Mom And Son Water Slide
  • On Jan 5, 2025
    Nancy from MS Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    We are taking a Disney cruise in February. We have 4 staterooms with our 1 of our 3 adult children and their kids in each one. When checking in , do I choose “ will pay” if we only want to pay for certain things?

    Ahoy, Nancy!

    I can already feel the excitement building for your February cruise—it sounds like you’ve got an incredible family adventure planned! Sailing with your children and grandchildren is going to create memories you’ll treasure forever. My family loves traveling together on Disney cruises, and there’s truly nothing like watching the magic unfold through the eyes of everyone in your crew, from the youngest sailors to the wisest captains!

    Let’s dive into your question. When you’re completing Online Check-In and you select the box that says “Nancy will pay for,” you’re saying you’ll cover all charges incurred by that person. That means everything—gratuities, onboard purchases, excursions, specialty dining, and more—would be your responsibility. It’s definitely a Tinker Bell-sized box with Mickey Mouse-sized responsibilities! If you’re planning to treat everyone to something specific (like gratuities or a spa day) but not cover everything else, this may not be the best option.

    Here’s what I’d recommend to make everything run smoothly:

    1. Have Each Stateroom Use Their Own Payment Method: 
    During Online Check-In, have each stateroom input their own credit card or payment method. This way, everyone is responsible for their own onboard spending.

    2. Use Disney Gift Cards for Special Treats: 
    If you’d like to gift your children and their families a set amount to spend, consider purchasing Disney Gift Cards and applying them to their stateroom accounts. You can do this ahead of time through the “Onboard Gifts” section of your reservation. You can pre-load each stateroom with a set amount that fits your budget and let them know it’s their pixie-dusted allowance for shopping, drinks, or fun extras.

    3. Pre-Pay Gratuities
    If you’d like to cover gratuities for the Stateroom Host and Dining Team (which is a wonderful gesture), you can pre-pay those in advance for everyone. This way, you’ve taken care of an important part of the cruise experience, and any additional spending can remain their responsibility.

    4. Keep Communication Open: 
    Before setting sail, have a quick family chat to ensure everyone knows what’s covered and what isn’t. Trust me, it’s much easier to sort out onboard accounts when everyone’s on the same page before embarking!

    Here’s a little extra tip: Sometimes, you can find Disney Gift Cards on sale at popular retail stores or online. Snagging a discount is always a win—it’s like adding a sprinkle of pixie dust to your budget!

    Nancy, it sounds like your cruise is shaping up to be an unforgettable journey filled with family fun, incredible entertainment, and maybe even a little time to relax and recharge. Whether it’s cheering for your grandchildren as they conquer the AquaDuck, laughing together at a Broadway-style show, or soaking up the ocean breeze on deck, you’re going to make magical memories to last a lifetime.

    Wishing you smooth seas, joyful reunions, and a treasure trove of Disney magic!

    Sea ya real soon with pixie dust and ocean breezes,
    Dustin
thumbnail image for Dustin

Meet the Panelist: Dustin, Florida

Ahoy, me hearties! I’m Dustin—a husband, father of two, and active-duty service member living in sunny Florida. My crew and I “just keep swimming” toward our next Disney Cruise Line adventure! From “a whole new world” of ports to “hakuna matata” vibes on deck, we live for the magic at sea. Ready to see what’s “beyond the reef”? Allow me to be your guide as we sail toward your perfect Disney Cruise adventure! Learn More About Dustin

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