So, you want to go on a cruise to the Caribbean, Alaska, or any other (magical) place in the world with our friend Mickey Mouse? You’re in luck, friend. Disney Cruise Line is one of your best options, known for its amazing service, great stage shows, rotational dining, and, of course, for being the best cruise line for children out there.
However, traveling with Mickey is also expensive, which makes planning in advance super important. This guide will help you with that, and with what you should do until you're finally stepping aboard amazing ships like the Disney Treasure, Fantasy or Wish.
Let’s show you a quick Overview of what you should do, and then study each step in detail:
- 1 - The First Steps: Budget, Itinerary, Ships
- 2 - Check out your documents
- 3 - Preference Requests
- 4- Make Cruise Reservations
- 5- Online Check-In
- 6- Your Cruise is Here
1 - The First Steps: Budget, Itinerary, Ships
- Timeline: 12 months before your trip
1.1: Understand Disney Cruise Line
The first thing you should know is that a Disney Cruise Line vacation is more expensive than similar cruises with Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, or Carnival Cruise Line. For a family of four, a 7-night Alaska trip aboard the Disney Wonder starts at $5,100, while the same family would pay $6,600 for a 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise from Port Canaveral aboard the Disney Treasure.
1.2: How much are you willing to spend?
Always take into consideration that you will pay more than the starting price shown here, since you need to account for taxes, gratuities, and onboard purchases. If a cruise says it costs $5,000, it’s better to assume that you will spend at least $6,000 in total on the cruise alone.
Also, keep in mind that the overall price will increase depending on your cabin category and whether you choose to add extras like a beer or wine package. We can help you with that… well, not with getting the beer (maybe), but with selecting the best add-ons for your trip.
Try to always look at prices or book a cruise at least one year in advance - you’ll end up saving a lot of money in the long run. For example, a 7-night cruise to the Caribbean on the Disney Treasure in August 2025 starts at $10,100 for a family of four, but the same cruise in August 2026 starts at $7,850. Sometimes the price difference isn’t that significant, but in some cases, you can save a lot of money by planning ahead.
1.3: Select your itinerary
With that in mind, you need to decide where you want to go. Is it the Caribbean, Alaska, Hawaii, or maybe a cruise in Europe? Prices will vary, and you'll also need to research whether you need to fly to the port or if you can simply drive there, as this will also impact the total cost.
1.4: Flights
Do you need to fly to a specific homeport? Disney Cruise Line has ports in states like Florida, Texas, and British Columbia. Depending on your cruise of choice, you might need to fly to one of those locations. If that’s the case, be sure to plan ahead and purchase your flight tickets in advance.
1.5: Book your trip!
Okay, you know more about Disney Cruise Line, the prices, and where you want to go. You also have your budget in mind and know how much you're willing to spend. Now it’s time to book your trip! You can actually contact us, we’ll help you out. And no, you don’t pay extra for using a travel agent - Mickey pays us. We can offer pro tips, help you with things like shore excursions, and much more.
2 - Check out your documents
- Timeline: 8 months before your trip
At check-in, all Guests must present valid passports or other acceptable proof of citizenship. My advice is to always bring your passport, as it's valid for any destination. If you're going on an Alaska cruise and flying into Vancouver, you will need a passport, and proof of citizenship alone won’t be enough. Depending on your destination, you might also need an entry visa. Make sure all your documents are up to date, but we can help you with that too.
3 – Preference Requests
- Timeline: 4 months before your trip.
Oh, your trip is getting closer, how exciting! It’s time to check your reservation and set up some personal preferences for your cruise. Head to the Disney Cruise Line website, click on the “Already Booked” tab, and then select the “My Reservations” button.
This step is all about setting up your preferences before other guests. You can take care of things like:
- Your Rotational Dining time, which is typically either 5:45pm or 8:15pm.
- Check out the Dietary Preferences Menu
- Travel Insurance: You can purchase Disney’s Vacation Protection Plan (VPP) here if you’d like coverage.
- Disney ground transfers: You can book transportation on an official Disney bus from major airports or Disney Resorts to the port (available only for select destinations).
- Pre-paying gratuities: This is optional, but it can help with budgeting ahead of time.
4 - Make Cruise Reservations
- Timeline: 2-4 months before your trip.
This part requires a bit more attention, as some guests can now begin booking excursions, specialty dining, and more through Disney Cruise Line. The booking window opens 130 days before the sail date for Concierge Guests, and 123 days before sailing for Castaway Club Pearl Members. Silver Members can book activities 90 days prior to sailing.
These dates can be a little confusing, but don’t worry, we can help you keep track and make the most of your booking window.
5 - Online Check-In
- Timeline: 1-3 months before your trip.
Online check-in is required, and, just like cruise activity bookings, your access depends on your Castaway Club membership level and whether you're staying in a Concierge suite. Silver Members can select a port arrival time and complete online check-in 33 days before sailing, while Pearl Members and Concierge Guests can do so 40 days before sailing.
Securing an early port arrival time can be a big plus, as it allows you to board the ship earlier than most guests,and start enjoying your cruise even sooner.
6 - Your Cruise is Here
- Timeline: 1 week before your trip to the day of your trip.
6.1: Start Packing
It’s time to start packing and making sure you bring everything essential. Packing for your trip can be tricky, but we’ve got you covered, with packing lists for a typical Disney Cruise Line trip to the Caribbean, as well as what to bring for an Alaskan cruise.
6.2: Tag your Luggage
Disney Cruise Line will send you luggage tags a few weeks before your cruise. Be sure to attach them to your bags, as you'll hand your luggage over to porters when you arrive at the port on embarkation day.
6.3: Download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App
The app will be your go-to guide during your cruise, providing information about stage shows, dining, meet-and-greet locations, and much more. More importantly, it’s where you'll complete the health questionnaire on embarkation day. Be sure to download the app ahead of time and explore it for fun so you’re familiar with how it works.
6.4: Complete the Health Questionnaire on Embarkation Day
Your cruise is finally here! On Embarkation Day, Disney will send you a mandatory Health Questionnaire. You’ll find it in your email and in the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app. Be sure to complete it, as it's required during the check-in process.
6:5: Have fun!
You did it! Now it’s time to enjoy those special meet-and-greets, experience the rotational dining shows, eat as much ice cream as you want, and just have an amazing time aboard one of the best cruise lines out there. And when it’s all over… why not start planning your next adventure? Sounds pretty great, especially now that you’re becoming a Disney Cruise Line expert!
