Mickey and Donald On beach at Castaway Cay; ship in background; family flying with characters
  • On Jun 25, 2025
    Kim from AZ Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    I understand if you’ve sailed before you get a lanyard with the KTTW card upon check in. We’re all silver members but one person is a first timer. Because they are sharing the stateroom will they automatically get that status and get a lanyard too?

    Ahoy, Kim!

    Welcome back to planDisney! I love that you’re planning ahead and making sure your whole crew is ready to hit the high seas with everything they need for an unforgettable Disney cruise adventure!

    Let’s dive into the Castaway Club details faster than Ariel flipping into a tide pool! Since the first-time cruiser is sharing a stateroom with Silver Castaway Club members, they will get to enjoy the perks of Silver status, even though they haven't officially earned the title just yet. That means they’ll be able to book Port Adventures, adult-exclusive dining, and other onboard activities when your Silver window opens—no need to wait for their own countdown. They’ll also be included in your Online Check-In process. Just keep in mind that if this Guest is paying separately for onboard purchases, you’ll want to make sure their payment method is added during check-in (otherwise things might get a little Stitch-uated at the end of the cruise).

    Now, let’s talk about that Castaway Club “Welcome Back Aboard Gift.” Each stateroom receives one gift based on the highest Castaway Club level in that room, so you’ll still be able to enjoy a little something magical delivered right to your stateroom. It’s a fun way Disney says “Welcome home!” to returning sailors.

    As for those lanyards—they’re a bit more like a rite of passage. Disney typically gives them out based on your actual Castaway Club tier, so in this case, only Guests who have previously sailed and achieved Silver (or higher) status will receive one. Your first-time sailor may feel a little left out of the lanyard loop, but that’s where a fun cruise surprise from your crew could really go the distance. I’ve seen families create personalized lanyards, keychains, or little welcome packs to give their first-timer a warm onboard welcome. A small touch that makes a big splash!

    Another fun idea? Consider DisneyBand+! These bands are such a game-changer, especially when you’ve got your hands full at places like Marceline Market or bringing snacks back from the pool deck. You can unlock your stateroom door, charge items to your account, and even interact with onboard experiences. I can’t tell you how handy mine has been when I’m on a breakfast run for my daughter—balancing plates and drinks like Cogsworth trying to serve tea!

    I hope this helps you navigate the Castaway Club waters with ease! Your cruise crew is about to have the kind of adventure that sticks with you long after the final “see ya real soon.” From embarkation day to Pirate Night to your next countdown, there’s nothing quite like sailing with a mix of seasoned seafarers and Disney cruise rookies.

    Sea ya real soon with a July full of fireworks at sea and memories that sparkle like pixie dust,
    Dustin
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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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