We have been on two Disney cruises now. Once on the Magic back in 2021 and then the Dream in 2023. We also have the Wish booked for 2025 which we are really looking forward to!
Each time we have embarked on a Disney cruise, we have identified little hacks or tips that make our cruise much more enjoyable. We thought we would share these tips with you.
Drinking Bottle/ Large Cup
The free beverage station is usually located on the 11th floor where the pool is and unfortunately drinks are chargeable elsewhere on the ship. The cups provided are the usual small ones and so to avoid making countless trips to grad a soft drink, tip number 1 is to bring a big refillable cup. This kind of links to tip 2 which is to bring a multiple drinks holder/ carrier. Very handy!
Lanyards
Your key to the world (plastic door key) is something you will need every time you leave your room and it is so annoying when you forget to grab it in a rush. Lanyards come in really handy and being able to hang them right by your door means you’re less likely to forget them.
Magnetic Hooks
There are hooks within your stateroom but some extra magnetic ones meant we could hang other items such as mickey ears and display them for easy selection!
Magnets for Door
I’m not too sure if this is just a Disney Cruise Line thing but decorating your cabin door is a must. We really enjoyed seeing just how creative people were and the children especially love spending embarkation day decorating. The magnets make great memories too!
Some people like to partake in Pin Trading and have a cork-board on their doors – our daughter loved going around the ship and swapping pins.
Pixie Dust and Fish Extenders
This is definitely something we had to learn all about when we booked our first Disney Cruise… specifically to not do it since it was still that covid era. However, last year we decided that we could partake in this unique Disney Cruise custom and it remains something that Ita talks about, a lot.
Each cabin door has a little character outside where you can hang ‘fish extenders’ on. Other cruisers then pop little gifts or ‘pixie dust’ into your fish extender.
We decided not to join a Facebook group and go it alone instead. We were slightly worried that it meant no one would drop little gifts into ours but we shouldn’t have worried because each and every time we left our cabin the extender was full! Most will leave sweets, little bracelets, key chains and other small items so it is quite easy to do yourself too.
Ducks
Specifically Disney ducks.
Another cruise tradition is to leave ducks hidden around for others to find. Ita really enjoyed finding hiding places!
Keep checking the App
The Disney Cruise Line app is brilliant and contains so much information once you are on the ship. It breaks down all of the character meets as well as show times and other activities that are going on.
It can be disappointing when things like the Bippidy Boppidy Boutique get booked up but we found a last minute slot due to cancellation from another cruiser. This happens quite frequently so it is worth checking the app even once you have boarded. Alternatively, head to Guest Services as they do hold some slots back.
Theatre Shows
GET THERE EARLY. I feel bad saying that knowing that it contributes to people getting there way before to start holding places in queues but it happens so you will unfortunately need to do the same.
Catch a Movie
We took the chance on our last Disney cruise to head to the cinema for a special screening of the Haunted Mansion and we thought it was a highlight of our cruise. The cinemas are like proper cinemas and sometimes you will get to see movies before they are even out yet!
Utilise the Room Service
Room Service is included in your cruise and although the menu is scaled back, you need to make time to order in some room service. Ita loved calling each evening for cookies and milk along with a mickey bar. We also thought it was a good way to grab a snack between activities and character meets.
Embarkation Bag
Have swimming costumes ready in your hand luggage so you can use the pool as soon as you embark on the ship (after you grab a good much at the buffet!). A lot of people do this but not all and I think it’s the best option whilst you are awaiting for your luggage to be delivered to your state room.
Garcia Family UK 