Hi there, Michelle!
Thank you for stopping by planDisney. I am happy to answer your question!
A 3-night sailing onboard the Disney Cruise Line is the perfect weekend getaway! In my experience, most
entertainment does not need to be reserved beforehand. Two evening show performances usually occur each night, either before or after your dinner (depending on the time of your dinner seating). I recommend showing up about 15-20 minutes early if you would like a lower-level seat, although the performance can be seen from any seat in the theater. The Broadway-style musicals are always a highlight of my family's voyages!
On the other hand, I do recommend booking Port Adventures and Onboard Activities during your
booking window. First-time Guests can typically make these reservations 75 days before their sail date, and Concierge Guests can usually do so 130 days ahead of time. Port Adventures give Guests the opportunity to disembark at a Port of Call to experience a variety of pre-planned activities. Descriptions of some Port Adventures can be found on the
Port Adventures page on the Disney Cruise Line website. Scroll down to find "Port Adventures by Destination" to see possible options for your Ports of Call. Select the relevant region, choose "Ports of Call," and specify a destination. Search results can also be filtered by activity level, type of experience, accessibility, and price range.
While I love Port Adventures, I would most likely stay on the ship for a 3-day sailing (unless stopping at
Disney Castaway Cay or
Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point). There are so many things to see and do onboard a Disney Cruise! Whether it is a
Beverage Tasting Seminar, family games, or evening performances, there is always something to do! My spouse and I also love eating brunch at
Palo or
Palo Steakhouse, the adult-only restaurant. The food is delicious, and we get to experience a date while our kids play in
Disney's Oceaneer Club!
Many Onboard Activities can be reserved during your booking window. To see what options may be available for your cruise, visit the
Onboard Activities page. Use the "Ships" drop-down menu to select your ship to view the activities that may take place on your cruise. Keep in mind that not all Port Adventures or Onboard Activities are offered on every voyage, and they are subject to availability.
Michelle, have a magical cruise! We hope to see you real soon!
Happy sailing!
Jen