5 Things Everyone Should Know Before Their First Disney Cruise
- Katie Peters
- Aug 15
- 5 min read
Updated: Nov 4
After years of planning Disney Cruises for clients, I’ve learned the little details that turn a great sailing into an unforgettable one. When I finally experienced my own Disney Cruise, it only confirmed just how important these tips really are.
Whether you’re setting sail for the first time or just want to make the most of your vacation, here are five things everyone should know before boarding a Disney Cruise—straight from my professional playbook.
Late Dining Is the Secret Weapon
When helping clients choose a dining time, I almost always recommend late dining—and for good reason:
No rushing from Castaway Cay or port days—you have time to shower, relax, and enjoy the evening.
Fewer toddler meltdowns in the dining room.
Better seating for the nightly shows since you can catch the earlier performance, then head to dinner at a relaxed pace.
Vacation Specialist Tip: For families worried about younger kids staying up late, remember that kids’ clubs will escort them directly from the dining room to the Oceaneer Club or Lab after they finish eating. Parents can enjoy the rest of the meal kid-free while the kids have fun.
Fly In the Day Before—Seriously
Flight delays, missed connections, lost luggage… it’s not worth the anxiety. Flying in the day before your cruise gives you a cushion for the unexpected and lets you start your trip relaxed instead of stressed.
It also means you can enjoy a nice dinner, explore the port city, and wake up ready for embarkation day without the frantic “will we make it?” energy.
Real-Life Example: Fellow travel agent bestie and blog author, Jennifer, had a pre-cruise flight in 2024 that ended up being over 8 hours delayed from her original schedule. Because she had flown in the day before, she still arrived in Miami early enough to enjoy a relaxed evening and start her cruise on time—proving just how crucial it is to plan that extra buffer.
When to Book Flights:
For best prices, start checking flights 6–8 months before sailing.
Aim to arrive no later than 4–6 p.m. local time the night before your cruise.
Vacation Specialist Tip: If you’re flying in the day before, we can assist with booking a pre-cruise hotel and coordinate transportation so everything flows seamlessly.
Not All Itineraries Are Created Equal
If you have the option, choose itineraries that stop at Castaway Cay or the new Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. These private Disney islands are pure paradise—white sand beaches, turquoise water, and Disney magic in every detail.
Sometimes a shorter sailing with a private island stop is actually a better experience than a longer one without it.
For my most recent Disney Cruise, we opted for a sailing that included both Lookout Point and Castaway Cay. In my opinion, this is the best itinerary for tropical Disney sailings—it gives you the perfect mix of private island relaxation and breathtaking scenery, all while maximizing time onboard the ship. Experiencing it firsthand confirmed exactly why I recommend this route to clients every chance I get.
Popular Itinerary Comparisons:
3–4 Night Bahamian Cruise: Usually includes Castaway Cay; perfect for first-timers or short getaways.
7-Night Eastern Caribbean: Often includes St. Thomas, Tortola, and Castaway Cay—more sea days to enjoy the ship.
Seasonal Alaska Sailings: No Castaway Cay, but breathtaking scenery and bucket-list excursions like glacier viewing.
When to Book for Best Selection:
Disney releases sailings about 15–18 months in advance. Booking early means better stateroom choices and often lower pricing.
Characters Are Everywhere—So Be Photo Ready
One of my favorite parts of a Disney Cruise is how often you run into characters—sometimes in totally unexpected places.
On my last cruise, we’d just returned from Castaway Cay. My hair was salty and windblown, I had zero makeup on, and I was rocking my best “beach bum chic.” I turn a corner and—bam!—there’s Ariel, just hanging out like we’re old friends. Of course, I took the photo, but I will never post that photo because I look like I just washed ashore like Flotsam and Jetsam.
Where You’ll See Characters:
Scheduled meet-and-greets (listed in the Navigator app).
Surprise appearances in the atrium, hallways, or even at the pool deck.
Special ticketed events like the Royal Gathering (complimentary, but requires advance reservations).
Vacation Specialist Tip: Keep a small “photo kit” in your day bag—mini brush, lip balm, and phone or camera ready to go. You’ll thank yourself later.
The Photo Package Is Worth Every Penny
Disney’s onboard photographers capture so many moments you’d otherwise miss—and make sure the whole family is in the shot. You’ll come home with professional-quality photos you’ll actually want to print and frame.
How the Package Works:
Available for purchase before or during the cruise (cheaper in advance).
Includes all professional photos taken onboard and at Castaway Cay/Lookout Cay.
Delivered digitally so you can download and print as you wish.
Average Pricing (subject to change):
3–4 Night Cruise: Around $210–$230 if purchased in advance.
7+ Night Cruise: Around $300–$350 in advance.
Vacation Specialist Tip: If you're traveling with extended family in separate staterooms, you can link your reservations to include photos of children under 21 in one photo package. Adults in separate staterooms can be added to your package at a 50% discount once onboard, provided they are included in group photos with someone from your stateroom. Visit the Shutters Photography Shop on embarkation day to arrange linking and discuss any additional packages.
Bonus Tip: Excursions & Activities Book Up Fast—Let Us Help
From port adventures and princess teas to mixology classes and character breakfasts, Disney Cruise Line uses a tiered booking system:
Concierge Guests: 120 days before sailing.
Then Platinum, Gold, and Silver Castaway Club members.
First-time cruisers go last.
That means the most popular options can be gone before you even log in.
Expert Anecdote: A client wanted the Bippity Boppity Boutique for their daughter. Because we monitored her booking tier, we secured it immediately when her window opened. She got her princess makeover without stress, while other families had to wait for cancellations.
When you book your Disney Cruise with Allonsy Travel, we track your booking tier and grab those must-do activities the moment your window opens—so you never miss out. It’s one more way we make sure your cruise is stress-free from the moment you start planning.
Ready to Set Sail?
Your first Disney Cruise is unforgettable—but knowing these tips ahead of time makes it smoother, more magical, and completely stress-free. From securing the best dining times and itineraries to capturing every perfect photo, Allonsy Travel is here to handle the details so you can focus on making memories.
📩 Click the link below to start planning your Disney Cruise with Allonsy Travel’s expert help today!
Hi! I am Katie Peters, a family travel expert, professional travel agent since 2023, and a mom of two who loves making vacations stress-free and magical. With personal experience traveling to destinations like Walt Disney World with kids of all ages, I specialize in helping busy families plan unforgettable trips. Whether it’s a theme park adventure, a relaxing cruise, or a bucket-list destination, I take care of the details so you can focus on making memories. Let’s plan your next adventure together!
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