My Disney Cruise Adventure: Tips, Laughs & Magic on the High Seas!
Let me start by saying—WOW. Disney Cruise Line truly live up to their name, delivering magic at sea for all ages. I’ve just come back from a roundtrip Auckland sailing, and I’m here to spill all the tea (or should I say, soft-serve ice cream?) to help you plan your Disney Cruise adventure. Let’s dive in!
1. All Aboard: Boarding Day Tips
Disney nails the boarding process! Whether it’s Auckland Port or Disney’s magic touch, everything was seamless. We boarded at 12:30 PM, but keep in mind that rooms weren’t ready until 1:30 PM.
Tip: Pack swimsuits and essentials in your carry-on. The kids can dive into the pools while you relax and soak up the atmosphere!
For these Auckland roundtrip sailings with no international ports, a passport is not required. Just bring a government-issued photo ID, like a driver’s license.
Click here for more information.
2. Stateroom Highlights
I stayed in a Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah (Category 05B - stateroom 6088), and it was cosy yet functional—perfect for a magical getaway.
Click here to view my stateroom walkthrough!
NB: I mention in the video that I'll ask the cabin steward to split the main bed, however this is not possible.
- Key features:
- A curtain to divide sleeping areas for extra privacy.
- A compact bathroom with separate toilet and bath areas.
- A high lock on the verandah door for added child safety.
- Plenty of storage space and a mini fridge.
One heads-up: the main bed doesn’t split into two. For twin setups, you’ll have a queen bed and a single sofa bed. The sofa is surprisingly comfy—I slept on it for three nights and had no complaints!
Click here to view my verandah child lock video
Tip: If the water pressure in your shower isn’t what you hoped, check that the bottom handle (pictured below) is turned all the way to the right. It makes a huge difference!
Tip: Bring a lanyard with a plastic sleeve for your room keycard. If you don’t have one, the onboard boutique sells cute Disney-themed ones.
Bonus: Disney provides a double adaptor in the room—super handy—but there are no USB ports, so pack your chargers!
3. Dining: Rotational Magic & Late-Night Eats
Disney does dining a little differently. Each night, you rotate between three main dining rooms—Tiana’s Place, Animator’s Palate, and Triton’s—while your servers follow you. It’s like having a personal dining team! Dining times are set at either 5.45pm or 8.15pm each night. Your preferred dining time can be requested on your cruise personaliser prior to your cruise.
- Alternatives: Not in the mood for the main dining rooms? Room service is included in your fare (just a discretionary tip to the server), available 24/7, and honestly, it’s fantastic. Pete’s Boiler Bites also offers burgers, hot dogs, and fries for a quick fix.
- Buffet time: Cabana’s is your go-to for breakfast and lunch but isn’t open for dinner.
- Adults-only treat: Check out Palo’s for brunch or dinner (US$60 per person for brunch). The food is incredible, and it’s perfect for a special occasion.
Room service was tasty
Daisy's Delites on the pool deck was a favourite for fresh and healthy lunchtime options
Tip: Don’t forget the unlimited soft-serve ice cream, sodas, and coffee stations! Bring a refillable water bottle to use at the hydration stations around the ship.
Click here for an example of drinks pricing in USD onboard.
4. Stay Active While You Sail
For those who like to keep up their exercise routine, Disney Wonder has a fully equipped gym with everything you need to stay fit while cruising. Open from 6am, it’s a great way to start your day.
Tip 1: The gym is tucked away through the corridors of the Senses Spa & Salon, so it feels like a bit of a hidden gem—perfect for some quiet workout time! 6am on Disney Wonder is like a ghost ship - not a soul in sight!
Emma & Kay hit the gym!
Tip 2: The ship’s lifts can be quite small and busy at peak times, so if you’re able, take the stairs—it’s a great way to sneak in extra exercise and avoid the queues!
The lifts are super cute though with Mickey's finger pointing to the deck numbers.
The ship has loads of little Mickey touches. Makes for a fun family activity - who can spot the hidden mickeys!
5. Entertainment: From Broadway to Fireworks
The entertainment onboard is truly next-level—Disney-style shows, character meet-and-greets, and even fireworks at sea (Disney is the only cruise line allowed to do this!).
Pro tip: Arrive at the theatre at least 20 minutes early to grab a good seat—these shows are popular for a reason!
For adults looking for a break, Quiet Cove is a dream. This adults-only pool and bar area is peaceful, upwind from the kids’ pools, so you can fully unwind.
5. Onboard Fun for All Ages
Disney cruises are jam-packed with activities, and the Navigator App is your best friend. Use it to check the schedule, add events to your favourites, and get reminders 15 minutes before they start—super handy!
Pro tip: There are no printed daily schedules delivered to your stateroom. Make sure you download the Navigator App prior to sailing. It's handy for messaging your friends and family too!
- For kids: The clubs look amazing, and while I didn’t try them firsthand, they seem like a paradise for little ones. Unlimited Disney movies on-demand in your stateroom are also perfect for early risers!
6. Getting Online: Manage Expectations
The onboard internet won’t win any awards for speed, but it gets the job done for social scrolling. Plans start at $20 USD/day for social media and $32 USD/day for a more comprehensive package.
Tip: I purchased one device plan and hotspotted from my phone—it worked like a charm!
7. Final Thoughts: Is Disney Right for You?
If I'm honest, I came onboard expecting kids running amok, high on sugar, but I'm pleased to say that wasn't the case. Disney does an incredible job of keeping everyone entertained and happy, no matter their age. The kids are fully immersed in activities, the adults are relaxing in their own spaces, and the entire atmosphere feels genuinely magical.
The service, entertainment, and attention to detail are truly top-notch. So, grab the grandparents, cousins, and friends—it’s time to make some unforgettable memories!
Just in!
Customer Review of their first Disney Cruise...
"Just to say we have returned from our cruise and it was absolutely fabulous! It was the perfect place to celebrate with our family of 20 and without a doubt one the whole family will always remember.
So thanks for all your help."
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