Ahoy there, Parker, and welcome to planDisney! I’m thrilled to hear that you’ll be sailing on your very first Disney Cruise Line vacation, and even more honored that I get to be the one to help you plan your Make-A-Wish trip! There’s nothing quite like a Disney Cruise that marries the magic of Disney with all my favorite elements of a vacation, so allow me to share some of my top tips.
First things first: download the free
Disney Cruise Line Navigator app. Not only is there an adorable countdown to your cruise on the front page (sprinkled with cute Disney emoticons), but it will be your go-to guide once onboard. Just connect to the DCL-GUEST WiFi on the ship and you’ll have the daily schedule in the palm of your hands for everything from showtimes and Port Adventure details to dining attire and activity schedules. Go ahead and favorite all of your “can’t miss” moments so you will also receive a notification within the app before they begin.
Speaking of Disney emoticons, you can also use the DCL Navigator app to chat with your sailing party or even other Guests. And if you have family staying on land you hope to communicate with while at sea, I recommend services like WhatsApp or even Facebook Messenger to avoid cellular charges. I typically have good luck with iMessages as well.
Now for the fun! Since this is your first time on board, here are a few experiences I think you’ll absolutely love:
Character greetings are one of the most magical parts of the cruise. Keep your eyes out for Mickey, Minnie, and even Marvel or Star Wars heroes. Sometimes they pop up in surprise places, and they love taking pictures and sharing hugs. I’ve even spotted Goofy in his swimwear on the pool deck while getting free ice cream!
I’m not ashamed to say dining is one of my favorite activities at sea. I bring a reusable mug for everyone in our family to take advantage of the complimentary beverage stations by the pool (and I also love to make floats with the soda and aforementioned complimentary soft serve). Your servers move with you through each of your
rotational dining restaurants, and they feel like family by the end of the voyage! Keep in mind, if you find a dish you especially love in one of the dining rooms, chances are they can recreate it for you the next night, even when you’re in a different location.
If you love Disney entertainment, live shows in the Walt Disney Theatre are not to be missed. Whether it’s a musical starring your favorite princesses or a show packed with music, dancing, and Disney stories, it’s like Broadway at sea! Shows are offered twice each night, so no matter when you eat, you have an equal opportunity to experience all the glitz and glamour.
One final tip: don’t forget to visit the pools and splash zones. Depending on your ship, you might find a “water coaster” like AquaDuck or a Toy Story-themed splash pad. But my absolute favorite thing to do is watching a classic Disney film on Funnel Vision, either while playing in a Disney pool or in a deck chair under the night sky with the sound of the waves as background music.
If you need anything once onboard, Parker, don’t hesitate to ask a Crew Member. They’re truly some of the kindest people at sea and love to help make wishes come true. I hope your trip is filled with surprise and delight around every corner. And if more questions pop up before you set sail, we’d love to hear from you again at
planDisney.
Embrace the magic,
Sami