disney cruise line unofficial blog

Thursday May 05, 2022

Episode 57: Summer 2023 Sail Dates & Itinerary Announcement

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Disney Cruise Line Blog Podcast

The official podcast of the unofficial Disney Cruise Line Blog.

Friday Dec 17, 2021

Episode 56: Disney Wish Destination D23 Creativity & Inspiration Set Sail Panel

On this podcast episode we are treated to the audio from the November 21, 2021 Disney Wish panel presented during the Destination D23 event. A video is available over on the website http://DisneyCruiseLineBlog.com Thanks again for listening to our podcast. We appreciate your continued feedback. If you have any question, comments or feedback please leave a comment below. We also have a voice mail line (321) 765-3252 where you can call at any hour and leave a comment or ask questions that we might feature on a future podcast. You can subscribe to the Disney Cruise Line Blog Podcast via iTunes, Google Play Store, Amazon Music, Spotify, Stitcher, PodBean, Radio.com, or the plain old rss feed.

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Friday Nov 13, 2020

Episode 55: Latest Disney Cruise News

On this podcast episode I'll go over the recent news stemming from the CDC's conditional sail order, an update on the new Disney Cruise Ship orders, and the latest on the terminal renovation project at Port Canaveral. Show Notes CDC Conditional Sail Order Port Canaveral State of the Port - Disney Cruise Terminal Renovation Construction Tour Royal Caribbean Test Cruise Volunteer Sign Up Future Disney Cruise Ship Order Delay to 2024 and 2025 Thanks again for listening to our podcast. We appreciate your continued feedback. If you have any question, comments or feedback please leave a comment below. We also have a voice mail line (321) 765-3252 where you can call at any hour and leave a comment or ask questions that we might feature on a future podcast. You can subscribe to the Disney Cruise Line Blog Podcast via iTunes, Google Play Store, Amazon Music, Spotify, Stitcher, PodBean, Radio.com, or the plain old rss feed.

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Friday Oct 16, 2020

Episode 54: Early 2022 (January - April/May) Sail Dates & Itinerary Announcement

On this podcast episode I'll go over the recent announcement of the Early 2022 (January – April/May) itineraries featuring a return to Hawaii for the Disney Wonder as well as New Orleans. Show Notes Disney Cruise Line Announces Early 2022 Itineraries (January – May) – Featuring a Return to Hawaii Disney Cruise Line’s Early 2022 Sailings – A Look at Opening Day Prices (Coming Monday) PSA: Verify Your Disney Cruise Line Castaway Club Status Before Opening Day Fleet-wide Stateroom Category Changes on the Horizon Ahead of the Disney Wish Launch Disney Wish Maiden Voyage Rescheduled to Summer 2022 DCL Blog Cruise III - July 21, 2021 | 7-night Western Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral Disney Cruise Line's Itinerary Announcement History Thanks again for listening to our podcast. We appreciate your continued feedback. If you have any question, comments or feedback please leave a comment below. We also have a voice mail line (321) 765-3252 where you can call at any hour and leave a comment or ask questions that we might feature on a future podcast. You can subscribe to the Disney Cruise Line Blog Podcast via iTunes, Google Play Store, Amazon Music, Spotify, Stitcher, PodBean, Radio.com, or the plain old rss feed.

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Friday Jul 24, 2020

Episode 53: Fall 2021 Sail Dates & Itinerary Announcement

On this podcast episode I’ll go over the recent announcement of the Fall 2021 (September – December) itineraries featuring the return of the seasonal Halloween on the High Seas and Very MerryTime themed cruises.   Show Notes Disney Cruise Line Announces Fall 2021 Itineraries (September – December) Disney Cruise Line’s Fall 2021 Sailings – A Look at Opening Day Prices (Coming Monday) DCL Blog Cruise III – July 21, 2021 | 7-night Western Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral DCL Blog Cruise II Trip Report Day 1 – Miami Day 2 – Nassau Day 3 – Castaway Cay Day 4 – At Sea Disney Cruise Line's Itinerary Announcement History Thanks again for listening to our podcast. We appreciate your continued feedback. If you have any question, comments or feedback please leave a comment below. We also have a voice mail line (321) 765-3252 where you can call at any hour and leave a comment or ask questions that we might feature on a future podcast.   You can subscribe to the Disney Cruise Line Blog Podcast via iTunes, Google Play Store, Spotify, Stitcher, PodBean, Radio.com, or the plain old rss feed.

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Friday May 08, 2020

Episode 52: TWDC Q2-FY2020 Earnings Call Summary

On this podcast episode I cut up the audio call from this week's Walt Disney Company Q2 earnings call for fiscal year 2020 to accompany our coverage of the call earlier in the week. Normally, I call this highlights from the call, but that comes across as a positive, given the times I'm just calling it a summary as this episode focuses on the Parks, Experiences and Products segment of which Disney Cruise Line is included. Near the end of the episode, there is a call in question specific to the cruise line. Show Notes Walt Disney Co Q2 2020 Earnings Results Full webcast recording Thanks again for listening to our podcast. We appreciate your continued feedback. If you have any question, comments or feedback please leave a comment below. We also have a voice mail line (321) 765-3252 where you can call at any hour and leave a comment or ask questions that we might feature on a future podcast. You can subscribe to the Disney Cruise Line Blog Podcast via iTunes, Google Play Store, Spotify, Stitcher, PodBean, Radio.com, or the plain old rss feed.  

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Friday Mar 06, 2020

Episode 51: Disney Cruise Line's Summer 2021 Itinerary Announcement

On this podcast episode I'll go over the recent announcement of the Summer 2021 (May – September) itineraries featuring the Disney Magic’s return to the Greek Isles, the Disney Wonder's Alaskan options, and the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy's offerings from Port Canaveral. Show Notes Disney Cruise Line Announces Summer 2021 Itineraries (May – September) Disney Cruise Line’s Summer 2021 Sailings – A Look at Opening Day Prices DCL Blog Cruise III - July 21, 2021 | 7-night Western Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral DCL Blog Cruise II Trip Report Day 1 – Miami Day 2 – Nassau Day 3 – Castaway Cay Day 4 – At Sea Thanks again for listening to our podcast. We appreciate your continued feedback. If you have any question, comments or feedback please leave a comment below. We also have a voice mail line (321) 765-3252 where you can call at any hour and leave a comment or ask questions that we might feature on a future podcast. You can subscribe to the Disney Cruise Line Blog Podcast via iTunes, Google Play Store, Spotify, Stitcher, PodBean, Radio.com, or the plain old rss feed.

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Friday Feb 28, 2020

Episode 50: DCL Blog Cruise 2 Live Podcast

On this special podcast episode, we are joined by a live audience during DCL Blog Cruise 2 aboard the Disney Magic we go around Fathoms talking about everyones' favorites and not so favorite aspects of Disney Cruise Line and what we'd like to see going forward with the Disney Wish and Lighthouse Point. Show Notes DCL Blog Cruise III - July 21, 2021 | 7-night Western Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral Ripple Maker coffee printer Scott napping on a bench in Iceland DCL Blog Cruise II Trip Report Day 1 – Miami Day 2 – Nassau Day 3 – Castaway Cay Day 4 – At Sea Thanks again for listening to our podcast. We appreciate your continued feedback. If you have any question, comments or feedback please leave a comment below. We also have a voice mail line (321) 765-3252 where you can call at any hour and leave a comment or ask questions that we might feature on a future podcast. You can subscribe to the Disney Cruise Line Blog Podcast via iTunes, Google Play Store, Spotify, Stitcher, PodBean, Radio.com, or the plain old rss feed.

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Friday Sep 27, 2019

Episode 49: DCL's Early 2021 Itinerary Announcement

On this podcast episode, I'll cover the latest Disney Cruise Line itinerary announcement for early 2021. Show Notes Disney Cruise Line Announces Winter 2021 Itineraries (January – May) – Featuring New Ports of Call and a Return to New Orleans Thanks again for listening to our podcast. We appreciate your continued feedback. If you have any question, comments or feedback please leave a comment below. We also have a voice mail line (321) 765-3252 where you can call at any hour and leave a comment or ask questions that we might feature on a future podcast. You can subscribe to the Disney Cruise Line Blog Podcast via iTunes, Google Play Store, Spotify, Stitcher, PodBean, Radio.com, or the plain old rss feed.

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101 Great Disney Cruise Line Tips

While Disney Cruise Line is a relatively hassle-free vacation, we have 101 tips & tricks that can save money and time. With our advice, your sailing aboard the Disney Magic, Wonder, Dream, or Fantasy can be an even better experience, and you can squeeze extra value out of the trip!

Our 101 Disney Cruise Line tips offer random ideas that cover all of the ships and an assortment of itineraries. They are based on our experiences aboard Disney Cruise Line and (unfortunately) some mistakes we’ve made while going from cruise newbies to Castaway Club Gold Members.

For those Disney Cruise Line seasoned pros who have even more experience than us, please leave any tips of your own that you think are helpful. In fact, if you have some really good tips, I might just steal them and put them into the post. 😉

With that said, let’s get started with the list of Disney Cruise Line tips & tricks…

• Due to Disney Cruise Line’s popularity, its cruises are rarely discounted. Disney doesn’t make it easy to find deals (to maintain its image that it’s a “premium” vacation product), with only Military and Florida Resident discounts listed on Disney Cruise Line’s Special Offers page . However, last minute deals can be found on select sailings for “restricted guarantee” rooms. These are often unpublished on DCL’s site (so you need either a travel agent or to research via a third party site), and require a bit of flexibility as you cannot choose your stateroom.
• On Embarkation Day, you can sign up for a free 50MB Connect@Sea WiFi package. Before doing this, be sure to disable all cloud and background services that might be running on your computer. Avoid watching video, stay off of photo-heavy websites (like this one!), and don’t use your package on port days (when free WiFi can be found ashore). By following these tips, there’s a good chance this free WiFi package will last your entire cruise.
• Yes, there is pin trading aboard all Disney Cruise Line ships. You’ll find Cast Members with trading lanyards in various places, most notably in gift shops where there are also pin trading books or boards behind the counter (ask!). Buying pins from Amazon for trading before your cruise will save a lot of money. (Our other Disney Pin Trading Tips are also applicable for Disney Cruise Line.)
• “Fish Extenders” are a common type of decoration that serious Disney fans like to hang on the fish located right outside their door. These extenders are used for groups to identify other members of that group, or just for Disney fans to share gifts and notes with other fans.
• Want to dine at Tiana’s Place Restaurant from the Princess and the Frog ? Set sail on the Disney Wonder!
• The nightly stage shows are broadcast on your stateroom TV. So, if you want to watch the shows, but don’t want to wear pants, you’re in luck! 😉
• Castaway Cay is Disney’s private island, and it’s a wonderful mix of Imagineered details and tropical paradise. We recommend getting off the ship first thing at Castaway Cay and staying until the very end of the day, as it’s an exceptional experience. For more on the island, read our Castaway Cay Guide & Tips .
• The flavors of soft serve ice cream change throughout the cruise. This used to occur daily, but on our last cruise, we had strawberry banana for a couple of days. Mango is our top pick!
• Your stateroom TV has a station with Disney music on it. Perfect for turning on while you get ready for the day to get you in a “Disney mood.”
• One of the best ways to save money on a future Disney cruise is to book while onboard a cruise. This offers up to a 10% discount, $200 on-board credit, and reduced deposit. You can even book a ‘placeholder’ cruise if you don’t know your precise sailing date!
• Aside from Castaway Cay, Nassau, Bahamas is the port most frequently-visited by Disney Cruise Line. Rather than booking a Port Adventure, we recommend doing a self-guided tour of Nassau. We detail what we did in our 3-Night Bahamas Disney Cruise Line Report .
• Disney Cruise Line used to have a really relaxed carry-on alcohol policy. This has since been restricted, but you can still bring two bottles of wine or a six-pack of beer per person.
• Disney Visa cardholders receive 10% discounts on merchandise purchases of $50+, photo packages, and Castaway Cay Getaway packages. Discounts of 20% are offered on select spa packages while the ship is docked at a Port.
• The “Mickey Mail” autograph service has been discontinued. We feel this is important to mention because we still get questions about it, and it’s a persistent ‘top tip’ you’ll still see pop-up if you’re on Pinterest.
• On the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy ships, there are 4 “mini-suite” rooms, which are larger than the other 8 Category 8A Deluxe Family Oceanview Staterooms. These are rooms 5020, 5022, 5520, and 5522.
• In Disneyspeak, a travel agent is called an “Authorized Disney Vacation Planner.” Using them to book your cruise is a great way to save time and stress, and it doesn’t cost you anything! They can also find you deals (namely, last-minute ones) on cruises. They get their commission from Disney, so the authorized planners won’t charge you for booking the trip or helping to plan. Request a vacation price quote from an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner here .
• Often, Disney’s Port Adventures are offered via third parties that also sell the same or similar excursions directly or via other third party sites. Researching these Port Adventures before booking via Disney can save you a lot of money.
• Disney Vacation Club members can use their points for Disney Cruise Line sailings, but this is an awful use of points in terms of value . You’re better off renting out your points , putting that money towards paying for the cruise, and pocketing the difference.
• Online check-in opens on different dates depending on your Castaway Club status. Platinum Castaway Club members and concierge guests can check-in online at midnight, 120 days before sailing. Gold Castaway Club members can check-in online 105 days before sailing. Silver Castaway Club members can check-in online 90 days before sailing. All other guests can check-in 75 days before sailing.
• As soon as you’re able to check-in, you’re able to book Port Adventures, cabanas, spa packages, Palo, etc. Book these as soon as possible, as some sell out.
• On the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy ships, there are eight over-sized 8A cabins with open floor plans that are laid out as an L-shape room (the non-split bathroom forms part of the “L,” making the living area square). These rooms are 5018, 5518, 6012, 6014, 6016, 6510, 6512, and 6514.
• Don’t pack an inner tube or even this delightful sea dragon (I know, right?!). Disney Cruise Line doesn’t allow them…probably because they want you to pay their rental fees at Castaway Cay.
• The locker room showers in the Fitness Center are always open for guest use, and make a workable option if there is “excessive demand” for your stateroom shower.
• If a particular itinerary is a must-do for you, book it as soon as sailing dates are announced. While we have several tips about saving money, the cheapest prices you’ll find on many Disney cruises is when they’re released. With regard to pricing, Disney Cruise Line has more in common with airlines (in that prices can fluctuate based on occupancy projections) than Walt Disney World (which has a fixed price ceiling but offers discounts to meet occupancy targets).
• There is a huge CVS located just outside of Port Canaveral where you can stock up on sunscreen, booze, and really just about anything else you might need on a cruise that you could’ve forgotten.
• Cruising is not for everyone, but before you dismiss it out of hand, do some research. As I’ve written, I thought I was not a cruise person, but got hooked by my first Disney Cruise Line vacation .
• A one-way rental car from Walt Disney World (there’s an Alamo at the Swan & Dolphin) can be cheaper than paying for Disney’s shuttle–do the math.
• Some cruise ports, particularly those in the Caribbean, have problems with pickpockets who prey on tourists. Wearing a neck wallet ( this one is ~$2 and also offers RFID protection ) under your shirt can be a safe option to avoid being successfully targeted.
• Booking two rooms can be cheaper than booking a single room that sleeps 4 or 5, depending upon the room categories. Price things out and do the math for yourself.
• Castaway Cay has a post office drop-box that has an exclusive Castaway Cay postmark. You can purchase Bahamian stamps aboard your ship, and mail a postcard from here.
• On cruises that stop in Grand Cayman, we highly recommend the “Adventure to Stingray City Sandbar” Port Adventure . This stingray encounter is unlike the one at Castaway Cay, and is an incredibly cool experience.
• The “Art of the Theme Ship Tour” is offered on most cruises, and offers insight into the design choices, theming, and visual motifs the ship. It is not a behind-the-scenes tour, but is still well worth doing, and will give you a greater appreciation of the design of each ship.
• If you’re willing to roll the dice on hurricane season, September can be a cheaper time to sail, particularly if you want until the last minute to book. January and February are also less expensive months, in our experience. Basically, any time school is in session–aside from holiday seasons and other special sailings–is your best shot at last-minute discounted prices.
• Animator’s Palate is a distinctly Disney dining experience that brings some magic from the parks to the cruise ships. Do not skip this restaurant.
• You can purchase a discounted beer cup aboard the ships, which will work out to be a good deal if you plan on drinking quite a bit and forget to bring your own alcohol.
• On channel 5 starting at 6 a.m., there are tips specific to that day of the cruise. Something to put on in the background while you’re getting ready!
• Standard staterooms have 3 power outlets. For even our party of 2, this is insufficient. Power strips are not allowed, but we have had no issue with our USB charging hub . (Perhaps we’ve gotten lucky, but I doubt it.)
• Serenity Bay is the adults-only beach on Castaway Cay, and is most distant beach on the island. As compared to the other beaches, it is much quieter. We recommend hitting the family beaches for active entertainment (like water slides) first thing in the morning, and then heading to Serenity Bay (if you don’t have kids) to unwind and relax after lunch.
• All on-board transactions completed with your Key to the World card, which is your room key and has your credit card stored in it. This makes Disney Cruise Line (potentially!) cash-free.
• While Mickey Mail has been discontinued, characters at meet & greets will still sign items aside from autograph books. Popular items with cruisers are (still) picture frame mats and pillow cases.
• There’s a free chat feature in the in Disney Cruise Line Navigator app, which is great for keeping in touch with your family without buying an internet package. Now, if only those cool emojis could be used in iMessage!
• Babysitting (err, “kid’s entertainment”) is free for children over the age of 3, and there are a variety of age-specific activities available for all children, which are exclusive to kids.
• Coffee is not served on Castaway Cay. Addicts take note, and plan accordingly. 😉
• Get up for sunrise. Not only is seeing an explosion of color out at sea first thing in the morning beautiful, but you’ll also have a peaceful experience as the ship is devoid of other guests. (I also enjoy seeing all the maintenance and upkeep being done at these early hours–makes me appreciate the beauty of the ship even more!)
• In addition to pricier laundry pickup and dry cleaning, there are 24-hour, self-service laundry facilities equipped with washers and dryers, along with detergent and complimentary ironing equipment.
• You might want to bring foreign currency for port days, which can be ordered from your local bank with 2-3 day advance notice (normally). We don’t do this, instead using a credit card with no foreign transaction fees. Whenever possible, we prefer not to carry cash in touristy places where pickpockets are a known issue. So long as you have a chipped credit card with no foreign transaction fees, you’re good to go pretty much anywhere in the world (just make sure the business accepts credit card).
• There are a variety of themed cruises available throughout the year, including Star Wars or Marvel Days at Sea , Very MerryTime , and Halloween on the High Seas Sailings .
• Bringing your own blowdryer is not recommended. The room offers one with the correct voltage so you don’t blow a fuse and Sarah reports that the in-room one is “satisfactory.” (Sorry, I have no first-hand experiences with it to share.)
• Hidden Mickeys can be found aboard every Disney Cruise Line ship, from the Disney Magic to the Disney Fantasy, and in all areas of the ships–even the bars & lounges. For Hidden Mickey hunters of all ages, we recommend Hidden Mickeys Go To Sea: A Field Guide to the Disney Cruise Line’s Best Kept Secrets . It’s a great guide to spotting cool details aboard the ships!
• All four ships now have concierge lounges, along with a range of other concierge benefits . Everyone we know who has done concierge on Disney Cruise Line has loved it, but has cautioned that once you cruise concierge, it’s tough to go back.
• We recommend the 3-in-1 Castaway Cay Getaway Package, which provides snorkel equipment for the day, an inner tube for the day, and bicycle rental for one hour. With this package, you basically pay full price for the inner tube and snorkel equipment, and get the bicycle rental for free.
• There is no limit to what you can order at rotational dining restaurants aboard Disney Cruise Line. If you want multiple entrees or all the desserts , you can order them. It’s all included.
• We recommend packing a swimsuit and change of clothes in your carry-on/day bag for Embarkation Day.
• During the “See Ya Real Soon” show held on the last night of your cruise, stand in the middle of the atrium towards the iconic character statue. Typically, Captain Mickey Mouse will appear for a meet & greet in this location immediately after the show ends, and you’ll be right at the front of his line. Shortest wait for Captain Mickey all cruise!
• You can schedule a free wake-up call from Baymax (characters rotate, but he was the one on our last cruise) by pressing the wake up call button on your stateroom phone.
• Guests take Pirate Night seriously. Many kids and even adults go all out for it, getting completely dressed up. We recommend buying your kids pirate attire at a cheaper cost online , as what you’ll find on the ship is pricier. (Everyone gets a free Pirate Mickey bandana, which is enough for many adults.)
• Shortest waits for Aquaduck (Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream) or AquaDunk (Disney Magic) will be early on Embarkation Day, late at night, or during port days. Get your fix of these slides then, and avoid it completely on days at sea.
• Family photos on theme nights are a must. We recommend getting these in the atrium before you go up to the deck (or after the events are over, when the atrium will have fewer people in it). The lighting is harsh and over-saturated on the deck. Unless you have a powerful flash, your group might end up looking like Smurfs.
• If you’re a soft serve ice cream fiend like me, always take the stairs when going up to the deck, so you can enjoy unlimited ice cream guilt-free. 😉
• Shutters photography on Disney Cruise Line is similar in concept to PhotoPass in the parks, but with a number of significant differences. We’ve never purchased any photos on board (the pricing is too steep for us for average-quality photos), but here’s a good article answering frequently asked questions about photography on Disney Cruise Line .
• We have had exemplary service on every Disney cruise we’ve taken, and we end up supplementing the base tips for our servers and stateroom host as a result. On the last night of the cruise, there’s often a wait in line at Guest Relations to do this. Bringing some cash (to put in Disney’s provided tip envelopes) for these supplements is a good way to bypass that line.
• The Palo Brunch is unquestionably worth the money , in our opinion. While you still pay a surcharge, unlike dinner at Palo, you are not missing out on a good rotational dining experience, so the overall cost (upcharge + opportunity cost) is effectively lower.
• Speak with your doctor before cruising if sea-sickness might be an issue. Failing that, Sarah uses Sea-Band Anti-Nausea Gum , which she says works well.
• Fireworks at Sea on Pirate Night are not to be missed. If you have a Verandah Stateroom on the starboard side of the ship, you can see them from your balcony…although Disney’s official line on this is “don’t do it.” 😉
• Several characters have dedicated meet & greets on Castaway Cay, but one of the coolest character encounters is seeing Captain Jack Sparrow on Serenity Bay’s beach, which typically occurs late morning.
• Embarkation times vary, but we recommend being at the port and embarking as soon as your scheduled time slot will allow. More time on the ship and an “extra” meal is nice. Don’t arrive too early, though, as waiting around a crowded port is not exactly pleasant.
• Remy is a fine dining experience from a Michelin-starred chef that is available on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy ships. While the added cost is steep, so is what you’d pay at a real-world Michelin 3-star restaurant. In addition to the fine dining meal, Remy serves a a champagne brunch, a dessert experience, and the “Petites Assiettes de Remy” (a 6-course small plate experience with wine pairings).
• Another upcharge experience is the Royal Court Royal Tea Party , which is a tea party with Disney Princesses offered on all four ships. In addition to the tea, two courses of food are served and keepsakes are given out to kids. The experience is pricey–and actually more expensive for kids than adults.
• Aside from the tip, there’s no surcharge for room-service, so take advantage. Nothing beats a cup of coffee and meal to start the day on your stateroom verandah! (Assuming, of course, that you have a verandah.)
• Unless you know what you’re doing, don’t purchase diamonds or other high-dollar items in ports. All it takes is a quick Google search to reveal countless horror stories about scams to scare you away from doing this. (Even Disney’s featured on-board merchants, like Diamonds International, are pretty shady.)
• Sarah recommends the Rainforest Room Day Pass, which is relatively inexpensive (<$20). On the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, this provides access to a dry sauna, two steam rooms, multiple “rain” showers, heated loungers, and two hot tubs with ocean views. (When she went on a girls cruise without me(!!), she says she and her friends spent practically all day in the Rainforest Room.)
• Sarah also recommends the (alcoholic) beverage seminars for guests. She felt these offered good value for money (as compared to purchasing drinks on board the ship) and the experience was very fun. These can only be booked on board the ship and can sell out quickly.
• Pack your library card. Not because your library has a branch on the ship (although you never know what they’ll add), but because the stateroom lights require a card to activate. Using your Key to the World card for this is a hassle.
• If you’re doing a Land and Sea Cruise, do the Walt Disney World leg of the trip first. This will make the cruise feel like even more of a vacation, as you decompress from marathon days in the parks.
• Skyline Bar on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy is the coolest lounge aboard any of the ships. It’s chic and metropolitan–in the sense that there’s a rotating skyline (once per 15 minutes) behind the bar. The effect is really cool, and it’s worth sticking around long enough to see the full rotation of cities.
• If you are not able to make reservations prior to your cruise for character meets, Palo, Remy, etc., check for availability as soon as you board the ship. They may have additional availability on a first-come, first-served basis.
• While the Cabana Beach Retreats at Castaway Cay are pricey , they include a lot of perks and regular cruises highly recommend them. They’re also nearly impossible to book unless you’re a Gold or Platinum Castaway Club Member, as there is limited availability and they sell out quickly.
• While we don’t normally recommend travel insurance, give it some thought when cruising–especially if anyone in your party is prone to getting sick, or you’re cruising during hurricane season. This post covers what to look for in a cruise insurance plan .
• Premium Mickey Ice Cream Bars are available via room service or on the kids’ menus at every rotational dining restaurant. Yes, adults can order them, too.
• In Nassau, Junkanoo Beach is easy to access by walking a few blocks from the port. However, it’s touristy. Walking a few blocks farther (~40 minutes total) will get you to Saunders Beach , which is much more secluded.
• Some itineraries, such as the Alaskan Cruises on the Disney Wonder, offer exclusive merchandise available only on those sailings . (Speaking of which, this sounds like the ultimate bucket list cruise–seeing bald eagles, whales, and bears from the ship? Sign me up!)
• Running the Castaway Cay 5K is a nice way to score a rare freebie: a runDisney Castaway Cay (rubber) medal. It’s casually organized and features no on-course entertainment, but is still a fun, one-and-done race.
• Crew Members might advise you that the Youth Activities Band (Disney Cruise Line MagicBand) is “yours to keep as a souvenir,” what they might not say is, “but you’ll incur a fee if you do keep it.” This DCL MagicBand is useless, so purchase a different souvenir and avoid that charge.
• All three buffets (Cookie’s, Cookie’s Too, and Serenity Bay BBQ) all feature the exact same cookout style buffet food, with one exception: Serenity Bay BBQ offers ribeye steaks. They’re not amazing, but they’re one of the better foods on the buffet, so if you’re an adult, eat there.
• If you’re cruising without kids, choose the second dinner seating and earlier entertainment showtime. Both dinner and the show will be less crowded.
• Midship Detective Agency (particularly the Muppet version) is fun even if you’re an adult, and it provides an excuse to really explore the various floors of the ships, which is a satisfying experience.
• There’s a Disney Vacation Club Member Celebration on Embarkation Day, which provides free alcoholic drinks and a wealth of prizes. It exists to convince members to add-on (and will offer quite the compelling and emotional pitch), but is worthwhile for the free drinks and prizes.
• Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique offers princess and knight makeover packages on all 4 ships. On Pirates Night, the location transforms into Pirates League with packages for that.
• If you do not have small children, you can safely skip the Sailaway Party and Pirate Night “skits.” While the former is a fun way for people of all ages to get in the spirit at the start of the cruise, both are basically smile and wave shows that won’t captivate adults.
• Even if you do not have small children, don’t skip the nightly shows. The quality of these does vary, but they are produced at an exceptional level, have some funny moments, and will tug at your heartstrings. Remember: you’re paying a premium for the Disney experience and this is a big component of that Disney experience–might as well get the full value out of that!
• While day-of upgrades are uncommon, check at the terminal when checking in whether any upgrades are available. If they are, the price will typically be far lower than what you’d pay at the booking stage. (Any upgrades that are available are on a first-come, first-served basis, which is another reason to arrive at the terminal early.)
• Breakfast is not served on Castaway Cay, and the buffets do not open until lunch.
• The hot new Disney Cruise Line dining experience is Tiana’s Place on the Disney Wonder. This is the first time the restaurant from Princess and the Frog has been built by Disney (what took so long?!) and it offers a menu with cajun cuisine plus live music, dancing, Mardi Gras beads, and more.
• If you’re going on a European cruise and travel internationally at least occasionally, consider buying a MiFi unit and Orange Holiday SIM card. I own this Huawei 4G LTE Mobile Wifi Hotspot and highly recommend it. If you do not internationally at least on occasion, rent a MiFi instead.
• If the Castaway Cay 5K is not enough running for you…well, you might be crazy. 😉 If so, every Disney Cruise has a jogging track on Deck 4 where you can run laps (2.5 laps = 1 mile).
• You can take food from the ship ashore with you, but some ports require that it’s sealed.
• If you plan on watching a first-run movie at the Buena Vista Theater, grab soda and snacks from Cabanas (or the deck) before the movie. There’s also a snack stand outside of the theater, but they charge for snacks and drinks there.
• Many cruises have fan-made Facebook groups ( past example ) associated with them. Search Facebook for your cruise itinerary (and date), and you might find a closed group you can request to join.
• Pack a sweatshirt. Sounds crazy, especially if you’re heading to the Caribbean, but the cruise ship can be cold inside. Likewise, the cool ocean breeze in evenings can mean you want another layer, even outdoors.
• Since you won’t have internet–or will have very limited internet–on your cruise, we recommend printing this page for reference during your cruise. It’s also advisable to pack The Unofficial Guide to Disney Cruise Line 2020 as a reference during your cruise.
• Finally, information and policies are constantly changing and sometimes inconsistent. For example, there’s a lot of info out there suggesting that the Pirate Buffet has been discontinued. While it’s true that this buffet does not occur on many cruises (for reasons unbeknownst to us) it still does occur on some sailings. Be mindful of policy changes and be prepared to roll with the punches.

That’s it…for now! Even though planning a Disney Cruise Line vacation is relatively stress-free (as compared to Walt Disney World, for example) there are a lot of other secrets and lesser-known tips that can really enhance the experience and improve your cruise. Read as much as you can when planning your cruise—part of the fun of the voyage is building up anticipation, so a little extra research never hurts! 🙂

Planning to set sail aboard one of the Disney Cruise Line ships? Read our comprehensive Disney Cruise Line Guide to prepare for your trip, plan entertainment and other activities, and learn what to expect from your Disney cruise!

If you want personalized recommendations for Disney Cruise Line itineraries, ships, and more, click here to get a cruise quote from a no-fee Authorized Disney Vacation Planner . They can find you all of the current discounts, and help you plan the details of your cruise!

Your Thoughts

Have you set sail aboard Disney Cruise Line? Do you have a favorite ship? Any tips of your own to add to improve the experience? Port Adventure recommendations? Upcharge or other add-ons you’d recommend? Anything to add about Castaway Cay, travel insurance, dining, spas, or anything else we’ve covered in this list of tips for Disney Cruise Line? Any questions? Hearing from you is half the fun, so please share your thoughts in the comments below!

Written by Tom Bricker

fyi, tip 10 is now unfortunately outdated, as the on board credit is no longer offered. but 10% off still is and it’s still worth it to me.

You actually can use the emojis. You have to download their app and play it to unlock them. Even after that its difficult and annoying to use them, but they’re cute!

My wife Renee & I went on the British Isles cruise on the Magic Sept 2, 2018. Visited Cobh (Cork) & Dublin, Ireland, Greenock, Scotland, & Liverpool, England. We booked excursions to the Blarney Castle in Cobh, walked around town in Dublin, (had to find the Guiness Storehouse as well). We highly recommend the Gourmet Glasgow excursion in Greenock. The gourmet guides name was Maddie. Took us around Glasgow to different, out of the tourist area restaurants, went a cheese tasting shop then had dessert at University Cafe in Glasgow. Such a fantastic time we had. In Liverpool, we booked the Titan Zip Line (videos can be found on youtube) excursion in Wales. So much fun. We enjoyed the British Isles cruise so much that we have booked the cruise again on Sept 8, 2019. Ports of call are Dublin, Belfast, Greenock, Liverpool. We stayed in Disney’s recommended hotel in London, the JW Marriott Grosvenor House. It was a pleasant stay. Everything in walking distance, the Underground stops are very close. The disappointing part was the ground transportation in and out of London from Gatwick. Too much stop & go traffic. Took to long to get to the hotel & out again. In 2019, we will be staying at a hotel at Gatwick airport. There is another Disney hotel there as well. Several trains run continuously in and out of Gatwick to London. Easy in, easy out, easy transportation to Dover from Gatwick. We highly recommend the British Isles cruise. We had a great time.

In reference to #12 “You can also save a bit by purchasing duty-free alcohol on board the ships (rather than from the bars), and making your own cocktails in-room”. Don’t they hold your duty-free alcohol till the last night of the cruise?

That’s what I was going to ask, too! I thought they would- I know they’ll collect any liquor you bring in from a port.

Bring your own travel mug or cup on board with you. The sodas are free on the pool deck, but the cups are small. Having your own cup will keep you from having to run back again and again!

I would also suggest bringing plastic skirt hangers. We use those to hang our wet bathing suits on the clothes line in the shower. It helps them to dry faster since they aren’t doubled over. When we pack up to leave (such a sad thought), we just toss them in the recycle bin in our room.

My last tip is to stay the night before near the port. You can rest easy that you aren’t caught in traffic or delayed flights that could make you miss the ship!

The hangers are a great idea! cruising next week, and I’m adding that to my list! Thank you!!

I am planning to sail the Wonder out of San Diego in Sept 2018.my husband wants to book a veranda . I see there are veranda that have obstructed views. Is it worth getting a veranda vs a port hole if you can’t see anything unless you stand up and look over the railing?. I don’t like to white metal wall. Are all cabins like this with the white wall.? Anyone have advice on this? Thanks- Susan

Oh I will be on this cruise too…. we are very excited for our Norway adventure!!

Hi Cruisers! For first time cruisers who are definitely interested in booking a verandah room to Alaska, is there a best area to stay on the Wonder? Front, middle, back, left side right side? Thanks in advance!

Not sure about room selection from a view standpoint, but I will tell you that the rooms towards the back of the ship can be loud when the ship docks. We were in a room on the 7th floor at the very back of the ship (Disney Fantasy) and when the ship would dock, it would literally shake the entire room and was loud enough that it woke up even our son who is a very sound sleeper.

If you see something in the gift shop on board that you must have – buy it then. Unlike a park gift shop, the ship can’t restock during the week. I’ve found it’s especially an issue with unusual sizes in clothes or specialty merchandise. I can’t WAIT to reach your Norway trip report!

My family is actually going to be on the same Norwegian cruise at the beginning of June, and I was debating the idea of getting a new camera. I previously had a Nikon DSLR camera, but am admittedly a novice and know very little about photography. The Nikon eventually broke and I have used my iPhone almost exclusively since. Based upon review of some of your other blog posts (which we’ve enjoyed very much and used extensively), do you still think the Sony RX100 is the best bet as far as point and shoot cameras (in particular as it relates to some of the shots I might try to get while in Norway/Denmark)?

You mentioned that Disney Visa card holders receive a discount on photo packages…is that only if you purchase them on the cruise ship, or if you pre-order on the Shutters website?

You’ll love Norway! I did a Norwegian Fjords cruise on Holland America and it was by far my favorite itinerary. Visit Norway has great information on their website (they used to make free brochures but stopped). Most ports we did something on our own rather than schedule a shore excursion – this is particularly easy for Stavanger and Bergen. Food is rather expensive in Norway, so we had our meals on board and then would snack in the ports (I had so many waffles!).

We just went on our first Disney cruise in January. Our kids were 6, 5, and 2. Disney has got the elementary ages covered in regard to entertainment. Our 6 and 5 year olds didn’t want to leave the kids club. (“But Mom, Captain America is coming in 15 minutes! I don’t want to swim/ eat dinner/ go to bed!) That being said, it was a rough cruise for our 2 year old. That poor child was so bored, and we did everything that was appropriate for his age. His favorite time of the day was the one hour when the cast members brought out a small selection of toys for toddlers. If we went again with a pre-kids club age child, I would bring a bag of toys for them to play with. (We looked into the nursery program but it seemed better suited for infants. Our son unfortunately fell in the gap between infant and preschooler.) We will wait to cruise again until our youngest is at least 5.

We went when ours were 3 and 4 and had a great time, they both were old enough to do the kids clubs. We can’t wait to go again, but just added another munchkin to our clan- so will definitely be waiting until he’s 3 so he can participate in the kids program, otherwise I totally agree- there isn’t much to do for a toddler

I’ve been wondering about the kids clubs a bit. We’re doing a 3 day cruise in November, and I honestly did not plan to drop our 7 or 4 year old off at the daycare / club thing at all. Not trying that there’s anything wrong with it, it’s just that it’s a short cruise and I look forward to exploring the ship and going on adventures / swimming / activities with them. That being said, are there big things the kids can’t miss at the kids club? Sounds like they do character visits, what are some of the other activities that kids would rave about? And do they post a schedule / itinerary, so that we can take the kids for things they are interested in and skip other stuff?

We went in November 2017 with our 5 year old and 2 1/2 year old. I was worried about the nursery being more geared toward infants, but we were so wrong. Our 2 1/2 year old loved the nursery. They painted, played games, played with balls, colored etc. I also felt she got a little more 1 on 1 attention since she was at a fun age to actually play with. She didn’t want to leave the first night we left her and begged to go back the second night when our son went to kids club. We were shocked we didn’t think either of our kids would want to part from us. The second night my husband and I were at a complete loss of what to do without kids, since it wasn’t in our plan to not have either of them.

On the Dream/ Fantasy, if you want to avoid the crowd for the fireworks and don’t care about the show portion of that, try going to the Currents bar area above the adult pool, and go to the railings on the starboard side. you still hear the music, there’s a great view, and there’s even some seating if you get there early enough!

I would really, really like to visit Norway some time. Enjoy the cruise!

Welcome to Norway! I hope you both enjoy your stay in our country. Please feel free to ask me anything you want to know about Norway or Norwegians. I have lived in this country all of my life so hopefully I can be of some help ☺️

In terms of questions, do you have any recommendations for things to do in Stavanger, Alesund, Geiranger, or Bergen while we’re in port? The more specific the recommendation, the better (e.g. places to eat, quaint shops to visit, etc.) I have a pretty good idea of what points of interest are popular and highly recommended in each port, but what I’m lacking is a local’s perspective on hidden gems and that type of thing.

Now, I realize I just listed several places in an entire country, so I’m not expecting you to have comprehensive knowledge of all this, but anything you can offer would be most appreciated! 🙂

Stavanger: Det lille hjørnet is a tiny café with great ambience serving coffee with cool crema designs. Sabi Omakase is a sushi restaurant which recently received a star in guide Michelin. It is supposed to be one of a kind amazing. Bergen: Klosteret kaffebar (small pub/café). Geiranger: I have never been there, but the view from Eagle Road looks truly spectacular. Ã…lesund: I love the view from the top of Aksla, the small “city mountain”.

I would definitely recommend Kafe Spesial in Bergen. A good menu with good beers and not too expensive for Norway. Also would highly recommend getting the funicular and walking around the top of mt Floyen – there are plenty of trails and some really spectacular views. Enjoy Norway, it is incredible, we were there in february and everything was covered in snow, so I imagine your experience will be slightly different, but I would love to go back and visit in the warmer months.

I’m so happy to see this post! We just booked our first EVER cruise for April 2018. I’ll definitely be reading this post a few times.

A note on number 13 regarding the Disney Visa and DVC discounts on merch. We routinely forget about the discounts and on our last cruise realized we had again forgotten it on the last day. The crew member at the register was able to “return” all of our purchases from throughout the cruise and re-ring them all together (so all those less then $50 purchases were also included). I don’t know if that is standard operating procedure, it could have been a one time – employee going above and beyond- type of situation. But it couldn’t hurt to ask if you find yourself in that situation.

I’ve heard of this happening at Walt Disney World as well. So, while it might not be “official” policy, I don’t think it was a one-off exception, either.

102. If you or the kids collect the smashed pennies, the only DCL penny machines are located in the terminal prior to departure. You will not have a chance to get them once you board your cruise as you depart through a different area. 103. If the above applies, bring change with you. There is not (or wasn’t the last time we went) any place to get change in the DCL departures terminal.

Thanks for this tip–I had no idea (although that does make sense).

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The Disney Cruise Line Blog

An unofficial disney cruise line news, information, weather, and photo blog..

Tag Archives: Unofficial Guide

The Unofficial Guide to the Disney Cruise Line 2024

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The Unofficial Guide to the Disney Cruise Line 2023

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Disney Cruise Line

10 Things You Don’t Want to Miss On Your Disney Cruise

Tammy Whiting, our Disney Cruise Line expert, shares 10 things you don’t want to miss on your next sailing...

10 Mistakes To Avoid Onboard a Disney Cruise

Tammy Whiting, our Disney Cruise Line expert, shares with us 10 mistakes to avoid when going on a Disney...

10 Reasons to Try Concierge Service on a Disney Cruise

Tammy Whiting, our Disney Cruise Line expert, has 10 reasons why you should try Concierge service on your next...

10 Things We Know About Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point

Tammy Whiting, our Disney Cruise Line expert, is excited about spending time on Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. Today,...

10 Reasons Your Next Vacation Should Be a Cruise—and Why It Should Be With Disney 

Are you wondering what to do for your next vacation? Have you been thinking about going on your first cruise? Well,...

10 Questions From First-Time Cruisers

Tammy Whiting, our Disney Cruise Line expert, answers 10 essential questions for first-time cruisers. Here is her advice about...

10 Things to Do on Embarkation Day for Your Disney Cruise

Embarkation Day is a super-busy time for cruisers! It’s good to go in there with a plan. Our Disney Cruise...

10 Differences Between the Disney Treasure and Disney Wish

Let’s take a closer look at the differences between the features of the upcoming Disney Treasure and the Disney...

Pre-order The Unofficial Guide to Disney Cruise Line 2024 and Enter our Giveaway!

We are excited to publish the new edition of The Unofficial Guide to Disney Cruise Line 2024 by Erin Foster...

The Unofficial Guide to the Disney Cruise Line 2023—A No-Nonsense Guide to Disney’s Cruise Ships

The Unofficial Guide to the Disney Cruise Line 2023 is a no-nonsense, consumer-oriented guide that describes the best of Disney’s...

Disney Cruising   Elevated

At the  DCLDuo  we’re about  elevating  the experience. Elevating  you, the  listener , to the  core of the show . Elevating  the community through  inclusion and collaboration . Elevating  our  topics to span the Disney “World” – from Cruising  to  Parks  to  Adventures by Disney, coast to coast and beyond. Elevating  your  curiosity  by covering  new products  and products outside of Disney that provide  new adventures  for you and your family. We’re not travel agents. This is not our business. It’s not our hobby. It’s our passion . At the DCLDuo, we don’t just create,  we elevate .

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If you find one of our ducks in the wild, post it to Instagram and tag it with #dclduoduck to see it here!! We love to see where our ducks travel.

#dclduoduck

Ducks are tagged and ready for hiding on our upcoming cruise. We’re hoping folks snap of a photo of our ducks “in the wild” and share them back with us. Stood up a page on our site that we’d love to fill with duck photos. Just use #dclduoduck and share photos of our ducks (or other ducks you spot in the wild on your next cruise)!!

DCL Duo Rapid Fire Favorites

A playlist powered by Spotify of some of guests’ favorite Disney songs, some picks from our Patreons, and a few of our own sprinkled in like pixie dust.

DCL Duo Podcast

The DCLDuo Podcast is a Disney Cruise Line focused podcast, with occasional detours into general cruising and Disney topics. We’re fans of the Disney Parks, Adventures by Disney, Run Disney and Disney Vacation Club. We love talking to DCL and Disney fans, as well as experts, insiders, authors, bloggers, vloggers and travel agents! Follow us and our guests on our journeys, and listen-in as we chat about cruising, Disney Cruise Line, and all of our other fabulous Disney adventures!!

Podcast Episodes

The DCLDuo Podcast is a Disney Cruise Line focused podcast. We’re DCL super fans who love cruising. We love talking about our own Disney Cruise Line Adventures, comparing DCL to other cruise lines, and talking about other Disney adventures, like Adventures by Disney.

We love talking to Disney Cruise Line fans, as well as experts, insiders, authors, bloggers, vloggers, travel agents and cruise lovers! Follow us and our guests on our journeys, and listen-in as we chat about cruising, Disney Cruise Line, and all of our other fabulous Disney adventures!!

Josh is back to share his hot takes from a recent Princess cruise he took, as we discuss how his experience on a 7-night West coast sailing on the Discovery Princess compares to his experience on Disney Cruise Line. How did DCL stack-up? Come listen to find out.

If you are looking to book your next Disney Cruise, then head over to My Path Unwinding Travel so Karen and her team of expert travel professionals can help you find the perfect vacation for you and your family.

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Disney Destiny Will Bring Stories of Legendary Disney Heroes and Villains to Life

Disney Cruise Line Offers Worldwide Adventures to Europe, Alaska, The Bahamas and Caribbean in Summer 2025

Jordin Sparks Inspires Disney Cruise Line Guests to ‘Live the Adventure’ with Signature Song for the Disney Treasure

Disney Cruise Line releases new details about “Disney The Tale of Moana,” the Broadway-style stage show coming to the Disney Treasure

Disney Cruise Line Celebrates Opening of New Cruise Terminal at Port Everglades

News headlines see all.

Disney Treasure to Unlock New Disney Stories from “Coco,” “Zootopia,” Theme Parks…

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Disney Cruise Line Offers Worldwide Adventures to Europe, Alaska, The Bahamas and…

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Disney Wish

Disney Wish – Grand Hall

Featured videos all videos, disney wish – disney seas the adventure, disney wish vnr adults spaces, disney wish vnr entertainment, disney wish vnr upper decks, disney wish vnr youth spaces, disney wish vnr accommodations.

Disney Cruise Line in a Jiffy: What is Door Decor?

When you sail on Disney Cruise Line, you’ll notice that many guests have personalized decor adorning their stateroom doors. This door decor is 100% optional (you are NOT in any way required to do this), but many guests find that creating door decor is a fun project to get them in the vacation spirit and can be helpful on the ship to differentiate their room from the others in a lengthy hallway.

The doors on DCL ships are made of metal and thus are receptive to magnets. That said, some of the doors to concierge-level staterooms are covered with a wood veneer that makes them less magnetic. If you’re sailing concierge, door decor may not be for you. And while magnets are great, guests are not allowed to adhere things to their door with tape, glue, or clingy materials. Any damage to the door or the cleaning of any sticky residue will be charged to the guest.

Some sample door decor is below. Click to enlarge.

Door decor can range from one or two simple images to elaborate themed displays related to the ship, the port destinations, a holiday or event, or to family celebrations. Some guests create their own door decor with supplies found at home, others enlist professional help from Etsy sellers who specialize in magnet making. My family is partial to decorating our stateroom doors with magnetic poetry kits, so that other guests can leave us fun messages.

“Disney Cruise Line in a Jiffy” is an offshoot of our “ Disney in a Minute ” series. Both are bite-sized nuggets of information that can better help you understand a Disney term or planning topic. Have a question about a DCL term that is unfamiliar to you? Suggest it here for an upcoming segment.

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Erin Foster

Erin Foster is an original member of the Walt Disney World Moms Panel (now PlanDisney), a regular contributor to TouringPlans.com, and co-author of The Unofficial Guide to Disney Cruise Line. She's been to WDW, DL, DL Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland, Aulani, DVC Vero Beach, and DVC Hilton Head. She's a Platinum DCL cruiser and veteran of 10 Adventures by Disney trips. Erin lives near New York City, where she can often be found indulging in her other obsession - Broadway theater.

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Disney Cruise Line

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