up in the stateroom afterward.

And yes, Disney does offer full laundry service if you don’t want to lift a finger. They even ran a mid-cruise promo to make it cheaper. But honestly? We’ve had clothes come back damaged from full-service laundry at other hotels before, so we usually stick to doing our own stuff.

If you like knowing what to expect on a Disney cruise, this is one little amenity that can make your life so much easier, especially on longer itineraries.

Adults Only Areas Are a Must

Here’s one of the best Disney cruise tips for first timers that we didn’t fully appreciate until we were onboard. Don’t skip the adults only areas. Disney puts so much effort into the kids’ spaces that it’s easy to forget they’ve created some seriously relaxing spots just for grown-ups too.

One of my favorite places to unwind (and grab cute photos) was the Cadillac Lounge . It is such a stylish bar and a total vibe. The adult lounges have live music at night from the ship’s entertainers, so you can sip a cocktail, listen to good music, and get a little break from the chaos of parenting at sea.

If you’re sailing on the Disney Wonder, make time for these adult only favorites:

• Cadillac Lounge
• Crown & Fin Pub
• Quiet Cove Pool, the perfect escape when you need a breather

If you’re looking for Disney cruise advice that genuinely makes your trip better, this is it. A little adult downtime goes a long way on a family cruise.

Dining Tips You Need to Know

When it comes to food onboard, Disney does an amazing job, especially if you’re navigating allergies or special diets. Every restaurant asked about allergies right away, and they have tons of options for gluten-free, dairy-free, and even picky eaters. This is one of those Disney cruise tips for first timers that makes dining way less stressful.

A few Disney cruise dining tips we learned along the way:

• Disney handles food allergies incredibly well.
  
  They take it seriously, they label dishes, and they’ll walk you through options so you never feel limited.
  
  
• Choose your dining time strategically.
  
  If you want to hit the early Broadway style shows, choosing the later dinner seating can make your night run way smoother. And honestly, late dining tends to feel a little more relaxed.
  
  
• If you’re undecided and you’re leaning towards late dining, book early dining first.
  
  It sounds backwards, but switching from early to late is way easier than late to early. This was one of the most repeated pieces of Disney cruise advice in multiple groups.
  
  

Dining rotations are a huge part of the magic, so planning ahead makes a big difference, especially for first time Disney cruisers trying to figure everything out.

Service & Cleanliness are Top Tier

One thing we didn’t expect on our first Disney cruise was just how incredible the service would be. Disney really does set the bar high, and it shows. Our dining team and cabin steward treated us like family from day one, and this is one of those Disney cruise tips for first timers that you don’t fully appreciate until you’re onboard. You truly don’t have to lift a finger if you don’t want to.

Rooms get cleaned twice a day, and if you put your Do Not Disturb sign out, they’ll give you space without question. We had a bunk bed in our stateroom, and our cabin steward handled raising and lowering it each night because it requires a special key. After a few days, they even learned our schedule and all of our names, which still blows my mind.

And as for cleanliness? Top tier.

If someone spills popcorn, a crew member appears with a Dyson vacuum almost instantly. Throughout the day, you’ll see staff sanitizing railings, wiping elevator buttons, mopping the decks before sunrise, and reminding guests to wash hands before meals. It’s honestly some of the best ship cleanliness we’ve ever seen and something every family will appreciate.

Study the Deck Plan Before You Go

One of the best Disney cruise tips for first timers is to spend a few minutes looking over the deck plan before you ever step onboard. Seriously, it saves you from wandering around like a lost toddler on embarkation day. 

When you already have a rough idea of where the restaurants, theaters, kids’ clubs, lounges, and pools are, you get to the fun stuff faster and with way less stress.

We checked the map a few times in the Navigator App and it made life so much easier, especially on a longer itinerary. 

And here’s a little pro tip: the deck plan signs near the elevators will show you the nearest bathrooms… but sometimes the closest one is actually a deck above. So take a quick peek before you get off the elevator like you know exactly where you’re going. 😉

Buy Your Merch & Photos Before the Final Port

Here’s one of those Disney cruise tips for first timers that no one talks about until it’s too late: on longer itineraries, like our transpacific sailing, you must buy all your merch and photos before the ship reaches its final port. 

Once Disney docks, the onboard shops legally can’t sell a thing. That includes souvenirs, collectibles, and even your Shutters Portrait Studio photos.

So don’t wait until the last night. Grab your prints, digital packages, character photos, and any must-have Disney Cruise Line merch a day or two before arrival. Trust me, once it’s gone, it’s gone.

Pro Tip: If you have the Chase Disney Credit Card, you can save 10% on your merch purchases. A tiny win, but hey… every little bit helps on a cruise. 😉

Things You Don’t Need to Pack for a Disney Cruise

Let’s save you some suitcase space. After years of traveling full time and now doing our first Disney cruise (plus reading way too many Disney cruise blogs and tips before we sailed), we realized a lot of the “must-packs” out there are… not actually musts.

Some items people swear by just never made sense for us, and others we brought and didn’t touch once. So here’s our honest advice for Disney cruise packing: keep it simple. Disney provides way more than you think, and a lighter bag makes life on board so much easier.

Skip the Flashlights

You definitely don’t need flashlights on a Disney cruise. The ship is well-lit, well designed, and you’re never wandering around in the dark like you’re on a camping trip. 

If you’re worried about digging through your bag after the kids fall asleep, just use the flashlight on your phone, way easier and already in your hand anyway.

Save the space in your suitcase for something you’ll actually use.

You Don’t Need a Lanyard but get the Magicband 

You really don’t need a lanyard on a Disney cruise, especially if you’re a first-time cruiser stressing over what to pack. Disney gives your kids a band for the Oceaneer Club (with a refundable ~$25 deposit), so they won’t even use a Key to the World card the way adults do.

As for the adults, we never needed a lanyard because we always have pockets, and our phone cases have card slots. That system worked perfectly. If you want a cute lanyard for the Disney cruise vibe, go for it… but it’s definitely not essential, and it’s one less thing to carry around.

Pro tip: If you plan to do more magical vacations, you need to buy a magicband +. It can be used in the parks, hotels and on the cruise boats.

Don’t Pack Snacks: Unless You Have Dietary Restrictions

Don’t stress about packing snacks for your Disney cruise, seriously. There is food everywhere onboard, and it’s available pretty much all day. And yes… room service is free 24/7, which is exactly how you score those famous Mickey ice cream bars whenever your kids decide it’s “dessert o’clock.”

Unless someone in your family needs a very specific snack for medical or allergy reasons, bringing food just takes up precious luggage space. We travel with a snack bag everywhere because of military Space-A life, but for our Honolulu-to-Sydney Disney cruise, it was totally unnecessary. 

From 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., you can grab something to eat at every turn, and anything after that? Room service has you covered.

This is one of those Disney cruise tips for first timers that makes packing way easier: skip the snacks and save the space.

Disney Cruise Tips and Tricks Every First Time Cruiser Needs

I hope this list helps narrow down your research and takes some of the overwhelm out of planning. We learned a lot on our first Disney cruise, from small mistakes to things we stressed about that honestly didn’t matter at all.

If you’re looking for advice for a Disney cruise, or you’re gathering Disney cruise tips for first timers, this guide should make your whole experience smoother, calmer, and way more magical. Because that’s the goal, right? Getting to the good stuff and the moments your kids will talk about forever.

Planning a Disney Cruise Line Vacation?

If you’re deep in Disney Cruise planning mode (or just starting to dream), we’ve put together a full library of Disney Cruise Line guides to help you plan smarter, save money, and know what to expect before you sail.

Here are a few helpful reads to check out next 👇

Disney Cruise Planning Guides

These are best if you’re still deciding what to book or how to budget and plan.

• Disney Cruise Military Discount: Rates, Deals & Tips
• Disney Repositioning Cruise: The Secret Way to Cruise Longer for Less
• Disney Cruise vs Disney World: Which Is Better for Your Family?
• Disney Wonder Cruise: The Classic Ship Everyone Forgets
• Disney Cruise Concierge: The Ins and Outs Explained
• An Honest Disney Cruise Review for Teens by a Teen
• How to get Free Wifi on Disney Cruise Line Tips

Disney Cruise Tips for First-Time Cruisers

These are helpful once you’ve booked and are getting ready to sail.

• Disney Cruise Tips and Tricks: Advice for First Time Cruisers
• Disney Cruise Tips and Tricks: Free Stuff You Don’t Want to Miss
• Disney Cruise Packing List: Must Haves You Can’t Skip
• Disney Cruise Food Worth the Hype: What You Should Really Try
• Disney Cruise Door Decorations: Ideas, Rules & Free Printables

If this is your first Disney cruise, start with the first time Cruisers section. If you’re still deciding whether Disney cruising is worth it, the Planning Guides will help you narrow things down fast.