Planning for a Disney cruise is undeniably exciting, but before you can set sail on your sea escape, there's one crucial task at hand – packing your bags. If you're anything like me, you've already been packing for weeks. As for Leap and the kids? Well, let's just say they like to be a bit more spontaneous. No matter your packing style (or speed), there are definitely some important things to consider. You'll want to ensure you have all the essentials but not overpack due to limited stateroom storage space. Additionally, you'll want to keep in mind the needs of all members of your travel party, as well as the destination of your cruise and any Port Adventures or excursions you have planned. What you pack for a cruise to Alaska will certainly differ from what you'd pack for a Caribbean cruise. So, let's jump in and go over our ultimate Disney cruise packing list!
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- Packing Tips
Ultimate Disney Cruise Packing List — Preparations
Disney Cruise Stateroom Layout and Organization
Sometimes it's easier to think about what to pack when you have an idea of where everything will fit once you arrive. The Disney cruise staterooms are generously sized considering cruise industry standards, but you'll still want to be smart about what and how you pack. To give you an idea, a Disney World Moderate resort room runs about 315 square feet. Whereas a Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah is about 284 square feet, so onboard space might feel a bit snug cozy if you overpack. There also isn't much drawer space in the cruise staterooms. Instead, there's ample hanging closet space and shelves to stack items. You'll find a couple of small drawers in the vanity and shelving next to the vanity mirror. (Stateroom configuration sizes and layouts vary by ship and category. A quick Google image search of your stateroom category will help you get a better idea of what your specific room storage will include.)
We recommend that each froggy in your crew pack only one suitcase and a small carry-on such as a backpack. Once in the room, we hang as many clothes as we can in the closet space and store our suitcases under the bed so they are out of the way. For everything else, we like to use packing cubes to contain our clothing items that can't be hung such as socks, undergarments, swimsuits, shoes, hats, etc., and stack the cubes on the closet shelves. The shelves next to the vanity and in the bathrooms make the perfect spot to store toiletries and self-care items.
Next to either side of the bed are two nightstands. These come in handy to hold all those electronic devices, charging cables and smaller items such as sunglasses, lanyards, hair accessories, etc. Lastly, valuable items such as travel documents, wallets, purses and jewelry are stored in the in-room safe.
What You Don't Need to Pack
In the spirit of maximizing your stateroom space, here's a list of things you don't need to pack on your Disney cruise vacation:
- Towels and linens
- Hand soap
- Beach towels
- Hairdryer
- Life jackets
- Robes
- Safety deposit box
- Baby supplies (cribs, diaper disposal units, bottle warmers and sterilizers are provided by your stateroom attendant)
- Irons and steamers
- Sporting equipment
- Bottled water
- Coolers (except those carrying medications and baby food items)
- Homemade, pre-cooked or perishable items
Travel Documentation
When it comes to dressing for embarkation day, you'll want to opt for casual and comfortable attire. You'll also want to be sure to pack a carry-on with all your necessary travel documents, a wallet with photo IDs, cellphones, charging cables, as well as sunscreen, swimsuits and sunglasses for easy access once onboard the ship.
Whatever you do, don't pack your travel documentation in your luggage! Keep in mind that once you check in at the cruise terminal, your bags will be sent off to security and won't be delivered to your stateroom until later in the afternoon. Your carry-on bag should be spacious enough to hold these essentials without being too bulky. While you wait for your belongings, get to know the ship by taking a tour, grabbing lunch or taking a dip in one of the pools for a relaxing start to your cruise adventure!
Travel Documents
- Passports or other accepted proof of citizenship for all travelers (including children)
- Valid photo identification for adults (such as a driver's license or government-issued photo ID)
- Disney Cruise Line reservation confirmation and Online Check-In Port Arrival Form
- Any required citizenship documentation
- Signed documentation for minors traveling without a parent (Signed Authorization for Minor to Travel Without a Parent or Legal Guardian Form)
- Pre- and post-cruise travel information such as flights, hotel or rental car details
- Proof of travel insurance (if applicable)
Embarkation Day Carry-on
- Cellphones with charging cords and battery packs (download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app before you arrive at the port!)
- Medication (in their original containers)
- Credit cards and cash for onboard expenses and tips
- Glasses or contact lenses
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen and hat
- Swimsuit and cover-up
- Baby care essentials (if applicable)
Disney Cruise Packing List — Clothing & Accessories
We recommend packing one outfit per day for each family member. If you need to refresh your wardrobe during the cruise, there are 24-hour, self-service guest laundry facilities equipped with washers and dryers, along with detergent and complimentary ironing equipment. No coins are needed―simply pay using your "Key to the World" card.
Full-service laundry and dry-cleaning services are also available for an additional fee. You can request that your laundry be picked up and delivered right to your stateroom.
For dining aboard a Disney cruise, the main dining restaurants have a relaxed dress code — however, swimwear is not permitted. While many guests enjoy dressing up a little more for dinner, it's toadally optional. For the adult-exclusive dining venues, formal or semi-formal attire is recommended. Dress-casual options such as dress pants, jeans in good condition, collared shirts, blouses and lifestyle shoes will do the trick. However, T-shirts, swimwear, shorts, sports attire and flip-flops are not allowed. On longer cruises, there are themed nights, including a formal night where participation is welcomed, but not required.
Daytime Attire:
- Comfortable casual clothing (T-shirts, shorts, sundresses)
- Undergarments and socks
- Pajamas
- Workout clothes and sneakers if using onboard fitness facilities
- Swimwear (swimsuits, cover-ups, flip-flops)
- Hat and sunglasses for sun protection
- Light jacket or sweater for cooler indoor areas
- Accessories (jewelry, watches, handbags, mouse ear headbands/hats)
- Winter wear for Alaskan and Canadian cruises (gloves, hats, scarves)
Evening Wear:
- Smart casual attire for dinners (khakis, collared shirts, sundresses)
- Semi-formal attire for optional formal dinners (suits, pants, dresses, co*cktail attire)
- Accessories to complement evening outfits (jewelry, ties, scarves)
Footwear:
- Comfortable walking shoes for shore excursions
- Dress shoes for evening events
- Flip-flops or sandals for casual wear
- Sturdy footwear for Alaskan and Canadian cruises (boots or rubber-sole shoes)
Outerwear:
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings
- Heavy coat for Alaskan and Canadian Cruises
Accessories:
- Day bag or backpack for carrying essentials during shore excursions
- Travel-sized umbrella
- Beach bag for carrying beach gear and sunscreen to port destinations
- Reusable water bottles
- Lanyards for holding your "Key to the World" cards
Toiletries & Personal Care
You'll want to pack a toiletry bag for each person or consider bringing along a large folding cosmetic bag with different compartments that you can hang on the back of the bathroom door. Remember to pack travel-sized toiletries to save space in your luggage. Disney Cruise Line provides basic toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner and soap in staterooms, but you may prefer to bring your own favorite brands.
Toiletries and Personal Care Items
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Body wash or soap
- Face wash and skincare products
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Dental floss
- Deodorant
- Moisturizer or lotion
- Sunscreen (waterproof/sweat-resistant and reef-safe if swimming in the ocean)
- Lip balm with SPF
- Razor and shaving cream
- Hairbrush or comb and hair styling products
- Hair tools such as a curling iron
- Hair ties or accessories
- Makeup
- Q-tips and cotton swabs
- Feminine hygiene products
- Contact lens solution and case (if applicable)
- Prescription medications (enough for the duration of the cruise plus extra)
- Over-the-counter medications (pain relievers, motion sickness pills, etc.)
- Small first aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic wipes, etc.)
- Hand sanitizer
Disney Cruise Packing List — Electronics & Entertainment
When packing electronics for your cruise, don't forget to bring chargers and charging cables for all your devices. You also might consider waterproof cases or pouches for water-based activities. It's also a good idea to pack a power bank for on-the-go charging and to secure your devices in a sturdy case to protect them should they get dropped or juggled around while traveling.
Electronics & Entertainment for the Cruise:
- Cell phone
- Tablet or laptop (optional, for entertainment or work)
- Camera
- MagicBand+ (optional — if you have a MagicBand+ that you purchased at Disney World or Disneyland, you can use it as a DisneyBand+ onboard)
- Waterproof phone case or pouch for water-based activities
- Portable power bank or charger
- Headphones or earbuds
- Travel adapters and converters (if traveling internationally)
- E-reader or books for leisure reading
- Portable gaming device
- Binoculars (for wildlife or scenic views from verandahs or excursions)
- Autograph book and pen for character meet and greets
For Travel to and from the Cruise:
- Travel-sized board games or card games for entertainment during transit
- Snacks and beverages for the journey
- Neck pillow and blanket for comfort during long flights or drives
- Cash for tipping porters
Babies & Toddlers
We know that traveling with babies and toddlers is a whole other level. This is especially true since you can't just make a stop at the convenience store or order from a grocery service if you happen to froget an essential item. The good news is that a small selection of baby care items is available at the onboard merchandise shops such as pacifiers, baby formula and food, diapers, wipes and rash cream.
Complimentary diaper disposal units, bottle warmers and sterilizers are available onboard. Simply ask your stateroom attendant once your room is ready on embarkation day. We recommend bringing your own stroller — however, there is a limited quantity available at Guest Services. Don't worry about bringing a portable crib – you can also request a Pack-n-Play from your stateroom host, who will set it up and take it down daily. Plus, you'll find complimentary high chairs at all onboard restaurants. Freshly pureed vegetables can be made upon request at either the main dining rooms or for room service delivery.
If you'll be making a stop at Disney Castaway Cay, complimentary beach wagons are also available.
Baby Care Essentials
- Diapers (enough for the duration of the cruise plus extra)
- Baby wipes
- Diaper rash cream
- Changing pad
- Baby bottles and formula or breast milk (if applicable)
- Baby food, snacks and feeding utensils
- Bibs and burp cloths
- Baby carrier or sling for easy transportation onboard
- Stroller or lightweight collapsible stroller for port excursions
- Baby sunscreen
- Baby swim diapers
- Baby bath products (soap, shampoo, lotion)
- Baby toys and comfort items
Disney Cruise Packing List Tips
Here are a few extra tips to assist with your Disney cruise packing:
- Disney Cruise Line provides two complimentary luggage tags to each guest before embarkation. These will arrive in the mail with your Guest Travel Booklet or luggage Tag Folder. These tags feature your name, ship name, stateroom number, sail date and reservation number. Don't forget to pop these on your luggage before you arrive at the port. This will ensure seamless luggage handling from drop-off to delivery to your stateroom.
- Guests 21 years and older can bring up to 2 unopened bottles of wine or champagne or 6 beers on board at the start of the voyage and at each port of call. These drinks will need to be in your carry-on bags, not in your checked luggage.
- Avoid packing items such as candles, appliances or anything with a heating element (hair tools are OK and mats are provided in the staterooms to lay them on). We recommend reading over the Prohibited and Restricted Items List before you go. Prohibited items will be confiscated and cause a delay with your luggage delivery on embarkation day.
- The stateroom doors and many of the walls are magnetic. Many guests bring magnets to decorate their stateroom doors. Another smart idea is to bring along heavy-duty magnet hooks to hang in your room. This will give you extra hooks to hang towels, beach bags or wet bathing suits. You can find both door and hook magnets on Amazon.
- The Fish Extender activity is another popular onboard activity among Disney Cruise Line guests. It involves participating in a gift exchange where guests hang small pockets or organizers called "fish extenders" outside their stateroom doors. These extenders are typically made of fabric and feature pockets or compartments. This activity is not sponsored by Disney in any way but is organized by other guests on the ship. Participants sign up in advance (do a search for your ship and date on Facebook groups), and each participant is assigned a group. Throughout the cruise, participants leave small gifts or goodies in the pockets of their assigned exchange group's fish extenders.
Now you can set sail with confidence knowing you have all the packing information you need with our ultimate Disney cruise packing list. We know you're going to have a memorable voyage filled with adventure, relaxation and precious moments with your crew! What questions do you still have about packing for a Disney cruise? Let us know in the comments below!
Related: Our Top 10 Tips for Your First Disney Cruise
Hoppy planning!
