Disney Dream Guide
Welcome Aboard the Disney Dream!
Your family’s Disney Cruise is almost here, and you’re going to LOVE it!
If this is your first cruise, don’t worry! Disney Cruise Line makes everything incredibly easy and family-friendly. This e-mail will walk you through what to expect on embarkation day, life onboard, and disembarkation so you can relax and enjoy the magic.
I’ll be here every step of the way if you have questions!
Bon Voyage!
Christy
Embarkation Day (Boarding Day)
Before You Arrive
- Complete online check-in to select your port arrival time and boarding group. If this is your first Disney Cruise, check-in opens 30 days before your sail date. You can do this on the website or the app.
- During the online check-in process, you'll need to upload photos of each guest in your party and your passport or government-issued ID or birth certificate. Print your Port Arrival Form and store it with your other travel docs. You can also save it to your mobile wallet or take a screenshot and save it to your phone's camera roll. You'll be asked to present your Port Arrival Form several times before boarding the ship, so make sure you've got it with you in a way that's easy to access.
- Have passports or required documents ready (must match what you upload at check-in)
- Pack a carry-on with swimsuits, sunscreen, medications, and important items.
- Attach provided luggage tags to your checked bags before arriving at the port. These will come in the mail a few weeks before you sail.
- Complete the Mandatory Health Questionnaire. This will be emailed on Embarkation Day.
At the Port
- Arrive at your scheduled Port Arrival Time. If taking a shuttle from a hotel, notify them in advance of your port time.
- Drop off tagged luggage with the porters outside the terminal.
- Show your QR code and passports/IDs to cast members to verify documents and get your Key to the World card (often placed outside your door later).
- Security and check-in are well-organized and family-friendly. It’s just like going through airport security.
- Wait in the main terminal for your boarding group number to be called. Once your number is called, you’ll enter the Embarkation line to the ship. Just before entering the gangway, will be your first photo-op! DCL photographers will be waiting with fun backdrops to take your photo! You can view and purchase these photos onboard at Shutters Photography Shop. If you know you'll be buying a photo package, you can save a bit by purchasing before the trip.
- Connect to the ship’s wifi through the Disney Navigator App. The app will be your guide for the Cruise.
- When it’s your turn to board, the crew will ask for your family’s name, and then they’ll announce you onto the ship. It’s a super magical moment, so make sure you know how you want them to announce you. This process moves quickly, so be ready to roll the video on your phone or camera!
- Once onboard, lunch is available and the fun begins!
Kid-Friendly Tip: Kids love spotting characters and exploring the ship! Boarding Day is exciting!
Life Onboard the Disney Dream
Rooms & Luggage
- You have options for lunch. Head to the buffet or enjoy a more relaxed dining experience in one of the dining rooms (check the app to see which one is open).
- Staterooms are usually ready early afternoon.
- Checked luggage may arrive later in the day. Keep the essentials with you.
- While waiting on your stateroom, take some time to explore the ship! Familiarize yourself with the layout, check out the pools and waterslides, or visit the kids clubs. Stop by the spa to get some Embarkation Day deals and raffles.
- If you’re traveling with an infant, meet with your stateroom attendant to confirm any special requests like a crib or diaper disposal unit.
- Once your stateroom is ready, get settled in. If you brought door decorations, now is the time to personalize your stateroom door.
- Attend the mandatory assembly drill for a quick briefing about emergency procedures.
Packing for Your Cruise
Packing for a Disney Cruise is easier than you think! Here’s what to bring — and what you can leave at home.
• Casual daytime outfits
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Swimsuits + cover-ups
• Light jacket or sweater for evening deck shows
• Optional dressier attire for dinner (no formal wear required unless you’d like!)
Disney cruises are relaxed and family-friendly!
Rotational Dining- What is it and how does it work?
- Disney uses Rotational dining so you rotate restaurants but your servers stay with you.
- Instead of eating in the same dining room every night, you experience different themed restaurants throughout the Cruise.
- Each night, you'll be assigned to one of the main dining restaurants. Your dinner time stays the same. I request a time but Disney does the final assignment.
- Kid-friendly menus are offered every night. Kids can order from the kids’ menu or regular menu. Servers are happy to bring favorites again (even from previous nights)
- Special dietary needs? Disney has you covered.
Tip: If you have food allergies, picky eaters, or special requests, let me know before sailing. DCL is amazing at accommodating families when they are prepared in advance.
Kids Clubs
One of the biggest perks of a Disney Cruise?
The youth clubs are included — no extra charge for the main kids’ programs.
They’re supervised, immersive, and designed to feel like stepping into a Disney story.
And yes… parents get some well-deserved relaxation time too
“it’s a small world” Nursery (Ages 6 months–3 years)
• Specially designed for the youngest cruisers
• Trained counselors
• Interactive play areas and nap spaces
• Additional fee applies
Perfect if parents want a little adult dinner or spa time.
Disney’s Oceaneer Club & Oceaneer Lab (Ages 3–10)
These are the main kids clubs — and they’re incredible.
Kids can:
• Meet Marvel superheroes
• Train with Jedi
• Explore Andy’s Room from Toy Story
• Create, play, and participate in themed activities all day
Fully supervised, secure check-in/check-out, and has open house times so parents can visit too
Most kids don’t want to leave!
Disney Magic Moments
- Broadway-style shows
- Character meet-and-greets
- Pirate Night
- Fireworks at sea (weather permitting)
Extra Tips for Your Cruise
- Future Cruise Savings: While onboard, visit the Future Cruise Department for exclusive deals on your next adventure and receive a "Placeholder Reservation." Be sure to link the placeholder to me so I can help you book your next adventure.
- Medications: Be sure to bring all necessary prescription and non-prescription meds, including motion sickness remedies.
- Credit Cards: Have a major credit card handy for onboard purchases. Don’t forget to notify your bank of your travel dates.
- Cell Phone & Internet: Contact your provider about international usage. For onboard use, ask about specific cruise packages.
- Internet Packages: You can purchase internet access once onboard—check with your cruise line for options.
Disembarkation Day
The Night Before
• You’ll receive luggage tags and instructions
• Large bags are placed outside your stateroom by 10 p.m.
• Keep pajamas and morning essentials with you
Departure Morning
• Breakfast is available onboard. The breakfast schedule correlates to your dinner seating. Early seating breakfast is usually around 6:45 a.m., late seating breakfast usually starts around 8 a.m.
Disney asks that all guests vacate their room by 8 a.m.
Keep your Key to the World card and ID handy for exiting.
• Guests are called by groups to exit the ship. Listen for announcements calling your luggage tag’s character/color. Collect your bags in the terminal after disembarking, organized by character.
• Disney Crew Members are there to help every step of the way
You’ll go through customs and immigration at the terminal.
Helpful Reminders:
Make sure you pre-book transport whether it is a shuttle or ride-share.
Travel home later in the day when possible — just in case!
A Few Helpful Tips Just for You:
• Disney cruises are designed for families — there’s no “wrong” way to do it
• Don’t try to do everything — pick your must-dos and enjoy the rest
• Ask questions! I’m always happy to help before, during, and after your cruise
Your only job is to relax and make magical memories. Disney takes care of the rest
Questions? Reach out anytime — I’ve got you!