Embarkation Day on a Disney Cruise Line voyage is filled with excitement that’s hard to put into words, especially if it’s your first Disney Cruise! I totally understand you! I’m here to help you navigate the ins and outs of Day 1, enhancing your cruise experience from great to truly magical!
Disney Cruise embarkation day tips updated for my March 2024 experience from Galveston! Get the inside scoop on a smooth start, wherever your U.S. port of departure.
At Galveston Port
I’m sure you can’t wait to get onboard the Disney Cruise ship on the embarkation day; however, the boarding times are scheduled in advance. Arriving early at the port won’t get you on the ship any faster, so please keep that in mind.
A quick tip: When you arrive at the port, there will be porters who take care of your luggage. This would be good to keep in mind, since they are taking your luggage you may want to be ready to tip them. After you get on the Disney Cruise ship, you can use credit cards for gratuity; however, they accept only cash here at drop-off. So, please bring some cash as well. My husband and I had to dig into our wallets to collect cash since we don’t usually carry cash.
SECURITY BEFORE EMBARKATION AND IMMIGRATION
You are about to get on the Disney Cruise ship, and you may find yourself surprised, you have to go through the security. It is pretty much the same as the airport’s security. I totally forgot about this and of course, they threw away the water bottle I just bought before I came here. Oops!
Disney Cruise Check-In
Once you’ve gone through security, you’ll head to the check-in area for your Disney Cruise. Here, you’ll notice that everyone’s grouped into different lines depending on their castaway club membership level with Disney. Keep an eye out for where to line up, there are specific lines for first-timers, Silver members, Gold members, and so on. Concierge guests are in the fastest line. Someday, we want to go to Concierge queues!
At check-in, you’ll be assigned a group number, and boarding will be organized based on these numbers.
Waiting Room before boarding
You are going to wait here until your group number is called. Although there were chairs in the waiting room, there were no shops. When we boarded in Galveston, there was not wait time at all, but we have waited about 10-15 minutes on previous Disney cruises. It depends how crowded your ship is and the time when you get there. The closer your boarding and check-in times are, the shorter your wait should be. However, since security and check-in can take a while, I recommend getting to the port with plenty of time to spare.
Boarding on Disney Cruise
It’s a picture time! Once your group number is called, you can finally leave the waiting room and enter the magical Disney world! Right before you board the ship, you’ll find a photo backdrop with friendly staff ready to snap your fist Disney Cruise moments! We had already purchased the Disney photo package at a discount before boarding, so we made sure to stop for our photo opportunity. If you are not feeling it, no worries! You can skip this part. Also, if you’re on the fence about getting the photo package, you can always decide to buy it after boarding. So you might want to take a pose just in case you change your mind later.
Finally, you will be on the Disney Cruise ship! As you approach the entrance, a crew member will ask for your last name. Then, with a warm announcement and applause, they’ll welcome you: “Welcome to the Colorado Family!” It’s a great way to start your cruise journey.
The places you may want to visit first
Before you board a Disney Cruise, you can pre-book onboard activities, rotational dining, and nursery reservations for children ages 6 months to under 3 years old. However, the start dates for these reservations vary depending on your membership status, so first-time guests may not always get their preferred bookings.
Here’s some good news: if you can’t make reservations beforehand or need to make changes, you should do so immediately after boarding.
FIRST LUNCH ON THE DISNEY CRUISE
If you’re boarding around lunchtime, definitely plan to eat on the ship. My family always goes light on breakfast so we can board hungry and ready to dive into the dining options!
On Disney Cruises, lunch options vary from full-service restaurants offering courses from appetizers to desserts, to buffet-style dining, which differs depending on the ship you’re on. For instance, on the Magic, Dream, and Fantasy, the buffet is called “Cabanas,” while on the Wish and the upcoming Treasure ( will be sailing soon in 2024!), it’s named “Marceline Market.”
To find out which restaurants are open on the embarkation day, check the Disney Cruise Navigation app or ask any of the crew members. Disney staff are very helpful and friendly, always ready to assist you with a smile.
What to Expect During the Open House on Embarkation Day
Disney Cruise Kids Club
The Kids Club Open House on embarkation day is a must-see event for everyone, especially for families on a Disney Cruise. The club is organized into groups based on children’s ages, making it a tailored experience for all kids.
If you’re traveling with kids, taking advantage of the Open House to check out the Kids Club facilities is a great idea. This event is available only during limited times on the first day of the cruise, so make sure to plan accordingly.
While you’re cruising, the Kids Club offers multiple Open Houses, with their timing and frequency depending on how long your cruise is. I’d recommend checking it out on the first day so your little one can get a feel for the place before jumping in.
Just a heads-up: during non-Open House hours, parents can’t go into the Kids Club, even if their child is inside. Also, you are not allowed to take pictures inside the club unless it’s an Open House day.
Here are the age groups for the Disney Cruise Kids Club
Especially if it’s your first Disney Cruise, you’ll want to check out what the facilities are like. Kids need to be registered to use the Kids Club. You can pre-register before boarding, but final registration happens once you’re on the ship.
For kids aged 3 to 10 attending the Oceaneer Club, a wristband is required. These wristbands cost $10, but you’ll get your money back if you return them on the last day of the cruise. This system helps keep track of the kids and ensures their safety while they enjoy the club’s activities.
Senses Spa
The first day of your cruise is a perfect opportunity to explore the onboard spa facilities at Senses Spa. If you’ve ever wondered what a cruise ship spa is like, make sure to visit during the open house. Senses Spa offers more than just relaxation services; you can also find haircuts, nail care, and even acupuncture treatments.
For those who might experience seasickness, consulting with acupuncturist on board could be helpful. They often provide ear acupuncture stickers, which are said to help with seasickness (as of 2024 these cost about $30).
Additionally, Senses Spa features a sauna area known as the Rainforest Room, which is available for an additional fee. The Rainforest Room offers unlimited access during the spa’s operating hours throughout the cruise.
*For more detailed information on what to expect from the Rainforest Room and other spa services, check out “DISCOVERING THE ULTIMATE INDULGENCE WITH RAINFOREST PASS ON DCL.“
Explore the Disney Ship
When you have some spare time, take the opportunity to explore the ship. Disney Cruise features ships with unique layouts, so the location of restaurants and bars can vary from one vessel to another. Whether it’s your first sail or not, taking an early stroll can help you get your bearings and keep those “oops, where am I? moments to a minimum. Trust me, these ships are way roomier than you might think, and it’s pretty easy to get turned around. We ended up checking the map over and over, and still got lost a few times!
Also, the pools are good to go as soon as you step on board. If you’re keen to jump into the pool or enjoy waterslides, make sure to pack your swimsuit and a change of clothes in your carry-on. Sometimes checked luggage may not be delivered until the evening, so having your essentials with you is key.
Checking Into Your Disney Cruise Stateroom
Your stateroom check-in time can vary depending on your cruise. Sometimes, rooms might be ready after lunch, while other times, they may not be ready until closer to the evening. Keep checking the navigation app!
Once your room is ready, you can finally go inside. Your room key can be found at your room door. This is super convenient because any luggage you checked in before boarding will also be delivered right to your door. However, just because you can check into your room doesn’t necessarily mean all your luggage will be there at the same time. Since luggage delivery can be staggered, if you notice some bags are missing, give it a bit more time – they’ll likely show up shortly.
All About the Disney Cruise Safety Drill
On every cruise, including those magical Disney voyages, taking part in a mandatory safety drill is a standard practice. The schedule for these drills can differ when you’re sailing. When we got on Disney Magic in March 2024, we had a drill at 3:30 PM.
During the drill, passengers gather in groups – some might assemble on the deck, while others might meet inside a restaurant. The drill mainly involves listening to important safety information and instructions. Attendance is not only mandatory but also tracked, so make sure you participate.
SAILAWAY PARTY – THE BIGGEST EVENT ON DCL EMBARKATION DAY!
Get ready for the Sail Away party, a must-see event on the first day of your Disney Cruise! The party is held at the top pool deck in the evening as the ship departs. I would say, it’s the most crowded party during the cruise. Make sure to get to the deck a little earlier if you want to get a good spot! If you have kids, you might want to try and get close to the stage. It’s a great way for them to see and possibly dance with some of their favorite Disney characters.
As the ship’s horn sounds, you’ll know it’s time to set sail. Keep in mind that the Sail Away Party is held outdoors, so dressing appropriately for the weather is key. For instance, it can get quite chilly in March if you’re departing from Galveston, Texas. Always check the weather forecast for your departure port and dress comfortably to fully enjoy the exciting start to your cruise adventure!
Setting Sail: A Guide to What Happens After Disney Cruise Departure
Once you’ve completed the mandatory safety drill, your Disney Cruise adventure truly begins – free to explore and enjoy as you wish!
Each cruiser’s schedule will vary depending on their assigned dining rotation. Whether your evening starts with your dining or a spectacular show, rest assured that you won’t miss out on any key activities like character greetings or performances, no matter your dining schedule. Plus, depending on the length of your cruise, there might not always be a show on the first night.
To keep track of everything happening on board, make sure to check the Disney Cruise Line Navigation app. It’s your go-to guide for staying updated on all the activities and events planned for your sailing.
Dive into the experience, and let the magic of the open sea carry you away to a world of excitement and relaxation!
Disney Cruise Essentials: Embarkation Day Shopping Tips
Shopping on a Disney Cruise offers a unique twist! The shops onboard only open once the ship has set sail and is cruising on international water, which means you can enjoy duty-free shopping!
Each cruise features exclusive merchandise, so if you’re eyeing a special item, you should go to the store as early as possible when the stores open. So, you might want to consider your dining rotation time if shopping for limited items on the cruise is your priority. The shops usually open during the first dining-rotation time.
Final thoughts
Knowing what the first day of your Disney Cruise is like is more key than you might think! While it’s tempting to get caught up in the excitement of the upcoming activities and entertainment, taking a moment to familiarize yourself with essential details like immediate reservation changes and Open House events can truly enhance your overall experience.
By seizing these early opportunities, you not only maximize your fun time with the onboard offerings but also ease into your magical vacation seamlessly. Diving into these first-day activities helps you settle in comfortably and ensures that you start your vacation on the right note. I hope these tips help you kick off your Disney Cruise adventure more fun!
Embarkation Day Tips for a Smooth Start on Your Disney Cruise
I would like to share our family’s very first Disney Cruise experience. We started the day relaxed enough, but once we boarded, everything became hectic. There was so much we wanted to see, do, and eat- plus, every sighting of Disney Characters so closely had us rushing in excitement. We ended up lost on the ship so many times, confused by the app, and missing some events. We even went to bed exhausted after 1AM. Waking up tired the next day felt like a waste of our magical vacation.
Lesson learned! Slow down and try not to do everything. Take a more relaxed approach so you can enjoy each moment without burning out. Disney Cruise is packed with fun, so pace yourself to make the most of it!
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them in the comment section below.
Thank you for reading through to the end! I hope you have a wonderful Disney Cruise adventure!
Bon Voyage!
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