If you’re starting to plan your first Disney Cruise and feeling a bit overwhelmed, I’ve got you. This guide will go over everything you need to know for planning a Disney Cruise, from booking to your first day on board.
How to Start Planning a Disney Cruise
As magical as a Disney vacation is, no one will argue that it doesn’t take a lot of preparation. This is something you’re used to if you’ve been to the parks, but cruises are an entirely different experience. They aren’t harder to plan, but it’s certainly a different kind of planning from the parks.
I felt overwhelmed the first time we cruised on DCL, and felt there wasn’t really one great source of information; rather, there are bits and pieces of advice here and there in blog posts, videos, and forums. So after a number of cruises, I wanted to put together a one-stop shop of everything a first timer needs to know.
Is a Disney Cruise Right for Your Family?
If you’ve come across our blog, the answer is probably yes; but realistically, cruises are not for everyone. In our opinion, DCL is great because:
- There are activities for all ages, from babies to adults
- It’s perfect for multiple families or family reunions
- The customer service is outstanding
- And we love Disney!
If you and your family are not “Disney people,” you’d still have fun, but your money is probably best spent on another cruiseline. You will be constantly inundated with Disney IP on this vacation, so if that’s not your jam, I could see how that would get annoying! DCL is also notably more expensive than many other large cruiselines, so if you don’t care much for Disney, the money can be hard to justify.
Choosing the Right Disney Cruise Itinerary
DCL Itinerary Length
DCL has cruises anywhere from 3 to 14 nights. We personally feel that the 6-7 night range in the sweet spot – long enough to fully relax and enjoy the ship, but much longer than that and I start to get a bit fatigued with the ship. The shorter cruises, though, offer a great chance to experience the ship and get a few days away without as high a sticker price (or too many PTO days!), especially if you happen to live within driving distance of a port.
Be aware that on some of the ships, if you are only aboard for 3 nights, you won’t get a chance to experience all the restaurants. On the longer cruises, the restaurants change their menus (and their shows, if it’s a dinner theatre restaurant).
Popular Routes
Disney Cruise Line sails itineraries around the world, but for most U.S.-based travelers, the most frequent and convenient routes fall into three main categories: Bahamas, Caribbean, and Baja (Mexico). Alaska is also a standout option, though it’s strictly seasonal.
For first-time cruisers especially, route choice is often more about dates, trip length, and overall experience than the individual ports themselves (side from Disney’s private islands).
Bahamas Cruises
Best for: first-time cruisers, shorter trips, Disney island stops
Bahamas sailings are typically 3–5 nights and often include a stop at one of Disney’s private destinations—Castaway Cay or Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. These itineraries are designed to be easy, approachable, and heavily focused on the onboard experience.
You can find the itineraries that stop at Castaway Cay or Lookout Cay by using the “Sailing to” filter – these are specific destinations you can filter by.
If visiting a Disney island is a priority, make sure it’s specifically listed on the itinerary—this is one of the few route details that truly matters for many families.
Caribbean Cruises
Best for: longer sailings, variety
Caribbean itineraries usually range from 5–7 nights and visit a mix of tropical ports. These cruises offer a balance of sea days and port days, giving families plenty of time to enjoy the ship while still experiencing multiple destinations.
That said, many Caribbean ports can feel similar, and excursions can add up quickly. For many families, the ship itself ends up being the highlight.
It’s common for families to choose to stay on the ship instead of disembarking at some Caribbean and Bahamian ports.
Baja & Mexican Riviera Cruises
Best for: West Coast travelers, relaxed pacing
Departing primarily from California, Baja and Mexican Riviera sailings tend to feature fewer ports and more sea days. This makes them a great fit for families who prefer a slower pace and more time onboard.
They’re often overlooked, but can be an excellent option if you want to avoid a cross-country flight.
Alaska Cruises (Seasonal)
Best for: nature lovers, older kids, something different
Alaska cruises run only during the summer months and are typically 7 nights long. Instead of beaches and pool decks, these itineraries focus on glaciers, wildlife, and dramatic scenery—much of it visible right from the ship.
They feel less like a traditional cruise and more like an adventure, which can be especially appealing for families looking for a different kind of Disney experience. The scenery is stunning from the boat and this is absolutely something everyone should try to experience at some point in their lives, whether or not it’s with Disney.
Which Route Is Best for Your First Disney Cruise?
In most cases, choosing a route that fits your schedule and travel style matters far more than chasing a specific port. Once those pieces line up, the rest tends to fall into place naturally.
Picking the Right Ship
Older Ships vs. Newer Ships
DCL first started sailing in 1998 and the fleet has drastically grown just within the past few years. The oldest ships, the Wonder and the Magic, share the same deck plan with slightly different theming. These ships are much smaller than then most modern ships on other cruiselines. But personally, I love these ships and they don’t feel dated in the least to me.
The Magic and the Wonder have a lovely, classic feel and are the perfect size for young kids. They’re easier to navigate, which can be a big plus for families cruising for the first time or traveling with younger kids. Because everything is closer together, the ships can feel more intimate and less overwhelming.
Newer ships are larger and more modern, with expanded dining, entertainment, and water play areas. They offer more variety and more “wow” moments, but they can also feel busier, especially in peak season.
Neither option is better across the board. It really comes down to whether you value simplicity and flow or variety and scale.
When to Book (and How Far in Advance)
Cruise itineraries open up around 15-18 months ahead of sailing. Booking as far in advance as possible is always advised, as prices are likely to go up as staterooms sell, and you’re more likely to get the deck and part of the ship you’re hoping for (if you feel strongly about that).
You can cancel your cruise up to 90 days before sailing for a full refund, and after that the refund amount lessens as the date gets closer.
One big date to understand is your activity booking window. This includes port excursions and onboard activities like adult-dining reservations, tasting classes, nursery reservations, spa services, etc. For a first-time cruiser, this window opens 75 days prior to sailing. As you accumulate sailings and your Castaway Club (DCL’s loyalty program) status rises, your booking window will move earlier.
There is a good chance by the time the 75 day window rolls around, a lot of the onboard activities will be booked up. This is not something I would worry much about – you don’t need any of these activties to have a wonderful time, and there is a lot of movement in these reservations once you’re onboard. The most important thing for families with babies and toddlers is to try to snag some nursery time, but just talk to the nursery cast members when you’re on the ship to find what’s opened up.
Understanding Disney Cruise Costs
Your cruise fare includes your stateroom, most activties and shows, dining, and tips. You can absolutely spend no additional money on many itineraries and have a wonderful time. (As it should be, because let’s face it – these prices are not cheap.)
What your fare does not include:
- Alcoholic drinks, mocktails, espresso/specialty coffee drinks
- Popcorn/candy (served at the Walt Disney Theater and Buena Vista Theater)
- Beverage tastings
- Adult-only dining (Palo, Remy, Enchante)
- Port Adventures
- It’s a Small World Nursery
- Goofy’s Sports Simulator
- Spa services
- Private cabanas and beach equipment rentals at Castaway and Lookout Cays
Choosing a Stateroom
One of the biggest decisions when booking a Disney cruise is choosing a stateroom category. Disney offers four main options: Inside, Oceanview, Verandah (Balcony), and Concierge. While the price differences can be significant, the “best” choice depends more on how your family actually uses the room than on the category itself.
One of the most important things to do know when booking for a family is that most DCL staterooms offer a split bath, with toilet and sink in one room, and bath and sink in another room. This can be so helpful for a family. Inside staterooms, however, typically only have one bathroom.
Inside Staterooms
Best for: budget-conscious families, short sailings
Inside staterooms are the most affordable option and are often more than sufficient—especially on shorter cruises. Disney’s inside rooms are thoughtfully designed, and many include a virtual porthole that displays real-time ocean views.
If you plan to spend most of your time exploring the ship, attending shows, and enjoying activities, an inside stateroom can be a smart way to save without sacrificing comfort.
Oceanview Staterooms
Best for: families who want natural light without a big price jump
Oceanview rooms offer a window or porthole but no balcony. The upgrade is mainly about natural light and a sense of openness rather than added space.
For many families, this category sits in an awkward middle ground—noticeably more expensive than inside rooms, but without the flexibility a balcony provides.
Verandah (Balcony) Staterooms
Best for: longer cruises, nap schedules, adults who value downtime
Balcony staterooms are one of the most popular upgrades, and for good reason. Having private outdoor space can be incredibly useful—especially for families with young kids who nap, or for adults who enjoy quiet mornings and evenings.
Sitting outside on the verandah while the kids sleep can be really lovely; but realistically, sometimes it’s much chillier and windier out there than you’d expect.
If you are booking multiple verandah staterooms for your larger family, or multiple families, you may be able to remove the divider between the two verandahs to make one longer balcony that spans both rooms.
Concierge Staterooms
Best for: luxury-focused travelers, special occasions
Concierge is less about the room itself and more about access and service. Guests receive priority boarding and earlier booking windows, exclusive lounge access, and concierge support throughout the booking and sailing.
If you have the money to spare, the perks sound amazing. But in alll honesty, the concierge benefits are not as good as they are on non-Disney cruise lines.
Planning Port Days and Excursions
Port Aventures vs Exploring on Your Own or Booking a Private Tour
Disney Cruise Line offers a wide range of shore excursions that can be booked through Port Adventures. The most important thing to understand is this is run by a third party. You will not have a Disney cast member ashore with you on these experiences.
I point this out because we have had less-than-stellar experiences with Port Adventures, and when we raised concerns with the Port Adventures staff, we did not not receive the same level of customer service we are accustomed to with Disney.
That’s not to stay you should’t book through Port Adventures – it’s certainly the most conveinent option. But definitely have realistic experiences.
The largest drawback to booking an excursion this way is that you may be in a group of 50 other passengers and can feel like you’re being herded like cattle. At least, I have felt this was in the Caribbean and Bahamas. (I have heard that in Alaska the experience is much better, but we opted to book outside the cruise line in Alaska.)
Book through Port Adventures if you want the ease of booking and the reassurance that the ship will not leave without you if the excursion is delayed.
Book a private/small group tour outside the cruise line if you want a more personal experience.
Exploring on your own, on the other hand, can work very well in ports that are walkable or easy to navigate (i.e., European ports).
Packing & Preparation
Packing for a Disney cruise is usually easier than people expect. You’re mostly preparing for port days, weather, and comfort onboard.
The Basics to Plan For
Most families will want to be prepared for:
- Casual daytime wear for the ship and ports
- Swimwear (and more than one set if you plan to swim daily)
- Comfortable walking shoes for port days
- Evening attire for rotational dining (Disney is relaxed, but you’ll want more than beachwear)
- Optional formal attire
- Light layers for air-conditioned spaces and cooler evenings
- Convenience items for the stateroom – pocket lights/flash lights for the kids bunk beds, hanging laundry bag, detergent (though they sell this in the laundry rooms)
If you’re sailing to Alaska or during shoulder seasons, layering becomes more important—but the overall approach stays the same.
A Few Disney-Specific Considerations
Disney cruises come with a few quirks that affect packing:
- Door magnets and rubber ducks to hide (also things on other cruises, but a pretty big deal on Disney with so many kids)
- Fish extender, FE gifts, pixie dusting gifts
- Autograph books or anything else you’d like characters to sign
- Costumes for pirate night, Frozen night, Star Wars, Marvel, general princess and Disney merch…
- Magic bands
Don’t Overpack (Really)
One of the most common mistakes first-time cruisers make is overpacking. Stateroom storage is efficient but not endless, and you’ll likely rewear more than you expect—especially swimwear and casual ship outfits. If you’re debating whether to bring something “just in case,” the answer is often no.
Common Mistakes First-Time Disney Cruisers Make
Disney cruises are designed to be easy, but first-time cruisers sometimes make things harder than they need to. Most mistakes come from trying to do too much, rather than trusting the experience.
Overplanning Every Detail
It’s tempting to schedule every port day, reserve every activity, and map out each hour. In reality, Disney cruises work best when you leave room for flexibility.
Overplanning often leads to:
- Exhausted kids (and adults)
- Stress when plans change
- Feeling rushed on what should be a relaxing trip
A loose plan beats a rigid one every time.
Trying to Do Everything Onboard
Disney ships are packed with activities, shows, characters, and events, and it’s easy to feel like you’re missing out if you don’t do it all.
This mindset can quickly become:
- Overstimulating, especially for younger kids
- Physically exhausting after full port days
- Mentally draining from constantly watching the schedule
You don’t need to attend every show, activity, or character meet to have an incredible cruise. Picking a few priorities each day often results in a calmer, more enjoyable experience.
Overspending on “Upgrades”
Between excursions, specialty dining, merchandise, and add-ons, it’s easy to spend far more than you planned.
Common overspend areas include:
- Booking excursions in every port
- Upgrading staterooms beyond how you’ll actually use them
- Purchasing experiences without factoring in time or energy levels
Being selective with upgrades often leads to fewer regrets and more enjoyment.
Final Thoughts
If planning a Disney cruise feels overwhelming, you’re not alone. The truth is, you don’t need to plan everything perfectly for a Disney cruise to be a great experience.
Once you’re onboard, Disney takes care of the details. Meals, entertainment, kids’ activities, and daily logistics are all thoughtfully handled, which is why so many families find Disney cruising far more relaxing than they expected. Even if things don’t go exactly according to plan, the experience is designed to work anyway.
If you’re ready to keep planning, I’ve put together more in-depth guides to help you go deeper:
- Choosing the right ship
- Stateroom types and what’s worth upgrading
- Port excursions
- A complete Disney Cruise packing list