Packing for a Disney Cruise feels a little different from packing for any other family vacation. You’re packing for travel days, beach days, pool time, dinners, Pirate Night, excursions, shows, and all the little moments in between.
Before our first Disney Cruise, I had so many questions about what we actually needed. I read the blogs, watched the videos, and made lists. Then, while we were on the cruise, I kept notes about the things we used, what made our trip easier, and what I wanted to remember if we ever did it again.
This is not an expert’s list of 100 cruise hacks. It’s my practical Disney Cruise packing list for families, especially those cruising with kids.
These are the things we actually packed, the Disney Cruise essentials I’d bring again, and a few items that surprised me once we were onboard.
If you’re planning your first Disney Cruise, I hope this helps take a few question marks off your list. And, if oyu have questions about planning and how we made decisions for our first trip, check out this post that’s all my mom to mom tips for a Disney Cruise First Timer.
Before You Start Packing for a Disney Cruise
My best packing advice starts before you put anything in a suitcase.
Pull everything out the weekend before your trip.
Lay out your clothes. Find the passports. Gather the medications. Charge the devices. Make a pile of all those random cruise extras you’ve been collecting.
You’ll remember things you’ve forgotten, and you’ll still have time to buy or borrow anything you need.
Before you buy every Disney Cruise “must-have” you see online, ask your friends if they have some you can borrow, its likely sitting in a closet collecting dust and they’d love to share with you!
Someone you know may already have:
- Lanyards
- Magnetic hooks
- A small cooler bag
- A pop-up hamper
- A wet bag
- Packing cubes
- A hanging organizer
You don’t have to buy a whole new collection of travel gear for one vacation.
Disney Cruise Packing List: The Essentials
Let’s start with the things you absolutely don’t want to forget at home.
Important Travel Documents
- Passports or other required travel identification
- Driver’s licenses or IDs
- Cruise documents (find that envelope they mailed you)
- Travel insurance information, if applicable
- Disney gift cards, if you plan to use them
My take: Keep your important documents somewhere secure yet easily accessible. You don’t want passports packed away in luggage you’ve already handed over at the cruise terminal.
Everyday Essentials
- Sunglasses
- Hats
- Sunscreen
- Refillable water bottles
- Lip balm
- Daily medications
- Chargers
- Portable battery pack
- AirPods or headphones
- Feminine hygiene products
Disney Cruise Health and Medicine Packing List
You certainly don’t need to pack your entire medicine cabinet, but I liked having the basics with us.
Consider packing:
- Prescription medications
- Daily adult medications
- Daily children’s medications
- Non-drowsy motion sickness medicine
- Children’s motion sickness medicine
- Pain reliever
- Benadryl
- Tums
- Pepto-Bismol
- Lactaid, if needed
- Emetrol or another nausea remedy
- Anti-nausea medication, if prescribed
- Bandages
- Antibiotic ointment
- Small first-aid kit
My take: Thankfully, we didn’t need most of this. But when you’re traveling with kids, a Band-Aid can fix a lot of problems. I would rather have the basics in our room than search for them when someone isn’t feeling well.
What Clothes Should You Pack for a Disney Cruise?
One thing that surprised me about our Disney Cruise was how casual it felt.
Yes, you can dress up. Many families wear coordinating outfits or dressier clothes for dinner and photos. There may also be specialty dining experiences with specific dress expectations. (like Pirate Night)
But for most of our cruise, comfortable vacation clothes were perfectly appropriate. And you could wear what you’ve had on all day for dinner. But, I like to “freshen up” and wear a dress or something nicer to dinner, it just makes it feel like vacation.
Clothing for Adults
- T-shirts
- Shorts
- Swimsuits
- Swimsuit cover-ups
- Sundresses
- Casual dinner outfits
- Pajamas
- Underwear and bras
- Socks
- Sandals or flip-flops
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Water shoes
- Excursion shoes, if needed
- Light jacket, cardigan, or sweater
- House shoes or slippers for the cabin
Don’t skip this: Pack a light sweater or jacket, even if you’re cruising somewhere warm. The upper decks can get surprisingly windy, especially in the evenings.
Disney Cruise Packing List for Kids
- T-shirts
- Shorts
- Swimsuits
- Rash guards or sun shirts
- Pajamas
- Underwear
- Socks
- Sneakers
- Sandals or flip-flops
- Water shoes
- Light jacket or sweatshirt
- Pirate Night outfit
- Character costumes, if your child enjoys dressing up
My take: We packed more clothes than we needed. If I were packing again, I’d bring fewer “just-in-case” outfits and focus on comfortable clothes that could be mixed and matched.
What to Pack in Your Disney Cruise Carry-On
This was something I didn’t fully understand before our first cruise. Your Disney Cruise “carry-on” and “checked luggage” refer to how your bags get onto the ship, not necessarily how you flew with them.
When you arrive at the cruise terminal, you’ll drop off your larger luggage. Those bags will be delivered to your stateroom later.
That means anything you need during those first few hours should stay with you.
Disney Cruise Carry-On Packing List
- Passports and important documents
- Prescription medications
- Swimsuits
- Sunscreen
- Refillable water bottles
- Bottled water, if bringing it onboard and permitted under current cruise policies
- Unopened, permitted snacks
- Chargers
- Portable battery pack
- Sunglasses
- Hats
- Kids’ activities
- Tablet and headphones
My take: A backpack worked well as our carry-on. We packed our beach bag flat inside our suitcase so we didn’t have to carry multiple bulky bags through the terminal.
Always check Disney Cruise Line’s current policies before your sailing for rules on bringing beverages and food onboard.
Snacks to Bring on a Disney Cruise
We packed snacks in a gallon-size Ziploc bag, which made them easy to organize and pull out when needed.
Any food brought onboard must meet Disney Cruise Line’s current requirements, so review those policies before you pack. In general, plan to bring commercially packaged, unopened foods rather than homemade or previously opened snacks.
Snacks came in handy for:
- Airport travel
- Waiting at the cruise terminal
- Excursions
- Kids who suddenly decide they’re starving
- Movie treats (We also brought a few pieces of candy for movie nights.)
My take: There is plenty of food on board, but sometimes you just want the snack your kid already likes.
Disney Cruise Beach Bag Packing List
Your beach bag will likely become one of your most-used bags during the trip. We packed ours flat inside our suitcase and pulled it out once we were onboard.
What to Put in Your Beach Bag
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Hats
- Lip balm
- Hand sanitizer
- Baby wipes
- Sanitizing wipes
- Refillable water bottles
- Towel clips
- Wet bag for swimsuits
- Small first-aid kit
- Collapsible sand bucket
- Small sand toys
- Goggles
- Snorkel mask, if bringing your own
Good to know: You do not need to pack beach or pool towels. Disney provides them.
What to Pack for Castaway Cay or Beach Excursions
If your itinerary includes Castaway Cay or another beach excursion, a few extra items made the day easier.
Pack:
- Dry change of clothes
- Baby powder
- Wet bag
- Sunscreen
- Water bottles
- Water shoes
- Small cooler bag
- Collapsible sand toys
***Don’t Skip This: Baby Powder
Baby powder proved surprisingly useful after a beach day. It helps remove stubborn sand from feet and legs before heading back to the ship.
Having dry clothes to change into also helped with chafing on the walk back.
My take: This is one of those little tips that sounds unnecessary until you’re hot, sandy, and walking back to the ship. I’d pack it again.
Disney Cruise Cabin Essentials Worth Packing
Disney Cruise staterooms make good use of space, but you’re still fitting your family and everyone’s belongings into a single room. A few simple organizational items made a big difference.
- Magnetic Hooks
Disney Cruise cabin walls are magnetic, so magnetic hooks are incredibly helpful.
We used them for:
- Lanyards
- Hats
- Backpacks
- Beach bags
- Lightweight clothing
- Hanging wet clothes
- Other small items we wanted off the counters
My take: These were among the simplest things we packed and among the most useful.
- Pop-Up Hamper or Laundry Bag
A pop-up hamper keeps dirty clothes from taking over your room.
Packing cubes can also work well. We used ours to organize clothes on the way there and repurposed them for dirty clothes on the way home.
- Small Plug-In Nightlight
Our cabin was pitch black at night. That’s wonderful for sleeping. It’s less wonderful when someone needs the bathroom at 2 a.m. A small nightlight made it easier to move around without turning on the bright cabin lights and waking everyone up. And if you have kids who are used to having light in their room, this is an essential element for you.
- Bathroom Spray
The toilet and shower areas are separate, which is really helpful when a family is getting ready. But it’s still a small space with limited airflow. Bring the bathroom spray. Be kind to your travel partners.
- Door Magnets for Decoration
Decorating your Disney Cruise ship door is a fun tradition for many families. Door magnets aren’t necessary, but they can help kids recognize your cabin in a long hallway of similar-looking doors.
You can buy them or make your own before the trip. We just ordered a set from Amazon and put them in a Ziploc bag to get them there. Others will make a sign to hang on their door or make their own at home.
- Painter’s Tape
If you’re celebrating a birthday or bringing lightweight decorations for your cabin, painter’s tape can help. Just make sure any items you use comply with Disney Cruise Line’s current stateroom decoration policies.
- Kid-Sized Hangers
Our room had adult-sized hangers, so small hangers can be helpful if you have children’s clothing you’d prefer to hang. Depending on how many kids you have, think through how many you will need.
- Downy Wrinkle Releaser
This was much easier than worrying about wrinkled dinner clothes. It’s a simple thing to throw into your toiletries and keep for taking care of your clothes.
Disney Cruise Items We Used Every Day
Some items earn their suitcase space because you use them repeatedly. These were ours.
- Lanyards – Your Key to the World card is important onboard, and lanyards make it easier to keep track of. Instead of constantly digging through a purse or beach bag, everyone has their card easily accessible.
- Refillable Water Bottles – Bring a bottle that seals well and won’t leak. We used ours throughout the trip and appreciated having them on excursions.
- Small Cooler Bag – We packed an empty cooler bag flat in our suitcase. It was helpful for keeping drinks cold when we were off the ship or away from our room.
- Ziploc Bags – Pack several sizes. They take up almost no space and can be used for Wet swimsuits, Snacks, Small toys, Seashells or treasures, Toiletries, Random kid stuff
Disney Cruise Packing List for Kids
Traveling with kids means packing a few extras, but they don’t have to take over your suitcase.
Pool and Beach Items
- Goggles
- Water shoes
- Collapsible sand bucket
- Small sand toys
- Dive toys you won’t be heartbroken to lose
- Snorkel mask
- Water diapers, if needed
Activities and Entertainment
- Coloring books
- Crayons or colored pencils
- Sticker books
- Travel games
- Card games
- Scribble pads
- Learning activities
- Tablet
- Headphones
- Chargers
- Books
My take: Scribble pads and simple activities were especially helpful while waiting at the cruise terminal. Choose items that are easy to pull out and put away without spreading markers and tiny pieces everywhere.
What to Bring for Kids at Dinner
Disney’s dining experience is part of the fun, but dinner can take a while. Our servers were wonderful at bringing our son’s food, but kids don’t always want to sit patiently while adults finish a longer meal.
A few small activities helped:
- Coloring books
- Stickers
- Paper
- Postcards
- Small travel games
- Scribble pads
- Jewelry kit – beads and string
You may also want to pack:
- Bendable straws
- Reusable straws
- Kid-sized utensils
- Disposable spoons
My take: Think about what will keep your child happily entertained at the table without needing a screen every night.
Fun Disney Cruise Extras for Kids
These are optional, but they can add a little extra fun.
- Pirate Night accessories
- Character costumes
- Glow sticks
- Glow glasses
- Light-up toys
- Autograph cards
- Permanent marker for autographs
- Small surprise bags
I like to bring a few inexpensive items from home that match the theme of the day, or grab some themed items at Dollar Tree. They don’t have to be elaborate.
- A pirate bandana for Pirate Night.
- A light up wand and glow sticks for an evening deck party.
- A Disney-themed treat.
- Little trinkets that fit the day theme or add something new to draw attention – all little things I’m ok if they get lost or dropped/broken
I’d put them in a simple lunch sack and leave them out as a surprise. It made the day feel special without paying gift shop prices every morning.
Creative Activities We Brought
If you have a child who enjoys creative activities, think about what they like doing during quiet time at home.
We brought:
- Simple jewelry-making supplies
- Watercolor supplies
- Books
- Kindle
- Card games
These were nice for slower moments when we weren’t rushing to an activity and gave us time to just sit and be together, screen free and not fully entertained.
My take: You don’t need to schedule every minute of a Disney Cruise. Some of our favorite moments came when we slowed down. Having one or two quiet activities gave us something enjoyable to do without feeling like we had to chase the next event.
Electronics and Chargers
Make a separate electronics checklist before you leave home.
Pack:
- Phones
- Phone chargers
- Tablet
- Tablet charger
- Kindle
- Kindle charger
- Headphones
- AirPods
- Portable battery pack
If you’re flying, check what type of charging ports your airplane may offer and bring compatible cords.
AirTags for Luggage and Kids
We put an AirTag in each of our checked bags.
It gave us peace of mind as our luggage moved through the travel process.
We also used an AirTag with our son.
My take: Did we absolutely need them? Probably not. But I liked having an extra layer of reassurance when traveling through airports and navigating a new environment.
Food and Drink Extras We Packed
A few extras you might consider:
- Unopened packaged snacks
- Flavor enhancers for water
- Tea bags – Chai tea as an alternative for coffee
- Travel-size dish soap for washing reusable cups or bottles
- Refillable water bottles
If you want bottled water or snacks before boarding, consider stopping at a local grocery store or having a grocery delivery sent to your hotel before the cruise.
Always check your hotel’s delivery policies and Disney Cruise Line’s current rules on what food and beverages can be brought onboard.
A Few Completely Optional Disney Cruise Extras
Not everything on a cruise packing list is a necessity. These are firmly in the “bring it if it’s your thing” category. We didn’t do most of these, but I saw some folks with them and thought…hmmm that’s interesting:
- Binoculars – if you are doing Alaska, I’d totally recommend this
- Door decorations – do it your way
- Extra themed clothing
- Matching family outfits – not like at Disney theme parks, but its still a fun thing, especially if you are in a big group
- Jewelry-making supplies – this is the same for needle work or diamond art – anything that keeps you occupied
- Watercolor supplies – so much time to sit with new sights and inspiration
- Books or Kindle – always a spot for a book!
- Extra costumes – play into what your kids love – but the grown-ups on the cruise get into this too
Philosophy: If it makes your vacation more fun, bring it. If it creates more work, leave it at home.
Things I Would Pack Less of Next Time
Clothes. We simply didn’t need as many outfits as I thought we would.
Cruise life was more casual than I expected, and many days involved a mix of a swimsuit, cover-up, shorts, and a casual outfit for dinner.
If we cruise again, I’ll focus more on versatile pieces that can be worn again or mixed and matched.
I’d also be careful not to pack too many “just in case” items. You have limited suitcase and stateroom space. Everything needs to earn its spot.
My Disney Cruise Must-Haves
If you don’t want to read the entire list again while packing, these are the items I’d personally make sure to include in my suitcase.
⭐ My Disney Cruise Packing Favorites
- Passports and travel documents
- Prescription medications
- Sunscreen
- Refillable water bottles
- Magnetic hooks
- Lanyards
- Pop-up hamper or laundry bag
- Small nightlight
- Bathroom spray
- Small cooler bag
- Ziploc bags
- Portable charger
- Wet bag
- Baby powder
- Light sweater
- Kids’ activities
- Snacks
Those are the little things that made our trip noticeably easier.
Disney Cruise Packing List FAQs
What should I pack in my Disney Cruise carry-on?
Pack everything you’ll need in your Disney Cruise carry-on for the time between arriving at the cruise terminal and receiving your checked luggage. We packed our passports and important documents, medications, swimsuits, sunscreen, chargers, a portable battery pack, snacks, water, and activities for our son. A backpack worked well for us because it was easy to carry around the ship until our stateroom was ready and our luggage arrived.
Do I need to pack towels for a Disney Cruise?
No, you do not need to pack beach or pool towels for a Disney Cruise. Towels are provided onboard and at Castaway Cay, so save that valuable suitcase space for something else.
Are magnetic hooks useful on a Disney Cruise?
Yes! Magnetic hooks were among the simplest and most useful things we packed for our Disney Cruise. The stateroom walls are magnetic, so we used them to keep lanyards, hats, backpacks, beach bags, and other lightweight items organized and off the counters. They’re especially helpful when several people are sharing a small cabin.
What should kids pack for a Disney Cruise?
For kids, pack comfortable clothes, swimsuits, rash guards, pajamas, sneakers, sandals, water shoes, goggles, and any special outfits for Pirate Night or character experiences. Collapsible sand toys are a fun bonus on Castaway Cay day. We also packed coloring and sticker books, scribble pads, small travel games, a tablet with headphones, and a few simple activities for waiting and downtime. Glow sticks and pirate accessories were fun extras, and I liked bringing inexpensive surprise items from home that matched the day’s theme.
What should I pack for Castaway Cay?
For Castaway Cay, pack sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, refillable water bottles, water shoes, a wet bag, and a change of dry clothes. If you have kids, consider bringing goggles, a snorkel mask, and a collapsible sand bucket or small beach toys. One of my favorite tips is to pack baby powder, which helps remove stubborn sand before heading back to the ship. You do not need to bring beach towels because Disney provides them.
Do I need a refillable water bottle on a Disney Cruise?
I definitely recommend bringing a refillable water bottle on a Disney Cruise. We used ours throughout the trip and appreciated having it for excursions and days away from our stateroom. Choose one that seals well so you can carry it in a backpack or beach bag without worrying about leaks.
What medicine should I pack for a Disney Cruise?
In addition to any prescription and daily medications, consider packing a small travel medicine kit with non-drowsy motion sickness medicine, children’s motion sickness medicine, a pain reliever, Benadryl, Tums, Pepto-Bismol, Lactaid if needed, nausea remedies, bandages, and antibiotic ointment. Thankfully, we didn’t need most of what we packed, but having basic medicines and first-aid supplies in our stateroom gave me peace of mind, especially when traveling with a child.
What are the best Disney Cruise cabin essentials?
The Disney Cruise cabin essentials we found most useful were magnetic hooks, lanyards, a pop-up hamper or laundry bag, packing cubes, a small nightlight, bathroom spray, and refillable water bottles. We also brought door magnets, which were a fun way to decorate and made our stateroom easier to recognize. My best cabin tip is to unpack when you arrive, use the drawers and closet, and slide your empty suitcases under the bed. Moving in and getting everything organized made our stateroom feel much more comfortable for the rest of the cruise.
Final Thoughts on Packing for Your First Disney Cruise
If you’re staring at an empty suitcase, wondering how you’re going to pack for your first Disney Cruise, take a breath.
You don’t need every cruise gadget you see online.
Start with the essentials. Pack for the activities your family actually enjoys. Add a few simple organizational tools, and leave room to bring home a souvenir or two.
The items that made the biggest difference for us weren’t expensive gadgets. They were practical things like magnetic hooks, a refillable water bottle, Ziploc bags, a cooler bag, a nightlight, and a few activities to keep our son entertained.
And remember, you’re not packing for the perfect vacation.
You’re packing so you can spend less time worrying about what you forgot and more time enjoying your trip.
If this is your first Disney Cruise, start with my Disney Cruise Tips for First Timers, where I share everything I wish someone had told me before we sailed, from the Disney Cruise app and embarkation day to Kids Club and settling in onboard.
