13 Lucky Things to Pack for a Disney Cruise with Kids

Planning a Disney Cruise? Lucky you! It’s so fun to ponder the various ports of call, book excursions, and read up on all there is to do on a Disney ship. But before you board and give Mickey a big ol’ hug, you need to know what to pack for a Disney Cruise. This packing list will add magic, and maybe even a little luck, to your sailing.

Get into the Disney Cruise spirit with a Disney costume or two for your child. Disney princess lovers will want to wear their sparkliest gown and book an appointment at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique (available on some ships), where kids can get pampered during a princess, knight or pirate makeover.

No matter your child’s favorite characters, you’re likely to find suitable costumes from the Disney Store. Choose from Winnie the Pooh, Woody, Cinderella, Moana and so much more. Of course, Amazon offers all sorts of adorable Disney costumes as well.

2. Pirate wear for the whole family

Most Disney cruises feature an over-the-top Pirate Night Deck Party with dancing and fireworks. Complimentary pirate-themed bandannas will magically appear in your stateroom that morning for each member of your group, but bringing your own pirate wear is more festive. Many families will dress up in their most sea-worthy pirate garb for the evening. Whether you decide to buy matching Jolly Roger t-shirts, or full-on pirate costumes, get in to the spirit, matey!

Nothing zaps the fun of a Disney Cruise faster than a bout of motion sickness. To be on the safe side, bring along Dramamine or Bonine. Dramamine even comes in a chewable grape-flavored formula just for kids. Sea Bands are a non-medicated way to ward of the queasiness caused by movement.

Of course you’ll want to bring along a camera for photo ops like character meet-and-greets, pool time and Castaway Cay adventures.

Purchase a waterproof camera (like this one by Olympus!) or a GoPro video recorder to capture some fabulous shots of swimming with stingrays or zooming down the Aquaduck waterslide.

5. A Disney Cruise Line guidebook

If you’re a planner (and I think you are!), you’re going to want to make the most of your cruise by reading a Disney Cruise Line guidebook. The Unofficial Disney Cruise Line 2019 is packed with helpful tips for making the most of your time at sea and in ports of call.

Meanwhile, for fun scavenger hunts while sailing, check out Hidden Mickey’s at Sea.

If meeting Disney characters is high on your family’s to-do list, be sure to bring a Disney autograph book and permanent markers.

An autograph book adds an extra layer of fun to the hunt for Goofy, Minnie and the rest of the gang during your Disney Cruise. Buy your autograph book now from Amazon.

Many Disney cruisers up the fun factor at sea by decorating their stateroom doors. This also makes it easier for kids (and adults!) to be sure they’re at the correct door. Bring along personalized magnets to make your door festive and unique. You can order personalized decor on Etsy. Or, make your own at home by printing your designs on magnetic photo paper.

You will feel unlucky indeed if you get sunburnt during your cruise. The sun is even stronger at sea. Therefore, you need to pack plenty of sunscreen and protective clothing like rash guards, cover-ups, and hats for those at sea pool days and splashy destinations.

Although you can buy these on the ship or at Castaway Cay, you will pay a hefty price tag. Better to buy now and come prepared. Janie and Jack offers all sorts of adorable swimwear for kids.

If your Disney Cruise includes a stop at Castaway Cay or another beach destination, you will want to sip a tropical beverage, or at least a cold water, while you dip your toes in the ocean.

Keep your drinkies upright with a beach drink holder that stakes into the sand. You don’t want to waste any precious pina colada with a spill!

10. Formal night clothing

Female passengers will wear anything from a sundress to a ball gown on Disney formal nights. Wear what feels fancy and fun for the women and girls in your family — cocktail dress, pantsuit or skirt and blouse. Cruising with your daughter or granddaughter? Read our tips for finding the right cruise wear for girls.

11. Portable chargers

Kids often beg to buy every souvenir in sight. Lucky for parents, you can keep pleas for purchases to a minimum by buying them a Disney gift card before you board your ship. Load it up with whatever dollar amount you feel is appropriate for spending during the cruise. Not only will this get kiddos excited to set sail, but also they will learn a lesson about budgeting their money. Once the card runs out of money, they’re done buying souvenirs.

Buy your Disney gift cards now from the Disney Store. You can choose from an array of designs like Pirates of the Caribbean, Star Wars, princesses, classic Disney characters and more. There are even cards for specific celebrations from birthdays and graduations to weddings and holidays.

13. Key to the World lanyards

When cruising with Disney, you’ll receive a Key to the World card. It is used to open your stateroom door, make purchases throughout the ships and on Castaway Cay, and turn the lights on in your cabin. In other words, it’s a pretty dang important thing to keep close at all times during your cruise.

Purchase a Disney-themed lanyard to keep your key around your neck and easily accessible. Kids can keep their Disney gift card securely tucked away in their lanyards, too. Of course, the Disney Store offers all sorts of themed lanyard designs but there are even more choices available via Amazon.

Before setting sail, read these additional tips for packing for a cruise and check out our do’s and don’ts for Castaway Cay.

Book your Disney Cruise now!

Do you have any additional ideas or questions about what to pack for a Disney Cruise? Let us know in the comments below!