Packing for a Disney cruise is exciting, but a few smart purchases before you sail can make a big difference. Some of these items add fun and personality. Others solve problems you did not even know you would have once you are onboard.
Here is a fresh, easy-to-follow list of things to buy before your Disney cruise, starting with the most important.
1. Pirate Gear
Most Disney cruises include Pirate Night, and this is the one thing almost everyone wishes they planned better for.
Disney provides basic bandanas, but bringing your own pirate outfits makes the night more fun, more comfortable, and much better for photos.
What to bring:
- Pirate shirts, dresses, or costumes
- Pirate hats or accessories
- Glow items for nighttime photos
Good to know: On Pirate Night, the ship offers pirate makeup and dress-up fun for both boys and girls.
2. Fish Extender Gifts
Fish Extenders are a fun cruise tradition many first-time cruisers do not know about.
A Fish Extender is a fabric holder that hangs from the fish outside your stateroom door. Guests exchange small gifts during the cruise. These exchanges are usually organized before sailing through Facebook groups for your specific ship and date.
What to buy:
- A Fish Extender holder
- Small gifts for kids or adults
- Name tags or labels for your gifts
Tip: Search Facebook for your ship name and sailing date to see if a Fish Extender group is available.
3. Door Magnets
Disney cruise stateroom doors are metal, which means magnets are allowed and encouraged.
Door magnets make it easy to find your room and add a festive touch to your cruise. Many families decorate for birthdays, first cruises, anniversaries, or holidays.
Ideas:
- Personalized name magnets
- Ship-themed designs
- Pirate or celebration magnets
4. Face Banners for Birthdays or Celebrations
If you are celebrating a birthday or special event, face banners are a crowd favorite.
These banners feature one person’s face repeated across the banner and can be hung on your door or inside your stateroom. They are fun, silly, and guaranteed to get laughs from people walking by.
Many cruisers order them from Etsy shops like: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ShopThePartyFace
5. Heavy Duty Cruise Towel Clips
Heavy duty towel clips are one of the most useful cruise items you can pack.
They are perfect for:
- Hanging wet swimsuits on the balcony
- Drying towels faster
- Keeping clothing from blowing away
These are especially helpful in verandah rooms where space is limited and wind is common.
6. Sprinkles for Ice Cream Lovers
Ice cream is unlimited on a Disney cruise, but toppings are limited.
If you love sprinkles or special toppings, bring your own. It is a small thing that feels very fun, especially for kids.
Make sure toppings are sealed and easy to pack.
7. Princess Makeup Supplies
If the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is booked or you want to save money, bring your own princess makeup kit.
You can do in-room princess makeovers before dinner or photos.
What to pack:
- Glitter makeup or shimmer spray
- Hair accessories
- Small brushes
- Setting spray so it lasts
This is also great for formal night.
8. Night Light
Disney cruise staterooms get very dark at night.
A small battery-powered night light helps:
- Kids who wake up at night
- Middle-of-the-night bathroom trips
- Avoiding stubbed toes
9. Refillable Water Bottles
You will walk a lot and spend plenty of time in the sun.
Refillable water bottles are great for:
- Port days
- Deck days
- Excursions
Water stations are available on the ship, but bottled water adds up fast.
10. Motion Sickness Supplies
Even if you do not usually get motion sickness, the ocean can surprise you.
Consider packing:
- Motion sickness bands
- Over-the-counter medication
- Ginger candies
It is much easier to bring this from home than to search for it onboard.
11. Extra Zip-Top Bags
Zip-top bags are one of those items you will use more than expected.
Use them for:
- Wet swimsuits
- Snacks
- Sunscreen leaks
- Fish Extender gifts
12. Small Fan or White Noise Machine
Cruise hallways can be noisy.
A small fan or white noise machine helps light sleepers and kids who are used to sound at night.
13. Hot Hands (Alaska Cruises)
Save this one for last, but do not forget it.
If you are cruising to Alaska, Hot Hands or hand warmers are perfect for:
- Deck viewing
- Glacier days
- Early morning port days
They take up almost no space and make cold days much more comfortable.
Final Tip
Disney cruises are incredibly well-organized, but a few smart extras can make your trip smoother, more fun, and more personal.
A little planning before you sail goes a long way once you are onboard.
Follow for more Disney cruise tips and secrets
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