Disney Cruise Tips
Question
Do I need my passport?
Answer
Yes. Everyone will need a passport when you check-in at the port so do not pack it in your suitcase. (They will take your luggage before you enter the port and deliver it to your room). You will not need it when we get to either island, but you need to have photo ID and your room key anytime you get on and off the ship. Double check that the room reservation name matched your passport exactly.
Question
Can I bring alcohol on board?
Answer
Yes, Disney Cruise Line allows you to bring on 2 bottles of wine/champagne -OR- one 6-pack of beers/seltzers per Adult. You cannot check them in your luggage though, you must carry them on with you.
Question
What's not included in the price?
Answer
Alcohol, Specialty Coffees, and formal dining experience are not included. There is one dessert shop, Edna A La Mode, that is also not included. Other than that, all food and entertainment is included. Regular coffee is included, but if you want espresso-based coffee drinks they are not. At any of the cafe's there is a Cafe Fanatic card you can get stamped with each purchase--buy 5 drinks, get 1 free. So be sure to get the card and have them stamp it. (Stamps are available only at the cafes, not at the main dining rooms). In-room dining is included. You can order warm cookies or the "cake of the day" whenever you would like.
Question
Happy Hour?
Answer
There is always a very inexpensive "Drink of the Day" and plus most of the bars will have a discounted happy hour each day as well. Check the personal navigator app to see when/where the happy hours are. Also at night Hook’s Barbery turns into a secret speakeasy-style bar where bartenders craft handmade Old Fashioned cocktails and bourbon drinks.
Question
Do I need dining reservations?
Answer
We have arranged everyone to be in the same dining rotation with the 2nd dining seating, meaning each night we will have a show first (around 6:15pm) and then dinner together after (around 8:15pm). There are two adult only formal dining options available (at an additional cost): Palo (collared shirts required) and Enchante (Jackets required) available at an additional charge for dinner for bunch if you would like to book. They will likely book up very quickly, but you can always check with dining reservations team when you first get on board if anything has opened up or if they can add you onto the waitlist.
Question
Do I need tickets for the shows?
Answer
No, all seating in the theater is on a first-come/first served basis. The theater opens 30-minutes before showtime. The earlier you arrive the better seat you will get. They do not allow you to hold seats, so make sure your whole group arrives together. They do have servers in the theater you can order drinks/snacks from. The Hercules Show is newest and only in this ship, so it will be the most popular--be sure to arrive extra early to that one.
Question
Do I need the Disney Cruise Navigator App?
Answer
Yes! Have everyone download it from the app store. You will need it to check in for the cruise and book any onboard activities/excursions. It has a chat function so you can chat with other cruisers while out at sea. It will have each day's schedule of events.
Question
When should I fly in & out?
Answer
It would be best to arrive a day early to avoid missing the boat if you flight gets delayed. The ship gets back on 2/23. There will be one final breakfast at 8am and then you will disembark by about 9:30am, so you can book your flight for some time after that. You can skip breakfast and disembark around 7am if need be to catch an earlier flight. Also if you don’t see any direct or convenient flights on/out of Ft. Lauderdale, Miami is about an hour away and might have more flights.
Question
Can I use my MagicBands+?
Answer
Yes-- bring them along. When you check-in at the Cruise Port they can link them to be used on the ship. You don’t need one, but if you want one you can order it online from disneystore.com or when you check in for the cruise online for exclusive Disney Cruise designs.
Question
Is there a kid's club/nursery?
Answer
There is the Oceaneers Club and Lab for children 3-10, there is also Edge for tweens 11-14, and Vibe for teens. There is no charge for any of those, but registration is required on Embarkation Day. There is an open house when you first board if you want to check out any of the kid's spaces. Yes, there is a Small World Nursery available children 6-months to 3-years old. The cost is $9 an hour. It is open 8am-midnight.
Question
What is Dine & Play?
Answer
Dine & Play allows children to participate in fun and engaging activities while adults enjoy a leisurely dining experience. Available for children ages 3-10 who are registered at The Oceaneer Club/Lab. Dining room servers will ask guests if they are participating in Dine and Play. Guests are responsible for bringing their child to the entrance of the dining room to meet the Youth Activities team between 9:00 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. for check in. The Youth Activities Counselors will then escort children to the Disney’s Oceaneer Club/Lab, while the adults finish their meal.
Question
What's the Aquamouse?
Answer
The Aquamouse is a fun water coaster with a minimum height of 42". It is very popular and can have you bit of a queue, so THE BEST TIME TO RIDE IT is on Day 1 right when you first board the ship--so wear your bathing suit onto the ship so you can do it with little to no wait.
Question
Pirate Night?
Answer
Pirate Night is a party throughout the ship on the 3rd night. There will be a deck party and fireworks after dinner. Pirate costumes are strongly encouraged. After the pirate night festivities and fire works come join us for a little after party in our suite.
Question
When is final payment due?
Answer
Final payment is due 90-days before the sailing. Michael will reach out to process the final payment. Once they final payment is received, you can no longer add travel insurance, so if you wanted to do that be sure you do so before that time. (We never have added travel insurance, but if you want to cover yourself in case of any flight cancellations or sickness let us know). Cancellation fee based on Days Prior to Vacation Commencement Date 90 days or more: No Fee 89-45 days: Deposit price per Guest 44-30 days: 50% of vacation price per Guest 29-15 days: 75% of vacation price per Guest 14 days or less: 100% of vacation price per Guest