Disney Cruise Line runs like a well-oiled machine. But there are small things that even experienced cruisers miss. Here are my favourites.
Before you sail
Luggage tags are nice, not essential. Disney mails luggage tags before your cruise. With Disney transfers or a Disney resort stay, they let your bags travel straight to your stateroom. Getting yourself to the port? Tag your bags there and hand them to a porter. If your tags never arrive, don't panic: bell services and porters have blanks. It's customary to tip anyone who handles your bags.
Pack a day bag. Checked luggage can take until late afternoon to reach your room. Keep swimsuits, sunscreen, medications and a phone charger in your carry-on.
Know the drinks policy. As of 2026, each adult may bring one unopened bottle of wine or sparkling wine, or a six-pack of beer, in carry-on luggage. Bring wine to the dining room and you'll pay a corkage fee, so I suggest pouring a glass in your stateroom instead. Your stateroom host can bring a corkscrew and glasses. Check the current rules before you pack, because Disney does update them.
Infants and port adventures. If an excursion is listed for all ages with under-3s free, your baby can come along, even though the booking system won't let you add them. If it doesn't list under-3s as free, infants usually can't join, often for transportation or safety reasons.
On board
Don't line up for dinner. Your table is assigned, so arriving early gets you nothing. Come five minutes after your seating time, and use those extra minutes for a sunset walk or one more show. By night two, your serving team will know your favourite drink.
Upgrade your coffee for free. Order coffee from room service instead of using the pool-deck machines. Room service is included (just tip the person who delivers it). Hang the breakfast card on your door at night and it'll arrive when you wake up.
Or treat yourself at Cove Café. The adults-only coffee spot serves specialty drinks for less than most coffee chains. Ask for a punch card for a free drink after five, and look for complimentary pastries. Go early on cooler sea days, when it fills up by mid-morning.
Watch for new movies. Disney often shows brand-new releases on board at no extra cost. It's never guaranteed, but we've caught several premieres at sea.
Rainy port day? Ask before you leave. On wet days, Disney hands out ponchos in kid and adult sizes, plus towels, as you head ashore. I learned this one the hard way, after getting soaked.
Optional fun
Fish extenders. These are hanging pocket organizers that go beside your stateroom door for a gift exchange among guests on your sailing. You'll find sign-ups in Facebook groups for your specific sailing. It's completely optional, so skip it if your first cruise already feels like a lot to plan.
Pixie dust. Sometimes a surprise shows up: a treat in your fish extender, a note in your stateroom, a birthday dessert. You can't request it, and you shouldn't expect it. That's what makes it magic.
Castaway Club perks. After your first Disney cruise, you join the Castaway Club. Higher tiers get earlier booking windows and welcome gifts on future sailings. Here's why those windows matter.
Have a question about your upcoming sailing? Write to me. And if you haven't booked yet, find the sailing here and send it over: I'd love to help.
