Welcome to Your Disney Cruise Adventure
Prepare for magic on the high seas with your When You Wish Travel Disney Cruise guide. We've compiled everything you need to know before embarking on your unforgettable Disney Cruise vacation.
Essential Documents and Check-In Process
Required Documentation
For travelers 16 and older: bring either a valid passport OR a government-issued photo ID (such as a driver's license) plus birth certificate. Ensure passports are valid for 6 months after your return date.
Online Check-In
Complete online check-in on the Disney Cruise Line website as early as possible (typically 30 days before sailing). Earlier check-in means earlier boarding time selection.
Port Arrival
Arrive at your assigned port arrival time. Have all documents accessible and luggage tagged with Disney Cruise Line tags (sent in your document package).
Packing Tips and Luggage Guidelines
Clothing Essentials
- Formal night attire
- Swimwear and cover-ups
- Theme night outfits (Pirate, Marvel, etc.)
- Weather-appropriate layers
Handy Extras
- Magnetic hooks for cabin organization
- Autograph book and pens
- Waterproof phone case
- Insulated water bottle
Luggage Rules
- Two checked bags per person
- Each bag under 50 lbs
- Day bag with essentials
- Disney luggage tags attached
Dining Information and Dress Codes
Rotational Dining
Experience Disney's unique rotational dining system where you rotate through themed restaurants each night while your serving team travels with you. Your rotation order is listed on your Key to the World card.
Dress Codes
Casual attire is acceptable in most venues. One night is designated as optional dress-up or formal night. Shorts, swimwear, and tank tops are not permitted in main dining rooms during dinner.
Special Diets
Notify Disney of dietary restrictions at least 2 weeks before sailing. Vegetarian options are always available, and serious allergies can be accommodated with advance notice.
Rotational Dining on the Disney Magic
Animator's Palate
A celebration of Disney animation where the restaurant transforms from black and white to color during your meal. Walls display changing artwork and characters may make special appearances.
Lumiere's
Elegant dining inspired by "Beauty and the Beast" featuring French-inspired cuisine in a grand ballroom setting with chandeliers and a refined atmosphere.
Rapunzel's Royal Table
Immersive "Tangled"-themed dining experience with live entertainment, character interactions, and medieval decor that transports you to the kingdom of Corona.
Rotational Dining on the Disney Wonder
The Disney Wonder offers three unique rotational dining venues: Animator's Palate with its celebration of animation, Triton's with its elegant "Little Mermaid" theming, and Tiana's Place featuring New Orleans-inspired cuisine and live jazz music.
Rotational Dining on the Disney Dream
1
Royal Palace
Elegant dining inspired by Disney princess films with ornate decor, gold accents, and sophisticated cuisine in a setting fit for royalty.
2
Enchanted Garden
Versailles-inspired restaurant that transforms from day to night during your meal, with changing lighting and magical flower features.
3
Animator's Palate
Interactive dining where Crush from "Finding Nemo" talks with guests through screens, while you enjoy Pacific Rim-inspired cuisine.
Rotational Dining on the Disney Fantasy
Royal Court
Elegant dining venue inspired by classic Disney films featuring hand-painted portraits of Disney princesses and their princes, mosaic tile floors, and custom lighting fixtures.
Enchanted Garden
Themed after the gardens of Versailles with a ceiling that transforms from day to night and flower-shaped light fixtures that "bloom" throughout your meal.
Animator's Palate
Features the "Animation Magic" show where guests draw characters that later come to life and dance with Disney characters on screens around the restaurant.
Rotational Dining on the Disney Wish
1923
Named after the year The Walt Disney Company was founded, featuring California cuisine and over 1,000 drawings, props, and other animation tools showcasing Disney's animation history.
Arendelle
A "Frozen"-themed dining experience with Nordic-inspired cuisine and a celebration featuring Anna, Elsa, and other characters performing live entertainment during your meal.
Worlds of Marvel
An interactive dining adventure with Marvel characters, featuring dishes inspired by the Marvel Cinematic Universe and "Quantum Encounter" show with Ant-Man and The Wasp.
Rotational Dining on the Disney Treasure
Plaza de Coco
Lively dining inspired by "Coco" with Mexican cuisine
Worlds of Marvel
Interactive superhero dining experience
1923
Elegant tribute to Disney's founding year
The Disney Treasure, launching December 2024, features three unique rotational dining venues with the newest being Plaza de Coco, a vibrant celebration of Mexican culture inspired by Pixar's "Coco" film with authentic cuisine and theming.
Onboard Activities and Entertainment
Shows
Broadway-quality productions featuring Disney stories with original music and special effects.
Movies
First-run films including premieres at sea, shown in state-of-the-art theaters.
Character Experiences
Meet-and-greets, dance parties, and special events with Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars characters.
Pools & Recreation
Water slides, themed pools, sports decks, and adults-only relaxation areas.
Youth Programs and Childcare Services
It's a Small World Nursery (6 months-3 years)
Specialized care for babies and toddlers with trained counselors, themed play areas, and age-appropriate activities. Reservations recommended due to limited capacity. Additional fee applies.
Disney's Oceaneer Club & Lab (3-12 years)
Imaginative themed spaces like Marvel Super Hero Academy and Star Wars: Cargo Bay where kids can play, create, and explore. Included in your cruise fare. Secure check-in/check-out procedures with password system.
Edge (11-14 years) & Vibe (14-17 years)
Dedicated tween and teen spaces with video games, karaoke, dance parties, and supervised activities. No additional charge. Come-and-go privileges with parent permission.
Port Adventures and Excursions
Book Early
Reserve port adventures online before sailing
Research Options
Review difficulty levels and age restrictions
Plan Return Times
Schedule buffer time before ship departure
Pack Essentials
Bring water, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes
Disney's port adventures are expertly curated to provide unique experiences at each destination. Booking through Disney ensures guaranteed return to ship, quality experiences vetted by Disney, and priority departure from the ship on port days.
Castaway Cay: Disney's Private Island Paradise
Discover Disney's exclusive Bahamian island retreat, featuring pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and activities for all ages.
Family Beach
Expansive shoreline with complimentary beach chairs, umbrellas, and numerous water activities.
Serenity Bay
Adults-only beach offering peaceful relaxation, ocean views, and dedicated dining.
Island Activities
Snorkeling lagoons, bicycle rentals, nature trails, and supervised kids' areas.
Island Dining
All-you-care-to-enjoy barbecue lunch included with your cruise fare.
Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point
Experience Disney's newest private island destination in The Bahamas, featuring pristine beaches, authentic Bahamian culture, and sustainable design.
Natural Beauty
Crystal-clear waters and white sand beaches perfect for relaxation and water activities.
Cultural Immersion
Authentic Bahamian experiences with local crafts, music, and cuisine.
Sustainability
Eco-friendly design preserving over 70% of the island as natural landscape.
Stateroom Information and Amenities
2
Bathrooms
Split bathroom design with shower/sink in one room and toilet/sink in another
24
Room Service
Complimentary 24-hour room service including Mickey ice cream bars
4
People
Most rooms sleep up to 4 with convertible sofa beds and pull-down berths
75+
Channels
Stateroom TVs with Disney content and free on-demand movies
All staterooms feature the Magical Porthole (interior), Navigator app connectivity, wave phones for onboard communication, H2O Plus bath products, and twice-daily housekeeping service including evening turndown with chocolates.
Health and Safety Protocols
Communication and Connectivity at Sea
Internet Packages
Pay-as-you-go or package options available for purchase onboard
Navigator App
Free onboard app for schedules, messaging, and deck plans
Cellular Service
Available through maritime providers (international roaming rates apply)
Download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app before sailing and use it to complete online check-in. Once onboard, connect to the ship's Wi-Fi to use the app's free messaging feature to communicate with others in your party without purchasing an internet package.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in my Disney Cruise fare?
Your fare includes stateroom accommodations, all meals (excluding adult-exclusive dining), snacks, soft drinks at meals, entertainment, youth clubs, and most onboard activities. Additional costs include alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees, spa treatments, gratuities, shore excursions, and internet.
How much should I budget for gratuities?
Disney automatically charges $14.50 per person, per night to your onboard account. This is distributed among your dining team and stateroom host. Additional tips for exceptional service are at your discretion.
Can I bring my own alcohol onboard?
Adults 21+ may bring 2 bottles of unopened wine or champagne (750ml) or 6 beers (12oz) in carry-on luggage at the beginning of the voyage and at each port. A corkage fee applies for wine consumed in restaurants.
Can I bring my own drinks onboard?
Guests may bring non-alcoholic beverages (soda, water, juice) in carry-on luggage only. Maximum quantity allowed is 12 cans, bottles, or cartons per person. Beverages must be unopened and in their original packaging. Glass containers are not permitted. Alcoholic beverages have separate restrictions.
What is Castaway Cay?
Castaway Cay is Disney's private island in the Bahamas featured on most Caribbean and Bahamian itineraries. It offers beaches, water activities, character experiences, and BBQ lunch included in your cruise fare.
When can I book onboard activities and Port Adventures?
Booking windows open based on your Castaway Club status: Platinum (120 days before sailing), Gold (105 days), Silver (90 days), and first-time cruisers (75 days). Popular experiences like Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and adult dining fill quickly, so book as soon as your window opens.
How do I check in for my cruise?
Online check-in opens 30 days before sailing through the Disney Cruise Line website or Navigator app. Complete this process as early as possible to select your port arrival time. You'll need passport information, emergency contacts, and a credit card for onboard expenses.
What should I pack for my Disney Cruise?
Pack casual daytime attire, swimwear, formal or semi-formal clothes for special nights, comfortable walking shoes, and any theme night costumes. Don't forget sunscreen, motion sickness remedies, and a day bag with essentials for embarkation day as staterooms aren't available until afternoon.
Are there laundry facilities onboard?
Yes, self-service laundry rooms are available on all Disney ships with washers, dryers, ironing boards, and vending machines for detergent and fabric softener. They accept your stateroom key for payment. Dry cleaning and laundry services are also available for an additional fee.
What dining options are available for special dietary needs?
Disney Cruise Line accommodates most dietary restrictions including gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, and allergy-friendly options. Note your requirements during booking and speak with your head server on the first night. The culinary team can prepare special meals with advance notice.
How does rotational dining work?
You'll rotate through the ship's main restaurants each night with your same serving team accompanying you. Your dining rotation is assigned before sailing and noted on your Key to the World card. This allows you to experience each unique restaurant setting while maintaining consistent service.
What are the youth club age groups?
Disney offers age-appropriate clubs: It's a Small World Nursery (6 months-3 years, additional fee), Disney's Oceaneer Club and Lab (3-12 years), Edge (11-14 years), and Vibe (14-17 years). Each features themed spaces and supervised activities tailored to specific age groups.
Do I need a passport for Disney Cruises?
For cruises that begin and end at the same U.S. port (closed-loop cruises), U.S. citizens can use a government-issued photo ID and birth certificate. However, Disney strongly recommends passports for all guests, as they're required for international flights and in emergency situations requiring disembarkation in a foreign port.
Can I bring medication onboard?
Yes, you can bring prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and medical supplies onboard. Keep medications in their original containers with readable prescription labels. Pack them in your carry-on luggage, not checked baggage. For injectable medications or those requiring refrigeration, notify Disney Cruise Line at least 30 days before sailing. The onboard Medical Center stocks basic medications, but specialty prescriptions should be brought from home with enough supply for your entire voyage plus extra in case of delays.