Hello, Catherine!
Welcome back to planDisney! It looks like your cruise adventure is just beyond the horizon. Embarkation day will be here before you know it!
Generally, the
Disney Cruise Line dress code in the dining rooms is what we affectionately call "Cruise Casual" in the evenings. Guests are specifically asked not to wear tank tops (I find it a little chilly in the dining rooms anyway) or swimming suits, but flip-flops and sandals are just fine. I've worn flip-flops to dinner myself when I couldn't face my dressier shoes after a long day of adventures. Just tell your son "Hakuna Matata" (it means no worries, as my pal Timon says) and come as he feels comfortable. Other sandals would be fine, too!
Now if you're going to venture to one of the adult-exclusive dining rooms like
Palo then I would plan a shoe that's a bit nicer as they have their own dress codes. But it's really fun to get a little dressed up and enjoy the view and incredible food!
When it comes to saving space in your luggage, casual beach shoes are definitely a good bet. My kids have also walked many miles in their sturdier water sandals, which can be handy depending on what Port Adventures you're planning to enjoy. I like to check the
Disney Cruise Line packing list to make sure I don't forget anything important. Don't forget to keep your important documents, identification, and medication in your carry-on bag when you board. I like to keep our swimming suits in my carry-on too, so we can swim right after lunch if the weather is nice!
I hope knowing your son can wear his comfortable sandals helps you feel a little more at ease, Catherine. Please feel free to sail by again if you have any more questions!
Keep moving forward!
Amanda