Cruise ship traveling across open water under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.
  • On Jul 30, 2026
    Arthur from NY Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    Is there a checklist of things we need to bring and do beforehand?

    Ahoy there, Arthur! Welcome aboard, planDisney! 

    Your Disney cruise is Just Around the Riverbend, and I’m so excited for you! Disney checklists happen to be one of my favorite things ever, so I'd be happy to share the tasks to complete as you get ready for your upcoming sailing! 

    Disney Cruise Line has a super helpful guide called Be in the Know Before You Go, which details any information and tasks you should know about prior to sailing. You can also find a similar checklist on the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App, under “Next Steps”. 

    Which brings me to an important step under “Next Steps”: planning how to get to your cruise, especially if you're using Disney Cruise Line Ground Transportation. You will also need this transportation information to share your pre- and post-cruise stay plans during your Online Check-In. 

    Next, you should complete your Online Check-In on either the Disney Cruise Line website or the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App, if you haven’t already done so. Your Online Check-In provides your Passport and Travel Documentationpayment method that will be used on board, Youth Club information, Cruise Contract, and Port Arrival Time with Disney Cruise Line.

    You should also finalize any activities during your sailing in the “My Plans” section of your reservation. If an activity is booked up, once on board your cruise, you can go to the Guest Services Desk, where they will add you to a waitlist for your desired activity. Though never guaranteed, in my experience, I’ve been successful at making reservations on board my cruise. 

    Since you’re gathering vacation items to begin packing for your cruise, I would also review these Packing and Prohibited and Restricted Items lists. They will help you decide what to pack for your itinerary, as well as what not to bring with you, as it could be confiscated. One pro tip is to bring a refillable water bottle because you are able to regularly refill water (or soda if that’s your jam!) on board. 
     
    Lastly, I want to remind you to download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App, as it’s going to be your cruise planning bestie (I mean, besides your planning besties at planDisney!) right now, and so much more during your sailing. I love perusing the “Start Exploring Your Ship” section before I sail, as it gives a great overview of what I can expect on board!  

    Arthur, I hope I offered great guidance for an amazing upcoming sailing! I wish you such incredible memories on board your cruise! Please sail back to planDisney if you have any other questions. 

    Bon Voyage, 
    Rana
thumbnail image for Rana

Meet the Panelist: Rana, Michigan

Welcome aboard, friends! I’m Rana, a wife and mom of two from Michigan. I’ve practically raised my family aboard Disney Cruise Line and thus have experienced so much that Disney cruises offer—for kids, adults, and multigenerational groups. Creating magical moments for my family is what I Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Do-Best and I would love to help sprinkle magic on your Disney Cruise Line adventures!   Learn More About Rana

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