This Disney Cruise Line planning information covers issues to do, packing suggestions, eating suggestions, Castaway Cay recommendation, and extra. Whether you’re setting sail on a Caribbean itinerary aboard the Magic or heading to some other place, this may enable you put together. (Updated March 9, 2023.)
Let’s begin with the excellent news, which is that as of 2023, Disney Cruise Line is basically again to regular for sailings departing from the United States and Puerto Rico. There are not vaccination or pre-cruise take a look at necessities and face masks at the moment are completely elective.
Beyond that, leisure is not modified, character meet & greets are not distanced, and all-you-can-eat buffets are as soon as once more self-service. There are nonetheless comparatively minor methods the Disney Cruise Line expertise stays modified, however nothing you’d discover except you’re actively in search of it. The variety of hand-sanitizing stations has elevated, however that’s actually about it.
The largest change is that Disney Cruise Line has added a brand new ship to its fleet! The Disney Wish is now crusing on 3 and 4-night Bahamian cruises from Port Canaveral to Nassau and Disney’s Castaway Cay. We’ve been on this new ship a few instances, and share whether or not it’s definitely worth the premium pricing in our Disney Wish Cruise Ship Review.
We even have lists overlaying the “Best of” and “Worst of” the Disney Wish. Suffice to say, this new ship will probably be extremely interesting for some households, and has a lot of refined enhancements that can enhance the expertise for some households. It additionally has irritating and perplexing design choices, and options that make it much less interesting for sure audiences.
While we just like the Wish, we want the legacy ships. That’s simply our private perspective primarily based on our priorities and circumstances. You ought to learn evaluations and execs & cons to find out which ship is best for you. There’s no one-size-fits-all reply.
A couple of extra ships will probably be added to the Disney Cruise Line fleet within the subsequent 5 years, however the even greater improvement on the horizon is that the Lighthouse Point Private Island Destination Opens to Disney Cruise Line in Summer 2024. Lighthouse Point will supply seashores for households, adults, and youngsters–full with play areas, cabanas, youngsters’ golf equipment, and extra. One spotlight would be the Bahamian artwork and tradition pavilion that includes particular applications and native artists will present guests to Lighthouse Point alternatives to be taught and rejoice the traditions and pure fantastic thing about The Bahamas.
We suppose Lighthouse Point seems unimaginable–like a mashup of the very best components of Castaway Cay and Aulani Resort in Hawaii! Only choose sailings will cease at Lighthouse Point, so be conscious of that when reserving your Bahamian cruises.
To that time, this Disney Cruise Line planning information focuses on Bahamian cruises aboard the Disney Cruise Line fleet. These are the right “starter” cruises to find whether or not you’re going to be an authorized cruise addict, or if it’s not for you. While a few of the specifics on this Disney Cruise Line Guide are tailor-made in the direction of the Disney Magic, now we have sailed on the entire different ships to a mess of locations, too.
Most of those similar suggestions apply to the Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, and Disney Wonder. This information applies equally to these ships by way of the fundamentals of issues to know earlier than you go, and proposals for actions and different issues it is best to attempt to do when you’re on board the ship.
While we want the bigger and newer ships, the Disney Magic is arguably probably the most approachable ship and sometimes has the least costly itineraries. It’s smaller (964 ft lengthy and holds 2,700 passengers plus ~950 Cast Members), however the areas really feel contemporary and trendy. By distinction, the Disney Fantasy is 1,115 ft and holds 4,000 passengers (plus ~1,500 Cast Members).
Th total fashion and aesthetic of the Disney Cruise Line is obvious the second you step aboard one of many ships and step into its foyer. The foyer is a signature space of every Disney Cruise Line ship, with every having a one-of-a-kind chandelier, stunning design and element work, and nice use of colour and contours. Now, this isn’t distinctive to the reimagined Disney Magic–the unique design was beautiful, too–but it surely simply goes to indicate how well-designed the Disney Cruise Line ships are.
We will cowl different parts of Disney Cruise Line within the sections that observe. Let’s get began with planning your voyage aboard Disney’s cruise ships!
What to Pack
One huge one for the adults is alcohol. That’s proper, you possibly can take alcohol aboard the Disney Cruise Line in your carry-on bag once you board the ship or return from port. This was large, as a result of there have been no limits. However, Disney Cruise Line now has a coverage considerably limiting the quantity of alcohol visitors can deliver on-board.
Other than that, all it’s essential to pack is “basic cruise stuff.” We all the time suggest having a look at our Unique Disney Packing List, which may give you some good concepts of issues to pack, however the fundamentals are a pair of high quality water footwear and Frogg Togg Chilly Pads. You may need to take into account the Frogg Togg Super-sized Chilly Cooling Towel for placing in your lounge chair to maintain cool across the pool or on Castaway Cay.
If you intend on entering into the pirate spirit for the Pirate Night deck occasion, we suggest shopping for some random pirate equipment earlier than the cruise. We didn’t do that, and the 2 of us spent ~$40 on random pirate stuff within the present store that we’ll in all probability by no means put on once more. It was enjoyable for pictures and to simply get us within the temper for the occasion, however lesson realized on that one…
Two extra issues which may appear apparent: swimsuits and sunscreen. You should buy each of these items on the cruise, however you’ll pay a big premium. Make positive to take your sunscreen off the ship at Castaway Cay, as they’ll actually price-gouge you if it’s essential to purchase it there!
Getting There
Although Disney Cruise Line sails out of many ports, the most typical one is Port Canaveral in Florida. If you’re anticipating a easy Disney’s Magic Express-type association to get from Orlando International Airport to the Disney Cruise Line boarding space, you might be in for a shock, as there isn’t a such free service. Instead, you both must lease a automobile, take a non-Disney shuttle, or take a Disney shuttle. It’s pretty easy as soon as you determine which of those transportation strategies you’ll be utilizing, however figuring it out is simpler mentioned than accomplished.
Disney’s switch bus prices $39/individual per approach from both the airport or any Disney lodge, and is the best possibility. However, given the per individual nature of the bus, it may be a costlier possibility. It additionally might be the least environment friendly possibility. You are at Disney’s whims by way of decide up and drop off instances, which means that you could be not be capable of board the cruise ship as early as you prefer to. If you’re a household of 4, a automobile service typically costs $200-300 round-trip, which is mostly a less expensive possibility than Disney’s transportation–and it’s extra environment friendly.
Renting a automobile is another choice, and if you happen to go this route, you’ll want to do a “one-way” rental from wherever your level of origin to Port Canaveral. Then, as soon as you come, do one other one-way rental from Port Canaveral to wherever you’re going. The causes for doing this are two-fold: 1) you keep away from paying for rental automobile days when you’re on the cruise, and a couple of) you keep away from paying $15/day.
Sometimes, one-way rental prices have the next per-day price than round-trip leases, however the distinction ought to be insignificant. Sarah used this technique when occurring a cruise lately, and her one-way rental price (instances two) was solely ~$50, versus the $140 round-trip Disney shuttle price she would have paid for her and her sister, or the ~$200 price she would have paid to do a round-trip rental plus parking at Port Canaveral. This does require taking a shuttle from the rental automobile location to Port Canaveral, which Sarah discovered to be a problem.
Even if you happen to’re solely a celebration of two, two separate one-way automobile leases are nearly all the time going to be the most affordable possibility for transportation to and from Port Canaveral. This is a problem in its personal approach in having a further rental automobile reserving plus having to make use of the rental automobile shuttle, however we really feel it’s a great stability of autonomy, effectivity, and value.
Staterooms
Cruise liners have reputations for having small, claustrophobic staterooms that visitors ought to actually solely use for sleeping and showering. We should not right here to counsel that the Disney Cruise Line ships are massive and splendid, however they’ve exceeded our expectations. On the one hand, they completely are smaller, smaller than even a room at a Value Resort at Walt Disney World.
On the opposite hand, they use house effectively, are laid out in an effort to use them for extra than simply sleeping and showering, and are well-designed. (I suppose we form of are going to say they’re luxurious!) They are nonetheless small and I wouldn’t need to spend greater than a pair hours of free time within the stateroom every day, however the rooms are good.
Not the entire rooms in the identical class are the identical! It might sound simple to choose a room since there’s solely inside, oceanview, and verandah classes. However, there are literally a number of “secret” verandah and porthole staterooms, in addition to mini-suites and outsized rooms, all of that are priced in a decrease tier than you may count on.
As for which class of stateroom it is best to get, that’s completely as much as you. On our first cruise, the price of upgrading to a verandah was insignificant, so we did that. We rapidly realized that for a brief cruise, we weren’t spending sufficient time within the room to get our cash’s price (and we paid little or no for the improve). The longer the cruise or the extra time you intend on spending in your room, the extra worthwhile a verandah or oceanview room turns into.
Dining
The Disney Cruise Line ships characteristic rotational eating, plus adults-only fine-dining eating places like Palo and Remy, and an assortment of fast service choices in an effort to seize meals on the go or eat whereas lounging round on the primary deck. Here are our quick-hit summaries of the primary eating rooms on the Disney Magic–click on every title for an in depth evaluate and meals pictures–that are just like the eating places on the opposite Disney Cruise Line ships.
Animator’s Palate – Animator’s Palate is a restaurant that’s extra like a dinner present. Besides the stage reveals, that is in all probability the largest dose of “Disney magic” that you just’ll have aboard the Disney Cruise Line, because it options an animation-centric transformation of the restaurant through some intelligent Imagineering. I don’t need to spoil something, but it surely’s undoubtedly to not be missed. The restaurant is supposedly “Pacific Rim,” but it surely roughly appeared like normal, American delicacies to us.
Lumiere’s – Lumiere’s is an American and French delicacies fusion restaurant. It combines Art Deco and Beauty and the Beast themes right into a stylized restaurant that’s elegant, but filled with Disney whimsy and attraction. We actually appreciated our meal at Lumiere’s and had been pleasantly stunned by the standard of the meals. The eating room is a bit chaotic and loud, however the meals and design are each nice.
Palo – This is the adults-only positive eating expertise aboard the Disney Magic, with a per visitor surcharge. It is soooo price that surcharge that you shouldn’t even hesitate to make reservations right here. Seriously, so many individuals move on Palo as a result of they already paid loads for the cruise and need to benefit from the “free” eating (actually eating constructed into the price of the cruise), however Palo is definitely worth the added price as in comparison with the opposite eating places. Do it. You won’t remorse it.
Carioca’s – We skipped Carioca’s for Palo throughout our rotational eating, having heard that it was the least spectacular restaurant on the Disney Magic. It is themed to be an outside market set in Rio, and transforms from day to nighttime because it modifications from day to nighttime on the ship. The title comes from Jose, the parrot from The Three Caballeros. We had been in right here as soon as outdoors of the rotational eating, and it appeared like an fascinating idea.
In addition to the rotational eating, listed below are the opposite eating places on the Disney Magic:
- Cabanas (Table Service)
- Daisy’s De-Lites (Quick Service)
- Pete’s Boiler Bites (Quick Service)
- Pinocchio’s Pizzeria (Quick Service)
Drinking
Drinking will get its personal part as a result of, for lots of people, getting your buzz on is an important a part of the cruise expertise. We aren’t of that mentality, however there actually is one thing to be mentioned for lounging on the highest deck and having a drink or two.
The huge factor to know with drinks aboard the Disney Cruise Line is that their prices differ extensively. Drinks within the ‘cool’ hurricane glasses (made from plastic) on the Sail Away Party are weak Miami Vices which can be costly. There’s additionally a memento beer mug, which can be costly. We’d keep away from these each; even in order for you a memento, put your cash in the direction of one thing higher than an inexpensive plastic glass.
Drinks elsewhere on the ship are cheaper, however we had been by no means actually blown away with any of the concoctions at any spot we tried. We’ve heard of drink specials (Disney Cruise Line Blog’s consuming web page lists a number of examples), however we didn’t see any. Keep your eye out for these!
Nightlife
Nightlife aboard the Disney Cruise Line ships is…how will we put this…not all that lively. Each ship has a number of choices, however in our expertise, none are all that standard. Here’s what yow will discover aboard the Magic…
After Hours is the adults-only leisure district, and it’s fairly cool in concept. There are three venues right here: O’Gill’s Pub, Keys, and Fathoms. The most important space right here is Fathoms, which is used earlier within the evening for hosted interactive reveals like “Pops” earlier than turning into a dance membership later. O’Gill’s and Keys are variations of the identical idea, with one being an Irish pub and the opposite being a contemporary piano bar.
In phrases of idea and design, all three of those venues are cool. And, as long as you’re positive together with your leisure ending at round 9 or 10 pm, they’re enjoyable in apply, too. The drawback is, when you get previous about 10 pm, the variety of adults on any given Disney Cruise Line ship in search of nightlife is minimal, and this already low quantity is unfold throughout a number of venues. If you just like the quiet of getting a venue (roughly) to yourselves so that you and pals can chat, it is a great point. If you’re in search of an brisk scene, that is an terrible factor.
I’m someplace in the midst of these two extremes. I hate going to bop golf equipment in our city as a result of they’re loud and obnoxiously crowded. Conversely, I’m not eager on pubs and different locations the place nobody else is round. At that time, why not simply “party” at residence? We have discovered that After Hours skews too near “empty” to actually do a ton for us. In equity, one evening we did see some adults who had overindulged go completely loopy on the dance flooring…that was quite a lot of enjoyable to observe!
This is one thing that can differ to a level on each crusing, however one factor that seems constant is that Disney Cruise Line attracts a disproportionate variety of households as in comparison with different cruise strains. Parents are sometimes too drained or have outgrown the concept of nightlife, and aren’t as prone to partake as singles. We’d hazard a guess that these nightlife spots are busier on cruises which can be geared extra in the direction of adults (like an Alaska cruise or a repositioning cruise). You can nonetheless have enjoyable with the nightlife, particularly if you happen to’re the one bringing the occasion (or extra importantly, the individuals).
Family Stuff & Kid’s Clubs
If you might be in search of family-friendly leisure, or only a place to deposit your youngsters for the day, the Disney Cruise Line has you lined!
D Lounge is the primary hangout for family-friendly actions. Lots of various issues occur right here all through the day, from trivia to dancing to even Disney Vacation Club displays. Kids, what’s extra family-friendly than convincing your mother and father to purchase into Disney Vacation Club? This is your future we’re speaking about! 😉
The Oceaneer Club is for youngsters age 3-12, and has quite a few themed experiences that can enchantment to quite a lot of completely different pursuits and age ranges. We had an opportunity to tour this membership, however since we don’t have youngsters, now we have no first-hand suggestions on how the experiences are. The areas themselves positive look cool, but when anybody has suggestions from their youngsters as to how fulfilling these things truly is, please share within the feedback.
First, and possibly probably the most fascinating is Marvel’s Avengers Academy. There’s additionally Disney’s Pixie Hollow, Andy’s Room from Toy Story, and Mickey Mouse Club. Each of those areas is pretty-well themed. So, Andy’s Room truly resembles his room from Toy Story, Pixie Hollow seems prefer it could be inhabited by fairies, and Mickey Mouse Club has a robust Mickey Mouse motif.
The Oceaneer Lab, additionally for youngsters age 3-12, is mainly the exercise heart. The coolest factor about this, I feel, as a Disney fan is that it incorporates the S.E.A. (Society of Explorers and Adventurers) idea discovered at Tokyo DisneySea and Hong Kong Disneyland and brings it to the Disney Magic! It has a pirate-themed space the place youngsters can steer a pirate ship via the Caribbean, plus Captain’s Workshop, Animator’s Studio, and Craft Studio, all of which supply interactive actions.
Both places are open from 9 am till midnight, and are linked by a kids-only hallway, so youngsters can make the most of each areas simply. Truthfully, I’m unsure what the excellence between the Club and Lab is, since each venues supply interactive actions. Maybe they only couldn’t match your complete youngsters space into one house, and since there are two places, they wanted two names? No clue.
There’s additionally Edge and Quarter Masters, each of that are mainly locations to play video video games. Vibe is the teens-only ‘club’ hangout.
The nursery aboard the Disney Magic is known as ‘it’s a small world’ Nursery, and is themed to the park attraction. It’s for youths underneath 3, and has a further cost. So bear in mind, mother and father, babysitting is FREE in your youngsters over age 3, however prices further for these underneath 3. Plan accordingly when figuring out when to e-book your cruise! 😉
Live Shows
Like all issues Disney, the Disney Cruise Line nails themed leisure. Currently, the Disney Magic has three Broadway-style reveals “Disney Dreams – An Enchanted Classic,” “Twice Charmed: An Original Twist on the Cinderella Story,” and “Tangled: The Musical” These reveals play on Deck 4, Forward within the Walt Disney Theatre (an exquisite theater price testing in its personal proper).
One factor a number of individuals have requested us is whether or not it’s price it to see the reveals. Our reply is all the time a professional “absolutely.” We completely suggest the reveals as a result of these are an enormous a part of what places the “Disney” into the Disney Cruise Line, and greater than the rest aboard the ship, they’re one thing you’ll solely discover on the Disney Cruise Line. Why would you skip the leisure that’s a defining characteristic of the Disney Cruise Line?!
We qualify that ‘absolutely’ response as a result of we need to make it clear that we don’t suppose these reveals are across-the-board unimaginable. Each of them has its flaws, however they’re all elaborate, bold, and nicely price watching no less than as soon as. They all have actually robust manufacturing values, very proficient casts, and memorable music. I’d say that you’ll in all probability like 2 out of the three reveals if you happen to’re a critical Disney fan. You may even like all of them–I suppose it relies upon upon how crucial you might be.
The huge obstacle you may need in seeing all of those reveals is dinner. The reveals every have two performances on choose nights of your cruise, and these happen at 6:15 pm and eight:30 pm (test your Personal Navigator to substantiate this). The thought is that when you have an early dinner seating, you go to the late present, or vice-a-versa. For adults touring with out youngsters, this presents no problem (maybe except you’re having an extended meal at Palo), however for folks with youngsters, dinner and a present is usually a bit a lot.
We have two potential suggestions for this: change your meal seating time (you possibly can have it adjusted once you first board the ship) relying on whether or not you suppose dinner-first or show-first is healthier in your youngsters, or do dinner first and watch the reveals from mattress in your in-cabin TV. The latter suggestion is much less splendid, however presumably extra practical. Obviously, you lose quite a lot of what makes the reveals particular by watching them on TV versus within the theater, however if you happen to realistically wouldn’t be capable of do each dinner and the theater (and luxuriate in each), then that’s probably not a great possibility.
Characters & Other Entertainment
It’s inconceivable to cowl each single piece of leisure obtainable on the Disney Cruise Line. First of all, as a result of there are like 20+ various things to do on a regular basis. Second, as a result of it modifications from cruise to cruise, so we might by no means sustain. For this space, the Personal Navigator is your buddy. Refer to the paper Personal Navigator or the iPhone app commonly, and decide what seems fascinating to you each day.
The stage reveals lined above are the flagship leisure aboard the Disney Magic, and people are to not be missed. Additional leisure consists of actions within the D Lounge (talked about above), nightlife (additionally talked about above), trivia, and different distinctive seminars and displays. There’s actually so many leisure choices that you might spend your complete cruise “being entertained.” Based upon what we noticed, not the entire leisure choices had been created equally, and others are commercials for different Disney choices.
There’s additionally recreation like basketball, shuffleboard, ping pong, soccer, and extra. The Fitness Center affords weight machines and elliptical. Aerobic and yoga lessons are additionally provided.
Of course, the swimming pools are the preferred locations for ‘fitness’ on the Disney Cruise Line, and there are three of them. One for households, one for adults, and one for youths–you possibly can learn extra about these swimming pools right here. Add to that play areas and the AquaDunk, and there’s loads to do. Our favourite pool was the household pool, though it was all the time crowded as a result of it’s open to everybody.
However, it’s additionally within the heart of everybody, and it was good to lounge round. The AquaDunk all the time had an extended wait in the midst of the day–I lastly did it in late afternoon and solely waited 10 minutes, and didn’t suppose it was price even that. It looks like Disney wanted one thing that regarded just like the AquaDuck water coaster on the opposite ships, and this was all of the Disney Magic might assist. It’s positive, however approach too quick.
Another huge factor for a lot of visitors is the Buena Vista Theater. This reveals first-run Disney motion pictures, and may be very standard with visitors. To every their very own, however we aren’t followers of taking from out of a cruise to see a film. At residence, we are able to see a film for ~$15 per individual, and whereas it’d seem to be a “good deal” to see motion pictures for “free” on the Disney Cruise Line, your per hour waking price of the cruise might be considerably greater than ~$5. Why not do issues which can be truly distinctive to the cruise? That’s simply our take, although, and we perceive some individuals may want downtime, or may simply need to chill out as a household and benefit from the newest Disney movie.
Pirate Night is the ‘biggest’ leisure aboard the Disney Magic. It begins with character meet & greets in atrium, adopted by regular rotational dinner (servers and visitors appear to get into the pirate temper), adopted by the Pirates within the Caribbean deck/dance occasion, and concluding with fireworks shot over the sting of the ship.
If you’ve got youngsters, that is in all probability nice enjoyable. We had a blast entering into the pirate temper and dressing up a bit for it, however the precise deck occasion was a little bit of a letdown. Pirate Mickey and the opposite characters had been enjoyable, however the music was fairly dated and it appeared like the entire thing was approach too reliant on the dance component. Kids in all probability received’t know the distinction and can have a blast, however we might have appreciated to see extra scripted motion from the characters, or a dance occasion that wasn’t caught prior to now.
In phrases of character meet & greets, the scheduled meet & greets within the atrium had been certainly the preferred ones we noticed. This was very true on Pirate Night, when the characters are wearing pirate apparel. If you need to do meet & greets on Pirate Night, be sure to reach and line-up simply earlier than the meet & greets begin. Other scheduled meet & greets drew lengthy strains, however nothing so long as this.
We truly discovered the shortest strains to be on Castaway Cay, the place the characters (plus Jack Sparrow) typically didn’t have a lot in the best way of strains in any respect. Perhaps this was as a result of individuals don’t need character pictures when they’re in swimsuits? Maybe visitors neglect their cameras? Whatever the case, we expect that is the very best time for character pictures.
We’re probably not positive if it’s “entertainment” per se, however we don’t have anyplace else to place it, so…there’s a spa on the ship. It’s referred to as Senses Spa & Salon. We contemplated doing one thing right here for the sake of “research”…till we noticed the costs. Sorry, you’ll must do your individual analysis on this one.
Castaway Cay
Disney’s non-public island, Castaway Cay, is the port of name that everybody occurring Disney Cruise Line for a Caribbean cruise will see. We love Castaway Cay, and since there are such a lot of suggestions and proposals for this cease, we truly wrote a devoted Castaway Cay Guide which you could reference for planning your day on Castaway Cay.
Overall, setting sail aboard the Disney Cruise Line is an extremely fulfilling expertise. Although the itineraries command premium pricing, but it surely’s a premium expertise, too. All issues thought of, we really feel DCL affords good worth for cash, Disney high quality, and the ships don’t nickel and dime you want different cruise strains.
Since first setting sail with Disney Cruise Line, we’ve since accomplished a number of further itineraries, together with to Norway, Alaska, and each the Eastern and Western Caribbean (a number of instances). Our favourite vacation spot by far was the Norwegian Fjords, which accurately felt like a visit to Arendelle from Frozen. Alaska was additionally quite a lot of enjoyable, and naturally we love cruising to tropical islands and having fun with Castaway Cay.
Even as Platinum Castaway Club Members, we don’t take into account ourselves the definitive authority on Disney Cruise Line. There are nonetheless way more itineraries that now we have not accomplished as in comparison with ones now we have. With that mentioned, we’re engaged on turning into seasoned cruise execs. If any of you skilled cruisers have further suggestions or suggestions as to itineraries, excursions, or the rest, please share them. We needed to place this information collectively as a useful start line, as a result of we’ve been receiving quite a lot of questions on Disney Cruise Line.
If you need customized suggestions for Disney Cruise Line itineraries, ships, and extra, click on right here to get a cruise quote from a no-fee Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. If you loved this submit or discovered it useful, we’d actually recognize it if you happen to’d share it through social media to assist unfold the phrase. We put quite a lot of work into making this website a useful planning useful resource, and hope it’s helpful to you! 🙂
Your Thoughts
Have you ever set sail on the Disney Wish, Disney Magic, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, or Disney Wonder? Do you’ve got a favourite ship or favourite itinerary? Do you suppose Disney Cruise Line is definitely worth the premium pricing? What did you consider the ships? Any different suggestions so as to add or suggestions? If you’ve got questions or ideas, please share them under and we’ll attempt to reply!