Disney Cruise Packing Checklist + Free Printable Guide

Planning a Disney Cruise and wondering what to pack (and what to leave behind)? Download a free printable Disney cruise packing list (PDF) and get helpful reminders for items you might not think of. This guide includes tips for families with children, what to bring to Castaway Cay, and how to prepare for special events on a 7-day cruise.

Paid links used in this post.

In 2020 we were fortunate to sail on the first-ever Disney cruise out of New Orleans. It was a memorable 7-day voyage to Key West, Castaway Cay, and the Bahamas aboard the Disney Wonder — and it felt like the trip of a lifetime, especially since it took place shortly before the Covid lockdown.

Although this was our first Disney Cruise, we’re long-time cruisers. Cruising has been our favorite way to travel for years. This was my tenth cruise, and while many elements were similar to other lines (Carnival, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean), Disney Cruise Line brings unique touches — and that affects what you’ll want to pack.

I originally planned to write a completely separate packing list for Disney cruises, but I realized my Ultimate Cruise packing list works well for Disney with a few targeted additions. Today I’m sharing an add-on packing printable specifically for Disney cruises — best used together with a general family cruise packing list to cover everything you’ll need.

Let’s dive in. (The printable link is at the bottom of the post.)

Fun Disney Cruise Essentials

Door decor magnets

Decorating your stateroom door with magnets is a fun tradition. Disney allows only magnets, not tape or glue, but there are endless creative options. Laminate printable designs and attach inexpensive magnets to make durable door décor that helps your cabin stand out.

Character autograph book

An autograph keepsake doesn’t have to be a book. We had characters sign pillowcases so the kids could see and use them after the cruise. Alternatives include mattes for framed photos, wooden letters, t-shirts, or ornaments — items that will be on display rather than tucked away.

Fish Extender hanger & gifts

Fish Extender is a voluntary gift-exchange program among cruisers. Participants hang a small organizer on their cabin door and exchange small daily surprises. It’s a delightful way to share extra Disney magic during the voyage.

Cruising ducks

Cruising Ducks are a simple ship-wide scavenger hunt: hide rubber ducks around the ship and let fellow guests discover them. People either keep the ducks or re-hide them for others to find. It’s an inexpensive, lighthearted activity that kids and adults enjoy.

Pixie dust gifts

Pixie dust gifts are informal handouts you leave for other guests or cast members — small treats or trinkets with a label attached. They don’t need to be fancy: candy, local snacks, or inexpensive souvenirs work perfectly.

Disney trading pins

Pin trading is available on Disney cruises. You can purchase inexpensive pins ahead of time and bring a lanyard or pin book for trading with cast members or other guests. It’s a fun activity for kids and collectors alike.

Alcoholic Beverages

Disney allows each adult to bring either two 750ml bottles of wine or six 12oz beers per port, plus up to twelve 12oz non-alcoholic drinks at each port. This policy means you don’t have to pack all the alcohol you’ll consume on day one. Consider bringing canned coffee drinks, bottled water, or energy drinks rather than standard sodas, since soft drinks are available onboard.

Corkscrew

If you bring corked wine, bring a corkscrew. Alternatively, choose screw-top bottles or ask your stateroom steward for assistance — they can usually provide a corkscrew if needed.

Reusable cups

Soda station cups on the ship are fairly small. A larger reusable cup reduces trips to refill and is handy on beach days. If you prefer to enjoy a beverage outside your stateroom, a plain cup helps keep drinks discreet.

Beach toys (for Castaway Cay)

Collapsible beach toys pack easily and are perfect for Castaway Cay. You can buy toys on the island, but they are often more expensive than bringing your own.

Themed Clothing & Additional Clothes

Character shirts

Many families enjoy coordinating character shirts for embarkation, special days, or celebrations. You can make inexpensive personalized shirts at home with a cutting machine and printable graphics, or buy ready-made sets.

Princess dresses

If your child plans to visit the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique or wants to dress up for photos, bringing a princess dress from home saves on the often high onboard prices.

Pirate costumes (for pirate night)

Pirate Night is a highlight with themed dinner, a deck party, and character meet-and-greets. Costumes range from full outfits to simple pirate-themed shirts; the line between casual and elaborate is up to you. Bandanas are usually distributed the night before.

Costume for Marvel/Star Wars days (if applicable)

If your sailing includes Marvel or Star Wars theme days, bringing a costume or themed clothing adds to the fun. Participation is optional, and guests range from casual to fully costumed.

Mickey/Minnie ears

At least 1 pair of themed pajamas (for pajama party night)

There’s often a pajama party in the kids’ club on the last night. Pack at least one pair of themed pajamas so kids can join the festivities.

Nice clothes for formal night or Palo/Remy dinner

You’ll have at least one formal night in the main dining rotation and an optional second formal night. If you plan to dine at adults-only venues like Palo or Remy, pack appropriate formal or cocktail attire.

Running clothes & shoes for Castaway Cay 5K

The Castaway Cay 5K is a free, family-friendly event on island day. Bring supportive running shoes and comfortable clothes if you plan to join — many participants walk rather than run, so it’s open to all fitness levels.

Miscellaneous Disney Cruise Accessories

Key to the World lanyard

Your Key to the World card serves as room key, onboard payment method, and ID for kids’ club check-in. A retractable card holder or lanyard with a card sleeve keeps it handy and secure throughout the cruise.

Disney-issued luggage tags (sent in the mail)

Disney sends branded luggage tags by mail a few weeks before sailing. Attach these to any checked bags on embarkation day so porters can identify and deliver your luggage correctly.

Disney gift cards

Buying Disney gift cards through grocery stores or bulk retailers can help you earn rewards or save on the trip. Gift cards can be linked to your onboard account before sailing or at guest services once onboard. Keep one empty card if you might need a refund, as the cruise line sometimes requires the original payment method to process refunds.

Small bills

Although gratuities are typically prepaid, small cash tips for services not covered by prepaid gratuities — such as room service visits — are still appreciated. Pack some small bills for convenience.

What NOT to bring on Disney Cruise Ships

Shampoo/conditioner/body wash

You can bring personal toiletries, but it’s usually unnecessary. Disney provides generous pump bottles of H20 branded shampoo, conditioner, and body wash in each stateroom, which many guests find to be high quality.

Magnetic Hooks & Clips

Magnetic hooks and clips are helpful on many cruise lines, but not all walls are magnetic. On the Disney Wonder the cabin walls aren’t magnetic, so don’t rely on door magnets or over-the-door organizers the same way you might on other ships.

Items that aren’t allowed

Some items are prohibited on board. Avoid packing:

• Balloons
• Steamers or irons
• Bottle warmers
• Surge protectors (power strips are allowed; check specifics)
• Coolers
• Weapons or illegal drugs
• Over-the-door hanging organizers

Printable Disney Cruise Packing List

Use this Disney-specific add-on alongside a comprehensive 7-day cruise packing list to ensure you don’t forget essentials. The full cruise packing list covers general items, while this add-on focuses on Disney-specific activities and traditions.