Thanks for signing up for my BONUS 30 Disney Cruise Tips!
I hope you enjoyed (and pinned) my 101 Magical Disney Cruise Tips.
Over the next three days, I’ll send you 10 bonus tips each day.
And trust me, each tip will save you time, save you money, or help you make your cruise more magical.
Ready? Here we go…
Your Bonus Disney Cruise Tips #1-10
1) Create More Drawer Space
Don’t get me wrong. The standard Disney stateroom has enough closet & drawer space for two adults. When you add more people to the room, however, storage space gets a little tight.
This idea will cost you nothing. Slide your suitcase under your bed and leave it open and unzipped. Use this new “drawer” to keep items you won’t need as often.
For dirty clothes, I always pack a big trash bag. I line one of my empty suitcases with it and just stuff the old dirties in there whenever I want. I can then easily pack it to the laundry if needed.
2) Order Breakfast Room Service on Port Days
For some families, getting ready for the day on a Port Day can be hectic. Breakfast (buffet or dining room) can be extra busy because everyone wants to eat before getting off the ship.
Save yourself some time by ordering a room service breakfast the night before. They’ll deliver the breakfast to your room at the time you request.
3) Pack Some Ziploc Bags
I included Ziploc bags on my Disney Cruise Packing List because you can use them for so many things on your trip. Saving lunches or snacks, holding your daughter’s collection of newfound seashells, storing some leaky toothpaste, or stashing wet bathing suits are just a few examples.
4) Decorate Your Door
Yes, it’s fun and the kids love it.
But decorating your door with your own flair makes it easy for kids (okay, adults too) to find your stateroom. It helps your cabin door stand out from all the rest!
If you’re looking for an original decoration, try my Disney Character Pennant Banner (it’s a free download.)
5) Keep Your Passport, Driver’s License, Birth Certificates and Cash in the Safe
Once onboard your Disney Cruise ship, you won’t need your passport, driver’s license, cash, credit cards, and most other things in your wallet or purse. To make purchases while on the ship, you’ll simply use your Key to the World card to charge everything to your account.
Place these items in your stateroom safe. You’ll keep them protected and you’ll remember where you left them.
Note: At most ports of call, you will only need your KTTW card and a driver’s license to get on and off the ship. Simply grab these items and any desired cash from your safe before each port adventure.
6) Bring a Snack to the Cruise Terminal
When you are allowed to board the ship, there will definitely be plenty to eat.
However, if you have a boarding time around noon, it’s not a bad idea to snack on something or grab a light lunch before boarding.
Usually the DCL boarding process is very smooth and reliable but I have heard of cruises where boarding was delayed a few hours because of an issue with customs. There’s nothing to eat at the terminal (except maybe a vending machine, so having eaten or carrying a snack will help you avoid the hungries.
Your hotel might offer a continental breakfast; wouldn’t be a bad idea to grab a banana or two to bring with you.
7) Want to Know What Movies Will Be Showing?
To find out exactly what movies will be shown on your Disney Cruise, call (888) 325-2500 two weeks before your sailing.
8) How to Be Among the First to Leave
If you want to be among the first to leave the ship (got a flight to catch?), keep your luggage with you and walk off the ship as soon as possible. Breakfast at Cabanas or earliest possible seating. Hard to do with little ones or if you have a lot of luggage. But if your kiddos are old enough to drag their own roller bags, you should be good to go.
9) For the Best View of Castaway Cay
Starboard-side cabins have the best view of the island when docked, since the ship is usually “backed in” at the port.
10) Bathroom as a Nightlight
We use the bathroom as a nightlight so we don’t have to bring one to put in our stateroom by leaving the bathroom door open just a crack.