If you’re planning a Disney Cruise for First Timers, congratulations! You and your family are in for an incredible Magical Disney vacation. But with so much to see and do, planning everything out can be a bit overwhelming. Fortunately, we’ve got some tips and tricks to help you make the most of your first Disney cruise. Before you even set sail, be sure to download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app. This free app will come in handy throughout your cruise and will help you keep track of all the activities and events happening onboard.
Also, Read
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Let’s Start Choosing The First Time Disney Cruise Ships For Your Best Family Vacation
How to choose the first and Best Disney Cruise Ship for Your Family? With five amazing ships in their fleet and many enticing destinations, booking the best option can seem overwhelming. I’ll help you narrow down your choices by explaining the similarities and differences between the Disney cruise ships. You’ll also learn details about Disney Cruise Line’s itineraries to help you choose.
You can contact us for more information at info@blissfultavelescapes.com and let’s set sail with your Disney Cruise first-time Line! Let’s Dive into it!!!!!!!
Disney Wonder and Disney Magic Ships
The smaller vessels in the Disney Cruise Line Listing are Disney Wonder and Disney Magic. While these ships have comparable features, they each preserve their styles. They provide a traditional take on cruising, inspired by the “golden age” of travel. Of course, all of today’s modern amenities are also available onboard to make your vacation comfortable and unforgettable. If you’re looking for a more relaxed, sophisticated atmosphere — then these are the ships for you.
Disney Wonder
Disney Wonder – is a great choice cruise ship for Disney. This ship has 11 decks and can accommodate up to 2,400 passengers. The Disney Wonder is decorated in an Art Deco style and features classic cruise ship amenities like a pool deck, spa, fitness center, and several dining options.
Disney Magic
Disney Magic – is a bit bigger than the Disney Wonder Cruise Ship, but it’s no less impressive. This ship can accommodate up to 2,700 passengers and has 11 decks. The Magic is decorated in an Art Nouveau style and also features a pool deck, spa, fitness center, and several dining options.
Both the Wonder and the Magic offer cruises to many different destinations, including Alaska, Mexico, Europe, and the Bahamas.
Disney Fantasy, Dream, and Wish Ships
The other set of Disney Cruise Line sister ships includes the Disney Fantasy, Disney Dream, and the newest ship, the Disney Wish. Larger than the Wonder and Magic, these ships are known as “storytelling” vessels with art that comes to life for guests.
You can even find Magical Portholes within the inside staterooms that show live scenes of the sea with occasional Disney characters swimming by. These ships have transparent tube waterslides that arch over the deck of the boat. The Disney FANTASY and DREAM feature the AquaDuck and the WISH feature the AquaMouse. MINIATURE GOLF and Goofy’s Sports Deck and basketball courts are among the other activities available on some of Disney’s cruise ships.
Disney Wish
Disney Wish Size: She is the largest ship in the fleet and the first of the Triton class. She entered service in June 2022 and will be followed by her sister ship, the Disney Treasure in 2024. The other four ships in the fleet are Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, and Disney Fantasy.
Copyright: Attractions Magazine
Disney Fantasy
Disney Fantasy Size: Disney Fantasy at full capacity can hold 5,458 passengers. That includes 4,000 cruise vacationers and 1,458 staff members. Its unique offerings, amenities, accommodations, staterooms, cabin information, and details of luxurious suites, decks, dining, specialty dining, public venues, entertainment, health and fitness facilities, activities for kids and teens, sports and enrichment programs for all family members are all available on the website. You can find pictures and videos of the cruise ship here too!
Disney Dream
Disney Dream Size: 129,690 tons. Disney’s Dream-class ships – Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy – are not all that much smaller than Disney Wish, and they also feature several over-the-top attractions, such as the 765-foot-long AquaDuck water coaster that encircles the main pool deck of the vessels.
All three of these ships offer cruises to many different destinations including the Caribbean, Europe, and the Bahamas.
There are Three Main types of Staterooms On Disney Cruise Line Ships
Inside staterooms, Oceanview staterooms, and Verandah staterooms. All of the staterooms are decorated in a classic cruise ship style and come with plenty of storage space, a TV, and a private bathroom.
The main difference between the types of staterooms is that inside staterooms do not have a window, oceanview staterooms have 2 small windows or 1 large porthole, and verandah staterooms have a private balcony.
If you’re looking for a more luxurious experience, Disney Cruise Line also offers concierge staterooms and suites. These staterooms come with special perks like priority boarding and private concierge service.
There are plenty of activities to keep everyone in your family entertained on a Disney Cruise for beginners. In addition to the character meet and greets, there are also Broadway-style shows, deck parties, pools, kids’ clubs, and more.
If you’re looking for some adult-only time, some pools, bars, and lounges are 21+ only.
Each Character Has His or Her Cruise Costumes
One of the most anticipated events on a Disney cruise is Pirate Night! Goofy and Donald wear special outfits for Pirate Night, as well as they should! The whole point of this event is to dress up like a pirate. But on formal evenings? They’ll be donning different clothes that match where the cruise liner will head the next day–and it’s not announced beforehand so you’ve got no idea what might show up at any given moment (pluto walking around at night in pajamas).
Be sure to check back often because Mickey may turn up decked out In fisherman overalls during Alaskan sailings along with Minnie in a fur-lined coat.
Even on non-formal nights, the duo takes style seriously and will be dolled up in their best duds for dinner. After all, there’s always a chance you’ll run into royalty.
Do Some Research Ahead of Time
There are a lot of things to do on a Disney Cruise for first timers, but it’s impossible to do everything. So, it’s a good idea to do some research ahead of time and figure out what you and your family want to do the most. That way, you can make sure you don’t miss anything important and you can plan your days accordingly.
If you’re not sure where to start, there are lots of helpful blogs and websites with Disney Cruise Line for Adults tips and information. You can also check out the official Disney Cruise Ships website for more information on the ships, ports, and activities.
Differentiation Between a Travel Agent | And Disney Cruise Lines
Honestly? 8 to 10 years ago I might not have recommended using a travel agent.
Most people are accustomed to booking travel online, but did you know that the price of using a travel agent is the same if you book direct? That commission is built into every package and it costs you NOTHING extra. It’s easy to independently book flights, hotels, and car rentals, but cruises are a different story. The booking process is more complicated you have to choose ships, itineraries, cabin categories, and dining times.
So we often recommend that first-time cruisers and experienced travelers alike use a travel agent instead of booking cruises online. Since most of us haven’t used a travel agent in a long time (if ever!) We’ll lay out for you the pros and cons of using a Disney Cruise Line travel agent versus online booking.
Booking A First Time Disney Cruise Through Disney’s website
Go to the Disney Cruise Line website and find a Disney cruise for Families via their cruise listings. Here you will find the available cruise line round-trip details sorted by Ports of Departure, Ports of Call, or contact Disney cruise line at 1 (800) 951-3532 – Email Here
After selecting your itinerary, you will select your stateroom(s), make your full or partial payment, or a deposit to secure your reservation. You can also contact Disney Cruise Vacation Package Bookings. (407) 939-7675 and make your reservations over the phone. Guests must be 18+ or have permission from a parent or guardian to book the dates for their cruise.
Travel Agent: Custom Experience, Convenience, and Value ( Recommended )
You may think it costs more. And that there are hidden fees they don’t tell you about. And that’s honestly what I thought, too. But as it turns out, most Travel Agents don’t cost you a penny! Some do charge a fee for their time, which is minute compared to the hassle, time, and savings you will benefit from their service.
They can save you some serious cash
Your Disney Cruise Line Travel Agent knows about the deals out there ahead of the rest. They are the first to know of the promos that will be coming out. If a new deal comes along after you’ve already made a reservation, they can rework your existing reservation to save you money. They can also run the numbers to see which deal is going to be the better value.
“They do the math for you. And the best part is, they have the experience, connections and know exactly what they are doing.”
They make your Planning and Vacation Stress-Free.
Your agent has your back. They can advise you on pre and post-cruise hotel options, vacation packages, and port excursions that will suit your family’s unique needs. Overall, they make sure everything runs smoothly from start to finish. They’ve been there and done that, and they can tell you the most stress-free way to have the best Disney cruise vacation ever.
Continuous, Personalized Support Throughout Your first Disney Cruise Vacation.
So whether you’re a spreadsheet-toting Disneyphile or a first-timer at the Disney rodeo, consider using a Travel Agent. You may just be surprised by how much magic your Agent can conjure up just for you!
The Planning Process for a Disney Cruise Line Trip
It may seem a bit overwhelming to book with Disney Cruise. However, Disney does a great job of organizing the information you need. Below are our top Tips for planning a Disney Cruise Line Vacation.
Download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App
You should download the app after you initially book your cruise. The Disney Cruise Line Navigator App has a countdown feature that is so much fun to see; it gets the family super excited for the upcoming trip!
The Disney Cruise Line App also holds a lot of information about your trip. Once onboard, you will notice it contains everything you need to know about the ship in general. You can use the Navigator App for directions, schedules, family chats, reservations, and so much more.
It’s also a great way to communicate (for free) with your family members while on the ship. You and your family can text each other via the Navigator App without having to worry about using up all the data on your phone.
When To Fly For A Cruise
If you live somewhat close to your departure port, you may be tempted to fly in the morning of your cruise, but don’t do it! The weather is so unpredictable, and I’m sure you don’t want to feel stressed about missing the ship.
Flying in the day before you are scheduled to set sail allows you extra time to ensure you make it to your final destination on the Disney cruise ship! If you would like to read THE BEST OVERALL DISNEY CRUISE SHIPS: THE DREAM AND WISH, you can check out these posts:
Arrange Ground Transportation To And From Your Port Of Departure.
I highly recommend adding the Disney Cruise Line ground transfer shuttle service to your cruise reservation, especially if you are cruising with infants and toddlers. This service is super reliable and easy, and it will make your life a lot easier. A huge benefit is not having to carry around your child’s car seat. In the DCL ground transfer infants and toddlers are not required to have a car seat unlike other transport services like Uber, Lyft, airport taxis, etc.
The Disney shuttles make vacationing with young children much easier by taking care of your luggage for you. You can find out more information about the pricing and other details on the official website of Disney Cruise Line.
Note: Your travel agent would need to add these transfers to your Cruise Ship reservation if you booked through a Travel agent.
Online Check-In Early 30 days before your cruise departure date
Once you have completed your online check-in, you will be able to select your preferred dining rotation. The earlier you check in the better choice of dining times you will have to choose from.
You will also be able to book any optional excursions and spa treatments that you are interested in. I always recommend that my clients book their spa treatments and any popular excursions as soon as possible to avoid being disappointed.
If You Have A Disney Visa Card You Can Save 10% On Some Port Adventures!
If you are planning on doing any of the port adventures, I recommend checking to see if there is a discount available for Disney Visa cardholders. You can save 10% on select excursions in certain ports.
Final Thoughts On Planning Your Disney Cruise For Beginners
I hope these tips will help you when planning your first Disney Cruise Line vacation. Remember to take your time when planning and to enjoy the process. If you have any questions that I didn’t cover, please feel free to leave them in the comments section below and I will be happy to answer them.
Get Familiar With The Layout of The Ship
Once you are on board, it is a good idea to explore the ship and get familiar with the layout. This will come in handy when you are trying to find your way around or when you are looking for a particular activity or dining spot.
Each Disney ship has a different layout, but they are all designed with families in mind. There are plenty of places for kids to play, and the restaurants and cafes are all family-friendly.
If you need help finding your way around, just ask a cast member. They will be happy to point you in the right direction.
Pack Light
When packing for your cruise, remember that you will be spending most of your time onboard the ship. This means that you won’t need to pack a lot of clothes.
I recommend packing light so that you can enjoy your time onboard without having to worry about lugging around a heavy suitcase.
Note: There is laundry on the Disney cruise ship so you can wash your clothes while on the trip.
Online Check-in 30 days Before Your Cruise
Online Check-in First-time cruisers with Disney Cruise Line can often be a bit overwhelmed with the process, but don’t worry! We’ve got some tips and tricks to help you make the most of your experience.
One of the first things you’ll need to do is complete your online check-in. This can be done 30 days before your cruise, and it’s a good idea to do it as soon as possible. Online check-in will allow you to select a port arrival time. The earlier the better as you will experience the ship with fewer people, a perfect opportunity for pictures! Just make sure to have your essentials with you since your stateroom won’t be ready until
You’ll need to have your reservation number, your government-issued ID, and a picture handy when you do online check-in. Once you’ve completed the process, you’ll be able to print out your cruise documents.
If you have any questions about online check-in, you can always call Disney Cruise Line or ask your travel agent.
Our trick For Completing Online Check-In As Fast As Possible
If prompted, give nonsense responses. For example, just make up a passport number or anything else to save time in filling out the check-in form.
As long as you filled out the answers, the form will take you to the next page. We try to get through the first few forms as quickly as possible until we reach the Port Arrival Time section. You may return to update your personal information after you’ve secured the time you desire.
Lastly, be sure to go back and change your placeholder answers to your real information! This allows you to finish the identification section quicker so that you can get to booking events.
What to Expect on Your First Day Aboard a Disney Cruise
Embarkation Day is the first day of your cruise, and it’s a great day to explore the ship. Most of the onboard activities and dining options will be available, so you can start your vacation off with a bang!
You’ll want to head to the buffet for lunch on Embarkation Day. The buffet is always busy on the first day, so it’s a good idea to get there early. After lunch, you can explore the ship or head to your stateroom to drop off your carry-on luggage or bag. If you need help finding your way around, just ask a cast member. They will be happy to point you in the right direction.
Later in the day, you can attend the mandatory safety drill. This is when you’ll learn how to use your life jacket and find your muster station in case of an emergency. The safety drill is usually followed by a sail away party, so be sure to stay for that!
Best Tips for Embarkation Day
The day that you finally get to board the Disney cruise ship is known as “Embarkation Day.” This is a hectic day since you will be juggling your cruise documents, luggage, transportation information, and more. The following tips will help make your boarding day go as smoothly as possible
Wear Swimsuits Under Your Clothes
If you are planning on going to the pool on embarkation day, it is a good idea to wear your swimsuit under your clothes. This will save you time since you won’t have to change once you are onboard.
Ask for Room Upgrade Available
Once you are onboard, feel free to ask guest services if any room upgrades are available. If there are, they will be more than happy to accommodate you.
Concierge guests receive a lot of additional perks. Again, this is not guaranteed and it’s not even common. So, make sure you have a room you love in case an upgrade isn’t available.
Check the Cruise Schedule
Be sure to log in to the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app as soon as you board the ship. This will help you plan your days and make sure you don’t miss any of the events or activities that you want to do.
Pack Magnets For your Disney Cruise
If you’re going on a Disney cruise for the first time, you might be wondering what to expect. There are so many things to see and do onboard, it can be overwhelming! But don’t worry, we’ve got some tips and tricks to help you make the most of your experience.
One thing you’ll want to do is pack magnets for your door. This is a great way to personalize your space and make it feel like home. You can find Disney-themed magnets at most stores, or you can make your own. Simply print out pictures of your favorite characters and glue them to magnetic strips. Then, stick them on your door and enjoy!
Cruise Dining Tips and Tricks
One of the best parts of going on a Disney cruise is the food! There are so many delicious dining options to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. But don’t worry, you will have the opportunity to dine at all the main restaurants aboard the ship. Disney cruise line has rotational dining and your servers are the same every night! It makes for a more personalized dining experience.
One thing to keep in mind is that the buffet is always busy on the first day of the cruise. So if you want to avoid the crowds, head there later in the day. Another tip is to check out the themed dining options. These are usually a bit more expensive, but they’re worth it for the experience. And finally, be sure to save room for dessert! The sweets onboard are always mouth-watering.
Get on the Waitlist for main dining seating
If you’re hoping to get into the main dining room for dinner early, be sure to get on the waitlist as soon as possible. The earlier you do it, the better your chances are of getting a spot. And if you’re traveling with a large group, be sure to let the host know so they can accommodate you.
What to Do on a Disney Cruise
There are so many things to do on a Disney sail it can be hard to know where to start! But don’t worry we’ve got some tips and tricks to help you make the most of your experience.
One thing you don’t want to miss is the fireworks show. It’s truly a magical experience that you won’t find anywhere else. Another must-do is the character dinner shows and their performances. This is a great opportunity to meet some of your favorite characters and maybe get their autographs! And finally, be sure to check out the shows in the theater. They’re always top-notch and worth seeing.
Request a Private Table for Dining
If you want a more intimate dining experience, you can request a private table for dinner. This is a great option if you’re traveling with a small group or if you simply want to avoid crowds. Be sure to ask the host about this when making your reservation.
Specialty Drinks include Tips
Many bars and lounges offer reduced prices on drinks during certain hours. So if you’re looking to save some money, be sure to ask about this before you order.
If you order an adult beverage or a specialty kid’s drink, a gratuity is automatically applied to the price. When you get your receipt, make sure you don’t double tip…unless you just want to!
Disney Cruise Packing Tips and Hacks
Below you will find some brief notes on packing tips and hacks for your cruise.
Embarkation Day Bag
If your luggage doesn’t arrive until after dinner, your room isn’t likely to be ready until 1:30 and you won’t have time to change. So, bring a carry-on bag with you on the ship in case you need anything before your luggage arrives.
Also, be sure to pack your swimsuit and a cover-up in your carry-on bag. That way you can take advantage of the pools onboard while you’re waiting for your room to be ready.
Ready to Take Your First Cruise?
Here are some tips and advice for making the most of it.
These are some miscellaneous bits of advice for your first-time cruising with Disney Cruise Line:
The atrium is a Great Place to Meet Characters. If you want to meet some of your favorite Disney characters but don’t want to wait in line, head to the photo gallery. The cast members there will often bring characters over to meet guests waiting for their photos.
Kids Club Band
If you receive a bracelet for the kids club (similar to a Magic Band at Disney World) for your child, make sure you return it to the club by the last day of your cruise. If you don’t, Disney Cruise Line will charge your account for the bracelet.
Schedule a Character Call
Disney Cruise Line provides one FREE call from characters before your cruise. Depending on when you are cruising, you can receive a call from Goofy, Mickey, or Minnie.
Final Thoughts on Best Disney Cruise for First Timers
We hope you enjoyed reading this article and that it has helped you in some way to plan your first Disney Cruise. Do you have any other tips or advice for first-time cruisers? Let us know in the comments below!
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