Disney Cruise. Getting Ready for Departure!

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Dec 28

Written By Kelly Gray

You’ve done it! You put down a deposit for a Disney cruise and now you want to know how to best prepare for your magical adventure. First things first, head over to your Disney Account and select my Disney Cruise. Link the reservation number you received from your travel agent and make sure everything is correct. This account will be your main stop as you get ready for your trip. You will find onboard activities, a packing checklist, documentation information, and an online check-in option.

In addition to your account, these tips will help you stay organized as you countdown the days to departure!

1) Air and Ground Transportation

Air: Book your flights as soon as you are able. You can often find the best rates by booking your flight the day rates are released via the airline. If you miss the early booking, try using apps like Hopper to alert you of price drops. Many cruise passengers choose to arrive in the departure city the night before the cruise departs. In the event of any flight delays, this provides an important buffer. Ask your agent about budget-friendly hotels near the port. Often these hotels have shuttles to get you to the ship.

Ground Transportation: Disney cruise transportation can be added to your reservation - typically $39 per person each way. This is a convenient option, but might not the cheapest. Ask your travel agent to help you compare Disney ground transportation with other options like a one-way rental car, car service, or even Lyft/Uber.

2) Travel Insurance

There are several things to consider when making decisions about travel insurance. First, you can purchase travel insurance via the Disney Cruise Line prior to your final payment. Again, this is a convenient option, but not the least expensive. I would suggest looking into a few things before purchasing. First, look at the coverage you already have and how your insurance works abroad. For example, does your travel credit card provide any coverage? If so, what are the limitations? What are the parameters of your current health insurance plan, will it cover you on your trip? If you are finding gaps in your coverage, look at some of these independent travel companies - Allianz Global Assistance, Travel Guard by AIG, World Nomads, and Seven Corners. When you are looking at independent travel companies, you’ll find that they have different coverage plans. Review these plans and what they cover before making a final decision. For additional information on travel insurance, I found this article to brief and informative - Should You Insure your Cruise? by Michael Friedman

3) Paying your Final Balance

During COVID, there were some changes to the final payment policy. For cruises departing March 1, 2023 and beyond, Disney Cruise Line is reverting to the original policy. Final Payment Due Dates are as follows:

3-5 day cruises: 90 days prior
6 day cruises or longer: 120 days prior
Concierge level: 120 days prior for 3-5 day cruises and 150 days for 6 days or longer

Tip: Save some money by buying discounted Disney gift cards at BJ’s, Sam’s Club, or Target. You can sometimes get $500 cards for at low as $480.

4) Navigator App

The App is an important tool for planning your cruise and communicating while on the ship. Download the App prior to your cruise to assist with managing your reservation, exploring activities, and completing the online check-in. During the cruise, you can access and book daily activities and use the chat feature. The chat allows you to communicate with other members of your party while at sea!

5)Port Adventures

Port adventures are shore excursions that have been designed to help you see the best of what each destination has to offer. Advance reservations are encouraged, so review your options prior to sailing. Once you are paid in full and you enter your advance booking window, you can get started.

Your advance booking window is determined by your Castaway Club membership level, as specified below.

First-Time Guests: 75 days prior to sail date
Silver Castaway Club Members: 90 days prior to sail date
Gold Castaway Club Members: 105 days prior to sail date
Concierge Guests and Platinum Castaway Club Members: 120 days prior to sail date

To book Port Adventures online:

Sign in to My Reservations
Click on the "My Plans" tab.
On the "My Plans" page, see your day-by-day itinerary plan. Choose the day you'd like to schedule your excursion.
Click "Add Activities" on that day.
A menu appears, offering various activity types. Select "Port Adventures."
Review a list of available options. Select the Port Adventure you want to explore.
Book the Port Adventure or go back to review the other Port Adventures available on that day.
Follow these same steps to review or change any Port Adventures excursion or other activities you’ve reserved.

6) Other Reservations You Can Book in Advance

Once you’ve paid in full and your advance booking window opens (same as Port Adventures) there are a few other experiences you can book ahead of time. Most have some fee associated with them and it’s unlikely you will do them all. Think about the priorities of your crew.

Some Options: Senses Spa & Salon, Adult Dining, Beverage Tasting Seminars, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, Pirates League, Character Breakfasts (7-night or longer cruises no additional charge), Golf and Sports Simulators (Disney Dream and Fantasy), Ticketed Character Greetings (no additional charge), Royal Court Royal Tea, and It’s a Small Word Nursery.

7) Travel Documentation

Under My Reservations you'll find important travel guidelines for your sailing. It is your responsibility to review and follow these guidelines. Guests without the proper documentation won’t sail. For specific questions based on your status, you can also consult the U.S. State Department's travel website.

Here is some basic information.

In order to board the ship at the start of a cruise, all Guests must provide a valid government-issued photo ID. For certain international itineraries, you will also need to present a valid passport and travel visa.
If a passport is needed for your cruise, Disney Cruise Line requests that you provide your passport number at least 75 days prior to the start of your vacation. Simply add the details to the Guest Information Form found in My Online Check-In.
If you are entering or re-entering the U.S. by air, a passport is required.
When you arrive to the port to start your adventure, additional documents are required. You can save time the day you depart by completing these via the My Online Check-in.
Check to make sure your passport isn’t expired. Many countries require you passport to be valid for 3 months post your visit.

8) Online Check-In

Check-in starts for Disney cruises 30 days prior to sailing and closes one day before you sail. Only guests that have paid their final balance can check-in. For check-in it is helpful to have the Disney Navigator App downloaded (you will want this for the cruise).

What you will need for Online Check-In:

Photo of every traveler's passport (if applicable)
A clear photo of each passenger, solo
Proof of vaccination
A credit card that you'll use for purchases while you're on the cruise
Flight information (if you're flying to the port)
Hotel information for before/after your Disney cruise (if applicable)

9) Onboard Gifts

Prior to the cruise, you can purchase onboard gifts to be delivered to your room for a fee. This is a great option if you are celebrating something and want that extra special magic. When looking at onboard gifts, you shop by your reservation number. Options vary slightly by port. Here is a sample list of some of the options:

Captain Minnie or Mickey Cupcake, $9.50
Ahoy Matey Chocolate Treats, $29.00
Bon Voyage Honey Bubbles Moscato, $52.00
Birthday Wishes Stateroom Decor, $64.00
Flowers, $49.00 - $69.00

To learn more about onboard gifts, visit Disney Cruise Line Onboard Gifts.

10) Packing Essentials

Your packing list will vary by destination, but every passenger should consider the following:

Weather appropriate attire. Including lightweight jackets or sweatshirts for cool nights/windy days. Proper footwear is also important as you might be doing some walking while on shore.
- Dress attire is your plan on eating at Palo, Palo Steakhouse, Enchanté or Remy during your cruise.
Disney Cruise line will provide shampoo, conditioner, soap, and body lotion. There is also a blow dryer in every room. However, you will want to bring any needed toiletries beyond those basics.
Needed medications, plus a few extra days worth in case you have any travel delays. Eyeglasses and/or corrective lenses.
Travel documentation and proof of citizenship.
Fun in the Sun: Sunscreen, lip balm, hats, swimsuits, swim googles and sunglasses.
Stroller
Cell phones and chargers