One of the most exciting planning experiences is working on your Disney Firsts. You know, those magical Disney moments that you only get to experience for the first time once. Even on the 100th visit, you might still get butterflies when you see Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom. Or, the thrill might be almost the same each time you step foot onto the shores of Castaway Cay. However, the enjoyment you feel is usually fueled by the familiarity of the experience. You already know exactly what to expect and are looking forward to it.
When it comes to your Disney Firsts, that ‘knowing’ feeling is preempted by excitement, nervousness, and wonder, your mind racing with anticipation. Disney only gets one shot to make that first impression a lasting memory, and they take every opportunity to present guests with that unforgettable wow factor. On our end, the job is meant to be simple, but there are some mistakes that you don’t want to make when planning your Disney First with Disney Cruise Line. Here are five avoidable mistakes to steer clear of when booking your inaugural voyage on a DCL vacation!
Don’t Arrive the Day You Depart
If you are traveling from interstate or even internationally, don’t make the mistake of arriving at your departure location the day your ship is setting sail. No matter how well you think you’ve planned the timing of your connection between arrival and embarking on the ship, as Robert Burns once said, “The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” Everything from flight delays to traffic can stand between you and your departure, and the less time you allow for that, the riskier things get. Give yourself time to relax and arrive the day before, or spend a few days in Walt Disney World before you set sail and make the trip a double event!
Don’t Assume You Won’t Get Sea Sick
If you’ve never been on a cruise before, don’t worry; you are in good company, though we can’t always be certain about how our bodies will react. Some might feel no discomfort at all, while others may be caught off guard by sea sickness. It’s an extremely unpleasant feeling and one that can throw off how you feel about the whole trip. If you’ve ever had motion sickness of any kind and found a medication that helped, take it with you. Some medications are available from the onboard medical center, though a known product is always best. If seasickness does strike, try to get up on deck where the fresh air can make a big difference.
Don’t Skip Your Travel Insurance
I’ve always enjoyed this topic. It’s not until you actually need to use your travel insurance that you can fully understand its value. When there are a few naysayers in the crowd who inevitably say it’s a waste of money, I can’t help but chuckle to myself and think, your time will come. Do not skip travel insurance. No matter how certain you are that you won’t be canceling your vacation, the coverage and peace of mind are worth it.
With the right plan, you can find coverage for everything. From that storm that grounds all local departing flights in your hometown to your computer that didn’t survive the large adults breaking the no-bombing-in-the-pool rules. Not to mention any medical expenses if you were to injure yourself while international; that can be a costly exercise! If you are spending all of this money on an amazing Disney Cruise Line vacation, secure it with the right travel insurance before you go. Consider your requirements outside of your time on the ship as well, such as any additional destinations and your time in transit.
Pack Your Bags Very Carefully
There are a variety of factors that you need to consider when packing for your Disney Cruise Line vacation. Not only will you need to consider weather conditions carefully, but you will also need to pay specific attention to the list of prohibited items. This isn’t the same as packing for your Walt Disney World vacation, where the only limitation is what you can take into the parks. Your stateroom is not a safe haven for any personal items while on board a DCL ship the way it might be at the parks. You must adhere to certain restrictions at all times. For instance, you won’t be able to take more than two unopened bottles of wine on board. Also, many small appliances are on the no-go list, including remote control toys like Star Warsdroids. Keep the list nearby so you can save yourself any hassle upon arrival, and leave those problem items at home.
Keep a Smaller Bag With You To Get Started
Just like when you arrive early at your resort, your room isn’t always ready for you to dive right into all the fun. On your first Disney Cruise Line experience, you might not realize that you won’t be instantly escorted to your room, and there will likely be a delay (up to a couple of hours) when it comes to accessing your baggage. To keep things easy, have any essentials with you in a separate carry-on bag. Just like when visiting the resorts, I like to keep a tote with everyone’s swimwear, sunscreen, and essential medications on my shoulder to allow us to get started ASAP. If you want to get things kicked off with some family pictures during the entry process, be sure to keep any props, like Ear Headbands or accessories, with you to have in the photos. Avoid having them buried in your suitcase that you can’t access until later.
What are some of your mistakes that others can avoid making on their first Disney Cruise Line vacation?
About Post Author
Zoë Wood
Zoë Wood is a travel writer from Sydney, Australia.
After her first visit to Disneyland at the age of 6, she has spent her years frequently visiting Disney Parks and traveling around the world.
Zoë is the mother of two children and has a lot of experience in traveling long distances with kids and special needs.
Join Zoë as she lets you in on all the tips, tricks, anecdotes, and embarrassments that arise from her family adventures.
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