10 Top Disney Cruise Mistakes and How to Avoid Them For A Magical Vacation
Embarking on a magical adventure with Disney Cruise Line? Avoid these common Disney Cruise mistakes and make the most out of your vacation!
Disney Cruise Line is a favorite among families looking for a unique and magical vacation experience. The cruise line provides an opportunity to enjoy the Disney experience while exploring different destinations on the high seas. However, with so many options and experiences available, it’s important to plan carefully and avoid potential mistakes that can detract from your enjoyment.
From not planning to overpacking or not taking advantage of all the onboard experiences available, it’s crucial to take steps to ensure that your Disney Cruise is a magical and unforgettable experience for everyone in your family.
By being aware of common mistakes and taking steps to avoid them, you can make the most out of your Disney Cruise and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Disney Cruise What I Wish I Knew
A Disney Cruise is a magical vacation experience that offers something for everyone, from families with young children to adults looking for a relaxing getaway. However, there are a few things that many first-time cruisers wish they had known before embarking on their Disney Cruise adventure.
Here are some things that friends said they wished they knew before their first Disney Cruise so you can avoid Disney Cruise mistakes:
1. Make Reservations Early
Some of the most popular onboard experiences, such as character meet and greets, specialty dining, and spa treatments, can fill up quickly. It’s important to make your reservations as early as possible to ensure that you don’t miss out.
2. Pack a Day Bag
On embarkation day, you won’t have access to your cabin until later in the day. Pack a day bag with any items you’ll need, such as swimsuits and sunscreen, so you can start enjoying the ship’s amenities as soon as you board.
3. Take Advantage of the Kids’ Clubs
Disney Cruise Line offers some of the best kids’ clubs at sea, with activities and experiences for children of all ages. Don’t be afraid to drop your kids off and enjoy some adult time onboard the ship.
4. Bring Pirate Gear
One of the most popular events on a Disney Cruise is the Pirate Night party. Bring pirate-themed clothing (affiliate link) or accessories to join in the fun.
5. Use the Navigator App
The Navigator App is a free app that provides daily schedules, activities, and information about the ship. It’s a great way to stay informed and plan your day.
6. Attend the Broadway-Style Shows
Disney Cruise Line offers Broadway-style shows that are not to be missed. Be sure to attend these shows, as they are included in your cruise fare.
7. Don’t Miss the Castaway Cay Experience
Castaway Cay is Disney’s private island in the Bahamas and is a highlight of any Disney Cruise. Be sure to take advantage of the beautiful beaches, watersports, and activities available on the island.
Top Disney Cruise Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Disney Cruise Line is one of the most popular and beloved cruise lines in the world. It offers families an opportunity to experience the magic of Disney on the high seas. However, like any vacation, there are potential mistakes that can be made. Here are the top 10 Disney Cruise mistakes and how to avoid them.
1. Not booking early enough
One of the biggest mistakes people make when planning a Disney Cruise is waiting too long to book. Disney Cruise Line often sells out quickly, especially during peak travel times. To avoid this mistake, book your cruise as early as possible, ideally six to twelve months in advance.
2. Not taking advantage of onboard activities
There are so many things to do onboard a Disney Cruise that it’s easy to miss out on some of the best activities. Be sure to take advantage of everything the ship has to offer, including character meet and greets, Broadway-style shows, and themed parties.
3. Not pre-booking excursions
If you plan on going on an excursion during your cruise, it’s important to book it in advance. Many popular excursions fill up quickly, so if you wait until you’re onboard to book, you may be out of luck.
4. Overpacking
It’s easy to get carried away when packing for a cruise, but overpacking can be a big mistake. Not only will it make it difficult to get around your cabin, but it can also result in extra fees for exceeding luggage limits. Stick to the essentials and pack light.
5. Skipping Palo or Remy
Disney Cruise Line offers two adult-only restaurants, Palo and Remy, which are both fantastic dining experiences. Don’t make the mistake of skipping these restaurants, as they offer some of the best food and wine (affiliate link) at sea.
6. Not bringing a refillable water bottle
Staying hydrated on a cruise is important, but buying bottled water can get expensive. Bring a refillable water bottle and take advantage of the free water stations onboard.
7. Not budgeting for extras
While a Disney Cruise includes many amenities, there are also extra costs, such as alcoholic beverages, spa treatments, and souvenirs. Be sure to budget for these extras before you embark on your cruise.
8. Not booking a stateroom with a verandah
Having a stateroom with a verandah can make your cruise experience even more enjoyable. Not only does it provide extra space, but it also allows you to enjoy the beautiful views of the ocean.
9. Not taking advantage of the kids’ clubs
If you’re traveling with children, be sure to take advantage of the kids’ clubs onboard. These clubs offer supervised activities for children of all ages, giving parents a chance to relax and enjoy some time on their own.
10. Not planning for seasickness
Even if you don’t usually get seasick, it’s important to plan for it. Bring motion sickness medication just in case, and consider booking a stateroom in the middle of the ship, as this is where the least amount of motion is felt. It is possible to avoid cruise motion sickness with a few simple tips below.
How to Avoid Cruise Motion Sickness
Cruise motion sickness can put a damper on what should be a relaxing and enjoyable vacation. If you’re prone to motion sickness, or you’re worried about it during your upcoming cruise, there are some steps you can take to avoid it or reduce its impact.
Here are some tips on how to avoid cruise motion sickness:
1. Choose the Right Cabin
If you’re prone to motion sickness, it’s important to choose a cabin in a location on the ship that is less likely to experience movement. Cabins located in the middle of the ship, on lower decks, and towards the front of the ship tend to experience less movement.
2. Pack Motion Sickness Medication
Over-the-counter motion sickness medication such as Dramamine or Bonine can be very effective in preventing or reducing symptoms of motion sickness. Be sure to pack these medications and take them as directed.
3. Use Sea Bands
Sea Bands are wristbands that apply pressure to the wrist to reduce symptoms of motion sickness. They are a non-invasive and drug-free option for preventing motion sickness and can be purchased at most drug stores.
4. Choose the Right Cruise
If you are prone to motion sickness, consider choosing a larger ship with stabilizers. These stabilizers can help reduce the amount of movement felt onboard the ship.
5. Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated can help reduce symptoms of motion sickness. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can dehydrate you and exacerbate motion sickness.
6. Avoid Heavy Meals
Eating heavy, greasy, or spicy meals can make motion sickness worse. Opt for light, easily digestible foods instead.
7. Get Fresh Air
If you start to feel motion sickness coming on, head outside and get some fresh air. The fresh air and open space can help reduce symptoms.
8. Avoid Reading or Using Screens
Focusing on a book, phone, or tablet screen can exacerbate motion sickness symptoms. Instead, try to focus on a stationary object or look out at the horizon.
While a Disney Cruise Line vacation is a magical experience, it’s important to be aware of potential Disney Cruise mistakes and take steps to avoid them. By planning, packing wisely, balancing scheduled and unscheduled activities, taking advantage of adult-only spaces, and exploring each destination on your itinerary, you can make the most out of your Disney Cruise Line vacation and create unforgettable memories for your family.
Have you been on a Disney Cruise? Which Disney Cruise mistakes did you make? How did you avoid Disney Cruise mistakes?
