Don’t miss these 12 must-have Disney Cruise packing essentials! From smart comfort items to surprising extras, this guide helps you pack like a pro for a magical, stress-free vacation at sea.
✨ Packing for a Disney Cruise? Start Here!
Getting ready for your first Disney Cruise — or just want to make your next one even smoother? This list of 12 packing essentials will help you skip the stress and bring more magic to your sailing. After our first cruise, we quickly learned which items made a real difference. From clever extras to surprising lifesavers, here’s what you’ll wish you had before boarding!
1. Day Bag for Embarkation
Once you hand off your luggage — either with Disney Cruise Line transportation or at the port — it won’t show up in your stateroom until around 1:30 PM. That means you’ll be without your main bags for a few hours. Be sure to pack a small carry-on or backpack with essentials like swimsuits, medications, sunscreen, and your embarkation documents. Trust me, having everything you need for the first afternoon at your fingertips makes a big difference!
2. Refillable Water Bottles & Travel Mugs
While Disney Cruise Line offers complimentary water and soft drinks on the main decks 24/7, the cups they provide are pretty small. Save yourself the constant refills by bringing your own refillable water bottle or insulated travel mug. Whether you’re sipping soda by the pool or keeping coffee hot for your early morning excursions, having your favorite reusable drinkware is a game-changer.
3. Lanyard for Your Key to the World Card — or Upgrade to a MagicBand+
Your Key to the World card is your all-in-one pass: it unlocks your stateroom, handles onboard purchases, and is required when getting on and off the ship. A lanyard with a clear card holder keeps it easily accessible and saves you from constantly digging through your bag.
💬 Tip for First-Timers: Disney doesn’t provide complimentary lanyards for new cruisers, so be sure to bring your own — or level up and grab a MagicBand+ for extra convenience and a bit of Disney flair.
4. Door Magnets for Your Stateroom
Decorating your stateroom door is a beloved Disney Cruise tradition — and it’s more than just fun! Custom magnets featuring your family’s names, favorite characters, or cruise-themed designs make your door easy to spot in a long hallway (which is especially helpful for kids trying to find their way back).
🎨 Pro tip: Etsy has tons of adorable, personalized options — from Mickey portholes to themed cruise countdowns!
5. Nightlight or Battery-Operated Lights
Staterooms can get really dark at night — especially if you’re in an inside cabin with no natural light. A small nightlight or a few battery-operated lights can be a total lifesaver, making those late-night bathroom trips a lot safer (and quieter). Bonus: they create a cozy, calming vibe for little ones who aren’t fans of total darkness.
6. Small Bills for Tipping Porters
The porters at the cruise terminal are incredibly helpful when it comes to handling your luggage — but here’s the thing: they’re not Disney employees, so tips are appreciated and expected. Be sure to bring plenty of $1s and $5s so you’re prepared to tip porters, shuttle drivers, and anyone else who lends a hand with your bags.
💵 Our go-to rule of thumb: $2–$3 per bag is a fair and appreciated tip.
7. Pirate Night & Themed Attire
One of the most memorable nights on a Disney Cruise is Pirate Night! From deck parties to themed dinners, guests of all ages get into the swashbuckling spirit. Bring along pirate costumes, Mickey ears, and fun accessories— it’s all part of the magic. Don’t forget themed clothes for other nights too, like formal night or character meet and greets!
8. Ziplock Bags & Wet Bags
These simple items are serious MVPs on a cruise. Ziplock bags are perfect for packing snacks, storing phones at Castaway Cay, or keeping small items organized. Wet bags are a must for separating damp swimsuits, sandy flip-flops, or clothes from beach days and water park fun. Trust us — you’ll be glad you packed a few of each.
9. Medicine & First Aid Basics
While the ship does have a medical center, it’s best to be prepared — especially since the onboard care can be pricey and limited. Pack essentials like seasickness remedies (Dramamine, Bonine, or Sea-Bands), allergy medicine, ibuprofen, cold relief, and a small first aid kit for any unexpected bumps or scrapes.
10. Card Games
Bring along a deck of cards for some family-friendly fun during your cruise! Whether you’re relaxing on the deck, enjoying the view from your balcony, or sipping drinks at one of the bars, a good card game is the perfect way to unwind and spend quality time together. Plus, it’s an easy and portable way to add some extra fun to your vacation!
11. Laundry Essentials
If you’d like to freshen up your clothes during the cruise, consider packing laundry detergent sheets to avoid purchasing detergent onboard. Disney Cruise Line offers 24-hour self-service laundry facilities, and they provide complimentary ironing equipment as well. Packing your own detergent sheets makes it easy to take care of laundry on your schedule, saving you both time and money!
12. Beverage of Choice
Disney Cruise Line guests aged 21 and older are welcome to bring a maximum of two bottles of unopened wine or champagne (no larger than 750 ml) or six beers (no larger than 12 ounces) onboard at the beginning of the voyage and at each port of call. Just remember: these beverages must be packed in your carry-on (not checked) luggage.
💡 Pro Tip: Bringing your own beverages can help you save on drink costs during your cruise. Just be sure to follow the guidelines and pack them properly to enjoy your favorites at sea!
📢 Need Help Booking Your Disney Cruise?
As a certified Disney travel agent, I’ll help you plan every detail — from the perfect stateroom to packing tips and dining reservations. And the best part? My services are 100% free to you!
