Female relaxing in pool; laid back
  • On Jan 18, 2025
    Allison Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    Hi,iam doing my first cruise leaving on the 19th October 2025 on the Disney Wonder leaving from Sydney by myself,so just wondering what advice you give a first time cruiser...thanks

    Ahoy, Allison! I am so glad to meet you here at planDisney. Your first Disney Cruise Line vacation is sure to fill you with Wonder

    There is so much I'd love to tell you. I'll go ahead and start with some logistics. Make sure you are prepared to provide the required travel documents. You will need these for pre-arrival check-in and, most importantly, at the port. If you forget your toothpaste, you can usually buy a tube in the gift shop. Even powerful Disney magic can't overcome government requirements if you forget your passport.

    On the days you board and leave the ship, you may not have access to your checked luggage for a while. Check out the suggested packing list and bring a carry-on bag for your essentials.

    Download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app. Once onboard and connected to "DCL Wi-Fi" (Disney Cruise Line's system), the app automagically transforms to its onboard functionality. You can view dining menus, entertainment, movies, games, and everything else fun on board. You can mark the "heart" next to activities you want to do and receive reminders when they are about to start. 

    Enjoy rotational dining and the shows. You will experience one of the main dining rooms and menus each night. The dining teams are phenomenal and get to know you. On the Disney Wonder, you will get to experience Tiana's Place. The Cajun and Creole menu is served with New Orleans flair, and the entertainment will definitely have you swinging like you are going down the Bayou. Animator's Palette and Triton's are pretty amazing, too.

    With the dining times, most nights will have a show either before or after dinner. Some nights will feature Broadway-style performances of beloved Disney movies or shows created exclusively for the cruise. The caliber of these shows will leave you in awe and with a song or two in your heart.

    Disney Cruise Line is not just for kids. The nightclubs offer dancing, games, shows, and trivia contests—something for everyone. The Wonder has the British-inspired Crown & Fin Pub, the 1950s-style Cadillac Lounge and Azure. The schedule of special events is available on the Navigator app and usually on a screen outside the lounges' doors.

    A lot is included in your cruise, but there are a few extras you might consider. I took my first beverage-tasting class on the Disney Wonder. Learning about tequilas and how to use them in various drinks was fun and tasty. It was also the first class in which I took notes that I refer back to regularly. 

    Mark your calendar for your booking window and pre-arrival online check-in dates. As a first-time Guest, you can book Port Adventures and some onboard activities 75 days before your cruise. Your online check-in is 30 days before. This is when you get to select your Port Arrival Time.

    My top tip is to come back to planDisney with any questions!

    SEA 'Ya Real Soon!
    Jana
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Meet the Panelist: Jana, Georgia

Hi, everyone! I’m Jana, a Disney-loving wife and mom from Atlanta. My boys (my husband and sons) are the greatest joys in my life. We have so many magical memories from our vacations at Walt Disney World Resort and aboard Disney Cruise Line. I welcome the chance to share my knowledge and advice in helping you plan your visit to the Most Magical Place on Earth. Learn More About Jana

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