Okay, first of all, how excited are you!? You’re getting ready to board your Disney Cruise, and we are so excited for you! Disney does a fantastic job of making sure you have everything you need at your fingertips a few days in advance! When you receive your “It’s Almost Time to Sail!” email, make sure you read through it thoroughly! It will contain lots of information that will help you prepare for your arrival at the port and ensure a smooth boarding process. This email will include things like arrival day tips, prohibited items that you cannot pack in your luggage, as well as instructions to download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app prior to your sailing. Whether you are utilizing Disney Cruise Line transportation or you plan to drive yourself to the port, Disney recommends that you carry on a bag that has everything in it that you might need before your stateroom is ready for the day. Staterooms are typically not ready until around 1:30-2:00 p.m., and your checked luggage may not arrive for a few hours beyond that time period. So you want to make sure you have everything you might need for that first day in your carry-on bag. We highly recommend ensuring that you obviously have all of your required documents that you need to board, such as your passport, birth certificate, etc., as well as anything you might want on the first day, like a swimsuit, a change of clothes, makeup, medication, and things of that nature!
Guests will also be able to preview their upcoming itinerary as well as their reservation number in this email. Disney Cruise Line also instructs you to make sure that you pack your Disney MagicBand+ if you have one and prefer to use it on the cruise. Disney MagicBand+ can act exactly the same way your Key to the World card would, like unlocking your stateroom and making onboard purchases. All guests will receive Key to the World cards, which will be located outside of your stateroom door once you board the ship. Any guest that has not checked in for their cruise online needs to do so before arriving to the port in order to streamline the boarding process. You can click right through the link in the email to begin your check-in process, which will include submitting all of your travel details, your documentation, such as passports or birth certificates, as well as your emergency contact info and linking payment methods to your stateroom.
The Disney Cruise Line Navigator app is absolutely essential for your entire cruise experience. There are so many things you can do within the app, including viewing your dining schedule and the menu in advance, as well as an entire schedule of everything happening around the ship, from character meet-and-greets to shows and entertainment, crafts, family fun like karaoke and games, as well as hours for shops and quick food service around the ship. Within the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app, families can use the messaging feature to communicate with one another around the ship throughout the duration of their cruise. This feature is completely free, and the entire app operates under complimentary Wi‑Fi on the Disney Cruise Line. You do not need to purchase Wi‑Fi to utilize any feature within the Disney Cruise Line app. Additionally, guests can check their cruise folio throughout the sailing with ease and can also access this folio after their cruise via their Disney Cruise Line account.
One of the newest fun features is a collection of downloadable images that you can save to your phone and upload to your Instagram or Facebook Story to share the exciting news that you’re going on a cruise! You can even personalize them by adding your family name.
To save an image, simply press and hold it within the email, then select Save to Photos. When you upload it to social media, use the text feature to add your family name, first name, or anything else you’d like wherever you want on the screen. It’s a fun and easy way to share your excitement and let everyone know you’re counting down to your cruise!
The morning of your sailing, guests will receive a health questionnaire via email that must be completed before boarding. You can complete this on your phone before arriving to the port for all members in your party. It is extremely short and easy to do, but must be completed in order to board. Guests will also want to bring their luggage tags they received in the mail to place on every bag they plan to “check” at the port. Forgot your luggage tags at home? No worries! You can get them from the porters when you arrive at the port OR from Bell Services at your Walt Disney World Resort! Ensure that you have a copy of your Port Arrival form, or have it downloaded to your Apple Wallet, and you are ready to cruise! Sea ya on board!
Planning a Disney Cruise? Let Our Travel Partner Help!
Whether you’re dreaming of sailing aboard the Disney Wish, Disney Treasure, Disney Destiny, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, or Disney Adventure, having the right travel advisor can make planning your vacation much easier. Our experienced travel partner can help you compare itineraries, explore stateroom options, understand current promotions, and plan a Disney cruise that fits your family’s budget and vacation style.
And the best part? Their travel planning services come at no additional cost to you! FREE!
Ready to start planning your next Disney cruise? CLICK HERE to request your complimentary quote and let us help you get onboard!
