Disney Cruise Packing List

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This isn’t your typical Disney Cruise packing list!

I mean, really, you don’t need me to tell you to pack underwear and socks, do you?

After going on 30+ Disney Cruises on all 4 ships, we’ve developed a good sense of what we tend to forget, what really makes a difference to bring, and what you can leave at home. This list includes those 20 things you may not think about for a typical vacation, but will want to pack for a Disney Cruise vacation.

The items in our Disney Cruise packing list represent the boiled down, must have, don’t leave home without them items that we bring on every Disney Cruise. Be sure you still bring your clothes. I did forget that once on a cruise!

#20 Downy Wrinkle Releaser

There are only a few irons and ironing boards on board the Disney ships, so we bring this handy little item on every cruise. Helps you look fresh pressed for every event.

#19 Shoe Rack

This comes in handy on longer cruises. You can hang the shoe rack on the back of the bathroom door for shoes, socks, bathroom items. This item will double the storage available to you without taking up space.

#18 An Extra Suitcase

Fill this one with snacks for the cruise (saves you a TON of money in the theater and poolside) and then you have space for souvenirs on the way home!

#17 Backpack/Daypack

Our favorite is the Osprey Talon 22. This is perfect for your day bag at ports of call and for your last day bag, when you get off the ship.

#16 Travel Strip Plug

Standard surge protector strip plugs are not allowed, but these smaller outlet multipliers are allowed (at least we’ve never had an issue with ours). These are becoming less necessary, however. Your stateroom will have at least 4 outlets available and you could jump to 6 outlets, if you unplug the TV and the Wave phones. So, it’s really based on your charging needs. As vloggers, we have a LOT of charging needs.

#15 Cash

On the Disney Cruise ship, you will only pay with your Key to the World Card (basically your room key). However, there are lots of times you will need cash. You may need to tip the porters at the Disney Cruise terminal (handling your luggage) or the guide during your Shore Excursion. Always have a little bit of cash on you during your cruise.

#14 Yeti or Tervis Cup

Did you know you get unlimited sodas, tea, hot chocolate, and coffee during a Disney Cruise. There is a beverage station located near the pool. Disney does provide small cups, but we like to bring larger Yeti or Tervis Cups to fill up. This way you do not have to make as many stops to the beverage station for drinks during your cruise.

#13 A Big Hat

We like the straw surfer hats and Columbia hats. You’ll want some shade and protection from the sun at Castaway Cay, as well as other ports-of-call.

#12 Underwear

(Ha! You thought I wasn’t going to include this one!) In all seriousness, some travel underwear and/or compression under shorts can be a very nice luxury item for any day you will be going to a beach (like Castaway Cay). By the end of the day, the chafing situation can be BRUTAL, especially for the kids. Have a change of underwear with you to change into after a day of sun and sand. Compression shorts under board shorts work really well to prevent the chafing, too and then you don’t have to change before getting back on the ship.

#11 Sweatshirt or Light Jacket

Even in the summer months, the wind while at sea can be brisk and chilly. I almost always wear a light jacket or sweater during dinner. The air-conditioning can be quite cold in the restaurants, too.

#10 GoPro or Garmin Virb

Or any other waterproof and shockproof camera. There will be lots of opportunities to take underwater pictures and videos or even action shots. These are the perfect cameras for these activities!

#9 Waterproof Bags

These are wonderful for protecting your electronics from the sea and “liquid sunshine” (rain) when off the ship. You can use ziploc bags for this purpose, but I get a pack of three in different sizes from the Walmart camping section and take them with me, every where.

#8 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

We bring this along to Castaway Cay to listen to some Jimmy Buffet, while lounging on the beach.

#7 Sunblock

This one seems so simple, but a lot of people forget. Pack sunscreen or sunblock. Be sure you also use it constantly on the ship and at ports of call.

Disney Cruise Packing List: Bonus Items

#6 Aeropress

If you’re a coffee lover, this is a great item to take on board with you. Bring your own coffee (but be aware, you won’t be able to take any off the ship due to Customs laws) and use this handy, easy to clean coffee press to get great coffee while cruising.

#5 Pirate Costume

If you want to dress up for pirate night on your Disney cruise, be sure to bring your costume along!

#4 Formal Wear

Disney Cruise does not have an “official” formal night, but there is a “dress-up” night and many cruisers like to get gussied up in their fanciest duds.

#3 A Beach Blanket

We like our SnugPak Jungle Bag that unzips to a great beach blanket, but there are a ton of lightweight, compact options for a beach blanket. This is especially nice when Castaway Cay is wet and/or cold on the day you’re in port.

#2 Autographs

If you have younger kids that like the Disney Characters, be sure you bring something to autograph. This could be an autograph book, pillow case, picture mat, t-shirt, or hat. You will also want to pack a permanent Sharpie pen for the characters to use to autograph your goodies.

#1 Magnets for the Stateroom Door

The doors on board the Disney Cruise ships are metal. Many guests like to decorate their stateroom doors. This is a fun activity for the whole family! You can buy magnets from Etsy or create your own at home. When you arrive, you can then personalize your stateroom for the cruise.