10 More Super Tips for Enhancing Your Disney Cruise Experience
Following up on our previous tips, here are ten more ways to ensure your Disney Cruise is nothing short of perfect. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a Disney Cruise Line veteran, these suggestions will help you make the most of your time on board, from entertainment to practical advice.
1. Participate in Quizzes
Disney Cruise Line offers a variety of quizzes throughout your voyage, including music trivia, Disney history, and even pirate-themed quizzes. These are fun, interactive activities where you can test your knowledge and compete with other guests. They’re a great way to meet fellow cruisers and have a good time, whether you win or not. Plus, it’s a great family activity or something enjoyable to do with friends or your partner. You get prizes as well, sometimes a medal, sometimes a luggage tag, it varies, so do a number of them!
2. Skip the Bingo
While bingo might seem like a fun way to pass the time and potentially win big, the reality is that the odds are not in your favor. The way the bonuses and jackpots are structured often makes it unlikely that you’ll walk away with a significant win. It can be an enjoyable experience if you love bingo, but if you’re looking to maximise value, you might want to invest your time in other activities on board.
3. Consider the Onboard Cinema Carefully
Disney Cruise Line ships feature onboard cinemas showing the latest Disney films. While this is a great option, especially on longer cruises, consider whether you want to spend 90 to 180 minutes of your cruise watching a movie you could see at home. For longer voyages, it’s a nice break, especially if the weather isn’t great or you need some downtime. However, on shorter cruises, you might prefer to spend your time enjoying the ship’s other unique offerings.
4. Refill Your Popcorn Buckets
Disney’s themed popcorn buckets are not only cute souvenirs but also a cost-effective snack option. If you bring your bucket from previous cruises or parks, you can refill it for just $2 throughout your cruise. This small charge helps prevent waste, and it’s a great way to keep the family fed between meals. Disney is generally very accommodating with refills, even for older buckets, so it’s a tip that can save you money and keep everyone happy.
5. Don’t Feel Guilty About Relaxing in Your Room
Your stateroom is your sanctuary during your cruise. Don’t feel guilty about spending time there, whether it’s for a quick nap, letting the kids watch some tablet time, or just unwinding. Cruises can be overwhelming with all the activities and entertainment options, so taking some downtime in your room is essential for recharging. Remember, it’s your holiday, and you should spend it however you feel best.
6. Plan Ahead for Deck Parties
Deck parties, including the Sailaway Party and the Pirate Deck Party, are some of the most exciting events on a Disney Cruise. The pools are covered over to create a large standing area, and these events can get crowded. For the best view, arrive about 20-15 minutes early to secure a good spot, and emphasis on not being late, or that spot will go! If you’re running late, consider heading to the upper deck to get a bird’s eye view of the festivities. Either way, these parties are not to be missed, so plan ahead to enjoy them to the fullest.
7. All Seats Are Good Seats at the Stage Shows
Disney’s stage shows are spectacular, and while some seats are better than others, there really isn’t a bad seat in the house. Whether you’re front and center, off to the side, or even in the back on the top balcony, you’ll have a good view of the show. Of course, sitting near the aisle might give you a chance to interact with the characters, but don’t stress too much about your seating position—every seat offers a great experience.
8. Dress Up for Themed Nights
Formal Night, Pirate Night, and Halloween Night (if you’re cruising in October) are some of the most fun events on a Disney Cruise. Nearly everyone dresses up, and it’s worth going the extra mile to bring costumes for these events. Even if you don’t want to go all out, Disney provides free bandanas on Pirate Night, so you can still join in the fun. For kids, the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique offers themed makeovers, though the traditional princess or prince experiences are often better value than the pirate options. Spend the money on the extra bag for airfare and bring the costume; it’s worth it.
9. Don’t Worry About Getting Around the Ship
One of the great things about Disney Cruise Line ships is that they are designed to be easy to navigate. Walking from one end of the ship to the other takes about five minutes, and everything is conveniently close. There are plenty of elevators, stairs, and wide walkways, making it simple to move around the ship. Whether you’re heading to a meal, a show, or just exploring, you’ll find that everything is within easy reach. If you get lost, just look down at the carpet, which will tell you which way is towards the front of the ship. Clever Disney planning.
10. Balance Time Onboard and Ashore – Go Ashore Often, Stay Onboard Some Times.
While it’s tempting to stay on the ship and enjoy all the amenities, especially when the ship is quieter during port days, don’t miss the chance to explore the destinations you’re visiting. Whether it’s a cultural excursion, a beach day, or a local tour, experiencing the ports of call is a big part of the cruising experience.
However, if you’re on a port-heavy itinerary, consider staying on board for a day to relax and enjoy the ship’s quieter atmosphere. For example, Rome is long way from the port of Civitavecchia, and if you live in Ireland, that is a potential long weekend destination instead of a one day ‘go or never go’ option. Everywhere can be visited again. Remember, there’s no rush—you can always return to these destinations in the future.
Conclusion
These additional tips are designed to help you enjoy every aspect of your Disney Cruise, from the onboard activities to the shore excursions. Whether you’re taking it easy in your stateroom, joining in the fun at a deck party, or exploring a new port, these strategies will help ensure your cruise is as enjoyable and stress-free as possible. Remember, the key to a perfect cruise is balancing activities with relaxation and making the most of the unique experiences Disney Cruise Line has to offer.
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