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13 Lucky Things to Pack for a Disney Cruise with Kids

September 6, 2017 23 Comments

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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.
13 Lucky Things to Pack for a Disney Cruise with Kids

1. Disney costumes for kids

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.

Young princesses will love a visit to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique ~ What to pack for a disney cruise

Young princesses will love a visit to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique (Photo credit: Disney – Matt Stroshane, photographer)

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!


Be sure to buy some pirate accessories, too. This Pirates of the Caribbean Costume Accessories Trunk from the Disney Store comes with all the extras your little pirate needs.

Don your eye patches and your pirate garb on board your Disney Cruise ~ 13 Lucky Things to Pack for Your Disney Cruise

Don your eye patches and your pirate garb on board your Disney Cruise (Photo credit: Disney – Matt Stroshane, photographer)

3. Motion sickness remedies

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.


My theory is, if you pack motion sickness remedies, you won't need them! Learn more about how to prevent motion sickness and what to do if you get sick on a cruise.

Don't let motion sickness ruin the magic of a Disney Cruise ~ 13 Lucky things to pack for a Disney cruise

Don't let motion sickness ruin the magic of a Disney Cruise (Photo credit: Disney – Chloe Rice, photographer)

4. Waterproof camera or GoPro

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.

Bring a waterproof camera or GoPro to capture all of the splashy fun on your Disney Cruise ~ 13 Lucky Things to Pack for Your Disney Cruise

Bring a waterproof camera or a GoPro to capture all of the splashy fun on your Disney Cruise (Photo credit: Disney – Jimmy DeFlippo, photographer)

5. The ultimate Disney Cruise Line guide

A wonderful reference for any Disney Cruise goer is Passporter's Disney Cruise Line and Ports of Call. Written by married couple and parents, Dave and Jennifer Marx, this guidebook provides all of the tips and tricks you'll need to experience a Disney Cruise filled with good luck.

Disney PassPorter provides insight to stateroom choices, onboard entertainment, ports of call and so much more ~ What to pack for a Disney cruise

Disney PassPorter provides insight to stateroom choices, onboard entertainment, ports of call and so much more (Photo credit: Disney – Matt Stroshane, photographer)

6. Disney autograph book

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 or the Disney Store.
An autograph book makes meeting characters on a Disney Cruise even more fun ~ 13 Lucky Things to Pack for a Disney Cruise

An autograph book makes meeting characters on a Disney Cruise even more fun (Photo credit: Disney – Matt Stroshane, photographer)

7. Stateroom door decorations

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.
Decorated stateroom doors are a fun way to find your stateroom ~ 7 Lucky Things to Pack for a Disney Cruise

Decorated stateroom doors are a fun way to find your stateroom (Photo credit: Lyla Gleason)

8. Sun protection aplenty

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 Castaway Cay, you will pay a hefty price tag. Better to buy now and come prepared. Gymboree and Crazy 8 offer all sorts of adorable swimwear for kids.
The sun at sea is very intense so be sure to bring sunscreen and protective clothing ~ 13 Lucky Things to Pack for a Disney Cruise

The sun at sea is very intense so be sure to bring sunscreen and protective clothing (Photo credit: Lyla Gleason) 

9. Beach drink holders

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!
Castaway Cay drinks ~ 13 Lucky Things to Pack for a Disney Cruise

Stay hydrated during your visit to Castaway Cay (Photo credit: Disney – Matt Stroshane, photographer)

10. Formal attire

There will typically be one or two “formal” nights on your Disney Cruise. Of course, you could skip it…but why be a party pooper? Professional photographers are available on the ships so take advantage. Get your family all dolled up for a professional portrait one night. Cruising with your daughter or granddaughter? Read our tips for finding the right cruise wear for girls.
Embrace formal night on your Disney Cruise ~ What to pack for a Disney Cruise

Embrace formal night on your Disney Cruise (Photo credit: Colleen Lanin)

11. Portable chargers

Surely you'll want to snap pics with your smart phone during your Disney Cruise. And, if visiting domestic ports (or you upgrade to an international phone plan for foreign ports), you'll want to use smart phones to keep in contact with your travel mates.


Be sure to pack a portable charger (or two or three) to stay charged during your vacation. If you'll be visiting a Disney Park before or after your cruise, be sure to read our tips on how to keep your smart phone charged.
Disney Cruise Line port of call San Juan, Puerto Rico ~ what to pack for a Disney cruise

Stay in touch with a fully charged smart phone at ports of call like San Juan,
Puerto Rico (Photo credit: Disney – Matt Stroshane, photographer)

12. Disney gift cards

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 Disney gift cards before your Disney Cruise to avoid over-spending on souvenirs ~ What to pack for a Disney Cruise

Buy Disney gift cards before your Disney Cruise to avoid over-spending on souvenirs (Photo from TheDisneyStore.com)

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.
Disney gift cards can be used to buy souvenirs on Castaway Cay ~ What to pack for a Disney Cruise

Disney gift cards can be used to buy souvenirs on Castaway Cay (Photo credit: Colleen Lanin)

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.

Mickey and Minnie know just what to pack for a Disney Cruise...and now so do you!

Mickey and Minnie know just what to pack for a Disney Cruise…and now so do you! (Photo credit: Disney – Matt Stroshane, photographer)

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!

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Filed Under: BLOG, CRUISES, FOR KIDS, FOR PARENTS, TRAVEL PRODUCTS Tagged With: , , ,
About Lyla Gleason, The Globetrotting Travel Mama

Long before the glamorous world of marriage, motherhood and travel blogging, Lyla Gleason had an exciting career as a travel publicist representing hotels and destinations across the globe. She spent her childhood on Long Island and then attended college and grad school in Boston and lived abroad in Rome. Some of her most favorite vacation spots include the Caribbean, India and Turkey. She is currently a downtown NYC mom who can be found chasing after her 7-year-old daughter, cooking dinner, mingling at blogger events and exploring near and far with a camera in hand. She is the author of GlobetrottingMommy.com, a lifestyle blog dedicated to travel, family fun and fabulous finds. Connect with Lyla on Twitter at @travelmommy.

Comments

  1. Sapana V says:
    September 9, 2017 at 9:06 am

    I have never went to Disney cruise. It looks a great place for kids. I will consider your suggestion when I plan to be there.

    Reply
  2. Dr. Jennifer and Dr. Tony Edwards | Weekends Count says:
    September 14, 2017 at 8:12 pm

    We’ve had success with Anker chargers, but will have to try some of the alternatives you recommended. Buying costumes and bringing them with you is a great tip! Thanks!

    Reply
  3. Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says:
    September 15, 2017 at 4:41 am

    That is so much fun! We love Disney cruises, and we’re actually planning another one for next year. I’m bookmarking this!

    Reply
  4. Theresa says:
    September 15, 2017 at 10:04 am

    I have been to the parks several times, but I have never done a Disney Cruise. It’s definitely on my travel bucket list. Thanks for the list. It will really help us go prepared!

    Reply
    • Lyla Gleason, The Globetrotting Travel Mama says:
      September 16, 2017 at 7:10 am

      A Disney Cruise is as magical as a trip to the parks but so much more relaxing. I hope you get to set sail soon.

      Reply
  5. Sarah Bailey says:
    September 15, 2017 at 12:52 pm

    Disney Cruises sound like such fun, I bet it is amazing spending time with the characters and getting to travel around. Love these ideas for what to pack.

    Reply
    • Lyla Gleason, The Globetrotting Travel Mama says:
      September 16, 2017 at 7:12 am

      A Disney Cruise really is an amazing experience with many wonderful opportunities to see characters in person and in the shows.

      Reply
  6. Meagan says:
    September 15, 2017 at 12:54 pm

    This sounds like so much fun. We hope to do a Disney cruise in the next few years.

    Reply
  7. Shannon Gurnee says:
    September 15, 2017 at 4:50 pm

    I’ve heard really great things about the Disney Cruise! I would love to take our kids on a cruise someday.

    Reply
  8. Pam says:
    September 15, 2017 at 5:19 pm

    I would have never thought to pack some of these items. Giving gift cards to let kids pick out their own souvenir is a good idea.

    Reply
  9. Carol Cassara says:
    September 15, 2017 at 5:35 pm

    These are definitely a must to have when you’re boarding the Disney cruise ship! There’s so much fun to look forward to as well. It’s so nice to join in all the activities they’ve prepared.

    Reply
    • Lyla Gleason, The Globetrotting Travel Mama says:
      September 16, 2017 at 7:15 am

      Thanks for reading Carol. Disney Cruises have so many fun activities for the whole family.

      Reply
  10. Travel Blogger says:
    September 15, 2017 at 7:34 pm

    Great list! I would love to take a Disney cruise with the family. It sounds like it would be such a great time. I would love to have the whole fam dress up like pirates! What a fun idea!

    Reply
  11. Kristi says:
    September 15, 2017 at 8:28 pm

    I have heard soooo many great things about Disney Cruises, thinking it will be our next family vacation.

    Reply
    • Lyla Gleason, The Globetrotting Travel Mama says:
      September 16, 2017 at 7:17 am

      They really are a great family vacation. Hope you get to take a Disney Cruise soon!

      Reply
  12. Myrah Duque says:
    September 16, 2017 at 7:28 am

    Disney Cruises is the BEST way to cruise! We had the opportunity last February and it was unforgettable.

    Reply

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