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Booking & Reservations – Frequently Asked Questions

How do I view my reservation details online?

To view the details of your reservation, sign in to My Reservations using your Confirmation Number and the date of birth of the Guest who reserved the cruise.

You’ll be able to review your reservations, make payments, if necessary, and access important cruise information. You’ll also be able to link and coordinate reservations and activities with others in your travel party who have booked reservations separately.

Once your cruise is paid in full and you are within your advance booking window, you’ll be able to schedule and manage onboard activities and Port Adventures excursions. And you'll be able to coordinate through your linked reservations.

Your advance booking window is determined by your Castaway Club membership level, as follows:

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Related Questions

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Disney Cruise Online Check In Process Explained

Are you looking for tips and information on navigating the Disney cruise check in process? The Disney Cruise Line Navigator App really comes in handy while sailing, but it also simplifies the registration and planning process before your trip even begins!

In addition to displaying the really exciting cruise countdown, the DCL Navigator App allows you to view the details of your reservation and book activities for your upcoming Disney cruise.

In this post, I will walk you through the Disney Cruise Line online check in process using the features of the Navigator App. We will discuss what time online check in begins, and I’ll give you tips on how to secure an early port arrival time along with coveted reservations.

So, continue reading below to find out all the tips and hacks you need to know for the Disney Cruise Line online check in process!

Disney Cruise Countdown

Once you download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App, you will be prompted to login to your DCL account. This is where you can create an account or type in your current login information.

The screen should then display the reservation for your upcoming cruise. After clicking on your reservation, you will see a countdown calculator similar to the one pictured above.

This countdown is a super exciting reminder of how many days you have until your cruise. It’s also a really important feature since some important deadlines occur before your cruise embarkation day .

When can you check in?

While on the Disney Cruise Navigator App, you can scroll down below your stateroom information to find the important steps you need to take for planning your Disney cruise. We will go through each of these My Reservations sections below:

My Reservations

In the spot labeled Cruise Essentials , you will find important things like your Disney Cruise Line balance and your reservation information. You will also see the online check in button in this section.

If you are a first time cruiser with Disney Cruise Line, you may check in 30 days prior to your sail date as long as you’ve made your final payment. If you have previously sailed with Disney Cruise Line, the check in days for each Castaway Club level are as follows:

• Silver Members – 33 Days before Sailing
• Gold Members – 35 Days before Sailing
• Platinum Members – 38 Days before Sailing
• Pearl Members – 40 Days before Sailing

What time does Disney cruise online check in start?

Once you arrive at the 30-day mark before your scheduled cruise (or sooner depending on Castaway Club level), you may be wondering what time you can actually complete online check-in for your Disney Cruise Line vacation. Online check-in should open at midnight EST (12:00 am Eastern Standard Time).

What do you need for online check in?

When you are ready to fully complete the Disney cruise check in process, you’ll need to have several items on hand. Below, I will list each of these so that you are prepared once your online check in window opens up.

First, you will need to have your official identification documents handy. We highly recommend cruising with a passport even if it is not necessarily mandated for your itinerary.

Even though many cruises sailing from the United States and back allow U.S. citizens to travel with a birth certificate instead, you will need a passport in the rare (but possible) event you have a medical emergency overseas.

To view a full list of the travel documents required for your sailing, you can check out the DCL website here . During the Disney cruise online check in process, you will need to submit a photo of each passport/birth certificate. Each image should be free from glares and clearly show the information.

Credit Card

You’ll need to assign a credit card to your Disney Cruise Line account. This is the card that you will use onboard when charging things through your Key to the World Card or DisneyBand+. If you need to change the card once onboard, you can visit Guest Services for help.

Flight and Hotel Information

Disney Cruise Line will request that you fill in your pre and post cruise travel information. So, you will want to have your reservation info. for flights and hotels handy to type in.

Photo of Each Passenger

Disney Cruise Line used to take photos of cruisers at the port during your cruise terminal check in process. However, you now need to upload a photo of each person in your travel party. These selfie style photos need to clearly show each passenger’s face above the shoulders in a similar style to a passport or driver’s license photo. (Although, they should not be the same photo that is on your ID.)

Disney Cruise Check in Process

When you are ready to fully complete the Disney cruise check in process, you’ll want to set aside close to an hour (if it’s your first cruise) to give yourself enough time to cover all the parts. I will go over each section of the tedious online check-in process below.

Once your window opens up for checking in, your Navigator App screen will include different sections like Guest Information, Onboard Account, Travel Plans, Port Arrival Time, etc.

You will need to go through each of the tabs to fill out the relevant information. While this can be a time consuming process; once you complete it, Disney saves your information for your next cruise.

I will explain each section in more detail below:

Guest Information

This is the section where you fill in your personal information and your passport/identification info. If you have previously sailed with Disney Cruise Line, this should already be completed for you. If your contact information or your passport information has changed from what is shown on your account, you will need to update it.

↓↓ Visit My Etsy Shop ↓↓

Guests also need to upload a security photo (personal selfie) for each individual in your travel party. In addition, Disney Cruise Line requires guests to upload photos of their citizenship documents (birth certificate, passport, etc.).

Onboard Account

You will need to add a credit card to the Onboard Account section. While on the cruise, DCL charges gratuities and anything extra you choose to purchase to your online account. In this section, you can also choose whether or not to grant charging privileges to your family members.

Since my kids were 6 and 1 during our last sailing, they were not allowed to charge anything to the onboard account. If you have older kids, you can change this option to meet your needs.

Travel Plans

The Travel Plans tab asks for very specific information about your pre/post cruise plans. This includes the name of your hotel, flight information, etc. You can fill this out to the best of your ability during the check-in process. If you don’t yet have all of this information, you can always go back later and correct it. For example, you can choose to arrive by car if you don’t have your flight information yet.

Port Arrival Time (PAT)

Next, you will choose your Port Arrival Time. Once you click on this tab, you will see a list of times available for you to ARRIVE at the port. This is NOT the time that you will board the ship.

For example, if you select a Port Arrival Time of 11:00, that means you plan to show up at the cruise terminal at 11:00. It has been my experience that boarding does not typically begin until at least 11:30, so you shouldn’t expect to be on the ship immediately after arriving for your 11:00 PAT.

It’s also been our experience that if you purchased Disney Cruise Line ground transportation , you will not be prompted to choose an arrival time. Instead, you will be permitted to enter the cruise terminal once the DCL transfer shuttle drops you off at the port.

Cruise Contract and Port Arrival Form

Once you have completed online check in for your Disney cruise, you will be prompted to review the cruise contract. Then, your last step is to print the Port Arrival Form in the bottom tab. You will need this form on embarkation day when you arrive at the cruise terminal.

Note that you can save the Port Arrival Form QR Code to scan on your phone at the port. However, we like to also have a printed copy of the form and prefer to print it as well.

The Port Arrival Form now shows your Muster Station and Boarding Number. (In the past, you did not get this information until you received your Key to the World card in the terminal.)

After choosing your PAT, you can register your child for the kids club appropriate for his/her age. You may also note special needs or dietary restrictions for your child in this section. Additionally, you will need to choose who your child is permitted to disembark the cruise ship with.

Children are not allowed to get off the ship without an adult. However, there may be an adult in a different stateroom with whom your child is permitted to debark. For example, you can choose to allow your child to get off the ship with a grandparent staying in a different stateroom. You may choose to allow this at EVERY port, at just Castaway Cay, or not at all.

More App Features

In addition to the check in process for Disney Cruise Line that we discussed above, the Navigator App is a great resource for additional trip information and tasks.

Cruise Options

In this section of your account, you will see some of the options that were available for you to choose during your Disney cruise booking. This includes your dinner seating time, trip insurance, Disney cruise ground transfers, and special requests.

Note that if you are not happy with your dining time, you can call Disney Cruise Line to ask the cast members to move you to a different seating. If you booked through a travel agent, the agent will need to call to do this. Additionally, you can regularly check the app to see if a more desired seating opens up.

Finally, you can often switch seating times onboard the ship by meeting with crew members in the dining room during the specified changing time. You can find more information in my post: Disney Cruise Dining Rotation Explained .

The next section of your Navigator App displays the itinerary for the cruise you booked. This is where you will see your cruise broken down by day. Some of the important events available onboard will be listed here.

Once you book your activities, you will see them listed in this section as well. You can also click on the Add Activities button on your itinerary to add certain items to your plans.

Disney Cruise Onboard Activities Booking

If you are a first-time cruiser with Disney Cruise Line , you can book some of your cruise activities 75 days before sailing. Under your cruise itinerary on the Navigator App, you will see a section that looks like this:

You can click on each of the categories listed to book cruise activities offered. I will walk you through each of these below.

Disney Port Adventures

When you click on the section for port adventures (aka shore excursions), you will again see your cruise itinerary. Here, you can click on the ports you are scheduled to visit on your cruise. The app then takes you to a page that lists all of the available Disney port adventures at that location.

For example, if your cruise is visiting Castaway Cay , you will see excursions like bicycle rentals, parasailing, fly fishing, etc. After clicking on the port adventure that you want, you will be able to choose the family members that want to take part in that excursion.

Most of the options for port adventures have age restrictions. If you are cruising with a toddler , your available excursions will be narrowed down quite a bit.

The age restrictions are prominently displayed, and you won’t be able to click on the name of any family member not meeting the requirements. Next, you will see the available times for the excursion that you want to select. Choose the time that works best for you, and you’re finished!

Disney Spa & Fitness

When you click on the Spa & Fitness tab, you will be directed to your cruise itinerary. You can then select the day that you would like to book a fitness and spa appointments. Disney Cruise Line offers many activities in this section including facials, massages, manicures, personal training, etc.

Just like the section above, you can choose the activity and time that works best for you!It’s important to note that these appointments come with an additional cost and are not included with your cruise fare.

Onboard Fun

Under Onboard Fun in the Disney Cruise Ling Navigator App, you will find activities like wine tasting, Royal Tea, and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.

The princess meet and greet and the Frozen Gathering are also located in this section. These two events are free on your Disney cruise, but you must book a time to attend the character meet and greets because they are so popular.

After clicking on the activity, it’s super simple to choose a day and available time to attend the event. It will then show up in the itinerary section of the app.

When you get on the ship, you just show up at the meet and greet during your scheduled time slot. The cast member at the character meet should have your name on the list.

Adult Dining and Nursery Times

These two sections work the same way as the above activities. Here, you can select the date that is appealing to you. You will then be directed to choose a time for your specified activity, but you should note that you do not pay ahead of time. So, once you book your appointment, it should show up on your itinerary without any further steps.

Final Thoughts on the Disney Cruise Online Check-In Process

The Disney Cruise Line Navigator App and the Disney Cruise Line website are really helpful tools to use for online check-in. Whether your travel plans include leaving from Port Canaveral, Miami, or another cruise port, the Disney cruise online check in system works the same.

The only difference you may find is that port arrival times can vary depending on the port you are sailing from. We highly suggest downloading the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App prior to online check in since it allows you to easily access your reservation and book cruise activities. 

Once you are on the cruise ship, the Navigator App has even more helpful features, including texting! Once you complete each section in the app as described above, you should see a message that your checkin is pending .

Disney Cruise Line will review the information you entered along with your uploaded documents before confirming that your checkin is complete. You will then be ready to set sail to enjoy your cruise vacation.

We hope you have a magical time onboard the cruise ship and at your ports of call!

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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Thank you for such detailed information! I have two rooms to get checked in…do you think I could do both at the same time, just on two different devices? Also, if I leave travel info blank to start (to fill back in later) would I be able to still get a PAT?

I have never checked in for multiple rooms with Disney Cruise Line, but I linked my two rooms on a different cruise line in order check in for both. I just had to toggle back and forth between the two rooms. You will need to fill out the travel info in order to advance to the next page. But, I would fill out the least amount of info as possible in order to advance. Then, I would go back later and correct it all. For example, you could choose the cash option instead of typing in credit card information. And you could select arriving by car rather than typing out all of your flight information. Just don’t forget to go back and update information later. Have a great trip!

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The Disney Cruise Family Travel Blog

Travel and Fun Things To Do

How to Check-In for Your Disney Cruise

Updated January 25, 2024.

Online check-in is similar to pre-COVID sailing. You can begin using either the webpage or the app at 12:01 am Eastern Time. Your check-in date is based on your Castaway Club status.

• Pearl – 40 days before sailing
• Platinum – 38 days before sailing
• Gold – 35 days before sailing
• Silver – 33 days before sailing
• First-Time Disney Cruisers – 30 days before sailing

What Do I Need to Check in for My Disney Cruise?

If you haven’t downloaded the app, now is the time to do it; you will use it for most things on board. The biggest recommendation is to gather all your documents and take all your pictures BEFORE you start completing the form s. Have any flight and hotel information handy.

Guest Information

You will need to provide personal details, including address, contact info & emergency contact. You will need to include a clear image of your passport or proof of citizenship.  Also, you will need a photo/selfie of each guest for your onboard account security photo. The photos must be an image file like a jpg or a png. If you are taking your photos with your iPhone, you will need to export your photos as jpg . 

You will need a picture of the photo page of your passport. If you’re using a driver’s license, you will need to have a photo of the front and the back of it .

If DCL doesn’t accept your passport/proof of citizenship or security photo, they will email you to inform you that a new one is required.

Security Photo Tips

This should be a recent colour photo of you facing forward, from the shoulders up, with no filters . Your face should be fully and clearly visible; please remove eyewear that prevents your eyes from being seen and any items on top of your head . There should be no other people or objects included in the photo . We took ours in front of an empty wall.

It may take some time for your online check-in to change from pending to approved. Most are approved a few days before the sailing .

Onboard Account

You will need information on how you plan to pay your stateroom charges. Your credit card or debit card numbers and expiration dates. At this point, it will ask you which members will have charging privileges. If members of your party are paying for their own charges, you can enter their card information. You can not put a dollar limit on charging privileges.

Travelling With Children

Children under 3 years old can be registered for the Nursery if they cruise after October 2022 . If you are sailing before that date, you must sign up for the nursery once you are onboard. You can register kids ages 3-12 for the Oceaneers Club/Lab during check-in. Pre-teens and teens, they will register once you are onboard at the Edge and/or the Vibe.

Travel Plans

You will need information about your plans before & after the cruise. If you are flying in for the cruise, you need your flight details, including Airline, Flight Number, Departure Time, and Arrival Time. Also, you will need your plans to leave the port after the cruise.

PAT (Port Arrival Time)

This is why you are filling out this information at 12:01 am and not waiting until morning. It is your chance to choose your arrival time at the port.

Most people want to spend as much time on the ship as possible and are trying to get the earliest PAT. On our upcoming cruise, the earliest PAT was 10:45. We took Disney Transfers and received boarding group 3 with a PAT of 11:00 – 11:15. The earliest PATs depend on the port you are sailing out of; some ports have guests arrive later than others. Concierge Guests do not need to select a PAT.

Since Covid, they have been much stricter about arriving at your PAT. If you arrive earlier, you will likely be turned away .

Cruise Contract and Boarding Pass

Read & agree to the cruise contract and print or email the contract. You will be given a Boarding Pass with a QR Code when complete. You can add it to your Apple wallet.

You will need it throughout different stages of the boarding process. It is a good idea to have a printed copy if you encounter any technological problems. The QR code will be used to board the ship because you have not yet received your KTTW cards. Keep reading for details.

KTTW (Key to the World) Cards and lanyards will await you at your cabin in your Fish. You will no longer get your card at the desk in the port and use your QR code to board the ship.

Optional Forms

During check-in, you will also find some optional forms. They include authorization to administer an epi-pen , special services form , and authorization for minors travelling without a parent or legal guardian .

Bring your patience; the website can be glitchy, especially when check-in first opens, with many people attempting to check in. If you are using Disney transportation and are not concerned with an early PAT , it might be best to wait and check in later.

Check out the other  menus for the restaurants on the Wish . Keep checking back or sign up for our newsletter for the latest  Disney Cruise News , like  the return of pre-booking character meets , the current  pre-cruise Covid testing ,  Disney Cruise rumours , and the  latest discounts .

This post may contain affiliate links. Meaning, that if you make a purchase through my links, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support of this site.

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Everything You Need to Know About Disney Cruise Line Check-In

If you’re going on a Disney Cruise Line sailing, you’ll be checking in for your cruise online. Here’s everything you need to know about the process.

When do I check in?

Check-in becomes available at midnight Eastern Time, on staggered dates based on your Castaway Club status . You’re not required to check in at that exact time, but many guests choose to sacrifice sleep to complete their check-in right at midnight.

Is this a recent change on when I can check in?

DCL has tinkered with check-in timing several times during the past few years.

Pre-pandemic, Disney Cruise Line offered staggered check-in dates, based on your DCL Castaway Club status or whether you were sailing in a Concierge level stateroom. From the return to sailing during summer 2021 through April 2023, check-in opened prior to sailing for all guests at 30 days in advance. In May 2023, DCL returned to a staggered date program.

What are the new check-in dates?

As of May 2023, the following dates apply:

• Pearl Castaway Club members and Concierge Staterooms: 40 day prior to sailing
• Platinum Castaway Club members: 38 days prior to sailing.
• Gold Castaway Club members: 35 days prior to sailing.
• Silver Castaway Club members: 33 days prior to sailing.
• First Time Cruisers: 30 days prior to sailing.

I went to check in at midnight and encountered multiple computer problems. Help!

Disney is known for its glitchy websites. The resumption of staggered check-in should help a bit, but you never know what you might encounter.

You’re less likely to have problems if there is only one DCL ship opening its check-in on a particular date, but there’s not much you can personally do about this. Pack your patience and just try to go with it.

Do I have to check-in in the wee hours of the morning?

You can check in at any time between your check-in opening date and 3 days prior to your sailing. You should probably do it closer to opening day rather than 3, to give yourself time to rectify problems in case there are any hiccups with your documents. But you can certainly wait a day – and you’re much less likely to have computer problems if you wait to check in until mid-day.

If check-in is wonky at midnight, then why do people make a big deal about being online at Cinderella time?

The only real advantage you might gain by checking in early is that you’ll have a better chance at snagging an early port arrival time if you’re among the first on your sailing to check in.

With the staggered check-in dates, Pearl and Platinum guests should not have any problem securing their preferred port arrival time. Concierge guests may arrive at the port whenever they like.

Why do I care about getting an early port arrival time?

Folks with the earliest port arrival times get on the ship first. Currently the earliest arrival times are in the 11:00 a.m. range, depending on the sailing.

If you’re among the first on board the ship on embarkation day, you’ll have a few moments of calm. You can get some epic photographs of empty ship spaces, you’ll have first crack at booking last minute spa or adult dining appointments, and you’ll have first dibs on possible stateroom upgrades (for a fee). If you aren’t anticipating any last minute onboard chores, the difference in an hour or two in your port arrival time likely won’t matter much.

There is also a subset of guests who prefer a later arrival time. These might be people with children who nap in the late morning or early afternoon, who have work or school calls they must complete before boarding, or who don’t want to be on the ship until they can go directly to their stateroom (which typically happens at about 1:30 p.m.).

Note: Pre-pandemic, Platinum and Concierge level Castaway Club members could arrive at the port at any time and get in the next available boarding group. Now all non-Concierge guests must select a port arrival time. 

I’m a new DCL cruiser. Does that mean I’ll only have late port arrival times available when I check in?

Yeah, maybe. But try not to stress about it too much. You’ll have a wonderful time on the ship, regardless of what time you board.

Does check-in impact when I book my port excursions and onboard activities?

No, this is an entirely different set of tasks.

You are allowed to book port excursions, adult dining, nursery appointments, and many onboard activities after you’ve paid in full for your cruise AND your personal booking window opens. Booking windows for these items are based on your Castaway Club status, but occur at an entirely different set of dates.

How do I get started?

Well before your check-in date, you should have a Disney Cruise Line online account. Make sure that you can log into this account and that your cruise is listed in the My Reservations Section.

When your check-in window opens, go to the site and click the Online Check-In button in the My Disney Cruise menu.

What are the components of online check-in?

Check-in involves Disney collecting information about:

• Guest identity and contact information
• Payment for onboard spending
• Travel plans to/from the port
• Port arrival time selection
• Accepting your cruise contract.

If you’re traveling with minors, you’ll have additional sections about Youth Activity Registration and Traveling with Minors.

What do I need for identification information?

During online check-in you will upload a photo or scan of your required citizenship documents. For most folks, this will be an image of the passport pages that include your signature, photo, legal name, and passport number. Other folks on closed loop cruises from the United States (cruises that start and end at the same point) may be able to use alternative documentation such as an original birth certificate AND a government issued-photo ID. See the Disney Cruise Line website for the complete list of acceptable citizenship documentation .

Your required identification documents may vary depending on your citizenship and destinations visited.  It is your responsibility to check with your travel agent, government agency, embassy or consulate to ensure that you have all the proper documentation to board the ship and enter each of the countries on your cruise. U.S. travelers can visit the U.S. State Department’s travel website  or call the U.S. National Passport Information Center at (877) 4USA-PPT [877-487-2778] for more information.

Whichever documents you’re using, the photos/scans of these items should be in focus and free of shadows, glare, or other distractions. A member of the Touring Plans team had to resubmit an image of a family member’s birth certificate because their scan of that document had a tiny fold in the corner. Getting a glare-free photo of a passport can be oddly challenging. You may find it helpful to have a second person hold the passport upright while you snap a picture, rather than laying it flat on a table.

If you’re using a drivers’ license as part of your identity documents, you will need photos of the front and back of the license.

For check-in, you’ll need to have images of the required documents for all members of your party , including children.

You will also need to physically type in much of the information that exists on your documents. For example, you’ll need to type in your passport number as well as uploading a scan.

You may find that Disney has auto-populated some fields during online check-in. For example, if you’ve sailed recently with DCL, your passport information may already be keyed in from your previous trip. PLEASE double check that the information is correct.

Passports or other identification information will also be reviewed in person at the port prior to embarkation. YOU MUST ALSO BRING THESE ITEMS WITH YOU TO THE PORT.

I’ve heard people talk about photos for identification. What’s that about?

During the check-in process, you will need to upload a individual photo of each member of your party, including children.

The photo you upload must be a color picture with no filters, one person per photo, with a neutral background. You cannot wear a hat or sunglasses in the photo, or any glasses that obscure your eyes. You cannot use the same picture that is on your passport.

As long as you follow these guidelines, you’ll find that a selfie or a child’s school photo often works.

Why do I need to upload a photo?

Pre-pandemic, DCL took a photo of every guest at the port just prior to embarkation. They stopped this practice as a way to thin out crowds and reduce time spend gathering in close quarters at the port. Your uploaded check-in photo is the replacement for the embarkation identification photo.

These pictures are used by ship crew as identification while you’re on board and when you exit and enter the ship during port stops.

Your picture doesn’t need to be perfect or glamorous, it just needs to allow the crew to accurately identify you. Simpler is better.

The check-in says I need to provide emergency contact. Who should I put?

The odds of your emergency person being contacted are extremely small. Just pick any competent close friend or family member. However, you must choose someone that’s not traveling with you.

What information do I need to complete the onboard payment section?

This is the section where you’ll input a credit or debit card that will be used for onboard charges such as adult beverages or dining, spa treatments, port adventures and the like. You may also elect to use a cash account for onboard charges. If you’re traveling with more than one adult, you can designate different payment methods for each.

You can also grant, or choose not to grant, charging privileges to minors in your party.

I’m traveling with kids. What else do I need to know about check-in?

If you have guests in your party under age 18, you’ll have an additional section of check-in to complete. This is where you can register them for kids’ clubs (you can also do this at the port or while on board).

During check-in, you can also complete a debarkation permission form, if needed. Debarkation permission allow children to disembark the ship with an adult not staying in their stateroom. For example, if you’re traveling with extended family across several staterooms, you might want to give permission for, say, a grandparent staying in a different stateroom, to take a child off the ship.

How do I fill out the travel section of the check-in form?

If you’re flying to your cruise port, you’ll need to provide your flight numbers and dates/times of travel in both directions. This helps Disney plan the flow of guests embarking and debarking, as well as giving them an additional means to assess your whereabouts if you’re running late for your cruise.

If you don’t happen to have your flight information available when you’re completing online check-in, just say that you’re not flying in for your cruise. You can add flight information later.

If you’ve paid for Disney transfers to/from a hotel or airport, make sure that the appropriate button is clicked on.

If you’re staying at a local hotel before or after your sailing, DCL will also want to know this.

How do I select a port arrival time?

Once you’ve completed the bulk of the check-in tasks, you’ll have the opportunity to select a port arrival time. Concierge guests may arrive at any time, but everyone else must choose a time. Typically options are available in 15 minute increments beginning at about 11:00 a.m. and ending at about 3:30 p.m., but there are variations depending on the port and the itinerary.

Most guests will opt to select the earliest arrival time available, but as mentioned above there may be circumstances where you prefer to have a later arrival window.

In the post-COVID era, Disney has been stricter about port arrival times, but things have loosened up in recent months. In general, plan to arrive at the port no earlier than half an hour prior to designated time.

The check-in process includes a contract. What is this?

The Cruise Contract is the official document that outlines the rights and responsibilities of both you and DCL related to your cruise. There are different versions for cruises in different locations. You’ll have the opportunity to print the contract or have an electronic version of it sent to your email address.

There’s a lot of technical, legal info in the contract, but it makes sense to give it a read, particularly if you’re a first time guest or haven’t sailed in many years.

To complete check-in, you must scroll to the bottom of the contract and accept it.

How do I make requests for things like seating in the main dining rooms?

You can make DCL preference requests in the online check-in section of the DCL website, but you can do most of this at any time after you’ve make your booking. There’s no need to wait until  30 days before your trip.

See our full post on understanding DCL preferences for more details on this topic.

Do I need to test for COVID or provide proof of vaccination as part of the check-in process?

Not currently.

During the early post-pandemic return to sailing, Disney, along with most other major cruise lines, required that guests undergo varying sorts of pre-cruise COVID testing or levels of vaccination. There are currently no COVID-related requirements to cruise and no COVID-related components of check-in.

Disney could choose to reinstate these or similar requirements at a future date if COVID rates, or the incidence of any other communicable disease, become elevated. Be sure to check the Know Before You Go section of the DCL website several times in the weeks and months leading up to your cruise.  (Note: There are different versions of this section depending on your itinerary. Look for different rules if your sailing departs from the United States, Canada, Europe, or Australia and New Zealand.)

How do I know that I’m done with check-in?

When check-in is complete, you’ll be issued a port arrival form. You can download this and/or have it emailed to you.

The arrival form will state your port arrival time and boarding group, along with QR codes for your party members. You WILL NEED THIS FORM AT THE PORT. Be sure to bring it with you (both print and electronic versions of the form are OK).

Should I use the Disney Cruise Line website or the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app for check-in?

You can do either, but I prefer using the website on my computer. I find that it’s easier to read all the little boxes that must be checked and to upload documents using a larger screen, but that’s my personal choice. Whichever version you opt for, make sure you have a strong Internet connection and that all your photos/scan are easily accessible on your device.

Why does the check-in section of the DCL website say “pending” even after I’ve uploaded all the documents and completed all the forms?

DCL uses humans to review all the identity documents and photos – and this takes some time. It often takes a few weeks for your documents to clear this process. Don’t even begin to stress about this until a week prior to sailing.

When your check-in forms have been successfully reviewed, you will receive an email notification. As an example of typical time for review, I received this “Check-In Finalized” email on February 19 for a sailing departing on March 4.

If you still see “pending” a few days before sailing, you may want to give DCL a call to see what’s up. And as in all cases, be sure to bring all your documents with you to the port.

If you’re looking for additional advice and planning assistance with any Disney Cruise Line sailing, be sure to check out the Unofficial Guide to Disney Cruise Line .

Note: Updates made May 1, 2023. 

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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.

6 thoughts on “ Everything You Need to Know About Disney Cruise Line Check-In ”

This is SO helpful!! Especially the screenshots! Thank you!

You really need a good editor for this page.

Do you know if this staggered check-in process will affect the reserving of the Royal Gathering. My girls have their hearts set on that, but we are silver members.

This is brand new today, so we’re still working on getting a full assessment of the situation. Stay tuned.

Note regarding web vs phone app. On my last cruise there was lots of grumbling because people couldn’t check in via computer. The app worked. Of course I had all my files to upload on the computer and had all kinds of problems getting them on my phone. Lesson learned: be ready to use either and switch if your preferred method doesn’t work.

Good tip! It’s incredibly frustrating that the site is so fickle and unpredictable.

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Disney Cruise Line: How to Check-In Online and Book Activities

by Key to the World Travel Jan 23, 2019

You’re going on a Disney Cruise ! Congratulations! After you book your cruise there are still several steps to complete before you embark on your magical cruise. You will need to do your online check-in and select any extra activities that you want to add to enhance your cruise experience. Your Key to the World Travel ® Planner can help you with these, or you can choose to do them on your own.

Advanced Booking Window

Your Advanced Booking Window is determined by your Castaway Club Membership level as follows:

• Concierge Guests can book 120 days prior to sail date
• Platinum Castaway Club Members can book 120 days prior to sail date
• Gold Members can book 105 days prior to sail date
• Silver Members can book 90 days prior to sail date
• First Time Sailors can book 75 days prior to sail date

Your window opens at Midnight EST – That means West-coasters can check in at 9 pm the night before!

For our upcoming cruise, we were able to log on and complete the check-in about 1 hour before our window opened, but we were not able to book activities until the window officially opened.

Your cruise needs to be paid for in full to register for activities, but not to check in.  Note: your final payment for the cruise is due between 75 and 120 days prior to sail date, depending on the cruise you select.  Be sure to check your cruise details. Your Key to the World Travel ® Planner will remind you of when your final payment is due.

Information to gather before check-in

If your Key to the World Travel® Planner is doing your check-in, please be sure to supply the following information. If not, then having it handy will help you when it is time to check in.

• Passport information
• Credit card information
• Flight details
• Pre and post travel location address
• Emergency Contact Information

If you are doing your own check-in, you will need to login to https://disneycruise.disney.go.com . Select Sign In or Create Account. If you are new to the Disney websites, you will enter your email address and select a password. If you have registered on Disney’s Parks sites before it will be the same username and password that you have used previously. Your Key to the World Travel ® planner will have helped you with setting this up. Once logged in, select My Disney Cruise tab located on the top right of the screen. A drop-down menu will appear, select My Reservations under Plan and Manage. Here you can select check-in.

Check-in Process

There are 9 steps and you need to go in order of the check-in steps and complete each step before you move on to the next one.

Step 1: Guest Information

You will enter your address, phone number, emergency contact, if you are pregnant and if you are the parent or legal guardian of children in your party.  These steps repeat for each member in your party.

Step 2: Identification

You will select your citizenship and enter your identification type (photo & government ID or Passport), numbers, and expiration dates.

Step 3: Pre/Post Cruise

Are you flying into the port? You will enter your flight information, the address of where you are going after the cruise as well as the transportation you are using from the cruise terminal.

Step 4: Onboard Account

Here you will enter in your credit card information for onboard charges and select who is authorized to charge on this card.

Step 5: Port Arrival Time

You can select an arrival time between 10:30 am and 3 pm. They are in 15-minute intervals. Select the time that best matches up of when you realistically plan to get to the port. This is not your boarding time. Just the time you expect to arrive at the port.  This helps Disney manage the flow of passengers.

Step 6: Youth Registration

If you are bringing children on the cruise this is where you register them in the kid’s clubs. This is something that your travel planner cannot do for you, the parent or guardian must complete this step.

You will select who can pick up and drop off your child and if you want them to have self-check-in and out privileges. You will also pick a secret word for you and your children to know. Here is also where you indicate if any child has any allergies. The kid’s clubs will sometimes offer your child food so they need the authorization to feed them and if they can participate in activities with Play-Doh. There is also information on if you are bringing an EpiPen. There is an additional form for special services information that must be completed 60 days in advance of your cruise.

In this step, there will also be a link to download and print a My Disney Cruise Adventure booklet. There are fun pages for your child to fill out before, during, and after your cruise.

Step 7: Traveling with Minors

Here you can select if your children can get off of the ship with any other adults, and who those adults are. This is something that your travel planner cannot do for you, the parent or guardian must complete this step.

Step 8: Review Contract

Make sure to read and check that you understand the contents.

Step 9: Port Arrival Form

You can Print your Port Arrival Form and/or send it via email. After you make your selection click “Complete My Online Check-In”.

Cruise Activities

Now you get to choose your cruise activities like port adventures and specialty dining experiences.  Are you traveling with others in a different stateroom? You can link your reservations and book your activities together. You can link up to 3 rooms together. In order to link reservations, you will need their confirmation number and the date of birth of one of the guests.

Go back to the My Disney Cruise tab located on the top right of the screen. Select My Cruise Activities on the drop-down menu under Plan and Manage.  For this section, I suggest you have a rough outline of the days you are cruising with plans that you already have set. For example, put in your dinner time so you know that when you are scheduling activities. As you select activities, I also suggest penciling these in, that way you can keep track of what you have already selected.

Once you are on your Cruise Activities page, there will be a link for your day-by-day itinerary.  Select the day you’d like to reserve your activity for, then click “Add Activities” and select from the options provided. You can add the activities for one up to all of the passengers you have linked to your reservation.

Some of the activities you will get to choose from are listed below.  Note: activities are based on the ship you are sailing on, the duration of your cruise, as well as ports you visit. Also, some activities have an additional cost, which will be listed.

• Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique packages
• Drink tasting events
• Shutters Portrait Studio
• Golf Simulator
• Sports Simulator
• Character Meet & Greets (Princesses and specialty characters on Star Wars and Marvel cruises)
• Royal Court Royal Tea
• Senses Spa appointments
• Port Adventures
• Character Breakfast
• Spa and Fitness

If you didn’t get something that you wanted don’t fret! On your day of departure, you can go to the Port Adventure desk located on Deck 5 on Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy and on Deck 3 on Disney Magic and Disney Wonder to see if there is any availability. If you want to register for group babysitting visit it’s a Small World Nursery on Deck 5 for all ships, and Spa & Salon Services can be booked in the salon on Decks 11 and 12 on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy ; Deck 9 on the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder .

The most important thing to remember: do not be surprised or worried if many of the activities are booked up by the time your booking window opens [due in large part to the Advanced Window Booking noted above].  Your cruise experience will still be magical! All of the restaurants included in the rotational dining provide top notch food and there are more than enough onboard activities listed in the daily navigator to enjoy.

All Key to the World Travel ® planners are experts and offer the highest level of exemplary customer service. Contact your travel planner to book your vacation, or click here to request a quote today!

Lynette Brown

Travel Planner

Contact Lynette today, using the links below!

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11 Things to Do at Your Disney Cruise Online Check-in

Disclosure: This Disney Cruise online checkin page contains affiliate links. Read  full Disclosure Policy .

You can book activities and reservations for your Disney Cruise online 75 days prior to sail date (if you’re a first time guest) and you can do the official online “check-in” 30 days before your cruise.

These online check-ins for a Disney Cruise are very important steps in making your cruise as magical as it possibly can be. Get this right and you’ll be off to a great start for your cruise !

For simplicity sake, I will refer to this entire process as  online check-in.

I’ve also made an infographic checklist, located at the end of this article.

>> CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE INFOGRAPHIC CHECKLIST BELOW <<

Here are the 11 most important things to do at the time of your Disney Cruise online check-in . Follow these steps to make your check-in smooth and easy.

THE PREP WORK

1. gather this information one day before check-in.

Take some time the day before your Disney Cruise online check-in to gather the following information.

You’re going to need to have it to complete your Disney Cruise online check-in. So it’ll be helpful to have it at-hand.

• Disney Cruise website login and password
• Passports for all cruisers
• Your flights
• Your hotels or Airbnb you will be staying at before and after your cruise
• Credit card to add for incidentals and gratuities 
• File folder or accordion folder (like this ) to store all your important cruise documents

2. Be at Your Computer 5-10 Minutes Before Midnight (EST)

Mark your calendar and make sure you are near a computer at midnight (EST) on your online check-in date.  

Note: Remember this is midnight Eastern Standard Time, so if you are in California that is 9:00pm PST the night before your check-in date.  (e.g. Check-in date is July 3rd at midnight EST would be July 2nd 9pm PST)

3. Login to Disney Cruise Site BEFORE Midnight

Go to the Disney Cruise website and login to your account BEFORE  your cruise online check-in opens at midnight (EST). When midnight strikes, do the following:

• Hover over “My Disney Cruise” tab on the right side of the page
• Then click on “My Online Check-in”
• Now just follow the steps. If you don’t have all your travel information (passports, flights or hotels) at the time of check-in, that’s okay too. You can add it at a later date.   

THE ESSENTIALS

4. select the earliest possible port arrival time.

You can choose your Port Arrival Time. This is the time you should arrive at the terminal port. You’ll go through security, drop off your luggage, and physically check-in for your cruise.

This is the number one thing you can do to ensure you’ll get on the ship as early as possible. Why do you want to be on the ship earlier? To beat the crowds! You and the kids will have the water slides and pools to yourself for awhile. You can get to Guest Services before anyone else. You’ll enjoy exploring the ship with no crowds.

5. Print Your Contract Signature Form

Print it and put it in your Disney folder. You need to take this with you on the cruise.   Tip: I like to use this for all my important documents such as these signature forms, passports, flight itineraries, cruise document booklet etc.  

6. Print Parental Debarkation Authorization Form (if needed)

Disney Cruise Line uses a security system that prohibits children under the age of 18 from getting on/off the ship unless accompanied by an adult in the same stateroom. The Parental Debarkation Authorization form allows you to list all adults that you think might possibly take your child off the ship (e.g. grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings over 18, family friends ). Print it and put in your Disney folder. You can turn it in at physical check-in on your day of sailing.

7. Book Character Meet and Greets

Now go to the “On Board Fun” section and reserve your spot at the Princess Gathering and the Frozen Meet ‘n Greet. These character greetings are free to attend, but you must have a ticket. You’ll meet Disney princesses like Belle, Cinderella, Tiana, and Ariel at the Princess Gathering. At Frozen Meet ‘n Greet, you come face to face with Elsa and Anna. These tickets sell out quickly, so if you’re on the fence, just do it. You can always cancel later.

Also, if you are unable to reserve a ticket at a time you prefer, don’t fret. Disney Cruise Line holds some tickets in reserve to give out once you are on the ship. (These will go fast, so make a visit to Guest Services immediately once you board.)

FINAL STEPS

8. book the special character breakfast (if applicable).

9. Get Palo Reservations (and any other premium dining reservations)

Palo is a premium dining experience on-board every Disney Cruise ship. An additional fee per person is charged and only adults 18 and over are allowed. The food is incredible and the experience is worth it, but seating is limited.  I recommend securing a reservation just before sunset (after dark, you don’t see much) because the seascape and sunset is spectacular.

10. Book Excursions

If you would like you can also start booking your excursions now. Disney will list available Port Adventures and you can secure your spot at online check-in.

11. Reserve Your Spot at It’s a Small World Nursery

Kids ages 3 and under are both cared for and entertained by Disney counselors at the It’s a Small World Nursery . Naps, games, crafts, and movies are all part of the nursery activities. 

Unlike the other clubs, an additional fee applies for the nursery. Currently rates are $9 per hour for the first child, $8 per hour for any additional children in your family. Reservations are required, but you may cancel without penalty up to four hours before your reservation. So you might as well lock up your Nursery times early. 

Here are some times that makes sense to have a nursery reservation:

• During the nightly shows. If you think your little one might be fussy, just get a reservation so you don’t miss the show.
• Palo or Remy reservations. No kids allowed in these premium dining experience.
• Spa treatments.  This should be obvious.
• A day at sea to yourself. How about scheduling some “downtime” just for you?
• Castaway Cay. Sometimes the little one doesn’t enjoy the sand and sun as much as you do.

SOME FINAL THOUGHTS

You’re putting so much time, planning, and money into your Disney Cruise vacation that it just makes sense to master this really important step of your Disney cruise online check-in. By following each of the 11 steps listed above,  you will be way ahead in your planning for your Disney Cruise.

PRO-TIP: PIN FOR LATER

Below, you’ll find my infographic checklist to print to have by your side on the day of your Disney Cruise online check-in.

If that’s a long ways out, I suggest you add it to your Pinterest board for later (you do have a Disney Cruise board on Pinterest , don’t you??)

Since the restart, everyone does online check-in 30 days prior to their sail date

Hot Topic: Surprise Cruise Reveal Ideas

Disney Cruise Line Check-in Process Online: Everything to Know

We recently went through the Disney Cruise Line Check-in process and wish we knew everything we're sharing below ahead of time. It would have avoided confusion and cut down on the time it took to complete it all. Alas, we're smarter and wiser now!

Luckily, we're sharing our valuable knowledge with you , including screenshots of the check-in process (which we did on a mobile phone) and what to expect.

Disclosure: There are affiliate links in this post, which means we may earn a small commission if you click the link and proceed with a purchase  at no cost to you . We truly only recommend cruises, experiences, products, and services we personally use. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Creating a Smoother Check-in Process for You

In order to create the smoothest check-in process possible, we are also sharing what you need to have ready ahead of time . Additionally, we'll tell you the info we wish we knew in advance that will help you for your own Disney Cruise Line (DCL) check-in.

Get excited because you'll know what time you can arrive at the port to start boarding your Disney cruise after you complete the check-in process! Woohoo! (We'll also explain why that Port Arrival time is important.)

Towards the end of the post, we'll share what you can do after you check-in in the days leading up to your cruise.

⭐️ Preparing for your Disney Cruise Line Check-in

Check-in opens to passengers a minimum of 30 days before embarkation. It must be completed by one day before your sail date. Only guests in good standing who have paid the balance of their cruise booking can proceed with checking in.

Castaway Club Perk: Earlier Check in

If you are a member of Castaway Club, which you are automatically enrolled in for free, after your first Disney cruise, you can check in according to the following:

• Silver: 33 days before the cruise
• Gold: 35 days before the cruise
• Platinum: 38 days before the cruise
• Pearl: 40 days before the cruise

Disney Cruise Line Concierge Guests Check In

It does not matter when concierge guests check in as long as they do so before the cut off date for online check in. This is because they get Group One boarding anyway.

➜ Download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App

First, you want to ensure you have the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app downloaded on your phone for your online check-in. You will want the app for your cruise anyway since it allows you to text with fellow passengers while on board, free of charge or free of an internet plan.

You will find links to download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app here via the Apple App Store or Google Play for Android users.

If you have never downloaded the app, you'll also need the following to log in :

• Disney Cruise reservation number
• Your Disney Cruise account login info (username and password)

You can do other things in the DCL app, including:

• Manage your reservation.
• Explore & book activities.
• View additional cruise options, like adding air or ground transportation and adding dining or special requests.
• Onboard chat (the free text messaging we mentioned above), which allows you to chat with fellow passengers or a crew member – the most fun part of this is the cool Disney emojis in the chat feature.
• Access your cruise calendar and things like menus for each restaurant during your cruise.
• View your cruise statement balance.
• See DCL's latest cruise specials and offerings for your next vacation.
• Explore the ship with the app's deck-to-deck plan, bow to stern .
• View the ports of call and daily itinerary, like what time you dock and what time you need to be back onboard before the cruise departs for the next destination.

⬇︎ Download our free check-in printable!

Download our free Disney Cruise Line Check-in Cheat Sheet

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at anytime.

➜ What You Need to have on Hand, Ready to Upload for Check-In

• Photo of every traveler's passport .
• A clear photo of each passenger , solo.
• A credit card that you'll use for purchases while you're on the cruise.
• Flight information (if you're flying to the port) .
• Hotel information for before/after your Disney cruise (if applicable).

☆ It's important to have all of the info above handy when you arrive at your Port of Embarkation too. Do not put them in any luggage you'll pass off to the crew curbside.

Keep these things in your carry-on bag that you're going to have on you at all times.

➜ Checking in Large Groups of Travelers

If you're checking in a lot of travelers for your cruise – for example, eight, ten, or more – one person can check everyone in.

Link all the reservations into one account so you can change between them easily. Then make sure the one person checking everyone in has EVERYTHING needed to do it, which is referenced in this post. (Security photos, passports or birth certificate info, etc.)

Our check-in printable has a checklist to ensure you’re prepared for check-in! Be sure to download that through this post.

⭐️ Be sure to download our free printable Disney Cruise Line Check-in Cheat Sheet, in the box above or here , so you're fully prepared, including a checklist of what you need for a smooth online check-in! ⭐️

Below, we'll go into depth about each item you need to check-in, in the bulleted list above.

➜ Photo of Your Passport

You'll need a photo of every traveler's passport, taken one at a time (not a group photo of the passports). It has to be a clear, unobstructed, glare-free photo. Alternatively, a Passport Card may be acceptable if you travel between the United States, Mexico, Canada, Bermuda, and the Caribbean.

This is harder to get than you would think! We recommend taking the photo during daylight, near a window with natural light. Turn off any artificial light in your home. Then take your photo.

If you can't get the light coming in from your window to stop reflecting on your passport, try closing the blinds a little or closing a shade that still allows light to come through.

You'll upload citizenship documents for check-in if you don't have a passport.

Check-In Tip:

Passport Card

You can use a Passport Card to check in if you are traveling between the U.S. and Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean, and Bermuda, in lieu of a passport. They may be easier to photograph.

You cannot use this option if you're cruising elsewhere, including Europe.

If you're cruising between the United States and the Caribbean, including Castaway Cay, you can use your Passport or Passport Card.

➜ Solo Photo of Each Passenger

Disney wants a photo of each passenger for their onboard account. It should be taken from the shoulders up, looking straight at the camera.

It cannot be the same exact photo as your official ID. (In other words, you cannot simply take a photo of the image in a passport.) However, use that photo as guidance for what they want.

Think of your passport or driver's license photo. This is the type of photo DCL is looking for of each passenger to identify him/her upon check-in/out of the ship at ports.

We simply looked for a photo of us from vacation without a crazy background, where we were looking at the camera straight-on. This doesn't have to be a glamour shot – it simply has to show what you look like, without a face mask or sunglasses , looking directly at the camera.

There is a size limit to how large the photo can be (minimum and maximum size). Be sure that it meets these requirements before you upload it. The process will move along quicker if it's not huge (especially because cameras take huge-sized photos these days in terms of storage space).

The check-in website may crash if the photo is beyond the photo size limits it states. (Trust us – it crashed a few times for us because the image was too big. It stopped crashing when we reduced the file size.)

➜ Proof of Vaccination (No Longer Required)

Before November 2022, you needed to have a photo of vaccination cards for any vaccinated passenger. While this is no longer required, regulations/requirements can change anytime.

➜ Credit Card

You'll input the info of a credit card you want to use for purchases while onboard during online check-in. Have one handy.

Alternatively, you can choose to pay for cruise expenses in cash. If you do so, you'll have a credit limit depending on the length of your cruise. If you reach the limit, you'll have to go to guest services to pay off the bill (in cash) before you can charge more to your account.

➜ Flight Information

Have your flight info ready to input so you don't have to search for it. If you are driving to the port, then you do not have to enter this info. (You simply check “No” when they ask, “Are you flying in for your cruise vacation?”)

➜ Hotel Information

This includes any Orlando hotel (for example), Port Canaveral area hotel, Air BnB, VRBO, etc. that you may be staying at before or after your cruise.

If this does not apply to you, then you do not have to input this information.

⭐️ Check in to Your Disney Cruise Line Sailing 30 Days Prior to Embarkation: Timezone Info

Online check-in is available for your sailing 30 days prior to the day you board the ship. We thought this was according to the time in the same time zone as your port of embarkation.

However, it's not. It is at midnight EST, regardless of where you are or what timezone you're sailing from.

Why does this matter? Because if you live in England but your cruise leaves from Port Canaveral , Florida, you can check in at midnight EST . You cannot check in at midnight BST time (England's local time).

We tried to check into our cruise while we were enjoying a barge cruise in France. Dan and I specifically stayed up late just in case the countdown showing in the app was correct.

Forcing myself to stay up until midnight in France, I realized that somehow the Disney counter switched to local time in France during the trip. The countdown was incorrect .

Imagine our disappointment (and exhaustion) when we realized that we could n ot check in at midnight. Instead, I set an alarm for 6:00am (six hours later) to check into our cruise at midnight EST . And voila, we could check-in.

➜ So, if you're wondering, “Is the 30 days local time for Disney Cruise Line, or is it my local time where I live?” The answer is that it's Disney Cruise Line's headquarters local time, midnight EST. Disney Cruise Line officially confirmed this for us via email correspondence with their PR team.

Check-in, and any modifications to your check-in, must be completed by the day before you sail.

⭐️ Disney Cruise Line Online Check-In Process

➜ begin check-in.

When you open the DCL Navigator app at any time before your cruise, you'll see an awesome countdown to your sailing. We love that they use emojis in the counter. They sub out a lot of the zeros for fun Disney characters. (A lot of the characters are also available in the app chat feature while you are on your cruise.)

When you can check in, you'll see that a little button that says “Begin Check-In” appears in the app (screenshot below, right). This button will not appear until 30 days before your cruise, at midnight EST.

You can see that our Online Check-In screenshot says “6:00” on the upper lefthand corner because we were in France at the time of check-in; it was 12:00 midnight EST.

⭐️ Complete Check-In Items on the Overview List

When you hit the “Begin Check-In” button, it will take you out of the app. It opens an internet browser window to begin checking in.

You will see a checklist for what you need to do to complete check-in. The icons, which are silhouettes of the faces of classic Disney characters (like Goofy, Donald, and Minnie) are not filled in if you haven't completed the task.

But as you fill in the information, you'll see the faces start to fill in with more graphic and colorful drawings. So cute, right?

In the screenshots below, you'll see the top two don't have the faces filled in yet. In the bottom two screenshots, the faces are filled in, which indicates we completed those tasks for check-in.

➜ Moving Through the Steps of DCL Check-In

You'll be glad you will have already gathered what we recommended to have on hand, ready to go, as you move through the Disney Cruise Line check-in steps. Things will move as efficiently as possible this way.

Each step is sequential. You cannot jump ahead to the Port Arrival Time, for example, then go back to filling in your contact information. You must fill in your contact information first before it lets you move to the next step.

As you can see from the screenshots below, we filled in the information for our Travel Plans, picked our Port Arrival Time (the BEST part of check-in), accepted the terms of the Cruise Contract, and we were done.

All DCL guests, including Platinum Castaway Club members , need to select a Port Arrival Time.

➜ Port Arrival Time

The Port Arrival Time is a timeslot you are given or select during the check in process. This is the time you are able to arrive at the cruise terminal to board the ship on embarkation day.

It's an important timeslot! If you're able to, given how you're arriving at the port (especially if you're driving yourself) you'll want to select the earliest available arrival time.

This is the time you can arrive at the port and drop your luggage off, curbside. (The luggage is delivered to your cabin later in the day.) Then you go inside the terminal to continue your check-in, in person, and you get your boarding group. The earlier the boarding group, the earlier you get on the ship. This means the longer your cruise is, even if that's just hours longer.

Disney has a lot of shorter cruise itineraries that are three or four days that head to Castaway Cay and Nassau, then head back to Florida. This Port Arrival Time particularly matters for shorter cruises. Why not maximize your time onboard a Disney ship if you can?

If you want one of the earliest arrival times, it's imperative you check in for your cruise at midnight. Being one of the first to check in means you will increase your chances of being able to select an early arrival time.

For Guests taking Disney Cruise Line Transportation

The caveat to the Port Arrival Time you get during check in is if you are taking DCL transportation from your Orlando-area hotel. This is especially true for resorts that are on-property at Walt Disney World. If this is the case, your Port Arrival Time doesn't really matter because you will arrive at the port when the bus drops you off.

➜ Disney Cruise Line Website Delays During Check-In

We're not going to sugarcoat this: Disney websites are notoriously slow and buggy.

It's not uncommon to get an error message that the website is experiencing complications during check-in. This is very frustrating when you feel like you're racing against the clock to get your earliest Port Arrival Time and have to do the steps sequentially as the app presents them.

Trust us, we know, and we can relate. We were on vacation overseas the last time we had to check-in for a Disney cruise…at 6:00am local time! It wasn't what we wanted to deal with. Alas, we are all at the mercy of Disney.

The good news is that Disney periodically saves your work. If you need to reload check-in, simply re-open the app. Log in again. Then click “Complete Check-In,” and it will take you back to the check-in website.

You may lose some check-in work (we did), but not all of it. It usually doesn't take much time to re-enter the info.

⭐️ Confirmation You're Checked-In for Your Cruise

When you have successfully completed the online check-in process, you'll see the message in the screenshot below, that says, “You're All Set to Sail!”

An important note is that while it says you're set to sail, your online check-in may still show as “ Pending Review “. This is because a Disney Cruise Line cast member has to check the photos you submitted (a real human, from what we understand), and it's a long process.

It could potentially say “Pending Review” until you sail. If it does, don't worry. We have heard that this is common. In our case, our account said “Pending Review” up until the day we embarked on our cruise.

As long as you bring all the documents with you that you uploaded to the app, you should be golden when you arrive at the port to embark on your Disney Cruise. (Remember you must keep all of these documents in a carry-on bag with you at all times during embarkation.)

➜ Disney Cruise Line Port Arrival Cards for your Digital Apple Wallet

If you have an iPhone, one of the coolest things you can add to your Apple Wallet after check-in is your Port Arrival Form QR codes. This makes it extra easy to find those important QR codes you need when you get to the cruise terminal to embark on your Disney Cruise.

We're not 100% sure if the same cool feature is available to Android phone users with Google Pay. But if you know (because you use an Android and you've gone through the check-in process with Disney Cruise Line, firsthand) please let us know in the comments!

➜ Your Check-In Should be Good to Go!

Though there used to be another step to clear “Safe Passage by Inspire Diagnostics” (aka: “Safe Passage”) through the end of September 2022 for some of the Disney Cruise Line ships (Disney Dream, Wish, Wonder, and Fantasy) and through November 7 for Disney Magic, you no longer need to do this.

The official statement from Disney Cruise Line to its guests was the following:

Beginning November 14, 2022, for sailings departing from the United States, Disney Cruise Line will no longer require Guests (regardless of vaccination status) to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test prior to sailing.

The Safe Passage portal is no longer available as of January 1, 2023.

Visit DCL's “ Know Before You Go ” page for the latest updates.

➜ How long did the Disney Cruise Line Online Check-In Process Take Us?

It took us 50 minutes to complete the DCL online check-in process. In an ideal world, it should have only taken 20 minutes. But it is what it is.

To reiterate a sentiment we mentioned earlier: we're all at the mercy of Disney Cruise Line's website speed and how well it works – or doesn't work – when you check in.

Our fingers and toes are crossed, and we're knocking on all the wood for you that the website is working and it's quick and painless when you go to check in! If it's not working, simply keep logging back in and refreshing things.

⭐️ Important Information Regarding your DCL Port Arrival Time and Sail-Day Embarkation

There is nothing quite like the morning you board a Disney Cruise ship. The excitement is almost unbearable!

I always look forward to driving to Port Canaveral from Orlando and seeing that first glimpse of the iconic DCL cruise ship stack in the distance. It comes into view as you cross over the second bridge on A1A to get to the port.

The most important thing to know about arriving at the terminal is that you can only arrive within your Port Arrival Time window . This is the 15-minute time block that you chose when you checked in.

Don't arrive an hour earlier, hoping they let you embark early. Though we have heard if they are running ahead of schedule they might let you arrive early, it would be a bummer if they say no and then you have to find something to do to kill thirty minutes or an hour of time. Especially because it's not quite enough time to explore Cape Canaveral .

If you forget your Port Arrival Time, you can easily view it on your Port Arrival Form. It's also in your iPhone Wallet if you added the cards to the iPhone Wallet app.

If you arrive early, they will tell you to come back later during your scheduled time. They might tell you to come back later after several other time blocks clear if you arrive late.

⭐️ Disney Cruise Line Check In FAQs

✦ if one reservation in our traveling party has concierge but the rest of us don't, can we get in with the concierge guests.

No, there is no formal way to do that. But we have heard that once you're at the port, you can simply ask someone who works there if they'll allow you to board as a group at the earlier boarding time. Sometimes they say yes.

✦ I accidentally only registered half of our party for check in, then realized later and now my group has two different Port Arrival Times. Can I change the later ones to be earlier?

The answer is no, you cannot change the later time to be earlier. But you can arrive later than your Port Arrival Time and board as a whole group with later group.

✦ We're doing a closed-loop cruise and don't have a passport. What do we need to upload for documentation proof?

You must have a photo or scan of a birth certificate and photo ID ready to upload upon check in if you don't have a passport. Note that this is only true of a cruise that starts and ends in a US port and goes to certain areas.

If you have a passport, then — without a doubt — upload that as your photo documentation.

✦ We will be checking in ten people for our Disney Cruise. Would it be best for three people to do 3 or 4 check ins so that we can get the same boarding time?

One person can do all the check-ins for your cruise. You can link all the reservations into one account and change between them easily. Just make sure the one person who is checking everyone in has everything we mention that you need to do it. (Security photos, passports or birth certificate info, etc.)

Our check-in printable has a checklist on it to ensure you’re prepared for check-in! Be sure to download that.

✦ When in the process of doing the check-in steps. Do you need to go through them in order or can you jump ahead to selecting the Port Arrival Time first and then go back and fill the rest?

The system will not allow you to select a Port Arrival Time until you’ve completed the previous steps.

✦ Can you take photos of your passports and upload those photos when checking in? Or do you actually need to create a file (pdf)?

You can take photos of the passports on your phone to upload. Just make sure that the photos you create are glare-free and all the information is legible.

✦ We’re staying at Walt Disney World before and after our cruise. Should I mark “no” when it asks if we’re flying in?

Our Disney Travel Agent, Becca Plans Vacations , helped us with the official answer to this question. If you won’t have a car at the port, say you’re flying in even if it’s at the start of your WDW trip.

✦ Is it best to check in on the app through your phone or on a computer?

It's best to do it in the app on your phone. However, we know some people check in through their computers, especially if they need bigger fonts for eyesight reasons or they have trouble pressing small links and buttons on their phone.

Some people even have their phone and computer in front of them to see what's faster. Do what's best for you, but we personally stick to the app.

✦ What happens if you arrive 30 or 40 minutes prior to port arrival time?

If you arrive before your Port Arrival Time , ask the staff if they'll let you arrive early. If they're running early that day they might, but they may also tell you that you have to come back later.

✦ How long does the security check usually take at Port Canaveral?

We have embarked at Port Canaveral many times. It usually takes about an hour or less from parking our car to getting inside the terminal. Twenty to thirty minutes is a good approximation for the security line itself. However, that's just getting through security.

The time you board the ship is dependent upon the boarding time you receive once you arrive at the port and go through security.

⭐️ What to Do After You Check-in for Your Disney Cruise

➜ mark your calendar with important dates.

You'll want to mark your calendars with the date below. (Don't forget to get our Free Check-in Cheat Sheet Printable if you haven't already, which makes counting the days super easy.)

• After check-in, before you sail: Enjoy booking things like special dinner reservations at Enchanté , Palo, or Remy's, depending on the Disney Cruise Line ship you'll be on. You can also book spa treatments in the app and schedule gifts, like flowers or chocolate-covered strawberries, for delivery to your stateroom. (Read our “Start to Pack for Your Disney Cruise” info below for great things to purchase and bring onboard to decorate your room.)
• 3 days before your cruise is when online bookings for cruise activities close, like spa treatments and dining reservations.
• The day before you sail : mark your calendar to buy wine or beer if you want to bring some onboard. But seriously…mark your calendar to go to a local wine/beer store if you want to bring some on board. This way, you won't have to worry about it the day you embark! Disney's policy is as follows:

Disney Cruise Line Guests 21 years and older may bring a maximum of 2 bottles of unopened wine or champagne (no larger than 750 ml) or 6 beers (no larger than 12 ounces) on board at the beginning of the voyage and at each port of call. These beverages must be packed in carry-on (not checked) bags or luggage. Guests wishing to consume wine or champagne that they have brought on board in one of the dining rooms will be charged a corking fee of $25.00 per bottle. Disney's Policy stated on their website

• Date for the day you sail . (Just in case you haven't already marked it in your calendar!) You'll also want to set a reminder to complete the Pre-Trip Embarkation Health Questionnaire , which is available in the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app on your embarkation day.

If you need to figure out any dates above, simply Google, “What day is __ days before [enter your sailing date]” and Google will show you the date in its results. It's a beautiful thing.

➜Start to Pack for Your Disney Cruise

When we come back from one trip, we're always excited for the next. Whether you're cruising as adults only on Disney Cruise Line or looking forward to a DCL sailing with the entire family, we know it's never too soon to think about packing.

If you're going to the theme parks before or after your trip, be sure to check out our Ultimate Year-Round Walt Disney World and Universal Packing List , which includes a helpful printable.

➜ Order Cruise Essential Items in Advance

This is because you may need to order some cruise items ahead of time, which might take time to ship. Such things as Blissets (which are awesome and fashionable anti-nausea bands ), or perhaps custom Disney Cruise Line attire on Etsy , take time to arrive at your doorstep.

Other things may be available on Amazon, where you can use Prime to ship within days. If you don't already have a Prime account, now is the perfect time to sign up for a free 30-day trial so you'll get free shipping.

We also have a list of Cruise Essentials for you to browse in our Amazon shop , from handheld fans to beat the heat to Apple AirTags if you're checking luggage, to reef-safe sunscreen, and more.

➜ Get Trip Insurance

If you didn't opt for Disney's trip insurance but still want to explore covering your trip, it may not be too late! We never get trip insurance through the cruise line because it's more cost affective to get it elsewhere and we like what third-parties include.

⭐️ Disney Cruise Activities: Make any Desired Reservations from Dining to the Spa and Port Excursions

As your cruise countdown continues, you can do some additional things in the app. For example, you can make reservations or appointments for dining and the spa ahead of time. You can access this online app feature up to three days before your cruise.

If dining (like Enchante on the Disney Wish , for example) is showing as unavailable, that usually means there are no more advance reservations available. (In that case, you'll want to ask about how to make a reservation while on board the day you embark.)

Port excursions and spa reservations can also be made in advance from within the app.

If a spa treatment, or appointment for Hook's Barbery on Disney Wish , is showing as “Sold Out,” you may want to check about availability once you board the ship on embarkation day.

Cruise Essential FOR YOUR TROPICAL VACATION:

The only thing we have tried that gets rid of bug bites from your skin is The Bug Bite Thing . This item is a MUST pack when we travel. We always pack one in our backpack/day bag and another in our luggage. Don't travel without it!

⭐️ Things to Do Nearby in Port Canaveral

If you are sailing from Disney Cruise Line's Port Canaveral Terminal and are looking for things to do nearby, we've got you covered!

There are many great activities, whether you have a few hours, half a day, a full day, or multiple days.

Check out our recommendations for things to do near Port Canaveral and make the most of your trip to the Florida coast! (Or “Space Coast,” as it's called!)

Going on a Disney Cruise? Read this next:

• Best Disney Cruise Ship, According to DCL Experts
• Experiencing a Disney Cruise without Kids
• Anti-Nausea Medication and Other Cruise Sea Sickness Solutions 

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30 comments.

When in the process of doing the check-in steps. Do you need to go through them in order or can you jump ahead to selecting the Port Arrival Time first and then go back and fill the rest?

Great question, Sebastian. Unfortunately, it will not allow you to select a Port Arrival Time until you’ve completed the steps before it!

We will be checking in ten people for our Disney Cruise. Would it be best for three people to do 3 or 4 check ins so that we can get the same boarding time?

Hi Kathryn – One person can do all the check-ins for your cruise. You can link all the reservations into one account and change between them easily. Just make sure the one person who is checking everyone in has EVERYTHING you need to do it, which we reference in this post. (Security photos, passports or birth certificate info, etc.) Our check-in printable has a checklist on it to ensure you’re prepared for check-in! Be sure to download that through this post. – Mikkel + Dan

We just finished our check-in. There were five people in our party, and we got it done in about 30 minutes, and got an 11:30 port arrival time! I’m pleased.

One hint: if you have a choice between using normal passports or passport cards, keep in mind that passport cards are really easy to photograph, because they lay flat like a credit card or driver’s license. You’ll need to take pictures of both the front and back, but that’s easy.

There are five in our party. Four had passport cards, and one had only a regular passport book. The passport cards worked beautifully, and the app was able to read them to determine the passport numbers, expiration dates, birthdates, names, etc. But the check-in app was unable to read our (admittedly imperfect) photo of the regular passport, so I had to manually read and type in all that info. The passport cards were much easier to deal with.

The passport book is required for international air travel, so everyone in our party has one of those. I was glad that most of our party additionally had the passport cards.

Thank you so much for your comment, Rich! This is very helpful to know. I’m going to add it to the post, but note that passport books are only good for certain countries, just in case someone checking in is going to Europe, for example, for their cruise. I’m glad most of your party had the passport cards too. Great tip! – Mikkel

Can you take screen shots of the passports and upload those photos when checking in or do you actually need to create a file (pdf) for the passports and such? Thanks for the information!

You should be able to if you give the app access to your photos.

We’re staying at Disney World before and after our cruise in April. Should I mark “no” when it asks if we’re flying in? It asks where you’re staying after the cruise but not before, so do we not need to put that anywhere? We’ll be using DCL transportation coming and going.

Hi Jillian! Our Disney Travel Agent, Becca Plans Vacations, helped us with the official answer for you. DCL transport overrides port arrival time so don’t stress about the time you get when you do Disney Cruise Line check-in, in the DCL app. If you won’t have a car at the port, say you’re flying in even if it’s at the start of your WDW trip.

Is it best to do this on a phone or laptop/desktop (actual computer) ?

It’s best to do it on the app through your phone.

I found when checking in several people, it was easier to use my computer to quickly find all the photos to upload. My chubby fingers easily make mistakes on my iphone.

Thank you for that tip, Barb! Have the best time on your Disney Cruise!

What do you do if you arrive 30 or 40 minutes prior to port arrival time?

If you arrive in your own car or private shuttle, you can try to see if they’ll let you come in early but they may turn you away. It could depend on the day or who you talk to. If you arrive in a DCL shuttle (Disney-owned) then they will let you come into the port when you arrive.

Is the check-in 12AM EST when the app clicks to 30 days, or is it technically 12 AM EST when the app clicks to 29 days? I’m getting conflicting information between the app and the web site. The website says 30 days, and the app says a date that’s 29 days left.

Hi Dan! Go by what the app tells you when you’re logged in, which should be the first minute of 30 days before cruise embarkation day. Hope that helps! – Mikkel + Dan

We are a group of 11 people from 3 family groupings. If one person checks all of us in, and gives one credit card, is it possible to change the credit card information after check in so that each family can use a separate credit card?

Hi Marie! We recommending checking in with 1 credit card. Then, after you’re onboard, go to Guest Services to divvy up the accounts and corresponding credit cards as you wish! Hope that helps. – Mikkel + Dan

How long does the security check usually take? We have an arrival time of 12:30, and a massage booked for 1:30 (the only time available for day 1). Is that cutting it too close? I’ve seen some say it was backed up, but that was also during the first few sailings so I’m hoping the kinks are worked out.

Hi Matt! Great question. The security line is pretty fast. It’s usually 10-20 minutes. The only delay we had last time, and why it took more than 20 minutes, was because the US Coast Guard made a surprise visit to the port/ship which delayed their boarding process, which backed up security a little at 11:30 am. This was before guests could board. But it’s pretty rare that happens. Don’t hesitate to tell people that you have a massage booked at 1:30 pm on the ship, just like you’d tell airport TSA if your flight was boarding sooner than later. Everyone at the port is very nice! A lot of FL retirees are working there and they’re very kind and understanding. 🙂 If you arrive at 12:20/12:30 pm for your 12:30 pm port arrival time and head to security efficiently, tell the person who gives you the boarding group number – in particular – that you have a massage. That may help! You could even say “I don’t know if you have any pixie dust on you today, but we’re trying to make a massage for the only time they had left onboard and it’s in less than an hour.” kind of thing. Good luck! Enjoy the massage! – Mikkel

I found your site a few days ago and came back to tell you thank you! This post was incredibly helpful and our checkin process was flawless. I had all the photos ready and waiting on my phone, edited to the correct size. Well written!

Thank you so much, Amber! Comments like yours make us smile from ear to ear and are exactly why we post the content we do…to help other cruisers!!! – Mikkel + Dan

Is a photo with Minnie ears on acceptable for the check in photo?

That’s a good question, Bri. We haven’t tried, so we’re not sure. It’s kind of like a headband so I would think as long as it’s not obstructing your face it is okay. If you try, let us know! – Dan + Mikkel

hello! Did the photo work? with ears? Thank you!

That’s a great question! We don’t know because the person didn’t write back after trying. We’re not even sure she tried!

Just curious if the check-in time you mention is Eastern Time bacause that is the time zone the cruise leaves from. We are cruising out of San DiegoWill the check-in time still be Eastern Time, or will it be Pacific Time?

Hi Pam – please refer to the section in this article that is titled “⭐️ CHECK IN TO YOUR DISNEY CRUISE LINE SAILING 30 DAYS PRIOR TO EMBARKATION: TIMEZONE INFO” – it explains that check in is always EST. Hope that helps – Happy cruising!

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Disney Cruise Online Check-in and Reservation Tips and Tricks

If you’re planning a Disney cruise, then this video is perfect for you. Eric D. walks you through the online check-in process and shares tips and tricks to help you secure reservations for special onboard activities, dining, and port adventures. He emphasizes the importance of making reservations early to ensure availability of your desired activities. The video also covers the different Castaway Club levels and when reservations can be made based on the number of cruises completed. To ensure a smooth check-in process, Eric provides a step-by-step demonstration of how to fill out the necessary information, upload identification documents, and complete the online check-in. He also mentions that the website or app may experience difficulties due to high user volume and advises being patient and persistent throughout the process.

If you’re looking to make your Disney cruise experience as enjoyable as possible, then this video by Eric D. is a must-watch. From securing early boarding time to making reservations for character meet and greets, port adventures, special dining, and onboard activities, Eric provides valuable tips and tricks. He highlights the importance of making reservations as early as possible to ensure availability, especially for high-demand activities like Palo brunch. Eric also explains the different Castaway Club levels, the process of online check-in, and provides a walkthrough of how to fill out the required guest information and upload identification documents. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned Disney cruiser, this video will help you navigate the online check-in and reservation process with ease.

Table of Contents

Online Check-in Process

Navigating to the reservation and cruise details page

To begin the online check-in process for your Disney cruise, you will need to navigate to the reservation and cruise details page on the Disney Cruise Line website. This page will provide you with all the necessary information about your upcoming cruise, including the itinerary, ports of call, and any special events or activities. Take some time to review this information before proceeding to the check-in process.

Starting the check-in process

Once you’re on the reservation and cruise details page, you can start the online check-in process. Look for a button or link that says “Check-In” or something similar. Clicking on this will take you to the check-in portal where you can enter the required information to check-in for your cruise.

Entering basic information for each guest

During the online check-in process, you will be prompted to enter basic information for each guest in your party. This includes their full names, gender, birthdates, and citizenship. You may also be asked to provide contact information such as address, email, and phone number. Take your time to accurately enter this information for each guest.

Uploading identification documents

As part of the online check-in process, you will be required to upload identification documents for each guest. This typically includes a valid passport, but other acceptable forms of identification may be specified by Disney Cruise Line. Make sure to have digital copies of these documents ready before starting the check-in process.

Providing a security photo for each guest

In addition to identification documents, you will also need to provide a security photo for each guest. These photos will be used for security purposes and to ensure that only authorized individuals have access to the ship. Follow the guidelines provided by Disney Cruise Line for taking and uploading these photos.

Filling out credit card information and guest authorization

As part of the check-in process, you will be required to provide credit card information for charges throughout the cruise. This includes setting up a “Key to the World” account, which serves as your onboard credit card. You may also need to fill out guest authorization forms, giving consent for charges and allowing the cruise line to use the provided credit card.

Additional information for guests 10 years and younger

If you have guests who are 10 years old or younger, there may be additional information and authorizations required. This could include permission for these guests to disembark the ship at ports of call, as well as authorization for them to participate in the kids’ club or other onboard activities. Make sure to carefully read and provide all necessary information for these guests.

Providing travel plans

Finally, as part of the online check-in process, you will be asked to provide your travel plans. This includes information about your arrival and departure dates, as well as any transportation arrangements you have made. Disney Cruise Line uses this information to coordinate your port arrival time and ensure a smooth embarkation process.

Obtaining the Port Arrival Form

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Agreeing to the cruise contract

Before obtaining the Port Arrival form, you will need to review and agree to the cruise contract. This contract outlines the terms and conditions of your cruise and includes important information regarding cancellation policies, liability, and other legal matters. Take the time to read through the contract and make sure you understand and agree to its terms before proceeding.

Printing or sending the Port Arrival form

Once you have agreed to the cruise contract, you can proceed to obtain the Port Arrival form. This form provides important information about your cruise, including your assigned port arrival time. You can choose to print the form or have it sent to your phone or other electronic device. Make sure to keep a copy of the Port Arrival form as you will need it for the embarkation process.

Reservations and Port Arrival Time

Making reservations for character meet and greets, port adventures, special dining, and onboard activities.

After completing the check-in process, you will have the opportunity to make reservations for various activities and dining options during your Disney cruise. This includes character meet and greets, port adventures (excursions), special dining experiences, and onboard activities such as spa treatments or adult-exclusive events. Take advantage of this early reservation window to secure spots for activities that may have limited availability.

Release of special character greetings with reservations

One important consideration when making reservations is that special character greetings are often released at the same time as the port arrival time. This means that by securing an early port arrival time, you may also have the opportunity to reserve spots for exclusive character meet and greets. Keep this in mind when planning your reservations and prioritize activities that are important to you and your family.

Reservations availability and importance of making them early

The availability of reservations for certain activities and dining options can vary depending on demand. Popular experiences such as Palo dining or spa treatments tend to fill up quickly, especially for guests with higher Castaway Club levels. To ensure you can participate in the activities and dining options of your choice, it is crucial to make your reservations as early as possible. Take advantage of the reservation window provided based on your Castaway Club level to secure your desired times and dates.

Determining port arrival time

Your port arrival time will be specified on the Port Arrival form obtained during the check-in process. This time indicates when you should arrive at the port for embarkation. Generally, earlier port arrival times allow for smoother boarding experiences and more time to enjoy the ship upon arrival. Keep in mind that securing an early port arrival time also gives you a better chance of reserving spots for special character meet and greets.

Castaway Club Levels

Different castaway club levels.

Disney Cruise Line’s Castaway Club is a loyalty program that rewards guests for their repeat cruises. There are different levels within the Castaway Club based on the number of cruises you have completed. These levels include Silver, Gold, Platinum, and the recently introduced Pearl level. Each level comes with its own set of benefits and privileges.

When reservations can be made based on the number of cruises completed

The ability to make reservations for activities and dining options is tied to your Castaway Club level. Guests who have completed their first Disney Cruise can start making reservations 75 days prior to their sailing. The reservation window increases for guests with higher Castaway Club levels, with Platinum and Pearl members having the earliest access at 120 days prior to their cruise. It is recommended to take advantage of these early reservation windows to secure your desired experiences.

Benefits of concierge level and the Pearl level

Guests who reach the Platinum and Pearl levels of the Castaway Club are entitled to additional benefits and privileges. These may include early booking windows for reservations, dedicated onboard concierge services, priority embarkation and debarkation, and exclusive receptions or parties. The exact benefits may vary, so it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the perks associated with your Castaway Club level.

Tips and Tricks for Online Check-in and Reservations

Recommended time to stay up till midnight (eastern time).

To ensure you have the best chance of securing desired reservations, it is recommended to stay up until midnight Eastern Time on the designated reservation day. This is when the reservation window opens for guests at different Castaway Club levels. Being ready to make your reservations as soon as the window opens can increase your chances of getting the times and dates you want.

Dealing with website or app difficulties

During the reservation window, it is common for the Disney Cruise Line website or app to experience high traffic and potential technical difficulties. If you encounter any issues such as slow loading times or error messages, try refreshing the page or app and continue to be persistent. It may take some time and patience, but don’t give up. Keep trying until you successfully complete your reservations.

Importance of being patient and persistent

The online check-in and reservation process for a Disney Cruise can be competitive and frustrating at times. It is important to remain patient and persistent throughout the process. If you encounter difficulties or encounter challenges, don’t get discouraged. Keep trying and don’t hesitate to reach out to Disney Cruise Line’s customer service for assistance. Remember, the end result will be a magical and memorable cruise experience for you and your loved ones.

The online check-in and reservation process for a Disney Cruise can be an exciting yet challenging experience. By carefully following the steps outlined in this guide and being proactive in making your reservations, you can maximize your chances of securing the activities and dining options you desire. Remember to take advantage of the early reservation window based on your Castaway Club level and stay up until midnight Eastern Time if necessary. With patience, persistence, and a little Disney magic, you’ll be well on your way to an unforgettable cruise vacation.

In this video, we will guide you through the Online Check-in process so that you can secure an early boarding time on your Disney Cruise. We will also provide tips on making reservations for Character Meet and Greets, Port Adventures, Special Dining, and Onboard activities.

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A Disney Cruise Line Online Check-In Cheat Sheet

5/3/2023   |   Cruises

It’s almost here! You have been dreaming of setting sail on your Disney cruise for months and months, and the time has finally come!

Soon you will be able to complete your online check-in. To keep you from being one of those frustrated sailors in your Facebook group, we are going to prepare you for smooth sailing through the online check-in process by making sure you are armed and ready with everything you need!

Check-In dates vary by your Castaway Cay level or if you are sailing Concierge:

- Pearl / Concierge Level = 40 days prior to sailing - Platinum Level = 38 days prior to sailing - Gold Level = 35 days prior to sailing - Silver Level = 33 days prior to sailing - First time Disney Cruise Line cruisers = 30 days prior to sailing

Before Your Online Check-In Date:

- Confirm the exact spelling and full name of each guest between your Disney Cruise Line reservation and the government-issued identification you will be using for boarding. (Passport, birth certificate, etc.). They must match exactly. - Confirm the expiration date of the government-issued identification you will be using for boarding. - Be sure you have already created your DisneyCruiseLine.com and have linked your cruise reservation(s). - Download the official Disney Cruise Line Navigator app and checked for any updates.

- Make sure you have linked any other friends’ or family’s reservations to your reservation so that you are seated together at dinner and can book activities together. - Confirm that you have booked your on-board activities and shore excursions. (The booking window for this also varies depending on your Castaway Club status or if you are sailing in a concierge stateroom. If you are unsure of the date, you can start booking, pull up your reservation on DisneyCruiseLine.com).

You can cancel activities and excursions up until 3 days before your sailing.

Triple check your Online Check-In Date on the app or at DisneyCruiseLine.com. Remember: the check-in time is Midnight Eastern Time on your check-in day. Meaning, if your check-in date is Tuesday April 18, you can start the check-in process at midnight Eastern on Monday night.

Important: Online check-in closes at midnight the day before your cruise. If online check-in is not completed by then, you may be denied boarding.

What to Have Ready at Check-In*:

- A clear photo of each passenger’s passport. Be sure there is no glare and that you can easily read the passport number, name, issue and expiration date, and the photo is clear.

- Passports need to remain valid for a minimum of 6 months after your debarkation date and have at least a few blank pages available. (Requirements can vary by country).

- A clear photo of each passenger. This should be different than the passport photo and should be a solo photo of the guest from the shoulders up. Select a photo that has a plain background.

- Flight information (even if you are not using Disney transportation)

- Pre- and Post-Cruise hotel information

- A credit card to keep on file for onboard purchases

- Name and phone number of an emergency contact not traveling with you

* I recommend having copies of your passports and photos on both your computer and phone in case the website or app is not working for you. This will reduce possible delays in having to transfer the information over while checking in.

At midnight Eastern time on your online check-in date:

Remember: the check-in time is Midnight Eastern Time on your check-in day. Meaning, if your check-in date is Tuesday April 18, you can start the check-in process at midnight Eastern on Monday night.

You will be able to log in to your Disney Cruise Line account (I personally prefer the app), select your sailing, and click on “Begin Check-In.” Click through each step in order. The icons on the right will fill in as each section is completed.

- Guest Information - Onboard Account - Travel Plans - Port Arrival Time

Port Arrival Time (PAT). Most people will select the earliest time available so there is more time to explore the ship before you sail away. You will also be automatically assigned a Boarding Group.

Note: if you are staying at a Walt Disney World resort hotel and have booked the Disney Cruise Line transfer, you will not be asked to select a Port Arrival Time.

- Cruise Contract

Once you have completed your Online Check-In, you will see the message “You’re All Set to Sail!” You can check back periodically before your cruise to ensure your documents have been reviewed by a cast member and your check-in has been upgraded from “Pending” to “Complete.”

Be sure to print out (and you can also add it to your digital wallet on your iPhone) your Port Arrival Form.

At the 30 day mark, you will also be able to:

- Book the Princess Gathering. This princess meet-and-greet is included in your cruise fare, but it requires a reservation and is limited due to the popularity. - Purchase a photo package. Purchasing in advance will be the least expensive pricing available. You can opt to purchase once on-board at a higher price. Disney Visa holders get a discount on-board, but the pre-purchase price that is offered to all guests will be the best pricing.

Make sure to add any special requests which is very easy to do directly in the app. This can include things like: high chairs, bedrails and cribs; dietary requests; celebration planning. This should be done at least 5 weeks prior to your sail date. Additional requests for food allergies and accessibility assistance/medical equipment can be requested on the Special Services Form.

Website Glitches:

Remember: technology is not perfect. If you are getting an error message in the app, try the website. If you are getting an error on the website, try the app. If neither works, try an incognito browser/window on your device.

Disney Cruise Line can be reached at 800-951-3532, or contact your Me and The Mouse Travel Specialist. (Please note - Disney Cruise Line will not answer specific questions regarding your reservation or make any changes for you if you are booked with a travel agent).

Special Situations:

- What if we have multiple staterooms to check in?

If you have several staterooms to check in, you can opt to have each stateroom have their own account and try to coordinate as best you can with Port Arrival Times.

Alternatively, you can link the reservations to one account so that one person can be responsible for checking everyone in. That person would need to have all the information ready for each stateroom. They will still need to toggle between each reservation.

With either method, you likely will not get the same PAT. If this is the case, you can all arrive at the latest PAT time to board together.

- What if we do not have passports or are traveling on Visas?

For complete details on proper documentation for sailing on a Disney cruise, please refer to the official Disney Cruise Line website .

I strongly, strongly urge you to have a valid passport for everyone in your traveling party in case of emergency.

Just a few weeks to go!

Now that you're checked in, you can make a packing list, start putting your vacation essentials together, place your travel documents/Port Arrival Form/passports in a folder in a safe place, and look forward to stepping on board your Disney cruise!

Other helpful hints: Packing List Prohibited Items Alcohol Policy

Nancy loves sailing with Disney Cruise Line and would love to help your family plan their next adventure!

Tagged: cheat sheet , Disney Cruise , Disney Cruise Line , online check-in , Planning , Travel , trip , Vacation

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I am a mom who loves all things Disney, but especially Disney Cruises! I enjoy sharing everything I have learned and hope that it will help others plan their own vacations.

Online Check-In for Your Disney Cruise

March 16, 2017 by Disney Cruise Mom 50 Comments

ETA: DCL has made some changes to the online check in process since I wrote this post.  I have since updated it to include all of the changes.

Every once in a while I have a reader ask questions about the online check-in process for their upcoming Disney cruise.  Since I am within the time period for my upcoming cruise, I thought it would be a good idea to take some screen shots and walk you through the process.  First, here are the time frames for doing online check-in:

Platinum & Concierge:  120 days prior to sail date

Gold: 105 days prior to sail date

Silver: 90 days prior to sail date

First time cruisers: 75 days prior to sail date

For those of you that don’t know, Platinum Castaway Club members have completed at least 10 cruises, Gold at least 5, and Silver at least 1.  Concierge means that you have reserved a concierge-level room on your cruise.

First, some important notes.  Check-in begins at 12:00 am EST on the morning of your check-in date, so make sure you take time zones into account.  Those of you on the west coast are lucky and don’t have to stay up as late as those of us on the east coast!  Second, you don’t have to be paid in full to complete the online registration portion of your check-in, but you do have to be paid in full in order to reserve any onboard activities  (more details on these below).  I suggest paying in full a few days before your check-in date in order to allow plenty of time for your payment to be processed and give you time to correct anything should a problem arise with your payment.

Okay, onto the actual process.  First, if you haven’t already, you need to create an account on the DCL website in order to access your reservation.  I suggest doing this well in advance of your check-in date.  Then, once your booking window opens, you can log in to your account and get to work.  The first screen you see will look like this:

Since we have 2 rooms reserved, we have 2 separate reservations showing.  If you only have 1 room, you will only see 1 sailing listed.  If you click on the “View Details” link, a screen will pop up showing your itinerary and room details like this:

Back on the main screen (the 1st picture above), you will see 5 items (words in bold) that allow you to click the blue link next to it and edit: Dining Preferences , Activities, Online Check-in, Special Requests, and Free Character Call .  The 2 bold items that do not have a link (Vacation Protection Plan and Ground Transfers) cannot be edited online and can only be changed by calling DCL or your travel agent (if you have one).  Speaking of travel agents , this is a good time to remind you that even if you use a travel agent (we do), you still have access to everything that I am getting ready to show you from this point on.  The only things you have to go through your agent for are adding/removing the vacation protection plan or ground transfers, or anything that has to do with payment or altering your reservation (room change, sailing change or cancellation).

Okay, on to the first item of Dining Preferences .  I’m not going to walk you through changing your dining preference because it is so simple, but you can read my post about early vs. late dining here .

Next up is Activities .  As you can see, it reminds you that you have up until 3 days prior to your sail date to edit these as many times as you want.  Just make sure you have everything exactly the way you want it 3 days prior to your cruise, because after that you will be charged onboard for everything you have booked, even if you cancel it.  When you click on “book now” next to Activities , you will see something like this:

For each day of your cruise, you can click on “View or Add activities” at the bottom of each day’s rectangle to book things for that day.  I already have some stuff reserved, which is why you see items listed beneath the daily pictures.  When you click on “View or Add Activities”, you will see a screen like this:

ETA 7/14/17:  People have just begun reporting that alcohol tastings are now able to be reserved online under the “onboard fun” category.

Now you will have the option to add either port adventures , adult dining ( Palo /Remy), spa & fitness , onboard fun, or nursery time .  Nursery time is greyed out on mine because I don’t have any children 3 or younger.  If you click on “ Port Adventures “, you will see a list of the port adventures offered by DCL in that particular port, like this:

On this screen you select the one you want, and once you do, more screens will pop up allowing you to see the available times and select them.  This is a good place to point out 2 important things.  First, after you select an activity (any activity, not just port adventures), your selection will appear in the box on the top right of the page/photo above labeled “Your Activity Cart”.  Once they are in your cart, they are not actually reserved until you click on the “confirm activities” box at the bottom .  Many people miss this step entirely or think that just because they are in their cart, they are being held for them.  Not true.  Then, by the time they figure it out, the item has sold out.  This leads me to me second point:   private cabanas on Castaway Cay .  These are without a doubt the most sought-after item in the online check-in process and lead to people clicking on refresh over and over at 11:59 pm in order to try and snag one.  Since there are so few, most are unsuccessful.  But, if you are one of the lucky ones and manage to get one, be sure and click on “confirm activities” as fast as possible or you will lose the cabana within seconds!  By the way, you will find the cabanas listed as a port adventure at Castaway Cay, so go there first if you are trying to get one.  (To read about our stays in cabanas #5 and #6, click here .)

After you have selected port adventures, you can move on to Adult Dining .  Clicking here allows you to reserve brunch (usually only offered on sea days) or dinner at Palo or Remy (Remy is only on the Dream and Fantasy).  It looks like this:

Since we will be on the Wonder, Remy is not showing as an option here.  However, it now appears that they are giving you the option to pre-book 2 Palo dinners, as long as one is on the first night of the cruise, which is a new development! Other than this, you are only allowed to pre-book 1 Palo dinner and brunch, and 1 Remy dinner and brunch.  You can add more board if they are available, and they sometimes are.

After adult dining is Spa & Fitness .  ( Click here to see the spa on the Dream.)  If you click on the box, you will see something like this:

Choose whichever spa treatments you like, and once again remember to click on “confirm activities” on the top right of the page to actually reserve it.

Next up is On Board Fun .  This is where you can book things like character breakfasts, ticketed meet & greets, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, etc.  When you click on it you will see something like this:

As you can see, this day has a character breakfast (now sold out), Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, and the Royal Court Tea.  Just select what you want, and remember to click on “confirm activities”.

If you have a child under 3, you could also pre-book a certain number of hours in the nursery from this page.  It is grayed out on mine because I don’t have a child that young.

Now that I’ve walked you through the entire Activities section, let’s move on to the Online Check In section. If you click on the blue link next to it, you will see this:

Notice that on the right side of the page, there is an arrow at the bottom of the “Review Contract” box indicating there are more options to the right.  If you click on the arrow, you will see that there is only 1 more box, which is “Port Arrival Form” .  It is important to know this is hiding over there because it is the form that you need to print and bring with you to check in at the terminal.   You can see it here in this screen shot:

The page is so long that I had to take 2 screen shots.  Here is the bottom portion:

I have already completed all of my sections which is why you see all of the green check marks, but until you do, you will see prompts to remind you to complete each section.  It’s very simple go through and complete each section, so I’m not going to show you most of those details (although I will elaborate on the Youth Activities Registration below).  However, note that under the “Port Arrival Time Info” section is where you will select your port arrival time, or PAT .  You can read more details about that here in my post about the boarding process .  Some people really want an early PAT for various reasons, such as trying to get a port upgrade (you can read my post about that process here ), and those tend to book fast so if this is important to you, I suggest you go straight to this section once your booking window opens and try to snag an early one.  The only times you will not be prompted to select a PAT are if you are Platinum or concierge (since they get to board first anyway), and if you are signed up to take Disney transfers from the airport.

Notice that at the bottom of this page are forms that you can fill out if any of them apply to you.  The Special Services form (must be received by DCL 60 days prior to sailing) is where you would request things pertaining to the following:  medical conditions, mobility, service animals, oxygen, hearing/visual, or food allergies.  The Debarkation Authorization for Minors Form is needed for your child to leave the ship at a port with an adult other than the one booked in the same stateroom.  This can be an issue if a family is booked in 2 rooms, with mom in one room with one child and dad in the other room with another child, or if an extended family is sailing together in multiple staterooms.  The Authorization for Minor to Travel Form is needed if you are sailing with a minor who is not your child or you do not have legal custody of.

One of the sections of the Online Check In that I want to elaborate on is the Youth Activity Registration  section.  This is were you will register children 12 and under for the child programming on the ships.  You will be asked for things like nicknames, allergies, non-medical conditions, etc as well as asked for a secret password that you will have to give when you pick your child up from the club.  This can all be done onboard as well.  This is what it looks like online.  I had to do 3 separate screen shots to get it all:

Within this section, you need to edit the information for each child by clicking on “Edit Guest X Information” next to the child’s name.  This is visible on the first of the 3 screen shots above.  Once you click on that, this is what you will see:

Next up is Special Requests .  When you click on this link you will see this:

Finally, the last section is where you can schedule a free  Character Call:

Just follow the prompts to schedule the call.

Well I think that just about covers everything.  I know that was a lot of information and if you noticed any errors or omissions, please let me know!

As always, don’t forget to like me on Facebook ( click here ) and follow me on Pinterest ( click here ) for all of the latest Disney Cruise Mom Blog updates!

March 16, 2017 at 11:42 am

I’m just excited you are sailing on a Disney cruise through the Panama Canal!!! I want every detail after your sailing! Lol 🙂

March 16, 2017 at 1:01 pm

Thanks Audrey! I am very excited as well, this has been on my wish list for a very long time. We have had it booked for over a year and I can’t believe it is almost here! I will be doing a detailed trip report after I return, and I also plan to try and post at least 1 photo a day during the cruise on my Facebook page so be sure and follow me there!

March 16, 2017 at 5:42 pm

The special services form is also where you can request distilled water for CPAP machines. It seems obvious (now) that I think about it but I didn’t realize it for our first cruise.

June 17, 2017 at 11:33 am

Hello, thank you for all of the information. I had a question about the online process. There are 3 of us adults in one room. My question is do we all three need to sign in and complete different registrations or can one person do all three at the same time? An example would be, do we all three need to sign in and reserve dinner at Remy, or do I put in how many people will be in the reservation?

June 17, 2017 at 11:40 am

Hi Valeree! Only one of you should do it. When the person logs in, and clicks to reserve Remy, then all 3 people’s names on the reservation will appear with a circle next to them. The person will select which guests will be doing Remy. The same goes for reserving anything else – all 3 names will appear and you just select who will be doing that activity. I hope this helps!

June 17, 2017 at 11:49 am

Yes, thank you so much. That is great information!!

July 3, 2017 at 12:09 pm

I am interested in the FE group. I don’t know how to get started. Plz help.

July 4, 2017 at 12:47 pm

Hi Sheila! There are 2 places that FE groups form, on the disboards ( https://www.disboards.com/forums/disney-cruise-meets.85/ ) and on Facebook. To find your cruise group on Facebook, just search for your ship name and sail date and it will usually show up. Most groups are private so you will have to request membership. Hope this helps!

July 14, 2017 at 11:53 pm

Love reading your blog! We just booked our first Disney cruise (and first cruise EVER!!!) for next spring! A couple questions – can we hit “confirm activities” after each activity we choose? Or do I wait to click it until after I’ve finished choosing everything? Can I go back in later and make changes? Thank you!

July 15, 2017 at 8:41 am

Hi Kayla! So glad you’re loving the blog! Yes, you should definitely hit “confirm activities” right away after EVERY choice you make. If not, someone else online at the same time could select the same thing and if they click it first, then it’s gone. And yes, you can go back at any time (up until 3 days before you sail) and change or add anything. Hope this helps!

August 4, 2017 at 6:56 am

We are first time Disney cruisers and I’m loving all your posts! You were recommended by a friend who also follows your blog!

I have a question about reserving port activities and payment. I plan on using my Disney Rewards dollars towards my onboard account–hoping it will cover the cost of our activities! Will I have to pay for the port activities when I confirm them or can I pay for them after I have boarded and setup my onboard account?

August 4, 2017 at 3:51 pm

Hi Chris! Port adventures are always charged to your onboard account, so using your Disney rewards card will work perfectly! Just go to guest services after boarding and have them apply the reward card to your account.

August 15, 2017 at 9:06 pm

Question about two rooms (one for us and one for grandparents) – can I checkin both rooms at the same time? Or does it need to be done separately? Looking to try to book activities together (character breakfast), etc.

August 15, 2017 at 9:30 pm

Hi Laura! You can check in both at the same time as long as the reservations are linked (call DCL to do this or have your travel agent do it, if you are using one) and as long as you are all the same Castaway Club level. If both of these are the case, then you will see everyone’s name as options when booking activities and such.

September 25, 2017 at 8:01 pm

Hi, first timer here. If port arrival time is most important to me, I go to on board check in first? At midnight? Do I need to complete the lengthy entire online check in at this point too or can I just pick port arrival time?

September 25, 2017 at 9:18 pm

Hi Patti! You can begin your online check in at midnight Eastern time on the day that your booking window opens. If you want to get to the port arrival time section first, then when you first pull up your reservation, click on the link next to “online check-in”. Then you will see a screen with several boxes in a row labeled “guest information”, “identification”, “pre/post cruise”, “onboard account”, and then “port arrival time”. I have never tried to jump ahead to the port arrival time box without filling in the other sections first so I can’t say if it will let you or not, but you can certainly try. If it doesn’t let you jump ahead and you must enter all/some of the information before it, then I suggest having it ready so that you can get it in the computer as fast as possible and then get to the port arrival time section. I kind of think it will let you jump ahead though because I know that you can go back later and enter things like passport numbers and flight info. Good luck!

September 25, 2017 at 9:33 pm

Thanks so much! I’ll have all the details ready to go so I can fly through the check in. Just in case. I also really want Remy and Palo so we will see how it goes!

September 3, 2018 at 2:35 pm

Hi, I check-in next week (1st timer) and was wondering this exact question. Can you tell me if I can skip the other sections to choose Port Arrival time first? Thanks!

September 3, 2018 at 2:50 pm

Hi Nicole! Last I checked, you were able to go straight to the port arrival time section without doing the other stuff first. It’s been a while since I’ve done it (we’re platinum now so we no longer choose a PAT) so I can’t be certain, but I think it’s likely.

October 14, 2017 at 2:21 pm

DO we have to select a port arrival time if we are being picked up from WDW resort?

October 14, 2017 at 4:34 pm

I have never personally done this, but from what I hear you will still need to pick a port arrival time when you do your online check-in. However, the buses from the WDW resorts don’t get people to Port Canaveral until later, usually between 1:00-2:00, and by then they are no longer enforcing the port arrival times and you will be able to check in and walk onto the ship with little to no wait. From what I understand, they really only enforce them during the very busy time frame of roughly 10:30-12:30. So, if I were you, I would pick a later time around 1:00 and leave the earlier times open for people who will can actually get to the port earlier. Bottom line, it won’t really matter what time you choose because when you arrive that late they don’t really check. Hope this helps!

November 6, 2017 at 4:28 pm

Can I add another person to my reservation after I do check in online?

November 7, 2017 at 7:59 am

I’m almost certain you can, but you should call DCL to verify. I think you can add a guest to the reservation up to about a week before sailing. However, if the sailing is pretty full, you could be denied adding the extra guest if the life boat station for your room is already at capacity. So, I recommend doing it sooner rather than later.

November 13, 2017 at 9:20 pm

Our first cruise checkin window is coming up. I am desperately hoping to get the Royal Tea in the same day as BBB, preferably before tea. Can I just straight to these activities without checking in?

November 14, 2017 at 9:08 am

Hi Jamie! Yes, you can go straight to those activities before you complete the online check in process. You will first see a grid that shows all the days of your cruise. Click on the day you want to see which activities are available and then reserve them. If you aren’t able to get what you want online, check right after you board as well as sometimes they hold spots back to give to people after boarding. I doubt they do this with the Royal Tea though (I actually doubt it sells out since it is so expensive), but I am almost certain they do this with BBB. BBB is the busiest on formal night, so if the Royal Tea is being offered on a different day than formal night, your chances should be pretty good. Hope this helps and good luck!

November 14, 2017 at 9:18 am

Thank you. Is there a formal night on a 3 night cruise?

November 14, 2017 at 9:38 am

There is an “optional dress-up” night on the 3 night cruises but in my experience, most people don’t do it. That is probably a good thing for you as I think it makes fewer people reserve the BBB. But, a lot of people try and reserve it for pirate night for the pirate makeovers. They usually don’t want it until later in the afternoon though, and I think the Royal Tea is usually early in the day so I think you will be fine.

January 16, 2018 at 3:56 pm

Hi DCM! This is a great site 🙂 Our 1st cruise is coming up and our checking in date is at the end of the month!! I’m wondering if there are forms that have to printed during check in or will they be stored on my account so that I can go back and print out later? I’d rather not be printing up a storm at midnight!

January 16, 2018 at 4:08 pm

Hi Melissa! You can go back and print out the forms at any time. I always go back and print them just a few days before we leave.

February 14, 2018 at 2:01 am

Hi Disney Cruise Mom,

I love your blog ! Our first cruise is coming up and I am in the check in online process to pick a Port arrivaltime, but do I have to complete my online check in to make sure that I don’t lose the pat ? I still have to complete the passportinformation next week because 2 people in my party have to renew their passports. What should I do? I hope you can help me !,

Best regards from Holland! Linda

February 14, 2018 at 8:30 am

Hi Linda! The system does require you to complete each step in the online check-in process before choosing a port arrival time (PAT), but once you have chosen it, you won’t loose it. If you don’t have all of the passport information yet, it’s okay if you enter incorrect information for now, just to secure the PAT you want. Then, once everyone has their new passports, you can go back and edit the information to make it accurate. I have done this before. I also do it with my flight information because I have often not purchased my flights at the time I do the check-in. I hope this helps!

February 17, 2018 at 9:29 am

Thank you very much for your advise! I was able to choose an early Port arrival time due to your help !

February 16, 2018 at 4:28 pm

Thank you very much fors tour help!! I succeeded in choosing a early PAT for the cruise !

February 16, 2018 at 7:37 pm

You’re welcome!

March 24, 2018 at 7:23 pm

My daughter will be just two months shy of 3y old for our cruise. If she I potty trained will she be able to do the kids club instead of the nursery or are they super strict on age??? My older two will be in there so I am really hoping she can go.

March 24, 2018 at 7:32 pm

Unfortunately they are super strict on age. Even if a child turns 3 during the cruise, they won’t let them go to the club/lab until the day they turn 3. But, you can take her to the club/lab during open house hours (happens at least once a day, check the navigator) and let her play, you will just have to stay in there as the spaces are not secure during open houses, anyone can come & go.

March 24, 2018 at 10:53 pm

Thank you so much for the info!

April 1, 2018 at 6:11 pm

I’m sorry if a similar question has been asked and answered, but my hisband, kids, and I will be going on our second Disney Cruise, and my mom will be joining us, but in her own stateroom. What is the likelihood my mom will be able to board at the same time we do. I hate the thought of boarding before her and her being on her own! Thank you!

April 2, 2018 at 8:31 am

Hi Mandi! If you check in together at the same counter, then the cast member will most likely give you both the same boarding number. If he/she doesn’t, just ask them to. It might mean that you all get a slightly higher number, but that’s not really a big deal as they call the numbers just minutes apart. Even if for some reason you do get different boarding numbers, whoever has the lower number can just wait and board with whoever has the higher number. I hope this helps and that you have a wonderful cruise!

April 7, 2018 at 12:51 pm

Hi.. I have 5 cabins linked to my disney cruise account. Will I have to check in for them or can they check in their own ? 3 cabins are Silver and 3 cabins are first timers. Or should I unlink the cabins and then link them back up after everyone’s checked in online.

thank you !!

April 7, 2018 at 1:48 pm

Hi Cindy! I don’t think you need to unlink them. Each reservation can do their own online check-in if they each create an account on the DCL website. You will all see each other’s names when you access your online check-in page, but the names of those whose booking windows have not opened yet will be greyed out and not able to be selected, so the silvers cannot make any reservations for the first timers before the first-timers booking window opens. Once everyone’s booking window has opened, you should all be able to see each others names and make selections for everyone. I hope this makes sense!

April 7, 2018 at 3:07 pm

Thank You !! I talked to a CM at Disney Cruise and they told me to unlink all of the reservations and then re-link them after everyone has checked it .

April 7, 2018 at 5:20 pm

Well they probably know better than I do so you should probably do that. I have only linked a reservation with someone once and it was a while ago so I’m just going off memory here. I would do as they suggested.

April 7, 2018 at 5:22 pm

August 25, 2018 at 9:47 pm

Hi! I’ve got a whole year until I get to check-in for my cruise, but I’m getting all my research done now. 🙂 When can you see the schedule of the activities you can book? Is it on your check-in day, or does that information become available for viewing only at some point before check-in?

August 27, 2018 at 8:29 am

Hi Lela! Unfortunately, you can’t see that information prior to your check-in window opening. Being an ultra-planner myself, I would love it if this was possible but as of now, it is not.

February 21, 2019 at 1:49 pm

my In laws booked 3 rooms, one for them, us and my BIL. Do they check everyone in? I wanted to add activities ASAP (I’m an over planner) and was wondering if I would have to wait?

February 15, 2020 at 5:10 pm

I am confused by the check in. If check in for me is March 18 at 12 am EST, does that mean I can check in on March 17 at 10 PM because I am in mountain time?

February 15, 2020 at 7:08 pm

Hi Michelle! Yes, you are correct. 10 PM the day before your booking window opens for those in mountain time.

February 15, 2020 at 7:18 pm

Thank you so much. I wouldn’t want to be LATE!

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Booking & Online Check-In Window Date Calculator Booking Window Date Calculator

One of the more prominent perks of Disney Cruise Line’s Castaway Club and Concierge level bookings is the ability to book onboard and shore excursions before anyone else.

Castaway Club Members may begin booking activities, and completing the check-in process earlier based on thier current membership level.

• Activity pre-booking  window opens for  Pearl  123-days,  Platinum 120-days,  Gold  105-days,  Silver  90-days prior to the sail date. First time cruisers may begin booking 75-days out.
• Online check-in  process open for  Pearl  40-days,  Platinum  38-days,  Gold  35-days,  Silver  33-days prior to the sail date. First time cruisers may begin check-in 30-days out.

Concierge guests may start booking at 130-days with check-in window opening at 40-days regardless of their Castaway Club stat

The estimated pre-booking and check-in dates are as follows.

Disclaimer : This is just a simple calculator to determine when your booking window opens, but it is up to you to make sure the dates are accurate.  You can check by viewing your reservation on Disney’s website.

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Online Check-In Guests anxious to begin their Disney Cruise Line vacation can now complete their pre-arrival paperwork via the internet with a new service on disneycruise.com called My Online Check-in. The complimentary service streamlines the check-in process and helps expedite boarding at the terminal -- giving guests more time to enjoy the ship and their vacation. To access My Online Check-in, guests with Disney Cruise Line reservations simply click the My Disney Cruise tab on disneycruise.com . With a few simple key strokes at their home computer, guests can fill out and print all the travel forms needed for their cruise well before they depart for their vacation. After arriving at the Disney Cruise Line terminal, guests simply turn in their forms and are cleared for embarkation -- ready to start their Disney Cruise Line vacation. Guests who enjoy the traditional paper documents may choose not to complete the online check-in and will receive the full ticket booklet in the mail. You can do the following online beforehand:   Flight Information Form (air not booked by Disney Cruise Line®) Flight Modification Request (air booked by Disney Cruise Line®) Medical Information Form Minor Authorization Form You can access and submit the following documents on disneycruise.com at “My Disney Cruise”:  Guest Information Payment Authorization Cruise Contract (contract signature will be required at the port) TIPS :  The reservation must be deposited prior to Online Check-In. If Online Check-in is completed more than 30 days prior to sailing, the cruise documents sent by mail will not include the forms already submitted. Once Online Check-in documents are submitted, an online confirmation will be received.  Online Check-in is available up to 48 hours prior to vacation commencement.  When completing the Flight Information Form, the dates must match the arrival and departure date of the Disney Cruise vacation. If the dates don’t match, please call DCL reservations to add the flight information.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Please select a category to view answers to frequently asked questions.

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Booking & Payment

Please select a question:, how can i book a disney cruise, will i be charged to call and speak to a disney expert, where can i find out information and make a group booking, can i book a cruise only reservation, can i book a cruise with a deposit only, how do i pay my balance, how can i change or add details to my booking, do i have the ability to change or upgrade my stateroom, can i reserve connecting staterooms, who do i contact if i have a special requirement, can i arrange for the celebration of a special occasion during our cruise, what is a cruise & stay package, how can i book a cruise & stay package.

You can book your Disney Cruise through our Disney Experts by calling 0800 169 0742*. We advise booking early in order to select the stateroom of your choice. Some staterooms may be more popular than others and these may sell out quickly.

You will not be charged to call and speak to a Disney Expert as this number is a freephone telephone number.

Currently Walt Disney Travel Company are unable to make group bookings, however Disney Cruise Line® direct will be able to assist you with these bookings, offering a number of connecting staterooms. Please call 0800 169 0742*.

Yes, you are welcome to book a cruise only reservation without transportation. Please call our Disney Experts on 0800 169 0742* for more information and to book. If you wish to add transport to your booking at a later date, you can also do this by calling our Disney Experts.

You can make your cruise booking with just a deposit. £150 per person is required at the time you make your booking, plus any additional flight costs (if applicable). The final balance is then payable 100+ days before cruise departure.

To pay the balance of your Disney Cruise please call 0800 169 0742*.

If you wish to amend or make any changes to the details on your booking please call our Disney Experts on 0800 169 0742*.

If you wish to upgrade your stateroom, please call our Disney Experts on 0800 169 0742* or alternatively visit 'My Reservations' on 'My Disney Cruise' or via the ‘Disney Cruise Line Navigator App’.

You can book connecting staterooms or side-by-side staterooms if travelling with another party at the time of booking. To book, please call our Disney Experts on 0800 169 0742*. Please note that connecting and side-by-side staterooms cannot be guaranteed.

In order to cater for any requirements you or your party may have, call our Disney Experts on 0800 169 0742* who will be able to make a booking specific to your needs. A number of adjustments can be made to your booking to ensure your needs are met. You can also make special requests under 'My Reservations' on 'My Disney Cruise’ or via the ‘Disney Cruise Line Navigator App’.

Yes. Whether it’s an anniversary, graduation, birthday, honeymoon, engagement, retirement or reunion, we’re here to help you add even more fun and cheer to your celebration. We recommend letting us know about your special occasion at least 3 weeks prior to sailing so we can make arrangements for you and your guests in one of the dining rooms.

To make arrangements for your special occasion, visit the ‘Disney Cruise Line Navigator App’ or sign into ‘My Reservations’ on ‘My Disney Cruise’, select ‘Special Requests’ and fill out the Special Request form. Orders must be received at least 48 hours prior to departure.

A Cruise & Stay package involves combining a stay at Walt Disney World Resort with a Disney cruise. With easy transfers available for a Disney cruise and stay package, the ultimate holiday is simple to plan, and you’ll soon be on your way to the magic- able to enjoy the fun, thrills and relaxation of both a Disney Cruise and a Walt Disney World stay.

You can add a cruise to the beginning or end of your Walt Disney World Resort booking. When booking with the Walt Disney Travel Company all the details of your ultimate holiday are taken care of!

We know creating the perfect Disney package can be hard; especially deciding what should go where. This is why we have put together a sample itinerary to help give you some ideas on what your ultimate Disney holiday could look like.

Explore our Disney Cruise and Stay Packages to combine your trip to Walt Disney World with a Disney Cruise for the ultimate Disney experience! You can choose to book your Walt Disney World stay online and then call our Disney Experts to add your cruise on 0800 169 0742* or book your whole package with our Disney Experts.

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For more information, prices, or to book your holiday call freephone on 0800 169 0742 *.

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Why can't I book online? Sorry, but to create your cruise package you'll need to speak to our Disney Experts.

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Disney Cruise Line Date Planning Calculator

You’ve booked a Disney Cruise ! Hooray! One of the next steps will be planning for online check-in and activities. Continue below to see what can be booked in advance and see the dates available to book.

What to Book

Adult-Exclusive Dining Dining reservations must be cancelled prior to 24 hours ahead of the scheduled reservation to avoid a cancellation fee.

• Palo Steakhouse

Nursery Reservations must be cancelled more than 4 hours in advance to avoid a fee.

• “it’s a small world” nursery . Reservations are made on a first come, first served basis once onboard.

Onboard Activities Activities my include the following. Check your planner for specific offerings for your sailing.

• Beverage Tasting Seminars
• Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique/Pirates Leage
• Character Greetings
• Goofy’s Sports Deck
• Olaf’s Royal Picnic
• Royal Court Tea

Photography

• Professional Photography
• Shutter’s Photography

Port Adventures Reservations must be cancelled at least 3 days prio to cruise departure to avoid payment in full. Some Port Adventures are non-cancelable and nonrefundable.

Spa & Fitness

• Fitness Center
• Hook’s Barbery
• Senses Spa & Salon
• Untangled Salon

When to Book

Disney Cruise Line has different check-in dates for various guests to make it a bit more complicated. Castaway Club guests (those who have sailed with Disney previously) have the benefit of booking earlier than other passengers.

• Pearl Castaway Club members: (those who have completed 25 or more cruises) can book 123 days before their sail date, starting at midnight Eastern US time.
• Concierge level guests: can book 123 days before their sail date, starting at midnight Eastern US time for online bookies. Contact Shoreside Concierge Associate team beginning at 130 days.
• Platinum Castaway Club members: (those who have completed 10 or more cruises) can book 120 days before their sail date, starting at midnight Eastern US time.
• Gold Castaway Club members:   (those who have completed five cruises) can book 105 days before their sail date, starting at midnight Eastern US time.
• Silver Castaway Club members: (those who have completed one cruise) can book 90 days before their sail date, starting at midnight Eastern US time.
• New Cruisers: can book 75 days before their sail date, starting at midnight Eastern US time.

One thing to note, your cruise must be paid in full to be able to take advantage of pre-booking these exciting options.  

Disney Cruise Line Important Date Planning Calculator

Disney Cruise Line Important Date Planning Calculator helps you calculate the booking opening date for your cruise.

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Book your next Disney Cruise Line vacation with our sponsor, The Magic For Less Travel ! They are your go-to experts when it comes to planning the most magical Disney cruise experience ever! Start planning your dream getaway and embark on a journey filled with enchantment, fun, and unforgettable memories! Services from The Magic For Less Travel are provided FREE of charge and their expert planning advice will help you make the most of your vacation time and money. Receive the best prices, free concierge travel planning & a shipboard credit when you book any new Disney Cruise Line vacation with The Magic For Less Travel Request your FREE No-Obligation Quote Below

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The ultimate guide to Disney Cruise Line ships and itineraries

After decades of success making families smile and laugh at its theme parks, Disney dipped its toes into the world of cruising in 1998. Disney didn't just copy another cruise line's model for success or slap its name on the side of an existing ship. It created its own brand of cruising.

Disney went so far into charting its own path as to get special approval from the U.S. Coast Guard for its ships' lifeboats to be yellow instead of regulation orange, to tie into the colors of Mickey himself — black, red, white and yellow.

Now, Disney Cruise Line has five ships sailing in those signature colors, along with three more on order. In a normal year, those five ships take tens of thousands of families on sailings to the Caribbean , Mexico, Alaska, Europe, Bermuda, Bahamas, through the Panama Canal and even to Australia and New Zealand.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Having sailed four of Disney Cruise Line's five ships, I can say the experience is indeed special — especially if you have kids. But Disney's not a one-trick cruise line that's only good for one age group. It offers kids clubs and activities to suit babies through teens and has several adults-only areas of the ship . Its newest ship, Disney Wish , provides more cool spaces for adults than any previous vessel.

Disney's attention to detail transfers to its voyages on the sea. But unlike at the Disney theme parks, which can be a bit complicated to navigate, long lines and complex strategies are rarely a part of the Disney cruise experience.

Get the free planning help of a Disney vacation planner via TPG's partner, Mouse Counselors .

What TPG loves about Disney Cruise Line

• Broadway-caliber shows and first-run movies.
• Disney-level service and attention to detail.
• High-quality Disney character interactions and kids clubs.
• Innovative, included rotational dining.

What we could do without

• Disney cruises are expensive.
• The onboard Wi-Fi is not the fastest, especially on ships that haven't been upgraded. And it's not cheap.

Disney Cruise Line fleet

While Disney may be a household name, Disney Cruise Line is actually a small line. It currently sails just five ships, compared to 27 at its family-friendly competitor Royal Caribbean .

Of the five, two are smaller ships, and three are larger.

The largest ships in Disney's fleet are Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, at 1,115 feet long and 14 decks high, and Disney Wish , at 1,119 feet and 15 decks high.

These three ships each have a passenger capacity of 4,000 people spread out across approximately 1,250 cabins. The overwhelming majority of cabins on these ships have an ocean view or private verandah, with only 10%-12% being windowless inside cabins. (On its oldest four ships, these interior rooms have a "magical porthole" that displays a live feed from outside to replicate a window.)

Disney Treasure , expected to join the fleet in 2024, will be in the same larger Triton class of ships as Disney Wish.

Disney Wish is currently a workhorse of short three- and four-night sailings from Port Canaveral , Florida, to the Bahamas, home to Disney's private island , Castaway Cay.

Disney Fantasy often sails weeklong cruises out of Florida. With the addition of Disney Wish to the fleet, Disney Dream now spends its summer across the Atlantic, offering European cruises from May to September, then spending much of the rest of the year based out of Fort Lauderdale.

The smaller two ships in the Disney Cruise Line fleet are Disney Wonder and the line's first ship, Disney Magic .

These two ships are 984 feet long and 11 decks high, and each has the capacity for 2,713 passengers across 875 staterooms. On these two smaller ships, 70% of passenger cabins have ocean views or verandahs.

Disney Wonder is often on the move and currently splits its time among Alaska , the South Pacific, Hawaii, California, Mexico and beyond. Disney Magic spends part of its year based out of Galveston, Texas, or New Orleans and much of the rest based out of Fort Lauderdale and Miami.

Related: Best destinations you can sail to on a Disney cruise

Disney Cruise Line destinations and itineraries

Disney Cruise Line has about 370 annual departures scheduled that range from two- to 15-night sailings. Many new-to-Disney itineraries have recently become available as the line is adding new ships for the first time in a decade.

Disney Cruise Line destinations include:

• New Zealand
• Pacific Coast
• South Pacific

Disney Wish has, by far, the highest number of annual sailings, with 105 three- and four-night cruises departing from Port Canaveral to the Bahamas. These sailings all go to Disney's private island, Castaway Cay; some also stop in Nassau, Bahamas.

Some Disney cruises do what's called a "double dip" and make two stops at the private island, where you can step ashore without leaving the Disney bubble.

Pro tip: If you go to Castaway Cay, rent a bike for a little exercise and a self-guided tour of the island. Or, you can run the at-your-pace 5K that morning around the island.

Coming in summer 2024 , Disney will have a second exclusive beach destination in the Bahamas — Lighthouse Point.

This won't be an entire private island like Castaway Cay, but it will be an exclusive beachfront space designed for Disney Cruise Line with many similar offerings to Castaway. Disney Magic, Disney Wonder and Disney Fantasy will call on this new destination for the first time in 2024.

Related: Best tips and tricks for sailing with Disney Cruise Line

Who sails Disney Cruise Line?

Let's start with the obvious: Families love Disney Cruise Line.

The ultimate sweet spot for taking a Disney cruise starts when a child is at least 3 years old and potty trained (the criteria that get them into the included kids clubs) and lasts until they outgrow their love of Disney characters. Remember, Disney now includes the "Star Wars" and Marvel brands and offers themed cruises featuring those characters, too.

A Disney cruise costs more than a similar cruise on a line like Royal Caribbean , so it's easiest to justify the expense when your kids love Disney the most.

So, yes, the stereotype that Disney Cruise Line is full of families is 100% correct.

You'll see many families with kids in those preschool, elementary and middle school years. But you'll also see families with little babies (the minimum age is 6 months on most sailings, 1 year on Panama Canal and transatlantic sailings), tweens, teens, college-age kids and even grandparents who have made a Disney cruise an enjoyable multigenerational travel tradition.

Related: Comparing Disney, Carnival and Royal Caribbean cruises for families

You'll also see cruisers who love Disney regardless of age and are proud to wear their Mickey ears while hearing the first seven notes of the "When You Wish Upon a Star" melody blown from the ship's massive horn.

Just like you don't need kids to have a great time at Disney World or Disneyland, you can happily cruise as adults without offspring on Disney Cruise Line. All the ships have active adults-only sun decks, pool and lounges. Disney Wish especially invested in its adult offerings with an infinity pool, along with more bars spread around the ship instead of being clustered into one main area.

Disney Cruise Line cabins and suites

At a basic level, Disney Cruise Line offers five main types of cabins across the fleet. In its simplified version, the types of cabins on a Disney cruise include:

• Windowless inside cabins
• Ocean-view cabins
• Verandah cabins (with private balconies)
• Verandah cabins with concierge service
• Suites with concierge service

These cabins start at 169 square feet for a standard inside cabin and go up to a two-story, 1,966-square-foot Tower Suite on Disney Wish .

Unless you are OK with the smallest space on the ship or have a budget for the largest, the sweet spot for price and comfort on Disney Cruise Line vessels is probably the cabins that are around 204 square feet and usually come with a queen bed, single sleeper sofa and upper-berth pull-down bed and a split bath.

This split bathroom situation places a sink and the shower/tub combo in one bathroom and the toilet and another sink in the other. Each has its own separate door, so someone could use the toilet/sink room while another takes a shower, all in private and at the same time.

You'll find this cabin layout within the Deluxe Inside Staterooms, Deluxe Oceanview Staterooms and Deluxe Oceanview Staterooms with Verandah categories.

The Deluxe Family Oceanview Staterooms and Deluxe Family Oceanview Staterooms with Verandah add about 40 more square feet to the equation. If you want the largest within those room categories, search for rooms that can hold five people on the Disney Cruise Line website.

Pro tip: You can ask your cabin host for cartoon bedding for the kid's bed if you think your child will be excited to come back from dinner to one of their Disney favorites.

You can connect many of the cabins on the ship , which is often a much more economical solution for a family looking for more sleeping space (and bathrooms) than upgrading to a multibedroom suite. Roughly speaking, a family of four will pay about 50% more for two cabins than they will for everyone to stay in one cabin of the same size.

Related: 7 nights. 4 people. 1 cruise ship cabin. Can we survive?

If you are going all-out on a particular trip, or are simply working with a larger budget, Disney concierge suites are special.

The smallest available room with this service is the Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah, which isn't all that different from the Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah, other than the included concierge service. From there, you can go up to the one- or two-bedroom suites.

Be prepared for sticker shock, though, as these suites will almost certainly be near or over five figures on many sailings.

While pricey, Disney concierge service eliminates almost all of the potential pain points of a Disney cruise (not that there are many pain points to begin with).

Disney concierge service gets you access to the Disney Concierge Lounge, which has food offerings multiple times per day and a fully stocked fridge with sodas, juices and bottles of water.

In the evenings, you'll find included beer, wine and spirits in the lounge — which you can also take with you as you head out to dinner or to enjoy the view from the deck.

The Concierge Lounge also has its own private deck, and Disney characters have been known to make a private appearance there during the cruise. (Don't worry, you'll get a heads-up.)

Related: Is Disney Cruise Line concierge service worth it?

You also have your own check-in area at the port and are among the first to board the ship, which can mean extra time to enjoy having the waterslides to yourself. At the end of the cruise, you can have a private elevator that takes you down to be some of the first off the ship — which should protect you from a long line to say goodbye.

There are other perks of the concierge level, too, such as early front-row seating at shows, included popcorn and the ability to submit your request for meal reservations at Palo or Remy, cabanas on Castaway Cay, spa treatments, character meet-and-greets or whatever else you wish before other guests. These can be made for you starting 120 days before your sailing, which is before all other guests except those with the highest elite status tier in the Castaway Club .

Passengers on their first Disney cruise don't get to make those reservations until 75 days out if they aren't in the concierge level. The reality is the hottest items are often booked up by then, especially on shorter cruises when there's less time to do everything.

Those in the concierge level in one-bedroom suites and higher can also order room service from the restaurants to their cabin, which means you can have a hot breakfast on your verandah if you wish instead of the regular continental options available to most guests.

If you are on the fence about concierge service, it's arguably most valuable when you are on a shorter cruise, have some specific popular must-have items on your reservation wish list or want someone else to take care of everything. You can also inquire about discounted upgrades at the port, assuming rooms are left unsold on your voyage.

Pro tip: Regardless of your cabin, bring magnetic Mickey or nautical-themed decor for the entrance, as most of the cabin doors are magnetic. Decorating is a fun tradition on a Disney cruise.

Related: Review of sailing in a suite with Disney concierge service

Disney Cruise Line restaurants and dining options

You will not go hungry on a Disney cruise. From room service to evening dinners, meals are (mostly) all included.

Rotational dining

On each Disney ship, three main dining rooms serve as dinner restaurants that participate in rotational dining. Each ship has its own lineup of themed rotational restaurants, but the concept remains the same on each.

Each night, your tablemates and servers will move from one restaurant to the next as a team. This way, the servers get to know that you always want to start with a glass of red wine, or your kids' food needs to come ASAP so you can take them to the kids club as soon as they finish, or (in my case) your daughter wants a side of barbecue sauce with ... everything.

You must choose between an early and a late dinner time, with your showtime opposite your dining time. Some restaurants, such as Animator's Palate, are found on multiple ships, while others are unique to one ship, such as Tiana's Place on Disney Wonder and all of the rotational restaurants found on Disney Wish .

Included restaurants on Disney Magic

• Animator's Palate
• Lumiere's
• Rapunzel's Royal Table

Included restaurants on Disney Wonder

• Tiana's Place
• Triton's

Included restaurants on Disney Dream

• Enchanted Garden
• Royal Palace

Included restaurants on Disney Fantasy

• Royal Court

Included restaurants on Disney Wish

• Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure
• Worlds of Marvel

At these restaurants, you can order whatever you want on the menu at no extra charge, with a few exceptions (for example, alcohol and specialty drinks cost extra).

While many guests dress up a bit for dinner (compared to their afternoon pool deck attire), most stay relatively casual for the rotational dining restaurants. Disney does not impose a specific dress-up requirement.

Disney cruise ships offer many other dining options beyond the three included themed restaurants — most included, some not.

Room service

Room service is mostly free (other than sodas or alcohol), though the menu is limited if you aren't staying in a concierge-level cabin. Still, it's free room service, so I'm not one to complain.

Pro tip: Fill the breakfast card out the night before and hang it on your stateroom to get breakfast exactly when you want it the next morning.

And you haven't lived until your kids learn how to call and order free Mickey ice cream bars to the cabin ... every night (just be sure and add a tip).

Buffet and grab-and-go

Your Disney cruise will also include a buffet known as Cabanas on the original four ships and Marceline Market on Disney Wish. The buffet is usually open for breakfast and lunch, though not in the evening hours.

In addition to the buffet, a few grab-and-go quick-service restaurants on the pool deck serve salads, chili, pizza, barbecue and more, depending on which ship you're sailing.

Don't miss these options, as some are quite good. They are typically open from late morning until later into the evening.

Room service, the buffet and the on-deck food counter dining options don't cost extra and are available to you in addition to or instead of your rotational dining.

You'll also find included ice cream on one of the upper decks. A pro-level hack is to get Mickey churro waffles from the buffet in the morning (only available some mornings) and add vanilla ice cream for a vacation-worthy breakfast.

Extra-cost, adults-only restaurants

At the top of the "costs extra" list are the restaurants Palo (found on all five ships, though it's Palo Steakhouse on Disney Wish), Remy (on Dream and Fantasy) and Enchante (only on Disney Wish).

Remy is a fancy adults-only French restaurant that costs $125 per person for dinner (more if you order drinks). This is the type of place where men need jackets and women are expected to wear dresses, pantsuits or a skirt and blouse. Enchante on Disney Wish is similar — you're dressing up for these meals.

Palo is also fancy, though a notch less fancy than Remy. You'll see jackets and dresses in Palo, but you can also get by with nice jeans if you want. This adults-only restaurant serves Northern Italian fare and starts at about $45 per person for a multicourse brunch or dinner, though you can also order a la carte for dinner, which could cost more or less, depending on your order.

I can say with 100% certainty that if you enjoy a nice meal, this is worth the extra $45 once during your cruise . From the breadbasket to the dessert, it's all amazing. You'll gain 5 pounds, but you won't regret a bite.

These reservations are hard to get, especially for brunch, so you'll want to make them the second you are eligible and keep checking back for cancellations if you miss out the first time.

Coffee shops and snack shops

On a Disney cruise, the snacks and pastries you'll see in the coffee shop or kiosk are all included, but the specialty coffee will cost extra. Drink prices are roughly similar to Starbucks, if not a notch lower. Be sure and ask for the Cafe Fanatic card if you're a regular, as your sixth drink will be free.

In addition to the included soft-serve ice cream and Mickey bars available via room service, your ship may have some shops with extra-fee ice cream. This can confuse kids, so I want to warn you beforehand. On Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy and Disney Wish, you'll find an ice cream shop stuffed with candies, gelato and ice cream — all for an extra charge.

Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy also have a juice bar that costs extra.

The exact bars will vary by vessel, but you can expect spots like a wine and Champagne bar, a pub, a laid-back lounge and a bar with live entertainment.

These bars are a lot of fun and are not to be missed if you like live music or a nice drink at the end of the day. Keep an eye out in your app for when and where the happy hours are on board if you want to save a few dollars on your drinks. Some bars also offer a sommelier bin where you get a nice glass of wine at a discounted price — as long as you put the bartender in charge of choosing your drink.

Some of the drink-tasting classes that you book in advance can be a good value if you're a fan of the drink on offer and are interested in learning a little bit while you sip. You'll want to book these before sailing, as many do sell out.

Food on Castaway Cay

If your cruise takes you to Disney's private island, Castaway Cay, you're in luck, as there's plenty of included food to eat there, too.

Just like on board, some of the food on Castaway is included, while alcohol and specialty drinks are not. The Cookie's and Cookie's Too lunch shacks on the island are both included, so load up on hot dogs, barbecue, hamburgers, fries and all the fixings. Vegetarian options are available.

While the food options here are somewhat basic, they still make for a fun and free meal.

However, if you don't like what is on offer on the island, you can always hop back on your ship for lunch and then continue your afternoon on the island after you eat.

Entertainment and activities on a Disney cruise

A valid reason to want to sail with Disney is the onboard fun that awaits — especially for those who love Disney characters and stories.

Theaters and shows

Each Disney cruise ship features two theaters. In the massive Walt Disney Theatre, you'll enjoy Broadway-caliber evening shows such as "Beauty and the Beast," "Frozen," "Tangled," "Disney Dreams," "The Golden Mickeys" and more. If you want a good seat, arrive about 30 minutes early since seating is first come, first served.

The Buena Vista Theatre screens first-run Disney films. These will be the same films still showing in theaters on land. If you happen to be at sea when a new Disney movie premieres on land, you'll also get that same first look at sea.

Pirate Night is a staple on many Disney cruises in the Caribbean. On that themed night, expect everyone to be dressed in their pirate-y best for the evening, so pack accordingly. Your dinner will also have a pirate theme, followed by a fun show up on deck, complete with fireworks.

Pro tip: If you plan to stay up late for Pirate Night, try to work in a nap that afternoon so you don't miss out on the nighttime fun.

Game shows, karaoke, bingo and more

The extensive lineup of interactive game shows, trivia, karaoke, dance parties, bingo and more listed in the Disney cruise app are worth checking out. Some of these are adults-only, while others are fun for the whole family. Most are included in the price of the cruise, though bingo does cost extra — and you could win real money.

Other interior attractions and activities

Meeting Disney characters is a fun part of a Disney cruise.

You can make reservations to meet the popular princesses, but most characters are easy to walk up to and meet via a short line. Or, even better, you often see them roaming about the ship at unexpected times.

You can work off some of those treats and drinks at the onboard fitness center on each ship.

The Senses Spa & Salon is a full-service spa with everything from massages to pedicures and hair care. Promotions are available if you book more than one treatment. If you have a Disney Visa card , you can also save 20% on select onboard services.

Pro tip: The showers in this part of the ship are full-size, in case you are getting a bit claustrophobic in the shower in your cabin.

If you like getting away to relax, look at purchasing access to the Rainforest Room for heated stone loungers, aromatherapy showers and even hot tubs on the larger ships. You can buy a one-day or full-cruise pass to this area of the spa, but get a tour first as the layout and inclusions in this space vary dramatically from ship to ship.

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

Little cruisers can be transformed into a princess or pirate at sea at the onboard Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, which does themed kid makeovers and sells costumes as part of the package. You'll need an appointment; expect to pay $100 to $200 for most packages.

This is a fun thing to do before meeting a princess, before a more formal night or anytime you want to see a huge smile on your kid's face. If you have a princess dress or outfit from home you want to use or reuse, you can purchase a cheaper package at Bibbidi Bobbidi.

Decktop attractions

Waterslides.

All of Disney Cruise Line's ships have some kind of waterslide on board.

The AquaDuck waterslide on Dream and Fantasy takes riders in single or double tubes 765 feet from Deck 12 up and down, through the forward funnel and on a four-deck drop. It's pretty epic. AquaMouse on Disney Wish is also an inner tube-based ride and is not to be missed.

These lines can get long, so I recommend riding first thing when you board if the port is warm enough. Nighttime rides usually have short waits, too.

Disney Magic has the most thrilling waterslide in the fleet, called AquaDunk, and Disney Wonder has its own waterslide in the AquaLab splash area.

Each Disney ship has multiple pools, though if you've never been on a cruise, you may be initially shocked at how small they are — and how busy they can get.

As with the waterslides, we recommend enjoying these first thing when you board if you want to try them without crowds. Otherwise, you won't find so many people in the pools on port days, early in the morning and right before dinner. There are thousands of people on the ship and only a few small pools, so plan accordingly.

Each ship has a pool and hot tub area for adults 18 and up. It can also get busy, but typically less busy than the family area. Select ships also offer an in-pool bar area for adults.

The adult sun deck is a nice place to grab a chair and relax, even if you have no intention of getting in the water.

Splash pads

Your little one has to be potty trained to use the onboard pools. The option for those still in swim diapers is some splash areas, such as Nemo's Reef and Dory's Reef.

Sports deck

If you want to be more active, head to your ship's sports deck to play basketball, foosball, miniature golf and more. You may even have some sports simulator options beyond your traditional in-person fun.

Children's programs

As a parent, my favorite part of a Disney cruise might be the included kids programs that children actually want to attend. If the kids are happy for a few hours, the parents can actually relax, too.

Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab for children ages 3–12

All five Disney ships have amazing spaces for kids in the 3-to-12-year-old range in the Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab.

Here you'll find video games, an indoor slide, fun programs and games with the staff, arts and crafts, surprise character visits and more. Your kids need to be potty trained to stay in this club, so use that as motivation for a kid approaching 3 years old before your next cruise.

Your kids don't need an appointment to pop in here; they can come anytime from open to close — and the club stays open pretty late.

Parents can stay with kids and play during open hours on the first day and select times on other dates, but most of the time, the Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab are kids-only. Your kids will check in and out by scanning a special MagicBand that also tracks where they are within the kids clubs.

Disney Wish has the added perk in the kids club of a slide that takes the kids straight from the main atrium and into the fun.

Know that once your child turns 8, you have the option of giving them self-checkout privileges. While kids up to 12 are welcome in the main Oceaneer Club, they may start moving up to the tween club by the time they are 10 years old.

Edge tween club for children ages 11–14

When your kid outgrows the fun in the main kids club, don't worry. Edge is waiting just upstairs.

Technically, Edge is for kids ages 11-14, but you can get your 10-year-old in with permission — and once they figure that out, it's probably all over for the "little kid club."

Edge is a much smaller space, but tweens have tons of fun playing video games, having dance parties, doing crafts, playing trivia games and more with their newfound cruise friends.

This club does not utilize parent sign-in and -out, so you need to trust your kid if they are coming to Edge. If your 10-to-12-year-old child visits Edge, they can also play at the Oceaneer Lab and Oceaneer Club, so they have options.

Vibe teen club for children ages 14–17

Get ready to be jealous of this one. On Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, the teen club has its own set of small pools at the front of the ship.

Inside all versions of the teen club, Vibe, you'll find a tech-friendly world with loungers, dance parties, smoothies and other teen-approved fun. Some of the coolest inside space on Disney cruise ships is dedicated to teens ages 14-17, but you can request for your child to attend this club starting at 13 years old.

'It's a small world' nursery for children 6 months to 3 years old

While the three previously mentioned kids clubs are free and do not require reservations, the nursery operates differently. You will need to make reservations, and the fee is $4.50 per half-hour for the first child and $4 per half-hour for each additional child.

What to know before you go

Required documents.

The specific documents you will need will vary by cruise destination. Having a passport is always a good idea, but it's not technically required on all Disney cruises. For example, round-trip cruises originating in Port Canaveral, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Galveston, San Diego, New Orleans, New York and San Juan, Puerto Rico, often do not require a passport.

Passports, when required, must be valid for at least six months. For cruises from international ports, you'll need a passport. Note that it is important that the name on your reservation be exactly as it is stated on your passport or other official proof of nationality.

Related: Tips for getting a child's passport

Disney Cruise Line adds a service gratuity of $14.50 per person per day to final bills. If you are unhappy with the service you receive, you can lower this amount. Of course, you can visit guest services and adjust it upward, too.

To give an idea of the cost, a four-person family on a four-night cruise would pay $232 in recommended tips. The amount is split among your team of dining room servers who quickly learned your kids' preferences for dinner and your cabin hosts who made your room look like magic while you were out enjoying yourself.

An 18% gratuity is added to onboard spa, bar, beverage, wine and deck service tabs. You can always add an additional gratuity for any of your services or servers.

While room service is free, it's customary to add a few dollars of tip when you sign the "bill."

While some gratuity is included at Palo and Remy, you'll likely want to add an additional tip if you enjoyed the service. If you stay in a concierge-level room or suite, it is customary to tip the Concierge Lounge hosts at the end of your cruise a recommended amount of $8 per night per guest.

Related: Everything you need to know about tipping on cruise ships

Disney Cruise Line's Wi-Fi, Connect@Sea, is in the process of being upgraded, so speed, bandwidth and cost vary by ship.

If you are on a ship that charges by day instead of by the amount of data used, expect the prices to vary from $12-$36 per day, depending on the speed you select. There are often discounts for buying Wi-Fi access for the length of the cruise.

If you are on a ship that still charges by the amount of data used, we recommend not doing that and connecting either when you are in port or via a plan from your cellphone provider.

Related: What's the best international phone plan right now?

Carry-on drinks policy

Guests 21 years and older may bring a maximum of two bottles of unopened wine or Champagne (no larger than 750 milliliters) or six beers (no larger than 12 ounces) on board at the beginning of the voyage and at each port of call. These beverages must be packed in carry-on (not checked) bags or luggage. You can keep drinks chilled in the small fridge in your cabin.

Guests wishing to consume wine or Champagne that they have brought on board in one of the dining rooms will be charged a corkage fee of $26 per bottle.

Smoking policy

Smoking is permitted only in designated deck areas. It's forbidden in cabins and on cabin balconies, and those who violate this rule will face a $250 cleaning fee.

For an additional fee, Disney ships offer full-service laundry and dry cleaning services that will pick up and deliver clean clothes to your cabin.

Ships also provide 24-hour, self-service guest laundry facilities equipped with washers and dryers, along with detergent and complimentary ironing equipment. You pay for the facilities by using your Key to the World card. These services can get busy during sea days on longer cruises, so plan accordingly.

Electrical outlets

All cabins are equipped with multiple 110-volt outlets, which are standard in the U.S. and Canada. Cabins on Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy are equipped with a combination of 110- and 220-volt (European) outlets.

Small electrical appliances such as electric shavers, curling irons and flat irons with standard North American plugs will function on board; 110-volt items should not exceed 1,500 watts, and 220-volt items should not exceed 2,000 watts. A hair dryer is provided in every cabin for your convenience, but you may bring your own as long as it meets the guidelines above.

The currency on Disney Cruise Line ships, regardless of location, is the U.S. dollar.

When you are on the ship, you will not need cash or a credit card — all incidentals, purchases and services will be charged to your cabin folio. Your Key to the World card (or your DisneyBand+ on Disney Wish ) serves as your onboard payment method. The only exception is if you want to tip a crew member in cash.

In port, you may wish to carry cash or a credit card to buy snacks and souvenirs or to tip your tour guide.

Drinking age

For most Disney sailings, the drinking age on board is 21.

However, on round-trip cruises departing European countries with a lower drinking age, passengers 18-20 years of age can drink alcohol on board with signed parental consent. For round-trip cruises from Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland and Brisbane, guests 18 years of age and older may purchase and consume alcoholic beverages without parental consent.

During the day, people dress casually. If it's a sea day in a warm-weather destination, and you're bound for the top deck, that means looking like you're going to the beach. T-shirts, shorts and bathing suits (with a cover-up to go inside) are fine.

During the evenings, dining attire in the three main dining restaurants is "cruise casual," meaning no swimwear or tank tops, but you don't have to put on a party dress. That said, many guests do dress up a bit in the evening, but it's not required unless you are dining in Palo, Remy or Enchante.

Cruises that are seven nights or longer schedule one "formal night" — though even then, it's only encouraged, not required. On that night, you will see suits, sports coats, cocktail dresses and similar from some guests.

Pro tip: Be sure and pack that pirate gear for Pirate Night.

Related: What to pack for your 1st cruise

Disney Cruise Line loyalty program

Disney Cruise Line has a simple loyalty program, the Castaway Club , with four "elite status" levels that you earn based on how many cruises you've taken with Disney. A three-night and 10-night cruise both count as one sailing for these purposes.

• Silver: One completed cruise
• Gold: Five completed cruises
• Platinum: 10 completed cruises
• Pearl: 25 completed cruises

Related: The TPG guide to cruise line loyalty programs

This isn't the kind of loyalty program where you earn free cruises the way you earn free flights with airline miles. Instead, as you go up in status, you earn perks and earlier access to booking cruises and activities — which is key for getting those hard-to-snag adult dining or Castaway Cay cabana reservations

Silver members

• Book new cruise itineraries one day before the general public and book onboard activities 90 days before sailing.
• Get a "welcome back aboard" gift (such as a bag), have access to a Castaway Club members-only line when boarding and access to a Castaway Club direct phone number.
• Select port arrival time with online check-in starting 33 days before the general public.

Gold members

• All of those perks, but you can book new sailings two days before the general public and can book onboard activities 105 days before sailing.
• On eight-night and longer voyages, Gold Castaway Club members are also invited to a private reception with special entertainment. There are also select merchandise discounts available to Gold members and higher.
• Select port arrival time with online check-in starting 35 days before the general public.

Platinum members

• All of those perks, but you can book new sailings three days before the general public and can book onboard activities 120 days before sailing.
• Priority check-in at the cruise terminal.
• Complimentary evening dinner at Palo or Palo Steakhouse for themselves and everyone in the cabin age 18 and older.
• Select port arrival time with online check-in starting 38 days before the general public.

Pearl members

• All of those perks, but you can book new sailings four days before the general public and can book onboard activities 123 days before sailing.
• Exclusive cruise terminal check-in (where available)
• Unlimited Digital Photo Package.
• Select port arrival time with online check-in starting 40 days before the general public.

How much does a Disney cruise cost?

Magic ain't cheap, and Disney cruises are expensive. They aren't the priciest voyages out there, but they will cost more than cruises with family-friendly competitors such as Royal Caribbean by a noticeable margin.

For a family of four, the cheapest Disney cruise currently available (not counting the two-night cruises in Australia and New Zealand) is about $2,500. An ocean view will add about $90 and a verandah will add about $500.

On these shortest cruises, concierge-level cabins and access start at a little over $5,000 for a family of four.

Those sorts of prices will only be available during the offseason, such as in mid-to-late January and early February or for repositioning cruises as the ship moves from, say, Puerto Rico to Florida. That same cruise during spring break can cost double or more, so the more date flexibility you have, the better.

A seven-night cruise in the Caribbean will likely start around $5,000 for a family of four. Expect Alaska and Europe cruises to start at $5,000 to $6,000 for inside cabins for a week, and prices go up for longer sailings and upgraded cabins.

You can save money on your next Disney cruise by putting a $250 deposit down while you are at sea on a previous Disney cruise. It's a popular way to get 10% off your next cruise.

Another way to save on a Disney cruise is to look at a one-way repositioning sailing , as those often price lower than other similar cruises. For example, the cruise line may need to end a cruise in a particular port to reposition the ship to do some sailings from there. You'll have to get yourself back home from that port, but you may save on the cruise in the process.

Related: 15 ways that cruising newbies waste money on a cruise

How to book

You can book your Disney cruise directly with Disney Cruise Line either over the phone or online, but I'd argue you shouldn't.

Cruises are easy to enjoy but can be complicated to plan if you are new to this type of travel. This is an industry where a travel agent is still a good call. You want someone who can help you pick the right cabin type and location for your group and keep track of when you can snag those onboard activities you really want.

When the wave of pandemic-related cruise cancellations hit in 2020, I was so grateful to have a travel agent — instead of me — spending time dealing with the cruise line.

Related: How to book a cruise with points and miles

Another reason to consider going through a travel agent is to get onboard credit. Some travel agents will offer onboard credit based on the amount you spend on your Disney cruise. This is credit you can use toward drinks, spa treatments, excursions or anything else you can charge to your room.

FOR NO-COST ASSISTANCE WITH PLANNING AND BOOKING YOUR DISNEY CRUISE, CHECK OUT TPG'S DISNEY BOOKING PARTNER, MOUSE COUNSELORS .

Generally speaking, the sooner you book a Disney cruise after it goes on sale, the better, as prices usually only go in one direction — up.

Whether you use a travel agent or not, make sure to maximize your credit card points when paying for the cruise by using a credit card that offers extra points for travel purchases and maybe even offers some built-in travel protections .

• The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers 3 points per dollar on travel and dining and an annual up-to-$300 travel credit.
• The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card earns 2 points per dollar on travel.
• The Disney Premier Visa Card is also a good option, specifically with Disney Cruise Line, as it gives you access to a 0% introductory annual percentage rate for six months following the purchase date on eligible Disney vacation packages, such as a Disney cruise (then a variable APR of 19.24% to 28.24% applies). The card also gets you 10% in savings on some onboard activities and packages while at Castaway Cay.

Related: How to save money on booking a Disney cruise

Bottom line

Whether you are on a three-night trip to Castaway Cay or a bigger crossing to the South Pacific, a Disney cruise is a special vacation that actually feels like a vacation.

The classic styling of the original four ships, the modern storybook styling of Disney Wish, the vast number of inclusions, the rotational dining, waterslides, private island, fun kids clubs, Disney characters, high-caliber entertainment and Disney service shine through.

You'll certainly pay more for the privilege of sailing with Mickey and Minnie than with some other family-friendly lines. But for those with kids in that Disney age range, or for adults who know and trust the Disney brand, it's hard to go wrong in choosing Disney Cruise Line for your next vacation.

More stories to help you plan your next cruise:

• Best Disney ships for everyone
• Everything we know about Disney Treasure, joining DCL in 2024
• Everything you need to know about Disney Wish
• Best credit cards for booking a cruise

• Disney Cruise Line

Checking in with multiple rooms question

By cltdad , July 2, 2017 in Disney Cruise Line

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If you have adjoining rooms with linked reservations (but different numbers) is 1 person able to check in online for both rooms, choose PAT, excursions, Palo, etc? Thanks!

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I have been able to reserve for Palo with our two rooms, but not the PAT. I believe you can schedule excursions for both too, but don't quote me on that.

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We have two cabins that we linked and I was able to check in and make reservations for people in both cabins without any issues

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moki'smommy

As above, I've done all parts of it with no problem. Just be sure you have the info needed for the on line check in.

cheermom2four

I just did this at our 90 day check=in point. We have ajoining rooms and one is listed under my husband and the other under me (both silver). two oldest kids in my cabin are newbies. I had my daughter (oldest) sign on the same time I did under my husband's account at midnight EST and only one of us at a time were able to "trigger" the check-in link to show up as the excursion/activities link was the only one that would. I booked some random thing and then the link for both cabins to check in showed up and my daughter logged back in and we both checked in at the same time in order to get PATs together as that was our main goal. We also were able to book excursions (well palo and meet and greets and an excursion) for all of us under one reservation (our names all showed up when booked something and you just checkmark which people wanted to book). Only one of us could book from now on if the other is in the other reservation (it locks you out as I had a pop up warning the other reservation could not log in while i was in it).

You can book activities/excursion/etc for any other rooms that are linked to your reservation while in your reservation.

For online check in, each reservation must be logged into separately. But you can do it, just have to do them separately.

Ok, so as long as the multiple confirmation numbers are linked to the same reservation you can do PAT, dining, meet greets and port adventures with just one person logging in. I did it and it worked fine (with some wierd Disney IT issues here and there) in the process.

Ok, so as long as the multiple confirmation numbers are linked to the same reservation you can do PAT, dining, meet greets and port adventures with just one person logging in. I did it and it worked fine (with some wierd Disney IT issues here and there) in the process.   Sent from my SM-N910V using Forums mobile app

You can't select Port Arrival Times for everyone at the same time. That's part of the online check in. And each room must check in separately. But one person can check in for all rooms (separately) as long as they have the log in information.

• 2 months later...

Do you have to enter all of the passport numbers and personal info before it allows you to chose a PAT? I am getting ready for our midnight check-in and want to be ready! [emoji12]

Do you have to enter all of the passport numbers and personal info before it allows you to chose a PAT? I am getting ready for our midnight check-in and want to be ready! [emoji12]     Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Unless you are on a cruise that requires passports, you don't need to enter passport numbers. You do need to enter basic identifying data, and the PAT selection is at the end of the on line check in process. I don't really know how much you can skip to get to the PAT. You can go back and edit later.

If this is not your first DCL cruise, much of the default info from your previous cruise(s) will already show up when you start the on line check in.

So , for example, if we have 4 linked reservations with one of the 4 silver (and therefore an earlier check in date) that one can check in for themselves , get a PAT , then make a dinner reservation (or something) for the other three and then check in and get PATs for the other three?

An additional question. If I'm reading correctly people using DCL transportation from MCO don't need a PAT. Is this correct?

We are flying in the day before the cruise and sleeping at the airport and then taking a Disney transfer to the ship. Does this mean we get to board early?

All information spaces on the pages preceding the Port Arrival Time page must be filled out before the PAT page will unlock.

Now, you can enter the correct information , or gibberish (the system only recognizes that you've entered SOMETHING, not whether it's true or not). You can go back at a later time to correct any misinformation.

So , for example, if we have 4 linked reservations with one of the 4 silver (and therefore an earlier check in date) that one can check in for themselves , get a PAT , then make a dinner reservation (or something) for the other three and then check in and get PATs for the other three?       Sent from my iPhone using Forums

When the check in and excursion/activity booking windows open for the Silver room (90 days out) you can only check in and book activities for anyone in that room. The other names (in linked rooms) will be there, but grayed out (unselectable) until their booking window opens (75 days out for first time cruisers).

An additional question. If I'm reading correctly people using DCL transportation from MCO don't need a PAT. Is this correct? We are flying in the day before the cruise and sleeping at the airport and then taking a Disney transfer to the ship. Does this mean we get to board early?       Sent from my iPhone using Forums

People using DCL transfers may or may not be required to select a Port Arrival Time. If your check in process asks you to do so, you should.

Did you book the Hyatt MCO (assuming that's what you meant by "sleeping at the airport") through DCL? If so, generally, yes you will not be prompted to select a PAT.

Boarding begins at around 11:15-11:30 with Concierge guests, followed by Platinum Castaway Club level people. Then they start calling boarding numbers. Boarding numbers are issued at check in at the port and are tied to your PAT. If you are not prompted to select a PAT during your online check in process, you will be assigned a boarding number relative to when you arrive at the terminal (via DCL transfers).

No, it does not mean that you'll get to board early. It does mean that you will be admitted to the terminal (thru security) when your bus arrives with little or no waiting in line. I'm not sure you are right about not needing a PAT. I know that platinums don't need a PAT, but I thought those on DCL buses who do not have some other reason to be exempt still select a PAT.

And to the person who has one room silver and 3 rooms of newbies--only the cabin that is silver will be able to do on line check in or make reservations at 90 days. The other 3 rooms will need to wait till their window opens. Have them select a PAT as close to yours as possible and the same for adult dining (if desired). After boarding one person can go to Palo or to the location for "Palo reservations" with the info from all 4 cabins and the manager will put you all together at the same time. As to excursions, book what you want at 90 days and hope the others can get the same at 75. If not, you'll have to decide whether to go alone or hope spaces open for the others--you have until 3 days before embarkation to cancel if you can't get what you want.

All information spaces on the pages preceding the Port Arrival Time page must be filled out before the PAT page will unlock.   Now, you can enter the correct information , or gibberish (the system only recognizes that you've entered SOMETHING, not whether it's true or not). You can go back at a later time to correct any misinformation.

Yes you can enter gibberish and selecting driving instead of flying lets you bypass entering the flight info. I have skipped a lot of the info before when checking in multiple rooms so we can all get the same PAT but I always go back and correct the info .

DCL needs the flight info for buss scheduling and if the ship is late coming back to the terminal, so they can notify the airline. The PII / passport/ SSN are needed for the passenger manifest with Customs and USCG.

This is one of the area's that I wish DCL would allow people to enter the info earlier and just wait until the cut off dates to select PAT.

Yes you can enter gibberish and selecting driving instead of flying lets you bypass entering the flight info. I have skipped a lot of the info before when checking in multiple rooms so we can all get the same PAT but I always go back and correct the info .   DCL needs the flight info for buss scheduling and if the ship is late coming back to the terminal, so they can notify the airline. The PII / passport/ SSN are needed for the passenger manifest with Customs and USCG.   This is one of the area's that I wish DCL would allow people to enter the info earlier and just wait until the cut off dates to select PAT.

My memory may be failing me, but I could swear that before they changed the website a few years back, you could enter personal information prior to your online booking date. Any other veeran cruisers recall that?

I don't remember being able to enter information prior to the window opening on DCL, but I definitely recall that when I entered the reservation number, all information entered for previous cruises was already in place (in one situation, including a notation that the passport was about to expire and would not be valid on that cruise...yes, we'd already applied for a new one!) Obviously stuff like flight information wasn't there, but it was nice to not need to type names, addresses, etc. a zillion times.

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7 Best Cruises to Alaska, According to Travel Experts

Book a once-in-a-lifetime trip to see glaciers, national parks and wildlife!

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While some travelers dream of lounging on a beach in the Caribbean, others might be itching to put on hiking shoes and explore the great outdoors. If glaciers, wildlife and picturesque coastline have long been on your bucket list, consider booking a cruise to Alaska. The northernmost American state offers an activity for everyone's interest and level of adventure. You can take a thrilling helicopter flight to explore a glacier on foot or observe miles of Alaska’s lush scenery and spy whales from a comfortable seat on a boat.

Princess Cruises

A top choice for multi-generational families and larger groups seeking on-board experiences for a wide age range, Princess will sail seven ships to Alaska in 2024 — more than any other line. Princess also offers the most departure cities , potentially saving you money on airfare. Alaska sailings range from 4 to 22 days, though a week is the sweet spot. The line is also only one of seven permitted to enter the magnificent Glacier Bay National Park (shown); check out the tips at the end of the story for details.

Good Housekeeping Contributing Travel Editor Karen Cicero and her daughter recently sailed on Majestic Princess, a Family Travel Awards Winner , and raved about the ship's amenities, especially the Hollywood Pool Club. She described it as “an indoor space with a heated pool, plush loungers, and cabana-like spots that are free for all guests to use.” Cicero was also impressed with the entertainment and activities suitable for all ages, the excellent dining options and a supervised kids’ club for ages 3 to 12. "We saw grandparents and grandkids on the dance floor, at the shows, on the excursions — bonding moments were everywhere," Cicero said.

In 2024, Majestic Princess and Discovery Princess, the line's newest Alaska ship, will both sail roundtrip from Seattle. "You can't beat Princess if you're looking for an experience that will please all ages," said Cicero.

Departure Cities: Los Angeles; San Francisco; Seattle; Vancouver; Whittier, Alaska Cruise Ships: Crown Princess (2024 only); Grand Princess, Caribbean Princess (2025 only), Royal Princess, Sapphire Princess, Discovery Princess, Majestic Princess (2024 only), Crown Princess, Coral Princess (2025 only)

Norwegian Cruise Line

Passengers are loyal to Norwegian for its beautiful ships, top-notch service and innovative amenities. The cruise line pioneered the concept of “freestyle cruising," which includes a flexible dining time. Flexible cruising continues to be a major selling point , according to our testers who recently sailed roundtrip from Seattle to Alaska on the Norwegian Encore (pictured). "We enjoyed not having to rush back to the ship after an excursion because we had a dinner reservation," said our tester who sailed with her spouse.

They also frequented the Encore’s Observation Lounge, where they were able to cozy up and spend hours searching for marine life from floor-to-ceiling windows. Activities and entertainment, like go-karting, slides and laser tag, are abundant. For a premium experience, consider booking a stateroom in The Haven. The Encore's most luxurious accommodations feature spacious rooms — the bathrooms are nearly double the size of those in standard staterooms — a private sundeck and a concierge.

The variety of sailings to Alaska is also another reason to choose Norwegian. "If Hawaii is also on your bucket list, Norwegian is one of the only cruise lines to offer a 16-day cruise departing from Honolulu that sails through both Hawaii and Alaska so you explore two dreamy destinations on one vacation," said Cicero. She added that Norwegian sails to Alaska until late October — about a month longer than most cruise lines.

Departure Cities: Honolulu; Seattle; Seward, Alaska; Vancouver; Whittier, Alaska (2025) Cruise Ships: Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Jewel (only in 2024), Norwegian Spirit (only in May 2024), Norwegian Sun, Norwegian Jade (only in 2025), Norwegian Joy (only in 2025)

EXPLORE NOW

Disney Cruise Line

Disney lovers will have the time of their lives sailing roundtrip from Vancouver to Alaska aboard the Disney Wonder. "It was the best experience ever," said a mom of two young adults who sailed on the ship in May 2023. "We felt like it was a great combination of Disney and Alaska."

On-board experiences brilliantly align with the destination. For instance, Disney characters are dressed in special outfits for Alaska and are on deck during the days at sea. "We were able to get incredible photos with the glaciers behind the characters," said the mom, who also noted that you can order Mickey Mouse ice cream bars from room service. Cicero added, "Disney has the best kids' and teen clubs of any cruise line. They're enormous, filled with epic activities like superhero training and are a great place for kids and teens to make friends."

If you want an equal dose of Disney and Alaska, this is the cruise for your crew. Sailings range from five to nine nights. All routes head to Stikine Icecap so guests can observe stunning glaciers, cliffs, waterfalls and wildlife.

Departure City: Vancouver Cruise Ship: Disney Wonder

Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean doesn’t only sail to the Caribbean. This global cruise line whisks passengers to Alaska from popular ports such as Seattle and Vancouver. You can choose a classic seven-night itinerary or a 13-night land-and-sea getaway.

Cruise enthusiasts at the Good Housekeeping Institute are fans of Royal Caribbean for its state-of-the-art ships, exceptional service and high-quality entertainment. "Royal Caribbean had the first rock-climbing wall and ice-skating rink on a cruise ship," said Cicero. "Since then, they've brought so many other epic activities to sea." For instance, Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class, which includes Quantum of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas, offers skydiving, a surf simulator and a robot bar. "This line is an especially good fit for families with tweens, teens and young adults ," said Cicero, who sailed on Royal Caribbean with her teen daughter.

Departure Cities: Seattle; Seward, Alaska; Vancouver Cruise Ships: Quantum of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas (only in 2024), Ovation of the Seas (only in 2024), Serenade of the Seas (only in 2025)

National Geographic Lindblad Expeditions

For an incredible small-ship experience, look no further than the Lindblad Expeditions–National Geographic team-up. The largest of its ships that sail to Alaska can accommodate no more than 138 passengers — just a sliver of the 4,900 or so that Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas can hold. " Being on a smaller vessel means that you’ll be able to sail right up to less frequented glaciers, waterfalls and fjords, " said Cicero.

Of course, an intimate experience comes at a higher price tag — its eight-day Alaskan adventure starts at about $6,200 per person, though you won't need to pay extra for excursions. "Voyages tend to be themed and stress the educational component," said Cicero. For instance, one focuses on coastal wildlife while another explores native cultures. A Good Housekeeping staff member who sailed the line to the Galápagos Islands (a providence of Ecuador) raved, "The ship was beautiful! I was super impressed with the staff and the service felt above and beyond.”

Departure Cities: Juneau, Alaska; Ketchikan, Alaska; Seattle; Sitka, Alaska Cruise Ships: National Geographic Quest, National Geographic Venture, National Geographic Sea Bird, National Geographic Sea Lion, National Geographic Resolution

Holland America Line

Holland America has a well-earned reputation for bringing guests to new destinations for more than 150 years. Its ships tend to be mid-sized — larger than Lindblad's offerings but smaller than the Quantum ships from Royal Caribbean. While Holland attracts an older demographic, its Alaskan cruises are often filled with multi-generational families.

One of the cruise line’s most popular itineraries is the Seven-Day Inside Passage, which takes you through Glacier Bay National Park, the Inside Passage, Tracy Arm Inlet and several must-visit port towns. But for adventure seekers curious to see as much of Alaska as possible, you’ll find tons of extended itineraries including a robust 28-day voyage that crosses the Arctic Circle.

Holland America is the only cruise line permitted to serve glacier ice, using it for cocktails like the Blue Iceberg and Juneau Gin & Tonic. The line also launched a new Alaskan-themed brunch menu offered once per cruise.

Departure Cities: Anchorage, Alaska (for land-sea tours only); Fairbanks, Alaska; Seattle; Vancouver, Whittier, Alaska Cruise Ships: Eurodam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, Zuiderdam, Zaandam

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity is popular with adults and couples looking for a premium onboard experience, including delicious cuisine, luxurious staterooms and a high-end spa . We can’t imagine a better way to rest and relax after spending a day exploring the Alaskan wilderness. Our travel experts suggest choosing one of Celebrity's many Alaska itineraries that sail through the Inside Passage and up to Dawes Glacier or Hubbard Glacier, two of the state’s gems.

Of the three Celebrity ships that sail to Alaska, we recommend the Celebrity Edge for those new to cruising or seeking a more contemporary experience. Launched in 2018, the ship features standout innovations like Eden, a multi-level bar with panoramic views, and the Magic Carpet, a multi-purpose floating space suspended directly above the sea.

Departure Cities: Seattle; Seward, Alaska; Vancouver Cruise Ships: Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity Summit, Celebrity Edge

Tips for booking your cruise to Alaska

✔️ Check your itinerary. The itinerary you choose is key on an Alaskan cruise. If you have your heart set on visiting Glacier Bay National Park, make sure that your cruise line has it listed on the schedule. "Only seven lines were awarded the Glacier Bay contract by the National Park Service ," Cicero said. If you're not sure whether the cruise you have in mind will go through Glacier Bay, double-check with the cruise line or your travel agent.

✔️ Book shore excursions well in advance. Alaskan cruises generally sail from April to October. Because of the shorter season, your ship will likely be close to capacity and several ships may overlap in ports. Excursions will book up quickly. To secure your spot, book excursions well in advance or as soon as they're available.

✔️ Focus on family. Alaskan cruises are best for kids who are at least 5 years old. "Keep in mind that cruise lines don't allow kids who aren't potty-trained to be in pools, even if they're wearing a swim diaper," Cicero said. It's also worth noting that most cruise lines don't permit babies under 6 months or pregnant passengers who are 24 or more weeks along. Cicero advises families with school-age children to look for on-ship amenities, such as an indoor heated pool, a supervised kids' club and a variety of family-friendly nighttime entertainment. "Before you sail, you should also find out which non-alcoholic beverages are complimentary," Cicero said. "Many cruise lines charge extra for soft drinks, but milk and juice are usually included." Free room service is another big perk for families, she notes, so see if that's offered on the line you're considering.

✔️ Check your passport. Even if your cruise starts and stops in a U.S. port like Seattle, there's a high chance your ship will dock in Canada at some point throughout your trip. Also, " some of the excursions in Alaskan ports venture into Canada and will require a passport," explained Cicero. For instance, you may take the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway from Skagway into Yukon, a Canadian territory. Your passport will need to be valid for at least 6 months following the cruise.

✔️ Pack layers. This is especially crucial if you're traveling in Alaska's shoulder season — May and September. While May tends to be drier, temperatures remain relatively chilly. Likewise, September marks the end of the summer season and welcomes cooler temperatures and more rainfall. Because you'll be spending a lot of time outdoors, it's important to prepare for all weather scenarios, including windy conditions common to sailing cruise ships.

✔️ Book next summer's cruise soon. To get the best staterooms and excursions, start looking for a 2025 cruise in 2024, Cicero said, noting that many ships start to fill up at least 6 months in advance. And don't forget about major sale days. "Last year, cruise lines had fantastic Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals," she said.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Good Housekeeping Institute Writer and Product Analyst Olivia Lipski covers everything from tech to travel, fitness, outdoor, home and more. Not only does she have years of product review experience under her belt, but she’s also a travel enthusiast who has been on more than 20 cruises (and counting)!

The former travel editor at Parents magazine, Karen Cicero specializes in travel, children's book, lifestyle and food coverage. She manages the experience portion of the Good Housekeeping Family Travel Awards. She has sailed on four cruise lines with her family and toured several others. She recently was a featured speaker at several travel industry conferences, including PRSA, Mid-Atlantic Tourism Alliance and the Family Travel Association.

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Disney Leaves Unfinished Cruise Ship in the Water

in Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line recently announced a major update in constructing its newest ship, Disney Treasure.

Disney Treasure is one of three ships set to take maiden voyages in the coming years. If Walt Disney Imagineering completes the vessel on time, Disney Treasure is scheduled to set sail on December 21, 2024. In 2022, The Walt Disney Company purchased the unfinished “Global Dream” ship from now-defunct Dream Cruises, renaming it Disney Adventure. It will hit the high seas in Spring 2025. Another Disney original ship, Disney Destiny, will follow in Fall 2025.

Disney CEO Bob Iger promised to invest more than $60 billion in the parks and experiences division in the future, with 70% of the expansions pledged within the next decade. While Disney Parks fans would love updates at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort , much of the budget is devoted to expanding Disney Cruise Line–one of Disney’s fastest-growing profit sectors.

Disney Treasure is the sister ship to the most recent addition to the magical fleet, Disney Wish , but it promises a unique guest experience. The vessel will feature the first-ever  Coco  (2017) theatrical dining experience, Plaza de Coco. On seven-day cruises, guests will dine with the Rivera family twice–first for a party in the plaza with Miguel’s family and later for a magical reunion with his ancestors.

Disney Treasure will also feature the Jumbeaux’s Sweets dessert shop inspired by Zootopia  (2016) and two experiences based on Disney Park lore. For the first time on a Disney Cruise Line ship, guests can sip and savor at lounges inspired by the theme parks: Skipper Society ( The Jungle Cruise) and Periscope Pub (20,000 Leagues Under the Sea).

There won’t be an entertainment shortage on board! Hold tight to your tube in AquaMouse: Curse of the Golden Egg, a two-person water coaster inspired by Mickey Mouse shorts. For a more relaxing experience, guests can check out the Sarabi hub for day and night entertainment inspired by The Lion King  (1994).

With less than a year until Disney Treasure sets sail, Disney Cruise Line revealed that the ship hit the first of many future milestones. According to reporter Ashley Carter , the vessel was set afloat and relocated to an unknown location to allow crews to work on Disney Adventure and Disney Destiny.

“Disney Cruise Line has shared an update on the Disney Treasure. The cruise ship was set afloat for the first time a few weeks ago and moved to a new location to undergo the next phase of construction. The Disney Treasure was relocated to make room for the Disney Destiny.”

Disney Cruise Line has shared an update on the Disney Treasure. The cruise ship was set afloat for the first time a few weeks ago and moved to a new location to undergo the next phase of construction. The Disney Treasure was relocated to make room for the Disney Destiny. pic.twitter.com/RQpDUIIy6z — Ashley Carter (@AshleyLCarter1) March 28, 2024

Walt Disney Imagineers will complete the finishing touches on Disney Treasure in its new location.

What do you hope Disney Treasure will have that Disney Magic, Disney Wish, Disney Fantasy, Disney Wonder, and Disney Dream do not? Share your thoughts with Inside the Magic in the comments.