3 Mistakes I’ll Never Make on a Disney Cruise (From a Former Cast Member)
As a former Disney Cast Member, I’ve seen a lot of people miss out on the best parts of Disney Cruise Line—just by making a few common mistakes. So if you’re getting ready to set sail, here are three things I never do on a Disney Cruise… and what I do instead to make the most of every moment at sea.
Mistake #1: Booking an Excursion at a Popular Port
What I do instead: Stay on the ship and soak up the magic
Here’s the thing: Disney’s private islands? Absolutely worth it. But most other cruise ports on your itinerary—like Nassau or Cozumel—are regular stops for almost every cruise line. And honestly? That’s not why I booked a Disney cruise.
On a Disney cruise, the ship is the destination. Emptier pools, character meet and greets with no wait, open kids' clubs, and a nearly empty spa? Sign me up. While everyone else is getting off the ship, I’m taking full advantage of low crowds and all the premium Disney experiences I already paid for.
Mistake #2: Waiting to Buy My Disney Cruise Merch
What I do instead: Hit the shops right after sail away
Disney Cruise Line has some of the cutest exclusive merch—spirit jerseys, tumblers, pins, and more—but here’s what most guests don’t realize: the merch is limited. Each sailing gets its own stock, and once those items are gone… they’re gone.
If I see something I love in the gift shop on night one? I’m buying it. I’ve learned the hard way that by day three, the shelves are bare and the best stuff is long gone. So skip the “I’ll come back for it later” mindset—future you will thank you.
Mistake #3: Skipping the Pirate Night Dinner
What I do instead: Always keep my rotation dining plans
Every Disney ship features three uniquely themed restaurants, and you rotate through all of them during your cruise. On longer itineraries, you’ll hit some of the dining rooms more than once—and on Pirate Night, no matter where you’re scheduled to eat, the menu is totally different.
Even if I’ve already dined in that restaurant earlier in the cruise, I never skip Pirate Night dinner. The themed menu, the costumes, the whole vibe—it’s one of the most immersive parts of the sailing. You can always grab a burger later, but you can’t re-create that pirate night magic.
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