Disney Cruise Line–What No One Tells You About Your First Cruise

Stepping onto a Disney Cruise for the first time feels like entering a storybook at sea—every detail is designed for magic, adventure, and unforgettable memories. But beyond the well-known highlights, there are little-known experiences and hidden gems that can make your trip even more special. From secret menu items to tucked-away spots for the best views, and extra touches that add even more pixie dust to your voyage, here’s what no one tells you about your first Disney Cruise!

You may find some things that you just didn’t expect! To make the most of your experience, and to prep you for your next voyage on a Disney Cruise Line ship, I have a list of things to expect that no one tells you before you board for the first time!

Luggage rules and regulations on Disney Cruise Line are not as strict as you may think.

Unlike an airline, there are not the super tight restrictions on Disney Cruise Line for luggage. While you do not want to overpack, guests are allowed to bring TWO full size suitcases on the sailing. Plus, a carry on bag and a personal item. I always suggest having a carry on for a smooth embarkation. But the weight and size restrictions of your luggage are not as strict as airlines. On one of our Disney Dream 4-Night Bahamian sailings, I packed ALL of our family’s clothing and shoes into one big suitcase. It was heavy, but less to manage.

You want to be reasonable, and most guests have to deal with restrictions because they fly to their cruise port anyway. However, knowing the restrictions are not super strict is helpful! Just be aware of the fact that whatever you bring in your suitcase you are going to have to store in your stateroom.

Staterooms on Disney Cruise Line are MUCH larger than you expect.

Seriously. When guests ask me the main differences between Disney Cruise Line and other lines, one of the top 5 things I mention is the size of the stateroom. This is followed closely by the split bathroom set up you’ll find on Disney Cruise Line. Disney Cruise Line’s staterooms are some of the largest at sea. Even the smallest inside stateroom beats the industry average. Want more space? The Deluxe Oceanview Staterooms with Verandah are perfect for families—and they’ve got split bathrooms (no more fighting over who gets to shower first).

The industry average is around 140 square feet for an inside stateroom. Even the smallest of the Disney cruise staterooms, the Standard Inside on the Dream and Fantasy, is 164 square feet.

Castaway Cay is not a guaranteed stop.

Actually, no port of call is guaranteed on ANY cruise itinerary. This is something you sign off on when you are booking your cruise. While Disney’s Castaway Cay is my 100% favorite cruise port ever, it’s not guaranteed. Why? It can get SUPER windy at sea, and if it’s too windy, the ships won’t dock. High winds or currents can keep the ship from docking. It doesn’t happen often, but it’s good to be prepared just in case. This is VERY rare, and they will compensate with more fun, magical activities as a sea day. I have even heard of ships rerouting and then returning back to Castaway Cay the next day so they can make the stop.

Room Service is included {for the most part}

There are a few items-alcoholic beverages, a handful of snacks, etc on the Room Service menu that are NOT included. However, the majority ARE. Who doesn’t love a good batch of warm cookies and milk at night? Ask my daughter–she will tell you this is the highlight of our Disney Cruise Line vacations!

Be sure to have some single dollar bills on hand to tip your Room Service Crew Member. Gratuities on Disney Cruise Line do not include their services. Fun fact–you can request Mickey Ice Cream Bars from room service, even though they are not listed on the menu.

If you are getting up early for an excursion it can be a good idea to get a Room Service breakfast to save time. You can also order lunch, dinner, and snacks from Room Service.

Your Dining Room servers will become your favorite people.

There is no doubt that by the end of your first or second night onboard your Disney Cruise Line ship, you will LOVE your servers. Thankfully, they follow you throughout your sailing as you rotate amongst restaurants. You really will not be prepared for how attached you become to these folks!

This has a huge advantage that they will get to know your likes and dislikes. You don’t have to keep explaining that you have a special dietary request, or that you like a certain beverage with your meal. 

If you have children with you then prepare to be more than impressed with how they remember that your youngest likes a certain type of bread, or your teen wants a Sprite AND Lemonade at dinner. They will even cut up food for your child. To say they go above and beyond is an understatement. The magic tricks, interactions with your family, and their joy as they see you again night after night is incomparable.

There are WAY more adult activities on Disney Cruise Line than you might think.

My very first Disney Cruise Line voyage I booked for a guest was for a couple–no kids.

Disney Cruise Line is first and foremost known for being FAMILY friendly. Are other lines family friendly? Yes. As much as Disney–not in my opinion. However, what isn’t quite so widely known and talked about is that Disney Cruise Line is a great cruise line to sail with if you are an adult.

Each Disney ship has plenty of space dedicated to the 18+ group of passengers. The adult only pool deck and spa, the Cove Cafe, and the bars after 9PM are some of the highlights. They are very good at NOT allowing children–and I have even seen an 18-20 year old asked for their ID to verify that they are indeed 18+.

There is a dedicated Cast Member on each ship who will look after the entertainment for the adults. Sometimes, in the theater or other areas of the ship, they will offer shows exclusive to adults, and of course don’t forget Palo, Remy, and Enchante.

There are characters EVERYWHERE on a Disney Cruise Line ship.

I think this is one of the most overlooked aspects that people are not prepared for when they are embarking on their first Disney Cruise Line voyage. I have seen a lot of characters in the theme parks–but I have seen A LOT on Disney Cruise Line.

Characters are literally everywhere on the ship. You can even request a ticket for the complimentary Royal Gathering–the princesses all meet together for guests in the atrium. Plus you’ll have your classic Mickey, Minnie, Donald, etc. We have also seen very elusive characters on our sailings-like the White Rabbit and the Queen of Hearts.

But, if you love meeting Disney characters you are going to love a Disney cruise. It is so much easier to get involved in the meet and greets. Be sure to have something handy for them to autograph!

There are so many magical, amazing aspects to Disney Cruise Line! Would you like to experience this unique, magic at sea? Reach out and you’ll be sailing the high seas in no time!