7 Things I Wish I’d Known Before My First Disney Cruise

Over the past three decades, the Disney Cruise Line has grown into one of the most important divisions of the Disney Company, with millions of passengers sailing on its ever-growing fleet, and more and more first-time cruisers each year.

Thinking back on my first Disney Cruise, though, there are also a few things I really wish someone had told me, as these little hacks and heads-ups that would’ve saved me stress, money, and missed opportunities. So here’s what I learned the hard way (so you don’t have to).

“Don’t Fly in the Morning of Your Departure”

If you live far enough from the port-of-call, your Disney Cruise is set to depart from that you need to fly in — or drive a long distance for that matter — then it’s imperative you give yourself an extra arrival day cushion, despite how tempting it may be to save money by skipping out on a hotel or Airbnb the night before. After all, you’d HATE to miss your vacation just because your flight’s 8:00 AM landing was delayed or traffic was inexorably backed up.

“There is No Alcohol Package”

Unlike other cruise lines, Disney does not offer pre-purchased alcohol. While rotational dining, the lunch buffets, and room service are all included, alcoholic beverages are NOT. There’s no drink package or bar update. So keep that in mind, and budget accordingly.

“Room Service is Available 24/7… but There’s a Breakfast Catch”

24/7 room service is included with Disney Cruise Line sailings, and it can be a game-changer. I can tell you from experience that a 2:00 AM charcuterie board on the balcony is magnifique. However, to order breakfast, you need to take an extra step that meals during the rest of the day don’t require. To order breakfast to be delivered at a specified time between 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM, you have to fill out a request card menu (located in your stateroom) and leave it outside your door prior to 3:00 AM the night before.

“There Are Restaurants Beyond Rotational Dining”

Disney’s ships are best known for their rotational dining options. Essentially, this concept means each passenger eats in one of the ship’s three themed rotational dining restaurants, all included in their package. For example, if you’re sailing on The Wish, you’ll have at least one night at The Worlds of Marvel, Arrendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure, and 1923. Depending on how many nights your cruise lasts, you will experience at least one of the restaurants a second time, usually as part of a themed night with a different menu.

However, each ship also offers separate, up-charge dining experiences, such as the adult-exclusive Palo restaurants present on several of the ships, which are definitely worth trying. Bear in mind,  you’re interested in eating at one of these restaurants but still want to experience each of the rotational dining experiences in full, it’s best to try to book a Palo-style restaurant reservation on one of the nights where you’re scheduled to have a repeat rotational dining experience. We’d recommend calling a Disney Cruise Line Representative to try to slot everything into place correctly.

“The Sommelier Bin is a Treat for Wine Aficionados”

Wine fans sailing on a Disney Cruise need to know about the Sommelier Bin. This somewhat secret menu at lounges like The Rose on the Disney Treasure and Disney Wish, or at Keys on the Magic. For around $13, you get a surprise glass of wine — basically, whatever high-quality wine they’ve opened recently and need to finish off. It’s a total wildcard, but in the best way. Some bartenders might even ask for your preferences before they pick. We’ve had some really good glasses this way—and it beats paying full price for something you’re not sure you’ll love.

“Don’t Bring Forbidden Items On Board”

The Disney Cruise Line has a relatively long and strict list of items that can’t be brought on board, including:

• Weapons & Firearms
• Marijuana & Illicit Drugs
• Blenders
• Bottle Sterilizers and Warmers
• Coffee Makers
• Coolers
• Diffusers
• Electric Blankets
• Electric Irons and Steamers
• Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB)
• Extension Cords, Power Strips, Multi-Plugs and Purge Protectors
• Ham Radios
• Heating Elements
• Heating Pads
• Hookah Pipes
• Hot Plates
• Metal Detectors
• Microwave Ovens
• Power Tools, Hand Tools and Toolboxes
• Remote-Controlled Airplanes, Drones, Toy Vehicles, Star Wars Droids
• Rice Cookers
• Toasters and Toaster Ovens
• Seasonal and/or Strands of Celebratory Lightbulbs
• Streaming Devices (Amazon Fire Stick, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, Roku, etc.)

“You CAN Bring Your Own Alcohol on Board”

However, there are some strict rules. Disney Cruise Line Guests 21 years and older may bring a maximum of 2 bottles of unopened wine or sparkling wine (no larger than 750 ml) or 6 beers (no larger than 12 ounces) on board at the beginning of the voyage and at each port of call. These beverages must be packed in their carry-on (not checked) bags or luggage. Guests who bring wine or sparkling wine on board and then wish to consume it in one of the dining rooms will be charged a corkage fee of $29 USD per bottle.

If you’re about to embark on your first – or first time in a long time – Disney Cruise, make sure to brush up on these facts to have the most magical voyage possible. Stay tuned to AllEars for more Disney Cruise Line tips.

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Have you taken a Disney Cruise recently? Let us know in the comments below.

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