Packing List for Your Disney Cruise!
You’ve booked your Disney Cruise (or you’re curious about what you’ll need on a future Disney cruise….but what are you going to pack?! That’s a valid question. Disney cruises are magical, and they are unlike any other cruise that you’ve taken. As with most things “Disney,” Disney fans are over the top and help add to the immersive experience on board. Join in the fun and go wild!
Here’s a list of recommended items to take to make the MOST from your Magical Vacation at Sea!
✨ IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS
Passports OR birth certificate + government-issued photo ID (depending on itinerary)
Port arrival form & Port Arrival Time confirmation
Cruise contract & reservation number
Travel insurance documents
You can contact me if you’d like to discuss travel insurance options
Flight confirmation & luggage tags
Credit card for onboard account
Medical information & prescriptions
🚪 Stateroom Door Decorations
Disney Cruise stateroom doors are metal — magnets only (no tape allowed).
Fun Options:
Personalized family name magnets
Character-themed magnets (Mickey, Princesses, Pixar)
Countdown or decorative dry-erase board
Celebration magnets (birthday, anniversary, 1st cruise)
Magnetic hooks to hang lanyards or lightweight items
Bring:
Magnetic decorations
Magnetic clips or hooks
Small zippered pouch for storing decorations after cruise
🧩 Organization & Stateroom Essentials
Disney staterooms are well designed but compact — these items make your room feel bigger and more organized.
Highly Recommended:
Over-the-door shoe organizer (mesh & no hooks preferred) for toiletries
Magnetic hooks for swimsuits and lanyards
Collapsible laundry hamper
Packing cubes
Nightlight (cabins can be dark)
Travel power strip (non-surge-protected, USB ports allowed)
Ziploc bags (wet clothes, snacks, storage)
Small fan (subject to security approval—must be electric, not battery-powered)
Reusable water bottles
Room spray or air freshener
Clothespins for shower line
🏖️ Beach & Island Day Items
Perfect for Castaway Cay and Lighthouse Point.
Essentials:
Beach bag / tote
Reef-safe sunscreen
Sunglasses
Hats (wide brim, baseball cap)
Flip-flops or water shoes
Waterproof phone case
Insulated water bottle
Portable battery pack
Lightweight beach blanket or Turkish towel
Sand toys (optional—Castaway Cay sometimes sells them)
Snorkel gear if preferred (DCL also rents)
Insect repellent (for Lighthouse Point nature areas)
Castaway Cay–specific:
Photo ID + Key to the World card (needed to reboard)
Cash or credit card for shops (not all take room charges)
If running the Castaway Cay 5K: athletic shoes, running gear
Lighthouse Point–specific:
Water shoes recommended for natural shoreline
Extra sunscreen — mostly open-sun areas
GoPro or snorkeling camera (beautiful water clarity)
🏊 Pool & AquaMouse/AquaDuck Items
Swimsuits (2–3 per person)
Rash guards/swim shirts for sun protection
Flip-flops
Cover-ups
Goggles for kids
Waterproof sandals
Small wet-bag for swimsuits
Hair ties & detangling spray
Note: Disney provides towels at the pool and on the islands.
🏴☠️ Pirate Night Costumes
Pirate Night is quiet the event. Themed activities take place throughout the day with the culmination of the day taking place at the Parlay Party with the Fireworks at Sea spectacle.
Options for Every Style:
Full pirate costumes
Pirate-themed T-shirts
Bandanas (Disney provides one per person on many sailings. Your stateroom attendant will leave in your stateroom during their morning service)
Eye patches
Toy swords (plastic only)
Long skirts, flowy tops
Black/red/gold color palette outfits
Glitter makeup & temporary tattoos
Extras to elevate your look:
Light-up accessories
Pirate-themed jewelry
Themed family outfits for photos
Small treat bag for “pirate booty” snacks
💃 Formal Night / Dress-Up Suggestions
Not all sailings have formal night, but many do (especially 7+ nights).
Ladies:
Cocktail dress, maxi dress, or evening gown
Nice sandals or heels
Shawl/wrap
Special jewelry
Optional: princess-inspired outfits for themed photo ops
Men:
Dress shirt + slacks
Sport coat or suit (optional but looks great for photos)
Dress shoes
Tie (optional)
Kids:
“Prince” or “Princess” outfits
Dress clothes for great family portraits
🍿 Popcorn Buckets (TravelByPhilip insider tip for Great Savings!)
Disney Cruise Line allows refillable popcorn buckets, and refills are usually discounted.
Bring:
Refillable popcorn bucket from past Disney trip OR buy one onboard
Large tote space for carrying it around
Wet wipes (popcorn butter!)
Tip: Have your bucket with you at theaters, including the Walt Disney Theatre and Buena Vista Theatre.
👗 Everyday Clothing Essentials
Shorts, T-shirts, tank tops
Sundresses
Light jacket or sweater (ships can be chilly)
Pajamas
Undergarments
Athletic wear for the gym
Socks & comfortable walking shoes
💄 Toiletries & Personal Items
(Disney provides shampoo, conditioner, body wash.)
Toothbrush & toothpaste
Hairbrush/comb
Skincare items
Makeup
Shaving items
Deodorant
Medications (keep in carry-on)
Seasickness remedies (Bonine/Dramamine, sea-bands)
After-sun lotion/aloe
Hand sanitizer
🎮 Entertainment & Extras
Autograph book + pens (characters often sign!)
Lanyards for Key to the World card
Trading pins & lanyard
Books or Kindle
Travel games for kids
Tablet & headphones
Camera or GoPro
Portable charger
🎁 Fish Extender Gifts (If Participating)
Small themed gifts for exchange
Personalized items
Gift bags
Your fish extender organizer – TravelByPhilip provides a personalized fish extender as a gift for first time Disney cruisers on select sailings. Contact for more info!
🐭 Optional Disney Cruise “Nice to Have” Items
Mini first aid kit
Towel clips for deck chairs
Extra hangers
Binoculars (Alaska cruises especially)
Disposable ponchos
Travel-size Lysol wipes
Silicone straws (eco-friendly replacement for paper straws) – Disney does serve edible straws in their drinks, which can provide a tasty treat.
If you’ve booked your Disney Cruise in the last 30-days and the cruise is not yet paid in full and have not yet hired a Disney Travel Professional to help and would like my assistance in packing advice, tips/tricks or if you haven’t booked yet and would like a quote, contact me today!
