Our Favorite Things to Do on a Disney Cruise
Want a glimpse of what it’s like to be on a Disney Cruise? Check out our top picks for things to do while you are onboard. With so much cool stuff, you may never want to leave!
Fun for All Ages
Games Galore
Music trivia, Disney trivia, cruise line trivia, Marvel trivia and more. Just show up at any trivia game and see how you do. I must warn you, people take it pretty seriously. Whoever thought that a Mickey shaped rubber prize with the word “WINNER” on it would be such a coveted item!? Or try your luck at BINGO. This classic game is super popular at sea and who knows - maybe you’ll win!
Dance, Dance, Dance
Have you ever been to a silent disco? Well, there’s a first time for everything! Put on those headphones, turn up the volume, listen to that DJ drop the beats and wave your hands in the air like you just don’t care.
Characters All Around
From the time you wake up, to the time you go to bed, (way after sun down), there are lots of Disney characters to see. From Princesses to Marvel heroes to Pixar, get ready to take a picture, get an autograph and chat with beloved Disney characters. Check out the DCL app for the Character Meet & Greet schedule. A big perk of being on the ship is knowing exactly where and when you can find your favorites. And keep your eyes open as you go about your day because chances are you’ll catch a character strolling around the ship, which is a perfect time to visit for a moment or two.
Endless Ice Cream
Yes, you read that right. You want ten ice cream cones, then you get ten ice cream cones. No judgment here. Get as much as you’d like at almost anytime you’d like!
All About the Kids
Get Crafty
Love arts and crafts? Join your ship mates for a fun, simple and kid-friendly craft. This is great for the family but don’t worry, kid attendance not required. Go on your own and get creative!
Club Hopping
Check out the kids clubs! Throughout your voyage there will be open houses so the whole family can get in on the fun. Parents be warned: these kids-only zones are so super-cool you may not want to leave. You may also find you have more solo time on the cruise than you envisioned because kids LOVE spending time in this magical space. No need for appointments - it’s come and go as you please.
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
Witness your little one become a beautiful princess or a regal knight right before your eyes! The transformation into their favorite Disney royalty is sure to be one of your child’s most memorable activities. Pro Tip: Book right when your check-in window allows because these appointments fill up FAST.
All About Adulting
Food & Drink
Need some kid-free time? You’ve got loads of options throughout the ship reserved for those 18 and older. Visit the Quiet Cove Pool area, complete with swanky loungers, swim-up bars and a gourmet coffee cafe. Have a relaxing adult-only dinner at Palo, Remy or Enchante. Check out the nightlife at the bars & lounges for some great cocktails and live music. Try a Mixology Class and learn all the tricks of the trade, from the best mixers and the best techniques. Whether shaking or stirring a martini or blending up tasty and healthy juices, there’s something for everyone.
Relaxation Respite
Want a massage, facial, hair treatment, or just some peaceful and tranquil time? Book yourself an appointment at Senses, Disney Cruise Line’s full-service spa and salon. Better yet get a spa pass for the duration of the cruise so you can come and go as you please. Aaaaahhhhhh.
Retail Therapy
You want Disney merch? You got it! A fancy watch or sparkling jewelry, it’s there. Gotta have another Dooney purse? Wait, is that even a legit question? Every DCL ship has a wide and exclusive selection. Avid art collector? You’ll find lots of unique pieces onboard, Disney and beyond. The bigger the ship, the more shops you get. If you wanna shop, be ready to shop til’ you drop!
Fitness Fix
Run on the treadmill while watching the sun rise across the ocean’s horizon. Perfect your tree pose in a yoga class. Lift some weights while gazing at the open sea. If you want to workout, the Senses Fitness Center has everything for even the most dedicated gym-goer. You’ll find exercise classes for every level, including walking and running groups. Plus health-focused workshops to help you stay fit and fabulous.
Entertainment for Everyone
Curtains Up!
Go to the theatre and take in all the amazing entertainment! Every night you’ll find a show on the big stage. From Broadway-style Disney musicals, to magicians, comedians, and musicians, the quality is top-notch and will leave you impressed. Catch the show before or after dinner, and you’ll exit the theatre smiling from ear to ear and singing a happy tune. Aside from main stage entertainment, you can see ventriloquists, comics, pianists and singers throughout the ship on a Disney cruise.
Movie Magic
Disney is known for unmatched storytelling through its films, so of course you can find a movie to watch pretty much anytime everyday. Whether it’s on the big screen at the primary theater, on Funnel Vision by the pool, or in the comfort of your own room, chances are one of your Disney faves will be playing. And if your sailing falls when a new Disney film is hitting theaters on land you’ll be able to see it onboard, too! Popcorn and snacks are available for purchase at the theater concession stand giving you the complete movie theater experience.
Strike a Pose
Professional photographers are all over the ship. At dinner, with the characters, and in the atrium. Throughout the cruise stop by the photography studio to check out all of the images captured of you and your party to pick your favorites. These photos are sure to be treasured keepsakes of this amazing vacation.
Sports & Recreation
Pool Time
There’s something special about being in a pool anytime, but nothing compares to being IN the water while sailing ON the water. The shining sun, the endless horizon and the gentle sway of the ship puts absolutely everyone in vacay mode. What’s better than that!
Waterslides
For the littlest of sailors and the grownups every Disney ship has a waterslide. Zip on down the slide as you watch the ocean beneath while riding the AquaDuck on the Dream and Fantasy or enjoy a theme-park-type attraction while riding the AquaMouse aboard the Wish and Treasure.
Sports Deck
There’s basketball, mini-golf, ping pong, fuseball and more, plus you’ll find water recreation areas nearby, too.
Surprising Stuff
Neighborhood Fun
Join the Facebook group for your cruise and sign up for specific exchanges like ornaments, gifts, and postcards. Have fun giving and receiving and getting to know your ship neighbors! Oh and don’t forget the fun of making your mailbox to hang by your door.
Walk & Deck the Halls
This one might sound odd, but stay with me. A big Disney Cruise Line tradition is decorating your stateroom door. We’re not talking about a few magnets here, but some doors are decked out from TOP to BOTTOM! Many really are works of art so take some time to walk around and discover the creative, unique and elaborately themed doors. Oh, and if you are a pin trader, bring your pins along because you’ll probably see some doors with pin boards ready for trading.
Ready, set, TRADE
Speaking of pins, you can trade at the ship stores just as you do at the parks. Also, chat with a cast member about any special pins you’re looking for, you may enjoy some pixie dust and go home with those special pins. Share your room number with them and just like magic, something might show up in your stateroom!
Ship Tour
Want an expert to show you around? Take a tour! Check the Navigator app once you’re onboard to book. Pro Tip: Schedule it early on in your cruise so you can more easily navigate the ship and know your way around. Plus your guide can tell you where to find all the fun activities mentioned here so you’ll be set to go.
No matter what you do on a Disney cruise, there’s absolutely no question you’re going to have an amazing time!
Rosalie Mastaler
Rosalie is an adventurer at heart. She loves to explore new places and never tires of adding to her list of travel must-see spots.
Travel is more than just time away, it’s time for adventure and magic.
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