You probably won’t forget your passport, swimsuit, medications, and Mickey ears at home, but there are a few other things you should buy before your Disney Cruise that you may not have considered.
Going on your first Disney cruise is so exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. You’ve got to figure out how to get to the port, how to use the Navigator app, and — most importantly — how to distinguish between starboard and port!
But you’ve also got to make your Disney cruise packing list. I’ll assume you know the basics: swimsuits and sunscreen, weather-appropriate clothing (packing for an Alaskan cruise is very different from a Caribbean cruise!), your daily medication, and, of course, everyone’s passports.
It’s easy to remember swimsuits and passports. The items that catch first-time cruisers off guard are the little things, like magnets for your stateroom door, seasickness medication you hope you won’t need, and a pirate outfit you’ll be glad you packed. These are the Disney Cruise essentials I always recommend buying before embarkation day.
Most people remember the basics like passports, swimsuits, and sunscreen. This list focuses on the items that first-time cruisers often don’t think about until they’re already onboard—and usually end up wishing they’d packed.
Good Reading Material
You might expect your Disney cruise experience to be go-go-go, racing from character meets to crafts to shows to trivia to the pool all day. But this is vacation, so don’t forget to relax.
Send the kids to the Oceaneer Club, find a sun lounger, and enjoy the salty breeze while you read a good book — or, even better, a Disney cruise magazine.
Our new DCL Magazine is a Disney Cruise essential, whether you’re planning your first trip or want something to enhance your experience when you return to your favorite cruise ship.
That’s right: You can get a magazine all about Disney Cruise Line. Whether you’re a casual Disney fan or a Disney diehard, this magazine is packed with magic that will entertain you, whether you’re currently sailing or dreaming of your next vacation.
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Seasickness Medication
I’m sure you won’t forget your daily medications, and you can get things like painkillers from the health center if needed, but one medication you should absolutely buy before heading out on your trip is Dramamine.
You can buy Dramamine on the ship, but it’s more expensive than on land. I’ve even found that port cities charge more for their Dramamine than I can get it back home, and sometimes they’re sold out.
Even if you’ve sailed before and think you’ll be all right, you never know when rough seas can test your limits. It’s better to be safe than sorry and carry some meds with you.
A Pirate Outfit
Every single Disney Cruise Line sailing to the Caribbean or Bahamas should include a Pirate Night, which is actually a day-long extravaganza with unique character greets, a special deck show with fireworks, a themed dinner menu, and other pirate-y fun.
Photo by Scott Smith
While you don’t have to dress up, lots of families do, and it’s a great way to have fun together — and it makes for great photos. Here is a great pirate costume outfit if you’re looking for something easy.
Pro Tip: You’ll find free pirate bandanas for the whole family when you return to your stateroom in the afternoon during Pirate Night, so no need to buy those in advance.
Cruise Magnets
Your stateroom door is more than just a portal to your bed and shower. It’s a blank canvas awaiting decoration.
Now, not everyone decorates their doors on a Disney cruise, but it can be a fun activity to do with your kids and bring joy to other guests who pass by in the hall. Plus, it can make it easier to find your room amid a super long cruise corridor after a long day.
Here are some great cruise magnets to get you started, but you can also order personalized magnets on sites like Etsy.
Fish Extenders
Photo by Danny Shuster
Fish extenders are another way to make the exterior of your stateroom stand out and to form bonds with your fellow guests. There’s a whole culture to fish extenders; rather than try to explain it here, I recommend you check out our fish extender guide.
If this sounds like something you want to try out on your Disney cruise, try out these affordable fish extenders.
Snorkeling Gear
You can rent snorkeling equipment at Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay, but it can get expensive. Luckily, Disney lets you snorkel for free if you bring your own gear.
If you plan to go on Disney cruises regularly (or live close to the water), it’s worth investing in your own snorkeling gear. Just make sure you still check in on the island, as you’ll need to wear Disney’s (free) life jackets.
Alcohol
Yes, you read that right! You can bring alcohol on a Disney cruise — and if you do intend to drink while at sea, it’s much more affordable to bring your own.
There are a few important rules to know. Guests 21 and older may bring either one unopened bottle of wine or sparkling wine (750 mL or smaller) OR up to six beers (12 ounces or smaller) at the beginning of their cruise. These beverages must be packed in your carry-on luggage – not your checked bags.
One of the biggest recent changes is that you can no longer restock your alcohol allowance at ports of call. Any wine, beer, or spirits purchased in port will be held by Disney Cruise Line and returned to you at the end of your voyage.
If you bring your own bottle of wine or sparkling wine and want to enjoy it in one of the main dining rooms, Disney Cruise Line currently charges a $29 corkage fee per bottle. If you drink it in your stateroom, there’s no corkage fee.
Earplugs or Noise-Canceling Headphones
If you’ll be bunking with your kids or any adults you don’t normally share a bedroom with, there’s no telling what noises you’ll have to contend with while trying to fall (and stay) asleep. If you’re worried about others’ snoring, buy some earplugs, or, better yet, invest in some quality noise-cancelling headphones.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I buy before my first Disney Cruise?
Besides clothing and toiletries, consider buying seasickness medication, cruise magnets, pirate outfits, snorkeling gear, earplugs, and any beverages you plan to bring onboard before you arrive at the port.
Are cruise door magnets allowed on Disney Cruise Line?
Yes. Many guests decorate their stateroom doors with magnets, making it easier to spot their room while adding a bit of Disney fun. Just be sure to use magnets rather than adhesives, which aren’t permitted.
Should I bring my own snorkeling gear on a Disney Cruise?
If you plan to snorkel at Castaway Cay or Lookout Cay, bringing your own mask and snorkel can save money compared to renting equipment on the island.
Can you bring alcohol on a Disney Cruise?
Yes. Guests 21 and older may bring a limited amount of wine, champagne, or beer onboard, provided it’s carried on rather than packed in checked luggage and follows Disney Cruise Line’s current policy.
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