key to the world disney cruise

Disney Cruise Key to the World Card (Finally Explained)

If you are a first time cruiser with Disney Cruise Line, you may not realize the importance of the Key to the World Card.

Even if you have cruised before, there may still be some characteristics of or uses for the card that you haven’t really noticed.

One of the best ways to maximize your cruise experience is by using the Disney Cruise Key to the World card. This handy little card lets you access your stateroom, make charges on your account, and more.

In this post, I will explain what the Key to the World Card is and why it is so important. I will also discuss my family’s favorite Key to the World Card holder!

Here’s what you need to know about using your Key to the World card on your next Disney cruise.

(This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy at the bottom of this page for more details.)

How to Activate Your Disney Key to the World Card

When you arrive at the Disney Cruise Line terminal on the first day of your cruise, also known as embarkation day , you will go through security just like you would at the airport.

You will then head to a check in counter where you will show your ID and Port Arrival Form. (We like to print a paper copy at home to take with us.)

It is at this counter where a Disney cast member will officially check you in for your cruise! This whole process goes really quickly. But, a lot of important things happen, which can make it a stressful process.

Once your boarding number is called, you are permitted to board the Disney cruise ship. Stepping onto the Disney ship this first day is a really exciting moment. The cast members even announce your name and applaud as you enter!

↓↓ Visit My Etsy Shop ↓↓

At around 1:30 on embarkation day, your stateroom should be ready. It is here that you will find your Key to the World Card as Disney Cruise Line places them outside your cabin door.

You do not need to do anything special to activate this Key to the World Card. Instead, your main job is to NOT lose it!

How to Read the Key Card

Once you receive your Key to the World Card, it may appear to show a bunch of random letters. However, each part of the card is significant in its own way.

I am including a photo of one of my Key the World Cards below. This card was gold because we sailed in the Concierge level for this trip. Normally, the Key to the World Card would be blue.

At the top of the card, you will notice dates. These are the dates of your cruise. This information is followed by the name of the ship on which you are sailing.

The “A” beside the ship’s name stands for adult . My kids had an “M” on their cards to show that they are minors. Next, the “PA” letters indicate that I purchased Disney Cruise Line ground transportation .

The “P” signals that I purchased transfers to the port while the “A” shows that I paid for transportation to the airport after the cruise. If you are unsure of how to arrive at or leave the port, I highly recommend the Disney Cruise Line transfers!

They are a super easy and convenient way to travel. especially if you have toddlers and little kids in your party!

Castaway Club

On the line underneath where the ship’s name is printed, you will find your full name followed by your Castaway Club level.

After your first cruise with Disney Cruise Line, you automatically become a silver Castaway Club member. If you are in the Castaway Club, your member number will be printed on your Key to the World Card as well.

Dining Rotation

(Please note that Disney Cruise Line no longer includes dining times and rotations on the Key to the World Cards. However, I will leave the information below as it briefly explains the dining rotation process.)

Your dining rotation is also listed on your Key to the World card. The Disney Magic has three main dining rooms: Lumiere’s, Animator’s Palate, and Rapunzel’s Royal Table. You can see that my Key to the World Card shows an “L” first, meaning that we ate at Lumiere’s on the first night of our cruise.

You will also notice that the “A” for Animator’s Palate is listed twice (as is the “L”). This is because we ate at Animator’s Palate on both night 2 and night 3 of the cruise.

Even though we were in the same dining room for two nights in a row, Disney Cruise Line switched up the menu. So, you will have completely different menu options even if you eat in the same dining room.

Muster Drill Location

The final item on the Key to the World card is your muster station location. The muster drill is the emergency evacuation drill that takes place on embarkation day. It usually starts at around 4:00 in the afternoon before you officially set sail.

Your stateroom door will show a map of the ship along with the best way to get to your muster station. You will notice on the Key to the World card pictured above that our muster station was P.

We walked down to Deck 4 of the ship at the time of the drill and found letters of the alphabet broadly displayed throughout the deck. You simply find the letter that matches your Key to the World Card. A Disney Cruise Line cast member will then swipe your family’s cards to check you in for the drill.

Room Key and More

Your Key to the World card is super important while cruising! Below is a list of all the places we used our Key to the World Card on our last cruise:

• Stateroom – Your Key Card serves as the key to your stateroom. Similar to a key card at a hotel, you need to swipe this card at your door any time you want to enter your room.
• Muster Drill – As mentioned above, a cast member will swipe your card to show that you are in attendance.
• Security – You will need to swipe this card every single time you leave or board the ship. So, make sure you take it with you when visiting ports.
• Shops – You use your Key to the World Card any time you want to make a purchase on board the cruise ship. This includes any time you want to purchase specialty food or beverages that are an additional cost.
• Launderette – You even use this important card if you choose to do laundry on board the ship!

Disney Cruise Lanyard

Many people choose to hold their Key to the World Card in a lanyard. Lanyards are easily worn around your neck to keep the card handy since its needed so often.

Do you get a lanyard on a Disney cruise?

If you are a Castaway Club member and have cruised with Disney Cruise Line, you will be given lanyards at check-in on embarkation day.

If you are new to Disney Cruise Line, you can purchase Key to the World Card holders before your trip. These are the lanyards my family really likes! (Amazon Affiliate Link)

On our most recent cruise, my husband kept his Key to the World Card in his phone case instead of in a lanyard. His phone case has a small pocket on the back to hold his driver’s license, credit cards, and cash. You can see this handy phone case that we both use here. (Amazon Affiliate Link)

He carried his phone with him the whole time we were on the ship because he used it to take pictures. It was easy for him to just keep his Key to the World Card in the phone pocket since he is used to having his important items there anyway!

Final Thoughts on the Disney Cruise Key Card

Your Key to the World Card on your Disney cruise is a lot like a Magic Band at Disney World.

Your identification information and credit card are linked to the card, so it is really the only thing you need to ALWAYS have with you on board.

The key card is one of the many things that makes a vacation with Disney Cruise Line so easy! You don’t have to worry about juggling ID’s, credit cards, cash, keys, etc. While sailing, you just show your Key to the World Card, and you’re good to go!

Disney Cruise Line is also implementing DisneyBand+ on select cruises. While these bands come at a cost, they allow you to easily wear your account information on your list like at Disney World.

Although, it’s important to note that you will still need the actual Key to the World Card when you debark and re-enter the ship in port.

We hope you have a fabulous time on your upcoming Disney Cruise Line vacation!

Shari is an experienced planner and organizer for Disney vacations, cruising, and U.S. travel. Her family vacation information, reviews, and tips provide insight for moms and dads everywhere. You can read more about her story, including her journey through breast cancer, in the about me page.

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• My Disney Experience App / Planning / Walt Disney World

An Expert Guide to Your Key to the World Card

by Sarah Trimpe · January 19, 2022

When you arrive at your Walt Disney World resort and check-in at the front desk , your entire travel party will be given a Key to World Card to help you experience all the magic that Disney has to offer.

The question is, what is a Key the World Card and how does it work?

What is a Key to the World Card?

It is a plastic RFID card, similar in size and shape to a credit card. While staying at Disney World it will be your room key and your park ticket.

It can also be used to charge items to your room if you have a Credit Card saved to your My Disney Experience account and can be scanned by a Cast Member when getting your picture taken.

Where can I get my Key to the World Card?

Visit the front desk of your Walt Disney World Resort Hotel to get your Key to the World Card.

You can choose a design featuring the classic Disney characters Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy, and Pluto. Each guest in your party can have their own card.

Photo: Disney

Does each member of my travel party need a card?

Yes, everyone in your travel party will need their own card since it is encoded with park admission information. Grownups can hold onto the card for younger children .

Can I use a MagicBand instead?

They serve the same purpose and have the same features, so you can use a MagicBand instead of a Key to the World card. You have to have one or the other, but you don’t need both.

Image Credit: Disney

Is a MagicBand better than a Key to the World Card?

It really comes down to personal preference. There are pros and cons to both options. A Key to the World Card is free, but you have to keep track of it. A MagicBand is conveniently wearable, but they cost.

Ready to start planning your next Disney vacation? 2022 Walt Disney World packages are available for booking. Please fill out the form below for a FREE, no-obligation quote, or email me at [email protected] . I’d love to help you plan your next Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, or Adventures By Disney vacation. My planning services are FREE when you book with me, and I can help you every step of the way. You can also follow me on Facebook or Instagram .

Tags: Disney Planning Key To the World Card MagicBands Walt Disney World

Sarah Trimpe

Sarah believes that Disney vacations are the most amazing and memorable vacations of all. She loves planning magical getaways for her MickeyTravels clients and offering planning advice here at MickeyBlog. Please email [email protected] for a free, no-obligation quote, or to start planning.

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A Complete Guide To Disney’s Key To The World Cards

Nowadays when you visit Disney World, it feels like MagicBands are a fact of life. These handy wristbands are your park tickets, resort keys, and can store info like Lightning Lane reservations and even your credit card details to make purchasing items in the parks easier.

Many guests choose to stick with this new form of Disney tech to simplify their vacation experience. However, if you don’t want to use a MagicBand, Disney will give you a Key to the World Card instead!

Unfamiliar with the Key to the World Cards? We created this guide to cover everything you need to know about this alternative!

What is a Key to the World Card?

For guests who decide not to use MagicBands, you can ask for a Key to the World Card either when you check-in to your resort or go to Guest Services before entering your first park. Each guest will have their own card, and these cards are totally free. Cards feature a variety of designs. This makes them an excellent souvenir once your trip is over!

Whether you’re staying a Disney Resort or not, if you are going into the parks you will need a Key to the World Card.  If you are staying in a Disney resort this card will also be your room key. You can also use these keys to charge purchases to your room as long as your credit card is connected to your My Disney Experience account. Plus, they even hold Lightning Lane info to make tapping in for your reservation simple. Handy!

Key Card vs. MagicBand

There are many overlapping duties between a Key Card and a MagicBand. However, there are two areas where these methods differ: price and capabilities. Key to the World Cards are free, while MagicBands often cost around $35 and can be as much as $60 or more. While you can get discounts on MagicBands, you’re still paying for something that is fairly similar to the Key Cards.

However, there are several things that a MagicBand can do that you won’t get with a Key Card. For one, you usually don’t get to pick your design for your Key to the World Card, and there are only a few character designs available at a time. There are TONS of MagicBand designs, with special releases for different anniversaries, festivals, and other celebrations. The MagicBand+ is also the only way to interact with the special 100th Anniversary statues in Disneyland and 50th Anniversary statues in Disney World (while they’re up). It’s also easier to keep track of your MagicBand, whereas your Key Card could easily get lost. Despite this, you may feel that the price difference makes up for these differences.

Key Card vs. MagicMobile

So if Key to the World Cards are free and access the same information that’s in your My Disney Experience App, what’s the difference between the Key Cards and MagicMobile ? This is a third way for guests to access the parks, their hotel rooms, and plenty other Disney amenities in a contactless way. MagicMobile does a lot of the same things as a Key to the World Card but works through your iPhone or Apple Watch.

You might opt for this option if you really want to go the minimalist route and skip over both MagicBands and Key Cards. All you have to do is link your tickets in your My Disney Experience App, then set up your MagicMobile Pass in the app. It will add your pass to your Apple Wallet allowing you to use your phone as your Key Card! This can be a convenient option, but is only available for iPhone and Apple Watch users at this time.

Disney Cruise Key Card vs. Disney World Key Card

Key Cards aren’t limited to just the Disney parks. You can use them on the Disney Cruise Line as well! When you embark on a cruise, you’ll receive a Key to the World Card for your trip that will act as your room key, identification, credit card, and PhotoPass card. Many cruise ship guests choose to bring a lanyard to keep their cards handy.

The main difference between your regular Disney World Key Card and the card you receive on a cruise is the Disney Cruise Line Key to the World Cards also include several lines of codes. Each line includes important information, like your sailing date, ship name, transportation you purchased for disembarking, and whether that key belongs to a child or an adult. It also will show your dining time, so you have a quick reference for when you should be at the doors for dinner. These cards are essentially the same as the in-park version, just with some cruise-specific additions!

We hope this guide gave you a good overview of what Disney’s Key to the World Cards are and how they compare to other options you have. For more guides like this, stay tuned to our site!

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What’s your favorite way to do Disney? Are you a MagicBand person, or do you prefer the Key Cards? How about MagicMobile? Share your thoughts below!

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2 Replies to “A Complete Guide To Disney’s Key To The World Cards”

MagicMobile is available for Google Wallet as well…

When we first started going with regularity Key to the World cards were the only thing they had. Then along came “free” magic bands. Ok, attached to your wrist instead of having to take the card out all the time, pretty good deal. Then Disney got greedy and started charging $ for the magic bands. I’ll stick with the “free” Key to the World card next time we go, thanks.

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Guide to Disney’s Key to the World Card

By: Author Erin Bassett

Posted on Last updated: September 5, 2023

Disney’s Key to the World Card is the ultimate passport to enchantment and convenience within the magical realm of Disney. As a coveted possession for every visitor, this card serves as your all-in-one access key to Walt Disney World, seamlessly combining the functions of a room key, park ticket, and PhotoPass card into a single, convenient card. With the Key to the World Card in hand, you’ll unlock the gateway to unforgettable adventures, effortless navigation, and endless possibilities throughout the enchanting realms of Disney parks and resorts.

What is the Key to the World Card?

Disney’s Key to the World Card is a versatile and simple tool for guests visiting Walt Disney World. This all-in-one card serves as a room key, park ticket, entry into Lightning Lanes with Genie+, and PhotoPass card, eliminating the need to carry multiple items during your stay. 

Where Do You Get a Key to the World Card?

Upon check-in at a Disney resort, guests receive their Key to the World Card. This card not only grants access to your hotel room but also acts as your ticket to the enchanting theme parks, allowing you to effortlessly enter and exit the parks throughout your visit. 

If you are staying off-site at a non-Disney Resort you can pick a Key to the World Card at Guest Relations prior to entering the park.

What Can A Key to the World Card Do?

Disney’s Key to the World Card offers a range of functionalities and benefits for guests visiting Walt Disney World. Here is a comprehensive list of what the Key to the World Card can do:

• Room Key: The card serves as your key to access your hotel room in Disney resorts. Just like a typical hotel key, the Key to the World Card is a thin credit card-like “key”.
• Park Ticket: The card acts as your park ticket, granting entry to the theme parks throughout your stay. PRO-TIP: Make sure your tickets are linked to your My Disney Experience app just in case you lose your Key to the World Card. 
• Lightning Lanes: The Key to the World Card allows you to book and manage Lightning Lanes selections with Genie+ for attractions, entertainment, and character experiences.
• PhotoPass: The card can be linked to your Disney PhotoPass account, enabling you to conveniently collect and view your digital photos taken by Disney’s professional photographers.
• Special Event Reservations: You can use the Key to the World Card to make reservations for special events, tours, and experiences within the Walt Disney World Resort.
• Convenience: By consolidating room key, park ticket, and payment functions into one card, the Key to the World Card reduces the need to carry multiple items, making it a convenient and efficient tool for your stay.

The Key to the World Card offers guests a seamless and hassle-free experience, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the magic of Walt Disney World.

How Much Does the Key to the World Card Cost?

One notable advantage of Disney’s Key to the World Card is that it is provided to guests free of charge, unlike the MagicBand. When staying at a Disney resort, guests receive their Key to the World Card upon check-in as part of their accommodation package. This means there is no additional cost associated with acquiring and using the card. While the MagicBand offers its own set of features and customization options, it comes with a separate purchase cost.

The Key to the World Card provides a convenient and cost-effective option for guests who may prefer a complimentary and all-in-one solution for their room key, park ticket, and PhotoPass needs during their Walt Disney World visit, while helping you stay on budget.

Disney’s Key to the World Card vs. MagicBand

The Key to the World Card is a slim credit card sized “key” that will allow you access to everything Disney World has to offer guests. However, it is very easy to lose since you need your park ticket dozens of times per day.

On the other hand, the Disney Magic Band is a wearable device that is worn on the wrist. It also functions as a room key, park ticket, and payment method (for resort guests), but it provides additional features that the Key to the World Card does not have. The Magic Band can be customized with various designs, colors, and even personalized names. It uses RFID technology, allowing for touchless entry and interaction with various touchpoints throughout the resort. It also enables guests to access PhotoPass photos, store dining reservations, and participate in interactive experiences like Disney’s MagicBands-enabled attractions.

See all of the MagicBands available in Disney World here…

While both the Key to the World Card and the Disney Magic Band serve similar purposes, they offer distinct advantages based on personal preferences. The Key to the World Card is ideal for guests who prefer a card-based system and a lightweight option, while the Magic Band appeals to those who enjoy wearing a customizable wristband and want to take advantage of its additional features. Ultimately, whether you choose the Key to the World Card or the Magic Band, both options provide convenient access and seamless integration for an enchanting experience at Walt Disney World.

See hidden features on MagicBands here.

Disney’s Key to the World Card vs. Magic Mobile

Disney’s Key to the World Card and the new Disney Magic Mobile are two distinct digital solutions that offer convenience and accessibility to guests at Walt Disney World.

The Key to the World Card is a physical card that combines room key, park ticket, and PhotoPass functions into a single card. It provides a tangible and easy-to-use option for guests who prefer carrying a card during their visit. With the Key to the World Card, guests can access their hotel room, enter the theme parks, and make purchases throughout the resort. It offers a reliable and familiar experience, particularly for guests who may not have a compatible smartphone or prefer not to rely solely on digital technology.

In contrast, the new Disney Magic Mobile transforms guests’ smartphones into a digital key and payment method. By using the My Disney Experience app on compatible smartphones, guests can add their park tickets, hotel room keys, and even payment information to their device. This allows guests to conveniently access their hotel room, enter the parks, and make purchases by simply tapping their smartphone at designated touchpoints. The Disney Magic Mobile provides a contactless and paperless experience, eliminating the need to carry physical cards.

One advantage of the Key to the World Card is its simplicity and reliability. As a physical card, it doesn’t rely on battery life or smartphone compatibility. Guests can easily slip it into a wallet, pocket, or use a lanyard for convenient access throughout their stay. It also offers a sense of nostalgia and familiarity for those who prefer the traditional card-based approach.

On the other hand, Disney Magic Mobile offers a more streamlined and futuristic experience. With just a few taps on their smartphones, guests have access to their hotel room, park tickets, and PhotoPass. It reduces the need to carry extra items and provides a seamless, contactless interaction at various touchpoints throughout the resort. Additionally, the Magic Mobile can integrate additional features like PhotoPass, dining reservations, and interactive experiences, making it a comprehensive digital tool.

Ultimately, the choice between the Key to the World Card and the Disney Magic Mobile depends on personal preference and technological compatibility. Guests who prefer a tangible card and a reliable option may opt for the Key to the World Card, while those who embrace digital solutions and want a streamlined, contactless experience may find the Disney Magic Mobile more appealing. Both options aim to enhance the guest experience by providing convenient access and seamless transactions at Walt Disney World.

Best Ways to Carry Key to the World Card

Using a lanyard is a popular and convenient way to carry your Key to the World Card at Walt Disney World. A lanyard allows you to keep your card easily accessible while keeping your hands free for other activities. To make the most of this carrying method, consider investing in a lanyard that has a clear plastic pouch or cardholder attachment specifically designed to hold the card securely. This ensures that your Key to the World Card remains visible and protected from potential damage or loss.

Additionally, opting for a lanyard with a breakaway feature is recommended for safety purposes, as it allows the lanyard to detach easily in case it gets caught on something. Wearing your Key to the World Card on a lanyard not only provides practicality but also adds a touch of Disney flair to your outfit, making it a stylish and efficient way to carry your essential card throughout the parks and resorts.

Amazon has tons of great options for Disney Lanyards! 

Disney Cruise Line Key to the World vs. Disney World Key to the World Card

While both the Key to the World Card at Walt Disney World and the Key to the World Card on a Disney Cruise share the same name, there are notable differences in their functionalities and purposes.

At Walt Disney World, the Key to the World Card is primarily used as a multipurpose card that combines the functions of a room key, park ticket, and PhotoPass. It allows guests to access their hotel rooms, enter the theme parks, and manage Lightning Lane selections. 

On a Disney Cruise, the Key to the World Card serves as a comprehensive identification and access card. It acts as your stateroom key, onboard charge card, and serves as identification for getting on and off the ship at ports of call. The card is personalized with your name and stateroom number and also holds important information such as your dining rotation and seating assignment. It becomes your essential companion for accessing various amenities and services onboard the ship, including dining venues, spa facilities, kids’ clubs, and more.

While both cards offer convenience and simplify your experience, their functionalities are tailored to the specific needs of their respective Disney destinations. The Key to the World Card at Walt Disney World focuses on park access within the resort, while the Key to the World Card on a Disney Cruise provides access to onboard amenities and serves as a comprehensive identification and payment tool throughout your voyage. Understanding the unique features of each card will help you make the most of your Disney vacation, whether it’s exploring the parks or embarking on a magical cruise adventure.

I am a mother of three that has refused to grow up. Adulting is for the birds, so I go to Disney World every chance I get for that magical escape from reality. I believe that Haunted Mansion is the best ride in all of the Disney Parks, and I am fervently in team Happily Ever After for fireworks spectaculars, (sorry, not sorry, Enchanted). Finally, I hope I never grow tired of skipping down Main Street, USA, and my dream come true would be “friends with” the Fairy Godmother in my old age.

How to Read your Disney Cruise Key to the World Card Like a Pro

Imagine this… you just checked in for your Disney Cruise, received your boarding group and the weekly Navigator, and you were starting to slide your Disney Key to the World card into your lanyard…

What do all those abbreviations on your Key to the World card mean?

Are they important? ( Hint, most are!)

Here’s what you need to know.

Key Takeaways:

• The Key to the World card is one of your most important things to carry while on a Disney Cruise.
• It acts like your room key, your cruise identification, your contactless wallet and has different codes on it for your dining reservations

What is the Disney Key to the World card?

Before we discuss how to read it, you may be curious as to what you need it for. Here’s a quick outline:

• Room key – Simply tap your key to the door sensor
• Identification for boarding – Your KTTW card will be scanned every time you leave the ship, then when you return. In fact, they know who you left with! One time, Kevin wanted to walk around the port more, so he didn’t come back with me. The crew member asked me if he was returning later.
• Credit card  – No need to carry money with you as Disney’s Key to the World card charges your main account. Things like onboard merchandise, coffee at the Cove Café or any specialty drinks can be charged.
• Disney photos – Often, the Disney photographers will scan your card (other times they just ask for your room number) before they take your picture (similar to how they do it at the parks).

Okay, this is pretty obvious – these are your sailing dates.

Three pieces of information are listed here:

• Your ship name
• (A) – adult or (M) – minor
• P – to the port
• A – return to the airport
• R – return to a Disney World resort

You can have a combination of these, such as mine reads ‘PA’ means I purchased Disney transportation to the port as well as back to the airport.

Another obvious one – your name

This is your Castaway Club membership. Each person in your stateroom will have a unique number. In addition, if this is your first time cruising (like it was mine), it will only have this number. If you have previously sailed with Disney Cruise Line (and saved money booking a Disney placeholder cruise) , it will say your status such as Silver, Gold or Platinum.

If your Key to the World card is yellow instead of blue, you are booked in a Concierge room and have access to the Concierge Lounge.

Dinner seating time and table number. If you are eating in one of the main dining room restaurants, this is what time you should be at the doors. Your table number will be the same even as you rotate among restaurants.

Your dining rotation. On Disney Cruises, dinner seating is rotated among the three restaurants. Follow this chart so you know where to eat!

Disney Cruise restaurant names and symbol for each ship:

Disney Fantasy:

• (E) – Enchanted Garden
• (R) – Royal Court
• (A) – Animator’s Palette

Disney Dream:

• (R) – Royal Palace

Disney Magic:

• (L) – Lumiere’s
• (C) – Carioca’s

Disney Wonder:

• (TI) – Tiana’s Place
• (TR) – Triton’s

As a side note, your disembarkation breakfast is always served in the restaurant where you had dinner the night before. For example, on our Key to the World card, ‘A’, for Animator’s Palette, is where we had dinner on our last cruise night and also where we had breakfast before leaving the ship.

Two items are listed here. First is the station number of where you checked in. This doesn’t really mean anything.

Then, in the bottom right corner of your Key to the World card, you may find a ‘DV’ or ‘NC’. The DV means your Disney Visa card is on file and some discounts could apply to you.

‘NC’ means no charging. When checking in online, you have the option to give your children charging privileges or not. I chose not to, therefore, my daughter’s card shows ‘NC’.

The final piece of information is the large letter in the bottom left corner. This is your muster station. It is where you need to go for the mandatory muster drill before the ship sails. Be sure to bring your Key to the World card (only one card needed per stateroom) as crew members will swipe it to verify you were there.

Now you know everything!

Ok, now that you know every single piece of information on this card, where are you going to put it? If you have cruised with Disney before, they provide you with Disney Cruise lanyards . If this is your first cruise, you need to bring your own. Pick up some cute ones on Amazon like these:

Want some more Disney Cruise advice? Click on the following links!

• 15 Things to do on your Disney Cruise Embarkation Day
• How to Organize your Disney Cruise Stateroom
• Connect at Sea – How to use the Disney Cruise Wifi

Do you have any other questions regarding your Disney Cruise Key to the World card? If you do, please post them in the comments!

PIN this for future reference!  Thank you.

Christine is a Disney World annual pass holder and overall Disney expert and fanatic. She often visits the Disneylands around the world naming Disneyland Paris her favorite. To continue reading, click more about me .

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DCL News , Disney Cruise Line , Disney Destinations , Disney Dream , Disney Fantasy , Disney Magic , Disney Wish , Disney Wonder , Onboard Activities & Entertainment · August 21, 2023

Understanding Disney Cruise Line’s Key to the World Card

Ahoy there, sailor! Getting excited about your first Disney Cruise Line sailing? Or maybe you’re embarking on your first sailing in quite some time! Either way, we’ve got you covered to make sure you “know before you go” all the things that will make your sailing smooth from start to finish! When you board your Disney Cruise ship, your Key to the World card can be found tucked behind the number outside your stateroom door. Not only does this card serve as your stateroom key, but it will also be the way in which you pay for things on board, and pertinent to getting both on and off the ship at your ports of call. If you’ve booked Disney Cruise Line transportation after your sailing, be sure it is indicated on your Key to the World card when you receive it (as noted below in the diagram.) If for some reason you aren’t sure of your stateroom number, you can check it in your Disney Cruise Line Navigator app; it will NOT be listed on your card for safety reasons. Need help with the Navigator app? Click HERE for our full tutorial on how to use it before, during & during your cruise! 

Are you ready to book your Disney vacation? Leave all the details to our friends at  Academy Travel Agency  & let one of their Disney experts take it from here!  Just click here to select your Disney destination of choice , fill out the quick & easy questionnaire, and your personalized, free agent will be in touch soon! Take a look around our website in the meantime, and read all about  resorts ,  cruises ,  dining ,  entertainment & more ! Be sure to follow us  @thekingdominsider  on Instagram &  The Kingdom Insider  on Facebook for updates & Insider info on what’s not to be missed! Get excited, the countdown to your vacation is ON!

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Disney in a Minute: What is a Key to the World Card?

We’re here with a series of quick posts, “Disney in a Minute,” bite-sized nuggets of information that can better help you understand a Disney term or planning topic. Enjoy!

At Walt Disney World, a Key to the World Card (KTTWC) is the plastic card you’ll be issued at your Disney-owned hotel. The size and shape of a standard credit card, the Key to the World Card can have a number of functions, most similar to the Disney Cruise Line Key to the World Card . A WDW KTTWC can:

• Serve as your room key
• Serve as your park admission medium (if you have purchased park tickets and linked them to your room)
• Serve as your identification for theme park early entry
• Serve as charge card at WDW parks and resorts, if you’ve chosen to allow charging and linked a credit card to your account
• Serve as identification for free parking at the WDW theme parks
• Serve as your check-in mechanism for Lightning Lane and Genie+ reservations , if you’ve made them
• Serve as the mechanism to link PhotoPass pictures to your My Disney Experience account
• Serve as a your identification for the Disney Dining Plan , if you’ve purchased it
• Serve as an entry key to resort amenities such as the pool or health club

As compact and useful as a Key to the World Card is, there may be many instances where a WDW guest does not have one and does not need one. If you’ve checked in to your resort online, you may qualify for Direct-to-Room Check-In . This means that rather than stopping by the hotel’s front desk to get a KTTWC, you can use your phone or a MagicBand to unlock your door. You can also accomplish the other tasks listed above with your phone, if you’ve set up MagicMobile , or with a MagicBand.

If you prefer using a card rather than your phone or a MagicBand (they’re no longer free), just stop by the front desk of your hotel and they’ll be happy to issue one. There is often a choice of images available for you to choose from, so if you have a child with strong preferences, you might want to have them with you when you go get your cards. Also note that unlike the Disney Cruise key cards, which have your name and easily readable information on the face, the Disney World KTTWC identifies you by a scannable QR code on the card’s reverse side.

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Erin Foster

Erin Foster is an original member of the Walt Disney World Moms Panel (now PlanDisney), a regular contributor to TouringPlans.com, and co-author of The Unofficial Guide to Disney Cruise Line. She's been to WDW, DL, DL Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland, Aulani, DVC Vero Beach, and DVC Hilton Head. She's a Platinum DCL cruiser and veteran of 10 Adventures by Disney trips. Erin lives near New York City, where she can often be found indulging in her other obsession - Broadway theater.

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DisneyBand+ & More – Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use both my DisneyBand+ and Key to the World card to access my stateroom?

Yes, you may use one active DisneyBand+ for accessing your stateroom. You may also use your Key to the World card to access your stateroom.

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Disney Cruise Line Removing Dining Rotations from Key to the World Cards

Disney Cruise Line announced they are dropping the dining rotation details on guests printed on Key To The World cards beginning on Friday, October 1, 2021 – effectively placing additional dependence on the Navigator App.

Disney states, onboard the ship, guests will be encouraged to check the My Plans section of the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App for all dinner details, including their restaurant rotation, arrival time, table number, menus and recommended attire.

When guests arrive for dinner, servers will recommend guests have their app open so they are able to quickly and easily take the guests to their table. Guests with questions or those who are unable to access the app may visit Guest Services or any dining location to speak with a Crew Member for assistance.

The reason for this change is due to the cards now being printed onboard and placed in envelopes at each stateroom versus individually per group in the terminal. The new process cuts into the time of onboard Guest Service Crew Members who are also helping guests onboard the current sailing.

How do you feel about the removal of the dining rotations from the Key to the World cards and the continued push to use the app and technology on a cruise?

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51 Replies to “Disney Cruise Line Removing Dining Rotations from Key to the World Cards”

I’d guess this is to avoid having to constantly reprint cards for any dining changes which I think happened quite a lot on the UK summer cruises, we had 3 re-prints in one cruise.

I’d prefer they focus on getting rid of the card entirely, if Walt Disney World tickets can be on the phone then these could be too.

Eliminating the card may seem a good idea on the surface, but how does one open their stateroom and keep lights on in the stateroom? Currently the stateroom and lights require the card and who knows what it would take to convert? Also, it’s easier to carry the card than it is to carry the phone. I rather carry the card an loss it and get a reprint than loss my phone. With that said, you still ahve a good idea.

easy… either use app on phone or “magic band” to open door. then once inside you can use motion sensors to keep lights/ac on or they can use bluetooth beacons with the app.

If I understand it correctly they aren’t eliminating the key card, just the dinner information that is printed on the card.

They aren’t doing away with the key cards itself. They are doing away with printing your dining information on the cards. Like table number, time, and the rotation of your restaurants

Magic bands to open the doors, a credit or other type card for the lights.

And what will they fo when their network is fown?

Bummer — the one thing I want to do when on vacation is STOP carrying my phone everywhere I go. Sigh….

Good point Ruth. I go on vacation to relax and get away from the hussle and bustle, especially living on the phone.

I enjoy them on my KTTW card.. if all of it is going to be on the phones via the app, then DCL needs a serious network capabilities OVERHAUL..

I never relied on the card for that purpose. I am sure that it will be somewhere so I don’t think it’s a big deal to remember a restaurant and table number..

Totally agree. And what about those who can’t use a smartphone?

This is crazy. How do the guests who do not have smart phones determine which venue they will eat? I think this places an additional load on guest services desk. I agree with Ruth. I didn’t carry my phone while I was cruising because I cannot use it at sea anyway. Now they are forcing us to carry them?

I refuse to carry my phone when I’m on a cruise. I lock it in the safe except for port excursions. Disney better have a way to know where my table is without me bringing my phone to the dining room.

I agree with the other comments – I want to disconnect on vacation and stop carrying my phone, and when I do use the app onboard, the network is often inadequate. I don’t want to put more work on the wonderful servers, but I’m not going to go out of my way to bring my phone to dinner. Hopefully, they are empowered to speak up to their supervisors and say that guests like me want that info back on the KTTW card.

How about getting a version of the MagicBand finally?

IF they are still printing all the other information on the card, WHY just remove the convenient information. I am with Ruth and David (see above) on this. When I go on board I turn my phone off and do not turn it back on until I am in a port. I DO NOT want to carry it around on board!! SINCE I am forced to do so the WI-FI should be more than capable of having everyone on it on a regular basis.

@Ana you still need to know where you are going so a magic band won’t tell you anything. We cruise lots and we have never showed our card at any restaurant. We go to the restaurant and tell them our name and table number and they bring you to your table. You just need to know your restaurant and you can check that any time during the day without having to carry your phone. I just don’t see what the big deal is.

Probably will work about as well as the on site mobile check out. Even the cast member at the World of Disney couldn’t[t get it to work. Maybe will be OK in 6 months or so.

This makes no sense whatsoever. It’s like someone at Corporate just said, “Hey, how can we make things just a *touch* more inconvenient and confusing?”

Next thing you know they’ll take away rotational dining because it requires crew members to have more than one uniform, which costs more money.

this is garbage. vast majority of comments i see from people are those who do NOT want to rely on their phone and the app for everything while cruising. people want to lock their phones away and be free. and what happens when inevitably, because it’s disney IT, the app crashes and no one can access anything they’ve moved exclusively digital? they are creating problems, not solving them. people will show up at the wrong restaurant, not know their table number, and staff will just have more to deal with. why doesn’t disney hear their guests anymore?

Not everyone has smart phone. I hate having to carry my on the ship.

We have various friends who don’t own smart phones and are long time Disney cruisers…..maybe for not much longer!!!! The Disney Cruise app needs much improvement and stabilisation because at times it just cannot cope. Not all ‘improvements’ are good or for the best.

We just got home from a Disney cruise and it was amazing. While I agree that it’s great to unplug when at sea, I use my phone to take pictures, so it’s usually with me anyway. It’s quite easy to be unplugged except for the DCL app and photos. They have retooled the app, and we had zero problems with it during our cruise.

You a Disney cast member?

This is a bit disconcerting. I am with those that leave the phone behind (in cabin) when on vacation, I want to disconnect totally when on vacation as the reason we go on DCL. At the very least, DCL should print out a slip of paper to carry with you or keep in the cabin. So it doe not have to be on the card but for some reason they want you to carry your phone around. This on top of DCL not having printed Navigators anymore to keep as souvenirs/remembrances.

Hoping we still get that “ticket” that is printed in the cabin with the dining rotation – my husband always tucked that away in His wallet. I’m sad that it won’t be easy for me the kids to meet us in the dining room without being plugged in (part of why we loved cruising was to get away from these darn phones!)

It pretty much already worked this way on our Cruise on the Dream in August 2021

We knew where we were going for dinner so having the KTTW card didn’t matter. We didn’t have to show it when we walked up for dinner. We just told them our table number and they took us to it.

No other questions or anything to do. Didn’t matter if we had our phones or not.

Just got off the Fantasy today. The dining rotation was already removed from our KTTW cards. Didn’t bother me in the least. We are already using our phones to take pictures, join queues (you need to join a queue to leave the ship for Castaway Cay), and scan the QR codes in the dining rooms to access the menus. (I was told they would still bring us a paper menu if we preferred, but that’s not the default. And honestly, I prefer the phones since I can control the font size.) The dining rotation and table number were built into my personal schedule in the app. I found it very convenient. I love how DCL continues to innovate. I found the DCL network to be fast, and I had no problem connecting. (My only issue is when I tried to use extended WiFi to connect to the outside world to check my email. The connection was sluggish, and DCL still hasn’t caught on that making outside wifi connections available without charge would be a huge advantage to their advertising). But as for the dining room rotation on the card, never missed it. Honestly, if you’re tech-adverse, this might not be the cruise for you. As for me and my family, we LOVED it!

It’s already been said, but maybe there’s strength in numbers. My wife loves cruising on DCL because I DON’T carry my phone everywhere. I can disconnect and basically use my phone as a paperweight for a few days. Instead of a sharp cutover, why not make both available for a while?

On the Fantasy a couple of weeks ago our Keys did not have the dining information on it and we thought it was a mistake. Now I know its going fleet wide.

I’ve already had to get a new smart phone because the app required a newer operating system. While I understand the desire to cut costs, I disagree with DCL’s way of doing it. I like the daily Navigators. I like leaving my electronics turned off and locked in the safe instead of having to carry them everywhere.

I. Do. Not. Want. To. Carry. And/Or. Rely. On. My. Phone. I like to be free of carrying anything at parks and cruises. I write tiny notes and put it in my lanyard (and sometimes bring and extra clear pouch to pop on) so I have everything I need. I don’t want to carry a purse and I don’t always have a pocket big enough to hold my phone so I leave it behind or drop it. Additionally, I have an old phone with battery issues. Using the apps constantly drains it. Disney is so busy with pushing tech – are they planning on selling cell phones and creating a Disney cell phone service? I wish they’d take some tech and fix the People Mover. Or how about finish Tron. Oh – I digress. I will get my rotation and table number and write it down. I’m pretty sure I can remember the time. I am hopeful they will still post menus outside the restaurant. I will be asking for a paper menu if needed. To those who felt it all worked on a recent cruise – haven’t most of the cruises been about half full? Wonder how a packed ship will go? But Disney isn’t targeting me anymore. They are looking for young families and their kids to turn into the next generation of Disney fans (and Castaway Club and DVC members). At least that’s the message I’ve been getting. Oh and yes, I can look behind me and see a long line of people who love it all and can’t wait for this old curmudgeon to get out of the way! Enjoy all those who love it! I will find a workaround. Just my $10000. (as opposed to 2 cents – adjusted for Disney).

Just sailed this weekend and it was not on KTW cards and had to use app to find out where our first night dinner was. Also, you need to use the app to access the menu at all locations, including Palo. Phone out everywhere now on DCL folks.

Yay! Why have to look at people and talk face to face? I’m so in love with my phone that I want to stare at it all day. And see others enjoying the same love affair! I am a dinosaur.

How does DCL save money by eliminating the dinner rotation information? DCL is already printing the stateroom card with information. Just print the dinner rotation information like you already have done in the past! you are already printing information. DAH DCL! Time to vent directly to DCL because just posting here may feel good but it will not get their attention.

I dont carry the phone, my hubby does. So if i am not with him, i look at my key card. Why do you have to take everything away. I bet there is a lot of us, that will not have phones with us all the time, I know i will not. Please put that back on the card

It is all Disney trying to save money they think! They are raising the price of everything, eliminating perks. They are driving away longtime DVC, Annual Passholders and Disney cruisers

We’ll see how long it takes for management to realize they are antagonizing us.

Over reliance on any technology is not a step forward. Phones can have issues, network can have issues…….the list goes on. It will require everything to work 100% of the time. We all know that never happens. Lost or damaged phones could make things absolutely maddening. I feel for Guest Services when they inevitably have to deal with this. I do not want to carry my phone everywhere on vacation though. Having said all that, the app makes things very convenient. Why fix something that is not broken. Quick glance of the card tells us where and no battery or network is required. I hope they rethink this.

Typically don’t carry a phone around on the cruise. Will use it in the room to check plans but then lock it in the safe. I would think you could do the same for meals, check your restaurant and table number and head down to the restaurant without the phone. Don’t want to carry the phone on Castaway Cay or sit by the pool with it either.

Just want to say thank you to Scott and all the awesome folks who participate here–I love seeing the different perspectives. I couldn’t care less one way or another on this topic and I am happy to carry my phone to take pictures, but I appreciate how people don’t want to rely on technology when on vacation.

I agree with the majority above. I look forward to putting my phone in the safe, and not seeing it for a week. I hate carrying it around, and will probably just write down what I want for dinner in my stateroom and bring that with me – so my phone stays there.

Keep in mind Disney is running at a reduced capacity on the ships so I would love to see how it works out next summer when the ships are fully, kinda funny how it was so much better just a little over 1 year ago…..aaahhh the good ole days!!

For everyone freaking about about having to have the phone to eat dinner … just look at phone on the day you arrive, then write down or remember your rotation and table number. DCL is not going to deny meals to people without their phones. As others have said, you need the DCL app to disembark the ship, and your phone to read menus. So it’s probably time to just get used to having it. Without Wi-Fi there is little more to look at than the DCL app anyway. You won’t be “on your phone” Theo whole cruise.

That may be what you want, but the rest of us, not so much.

Just fyi. We are at WDW resort (Copper Creek Resort) And they tell you to go Direct to Room and your phone or Magic Band will open the door.

Guess what? Neither works. So much for Disney Technology.

The decay of Disney continues.

I hate this not only for me because like many of you I do not want to carry my phone around, but for my 86 year old mom and her flip phone. I called disney to ask about an apo upgrade for an old phone and they cant or wont even do that. So no option for her or me for that matter to use an older phone. They did tell us they will print the navigator for her but I wonder how long that will last. As far as dinner, a sharpie will work for this. Just bring a sharpie and write the info on your card yourself.

i would gladly purchase wrist bands to open our door and scan our table at the restaurant. They can always give out cards to just keep our lights on but save the ink to print on them.

We all know where this is going, First, it’s removal of the dining rotation info. Next, it will be something else. Then they will come out and say, Well, we’ve removed so much info from the card we’re going to get rid of them, make you use your phone for everything, and definitely charge you more. Or if you don’t want to use your phone on your very expensive vacation, you can cough up extra money to have them print a card out just for you. The parks have taken away so many perks, it’s not worth it anymore and I’ll bet this is what DCL has in mind too. That’s the new way of doing business.

Like most of you, when I am onboard I turn off my phone, leave it off until I get back to the disembarked Port. It is so easy to lose your phones when you are concentrating on having a good time with family and friends. I don’t know what to think about the new rule on rotational dining other than memorizing the foods on the menu for all the restaurants. That has not change. I do have one suggestion. Instead of bringing your phone, why not just ask your server to quote to you what is on the menu since they are familiar with the menus for each restaurant. That is what I am going to do. That way I can leave my phone safely in my cabin.

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The Best Time To Take A Disney Cruise

I f your family loves Disney, a Disney cruise may be something that is on your mind. Although you won’t be experiencing any attractions or rides, you will enjoy Disney magic while experiencing the world outside of Walt Disney World. Wondering when is the best time to take a Disney cruise? Here is our guide to figuring out the best options for your family.

Disclosure: Over the years we have taken media cruises on the Disney Cruise Line, and have paid full price for many of our sailings. This post contains affiliate links (and an affiliate phone number), and if you click through or purchase through one of these links/numbers, I may be paid a commission.

When booking a Disney Cruise, I recommend booking with Get Away Today. Plus, when you mention Family Travel Magazine, you get an extra $25 in onboard credits! Give their agents a call at 877-510-2929.

When deciding the best time to take a Disney Cruise, you’ll need to look at a few factors. If you have older kids, you may be stuck with only just a few weeks of availability due to sports, work, and school commitments.

My high school/college kids are so busy that school vacations are the only times that we can travel for more than a weekend. These times are very fun to travel but are likely to be more expensive – including the airfare.

If your schedule is open, and you are looking for the best times to sail on a Caribbean/Bahamian itinerary, I’d recommend May. The weather is generally nice, it’s not one of the peak times, so prices and crowds aren’t too bad.

If you have younger children who aren’t in school yet, take advantage of that time. You also won’t have to worry about hurricane season at that point.

Pricing Considerations for Your Cruise

Pricing is one of the most important factors you should consider. As you’d expect, the peak times of the year, like holidays, spring break, and other school vacations, are when you’ll often see the highest prices.

Some discounts, for military and Florida residents, for instance, are not offered on every sailing. Flexibility in booking can allow you to save some money.

It’s not just the cruise price that you should look at. If you are flying into the port or staying either a night before or a night after your cruise, the flights and hotels may also be more expensive during school vacations and holidays. So you’ll have to weigh whether the extra cost is worth the convenience of traveling during this time.

Some families choose to combine their family cruise with a trip to the theme parks for a Disney land and sea vacation . Again, this is usually a more expensive trip during holidays and school breaks – for both the parks and the cruise line.

When booking, it’s always a good idea to book early. Disney Castaway Club members can often book early when the cruise fares and itineraries are first announced. That way, you will have your choice of stateroom categories and won’t be left with the more expensive rooms, especially if you are hoping for a more affordable room category. Interior staterooms and ocean view staterooms (porthole) can be cheaper options for your trip.

If you are already taking a cruise, making onboard bookings can save you money. Your next cruise can be booked before the end of your cruise.

You can book a placeholder if you aren’t sure what itinerary you want to experience next or don’t have your available dates handy. Keep in mind that some of those benefits may have blackout dates during holidays and special events.

Also look at the price including travel insurance. It’s always a good idea to have your vacation spending protected.

Travel insurance may also cover you if you have a medical emergency (but always check coverage) A good travel agent can help you find the best rates for your dates and may even offer onboard credit.

Crowds on Your Cruise

Like prices, crowd levels are often the highest during school vacations and holidays. Although you may only be able to travel during these busy times, it’s important to understand in advance that you’ll need to make your reservations as early as possible and arrive at the airport with plenty of time. On our last cruise, we had to fly on Christmas Day, and the airport was extremely crowded with many delays.

Once your reservation is booked, based on your Castaway Club level, you should also plan your shore excursions early. If you have an especially popular port adventure, it likely will be booked up during the busy sailings. Cabanas at Castaway Cay are especially difficult to book because the demand far exceeds the supply.

Special Events at Sea

Disney Cruise Line offers some special, themed sailings that can be so much fun. These special cruises include Halloween on the High Seas, Disney’s Very Merrytime Cruise , Marvel Day at Sea, Pixar Day at Sea, and Star Wars Day at Sea. During these sailings, you’ll experience things like a decorated cruise ship, themed shows, and special events.

Often, these sailings can be more expensive than cruises without a theme. So you’ll need to decide whether or not the special theme is worth it for your family. If you aren’t excited about the extra decor/entertainment, you may want to save money and opt for a standard cruise.

Weather/Hurricane Season

Weather is another factor in deciding the best time to take a Disney Cruise. If you are planning a Caribbean/Bahamian itinerary cruise, you’ll want to look at the average temperatures in the islands you’ll be visiting. These cruises are typically offered year-round, although the Bahamian temperatures tend to be cooler in the winter months.

I generally prefer the spring, summer, and fall months when cruising to the Bahamas. Even early December can be nice. Surprisingly, while the summer months are hot, they don’t feel too hot.

The southern Caribbean islands generally have warm temps year-round. It’s important to look at hurricane season, however. A tropical storm or hurricane can affect your sailing so you’ll want to keep this in mind if you decide to cruise in these months. My September sailing resulted in an extension of two extra days due to a hurricane in Florida.

Itineraries on the Disney Cruise Line

Some of the itineraries on the Disney Cruise Line are only offered at certain times of the year. Alaskan cruises , for example, are only offered during the late spring/summer months because of the cold weather the rest of the year.

Other limited sailings include Northern Europe and San Diego (but can vary by year). So, if you are looking to take one of those sailings, you’ll have limited options for timing.

Ages of Kids on the Disney Cruise Line

Instead of a time of year, you may be wondering what the best ages are to take a Disney Cruise with your kids. You won’t want to go when your kids are too young because they won’t be able to enjoy all of the activities and amenities.

I’d recommend waiting until your kids are old enough to enjoy the kids’ clubs. They are fantastic, and your kids will likely want to stay in the clubs for much of your time at sea. Although the regular youth clubs are open to kids 3 and up, my kids had fun in them once they were about 5 years old.

After that age, I think that any kid would enjoy sailing on the Disney Cruise Line. We recently went on a trip with our 17 and 19-year-olds, and they still have a great time sailing with Disney.

Compare itineraries and prices here .

More Disney Cruise Ships Resources: Click to read more about the Disney Cruise Line ships including restaurants, tips, itineraries, activities, and more.

The post The Best Time To Take A Disney Cruise appeared first on Family Travel Magazine .

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I know that we can use the military discount to book up to 3 rooms at Disney World resorts. Are we also able to use it for up to 3 staterooms on a Disney Cruise? We have 5 kids so having only 1 room is not an option. ”

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Meet the Panelist: Tracie, Florida

Ahoy! Just like Moana, I feel the irresistible call of the sea. I think the best vacation is aboard a Disney Cruise Line ship – thankfully, my family agrees. Whether savoring gelato in Italy, snorkeling in Mexico, or basking in the sea breeze on deck, each destination fills us with memories to last a lifetime. I look forward to helping your family plan a Disney Cruise Line adventure brimming with cherished moments!

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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

From shaking beds to gender-neutral toilets, we’re flying the flag for these inclusive cruises

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A holiday isn’t a holiday if it makes life more difficult, right? And for many, a cruising trip abroad can feel like a bridge too far.

If you’ve ever gone away and been tutted at or gawked at while enjoying a moment at the bar, you’d probably rather stay home instead.

Well, a number of cruise operators have been thinking about how to make their trips more inclusive and accessible to a wider variety of guests, and their efforts have not gone unnoticed.

Whether it’s gender-neutral toilets or sign language interpreters, we’ve plucked the boats that boast a better experience for everyone from the Sailawaze Excellence Awards .

Virgin Voyages

After a day of sightseeing, what can be more entertaining than a night of drag performance? It’s par for the course at Virgin Voyages, where all staff are encouraged to express their gender identity freely.

The company prides itself on being a welcoming space for LGBTQ+ passengers with its gender-neutral toilets and hospitable atmosphere.

Founder Richard Branson has a long history of supporting gay rights, beginning with legendary Heaven nightclub in London, and the celebrations on his ships ramp up in June as themed parties are thrown and guests are presented with pride-inspired cocktails and on-deck DJs.

Celebrity Cruises

If you thought cruises were only for the silver-haired, you’d be wrong. Celebrity Cruises are a riot of colour, flying every hue of the LGBTQ+ flag – especially in June, Pride Month.

The operation, which travels to every continent, even hosted the first legal same-sex marriage at sea in 2018 and regularly holds gay weddings.

Celebrity Cruises says it promotes diversity among both staff and guests and throws regular LGBTQ+ welcome events to get the party started.

Disney Cruise Line

Family-friendly operators Disney Cruise Line prides itself on making trips accessible to those with additional needs. Guests with disabilities have access to comfortable staterooms and suites, along with a full range of services, facilities, and amenities, including auxiliary aids.

Its liners are also home to specially designed communication staterooms for guests with hearing disabilities, including a vibrating bed shaker under the mattress and an indicating panel with light signals for the doorbell, telephone calls, general alarm and fire alarm.

The ships also provide sign language interpreters for shows and entertainment.

Saga Cruises

If a loud party isn’t for you, over 50s can enjoy a more sedate voyage, with Saga Cruises providing a number of options for guests with mobility issues. A chauffeur service to and from ports is provided as standard on all trips, rooms are equipped with hearing loop systems and hoists are available to help guests in and out of the pools.

Assistance is also provided to those who need help with baggage and large print is provided in the cinema guide and daily paper, alongside Braille playing cards.

A-Rosa Cruises

Meanwhile, A-Rosa Cruises are designed with families and multi-generational groups in mind. Under-15s travel for free and family rooms have been provided so up to five can share a room while they meander along Europe’s rivers, waking up in a different city each day.

Hosts are available to take care of youngsters in the kids club, where children can choose from a variety of activities, including crafting, T-shirt design and face painting while adults can enjoy a relaxing treatment at the spa.

The rest of the nominations

Food & beverage.

Aqua Expeditions

TUI River Cruises

Windstar Cruises

Explora Journeys

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

P&O Cruises

Riverside Luxury Cruises

Emerald Cruises

Amawaterways

Swan Hellenic

Princess Cruises

MSC Cruises

Royal Caribbean

Sustainability.

AE Expeditions

The Majestic Line

Portsmouth International Port

Hurtigruten

ENTERTAINMENT

Carnival Cruise Line

Marella Cruises

COLLABORATIONS

Ambassador Cruise Line

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Oceania Cruises

Havila Voyages

Pandaw Expeditions

Holland America Line

CroisiEurope

VIVA Cruises

This year, European river specialist VIVA Cruises launched its inaugural LGBT voyage, which took travellers to Antwerp, Rotterdam and Amsterdam where they could visit the world’s largest archive of LGBTQ+ history by day and party at the city’s vibrant gay and lesbian bars by night.

VIVA is a member of the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association, an organisation built to promote equality and safety within LGBTQ+ tourism.

Autistic travellers, those with Down syndrome and other additional needs can benefit from a specially designed holiday with Royal Caribbean. Priority check-in, boarding and departure are available to those who need it and the Autism on the Seas programme offers ‘staffed cruises’ with specialised respite sessions and private activities and sessions.

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Guests can choose from Autism-friendly dietary menus and scooters, wheelchairs and walkers are provided for on shore excursions and service animals are welcome on board.

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4 Key Takeaways From Disney's Earnings Call

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UPDATE—May 7, 2024: This article has been updated to reflect additional information about Disney's outlook and more recent share price values.

After Disney ( DIS ) reported a net loss for its fiscal second quarter despite returning a surprise profit in its direct-to-consumer entertainment segment and gave weak guidance for the third quarter, CEO Bob Iger and other executives joined the company's earnings call to discuss its streaming segment, expectations around ESPN+, the company's plans around Iger's succession, and Disney's parks strength as well as cruise business opportunities.

Disney+ and Hulu Return Surprise Profit, With Combined Streaming Businesses To Be Profitable by Fiscal Year End

Iger highlighted in the call that the entertainment portion of the company's streaming business "achieved an important milestone" of profitability in the quarter.

Disney reported an operating profit of $47 million in its direct-to-consumer entertainment segment, which consists of Disney+ and Hulu, compared to a $587 million loss in the year-ago period. As a whole, its streaming businesses including the ESPN+ Sports segment returned an $18 million loss, narrowing significantly from the $659 loss recorded in the same period a year prior.

However, Iger noted that the company is "anticipating a softer third quarter, due in large part to the seasonality of our Indian sports offerings." Disney CFO Hugh Johnston said that Disney doesn't expect to see core Disney+ subscriber growth in the third quarter, but anticipates subscriber growth will return in the fourth quarter.

Iger reiterated that the combined streaming businesses are still on track to return a profit by the end of the 2024 fiscal year.

Iger Says He's 'Very Bullish' on ESPN Integration

When asked about Disney's sports push, with Disney set to add some live games and studio shows from ESPN to Disney+ by the end of 2024, Iger said he feels "very bullish about it."

Iger said the company has "locked up long-term deals with significant sports organizations that includes college football championships, all the NCAA championships, and the NFL." He also said he's optimistic that Disney is "going to end up with an NBA deal that will be long term."

"There's really nothing like ESPN in the sports world and their hand is solid for the next decade," he said.

Disney Taking Steps To Plan for Iger's Succession

When asked about the company's plans to appoint a successor for Iger, he said that "the board is heavily engaged in the process and has appointed a succession planning committee that is meeting on a regular basis to not just discuss but also to manage the process."

"I'm confident that they will choose the right person at the right time and that to the extent that I can [I] will participate in the smooth transition," Iger said.

Iger, who is 73 years old, was reappointed to serve as CEO in 2022 after previously holding the role from 2005 to 2020. Disney's leadership has faced recent challenges from activist investors, but managed to stave them off so far, resolving its  latest proxy battle at its most recent shareholder meeting .

Parks Strength Drives Earnings, With a Focus on Cruise Business

Iger reported that Disney's second-quarter results were driven in large part by its experiences segment as well as the streaming business.

Johnston said operating income for Disney's parks and experiences increased by 13% year-over-year, with strong international parks growth driven by the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, while Walt Disney World and the cruise business both contributed to domestic growth at Disneyland.

He noted that the company is "seeing some evidence of a global moderation from peak post-Covid travel" and pressure from wages, though he added that "there are lots of opportunities to continue to grow attendance, both domestically and internationally," specifically in the cruise business.

The cruise business "has an enormous number of opportunities" the CFO said, adding that "that is why [the company is] leaning more heavily into that business" and "expect[s] to get excellent returns."

Disney shares closed 9.5% lower at $105.39 Tuesday. However, even with Tuesday's losses, shares have gained over 16% since the start of the year.

The Walt Disney Company. " Disney’s Q2 FY24 Earnings Results Webcast ."

The Walt Disney Company. " THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY REPORTS SECOND QUARTER AND SIX MONTHS EARNINGS FOR FISCAL 2024 ."

The Walt Disney Company. " ROBERT A. IGER ."

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