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Travel Advice

Holiday travel advice to help you to enjoy a safe and happy trip!

What's included in your booking.

Accommodation Booking

• Accommodation on a room-only basis, as stated on your booking confirmation.
• All obligatory hotel service charges and taxes.
• Disney Theme Park Tickets (mandatory for Orlando Villas and Off-Site hotel bookings) as stated on your booking confirmation.

Theme Park Tickets Booking

• Disney Theme Park Tickets as stated on your booking confirmation.

What's Extra?

• Personal costs incurred for travel, transfers to and from your hotel, travel insurance, visas and vaccinations.
• Certain facilities available at your accommodation, e.g. porterage, spa treatments, use of sports equipment.

Pricing for Children & Infants

A full deposit must be paid per child at the time of booking and the age of children at time of travel must be given.

Accommodation

Prices are per room. If a rollaway bed or crib is requested nominal charges may apply. Children aged under 18 years may not occupy a hotel room on their own.

Child prices are valid for children aged 3-9 years on day of first use. Children aged 10 years and above pay the adult ticket price. Children under 3 years do not require a Theme Park Ticket and are admitted free when accompanied by an adult.

Tickets & Hotel Documentation

Disney Theme Park Ticket only bookings: Your Disney Park Ticket order confirmation will be sent via email shortly after making your booking. You may link your Ticket reservation to your profile in My Disney Experience, enabling you to access your Tickets digitally with the Disney MagicMobile Pass feature. Alternatively, please print your ticket confirmation and take it to the Theme Park Ticket window at any one of Disney's four Theme Parks (Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park or the Ticket & Transportation Centre at Magic Kingdom Park), along with valid photo ID to redeem your Disney Theme Park Tickets.

Disney Resort hotel bookings: Once we have received full payment for your booking, you will receive your hotel documentation approximately 30 days prior to departure via email. Documentation will also include vouchers to redeem package benefits in resort. If booking a Disney Resort hotel and Ticket package, your Theme Park tickets will be provided at check-in of your Disney Resort hotel, however you can link your hotel and ticket reservations to My Disney Experience shortly after booking.

Official Disney Partner Hotel bookings: Your Disney Park Ticket order confirmation will be sent via email shortly after making your booking. You may link your Ticket reservation to your profile in My Disney Experience, enabling you to access your Tickets digitally with the Disney MagicMobile Pass feature. Once we have received full payment for your booking, you will receive your hotel documentation approximately 30 days prior to departure via email.

Disabilities & Special Needs

If you have any special needs our reservations team will help you with advice and information where possible regarding the suitability of hotels and the availability of facilities.

There are specially designed features throughout all the Disney Theme Parks.

All Walt Disney World Resort Hotels comply with the American Disabled Association and offer special accommodation for guests with disabilities.

These hotels also provide a special guidebook for guests with disabilities for use during their stay.

Other hotels we feature in Orlando may not be as well equipped for disabled holidaymakers.

At the time of booking please provide full details in writing regarding any disability and any special requirements you have as a result of this. We will do our best to help.

Special Requests

Please inform us at the time of booking or as early as possible before departure if you have any special requests, e.g. room location.

We will endeavour to accommodate these requests for you but we cannot guarantee the provision of any special request.

Childcare & Babysitting

In all Disney Theme Parks and Disney Resorts you will find many special facilities for children, designed to help you all get the most out of your stay.

If you are staying in a Disney Resort and would like to book private in-room baby-sitting (charges apply), you can book in advance by calling 001 407 828 0920.

Stroller (US term for a pushchair) rental is available at all Disney Theme Parks and costs approximately $15 per day and is valid for all four Theme Parks on the same day.

Feeding, changing and nursing facilities are also available at all Disney Theme Parks. If you need supplies, don't worry, these are available at a nominal charge.

Resort Development

Hotels and resorts have to undertake continuous maintenance, renovation and development work.

General refurbishment is necessary to maintain quality standards. Sometimes this work can result in noise from equipment and/or work may be visible.

We will try to tell you, as soon as possible before you leave, of any relevant hotel building or refurbishment work planned during your stay, which in our opinion could affect the enjoyment of your holiday.

Some building works may be necessary and without prior notice, but whenever possible, we will endeavour to notify you in advance of known building works at your resort.

Passports & Visas

We strongly advise that you check the latest visa and passport requirements prior to booking your holiday.

For the latest information on passports and US visa requirements, we suggest you visit the US Embassy website .

For residents of the EU and EEA, please check with your local American Embassy for visa and passport information.

Many travellers seeking to enter the United States for tourism for less than 90 days are eligible to travel without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). To determine if you are eligible to travel under the VWP please apply via the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) website at least 72 hours before departure.

Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure that you hold the correct travel documents, valid for your journey.

We cannot be responsible for costs resulting from you not meeting requirements and guests who fail to obtain the necessary passport and/or visa will be liable for any cancellation charges or costs incurred as a result of their inability to travel.

Health Precautions & Vaccinations

Please visit the CDC website for health and safety information regarding travel to and from the United States. You should seek health advice about specific needs as early as possible.

Precautions recommended by the health authorities can change at any time.

Safety & Hygiene

The health and safety of you and your party is our primary concern.

In general, the standards of safety and hygiene in North America are at the same high level as in the EU but we advise you to take extra care on holiday as you will be in unfamiliar surroundings. In particular please be extra careful with young children.

Take reasonable precautions and familiarise yourself with fire procedures, the swimming pool areas, balconies, electrical appliances, glass doors or panels and lifts.

We advise you to pay careful attention to road safety, sun care, and diet. Upset stomachs are often caused by a change in diet, and/or climate - not local hygiene or food preparation standards.

We will endeavour to make you aware of any safety information relating to accommodation which you book with us.

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend that you and your party are covered by a comprehensive travel insurance policy for the duration of your holiday, which includes adequate cover against sickness or injury.

In certain circumstances, proof of insurance will be required by hospital services in the USA before any treatment can commence.

Credit cards are widely accepted in the USA and we recommend that you take at least one with you as hotels require an imprint as security when you check-in.

Keep your credit and/or cheque guarantee cards separate and keep your cash in more than one place.

It is normal practice in the USA to tip for services.

The usual tip given in bars and restaurants is 15-20% of the bill.

For porters it is $1 per item of luggage and for Valet service the it is $2.

In the USA you need to be 21 years of age or older to buy and consume alcohol, or to gamble.

The laws are very strictly enforced and it is normal for young people to be asked for proof of identification with a photograph.

Age restrictions are applied at all Walt Disney World Resort locations which serve alcohol.

Hotel Ratings

The USA does not have an official hotel rating system.

For Disney Resorts we use the Walt Disney World Resort official Disney Resort ratings.

For all other hotels, prices and descriptions can also be good indicators of hotel type and standard.

Please note that the atmosphere and facilities at hotels may vary according to the time of the year and the age and mix of guests.

No Smoking Policy

Disney owned and operated Resort Hotels and Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts are now smoke-free environments. This policy includes all guest rooms, balconies, patios, meeting spaces, restaurants, lounges and public space.

Smoking will be allowed in designated outdoor smoking locations only.

A room recovery fee will be charged for smoking in guest rooms, on balconies, or on patios.

Hotel facilities (leisure facilities) are indicated with each hotel description.

Not all facilities are complimentary and we have tried to indicate where a fee is charged.

All Disney Resorts offer complimentary self-parking. Other hotels may charge for self-parking. Valet parking available at a charge. This is not included in your price.

Safety deposit boxes are available at most hotels and in some cases there may be a small charge for this facility.

It is the responsibility of each guest who chooses to use any hotel facilities, to ensure that their insurance policy provides suitable protection.

The maximum number of people that can be accommodated in a room does not normally include allowance for one infant in a cot, for which there may be a charge.

Where five people are sharing a room the fifth person may be given a rollaway bed which you should be aware will take up additional space in the room.

Hotel rooms in the USA are generally spacious but they may only have limited wardrobe and drawer space.

Most rooms for three or four persons have two queen or double beds. This arrangement is fine for a family with two young children but may not suit two couples. Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts are available with more than one bedroom if required.

Please note 'water-view' room means that water can be seen from your room, either at an angle or partially. In the case of lake-view rooms the lake may be man-made or natural.

Your hotel room will normally be available from 3pm on the day of your arrival. On the day of your departure you will normally need to vacate the room by 11am.

In some cases your hotel may allow you to keep your room a little longer depending on the number of guests checking-in on that day. Alternatively, they may be able to store your luggage until you leave.

Prices at all hotels we feature are based on accommodation only, so meals are not included in the price you pay; however click here for information on Disney Dining Plans.

Florida Climate

Florida is a holiday hotspot with year-round summer temperatures but can experience tropical storms and heavy cloud-bursts at any time. Please be prepared.

We cannot assume any responsibility for the weather conditions prevailing at the time of your holiday.

Accuracy of Information

All the information provided by us is made in good faith and is correct at the time of publication.

We have taken great care to ensure that all details and descriptions given are correct. Each hotel description has been checked by the hotel. However, changes can occur after publication as the information is compiled many months before holidays start.

We will make every effort to advise you of any such significant change at the time of booking. If you have already booked, we will try to tell you before your departure. The amended information will form part of your booking contract with ourselves.

Whilst we will, if possible, notify you of any such changes, the Walt Disney Travel Company will not be liable for any such circumstances beyond its control.

Walt Disney Travel Company (International) is a Member of ABTA (membership numbers W1803/P6684) which means you have the benefit of ABTA's assistance and Code of Conduct.

For further information about ABTA, the Code of Conduct and the arbitration scheme available to you if you have a complaint, contact ABTA, 68-71 Newman Street, London, W1T 3AH Tel: 020 7637 2444 or go online at www.abta.com .

Frequently Asked Questions

Please visit our frequently asked questions for answers relating to Walt Disney World.

This section includes a wide range of detailed information regarding booking and payment details, transport options, benefits of staying at a Disney hotel, plus much more, all of which will help you to plan and enjoy a magical trip to Walt Disney World.

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Ultimate Disney Cruise Packing List for Families

My partner Jaimie and I have been fortunate to take several magical Disney cruises as a couple and later as a family with our young kids, Ben and Ava. We’ve sailed the sparkling Caribbean and awe-inspiring Alaska , becoming Disney cruise packing pros over multiple family vacations at sea.

This complete Disney cruise packing list guide covers everything you need to pack for a hassle-free Disney cruise, including:

• Travel documents
• Toiletries and medications
• Clothing and accessories
• Costumes and themed items
• Electronics and chargers
• Extras like reusable water bottles

Follow this ultimate Disney cruise packing checklist to prepare your family for a seamless, fun-filled voyage!

Get Free Planning Help And Up To $1,000 Onboard Credit From Our Favorite Disney Travel Agent!

Essential Travel Documents to Pack for Your Disney Cruise

When packing for any trip, the first things that should go in your bag are your travel documents and identification. For a Disney cruise, here are the essentials:

• Photo ID : All guests (18+) must present a valid government-issued photo ID to board the ship at the start of a cruise.
• Passport and Entry Visa : You may also need to show a valid passport and travel visa for certain international trips. Even if your cruise doesn’t require a passport, it’s wise to have one — you’ll need it to board a plane if you miss the ship in an international port or have an emergency and need to fly home from overseas.
• Documents for Minors : Minors can use a passport or birth certificate to check in. Additionally, A minor traveling without a parent or legal guardian needs an Authorization for Minor to Travel form signed by their parent or guardian.
• Disney Cruise Documents : Your check-in form, reservation confirmation, passenger registration forms, and cruise contract should be packed or accessible electronically.
• Travel Insurance Documents : Be sure to pack your travel insurance policy information in case you need to make a claim during your trip.

Pro Tip : Photocopy all documents and leave a set with family or friends at home.

Must-Have Toiletries to Pack for Disney Cruises

Don’t let forgotten toiletries ruin your Disney cruise. Be sure to pack:

• Prescriptions : Bring ample quantities of medications in original bottles.
• Motion sickness relief : Sea-Bands, Dramamine, and ginger candies can ease nausea.
• Pain relievers : For headaches, cramps, sore muscles — ibuprofen, acetaminophen, aspirin.
• Sunscreen : Water resistant SPF 50+ to protect skin in tropical climates.
• After-sun aloe vera gel : Soothes sunburns and skin irritations.
• Specific personal care items : Contact solutions, cosmetics, sanitary products, etc.

Pro Tip : Purchase travel-size toiletries to conserve luggage space. Items over 3.4 oz (100 ml) can’t fly. Sundries are sold onboard the ship, but they’ll be much cheaper if purchased on dry land before your cruise.

Clothing & Accessories to Pack for Disney Cruises

My family and I are often surprised by how much the temperature can fluctuate, particularly at night. Therefore, it is crucial to pack for any scenario. Additionally, it’s essential to keep in mind that the dress code on Disney Cruise Line ships is casual during the day but can become formal at night. Below are some clothing and accessory must-haves that we always pack:

• T-shirts, shorts, pants, and dresses : Pack casual basics for daytime wear. Choose moisture-wicking fabrics.
• Swimsuits and cover-ups : Bring at least two swimsuits per person, plus cover-ups for the pool deck. Consider rash guards for sun protection.
• Layers : Even warm-climate cruises can have a sort of “wind chill factor” due to the ship’s forward motion. Bring warm clothing such as jackets, sweaters, and sweatshirts for the cooler evenings. Our kids love snuggling up in a hoodie for the movies.
• Rain jackets or ponchos : These are handy if you encounter rain during port excursions.
• Formalwear : Pack cocktail attire or suits/dresses for a formal night. Check your ship’s dress code.
• Footwear: Pack sandals, pool shoes, sneakers, dress shoes, and slippers.
• Hats : Both sun hats and Disney ears are must-haves for us!
• Nightwear : Robes and slippers are provided for comfort, but you may want to bring pajamas to lounge in your cabin.
• Basics : Socks, undies, and undershirts seem obvious… until you forget to pack them!
• Baby supplies : If you are cruising with a baby, pack regular and swim diapers, bottles, food, pacifiers, rash cream, stroller, games, baby hat, bibs, and blankets.

Pro Tip : Limit footwear to three or four versatile pairs to save luggage space.

Fun Specialty Items to Pack for Disney Cruises

In addition to your regular cruise attire, there are some specialty items that can add to your Disney cruise experience. Here are some fun things to consider packing:

• Themed costumes : We always bring a Disney, pirate, princess, or superhero costume for themed parties and events for the kids, and Mickey Mouse ears for everyone, including us adults!
• Autograph books : Our kids love collecting drawings and signatures from Disney characters.
• Decorations : We pack Disney door magnets and lightweight props to customize our cabin.
• Snorkel gear : Bring your own for Castaway Cay to save on rental fees.
• Inflatables and water toys : These make the pool deck more fun for kids. Disney sells branded options. (Note that Pool Noodles are prohibited.)

Pro Tip : Purchase Disney cruise accessories and toys ahead of time for the best selection and prices. Specialty items sold onboard can be pricey. Also, please remember that costumes must be family-friendly — not violent, offensive, obstructive, or objectionable.

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Packing Essential Electronics for Your Disney Cruise

Disney Cruise Line Navigator App

Technology helps keep your Disney cruise relaxing and hassle-free. Here are some of our must-pack electronics:

• Smartphone : We use the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app and take plenty of photos! Connect to the ship’s WiFi .
• Camera : Capture family memories with a DSLR, action cam, or point-and-shoot.
• Headphones or earbuds : We use them at night so we don’t disturb the sleeping kiddos.
• Memory cards : You’ll take more pics than you expect (my co-worker Jackie snapped nearly 3,500 photos on his last Alaska cruise) ! Have extra storage to ensure you don’t miss a single moment.
• Portable chargers : We use these a lot since our kids have iPads onboard.
• Electronics organizers : Use packing cubes, bags, or kits to corral cords, chargers, batteries, and memory cards.

Pro Tip : Purchase high-capacity memory cards before your trip to avoid running out of space for photos.

Helpful Extras for Your Disney Cruise Packing List

In addition to your clothes and electronics, here are some miscellaneous but useful items to pack for a Disney cruise :

• Refillable water bottle : We stay hydrated using the ship’s filtered water stations.
• Travel mug or tumbler : Take your coffee, tea, or soda on the go.
• Lanyard or DisneyBand+ : Keep your Key to the World card or DisneyBand+ handy to unlock your stateroom.
• Hanging Organizer : Make the most of cabin storage by using hanging shelves, shoe organizers, or a clothesline and clips to hang damp swimsuits to dry after multiple swims. (Note that Disney forbids anything which hangs “over-the-door”.)
• Portable Fan or White Noise Machine : Provides white noise and/or air circulation in your snug stateroom. (May need to be inspected by the ship’s electrician before using.)
• Travel first-aid kit : Bandages, medicines, supplements, motion sickness relief, and other healthcare items.
• Guidebooks : They can provide information about ports of call to help you plan excursions.
• Ziploc bags : Keep items like wet clothes contained.
• Laundry bags : Keep dirty clothes separate for sending out to the laundry service or just to keep from fouling up your suitcase.
• Mini umbrella : We pack one for unexpected rain showers at ports of call.

Pro Tip : Pack a couple of magnetic hooks to conveniently hang hats, keys, or towels in your cabin.

What Prohibited Items Should I Leave at Home?

Forbidden items range from the obvious to the somewhat surprising. Here’s just a small sampling of what is not allowed on Disney cruise ships:

• Illicit Drugs
• Medically-Prescribed Marijuana
• Baby Bottle Sterilizers/Warmers (but Guest Services will let you borrow one for free)
• Electric Irons (the ship has irons in the laundry room)
• Surge Protectors / Power Strips / Extension Cords
• Christmas Lights
• Pool Noodles
• Many, Many More Items

You should thoroughly review Disney’s extensive list of prohibited and restricted items before you pack your suitcase , even if you can’t possibly imagine that you’d pack something prohibited. As I said, some items on the list might surprise you .

At best, packing a prohibited item may result in it being confiscated and your checked bags being held until late in the evening on your first day onboard; at worst, it could result in severe criminal penalties.

In addition to the completely prohibited items, other items are restricted, meaning they’re allowed only in certain quantities or only after inspection by the crew. The list linked above covers those, too.

How to Book the Perfect Disney Cruise Vacation

With your Disney cruise packing list complete, it is time to embark on the journey of a lifetime! Whether you dream of sun-kissed beaches in the Caribbean, the mysteries of a Hawaiian voyage aboard the Disney Wonder , or the enchantment of Disney cruises with special themes , there is an itinerary perfect for you and your family.

Here’s why even savvy Disney fans like Jaimie and I always choose The Vacationeer to book our Disney cruise :

• Full Service : They do everything from advising you on the best time to cruise to handling bookings for specialty dining , ground transportation, and activities. Plus, they provide insider tips and troubleshoot any issues during your voyage.
• Worldwide Destinations : The Vacationeer can help you with your transportation and logistics, whether your Disney cruise departs from Florida , Galveston , New York , San Diego , Europe , or elsewhere.
• Exclusive Benefits : Enjoy generous Disney onboard credits of up to $1,000 to spend on specialty dining, Senses Spa indulgences , exciting excursions , and more!
• Expertise You Can Trust : As a Diamond Level Disney Authorized Vacation Planner agency, The Vacationeer books thousands of Disney vacations annually, guaranteeing you the best cruise at the right price.
• Hassle-Free & Cost-Effective : No planning fees. No hidden costs. Their deep knowledge of promotions might even save you more money on your Disney cruises than if you booked on your own!

The Vacationeer can help you find the best Disney cruise ship and perfect stateroom for your family at the best prices, whether it’s your first Disney cruise or your fifth. Contact them now for a free, no-obligation Disney cruise quote , and start planning your family’s dream vacation!

FAQ: Packing List for Disney Cruises

How many bags can you bring on a disney cruise.

Disney allows each passenger to bring up to two checked suitcases, one carry-on bag, and one personal item like a purse or backpack. This offers plenty of room for packing needs.

Can you bring alcohol on a Disney cruise?

Yes. Guests who are 21 years and older are allowed to bring a maximum of two unopened bottles of wine or champagne (not exceeding 750 ml) or six beers (not exceeding 12 oz) with them at the beginning of the cruise and at each port of call. Passengers must carry their alcohol on the Disney ship by hand and not pack it away in their checked luggage.

Should I bring a reusable water bottle for my Disney cruise?

Yes, packing a refillable water bottle is highly recommended. Disney has filtered water stations on their ships, so you can fill up for free. This saves money and reduces waste.

Should I pack beach towels for my Disney cruise?

No need – Disney provides towels at the pool decks and on Disney’s private island of Castaway Cay (and the new Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point ). Packing your own towels just takes up precious luggage space.

How much cash should I bring for my Disney cruise?

We recommend bringing $200-$500 in cash for port purchases, excursion tips, and any other incidentals. You won’t need cash onboard since Disney cruises are cashless.

Do you get shampoo and shower products on a Disney cruise?

Yes, Disney provides shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, and hand soap in staterooms. You’re welcome to bring your own preferred products, but Disney’s are high quality.

Can I bring full-size toiletries in carry-on luggage for my cruise?

Yes, unlike air travel, there are no restrictions on the size of toiletries for Disney cruises. However, liquids over 3.4 oz cannot be in checked luggage at the airport.

Can I keep the Disney Cruise Line robe as a souvenir?

Unfortunately, the plush robes and slippers provided in some staterooms are not meant to be taken home as keepsakes. But they sure are comfy during your trip! If you want a Disney Cruise robe of your very own, check the onboard shops or look into the luxury/romance packages offered through the Onboard Gifts program.

What’s the dress code during Pirates Night on a Disney cruise?

Disney encourages passengers of all ages to dress up in pirate costumes or wear pirate-themed accessories to fully embrace the pirate theme party. You can purchase costumes onboard or bring your own. While all of this is fun, it is not required — you can dress however you like (within the normal cruise dress code).

How strict is the formal night dress code on Disney cruises?

For formal nights, cocktail dresses or suits are encouraged but not required in the main dining rooms. Jeans and polo shirts meet the minimum dress code, but most guests like to dress up. You can also skip out on the formal dinner and enjoy a casual meal elsewhere on the ship. Check the Navigator for details.

Final Thoughts: Disney Cruise Packing List Essentials

With this comprehensive Disney cruise packing checklist, your family will be fully prepared for a seamless, magical experience at sea. We’ve covered all the essentials – from organizing travel documents and stocking up on sunscreen to packing themed costumes and cameras to capture priceless memories.

By following these Disney cruise packing tips, you’ll avoid the stress of forgotten items and be ready to make the most of family fun on the ship and incredible destinations. No matter your age , a Disney cruise is guaranteed to be a fantastic family experience!

The best way to ensure you get the perfect itinerary at an affordable price is to use an Authorized Disney Travel Planner such as The Vacationeer .

The Disney travel experts at The Vacationeer match Disney’s prices to the penny and provide their planning services at no additional cost to you !

Best of all, you’ll get up to $1,000 in onboard spending credit  to use for specialty dining, spa treatments, gratuities, and souvenirs.

There’s no risk, pressure, or obligation to book — so schedule your free consultation with  The Vacationeer today!

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Plan Your Dream Trip To Disney!

The Ultimate Disney Packing List + Free Checklist

February 3, 2022 //  by  disneytrippers //   8 Comments

Do you want to make sure your Disney packing list has you will need before you head to the most magical place on Earth?   This article will cover everything we think you should consider in your ‘what to pack for Disney World’ preparation.

We are NOT in the camp that believes ‘all you need is your fast passes and your sense of fun’; we know that effective packing for Disney can make a huge difference – we hate wasting vacation time searching for essential items that we have at home (which usually cost more on vacation, too!), so we think that spending a little more time planning your Disney packing list is time well spent.

This article will cover everything you need on your packing list for Disney World; we’re going to pay particular attention to the things that people most often overlook/forget to pack and that could make the biggest difference in your magical vacation, as well as giving you our top tips, recommendations and ultimate Disney packing lists for you to download!

You can use this article in whatever way it suits you – you may want to download all the packing lists or maybe just specific ones that suit the nature of your vacation.   Or you may like to make notes on our recommendations and just download the overall packing list.  At the bottom of the article, we’re going to go into some of our top tips and then finish off with all the Disney packing lists in one handy place for you to save to your phone !

Get a FREE printable 30/60/90 day Disney countdown by joining our private Disney Facebook Group and share your photos and ask for tips and tricks! 

Table of Contents

We’ve seen many people forget essential items on their trips; creating your ULTIMATE packing list for Disney will mean you’re not one of them!  We’re NOT suggesting you bring everything on this Disney World packing list, but we do want to make sure you’re prepared and know what to bring to Disney to make sure you have the very BEST vacation.   Not travelling with kids? Obviously, skip that section!

We know that packing for any vacation can be stressful, we’re here to make sure you have thought about every aspect when packing for Disney and we hope this advice will serve you well in knowing what to pack for Disney World because, really, who wants to be stressed due to packing mishaps when you’re at the most magical place on Earth?

You’ll thank yourself later for the thought and effort you put, now, into thinking about things to pack for Disney, because it will make your trip even more magical!   Read on and, at the end, let us know if we’ve missed anything on the only Disney packing list you’ll ever need!

What To Wear at Disney

You’re going to want to think about the number of days you’ll be on vacation and your typical vacation day – too many times, we’ve factored in too many changes of clothes each day and brought home clothes that we’ve not worn!

If you’ve got a favorite t-shirt shape or dress style, for example, that you just LOVE to wear, you might want to get extra of that item – maybe in different designs or colors – we’ve spent time doing laundry because we really want to wear that t-shirt again; it might have been better use of our packing list for Disney World to make an extra purchase before we went!

Do be realistic about your things to pack for Disney – is your Disney vacation the time to take extra formal wear (unless you have a special reservation!)? Or those shoes that you love but aren’t comfortable in?

Think also about the time of year you’re going – June- September is going to be hot and humid AND you’re going to encounter rain. But you may still need a light sweater for those times that the restaurant AC is too cool.   Other times of the year, you need to factor in the need for a sweater in the evenings, or even a jacket and long trousers.   It also depends on where you come from – you’ll see hardy Brits in shorts in December, but not native Floridians!

This is our clothing packing list for Disney, obviously, you’ll tweak it based on your own personal style, but you’re going to need:

We like to make sure we select a few Disney-themed t-shirts when thinking about what to bring to Disney and there are some available, which we think are lovely, without being overtly ‘Disney’.

If you plan to do the 4 parks in one day challenge, you might want to get a bespoke t-shirt, but this one would also be ideal!

We’ve put together a whole article on cute Disney Shirts for women.

We’re huge fans of shorts on vacation but are NOT fans of shorts ‘riding up’ as we walk – it’s uncomfortable and unflattering.   In my particular case, skinny legs would help but, I’ve found there are 3 types of shorts that tend not to ride up as I walk:

1) denim (or denim type);

2) cargo shorts – for men and for women ;

3) Yoga shorts

Depending on the time of year of your trip, leggings might be high up on your Disney packing list!   Legging style can be a very personal choice – length, material, etc  – and we know some people like to wear Capri length leggings under a long skirt or dress.   For a summer trip, we like this pair!

For cute Disney leggings, check this out!

Particularly if you’re like Victoria and LOVE dresses, they may be a definite must on your Disney World packing list.

We recommend lightweight dresses and particularly love Maxi dresses – once you find a style you like, you might want to get a couple of different colors! This one has pockets!

A shorter style, but just as comfortable to wear in the Florida heat (and also with pockets), available in a number of colors in this dress.

Read more in our specific article about Disney Dresses.

Good, comfortable shoes!

We can’t emphasize comfortable enough – when packing for Disney, leave OUT those brand new shoes: make sure they’re broken in, first! This is so important that we have an entire blog post devoted to the Best And Worst Shoes For Disney!

Whether you’re park hopping from Epcot to Magic Kingdom to Hollywood Studios, and then to Magic Kingdom again, following up at Animal Kingdom OR just seeing all Epcot has to offer in a day, you’re destined to cover a lot of steps in just one day at the parks! No matter what time of year you are visiting Disney World, adding a solid pair of walking shoes to your Disney packing list is a must. When we visit just one park for half a day, we usually clock in 8 miles!   So, proper shoes are essential when packing for Disney World.

For women, we recommend Brooks Women’s Launch 4 Sneaker .  If you love sneakers, this pair of Brooks sneakers is affordable and comes in many colors.  Victoria’s mom is an athlete and runs marathons and triathlons and these and the suggestions below are her go-to shoes for Disney so you know they are good quality and annual pass holder approved!  If you aren’t looking to break the bank when buying the best shoes for Disney, these come in at a good price too!

If you are looking for sandals, we highly recommend Vionic Farra  Sandal. Victoria originally bought them for a trip to India and fell in love with them!   They became her best shoe for Disney!   She even went back and bought a second pair in the same color just in case Vionics ever stopped making them,  because they are supportive, affordable, and perfect for Disney in the Florida heat!

For men, we suggest NIKE Men’s Tanjun Sneakers .   Terrence loves his Nike sneakers and wears them to Disney and beyond quite often! He loves how lightweight they are in the summer heat of Florida and that they dry quickly when wet.   Given the price, the support these shoes provide is quite good and Nike is a great brand for the longevity of products! Don’t hurt your feet or back in unsupportive shoes– make sure to add good shoes to your Disney packing list!

For kids, we don’t really recommend flip flop types (even with the ankle straps) as they’re too easy to trip (or be accidentally tripped) in and little knees don’t cope very well with direct contact with the walkways in the park.   Instead, we suggest Skechers or Crocs as lightweight, breathable and comfortable for walking distances.  We’ve found both to be supportive enough for little feet without being too tight/restrictive of movement.   As tempting as it can be to get new shoes for vacation, make sure your kids have really walked in their shoes before adding them to your Disney World packing list!

When making our packing list for Disney, we add extra underwear as we are lovers of a daily, afternoon swim and like fresh underwear afterward!

We make sure we have at least 2 pieces of swimwear each because we’re not fans of putting on damp swimwear and have found that (unless you have a private balcony or villa) they’re usually not dry for the next day!

As fair-skinned types, we are particular fans of rash vests, like this one, to help protect our shoulders from the sun.

Accessories

• Hairbands & accessories
• Hats/visors – you may want to consider hats with an SPF for additional protection – we’ve found girls with longer hair often aren’t keen on hats because the hair makes their head hot – we think this hat is an excellent way around the issue!
• Sunglasses w/strap

A light jumper/hoodie

There are not many times of year that you definitely won’t need something warmer for the evenings or to protect you from the strongest of AC blasts!  We’ve found this is particularly true for kids, so maybe pack an extra hoodie for them.   This is really one of those items, for us, where we’d rather have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.

Of course, depending on the time of year you’re visiting, when you’re packing for Disney, you may need several jumpers and even jackets/scarves.   Do read up on Florida temperatures/seasons and make sure you’re prepared – what can be quite pleasant in the daytime can get really chilly in the evenings – we’re sure you’ll want to make the most of your park time, so make sure you’re not going to be too cold to do so! We have some great tips for visiting in Winter and what to wear then.

Disney Packing List for Kids

Our list is based largely on the needs of infants and younger kids (you may also want to read Disney with Toddlers to help you prepare for your trip).   You may not need to take all of these items, but it may be a handy reminder to check that your accommodation will have a Pack N Play, for example.

It can be really tempting to take too much for your kids, but you also want to avoid forgetting something you later wish you’d taken!   Whilst our advice for clothing was to not be tempted to overpack, we definitely recommend additional t-shirts for children, particularly under 8’s.  Those Mickey bar ice creams have a habit of making their way onto shirts.

Some resort pools are fine with you taking pool toys/noodles and of course, although all Disney pools have free life vests available, your kids may have their own preferences for swim aids.  If that’s the case, you should definitely remember it as one of those things to pack for Disney.  Honestly, when we’ve been to a water park with adventurous water babies who aren’t swimmers (or strong swimmers), the life vests available are excellent for supporting kids in the water.

If your little ones are really into dressing up, taking some costumes with you will save you a LOT of money.  People make a huge fuss of kids dressed up as Disney characters, but the price of the costumes at Disney will make your eyes water!   I wouldn’t usually take my kid into a park in a costume without having a t-shirt and shorts in my bag for them if they decided to take it off, but I have many happy memories (and great photos!) of my kids when they were little, dressed up and meeting characters.

You will also want to consider whether you add your stroller to your Disney packing list.   You know your kids and some kids are happy to walk, others are really not.  A LOT of walking takes place on Disney vacations and we’ve heard many parents losing it with their kids because their kids are tired, hot, and complaining about their feet – no one wants that stress on vacation, so rules are out of the window, here!   My oldest was 5 and happy to walk around Disney in March heat; my youngest would NOT have coped the same and we’d have all had a better time if she was in a stroller.   You can totally rent strollers in Disney and we recommend this for older kids.

When thinking about what to bring to Disney for kids, for those kids who still like to be carried, we highly recommend a Hippychick hip seat .  Ideal for when smaller kids don’t want to sit in their strollers or when you’re waiting in line for a ride or character meet and need to leave the stroller, this seat certainly saved my back on many occasions!   We note that the price of this seat has gone up since we bought ours and other, cheaper makes are available, but this is the only one we can endorse from personal experience – feel free to shop around and check out reviews!

For more tips like this, you may want to read our article on Disney with toddlers.

• Baby food – don’t rely on being able to get your baby’s preferred food when you arrive; you will save yourself stress and time to bring what you need. Don’t forget snacks, too!
• Plastic pool cups w/top & straw
• Portable highchair
• Diapers – don’t worry if you run out in the park, though, the Baby Care Centers are excellent and will give you enough to get through your day!
• Swim diapers – these are so much more expensive if you buy them in hotel/resort shops
• Diaper bag – having all your changing accessories in one place is super helpful
• Pacifiers – more than one. You may also find it helpful to bring a chain or leash to clip to your baby – this saved many stressful trips for us!
• Pack N Play
• Car seat – we recommend taking your own – most airlines will put it on the hold for no cost – rather than hiring one; you know how yours has been handled and it will be familiar to your baby, too.
• Baby monitor
• Blanket/toy – for children of all ages!
• Board games
• Handheld games
• Car window shades
• Kids ID tags – we’ve heard of parents writing their cell number in sharpie on the inside of their kids’ arms and applying liquid band-aid over the top; doesn’t wipe off and can’t fall off!
• Outlet covers
• Autograph books and pens – you can buy them in advance; make your own (we’ve found the characters really love these!) or even take a white t-shirt and sharpie and ask characters to sign that for you.   We love taking a wide photo mat to a character meal, for example, and getting the characters to sign it – then we frame our favorite photo from that meal with the photo mat to make an extra special memento that gets seen a lot more than autograph books get looked at!

Along the same line as the kid’s ID tags, we also recommend you take a photo of your kid(s) each time you go into the park, so if they do get lost you not only have a quick guide to be able to describe what they’re wearing, you can show to Cast Members as well.  When we’re driving to the parks, we like to do this with our kids in front of the row/section of the car park we’re in!

A note on Disney with under 1’s

If your infant is formula fed and still has daytime bottles, you will want to make sure you take your own brand of formula, too.  Most brands have pre-made cartons, but this is an expensive way of feeding your baby and, if you’re flying, you’ll find this a heavy, space-inefficient item to transport (we would also be filled with worry that they would burst and cover our clothes, as well as leaving us without a formula!).

We found a simple solution – to put sterile water into our bottles and then dispense the right amount of powder into a container like this.

This meant we could just pop 3 bottles into our bag along with our formula-filled container and be set for the day.   We did see some people asking for boiled water at food locations and also other people using the Baby Care Centers to make up their water.  Our infant was quite happy drinking room temperature formula and so it was easier for us to just have the water in the bottles to make up the milk when she was ready to eat and not have to wait for boiled water to cool.

Essential Toiletries

Toiletries are definitely on our Disney packing list section: ‘we don’t want to be buying these on vacation’!  We would rather get our preferred brand of toiletries at home, when we have time to browse and select (and maybe even take advantage of in-store offers) than waste our precious vacation time trying to find something we’ve forgotten.

It also gives us a little cheerful glee to think that using up our shampoo and conditioner while we’re on vacation means we won’t be bringing it home – leaving some extra space in our suitcases for vacation purchases!

Traveling with kids is, we’ve found, generally NOT the time to try them on a brand-new type of toothpaste – familiar is often best for many kids!  We know you won’t plan on letting anyone get a sunburn, but a soothing/cooling aftersun lotion or gel is still a useful addition to your Disney packing list for minor accidents and to soothe those little after-sun tingles.

• Toothbrush; Toothpaste; Floss
• Liquid hand soap (if you need it – there’s only bar soap in WDW hotel rooms)
• Shampoo; Hair conditioner
• Contacts/glasses
• Contact lens solution & case
• Sunscreen and aftersun – different SPF factors to suit the different members of your party.  Make sure it’s water-resistant and make sure you take plenty!  My family is pale – we like Banana Boat and take SPF 50 and 30!
• Body glide  – we highly recommend this for people who find their skin rubs (maybe against other skin or against a piece of clothing).  This is the ultimate anti-chafe solution and there’s now a ‘ for her ‘ version, too.   As far as we can tell, the main difference is that the ‘for her’ version also has moisturizing properties.   Both are vegan-approved and child-safe.   Say goodbye to chafing on holiday!
• Lip balm w/sunscreen – Sun Bum is a great one!
• Face wash and lotion
• Body lotion
• Makeup & Make-up remover
• Nail polish & Nail polish remover
• Tampons/pads
• Foot spray & Foot powder
• Razors & Shaving cream
• Nail clippers & Nail file
• Hairbrush/comb
• Hair gel/mousse/spray
• Blow dryer/straighteners/curling irons (if you’re traveling internationally, don’t forget your adapters , too!)
• Perfume/aftershave
• Kids’ shampoo
• Kids’ toothbrushes and toothpaste
• Kids’ bath soap
• Kids’ hairbrush/comb

First-Aid and Medicine for Disney

These things may not be what you first think about when wondering what to bring to Disney, but first aid and medicine is high up on our Disney packing list.

As with toiletries, they’re things we don’t want to be spending time trying to find while we’re on vacation.   Also, it’s quite likely that if you do need them, having them to hand will help get your Disney vacation back on track much more quickly than having to go find the items you want, anyway.

For small amounts of First Aid items or medications, don’t forget that the First Aid Care Centers in the parks are excellent .   Operated by clinicians, they’ve been able to identify for our family an allergic reaction after a nasty bug bite and treat with antihistamines and ice wraps – meaning we could stay in the park and enjoy our day when we would most certainly have needed to leave otherwise.

• Prescription medications
• Moleskin (for blisters)
• Antibiotic ointment
• Anti-itch gel/spray
• Antacids (and Immodium)
• Birth control (or other prophylactic)
• Pain medicine (like Tylenol, Advil, etc.)
• Kids pain medicine (you may also want to consider taking some Cool Gel head sheets , just in case; these can be very soothing for young kids)
• Motion sickness remedies
• Sinus/allergy medicine
• Vitamins/Echinacea
• Cough drops
• Bug repellent – our favorite is Off and they also have a DEET free formula * we’ve also had some success taking Vitamin B12 supplements instead of using repellent – I normally get bitten a LOT, so am happy to go the extra mile to avoid being bitten!

Food And Kitchen Essentials for Disney

Now, these aren’t necessarily all things you want to put on your Disney World packing list, but it is important to know that you absolutely can take food into Disney and it’s a great way to save some money.

Whether it’s packing lunches and/or snacks to take into the park, or preparing food to eat in your hotel room, this list covers everything you may need.

We particularly recommend, when thinking about what to bring to Disney, juice boxes and powdered drink mix, because staying hydrated in the Florida heat is really important.   Small juice boxes (or pouches) aren’t very heavy, don’t take up too much space, and provide a refreshing (and healthy) alternative to sodas.   Not everyone likes the taste of the non-bottled water (cups of water are available for free at all quick-service locations), so powdered drink mix can make this more palatable and help keep the hydration up.

Naturally, unless you’re driving to Disney, you won’t be able to take most of these things with you, so we recommend you consider getting a grocery delivery at Disney.

• Bottled water
• Sugar/sweetener
• Nondairy creamer
• Instant soup mix
• Cocoa packets
• Juice boxes
• Powdered drink mix
• Microwave popcorn
• Granola bars
• Chips/pretzels
• Fruit snacks
• Small cereal boxes
• Peanut butter
• Travel salt & pepper; pre-measured seasonings
• Dish soap and scrubber/sponge
• Paper plates
• Plastic utensils or a biodegradable alternative
• Disposable cups
• Ziploc bags
• Paper towels/napkins
• Water filtering pitcher
• Reusable straws
• Coffee maker and filters (it’s noteworthy that Moderate and Deluxe Disney resort rooms all have coffee machines; in Value Resorts, only the Family suites in the Art of Animation and the All-Stars Music Resorts)
• Corkscrew and Wine stopper
• Gum (not sold at WDW)

Some snacks your kids may love are either hard to find at Disney, super expensive at Disney, or non-existent there. If your family loves Goldfish, Cheerios, or Cheez-its, you might want to consider bringing your own or ordering them to get delivered. Also, if your family is a Pepsi family and not a Coke family, plan accordingly – Disney Parks and Resorts only sell Coke products.

Disney Park Touring Bag Packing List

Some days, we make it our mission to travel into the parks as lightly as possible (perhaps because we know we’re going to spend a morning getting soaked on the water rides before heading back to the hotel!) but these days are the exception rather than the rule!

We know that being well prepared for a day in the park – particularly if we have a mission and a plan – is going to help us have a hassle-free and more enjoyable day. First, you are going to want to choose the Best Backpack For Disney World!

Don’t feel that you need to take everything that’s on this list every time you go into the park, but we’ve created this comprehensive list and, we feel, it has everything you may need.  Obviously, if you have young kids, you’ll need to take your diaper bag, food, and extra drinks, pacifiers, etc for them. If you want our full list of what to bring, we have an entire article on What To Bring In Your Disney Park Bag!

And if you have a dining plan, you may not need to take snacks with you, although if traveling with smaller children, we’d take some snacks with us because our kids liked to ‘graze’ when they were small.   Even when we’re on the Disney Dining Plan, we still take a very small insulated back with juice pouches and water bottles to the park, though, because we feel it’s a bit of a waste to use our snack credits on drinks!

Have you wondered whether the Disney Dining plan is worth it?  Everything you need to know is covered in our full, in-depth article .

• Guidebooks (or print off your touring plans to take up less room)
• Cell phones (don’t forget to download our Genie+/Lightning Lane suggestions to your phone!)
• External battery charger and cords
• Lanyard for room key/tickets
• Sunglasses w/straps
• Water bottle w/strap
• Collapsible cooler
• Autograph book
• 1 towel (block the sun, save a spot at the parade, clean off a seat)
• Mini First Aid kit
• Pain medicine
• Bottles of water
• Walkie talkies (for non-American visitors and poor cell signal)
• Rain ponchos or umbrella
• Handheld fan to keep cool while waiting
• Lip balm w/sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Antibacterial hand gel/sanitizer and wet wipes
• Hats/visors
• Large Ziploc for wet clothes
• Dry change of clothes for kids
• Glow sticks and necklaces
• Pennies for pressing
• Pins for trading
• Playing cards or handheld games
• Kids ID tags
• Small bottles of bubbles (to do while waiting)

Disney Water Park Packing List

As with other park visits, on some days we do ‘water park packing lite’ – if we’re staying onsite, with a Dining plan and just doing a water park visit in the morning, we’ll happily rock up with sunscreen, magic bands , water shoes, a few drinks and our swimwear under our clothes (with clean underwear in our bag to avoid soggy clothes at home time!).  We grab some towels, hit the slides and the pools (can you say lazy river?!); we hardly spend any time chilling or sitting down and, when we’re done touring the park, we grab quick-service lunch on our way out.

That said, the water parks have so much more to offer and can be a great destination for the whole day, but you’ll want to be better prepared so you’re not left wanting OR spending your hard-earned money on things you could easily have brought if they were on your Disney packing list!   When spending the day, be sure to stake out a good spot with some loungers and, if you can find it, some shade!   Whatever you’re doing, you’ll need to remember to reapply sunscreen often!

If you have smaller kids, they’re probably going to want to spend time at Ketchakiddee Creek (Typhoon Lagoon) or Tike’s Peak (Blizzard Beach) and bigger kids are going to love the Ski Patrol Training Camp.   Don’t forget, kids are going to be spending a lot of time out of the water and will need careful protection from the sun to shield them from rays reflecting off the water: we love swim suit sets like this for toddlers (similar ones for girls and boys ) to double up on the sun protection!

• Water park tickets
• Drivers license/ID for each adult
• Cash/credit card
• Waterproof/underwater camera
• Cell phones
• Bathing suits
• Beach towels – if you’re a Disney resort guest, you can get towels from the water parks without having to pay, you just need to provide your Magic band and let them know how many towels you need.
• Beach bag – we try to make sure our beach bag has at least one zippered pocket for our valuables and things we don’t want to lose or get wet.   This one has a cooler compartment underneath the bag part, so may be a great addition to your Disney packing list!
• Floatation toys
• Books/magazines
• Mister fan & extra batteries
• Pain medicine (like Tylenol or Advil)
• Antibacterial hand gel
• Swim diapers – diaper age children must wear these and while you can buy them on-site, the prices are extortionate and you’ll be glad you had them on your Disney packing list!
• Waterproof watch
• Waterproof case
• Water shoes/flip flops – we recommend water shoes that you’re not going to worry about losing on a slide (although you’ll have to carry them down Summit Plummet, if you’re brave enough!) and that you just wear around the park.  We love this type – they protect our feet from the hot walkways and also from the rough bottom of the pool – we hate grazing the tops and soles of our feet as we go around the lazy river!
• Large Ziplocs for wet clothes

Travel Documents To Pack For Disney

This section might be one of those ‘goes without saying, but it’s probably the most important list; things you can’t replace; go without or buy locally!  If you’re an international visitor, passports should be top of this list!

With regards to activities/meals/trips – if you’ve booked it, you’ll want to take confirmation with you!  It’s fine to rely on emails, but we’ve found that sometimes when you need it most, you don’t have coverage or you can’t locate the confirmation that you need.  For peace of mind, we take a broad approach and either print out our confirmation reference numbers or write them in a notebook, as well as taking screenshots on our phone and saving to a specific folder.

• Hotel confirmation
• Rental car confirmation
• Boarding passes
• Cash/credit cards
• Dollar bills for tips & tolls
• Drivers license/IDs
• Notepad/notebook
• Envelopes for Mousekeeping Tips
• Insurance cards
• Membership cards (AAA, DVC)
• Theme park tickets
• Addresses for postcards

Packing For Road Trips/Flights

Whether you’re flying or driving, you’ll want to prepare for the journey to make it more comfortable and pass more pleasantly!   Yes, there are many of these items that you can get on your journey, but you may not find exactly what you’re looking for and the substitution may cost you significantly more money.

Everything on this list may not be essential, but they’ll help you have a stress-free journey, particularly if you’re traveling with kids!  The simple addition of a trash bag to a road trip with us makes such a difference in helping to keep the car tidy enough not to raise the stress levels!

Obviously, the length of your journey may dictate that some of these aren’t necessary, or if you’re traveling by plane with a short journey to your airport, they may not be feasible.   But they’re all worthy of some consideration, to help you make your ‘travel’ Disney packing list as complete as it needs to be for your journey.

• Maps/directions/GPS
• Proof of auto insurance
• Paper towels
• Snacks; Drinks
• Pillows; Blankets
• Portable DVD player’ Movies
• Travel games
• MagicBands or park tickets
• Meal confirmation #s

Miscellaneous Items for Disney

Our final list is the miscellaneous list – some of these items may appear on other lists, but you may have decided, for example, you don’t need a Water Park Disney packing list, because water parks aren’t on your itinerary – but that doesn’t mean that a beach bag isn’t necessary for you if you’re going to be camping out by your resort pool!

We’ve included some of the items that are now on our forever Disney packing list, accumulated over many trips away, and are items which we’d never have dreamt of taking in the ‘early days’; some of the particularly unusual items have helped us have a more magical, stress-free vacation (who’d have thought a pop-up laundry hamper would have made me happy?!  Sharing a Disney room with a few kids, it’s now forever on my ‘what to bring to Disney’ list!).

• Cameras (w/memory cards)
• Disposable cameras for kids
• Cell phone w/charger
• Power strip – although some of the refurbished rooms have a lot more power sockets, we’ve found a power strip is a really helpful way of making sure everything is charged when you want it to be!
• iPod & ear buds/headphones
• Laptop & charger
• External battery charger (read below for our top recommendations)
• Waist bag/day pack – we particularly like this crossbody sling bag as an alternative to a traditional rucksack.  It may not be big enough for everything you want to take into the park, depending on your party size and make-up.
• Large Ziploc bags
• Sound machine for hotel
• First aid kit
• Safety pins
• Clothespins (to hang wet items and to help close gaps in curtains) – we’ve found large ones really useful if we’re hanging over balconies!
• Over-the-door shoe organizer (to keep hotel room organized)
• Stain wipes/stick (we like these – they’re small enough to pop one in the day bag, great when you have a child who seems to get chocolate on EVERY piece of clothing they wear, even when they haven’t eaten chocolate!!)
• Wrinkle release spray
• Workout stuff
• Water sports bottle
• Night light; Pen flashlights
• Pennies & quarters for pressing
• Pins for trading – you may not want to spend your vacation savings on brand new pins to trade, but if you collect them during the year or have a collection of ‘less-loved’ pins, bringing these will give you a head start on pin trading.  Read more about pin trading .
• Books/magazines/Playing cards/Games/Frisbees
• Kindle/iPad
• Eyeglass repair kit
• Small scissors and a small screwdriver (useful when opening toys purchased at Disney World)
• Reusable straws – there are many on the market, but we highly recommend you make sure you get a cleaning brush with whatever you purchase.  Our personal favorites, and entirely environmentally friendly, are bamboo straws .
• Pop-up hamper – if you’re sharing a hotel room, you’ll thank us for putting this on your Disney packing list to help you keep your laundry out of the way!

What To Avoid Packing for Disney

Hopefully, it goes without saying, but you can absolutely use your discretion with our lists – if you know it’s not relevant for you, then, of course, you should omit it.

It may be on your normal vacation list, but you could leave selfie sticks off your Disney packing list as they are not permitted in any Disney parks.

Unless you’re going on a cruise, you need not bring formal wear to Disney.  Obviously, you should check out the dress code for any signature reservations you have, but the majority do not require formal dress.

Whilst costumes are fine for kids unless you’re going to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, grown-ups, you need to leave your costumes at home!  Guests over 14 are not permitted to dress up as Disney characters other than at this event.  You can, however, Disneybound!

Useful Disney World Packing Tips

Use packing cubes.

We are fans of packing cubes – they don’t have to be particularly expensive but we’ve found them to be very effective in organizing your packing (and repacking).   When packing to go on vacation, we place several days’ of clothes in each cube and have found that clothing items get creased less – they stay the way they’re folded when you pack them.

We make sure that the packing cubes are spread evenly across the suitcases so if one gets lost/delayed, we all still have clothes in the other suitcase (hoping they don’t all go missing!).

Weigh your bags if flying

There is little worse than having to repack your suitcases as you’re trying to check them in (except, perhaps, having to pay excesses because your bags are all overweight).

We suggest you consider getting a portable scale and take it with you – eliminate all of the worries and have a stress-free trip to the airport.

Leave space for what you buy

Even if you don’t have much on your vacation ‘shopping’ list, we’re confident you’ll buy stuff that you want to bring home.   We like to make sure we have a room by making sure we don’t overpack our suitcases on the outbound journey.  We have been known to take an extra case and spread all of our luggage between those bags – all of them underweight, so we know we have extra room on the way home.

Pack a Poncho to save space

This is one of the biggest things people forget on their Disney packing list!  Evening thunderstorms are a DAILY occurrence during the summer season!  Adding a poncho to your Disney packing list instead of a travel umbrella will help you save space, and it will help you stay dry when necessary.

But pay attention to what kind of poncho you are purchasing when considering what to wear at Disney: you don’t want a poncho that is cheap and will rip easily! Often, storms in Florida don’t last long, but having the means to stay dry is something you will thank yourself for later.

Save Money and buy a misting fan in advance

Personal misting fans can be a lifesaver at Disney! Between the crowds and the sweltering sun, misting fans are great as they are lightweight and portable. Many of them can be charged with USB cords now, and their battery life will last you throughout your adventure-packed day!  Make sure to invest in a misting fan and add it to your Disney packing list – it will save you from the heat!  You can, of course, buy them at Disney, but you’re going to spend a lot more money than you need to, which is why it’s one of the great things to bring to Disney.

Bring A Mobile Flash Drive and Extra SD Cards

With the quality of smartphone cameras increasing, it’s no longer necessary to bring a camera on all of your traveling adventures, but you do not want to risk losing your memories via smartphone– and trust us, it happens!  A portable smartphone flash drive is a small storage device that you can connect to your smartphone and then safely and easily download the photos onto another device.  We recommend the IDiskk 3.0 12GB as it is a certified device and means you don’t need to rely on a fast and secure connection to save your memories.

There is no doubt about it: Disney World is truly magical. From castles to princesses and all the adventures in-between, it is a gorgeous theme park full of life sights, so you’ll probably be taking a lot of photos – be sure to add additional memory cards to your list as well!

Bring a Portable power bank

Portable power banks are a must for keeping our phone charged whilst traveling and we recommend the Anker Powercore 1000 and use it during all of our travels. While it is a little more expensive, it has great quality and should be added to your Disney packing list if you’d like to keep your phone alive and usable during your travels! It is literally what we bring to Disney each and every visit!

Make sure you bring a Daypack

Between cameras, jackets, possible swimsuits, phone chargers, and water bottles, there is a lot to carry around with you at Disney World– and you haven’t even purchased your souvenirs yet! Daypacks can make your day at the parks easier, as you have something to carry all of your things in.

Consider a reusable water bottle

You’re in the sun. All the time. There is no way to avoid it! Disney, and Orlando in general, is fantastic for getting a tan, but with that exposure, you must add a reusable water bottle to your Disney packing list. While cups of water are free in restaurants and at most concession stands, you’ll often find yourself thirsty at the most inconvenient parts of the day– and trust us when we say purchasing a bottle of water every time you get thirsty can add up quickly!

Make sure your phone case is sturdy

We’ve seen it happen– the dropped phone. The waterlogged phone. The cracked screen. It happens at Disney more often than you think. Between water rides and the hard ground of the parks, Disney can be a dangerous place for an unprotected phone. Make sure to invest in a good phone case for when packing for Disney– it might save you some possible heartache!

Masks, Hand Sanitizer, Sanitizing Wipes

During the current global situation, masks are required indoors at Disney. Don’t forget to bring several masks for each person for the duration of your trip. Everyone over the age of 2 is required to wear one, and it’s nice to have several in your bag to swap out if you get sweaty, one breaks, or you lose one. We have recommendations and tips for masks in the park here .

You also should bring plenty of hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes. These are things we brought with us to the parks before this situation started, and they are even more important now. Bring several with you so you can clean your hands after getting off a ride, and so that you can wipe down any questionable surfaces – especially those that children will use, like highchairs.

Disney Gear/Ears/Clothing from Previous Trips

If you’ve visited Disney World or Disneyland before you may have some ears, hats, accessories, and clothing from previous trips. Bring them with you! You don’t need to buy a pair of ears on every trip, especially if you already have a favorite pair. This can save a lot of money on souvenirs and keep little ones from bringing home tons of new ears, hats, and bags every time you go.

Ears and Spirit Jerseys are classic, regardless of when you got them or what year they are from. Bringing them back with you on different trips makes sure you get your money’s worth out of them, and you’ll save yourself a little money in the long run.

This also includes MagicBands! They stay active for a while after purchase and can be used on multiple trips. You can check whether they are active or not on the My Disney Experience app or under your account on the Disney World website. It might be worth reusing these, especially if you have fun or special ones!

Toiletries Tips!

Even though we have already mentioned making sure you have all your toiletries in your luggage, we have a few more tips for you! It’s important to make sure you bring shampoo and conditioner if you have curly/coily/dry hair, as well as hair styling products for certain hair types. The shampoo and conditioner that Disney supplies isn’t kind to these types of hair and can be very drying. You also want to be sure you have what you need to make sure your hair is going to look good if you’re taking lots of family photos!

It’s also a good idea to make sure that you are bringing cosmetics/skincare items that keep you on your normal routine. It’s easy to leave these at home and not worry about these things on vacation, but you don’t want to deal with breakouts or extreme dryness because you left your normal skincare at home. And you definitely don’t want to run to Sephora at Disney Springs and pay a lot of money to fix something that could have been prevented!

Other Items to Not Forget on Your Disney Packing List

Planning your Disney packing list doesn’t have to be as stressful as it sounds. By following these simple tips, you will be well on your way to packing like a pro for Disney World. These items are often forgotten or overlooked by travelers, but they can save your vacation from heartache if added to your bags when packing for Disney.

Of course, Disney, and Orlando in general have stores in which you can buy things you may have forgotten, but the stores may or may not be open, have exactly what you need, and may cost a pretty penny!   Do yourself a favor and make sure you add these things to your Disney packing list today!

What’s your opinion?  Have we missed anything?   Have you used any of our recommendations and love the products?   Leave us a comment, below, to let us know what you think.  As always, we’re very happy to answer any questions you may have!  Thanks for reading!

Reader Interactions

January 19, 2022 at 11:14 pm

how do i get this list to be downloadable to print?

January 20, 2022 at 8:52 pm

You can download this to your phone, email it to yourself, and then print it! Thank you!!

March 24, 2022 at 3:35 pm

Download what to your phone? I’m mostly looking for a text list if that exists.

July 24, 2022 at 8:00 pm

go to your browser …. Microsoft Edge …go to the right side of your bar to the 3 dots. Check out the list and go to downloads. It will download the article plus list… the format is just slightly different. You can also – in the same list – hint print and it will do a pdf for you.

The download list you can share to Drive and then it will be available on your PC and Phone.

May 3, 2022 at 11:57 am

Where is the link to download the list

May 14, 2022 at 5:59 pm

Hello! There is no link it is the photo at the beginning of the post you can simply download like this! thanks!

May 20, 2023 at 3:55 pm

Is there a way to make the list larger after it’s printed? When it’s all on one page it’s so small to read?

June 1, 2023 at 4:38 pm

you can download/save it to your phone and then zoom in on each part you want to look at. that is the best way! thank you!

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A First Look at Disney Cruise Line’s Revised Online Check-In Process

August Disney Cruise Line sailings are on the horizon (at least as of publication), and guests are entering the 30-day online check-in window for their scheduled voyages. That’s right, you can check-in for your Disney Cruise 30-days prior which is different from the tiered activity booking window based on your Castaway Club Status… I forgot, and while I was prepared to share my experience last night I was quickly reminded of the 30-days so we booked our onboard activities and called it a night.

Thankfully, a friend was actually hitting the 30-day window last night, and offered to share his experience in the event we had different screens based on our Castaway Club statues… Well, kudos to Eddie for saving the day since I completely forgot about the 30-day window for the check-in process.

When you hit that 30-day window and you’ve paid in full, begin the check-in process by filling out cruise documents, registering the kids for youth clubs and selecting a port arrival time, as you’ll need one before you make your way to the cruise terminal. The process begins with you completing the guest information details.

This was the only spot where the process had some issues. The upload photo feature was not working, but Eddie reported he was able to use his webcam to take a photos to complete this section. This could be a browser issue specific to Safari, or just one of those things that still needs some work behind the scenes.

Port Arrival Time

The current earliest time to chose for port arrival was 1:00 PM which placed you in boarding group 3. Until we hear from more readers, it is unclear, but I suspect boarding groups 1 and 2 may be reserved for concierge and Platinum Castaway Club members. The time however, will likely stick around for a while as the resumption of cruise operations roll out as there will undoubtedly be extra sanitation measures required between guest debarking and the embarking passengers. Alternatively, with the new online check-in process and the uploading of travel documents and security photos, we may just get to enter the terminal and if all is in order, walk directly on the ship beginning at 1:00 PM.

At the end of the process, you are provided the Port Arrival Form which the ability to add to a mobile wallet.

Below is a look at the mobile wallet complete with QR code which will surely speed up the port arrival process.

Following the online check-in, it appears you will receive an email from Disney Cruise Line confirming your completed online check-in with a note that they will review the information and will contact you by email to let you know if you are all set to sail, or if they require additional information.

Have you gone through the new online check-in process? What did you think?

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38 Replies to “A First Look at Disney Cruise Line’s Revised Online Check-In Process”

Our family is checked in the August 9th sailing. We are taking the Disney bus transportation to the port, so weren’t given a time versus picking one. They have assigned us to group 2. Not that we really know what that means at this point, but that is what we were given!

Are you either platinum or concierge status? That may explain your group 2. How exciting to be checked in!

Nothing about a vaccination card?

that’s for the 15 day check in for safe passage

We just got checked in for our August 9th cruise!!!!!

Scott – Do you know if you can use a copy of your passport photo to satisfy the photo upload process?

Based on the the the wording –> “cannot be the same photo used on any of the identification documents”, I’d say no. This is the photo they’d typically take with the hand held web cams at the check-in desk at the terminal. Sounds to me they’d prefer a recent photo.

We wonder if DCL will still mail out the cruise booklets? Perhaps this new process eliminate the booklets, we always look forward to those in the mail.

Thanks for notification new checkin is live, very similar to previous online checkin. Fingers crossed we will be sailing again soon.

We were on one of the DCL ships when the Captain made the announcement that when we reached port in a few days all cruise including DCL were being suspended. Very surreal experience! DCL had notified us 2 days before boarding that we could cancel without penalty by just calling a number by the day before sailing. The ship seemed to be about 65% full from normal. Several other passengers said they had tried to cancel but the phone line was busy, so they hoped the ship wouldn’t be crowded. Everything went as normal, there was no issues with our ship but news reports said after the fact but there was with the cruise from NO that went thru PC.

As we lined up to board our ship, they took temperatures and did pull several kids in front of us over for high temps. We had seen them running around while waiting for their time to board. The temp check (contractors) allowed the very distraught boys to wait (under observation) for a few minutes before rechecking their temps. We later saw them on board and all they had needed was a few minutes to cool off after all the running around.

It was hard leaving the ship knowing all the crew members were facing some level of uncertainity. Also there were no people outside the terminal waiting to board the next cruise. We had been notified by our employers the we had to work from home quarteened for 2 weeks because we had “been on a cruise ship!” before returning to the office. Grocery shelves were bare, no toilet tissue, etc. The world had drastically changed while we were on a cruise ship. One year and four months later we’re still working remotely.

Really looking forward to walking through the cruise ship portal so we can return back to the world we left mid-March 2020. Safe and Happy Sailing everyone!

For those of you going on 8/9 cruise, I am super happy for you! I hope it goes well and that we can safely resume sailing in a way that doesn’t shut the place down again. I am pulling for you as we want to go on our cruise later this year.

I meant to include that… I’m just silver!

They stopped mailing the booklets a while ago. For my 2019 cruise we just got an envelope with our luggage tags

When signing up for kids’ clubs, is it as it’s always been, or are they requiring you select specific days and times?

Do we still get to book onboard activities and cabanas at 120 days out for platinum even if we can’t check in until 30 days?

Yes. I’m booked on an October cruise and I was able to book onboard activities and port adventures last month (120 days out).

So, can you use the mobile wallet card/QR code as your Port Arrival Form, or do you still need to print out, sign and bring the form with the bar code at the top, as you did pre-COVID?

Sounds like a very similar check in process as per the UK Staycation cruises. They used a separate company called prenetics to oversee the proof of vaccination (Over 18s), and proof of negative PCR test (under 18s). Though arent I correct in saying that these US cruises dont need proof?

That is currently specific to Florida sailings, but there are workarounds.

We don’t know yet, DCL hasn’t said anything about the USA cruises.

It’ll be interesting to see.To me, it makes sense, however It seems to be a more politically sensitive/contentious topic in the states (at least that is how it is portrayed to us Brits in the media)

Hi, has anyone gotten their luggage tags for the 8/9 cruise? We haven’t gotten ours yet.

What time does check-in start? is it midnight eastern?

Thanks! My window is next week!

what are the cruise protocols, hope no mask requirements on the ship, compared to Carnival, mask not required

These details have not been announced by DCL for U.S. sailings.

What about those who do not wish to upload pictures?

While I do not know for sure, I suspect, you will need to go to a designated check-in line at the port to have the same photo taken.

We checked in for a Disney Magic At Sea UK cruise last week…. it took 7bhiurs ti check in 3 rooks because of the uploading photo issue. We used chrome,;safari, Samsung Internet and Internet explorer…. it was a long day!

Thanks. I realize I will have to sacrifice getting an earlier time slot for boarding, but I just do not have the ability to upload copies of documents or photos. Someone in a fb group mentioned that they didn’t think there was an option for those in my position. In the past we were able to type in our id numbers.

Even pre-pandemic I was given the option to not upload documents/photos on RCCL when they had already had the options in place for those who wanted faster check in.

Do you know someone who could help with that, maybe with a cell phone or with a web cam? Even if they could take the picture and email it to you, it might work that way.

Thank you Beth. I am just not sure I want to send photos of my documents over the internet.

Thank you for posting these screenshots, as they provide far more detail than what Disney is providing to us (even as a TA). I heard the photos have to be JPG; is that true?

Is it possible to upload photos at a later time, or is it required to go to the next step? Looking to focus on PAT and kid club reservations and get that done.

I just checked in for the Thanksgiving week cruise from Miami. The preview was a great help. One item I didn’t have prepared was picture of the passport. The form would suggest it is optional, but the process would not complete without it. FYI, I signed in the first hour of 30 days prior and have a 10:30 arrival and group 3 boarding. My daughter completed her checkin about 6 hours later and has an 11:00 checkin and group 6 boarding. We received the email and completed onboard activity booking but the status is still pending. I expect they are swamped with everyone signing in at 30 days

I don’t have those screens and my 30 day opened today at midnight. I was up until 4am trying to check in and I still cannot check in. It’s been paid in full for months and now I’m on an 81 min. hold with Disney to try and find a solution.

You may be a day early. This happened to me, and I realized my countdown was showing 30 days, but in reality it was still over 30.# days. At the next midnight, it worked.

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Required Documentation and Customs Regulations

Documentation

All U.S. citizens must travel with proof of citizenship, which is a valid passport, or certified birth certificate (with official raised seal) and picture identification, or a certified naturalization certificate with a picture identification. Acceptable forms of picture identification are state driver’s license, or federal, state, or local government photo I.D. card. Guests age 17 and under who are U.S. citizens are only required to have proof of citizenship, excluding picture identification. These guidelines are based on U.S. government regulations which are subject to change at any time.

While a passport is not always required for a cruise, it is highly recommended. If an unexpected emergency arose requiring a guest to fly home from a port, the guest with a passport already has the proper documentation. The guest without proper documentation, is not going to be able to fly home.  Please be sure to check with the U.S. Department of State for current regulations. It is the guest’s responsibility to check with government agencies, embassies or consulates prior to their vacation to ensure that they have proper documentation.

Please ensure that you have the proper identification and required documentation when planning your cruise. Without proper proof you will be denied boarding, and will not be entitled to a refund. We suggest that all U.S. and Canadian Citizens travel with a valid passport as their documentation.

Security guidelines require all adult guests to show a picture I.D. to embark and disembark the ship in all ports, excluding Castaway Cay . Please be advised that anyone under the age of 18 wishing to go ashore unaccompanied will be required to have a consenting parent, guardian or other responsible adult with them at the gangway, to provide their signature as authorization. Announcements about required documentation, etc. will be made onboard the ship before guests arrive in port. See Guest Services with any questions.

If you are flying , there are different requirements for documentation in place regarding identification.   Please check https://www.tsa.gov/ for all the latest information.

Customs Regulations

• Items that you purchased.
• Items purchased in duty-free shops or on board the ship.
• Items you have been requested to bring home for another person.
• Repairs or alterations made to any articles taken abroad and returned, whether or not repairs or alterations were free of charge.
• All items you intend to sell or use in your business. Promotional items and samples for Customs purposes are only those items that are valued at $1 or less.
• If you are celebrating any occasion on your cruise and have gifts presented to you while abroad. These would be items such as wedding and birthday presents or inherited items.

The limits to the amount of duty-free merchandise differs depending on the cruise itinerary.

At the conclusion of your Disney Cruise, on guest per family must complete one U.S. Customs Declaration Form per family to submit to U.S. Customs upon return to U.S. soil. Forms will be placed in each stateroom prior to the conclusion of the cruise. Additional forms and forms in languages other than English are available form Guest Services onboard the ship.

For more information on Customs and regulations visit U.S. Customs . Instructions on how to fill out the form visit can be found here .

Below is a sample of what is allowed by Customs and Boarder Patrol. For a great resource and current information about other destinations, visit the Customs and Boarder Patrol website .

All Bahamian/Caribbean Itineraries not including USVI

There are lots of exciting duty-free shopping right on board in the shops on Disney the Disney Wonder, Disney Magic and Disney Dream as well as on shore in the ports! Each Guest returning from a country outside of the United States including the Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexico and European Countries to the U.S. can bring back up to a total of U.S. $800 worth of duty-free merchandise (retail price). Each Guest 21 and older is limited to 2 liters of alcohol, of which 1 liter must be produced in the Bahamas and Guests 18 and older are limited to 200 cigarettes and 100 cigars (excluding Cuban cigars). These limits are mandated by U.S. law and are subject to change.

7 Night Eastern Caribbean Itinerary

Each Guest returning from the Eastern Caribbean to the U.S. can bring back up to a total of U.S. $1,200 worth of duty-free merchandise (retail price). However, no more than $800 in combined purchases can be made on board the ship, St. Maarten and Castaway Cay. Or, the entire U.S. $1,200 exemption may be used on purchases from St. Thomas alone. Each Guest 21 and older is limited to 5 liters of alcohol (only 1 liter can be acquired in St. Maarten or on the ship, with an additional 4 liters being exempt if purchased on St. Thomas, provided at least 1 liter is produced in the U.S. Virgin Islands). Each Guest 18 and older is limited to 5 cartons of cigarettes (only 1 carton can be acquired in St. Maarten or on the ship, with an additional 4 cartons being exempted if purchased on St. Thomas) and 100 cigars (excluding Cuban cigars). These limits are mandated by U.S. law and are subject to change.

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How to Check-In for Your Disney Cruise

Updated January 25, 2024.

Online check-in is similar to pre-COVID sailing. You can begin using either the webpage or the app at 12:01 am Eastern Time. Your check-in date is based on your Castaway Club status.

• Pearl – 40 days before sailing
• Platinum – 38 days before sailing
• Gold – 35 days before sailing
• Silver – 33 days before sailing
• First-Time Disney Cruisers – 30 days before sailing

What Do I Need to Check in for My Disney Cruise?

If you haven’t downloaded the app, now is the time to do it; you will use it for most things on board. The biggest recommendation is to gather all your documents and take all your pictures BEFORE you start completing the form s. Have any flight and hotel information handy.

Guest Information

You will need to provide personal details, including address, contact info & emergency contact. You will need to include a clear image of your passport or proof of citizenship.  Also, you will need a photo/selfie of each guest for your onboard account security photo. The photos must be an image file like a jpg or a png. If you are taking your photos with your iPhone, you will need to export your photos as jpg . 

You will need a picture of the photo page of your passport. If you’re using a driver’s license, you will need to have a photo of the front and the back of it .

If DCL doesn’t accept your passport/proof of citizenship or security photo, they will email you to inform you that a new one is required.

Security Photo Tips

This should be a recent colour photo of you facing forward, from the shoulders up, with no filters . Your face should be fully and clearly visible; please remove eyewear that prevents your eyes from being seen and any items on top of your head . There should be no other people or objects included in the photo . We took ours in front of an empty wall.

It may take some time for your online check-in to change from pending to approved. Most are approved a few days before the sailing .

Onboard Account

You will need information on how you plan to pay your stateroom charges. Your credit card or debit card numbers and expiration dates. At this point, it will ask you which members will have charging privileges. If members of your party are paying for their own charges, you can enter their card information. You can not put a dollar limit on charging privileges.

Travelling With Children

Children under 3 years old can be registered for the Nursery if they cruise after October 2022 . If you are sailing before that date, you must sign up for the nursery once you are onboard. You can register kids ages 3-12 for the Oceaneers Club/Lab during check-in. Pre-teens and teens, they will register once you are onboard at the Edge and/or the Vibe.

Travel Plans

You will need information about your plans before & after the cruise. If you are flying in for the cruise, you need your flight details, including Airline, Flight Number, Departure Time, and Arrival Time. Also, you will need your plans to leave the port after the cruise.

PAT (Port Arrival Time)

This is why you are filling out this information at 12:01 am and not waiting until morning. It is your chance to choose your arrival time at the port.

Most people want to spend as much time on the ship as possible and are trying to get the earliest PAT. On our upcoming cruise, the earliest PAT was 10:45. We took Disney Transfers and received boarding group 3 with a PAT of 11:00 – 11:15. The earliest PATs depend on the port you are sailing out of; some ports have guests arrive later than others. Concierge Guests do not need to select a PAT.

Since Covid, they have been much stricter about arriving at your PAT. If you arrive earlier, you will likely be turned away .

Cruise Contract and Boarding Pass

Read & agree to the cruise contract and print or email the contract. You will be given a Boarding Pass with a QR Code when complete. You can add it to your Apple wallet.

You will need it throughout different stages of the boarding process. It is a good idea to have a printed copy if you encounter any technological problems. The QR code will be used to board the ship because you have not yet received your KTTW cards. Keep reading for details.

KTTW (Key to the World) Cards and lanyards will await you at your cabin in your Fish. You will no longer get your card at the desk in the port and use your QR code to board the ship.

Optional Forms

During check-in, you will also find some optional forms. They include authorization to administer an epi-pen , special services form , and authorization for minors travelling without a parent or legal guardian .

Bring your patience; the website can be glitchy, especially when check-in first opens, with many people attempting to check in. If you are using Disney transportation and are not concerned with an early PAT , it might be best to wait and check in later.

Check out the other  menus for the restaurants on the Wish . Keep checking back or sign up for our newsletter for the latest  Disney Cruise News , like  the return of pre-booking character meets , the current  pre-cruise Covid testing ,  Disney Cruise rumours , and the  latest discounts .

This post may contain affiliate links. Meaning, that if you make a purchase through my links, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support of this site.

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Disney Cruise Line: Cruise Documents

You’ve booked your Disney Cruise Line voyage and paid in full! You’ve selected your shore excursions, gourmet dining, spa, and childcare extras! Now all you have to do is relax until you get your official Disney Cruise Line documents.

Approximately 45-30 days prior to your sailing, you will receive your official Disney Cruise Line documents in the regular mail. The official documents come in the form of a spiral-bound booklet, approximately 5” x 8”. If you have not received your cruise document booklet 30 days before your trip, notify your travel agent or Disney Cruise Line. DCL can be reached at (800) 951-3532, whenever you have a question or problem with your booking, calling here is your most likely first step.

Please note that if members of your sailing party live at different addresses, they will likely receive a spiral documentation booklet at each address. This will even happen if the only members of the party at a particular address are children, as may be the case with grandparents taking grandchildren on a cruise.

IMPORTANT STUFF

DO NOT THROW OUT YOUR DISNEY CRUISE LINE DOCUMENT BOOKLET. (Really, I mean it.)

BRING IT WITH YOU TO YOUR SAILING. (Yes, I mean this too.)

DO NOT PACK IT IN ANY CHECKED LUGGAGE. KEEP IT WITH YOU IN CARRY ON LUGGAGE ON YOUR WAY TO YOUR EMBARKATION PORT. (And you know I mean this part.)

WHAT’S IN THE DOCUMENT BOOKLET

Inside the front pocket of your documentation booklet, you’ll find two luggage tags for each member of your party. If the information on these tags is incorrect, or if you find you need more tags, call Disney Cruise Line as soon as possible.

Please refer to your personal documentation information about when to affix the Disney Cruise Line luggage tags to your bags. Depending on your pre-trip travel, the timing of your luggage tag application may vary. For example, if you have arranged with DCL for a transfer from a Walt Disney World resort to Port Canaveral, you will place the DCL tags on your bags at your WDW hotel. Other guests may be instructed to place their DCL tags on their bags just prior to arriving at their embarkation terminal.

Much of the pure informational content included in your official Disney Cruise Line documentation booklet can be found on the DCL website; however, some of it is unique. You should read the booklet soon after your receive it, checking it for accuracy and noting any “to do” items it sparks.

Again, if you encounter any errors in your documentation, alert your travel agent or DCL as soon as possible.

Your spiral-bound cruise document booklet includes:

• A Welcome Letter . Friendly, but unimportant.
• A Vacation Checklist. Things to do now, before leaving home, and at your embarkation port.
• Embarkation Information. Includes lists of required citizenship documentation. You’ll need or want a passport for most Disney cruises, but here’s a reminder about other personal identification that may be required. This section also notes your specific cruise boarding time. Pay attention to this and don’t be late; the ship will not wait for you.
• Vacation Summary. Most of this is a duplication of the “Reservation Summary” section of the Disney Cruise Line online Planning Center; however, it’s a good tool to double check that your information is accurate.
• Onboard Airline Check-In Information . Information on how to check-in for your post-cruise flight home.
• Gratuity Guidelines. Information on standard cruise gratuity levels for your stateroom attendant, dining room server, dining room assistant server, and your dining room head server. Gratuities can be prepaid via your onboard account.
• Ship Contact Information. This is emergency contact information to leave the folks at home. Guests at sea may be contacted by calling 1-888-DC-AT-SEA (1-888-322-8732) from a U.S. line or by calling 732-335-3281 from an international line. Satellite phone rates apply with substantial fees. Callers should know the sailing guest’s ship and stateroom number.
• Gifts and Amenities Form. This is a paper duplicate of the “In-Room Gifts and Shopping” section of the DCL website Planning Center. Use this form if you prefer to place an order via mail or fax rather than online.
• Disney Cruise Line Data Protection Notice . Boilerplate legal language about how DCL may use your personal information.
• Disney Cruise Line Contract and Contract Signature Form. This must be completed and brought with you to check-in at your embarkation port terminal. The Cruise Contract itself is several pages of dense legal verbiage. Much of the contract specifies the limits of the Cruise Line’s liability in the event of accident or injury. The document is fairly standard, but if you have concerns please seek the advice of counsel.
• Minor Authorization Form . This form must be completed for minors under age 18 traveling without their parent or legal guardian. This gives permission for the adult(s) in their traveling party to have temporary care of the child(ren) during the duration of the cruise. This document is meant to supplement, not substitute for a notarized document allowing the minor(s) to travel abroad without one or both parents.
• Embark-Departure Form. This form asks for information about your travel plans following your cruise (travel to WDW, travel to an airport, driving home, etc.), as well as requesting the name of an emergency contact. Much of this form is duplicative of information you may have provided during your online check-in process.
• Payment Authorization Form. This form asks you to link a credit card to your account for on board charging. You may also authorize or deauthorize charging privileges for specific members of your traveling party. This may be duplicative of information you provided during online check-in.
• Ground Transfer Purchase Option . Guests who would like to use Disney’s post-cruise ground transportation options (bus to WDW or bus to Orlando International) should arrange for this at least 14 days prior to sailing by calling 1-866-325-6685 or 407-566-7797 or via the Disney Cruise Line online Planning Center. However, there may be a limited number of ground transfers available for purchase at the time of embarkation. If you’d like to inquire about last minute ground transfer availability, use this form.

HERE’S WHAT REALLY NEEDS YOUR ATTENTION

Most guests will be fine ignoring the Welcome Letter, the Data Protection Notice, and probably the Gifts and Amenities Form. Pretty much everything else warrants at least a quick scan.

You should read the entire Cruise Contract, but you’ll probably just skim it.

You’ll closely read the Vacation Checklist, Embarkation Information, Vacation Summary, Gratuity Guidelines.

You’ll give a copy of the Ship Contact Information to a few folks at home (a close relative, the neighbor watching your house, your pet sitter, and caretakers for any infirm family members).

You’ll want to act upon the Onboard Airline check-in only if you’re flying directly from your disembarkation port to your home.

You’ll need to act upon the Minor Authorization form only if you’re traveling with a minor, but not both of his or her parents.

You’ll need to act upon the Payment Authorization Form if you’d like to link a credit card to your onboard account. This is not strictly necessary; you can settle your account with cash, travelers checks, or Disney gift cards, but a credit card makes things easier.

You’ll need to act upon the Embark-Departure form.

You’ll need to act upon the Ground Transfer Purchase Option if you’d like to use Disney transportation to get to Walt Disney World or to a local airport immediately following your cruise and you have not previously registered and paid for this service.

You’ll need to act upon the Contract Signature Form. Sign it and bring it to the embarkation port with you .

Ahoy voyagers! Do you find the Disney Cruise Documentation confusing or easy to deal with? Have your experiences been with the DCL Documentation been positive or negative? Let us know in the comments below.

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Erin Foster

Erin Foster is an original member of the Walt Disney World Moms Panel (now PlanDisney), a regular contributor to TouringPlans.com, and co-author of The Unofficial Guide to Disney Cruise Line. She's been to WDW, DL, DL Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland, Aulani, DVC Vero Beach, and DVC Hilton Head. She's a Platinum DCL cruiser and veteran of 10 Adventures by Disney trips. Erin lives near New York City, where she can often be found indulging in her other obsession - Broadway theater.

One thought on “ Disney Cruise Line: Cruise Documents ”

Thank you for the info re: DCL luggage tags. My assumption was since there were just two tags per guest included in the document booklet, that we were only allowed 2 checked bags per person. It’s nice to know (especially for 7 day and longer cruises) that we can ask for additional tags.

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Travel Documents???

• Thread starter anorman
• Start date May 17, 2017

Greetings from The Great White North

• May 17, 2017

I booked a stay at POR with free dining when it came out first and I have not yet received any travel documents. Do they send these out shortly after you book or is it a certain timeframe before you arrive? I wonder if I should contact Disney to enquire. My stay is not until mid August.  

i don't think i've ever received any hard documents. Did you get a confirmation email? Can you see the reservation in MDE ?  

Yes I did get an email and I can see the reservation in MDE . However it says in the email that "Travel Documents Your travel documents will be shipped to the address below..... (insert my address here)"  

DisneyWorldbuff

It is probably referring to your Magical Express tags(if you are flying). That is the only thing we have received, as well as our Magic Bands, for a trip in two weeks. I didn't receive any other documents. The days of the vouchers and fun pamphlets seem to be gone. I hope this helps, I don't think you have any reason to be concerned. Have a great trip!  

DIS Veteran

DisneyWorldbuff said: It is probably referring to your Magical Express tags(if you are flying). That is the only thing we have received, as well as our Magic Bands, for a trip in two weeks. I didn't receive any other documents. The days of the vouchers and fun pamphlets seem to be gone. I hope this helps, I don't think you have any reason to be concerned. Have a great trip! Click to expand...

KrazeeK120 said: We got a booklet about our "Incredible" vacation and also a booklet of vouchers. The vouchers didn't come until shortly before the trip. I don't remember when the other booklet came...maybe about 6 months out from our trip? Click to expand...

Mouseketeer

I've had different experiences. Sometimes I get a "Things to Do" package. Obviously, DME comes through. And, I'll get the take home prints every now and then. Other than DME (or documents for international travelers), the "travel documents" are more convenience/information rather than required items.  

Maggie'sMom

For our past few trips, we've received the booklet with the Incredibles on it shortly after booking (within a few weeks). Then we receive the DME mailing with luggage tags about 4 weeks before and Magic Bands about 3 weeks before check in. If booking a package, we usually get another book with the package vouchers about a month before. But we haven't booked a package in 3 or 4 years.  

We have a package booked with dining and tickets and resort stay. I understand because we are Canadian we do not get our Magicbands sent in the mail. I had forgotten about the luggage tags although we will not be using the DME as we will be renting a car. The vouchers would be nice though.  

anorman said: I booked a stay at POR with free dining when it came out first and I have not yet received any travel documents. Do they send these out shortly after you book or is it a certain timeframe before you arrive? I wonder if I should contact Disney to enquire. My stay is not until mid August. Click to expand...

Candris79 said: They usually mail out the magic bands and luggage tags about 30 days prior to the trip, but I think the incredible vacation booklet comes about 2 to 3 months in advance. Click to expand...

• May 18, 2017

I guess things have changed. We haven't booked a package in years. We book room only. But when we did book packages we got a packet mailed after the 45 day paid in full date with a coupon book in it there was our meal plan entitlements and various coupons for discounts fo spas, boat rentals, mini golf, and arcade. DME tags came seperatly.  

We got the Incredibles book about 2 weeks after we booked our trip & got book with coupons & vouchers in it about 2 weeks ago & we arrive on 6/3  

KrazeeK120 said: The Incredibles booklet comes long before that. Mine had the date I could start booking ADRs in it. So it was at least 6 months. Click to expand...

Lesley Wake

I think the booklets just haven't come out yet for people who booked right when Free Dining came out. They probably had a lot of bookings then, so maybe a delay? For my experience: I originally booked POR in Sept 2016 for a Sept 2017 visit. Sometime last fall I got the Incredibles book. Then while waiting for free dining I freaked out and started booking filler packages-Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom Lodge; I cancelled both of those within about a week. But my booklets came for each of those in the past 2 weeks (they now have the castle on the front, not Incredibles). When Room discounts came out I realized that was a better deal so I booked at POFQ; still haven't gotten the booklet yet for that.  

scrapquitler

Your Magical Express documents will ship out about 4-6 weeks prior to your trip. Once you customize your magic bands, they will ship approx. 30 days prior to your trip. That's the only documents I've ever gotten.  

WishICouldSpeakWhale

Our booklet came yesterday; we booked a free dining deal the day it was released. The booklet points out some key dates (dining reservations, fast pass booking), but otherwise isn't needed. It's fun to get it in the mail, but don't panic if you don't have it.  

dizprincess717

• May 20, 2017

You'll receive your "final travel documents" after you pay for your package in full. When booking a package (room and tickets or room, tickets, dining) final payment is due 30 days before departure, and the booklet is sent about a week later. Documents no longer have your information printed on the first page, rather it's just an insert now that has your name. At least, that's what I've been getting for my clients - I'm a travel agent . And, to be honest, while it's nice to have those documents in hand (and keep them as I've done with mine in years past), you really don't need documents to check-in at the hotel. Just your name, ID and a credit card. If this is regarding the "welcome/thank you for booking" booklet, I received mine about a month after I put a deposit on my room.  

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I've already sent in all my documents..I leave on April 19 and I have misplaced my driver's license..I don't think I will receive another copy in time before I leave..What should I do? I do have a copy of them on my phone ”

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Disney announces changes to disability access for guests at its theme parks

D isney is set to overhaul its disability access services at its California and Florida theme parks, the company announced on Tuesday, April 9. 

The changes were announced in updates to the "Disability Access Service (DAS)" pages on the Disneyland and Walt Disney World websites. 

The service, which is free, allows those with disabilities to get a return time for attractions rather than wait in a standard line. 

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Now, the Disneyland and Walt Disney Resort websites state, "DAS is intended to accommodate a small percentage of Guests who, due to a developmental disability like autism or similar, are unable to wait in a conventional queue for an extended period or time."

Previously, DAS was indicated as for "guests who have difficulty tolerating extended waits in a conventional queue environment due to a disability."

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The new changes will go into effect on May 20 at Walt Disney World in Florida and June 18 at Disneyland in California, the company said. The existing "DAS" procedure will continue until then. 

In addition to the specification for those who qualify for DAS, Disney also changed the procedure for requesting the service. 

At Walt Disney World as of May 20, all DAS registrations must occur via virtual video chat, and "in-person registration will no longer be available at theme park Guest Relations locations starting May 20, 2024," says the Walt Disney World website. 

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At Disneyland, after June 18, guests applying for DAS can either use a virtual chat or a dedicated "accessibility services" window for same-day requests. 

Once DAS is granted, it will be valid for either the length of the guest's theme park ticket, or for up to 120 days. 

It is possible to re-register for DAS once these dates have passed, said Disney. 

Previously, DAS was valid for a 60-day period. 

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Those who presently have DAS will have to re-apply for the service, the company indicated. 

DAS is also now limited to a guest's "immediate family," or a group of no more than four unrelated people, say the websites. 

Travel website TouringPlans, which reports on theme park news and assists with trip planning, said that other changes to Disney's disability access polices were rumored — including accommodations for those with non-developmental disabilities that impact their ability to stand in a line.  

"There are reports that Disney will introduce a defined ‘return to queue’ process for guests who need to leave a queue and re-enter," the website indicated, noting that this may be a suitable accomodation for people who previously qualified for DAS. 

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DAS, which was introduced in 2013, was an update of the "Guest Assistance Card," a previous policy that enabled park guests with disabilities to skip most attraction lines. 

In 2013, Disney stated that it hoped DAS would "control abuse with the current program that was, unfortunately, widespread and growing at an alarming rate." 

FOX Business reached out to Disney for additional comment and clarification on the new policies. 

For more Lifestyle articles, visit www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle .

Original article source: Disney announces changes to disability access for guests at its theme parks

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Disney Has Revamped Its Accessibility Services and Line-Skipping Policy Due to Misuse

The changes go into effect this spring.

Elizabeth Rhodes is a special projects editor at Travel + Leisure , covering everything from luxury hotels to theme parks to must-pack travel products. Originally from South Carolina, Elizabeth moved to New York City from London, where she started her career as a travel blogger and writer.

Christian Thompson/Courtesy of Disneyland Resort

Disney just announced some major changes to its Disability Access Service (DAS) and unveiled new planning resources to help guests with disabilities prepare for a magical vacation.

On Tuesday, Disney updated its Accessibility Planning Guide and Recommendations for Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort with a variety of tools for guests to use when planning their next Disney trip. The new-and-improved guide provides greater clarity about the types of accessibility options (and which guests they were created for), with helpful tips like quiet locations where guests can take a break, a list of companion restrooms, guidelines for service animals, transportation around the resort, sensory details for various experiences, and more.

“Disney is dedicated to providing a great experience for all guests, including those with disabilities, which is why we are so committed to delivering a wide range of innovative support services aimed at helping our guests with disabilities have a wonderful time when visiting our theme parks,” a spokesperson for Walt Disney World Resort said in a statement to Travel + Leisure.  

Related: 42 Disney World and Disneyland Tips for a Magical Vacation

Christine Burroni/Travel + Leisure

The DAS revamp also comes the goal to manage the misuse of the line-skipping program and ensure that the guests it is intended for can access it. Effective May 20 at Walt Disney World and June 18 at Disneyland, DAS enrollment for the program will extend to last 120 days instead of 60, and DAS party size will be limited to include only immediate family members, or no more than four guests. 

DAS works by providing those enrolled in the program a return time for attractions, eliminating the need for those those guests and their parties to wait in the standby queue. The return time typically equals the current wait time for the attraction so guests can wait elsewhere and return to enter the attraction via the Lightning Lane at the assigned time. Disney reported to T+L that DAS use has more than tripled over the last five years. Disney will also be adding more trained cast members (in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance’s health professionals) to help guests understand the best tools and accommodations for their needs while also making sure that only the guests for whom those accommodations were intended receive them.

Related: Disneyland vs. Walt Disney World — Everything You Need to Know About Both Theme Park Resorts

In the wake of these new changes, Disney is strongly encouraging guests to check out the updated websites to view the host of services for guests with disabilities to see which best match what they need.

To acquaint guests with the new resource, visitors can have a virtual video chat with the Accessibility Services team anytime from 30 to 2 days prior to their visit to determine a guest’s eligibility for DAS based on their individual needs. Disney recommends that guests start planning as soon as the window opens (or sooner). Alternatively, guests at Disneyland can have the conversation in-person at a designated window on the esplanade between the theme park main entrances (if they cannot before their arrival), but visitors to Walt Disney World will need to connect with a cast member via a virtual chat if they do not complete this before their arrival.

Per Disney, the goal of this new process is ensuring only the guests who require the DAS receive it. Cast members may also direct guests to other accessibility services (besides DAS) that are a better fit, including line-return options for guests who may need to visit the restroom with greater frequency, ASL interpreting services, service animal relief areas, or wheelchair access for guests using mobility devices.