My First Disney Cruise Experience (Fantasy Ship) + Tips You NEED to Know

My First Disney Cruise Experience (Fantasy Ship) + Tips You NEED to Know

In December 2025, I went on my very first Disney Cruise aboard the Disney Fantasy—and it was truly such a magical experience for our family. From the planning process to being on the ship, there is so much to know, especially if it’s your first time.

I’m sharing everything I learned, what I loved, what I didn’t, and all my best tips so you can feel fully prepared and actually enjoy your trip stress-free.

✨ Booking Tips (Save Money & Plan Smart)

I booked our cruise one year in advance and scored an amazing 50% off deal—so if you’re thinking about going, plan ahead.

  • I highly recommend booking with a Disney travel agent to get the best deals and guidance

  • Set up your Disney Cruise account early

  • Download the Disney Cruise app and link your reservation

  • Join your specific Facebook group (search your ship + sail date)

👉 Pro tip: Set Mickey & Minnie to call your child through the app—it’s such a cute surprise!

📅 Important Booking Windows

  • 30 days before cruise (first-timers):

    • Check-in opens at midnight (passport, selfie, travel info ready)

    • Book excursions + Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique + Royal Gathering (FREE but fills FAST)

  • Returning cruisers can book earlier (60–90 days)

👉 Also: Book a placeholder cruise before you get off the ship for a discount on your next one (valid for 2 years)

🧳 What to Pack (Non-Toxic + Essentials)

You already know I came prepared 😅

Must-haves:

  • Beach bag

  • Filtered water bottle (SO important)

  • Clean snacks (bring a lot—you won’t find clean options onboard)

  • Non-toxic OTC remedies (diarrhea, cough, sleep, etc.)

  • Chlorine protection (body wash, shampoo, swim spray)

  • Immune support (elderberry, zinc, vitamin C, nasal spray)

Cruise-specific items:

  • Magnet hooks + door magnets (walls are magnetic!)

  • Lanyard for Key to the World card

  • Extra cruise plugs

  • Card you don’t care about (used to turn lights on)

👉 You can find everything I packed in my Amazon Travel & Disney Cruise folders

Disney cruise https://amzlink.to/az0RSBsfvgHUQ

🚨 First Day: Muster Drill (What It Is)

On embarkation day, you’ll complete a muster drill, which is a safety procedure required on all cruises.

  • You’ll be assigned a location

  • Crew shows you what to do in an emergency

  • It’s quick, but mandatory before the ship departs

🛏️ Stateroom Tips

We stayed in a Deluxe Oceanview with Verandah and loved it.

  • I chose midship + Deck 10 (perfect for pool access + less motion)

  • Avoid Deck 5 if you’re sensitive to fragrances

  • Rooms are small—organization is key

For families:

  • Bunk bed + pullout couch options

  • Railings for kids on top bunk

  • Disney provides pack & play + diaper genie if needed

🍽️ Dining Experience (Honest Review)

You rotate restaurants each night—but your servers stay the same, which I loved.

  • They learn your child’s name

  • Do magic tricks and keep kids entertained

  • Kids get water, crayons, and activities immediately

👉 My favorite restaurant: Animator’s Palate (interactive with Crush 🐢)

My honest take:
I didn’t love most of the dinners… BUT the experience and service made up for it.

Where I liked eating:

  • Deck 11 (better options)

  • Room service (underrated!)

  • Ice cream available basically 24/7

👉 Don’t miss: Churro waffles on sea day (not clean, but worth it 😅)

🧒 Kids Clubs (Worth Trying!)

We didn’t fully utilize it because Zoe is clingy—but this surprised me.

  • Open from ~9AM to midnight

  • Super clean (hand washing required)

  • Themed rooms (Toy Story, Star Wars, etc.)

  • Tons of activities + meals included

👉 The open house is a MUST—it helped Zoe feel comfortable enough to try it

Even 2 hours = quality time for parents 🤍

🎉 Activities Onboard (There’s ALWAYS Something)

You will never be bored.

  • Disney Broadway-style shows

  • Movie theater (new releases!)

  • AquaDuck water slide

  • Pools + splash pads

  • Mini golf, basketball, sports deck

  • Karaoke, silent parties, games

  • Drawing classes, cooking classes, mixology

👉 We even built a Forky in the kids club!

🏝️ Our Stops (Bahamas + Private Islands)

We visited:

  • Bahamas

  • Castaway Cay (Disney private island)

  • Lookout Cay

Bahamas

  • Walk around shops OR book excursions

  • We went to Atlantis + the beach

Castaway Cay

  • Beach + snorkeling

  • 5K run (you get a medal 🏅)

  • Water activities + sports

  • Kids club available

Lookout Cay

  • ~12-minute walk (wagons available)

  • Beach + water park

  • Activities for families

👉 Both private islands include BBQ-style food (included)

🏴☠️ Pirate Night + Special Events

Disney is the only cruise with fireworks at sea (eco-friendly too!)

  • Pirate-themed night with food + shows + fireworks

  • Other cruises may have themed nights (like Frozen)

If you go during the holidays:

  • Christmas decor EVERYWHERE

  • Santa + snow + holiday party 🎄

👉 Our FB group planned matching pajamas—another reason to join yours!

🎀 Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique (DO THIS!)

I highly recommend this experience.

  • Kids can transform into princesses or pirates

  • Reservations fill FAST—book ASAP

  • There are exclusive cruise outfits

Zoe did both princess + pirate—and it made the experience even more magical.

📸 Photos, Merch & Extras

  • Photo package = worth it (cheaper if booked before cruise)

  • Characters walk around constantly (short lines!)

  • Shops sell out FAST—go early

👉 You can also:

  • Add birthday decor, gifts, and surprises through the app

  • Purchase decorations ahead of time (Amazon or Etsy)

🎁 Pixie Dusting + Fish Extenders

This was one of the most magical parts.

  • Join your Facebook group

  • Exchange gifts (kids LOVE this)

  • Bring small toys to give

👉 It made Zoe’s experience unforgettable

🧘♀️ Adult Time + Amenities

When Zoe went to kids club, we enjoyed:

  • Adults-only section

  • Quiet time together

  • Adult-only activities

There’s also:

  • Small gym (but enough for a good workout)

  • Coffee shop (with cute character designs)

💳 Important Things to Know

  • Your Key to the World card is EVERYTHING (room, purchases, boarding)

  • DisneyBand+ makes it easier (and lights up during events ✨)

  • Gratuities (~$200) are automatically added for staff

🚍 Transportation Tips

If you stay at a Disney resort before:

  • Use the Disney Cruise bus

  • They handle your luggage completely

👉 HUGE TIP:
Pack a carry-on with:

  • Swimsuits

  • Essentials

Your luggage may take hours to arrive on Day 1

🤍 What I Didn’t Love (Honest Cons)

  • Food wasn’t my favorite overall

  • Strong fragrances on Deck 5

  • Limited clean food options onboard

👉 This is why I always say: bring your own snacks + essentials

🌿 My Holistic Travel Tips

To stay healthy during the cruise, I used:

  • Elderberry

  • Zinc

  • Vitamin C

  • Multivitamin

  • Immune spray + nasal spray

I also:

  • Used chlorine-protective products

  • Filtered all my water

✨ Final Thoughts

A Disney Cruise is truly such a unique experience—especially for families. Between the entertainment, the service, and the magic for kids, it’s something I would absolutely do again.

With the right preparation (especially if you care about ingredients and non-toxic living like I do), you can make it an incredible experience.

🛍️ Want My Exact Travel Essentials?

You can find everything I brought in my Amazon Folders

Disney cruise https://amzlink.to/az0RSBsfvgHUQ

Travel items https://amzlink.to/az0TRUPqFIoOE

Plane essentials https://amzlink.to/az0hkF5mwJ3FP

Public bathroom https://amzlink.to/az0FgugoGcEPM 

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