If you’re reading this, you’ve probably already booked your Disney Cruise and can’t wait to sail the seas. You’ve chosen one out of the four available cruises, booked tickets or checked the car ride there, and all that’s left is to start packing.
Depending on the cruise and its route, you might get different weather and activities during the trip. This means you need to do some research to know what’s best to bring.
Disney Cruise Line offers 5 ships that feature different designs and deck plans, as well as distinctive restaurants, entertainment, activities and pools on board. These features influence the type of outfits or other attributes you should bring.
Because different cruises go on varied routes, the weather will change, too. It is recommended to google what the weather is like in the areas that your specific cruise will be passing by.
Everyone’s preferences vary widely, so you should pack according to your own needs. Some families can survive on stuffed backpacks while others want to be prepared for every situation.
Either way, it is useful to check the Disney Cruise packing list to see which things are allowed to bring in, so you don’t get your possessions confiscated before the trip starts.
A great thing to know is that once you get to the embankment, the cruise crew takes all the luggage and brings it to the room. You don’t have to worry about looking after your toddler while getting onto the huge ship and carrying all of your luggage all at once. However, it is important to pack a carry-on with essentials at hand for those few hours before you are let in your stateroom.
Though everyone’s needs differ, there are some things that apply to every family with a toddler sailing the Disney Cruise. Below you will find a list of specific things to pack that generally should be helpful and essential for the toddler.
Take this list as a suggestion on what not to forget and add them to your own packing list when going on a Disney Cruise Line with a toddler.
11 Things to Bring on a Disney Cruise with a Toddler
- Travel Documents
- Toddler’s backpack
- Diapers
- Sun Protection
- A wide range of clothing
- Appropriate shoes
- Medications
- Ziplock Bags
- Suction hooks
- Toddler’s camera
- Door magnets
1. Travel Documents
Make sure you have all the required documentation based on the cruise itinerary and citizenship. Unfortunately, you will not be allowed on the ship if your toddler doesn’t have the necessary passport or other required travel documentation. Nowadays proof of covid vaccination or/and covid test might be necessary.
2. Toddler’s backpack
There will be a few spare hours between the boarding when the crew takes your luggage and the time you are let in your stateroom, so it’s helpful if you pack a carry-on backpack for your toddler with some snacks and things to occupy them.
Check out Trip With Toddler recommendations for what to include in an Activity Backpack for your toddler. Fun little activities like sticker and water books, magnets, and fidgeting toys always make it easier to pass time for the little ones.
What’s more, having their own backpack adds to the sense of responsibility and looking after their things which is an important skill for the toddlers to learn.
3. Diapers
Depending on how full your luggage is, you can either stuff it with enough diapers according to your personal needs or buy a whole box. You’d need to pack it in a duffel bag and use the same luggage tag on the bag. This way it doesn’t get lost, when the cruise crew brings everyone’s baggage to their room.
Fortunately, there are shops aboard all Disney Cruise ships offering diapers and other common baby supplies for sale, subject to availability.
4. Sun Protection
No matter which cruise you are taking, there is a high possibility that the open waters will include lots of sun exposure. Keep your toddler and yourself safe and bring enough sun protection. Don’t forget to consistently reapply!
Just in case you forget it, shops aboard will have sun protection available to buy.
5. A wide range of clothing
A regular cruise already requires a number of different clothing. You may want to bring fancier clothes for dining, swimming attire for all the fun in the pool, and extra outfits for exploring the shore.
However, Disney Cruise is on a whole other level when it comes to occasions. It’s better if you check the dress code for dining and other events in advance.
The cruise includes special events and occasions when you might want to bring your own costumes to fit in and have fun.
Seeing all of their heroes walking around, and everyone dressed up in costumes, your toddler will definitely feel like living in a fairy tale.
Specifically for the Disney Cruise, you should bring:
- Warm clothes – the air conditioning might feel a bit too breezy at times.
- Swimming clothes – swimming diapers are not allowed in the pools. The toddler needs to be potty trained. If they’re not, they can go into the splash pad.
- Raincoat/poncho – there is a high chance you’ll encounter rainy weather, so a raincoat will be useful. Depending on the coat, you can also use it as a light jacket/windbreaker for times when it is cooler on the open decks.
- Pyjamas – bring at least a pair of dressy pyjamas, so your toddler can walk in them around the ship at the time of the pyjama party at the kids’ clubs.
- Costumes – read the itinerary and consider what outfits you might need for special occasions. On themed days, you will be provided with an accessory, for example, a red bandana on pirates’ day, however, people do bring whole outfits, so you can prepare something in advance, especially if you’re into dressing up.
6. Appropriate shoes
Whether you decide to bring a stroller or your toddler will spend some time walking on foot around the ship, it’s best to bring appropriate shoes:
- Comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing.
- Beach footwear or water shoes for a day at the beach.
7. Medications
There is a medical centre onboard, however, bringing extra medication, especially the one your toddler might need is the wisest decision.
Some specific medications that you could bring:
- Infant thermometer
- Children’s Tylenol/Ibuprofen. They do have children’s Tylenol at the front desk just in case you might forget it.
- Your toddler’s prescription medication if they’re taking any.
- Seasickness aids. Even if your toddler hasn’t had one, there is always a chance it might start, so do not rely on luck or past experiences on this one. If this is your toddler’s first time on such travel, you can pack Sea-Bands to wear on the first night as a preventive measure.
… and any other medication that you can think of that might be of use.
8. Ziplock Bags
Ziplock bag is a brilliant item to bring as it can serve different purposes. You can grab some snacks from the buffet, put them in a ziplock bag and have your toddler eat them in your room.
You can also use ziplock bags for any damp swimming stuff and sandy shoes.
9. Suction Hooks
Speaking of damp clothes there’ll be LOTS of them, so suction hooks will be of great use when hanging all the different swimsuits. There are some suction hooks in the cruise’s bathroom, however, the more the merrier.
10. Toddler’s camera
With all your toddler’s favourite Disney characters on board, dress-up parties and beautiful horizons, there will be plenty of moments for your toddler to capture. Bring your toddler’s camera, so even if they don’t remember as much, they will have pictures that they took to look back at.
It is even better if you take an underwater camera. Together with your little one, you can make amazing videos and pictures while spending days at the pools and the beach.
If you don’t own a camera that your toddler could use, look for inspiration in the Trip With Toddler list of the best toddler cameras for travelling.
11. Door magnets
This item might not even have crossed your mind. It is very specific, but that’s why we’re here to do the research for you 🙂
Personal decorations will differentiate your door from the others’ rooms and bring a smile to your toddler’s face.
Besides, your room will be easier to find not just for you, but even for your toddler, in case they get lost and start wandering the corridors. Though, hopefully, that won’t happen.
Bon voyage!
With the right planning and packing, your Disney Cruise with your toddler is sure to be a memorable experience. By following this packing list, you have ensured that you have all the essentials you need for a successful and enjoyable family vacation. From diapers, snacks, and toys to sun hats, swimwear, and sunscreen, you are now ready to embark on your magical Disney cruise adventure with your little one. Bon voyage!
Before we wish you and your toddler an immeasurable amount of fun and adventures on the Disney Cruise, we leave you with a couple of extra tips for packing.
Check the list of Prohibited Items
Once you have your list of things to pack for the Disney Cruise, it’s useful to check the list of prohibited items. This way you’ll avoid having your stuff getting confiscated.
As surge protectors and extension cords are not permitted, you can also bring portable batteries and a Multi USB charger for your devices and camera batteries.
Keep a list of things you’ve packed
Make a list of things you’ve packed. It will be extremely useful to make notes during your cruise of things you did not use or might not need in the future. Keeping an updated and customized packing list will make it much easier for the next trip you take with a toddler.
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You may also like to read our posts about how to save money for travelling and what skills toddler’s develop while travelling.
