When my family went on our first Disney Cruise, like so many others, I researched as much as I could to find the most useful information and memorable tidbits to help make our cruise stand out. I have compiled a list of tips that I brought and used for our cruise and thought you would like to use them too.

1. Magnets for your stateroom door.

Disney allows you to “dress up” your front stateroom door with fun artwork BUT it can only be attached by magnets only. No tape, pins or anything else. Just magnets. You will be fined if you don’t comply. The kids LOVED making their magnet designs. We personalized them to our trip and interests. It was also going through the halls and seeing everybody’s  door designs as well.  For those who would rather save time, you can find a lot of cute free Disney magnet designs on DisBoards.com.

2. Bring an item to have signed by the characters.

This I found the most memorable and special item from our cruise. On the first day on the ship, go to Guest Services and bring them an item to have signed by the castmembers. I gave a picture frame matte so that when I frame a picture from our cruise it will be surrounded by the signatures of our favorite characters. You can also try a pillow case, t-shirt (be sure to use fabric markers), vinylmation figures, etc. Be sure to place your item in a ziploc bag or plastic bag along with sharpies to be used to sign and a note explaining what you would like to have done. For example, I gave different colored sharpies with a note asking for Mickey and friends signatures. It is is also customary to send your request with some candy for the cast as well. On the last night, your signed item is delivered to your stateroom. Just a little Disney Magic to bring to your family.

3. Bring your own bottled water and wine.

Disney Cruise Line is one of the few if not only cruise lines that will allow you to bring your own bottled water and wine/alcohol. You just need to carry it on the ship in your carry on luggage. Don’t forget your bottle opener and enjoy your cocktail on your balcony or your water throughout the day.

4. Bring a nightlight. Battery operated.

The cabins can get quite dark at night. If you have kids who prefer a night light when they sleep or a little light to got o the bathroom, try bringing a battery operated night light with you. Since outlets are scarce and you tend to use them overnight to charge phones and other electronics, a battery operated one was the perfect solution. I purchased mine in the Dollar store and will keep using it over and over again.

5. Save a little money by using your Target RedCard and Disney Visa card.

Nowadays, credit cards offer many perks and rewards. 2 credit cards I have found to help you save some money on your Disney Cruise are your Disney Visa card and Target Red Card. Disney Visa card has many perks for Disney fans. For Cruise lines, you can often get automatic OBC (onboard credit) when you purchase your cruise using your Disney Visa Card. Whats more, all of your purchases used on the card will increase your reward dollars which you can use onboard to pay for your expenses.  If you own a Target Red Card, you know that every purchase you make in Target you will receive 5% off your purchase. This also applies towards the purchase of gift card sold at Target. So I purchased Disney Gift Cards with my Target Card, got my 5% off and then brought them onboard with me to go shopping.

6. Free room service. Get sandwiches and bring with you to port.

Room service is free on Disney Cruise Line. So to save some money while at port, try ordering a sandwich from room service and bring it with you when you go ashore for the day.

7)Disney Cruise Line Mobile App

On the Disney Magic, Fantasy and Dream, you can download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app and have the daily Navigator at your fingertips on your smartphone. Very handy app to have.

8) Character Interactions. Bring your camera. They will take pics for you.

On a Disney Cruise, character meet and greets are so more personal. Just like the theme parks, you will find certain times of the day where you will get the opportunity to take a picture and get an autograph with your favorite character.  But we found the interactions to be a lot longer than you would find at the parks. The dance parties gave the kids the chance to mingle and dance with some of the characters which always lit up the children’s faces (adults too). Of course the onboard photographers are there to take your pictures for you to purchase later. But if you ask, they or the assistant will stop and use your camera to take a picture for you.

9) Oceaneer Club and Lab.

My kids never wanted to leave the Oceaneer Club and Lab. They had a blast! They created, played listen to stories, watched magic shows, took science and cooking classes and made new friends. On the Disney Magic they have Avenger’s Academy where your child can become Iron Man, play Marvel games and take pictures with Captain America’s Shield and Iron Man’s Suit. Cleanliness is always top priority with them when each child enters the lab. Whatsmore it’s safe! With RFID technology, they quickly knew exactly where your child is in the club and would never let them out without you first showing your card and then telling then the secret password.

10) Bring Pirate gear for Pirate night and glow necklaces for Pirate Party on deck.

On Pirate night, you will find bandannas in your cabin for the family to where. I brought some Pirate outfits for the whole family that didn’t break the bank along with some glow necklaces that I bought in the dollar store to wear on deck at the party. It was different, fun and a truly memorable experience.

Biggest tip for your next Disney Cruise…Have a Magical Time!