Tuesday, July 16, 2013

5 little extras that add magic to Your Disney Cruise


It seems inevitable, every time I go on vacation there’s always one or two things I wish I had brought. But after sailing with Disney a number of times I think I have packing down to a science. This is my top 5 list of “extras” to bring that will make your cruise smooth sailing and allow you to spread magic to others.

1) Something to be autographed – You can spend a lot of your time hunting down individual character autographs, or you can relax by the pool while the Guest Services does the work. At the start of your cruise, drop off a picture frame, matting, pillow case…whatever you would like signed to Guest Services, then pick it up fully autographed at the end of your cruise.

2) Singles – I’m talking money here, not people.  Most everything is included in the price of your cruise, and what is not included is charged to your room. But there are a few times when you’ll be happy to have cash on hand. When you are boarding the ship as well as debarking, you will find workers to help you transport your bags. They like tips! And if you order room service during the cruise, your delivery person will also accept a tip.

3) Pirate attire – Ahoy mateys! Be ye ready t’ party like pirates? Disney supplies all cruisers with a bandana during dinner and will sell costumes on board, but if you want to save yourself time and money, bring pirate gear from home. Your fellow cruisers run the gamut dressed in just the bandana and an eye patch, to full out Captain Jack Sparrow. Be prepared.

4) Sand Toys – This is one of our favorite ways to spread magic. We bring a bag of toys from home and write on the inside in permanent marker “Enjoy your cruise, from your Chicago friends.” Then we leave the toys on Castaway Cay and watch as the younger cruisers pick them up and play all excitedly.  Plus, there's no harm if you use them first :)

5) Door Decorations – There’s nothing more festive than decorations, so why not let everyone know your celebrating by decorating your stateroom door. It can be something as simple as a happy birthday sign to full out door coverage. Once again we like to spread a little magic by putting fun decorations (Mickey heads, Jolly Rogers, etc) on random doors. We have also put a white board on the door to leave each other messages as to where we are. Sometime other cruisers leave a note, all in good fun! Just remember, Disney does not want tape on their doors. Make sure your decorations are magnetic.

That does it for my little extras. Let me hear what other things you like to bring. I sail in 3 weeks and may need to add your suggestions to my suitcase!

1 comment:

  1. Great advice about all the little extra things that make a Disney Cruise a cut above the rest. Thanks to our Cruise Expert Kelly for sharing!

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