8 Disney Cruise Hacks Every Guest Should Know

When it comes to cruising, Disney Cruise Line is a family favorite. On each of the line's eight ships (with five more to come), you can do everything from meeting Disneycharacters and dining in beautifully themed restaurants (sometimes with a dinner show) to watching Broadway-caliber entertainment, and even enjoying fireworks at sea. But before all of the fun onboard your Disney cruise vacation comes the actual planning part of the trip, which can be overwhelming, even for the most seasoned cruiser.

While there are plenty of tips swirling around the internet, I reached out to a seasoned Disney travel advisor with Castle Bound Travel, Heather Peggs-Igoe , who specializes in booking Disney Cruise Line vacations for families. She's sharing her tips for maximizing your next Disney Cruise. Even if you're a Pearl Castaway Club member, which is the highest status in Disney Cruise Line's loyalty program, you'll want to read these eight things to make the most of your next Disney Cruise. 

Related: All That's New and Noteworthy on Disney's Newest Cruise Ship, Disney Destiny

Get to Your Vacation Faster by Booking Disney Cruise Line Transportation

Let's say your next Disney Cruise is sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida , but you arrive a few days early to enjoy some time at the Walt Disney World theme parks. The best way to get from the parks to Port Canaveral is using a Disney Cruise Line transfer, which will pick you up from your on-site Disney World hotel and whisk you away to your cruise ship. Because you're using a Disney transfer, you can sometimes get to the cruise terminal faster and thus board your ship earlier. "It's basically the lightning lane for embarkation," says Peggs-Igoe.

Don't Miss Out on Adult Dining

One of the best places to eat on a Disney cruise is the adult-exclusive restaurants. These include Paloon the Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, and Disney Fantasy, Remyon the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, and Palo Steakhouseand Enchantéon the Disney Wish, Disney Treasure, and Disney Destiny .

The reservations are highly sought after and can be hard to get before you get on the ship, but Peggs-Igoe says, "If you miss out on adult dining reservations like Palo , join the waitlist as soon as you board. Ask Guest Services where dining requests are being handled and head there right away." This is also where you can request a different dining time (if available) and a different dining rotation. Just know that each request is handled on a first-come, first-served basis, and requests are not guaranteed to be fulfilled. 

Related: This Iconic Disneyland Resort Restaurant Just Got a Massive Glow-Up—And Reservations Are Vanishing

Full Doesn't Always Mean Full for Excursions

"If an excursion you wanted is sold out, visit the onboard Port Adventures (what Disney calls shore excursions) team and add your name to the waitlist. They often have limited additional inventory on board," says Peggs-Igoe. People change plans all the time, even while they are on the ship, and this is a great way to try to get on popular tours in Alaska and the Mediterranean. Just know that once you get off the waitlist, you're likely locked into the tour with limited ways to cancel and get a full refund. Always ask the Port Adventures team about cancellation policies and any other questions you may have about the tour before signing up completely.

Work With a Travel Advisor

No one wants to get stuck planning every part of a vacation when someone with more experience can do it for you. "To make Disney Cruise Line planning easier, work with a travel advisor who can guide you through the process before sailing," says Peggs-Igoe. "It takes the guesswork out, and services are usually complimentary."

Even better, some travel advisors offer free onboard creditjust for booking your cruise with them. In the past, I've gotten $250 in onboard credit just for booking with a free travel advisor. Just be sure your travel advisor has the Authorized Disney Vacation Planner and "EarMarked by Disney" logos on their agency website. These are basically the seal of trust that the agency is accredited by Disney. These logos are typically prominently placed on a travel agency's website. Castle Bound Travel is EarMarked Gold Level, which means the agency has met high standards for training, sales, and expertise.

Save on Your Next Disney Cruise While on Your Current Disney Cruise

One of the easiest ways to save on your next Disney Cruise is to book a placeholder. "Buy a placeholder reservation for 10% off your next cruise (sometimes 20 percent off select sailings) in the Disney Cruise Line app before you leave the ship. If you don't use it, you can usually cancel for a refund," explains Peggs-Igoe. Even better, the placeholder is valid for a cruise anytime over the next two years. So you've got plenty of time to think about what sailing is right for your family. 

Related: Disney Reveals Next New Cruise Ship Disney Believe Arriving 2027

Tour This Spot on Embarkation Day

While you might be thinking about getting to the buffet or unpacking your room, Peggs-Igoe says the spais actually the place to be. "Tour the spa on embarkation day . You may get discounts on treatments, and they often hold raffles during the open house," she says. 

During my most recent Disney Cruise on the Disney Fantasy, I went to the spa raffle, and they gave away everything from free facials and massages to a day pass to the iconic Rainforest relaxation area. About 10 people won prizes, and if you were in the room, you got a discount on a massage if you booked that day.

Know What Sailing to Start With

"If it's your first cruise, start with a three- or four-night sailing and work your way up," says Peggs-Igoe. I wholeheartedly agree, especially if it's your first ever cruise and not just your first Disney Cruise. Cruising is a fun vacation, but some people don't realize they don't like it until they are on the open ocean . Booking a shorter cruisewill give you a taste of the cruise life without committing to a whole week (or longer).

Related: Disney Cruise Line Shares 'Believe' Trailer That Has Us Sobbing

Book an Adult-Focused Experience

Disney Cruise Line sails all around the world, from the Caribbean and Mediterranean to Singapore and Mexico. But one trip that really shines is Alaska. "If you want a more adult-focused experience, try a seven-night Alaska cruise," says Peggs-Igoe. The trip itself is great for multi-generational travel, and offers a more relaxed onboard experience than Caribbean sailings. Which perfect for parents and grandparents . "Plus, you'll meet the Fab 5 in their Alaska outfits," added Peggs-Igoe. 

Related: Disney Reveals Next New Cruise Ship Disney Believe Arriving 2027

Source:

• Disney travel advisor with Castle Bound Travel, Heather Peggs-Igoe

This story was originally published by Parade on Apr 21, 2026, where it first appeared in the Travel section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.