Take a virtual tour of Disney Cruise Line® & its activities, ports of call, dining, entertainment & more

In the Questions & Answers section, we'll help you plan your cruise vacation by answering specific questions that we're most frequently asked. The section is organized by group, starting with General Information. Other groups such as Rates, Dates & More, Fun Onboard and Fun Onshore, contain questions and answers that relate to those areas of the Web site. We've also included a group for Guests with disabilities. If you have additional questions, give us a call at (800) 942-3301.

General Information Questions

What should I pack?
In short, the less the better. The Walt Disney World Resort and Disney Cruise Line offer a casual, informal resort atmosphere. During the summer months, lightweight shorts, slacks, sundresses, jeans, and tops are all appropriate daytime attire in The Bahamas, the Caribbean, and Central Florida. In the winter, a light jacket, sweater, and socks may be needed for cooler days and nights. Bring comfortable shoes -- like boatshoes, sandals, or sneakers. And don't forget swimwear, sunglasses, a sunhat or visor, and sunscreen - especially for the kids.

Shipboard evening attire for the Animator's Palate and Parrot Cay dining rooms is casual. Button-down, open-collar shirts or polo shirts and slacks are recommended for men. Pants and a blouse or a casual dress are appropriate for ladies. For Lumière's and Triton's restaurants and our adults-only alternative dinner restaurant, Palo, it is suggested that men wear jackets and ladies wear dresses or pantsuits. We kindly request that no shorts, T-shirts, or jeans be worn in any of our restaurants in the evening.

Aboard the 7-Night Caribbean Cruise there are two evening dinners that require more formal, or "black-tie-optional", attire. Tuxedo rentals are available in advance for these special dinners.

For those Guests sailing on our 7-Night Cruise, we will celebrate the spirit of The Islands with a special deck party. You are invited to join in the fun by wearing festive island wear including colorful shirts, dresses, shorts, or pants.

Also remember to bring prescription medicines in original containers, an extra pair of glasses or contact lenses, and your camera. Of course, if you do forget something, you can buy it on board. Please note that strollers are available for rental on board.

What is your infant policy?
Children who are less than 36 months old on the vacation commencement date will be charged for government fees and taxes only, excluding air, when accompanied by two full-fare paying adults in the same stateroom. Air add-ons apply for children older than 24 months. Infants under 12 weeks old will not be allowed to travel aboard Disney Cruise Line ships.

Can I call home from the ship?
You can direct-dial anywhere in the world right from your stateroom. Ship-to-shore rates apply and will be posted in your stateroom.

What's an assembly drill -- and do I have to go?
Everyone on board the ship must participate in a compulsory safety drill before departure to comply with Coast Guard and international safety regulations. All passengers are required to attend.

Do I need an electrical converter?
All stateroom outlets are 110V/60 Hz. Standard U.S. electrical appliances will work on board. There's a hair dryer in every stateroom bathroom.

What if I run out of film?
You won't because you can buy film at our photo shop, Shutters, which also offers photography services and a limited selection of cameras and accessories. Of course, with so many exciting photo opportunities happening on board, you might wonder if you can cover it all. But don't feel pressured to keep your camera handy. Our photographers will wander the ship, putting your fun and excitement on film. You'll find their photos displayed for purchase at the photo shop. Film and quality photo finishing services are available throughout the Walt Disney World Resort.

What can we buy?
Lots! You'll have the opportunity to purchase exclusive Disney Cruise Line logo merchandise available onboard and nowhere else. From beautiful clothes to towels to fine watches -- this is your chance to keep the memories alive long after your cruise. You'll also find unique and exclusive Disney collectibles, and if someone forgets their toothpaste or bathing suits -- we've got that, too! All this, and much more, is available at the duty-free and retail shops of Disney Cruise Line.

Is there laundry service?
Laundry services are available at your Walt Disney World hotel and we suggest you take advantage of them if you have a lot of laundry to do during your stay. On board, laundry and dry-cleaning services (with stateroom pickup) are available for a charge. There is also a self-service Guest Laundry Room with coin-operated washers, dryers, detergent, and ironing equipment. For safety reasons, irons or steamers may be used in the laundry room only.

Is there a doctor in the house?
For your convenience, a physician and nurse are on call 24-hours a day on every cruise to provide basic medical services. The physician and nurse will charge their standard prevailing fees for these services. Also, please bring an adequate supply of any prescription drugs (in their original containers) you require and keep them in your carry-on luggage.


Can I bring visitors on board the ship?
Sorry, but for security and safety reasons, we can't allow any visitors aboard.

We've never been on a cruise. What do we need to know?
First, relax -- that's the point of your vacation. With Disney Cruise Line®, you'll find your ticketing, air transportation, and transfers (if you choose our Air Program), your stateroom accommodations, and meals and entertainment on board have all been arranged. All you need to do is pack -- and you don't need to bring much, because the atmosphere is casual and informal. And if necessary, you can purchase almost anything you need right on board.

Should I buy travel insurance?
We strongly recommend the purchase of the Disney Cruise Vacations Protection Plan that provides baggage, trip cancellation/interruption, and medical expense coverage for your vacation. Remember, most major medical policies do not provide coverage outside the U.S.

What documentation do I need to bring?
All U.S. and Canadian citizens must travel with proof of citizenship, which is a valid passport, or certified birth certificate with a picture identification, or a certified naturalization certificate with a picture identification. Acceptable forms of picture identification are state or provincial driver's license with a picture, or federal, state, province, or local government photo I.D. card. Children 17 and under who are U.S. or Canadian citizens are only required to have proof of citizenship, excluding picture identification.

All Guests who are non-U.S. citizens residing in the United States will be required to travel with their Alien Registration Card (Green Card) and valid passports. All other Guests must have valid passports and necessary visas at time of embarkation. Travel documents required throughout the vacation are the responsibility of the Guest. Please consult with your travel agent, government agencies, embassies, or consulates to determine documentary requirements.

Any Guest traveling without proper documentation will not be allowed to board the vessel and no refund of cruise fare will be issued.

For all non-U.S. citizens, including Canadian citizens, travel documents will be collected at check-in by a Disney Cruise Line representative and a passport/Alien Resident Card receipt will be issued for presentation to Immigration Inspectors upon return to Port Canaveral.

Should I bring cash? Credit cards? Foreign currency?
Transactions aboard the ship are in U.S. dollars. In The Bahamas and the Caribbean, U.S. dollars and major credit cards are accepted almost everywhere. But you won't need to bring much cash (except for shoreside purchases), because Disney Cruise Line has a convenient "cash-free" system on board the ship. When you arrive at the Walt Disney World® Resort or at the Disney Cruise Line Terminal at Port Canaveral, your signature will be requested for check-in. At this time you may also present a credit card (American Express®, MasterCard®, Visa®, or The Disney Credit Card), which will give you charging privileges at both the Walt Disney World® Resort and aboard the ship. Any purchases on the ship, including beverage services, spa, salon services, photography, medical and laundry services, purchases from our retail shops, gratuities, and any item or service of a personal nature must be charged to your room charge.

All charges must be settled before your resort departure and debarkation from the ship by cash, personal check, travelers checks, Disney Dollars, American Express®, MasterCard®, Visa®, or The Disney Credit Card. (Any other expenses are payable on demand.)

Note: Credit card payments are subject to credit clearance, and personal checks must be accompanied by a valid U.S. driver's license and a major credit card.

Are cruise itineraries subject to change?
At Disney, Guest safety is our number-one priority. On rare occasions, weather conditions and other circumstances beyond our control require us to change itineraries. In these situations, we will make every attempt to visit alternative ports where Guests will enjoy popular vacation destinations and safe conditions.

We'd love to have a Disney wedding -- how do we arrange it?
Congratulations -- you couldn't pick a more perfect way to celebrate your marriage! All you have to do is call (407) 828-3400 for information on Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings at the Walt Disney World® Resort. They'll help you make your wedding dreams come true.

Can I park at Port Canaveral?
The parking facility is operated by the Canaveral Port Authority. Cash is the only acceptable form of payment. Credit cards and personal checks will not be accepted. Outdoor parking at the pier is $21 for the 3-Night Cruise, $28 for the 4-Night Cruise, and $49 for the 7-Night Cruise. Rates are subject to change.

Help! I'm really confused about tipping!
We'll make it easy. Of course, you should never feel that a reward is automatically expected from you. But it is customary to give gratuities in recognition of service, which you will most likely be treated to in abundance aboard the ship. As a guideline, may we suggest the following:

Questions about Fun Onboard

There's so much to do on the ship! How will I know what's going on when?
On your cruise, you can Discover Uncharted Magic^sm of your own. A complete listing of all activities, adventures, and entertainment will be available upon arrival in your stateroom. Guest Services and the programming counselors will be happy to assist you in developing a customized itinerary for your one-of-a-kind voyage.

Is there child care on board?
Of course! Supervised children's programs and activities are available on the ship from 9:00 a.m. to midnight for children ages 3-12. Children must be age 3 and potty trained in order to participate. Parents sign their children in and out of the programs. Events have been designed for teens as well, ages 13-17. Teens do not need to be signed in and out by parents. There is no additional charge for these planned events. Group babysitting is available for a fee and is subject to availability.

Can I work away from home? (Business Services)
We know how important it is for business people, even when they are on vacation, to keep in touch with responsibilities at the office. You'll find a full range of business services at the Walt Disney World® Resort and on board the ship available for an additional charge, including facsimile transmission, copies, and AV equipment when booked prior to embarkation. On the ship, ship-to-shore calling rates apply.

What is rotation dining?
Cruises are famous for great food, but only Disney Cruise Line features three spectacular main restaurants where dining is a total artistic experience: Animator's Palate, Parrot Cay, Lumière's (Disney Magic), and Triton's (Disney Wonder).

What time is dinner?
Dinner is served at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. You should inform your Travel Agent of your seating time preference when you book your vacation. No requests are guaranteed. Generally, adults without children will dine with other adults while families dine with other families. Children's menus are available in the restaurants. In addition, a dinner buffet will be offered for children who participate in the supervised programs during the dinner hour. Times subject to change.

What should I wear to dinner?
The attire in Animator's Palate and Parrot Cay is casual -- open-collar shirts and slacks for men and pants and a blouse or a casual dress for ladies. In Lumière's, Triton's, and Palo, it is suggested that men wear jackets and ladies wear dresses or pantsuits. We kindly request that no shorts, T-shirts, or jeans be worn in any of our restaurants in the evening. We request that swimsuits not be worn in the dining rooms. During the 7-Night Caribbean Cruise, one special evening dinner requires more formal, or "black-tie-optional" attire. Tuxedo rentals are available in advance.

Is there a romantic restaurant just for adults?
The ship features an adults-only alternative restaurant called Palo. Dining hours for Palo are 6 - 11 p.m. Reservations are required, and taken (once on board) on a first-come first-served basis. Palo dining is limited to Guests 18 and older. There is a service charge of $5 per Guest for gratuities.

What about breakfast, lunch and snacks?
Breakfast and lunch are served in Parrot Cay, Lumière's, and Triton's. And there's an indoor/outdoor buffet or casual poolside dining during breakfast and lunch.

Is room service available?
Would you care for breakfast in bed or a sandwich at midnight? While on board, you can order room service 24 hours a day. From 7 - 10 a.m., complimentary continental breakfast will be delivered to your stateroom upon request, with the exclusion of disembarkation morning. For Guests occupying the Walter E. Disney Suite, Roy O. Disney Suite, and the 2-bedroom or 1-bedroom suites, a full breakfast is served upon request from 7 - 10 a.m., with the exclusion of disembarkation morning.

I'm on a special diet. Can I get it on board?
Low-sodium meals, Kosher meals, and certain other special diet-restricted meals will be available. Dietary requests should be made at time of booking. At the Walt Disney World® Resort, certain dietary needs may be accommodated at most full-service restaurants if requested 24 hours in advance.

What is the policy on alcoholic beverages?
The drinking age aboard the ship is 21. Valid photo I.D. required. Disney Cruise Line reserves the right to refuse sales and/or service to anyone.

Is there a spa on the ship?
Disney Cruise Line offers one of the largest and most elaborate spa and fitness centers at sea, with programs ranging from a simple facial to a full range of treatments to relax and refresh your body and soul. Spa, hair salon, massage, and beauty shop charges are additional and may be charged to your room charge.

Will I get to see Disney Characters on board?
We thought you'd never ask! On board, the beloved Disney Characters appear like magic in an array of different settings including lively stage shows, plenty of meet-and-greet and photo opportunities, and other special programs, especially in kids' areas at Disney's Oceaneer Club and on Castaway Cay. These are magical moments to remember forever -- only on Disney Cruise Line!

Babysitting?
Group babysitting is available for children 12 weeks to 3 years old in Flounder's Reef Nursery, located on Deck 5, Midship. Guests must sign up their children between 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. on embarkation day. There is a fee of $6 per child per hour, and $5 per additional child per hour, 2-hour minimum required. The facility will be open daily. Rates and times subject to change. Services are subject to availability. Please note: All children 3 (and potty trained) to 12 years old are welcome to join us. For the safety and enjoyment of all, our operation has been designed for children to participate in age-appropriate groups which allows them to interact both socially and comfortably with peers of their own age and size. Unfortunately we are unable to provide one-on-one care

Questions about Fun Onshore

How about golf?
During your Walt Disney World® Resort stay, you can tee off at any of five championship golf courses. If you would like information on greens fees, tee times, or tournament information, please call the Master Starter at (407) WDW-GOLF (939-4653) or fax (407) 824-3704.

Are there limits to the amount of merchandise that I may bring into U.S. from the The Bahamas/Caribbean duty free?
There sure are. Each U.S. resident aboard Disney Cruise Line returning from the Caribbean to the U.S. can bring back up to U.S. $1,200 per traveler (that includes up to $400 worth of on-ship purchases and up to $600 of purchases in The Bahamas). Each guest 21 years old and older is limited to: five (5) liters of alcohol (only one (1) liter can be acquired in The Bahamas or on the ship); 5 cartons of cigarettes (only one (1) carton allowed from The Bahamas or from the ship); 100 cigars (excluding Cuban cigars). U.S. manufactured tobacco products that are purchased abroad may not be brought back into the U.S. These limits are mandated by U.S. law and are subject to change.

How do I declare purchases with U.S. Customs?
You must fill out a U.S. Customs Declaration, delivered to your stateroom the night before the cruise ends, even if you have nothing to declare or haven't gone over the allowance; one form per family with same last name; and submit it to U.S. Customs upon debarkation. Payment for duty can be made in cash or personal checks only. All articles must be declared. This includes articles purchased in The Bahamas, the Caribbean, on the ship, gifts presented to you onboard and duty-free items on and off the ship.

Questions for Guests with Disabilities

Are there wheelchair-accessible staterooms available?
Yes, Disney Cruise Line® offers accessible staterooms and suites, equipped for Guests with disabilities. Features include: ramped bathroom thresholds, open bed frames, added phones in the bathroom/nightstand, bathroom and shower handrails, fold-down shower seats, hand-held shower heads, lowered towel and closet bars, and Emergency Call Buttons. All staterooms are non-smoking.

Note: Guests requiring a wheelchair throughout their cruise must make provisions for the use of that wheelchair prior to the cruise.

What other services are available on board for Guests with disabilities?
Transfer tiers are provided at one of our feature pools. Sand wheelchairs are available at Castaway Cay. Wheelchair accessible restrooms are available in the shipboard common areas. Assistive Listening Systems are available in the main theaters and show rooms. Closed captioning is available for stateroom televisions and selected onboard video monitors. American Sign Language interpretation is available for live performances on designated cruise dates. Stateroom Communication Kits containing door knock and phone alerts, phone amplifier, bed shaker notification, a strobe light smoke detector, and a Text Typewriter (TTY) are available.

How can I receive more information about accommodations for Guests with disabilities?
If you would like to receive additional information or request accommodations for Guests with disabilities, please discuss your needs with the reservationists at the time of booking. For information via TTY, please call 407-566-7455.