Welcome aboard, Amanda! It's so exciting to begin planning a Caribbean cruise with Disney! The hardest decision is which itinerary to choose, but honestly, whether you choose Eastern or Western Caribbean, you're in for a magical time onboard and exciting options for Port Adventures in each port that you visit!
Please check out the details of
required documents on Disney Cruise Line's website. Guests who are citizens of the United States sailing on a closed loop cruise from the states (meaning it begins and ends in a U.S. port, like Port Canaveral), are not required to have passports. Since you and your husband do have them, that adds an additional level of protection, but your kids don't need to have them if you're not able to get them in time. Children may travel with their parents using the child's state-issued birth certificate. The original or a copy is acceptable. You and your children are welcome to leave the ship in all of the ports of call. As you return to the ship, you'll simply show your identification and Key To The World Card that is issued to all guests by Disney Cruise Line. Since all situations are different, please take the time to read the specifics of required documents on the website.
Now, if you find that you do have enough time to apply for passports for your kids, it may be worthwhile because there are some
benefits to sailing with passports. My family and I always sail with passports, even on itineraries where they are not required. We like the extra safety it provides. In the event of an emergency or illness in a foreign port of call, we'd more easily be able to make our way home with passports.
Hopefully that helps as you get ready to plan this magical adventure at sea with Captain Mickey and his crew! Happy planning!
Marcy