Intro
Welcome back to Part 2 of my tips and tricks for cruising with Disney! If you haven’t already, check out Part 1 where I cover everything from booking your cruise to Embarkation day. If you need more Disney Cruise content, read my post from right after our most recent cruise!
This week, I will cover everything you need to know while on your cruise and for Debarkation Day.
*Please note: this information is from February 2022! Be sure to check the Disney Cruise Line website for the most up to date information.
Overview
On your Cruise
Rotational Dining
One of the questions I get asked the most often about Disney Cruise Line, is “how does the dining work”? Disney uses Rotational Dining, so you get the opportunity to have dinner at all of the main restaurants. There are three main restaurants on each ship and you are assigned one every evening, along with your dining time. Currently, there is early seating (5:45pm) and late seating (8pm). We had the early seating and enjoyed that we could eat dinner, then still have a good amount of time left in the evening!
While you do go to a different restaurant each night, your servers will follow you! When I went on my first Disney Cruise as a child, this was something that really stuck with me. Our servers learned throughout the cruise what your favorites were and really went above and beyond to make your meals perfect.
Alternative Dining Options
With all of that being said, you do not have to dine at your assigned restaurant each night. You can book an adults-only dinner at Palo, eat at Cabanas or another quick service location, or order room service. All of these options, except the adults-only dining options, are part of the cost of your cruise.
I cannot share my Disney Cruise Line tips and tricks without highly suggesting everyone order a Mickey Bar from Room Service at least once! It is so fun to be able to enjoy something you typically can only get at the parks. We loved ordering Mickey Bars at night and enjoying them on the verandah or while watching a movie. It was always a perfect way to end the night!
What is Included vs. What is Extra
Another common question I get about Disney Cruise Line is “what is included in the price of the cruise”? There is a lot that is part of the cost of the cruise, which is one of the best perks for me! I know the cost upfront can seem a little steep, but it is so nice not having to pay for much while on the ship.
The basics that are included in the cost of the cruise are water, soft drinks*, soft serve ice cream, and most meals. Meals at the quick service spots, the buffet, and main dining restaurants are all included. The extras include alcoholic beverages, adults-only dining, specialty coffees and desserts, Port Adventures, and certain other special activities (treatments at the spa, drink tastings, in room celebrations, etc.).
*We experienced a charge for soft drinks at the lounges and bars, but soft drinks at restaurants and on deck are complimentary. The lounges often have happy hours, so look out for those to save some money on drinks!
Castaway Cay
A popular stop for Bahamas and Caribbean cruises is Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay! This is absolutely one of my favorite parts of a Disney Cruise. It is a perfect way to enjoy a day at the beach and still have that Disney experience!
Not all cruises will make a stop here, but if you do, I wanted to include some tips for your Castaway day!
Currently, you have to get in a virtual queue to disembark at each port. This is super easy to do on the app and did not slow us down in getting onto the island. You will need your Key to the World Card and a picture ID to get on and off the ship. You will also go through security.
Something fun you can participate in if you’re a runner, is the Castaway 5K! Right now, it is something you can do on your own, since they don’t want large groups coming together. You can run the same route and get a medal at the bike rental booth.
Once on the island, you can walk or take the trams. The trams definitely save some time and help get to the areas of the island that are farther away. However, there are often characters along the walking path that you will not be able to interact with as much while on the trams.
Lunch is free on the island and can be found at the Family Beach and the Adults-Only Beach. The provided lunch is BBQ and there are typically enough options that everyone can find something to enjoy. There are also various bars where you can enjoy alcoholic beverages at a cost. Make sure to check the lunch schedule, because there are no other food options on the island. However, if you do miss lunch, you can always go back on the ship to grab a bite to eat!
Tips & Tricks
Phones and Wifi
Using your phone and internet can always be a little tricky while traveling, especially on a cruise! Disney offers internet packages that you can purchase onboard to ensure you have access to what you need while cruising. However, these packages can be expensive and often the connection isn’t the greatest.
So, I recommend thinking about what you will need while cruising and deciding if that internet package would be worth it. Many phone companies also have cruise or international data plans that could be helpful if you need to stay connected.
On my last cruise, I did not purchase an internet package or get a phone plan. Even without getting any plans, I believe you are still able to send/receive text messages (using iMessage) at certain points while on the ship. I put my phone on Airplane mode and did not purchase wifi, but still received texts at times. To be honest, I was a little nervous to send any texts, so I didn’t test it out, but I think it can be done!
Entertainment
The entertainment that is included in a Disney Cruise is unlike any other! Even with current restrictions, there are character interactions and Broadway-style shows that you can only find on a Disney ship.
One of my biggest pieces of advice for a Disney Cruise is to truly take advantage of all of the free activities, shows, and other entertainment on your cruise. Each night, there will be a performance of a Disney Show; including original musicals and classic Disney stage shows, such as Beauty and the Beast.
New Disney movies, sometimes ones that are still in theaters, can be seen for free in the theater onboard! On my recent cruise, we watched the Eternals after it had just premiered on land. Other Disney movies are also always showing on the “Funnel Vision” screen on the main pool deck.
Be sure to also check out the free activities offered around the ship during the day, such as Family Game Shows and Trivia! These events are so fun and there are so many options happening all day, so there is something for everyone. On our cruise, we were able to check out live musical performances that were geared for the whole family as well as Adults-Only pub trivia events.
In short, there is always something going on while on a Disney Cruise and a lot of it is free to enjoy! Be sure to check your Navigator app each morning to see what is happening that day. You can even favorite activities on the app, to help you plan out your daily schedule!
Gratuities
Especially for who are not accustomed to tipping, this can be a really overwhelming part of your cruise experience! I know that I personally did a lot of research to be sure I was doing the right thing. Every single Cast Member on the ship is so thoughtful and goes above and beyond to make every cruise wonderful. So it is definitely important to give back to them!
Disney Cruise Line makes it easy to recognize Cast Members by having an option to prepay or automatically add gratuity. You also will be provided envelopes on your last night to include your prepaid tips (a slip of paper that lets them know you already paid). If you want to add on to the gratuities already charged, you can talk to Guest Services or simply add cash to those envelopes. You can also use cash to pay for the entirety of your gratuities, you just need to talk to Guest Services.
If you plan on ordering Room Service at any point, make sure you have some cash to give as a tip. Room Service itself is included in the cost of the cruise, but it is customary to tip! Check out this page for more information from Disney Cruise Line about gratuity.
Onboard charges
While there is so much that is included in the price of your cruise, there is also a lot that is an extra cost. Definitely try to set a budget if needed and keep track of your spending. Especially since you are able to charge almost everything to your room, it gets difficult to keep up with what you have already spent!
First, there are so many cute souvenirs and gifts onboard and on Castaway Cay, that it’s so hard to not get something! There are multiple shops onboard and one shop on Castaway Cay that has merchandise you can only get on the island.
I know that I have mentioned that alcoholic beverages are an extra cost, but remember that those can add up quickly! Especially the more expensive, specialty drinks. Cast Members will be coming around on deck and on Castaway Cay (I believe just in the Adults-Only sections) and asking if you want any beverages. This type of service is so amazing and you can charge those drinks to your room! With that, it can definitely lead to more spending. So, just be aware of your budget when you’re ordering those drinks on deck or on the island.
Lastly, as with many cruises, there are often Cast Members that may be trying to sell you products. This could be in the high-end stores, at the spa, and in various other locations onboard.
On the first day after boarding the ship, we had a few Cast Members ask us about purchasing Beverage Packages. These could end up saving you some money if you know you will be purchasing beer or wine onboard, so definitely look into those if you believe that would be a good deal for you!
Placeholder
While you’re onboard, you have the opportunity to book a Placeholder Cruise. If you enjoyed your cruise and know that you will be going on another one within two years, this is a way to get a pretty good deal, with very limited commitment.
Booking a Placeholder Cruise allows you to pay $250 and secure a spot on another cruise, as long as it happens within two years from your current cruise. You also will get 10% off the cost of that cruise, with a lower deposit needed once you book (for sailings of 7 nights or more). You also can always call and cancel to get your deposit back if things change.
I was able to book our Placeholder on the Disney Cruise Line app. In years past, you can do this at a desk on the ship, however that is not currently an option. I cannot wait to officially book my next cruise, especially with that 10% off!
Debarkation Day
Debarkation Day can be a little hectic and it is always so sad to be ending your cruise! There is a lot to remember on Debarkation Day, so I wanted to provide a few reminders and tips for you.
Luggage
Luggage can be collected from outside your stateroom the night before, so you don’t have to carry it with you in the morning. You will receive luggage tags with a color and character to attach to your bags you want picked up. Be sure you know that information, as it is how you will know when your luggage is ready!
Luggage needs to be outside your room around 9pm or so the night before Debarkation Day. Be sure you pack any medicine or important things you will need in your carry on, because you won’t have access to that luggage.
You can also opt to do an Express Walk Off on Debarkation Day. With this option, you will carry your own luggage off the ship. This can often be quicker if you don’t mind having your luggage with you!
Breakfast
You will be assigned a breakfast time at the restaurant you had dinner in the night before. For us it was Animator’s Palate at 7am since we had the early seating for dinner.
Once you are done with breakfast, you can either walk off with your luggage if doing the Express Walk Off or wait for your specific luggage tag to be called. After your luggage tag is called, you can disembark and collect your luggage. Be aware there will be people asking if they can help you with your luggage. This is something you can take advantage of, but tips are customary for these folks.
COVID Testing (if needed)
Any unvaccinated travelers (4 and under) will need to get a COVID test on the ship prior to disembarking. Travelers who need a test to travel home (international travelers, etc.) can get a COVID test in the cruise terminal after getting off of the ship.
WHEW, I know that was a ton of information to share, but I hope it can help you out in planning your next Disney Cruise! Do you have any tips or tricks that I missed? Let me know in the comments!
