Ahoy, Kyle, and welcome to planDisney! Your first cruise – that's a big deal! You and your family will have so much fun, and I'm happy you came to us at planDisney for advice.
Round-trip sailings from Florida offer some flexibility regarding travel documentation. While an original valid passport can be used, it isn't required. Instead, U.S. citizens can present an original state-issued birth certificate along with a physical government-issued photo ID. Your children, since they're under 15 years old, can travel with just their original birth certificates. Photocopies aren't accepted. The
Passports, Visas & Citizenship Documentation page on the Disney Cruise Line website lists the current requirements for various sailings – be sure to review this page again before your cruise.
My family was in the exact same situation last year. My husband didn't have an active passport, and neither did my kids. He brought his birth certificate and driver's license, and I brought birth certificates for my kids. We didn't have any issues using this travel documentation.
That said, there are some
benefits to having a passport. For example, if something unexpected happens while you're outside the U.S., a passport can make it much easier to fly back into the country. While this scenario is unlikely, it would be easier to manage with a passport. Consider it if you have time and want that added peace of mind.
You'll upload your selected travel documents during the online check-in process, which typically begins around a month before embarkation day. Bring these same documents along as you check in at the terminal.
Now that we have that settled, I want to celebrate this exciting vacation you have coming up. My youngest was four years old when she went on her first Disney cruise, and our family had the best time. So many happy memories were made on the ship. Make sure to
look into the youth club. You can check the kids in, and they can play in a secure, immersive area under the supervision of Youth Activities Counselors. There are also designated Open House hours when the family can go in together. Also, don't miss silent disco – this is an absolute favorite activity for my kids, and they're already looking forward to doing it again.
I also want to mention that you chose a fantastic itinerary, Kyle – you'll have a chance to experience both of Disney's private islands.
Castaway Cay has an amazing family beach with a lagoon where the whole family can swim.
Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point has an excellent water play area with slides, fountains, interactive elements, and more.
There's one more tip I want to share with you before we say goodbye for now. Make sure you have the
Disney Cruise Line Navigator app downloaded on your phone. Sign in to it with the same account you used when you booked your cruise, and you should see your reservation listed. Once you connect to the Wi-Fi on the ship, this app will populate with all the schedule information specific to your cruise.
Kyle, I hope you have the best time ever on your first cruise. If you think of any other questions about Disney Cruise Line ahead of embarkation day,
please reach out. We're always happy to help here at planDisney!
Smooth sailing ahead,
Kriss