The first thing you should do after booking your Disney cruise is to log on to your My Disney Cruise account:
Click HERE to sign in to your Disney account and go to My Disney Cruise or My Reservations to see the details of your cruise plans unfold. In one handy place, you can find onboard activities for your cruise, see which documents you need, get a handy packing list―even check in online.
Cruising can be a very easy, care-free vacation, but you can make the most of your trip by learning a bit about your ship, your itinerary and cruising in general. In the coming months before you sail, there are a variety of Disney Cruise topics to learn about that coincide with key planning dates.
Planning Timeline:
Apply for passports: 6 months prior to travel
Really, you can do this right away, but if you already have a passport, you’ll need to make sure that it isn’t going to expire either before your cruise or within 6 months after you sail. If it does, you should apply for a new one. I suggest applying at least 6 months prior to sailing because it can take up to 8 weeks or longer to arrive, and you don’t want to have to worry about it as your sail date approaches.
Book flights: as soon as airline booking window opens up until 6 weeks prior to sailing
Cruises can be booked as early as 2 years out, while airlines typically open booking about 11-12 months in advance (more like 6 months for low cost airlines). You can often find the best rate booking on the day rates are released. If you miss that, you’ll likely get the best rates about 2-3 months in advance. Use Google flights or a tracking app like Hopper to alert you to price drops.
Add Disney transfers (or choose another method of transportation): 4 – 5 months prior
Once you’ve booked your flights, you should think about how you’ll get from the airport to the port. You can add Disney transportation to your cruise reservation (currently $39 per person each way). This is the easiest and most convenient option, but not the least expensive. Other options include one-way car rental, limo or town car services, or of course driving your own car and parking at the port. I’ll explore these options in depth in a future post.
Add travel insurance (highly recommended): BEFORE Final Payment
I always recommend adding travel insurance with cruise reservations. It’s just awfully risky to be traveling internationally without protection, not to mention the steep cancellation fees that all cruise lines impose. Disney Cruise Line offers travel insurance, or you can purchase it separately through a wholesaler like Insuremycruise.com. Either way, I suggest not purchasing the insurance until shortly before final payment. It is usually non-refundable, so you’re out that money if you need to cancel before the penalties set in. You must purchase it before final payment however (with the exception of a few independent carriers).
Make your Final Payment
It’s super important to remember to make your final payment on time. Unlike Disney World or Disneyland, the cruise line will immediately cancel your reservation if it is not paid in full by midnight of your due date. Don’t take any chances – pay it off early!
- 3-5 Day cruises – 90 days prior
- 6 days of longer – 120 days prior
- Concierge level – 120 days prior for 3-5 day cruises, 150 days for 6 days and longer
Complete your Online Check-in
Below are the dates you can complete your online check in. You’ll need to do this so that you can choose a port arrival time:
- Online Check-in for first-time Disney Cruisers – 75 days prior to sailing:
- Online Check-in for Silver Castaway Club Members – 90 days prior to sailing:
- Online Check-in for Silver Castaway Club Members – 105 days prior to sailing:
- Online Check-in for Silver Castaway Club Members – 120 days prior to sailing:
Book Palo / Remy (adult premium dining), cabanas, character meet & greets – as soon as you’re able to check in online. Once your online check in window opens (midnight Eastern time) you can start booking right away. I suggest you do this first and then do the registration information (especially if you are trying to book a Castaway Cay Cabana, as they go fast).
Book pre/post cruise hotel: 2-6 months prior to sailing
If you’re planning to extend your vacation you’ll want to book your hotel as soon as your plans are solid. Even if you are not looking to extend your vacation, I always recommend arriving a day early so you don’t have to worry about flight delays or cancellations preventing you from arriving at the port on time.
Research ports & book port adventures: 1-4 months prior to sailing
You can begin booking your port adventures, as Disney calls them (shore excursions), as soon as your online booking window opens, but there isn’t a rush for most of them. Onboard activities will sometimes fill up quickly so I do suggest doing that as soon as you are able to. With shore excursions you can usually take your time and do your research. The exception is Castaway Cay Cabanas which book up immediately. You can make changes to anything you have booked up until 3 days prior to sailing, at which time they are non-refundable.
Make packing / shopping list: 1 – 2 Months Prior to Sailing
While you obviously don’t need to start packing a month or two before your vacation, it’s a good idea to make a list early so you can identify items you still need to purchase. For example, matching custom shirts are popular, and those can take time. Will you need new formal wear or a new swimsuit? Now is the time to plan for these extra purchases.
Download my free printable packing list below!
Have you been on a Disney cruise? Leave your favorite planning tips in the comments below. Would you like more information or a no-obligation quote? Fill out my CONTACT form or email me at rebecca@magicaltravel.com.
