Ahoy, Sharlym! Celebrating a birthday aboard a
Disney Cruise Line ship sounds practically perfect in every way! Each year on my birthday, my kids ask me where I want to go for dinner. The answer is always the same:
Palo. One day, that wish will come true. Until then, I just celebrate my un-birthday when I am on one of these magical ships.
Here’s the good news about activities for a cruise in September: nothing is booked yet. There is a schedule for when you can reserve activities, so I will share that in detail so you are prepared to know when it’s time to get
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo-ked.
There are two key dates to keep in mind: your
activities booking date and 30 days before your cruise.
When your cruise is about two months or so away, you can book
Port Adventures and most onboard activities, such as
premium dining,
Senses Spa treatments,
beverage tastings,
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique appointments, and
Royal Court Royal Tea reservations.
The date you can book these activities depends on the number of Disney Cruises you have taken (your
Castaway Club level) and stateroom type.
- 130 days before the cruise - Concierge Guests
- 123 days - Pearl Castaway Club members
- 120 days - Platinum Castaway Club members
- 105 days - Gold Castaway Club members
- 90 days - Silver Castaway Club members
- 75 days - First-time cruisers
When your date arrives and you have paid the full cruise fare, you can log in and book the activities you want, subject to availability. Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and Royal Court Royal Tea are very popular, so I would stay up late and try to book them at 12:00:01 a.m. If you don't get reservations, keep trying and see if a time opens up. You can also ask Cast Members when you board the ship about any last-minute availability or waitlists.
Thirty days before your cruise, at midnight again, a very special opportunity opens up for all cruisers to secure tickets to a
Royal Gathering. This is a free event, but reservations are required. At the Royal Gathering, several of Disney's finest ladies convene to greet guests, share hugs and sign autographs.
Sharlym, I know the excitement of planning a cruise includes these dream activities, and there is no way to secure them until it is close to your Sail Away Day! I can share that there are so many ways to celebrate your little princess, you will have an unforgettable cruise even without these extras. Make sure to note your celebration on your reservation. The Cast Members love to celebrate with you and may have a special treat at dinner one night!
If we can help with any other planning ideas, tips or insights, please come back to
planDisney! We love helping you plan for magical moments!
SEAS the Adventure!
Jana