Disney Cruise First Timer's Report | What I Wish I'd Known + What I Learned

[@rchiariello]

I have probably watched 100 DCL vlogs and review videos at this point, and yours was definitely the most informative. You mentioned things that I didn't hear in any other video. Thanks for going into such great detail!

[@BlairLamb]

Thank you so much! I appreciate that!

[@cathystumpf2571]

We are going on our first Disney Cruse in March with our family, grown children and grandchildren. There will be 14 of us from age 70 through 6. All of us are so excited, especially our teens. Your posts have been the best of the many, many I have watched and your information is so comprehensive. Keep up the great jot!

[@prokoppartyof4104]

Just booked our Disney cruise yesterday and I am so thankful I stumbled upon this video!!! Thank you thank you!!

[@bugsaysmeep]

We just got off of our first Disney cruise, we did a 5 night Baja out of San Diego (where we live). I miss the mattress from our stateroom so much!! It was some of the best sleep I've ever had! I absolutely agree with you on the water, I thought the filtered water from the drink station was pretty good. Also, on embarkation day you can sign up for 50 MB of wifi for free but it's only good on that day. You can go to Guest Services for the instruction sheet. And you can pre-pay your crew tips/gratuities ahead of time if you want, and when they give you the envelopes at the end they give you sheets to put in them for your dining team/room host which tell them how much they are receiving.

[@jl-uw3zh]

I have done 4 disney cruises and I personally love them I totally agree the service is over the top amazing and i love the waiters rotate with you because you get to know them personally. I personally suggest though the full week long cruise it goes by so quick but you have plenty of time to do everything. I have enjoyed your videos so much!!

[@sarahfaircloth3629]

I love how planned and prepared you are for everything. I wish I could be like that😂 excuse me while I binge watch every single cruise video you’ve done once again! ❤️❤️ so glad I found your channel.

[@BlairLamb]

Welcome, Sarah!!

[@elizabethhill1121]

I just found this and OF COURSE you’re here... I LOVE you!!!!!

[@tatecaswell5689]

We took a cruise in the summer, and I wanted to just tell you how much My family and I appreciated this video and how great your tips were!

[@MandySPC]

So informative!! Looking forward to viewing more of your DCL vlogs & I hope you are having the best time with your sweet little family!!

[@megancastelli904]

i went on a cruise on the disney magic in january 2016 and i’m currently trying to convince my parents to go on one in january 2022 on the disney wish. tangled was our show, such an amazing show. the food, service, everything was absolutely perfect and i loved every second ofit

[@michaelj1980]

Thank you for putting together this video. It was very, very helpful and you provided a lot of valuable information. We are looking to go on a Disney cruise in 2 years to Alaska. This info has come in handy.

[@daphneandoliviam6331]

You are right about the bathrooms! Super clean bathrooms including those by the pools. A cast member would sweep behind us to remove any water that was dripping from our swimsuits.

[@davidmessersmith786]

We were curious on our early cruises (working on number 9 now), who we would be seated with for dinner. It turned out it has always been a great experience and we made great new friends.

[@mindyschocolate]

Just paid for a cruise to the Bahamas on the Disney Dream in Feb as part of my 40th birthday celebration (Disney World to follow Cruise). I love Disney, but this is my first cruise with them (for some reason). I’m super stoked.

[@katyarsk]

I saw one of your shirts at Disney World a few weeks ago.

[@BlairLamb]

That is so cool! I've seen three shirts "in the wild" and it makes me SO excited every single time!

[@mariec7900]

Going on a Disney cruise in April...thank you so much for this helpful information. Really looking forward to it, even more so since watching your video. :)

[@joannsalas7015]

Hi Blair, you provided such great detailed information for anyone who is about to take the Disney cruise. Even the basic information is sometimes difficult to find on other YT cruise prep videos Great job, thanks for taking the time to do this.

[@jasonrodgers880]

That’s an excellent overview. One thing I might add: my wife found the free coffee “meh”. If you want a “decent cuppa” you’ll have to either pack your own or buy it at one of the not free locations. Also, I hear you when it comes to scoliosis. It’s similar with me. Thanks for the vid!

[@priscillaberry2036]

I’m going on my first Disney cruise in April, this is so helpful!!! Thank you 🙏🏽

[@brogantatexo]

Loved this! You explained everything so perfectly, we can't wait to do a cruise one day! xx

[@BlairLamb]

You will love it!!

[@CarrieredAway]

Super helpful about the airport info

[@RohdeFam]

I just started watching your vlogs in the past week and they are so informative and helpful. They have made me even more excited for our cruise this December! Thank you :)

[@codywang775]

These videos you make keep me excited for my upcoming cruise in 3 months! I also have another on the Magic in January. DCL is the absolute best

[@tubetop123]

Yes on Castaway Cay staff helped me carry trays to my table ! It's a BBQ I didn't expect it at all. Disney is amazing

[@jeanhecker4533]

Blair, if you really like the at sea days, you might like a repositioning cruise.

[@AndyMae]

We went on our first Disney Cruise in 2015. Our next one is in October so in my excitement I’ve started watching Disney Cruise vlogs. Yours have been amazing. The bed is so amazing that my husband and I went out and got a new mattress, bed spreads and pillows to replicate it!!

[@BlairLamb]

No way!! Those beds are seriously heaven. I don't blame you!

[@anastasiafiala9586]

We’re considering a Disney cruise for our honeymoon next year. I’m pretty sure it’s the same itinerary you guys had too! Your vlogs and this review were super helpful. Thanks!

[@lillieemery]

So this might sound silly...but I am psyched the ice is awesome! I love ice and I love those crunchy barrel ice so much.

[@BlairLamb]

Not silly! I love ice ;)

[@kemfern26]

Blair, thank you for this! I have recently found your channel and I appreciate your tips and this review for the Disney Cruse! My family is going to be traveling to WDW for the first time late this summer and I’m looking into a cruise for next year and this, along with your vlog was so helpful!

[@shellysmom7002]

Most of FL turnpike and expressways are toll by plate. In fact, some spots don’t have a place to take cash. Check with ur rental car company but, Hertz just forwarded us the bill!

[@lindee_wilson5356]

My family and I have been on 7 Disney cruises and this June will be our 8th. Definitely worth it! The service is absolutely fantastic. The food is great too!

[@candacecandace5446]

I love your channel! We're going on our second cruise, but 1st Disney Cruise in October.

[@jaidemcdonald4559]

Thank you for sharing! I got some really awesome advice from this video and I'm very excited to book a cruise now!

[@robbieanzelde9787]

Great information. We have cruised on carnival for a couple of years....which is great if your on a budget and looking to have a lot of "ADULT FUN". But my wife and I just had our son a year ago and love Disney...so we are planning a Disney cruise. Watched all the vlogs on the cruise and got some great insight about the cruise like the Disney on demand and the shows. Great vlogs and love seeing fellow Disney fans around our age group enjoying Disney as adults.

[@BlairLamb]

Thanks so much for watching and commenting, Robbie. That'll be so much fun to cruise with your son!

[@ganabutis]

I really enjoyed your cruise videos. We did this same cruise two years ago in February with my two young boys and had a blast. Watching your video was like reliving our trip. A couple of things I’d recommend on the Dream (and Fantasy) is the Midship Detective Agency game. It uses the Enchanted art on board and sends you all over the ship. It’s a great way to explore and see parts of the ship you might otherwise miss. Also, I really enjoyed the Outlook lounge on the Dream. On deck 14, it’s the highest public space on the ship. It’s only used for special events but you can go up there when it’s not in use. Its only accessible from the elevator in the forward funnel but it offers some great views of the horizon forward part of the ship. Thanks for sharing your trip.

[@gprimr1]

If you use Google Maps, you can also enable "Avoid Tolls" as an option to avoid paying tolls. I was visiting my friend in Palm Bay and used the avoid tolls option to find a free route between her house and Disney World.

[@dorit33]

This video was SO organized and well done. Kudos to you! I’m not even going on a Disney cruise and I really enjoyed it! :)

[@BlairLamb]

Thank you so much!

[@suzyvelocity.9]

Thanks, for the facts....ice connoisseurs here ❤good ice!

[@Empressranda]

I know this is something you posted a while ago but this was sooooo helpful and I’ll be referring to it when we go on ours

[@spayne062009]

My husband and I are hoping to go on our first Disney Cruise soon! These cruise vids have been so helpful!

[@madizavitz]

Thank you so much for sharing this video! I’m looking into doing a seven night Disney Cruise with my boyfriend and all the videos I’ve been finding were not as thorough as yours! Plus, hearing your perspective traveling as a couple and not with a family is soooo helpful- since most of what I have found is family oriented. Just followed you, so I can’t wait to hear more about you and your husband!

[@BlairLamb]

Thanks so much for following along! :) We loved, loved, loved our cruise--just today (New Year's Eve), we both agreed that our days on the ship were our favorites this year.

[@juliarodriguez7228]

I totally agree with you about getting to the airport early! On my last trip to Disney World, I had a flight leaving around 6am or so, and I almost missed it because security was so slow opening up for the day. So many people were going to miss their flights that they started rushing everyone through a metal detector. We didn't have to take anything out of our bags or even take shoes off, and I still barely made it...

[@BlairLamb]

The same exact thing happened to us, where they basically threw all security procedures out the window and we just walked past a dog. It really made me nervous--there's reason why those procedures are in place. Every single time we fly through MCO, we agree that they have got to make a change. The inefficiency is crazy! I've been to many other just-as-busy airports that aren't nearly as inefficient.

[@KM-ni5zt]

Blair Lamb I’m new to your channel, loved this review! My first cruise is on the Dream next February! If you travel a lot, especially through MCO, and other busy airports, you should consider getting TSA precheck. It’s $85 for 5 years and so worth it! Took security at mco from 55 minutes to 5 minutes.

[@brenleyrutherford1014]

Thank you so much for this great information! This is really helping my husband and I figure out things about the Disney Cruise.

[@ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh9551]

Thank for the list of what is included those are my biggest questions and for showing your room in detail. Everything else seems pretty self explanatory.

[@ashleighcox6087]

Great information I'm planning a Disney cruise with my mum and step dad for a couple years time soo looking forward to it :)

[@kellygirl6911]

Thank you for this We're sailing on the Dream for the very first time next October🎃

[@pamelaedwards6380]

These videos sealed the deal! My husband and I are going to book a Disney cruise for 2019. 😃

[@BlairLamb]

Yay!!!

[@suzysavage1626]

On our last trip to WDW, both at check-in and check-out there was a cast member walking through the line to find out what you were there for. They also had an iPad and were checking people out who had no issues to resolve. So, I actually was able to finalize check out with them and get out of line before we even reached the front of the line.

[@BlairLamb]

That's awesome. I loved that touch. It made standing in line 100x better!

[@suzysavage1626]

Blair Lamb Absolutely! Especially for people behind you who may have more pressing issues. If they can expedite the line, it (should) make everyone happier.

[@nikkipenilla6652]

I love you and your videos Blair!! ❤️

[@dhonnahierro7742]

Hi Blair! First of all i love your videos as always! ❤️👍🏻 I hope you were able to reserve a placeholder (? Not sure if this is what it’s called) for a next cruise? This totally slipped my mind when i commented on your other pre-disney cruise videos. 🤦🏼‍♀️😔 sorry! This is one way of saving some money if you will be going on another cruise within 2 years. Basically, you make a deposit ($200 i think) and if you decide to go on a cruise within 2 years, you can get stateroom discount and onboard room credits depending on how many nights you will cruise. But if you don’t use it, the money you deposit will be refunded to you after 2 years from when you made the reservation.

[@BlairLamb]

We decided not to for a few reasons! Maybe next time.

[@sammia4227]

I’m doing the same cruise as you next month! This will be our very first cruise:)

[@samanthagamblin2787]

Fabulous! Thanks for taking the time to vlog this information! Do they have a Disney 🚢 that you can bring Charley? 🐶 I’m sure he would sun bath all day. Ha!

[@BlairLamb]

Hah! I wish, but no!

[@kemgal154419]

I took my daughter to Legoland down in Florida the same week we drove from southern Maryland to Florida! We're saving for a Disney cruise. What about tipping, did you have places or people you did tip or feel you have to? That is the part of vacation that always makes me nervous.

[@mariaanna3155]

I went on one with my boyfriend and he loved it so I wanted to get my mom and my sister one soon ☺️☺️☺️☺️

[@willandkinz]

Loved this information! One thing watch ur cc with the rental car. We rented a car for our trip to Disney world and drove off site to shop. We stopped and paid all the tolls. 2 months later I had a charge on my c.c. I called and was told rental cars have toll passes to prevent tickets when or if rentees don't understand how tolls work. I luckily kept all my receipts and they removed the charges

[@BlairLamb]

Great point! We turned our rental toll pass to "off;" there's a switch. (At least on ours there was.)

[@amyh7261]

This was super helpful! Thanks for sharing!! ❤️

[@magicallykatelyn]

This makes me want to go on a Disney cruise even more! Loved this video!

[@brandypino7193]

Your Disney videos make me want to go to Disney again & definitely do a Disney Cruise! Fun Fact: I used to live in Vero Beach. Im new to your channel & I love your videos!

[@arjay9]

Great Video & I'm sure it will be very helpful for many :) lol, I had to laugh at your ice comment, I'm oddly particular about my ice & totally agree with you! :)

[@BlairLamb]

Thank you! So glad to know I'm not the only ice snob! Hah!

[@juliediane1352]

You are so thorough and informative!! I am really looking forward to my families cruise next June! Can you explain more about the dinning? How does your waitstaff follow you? Did they assign you the place to eat nightly?? What about when you had sit down lunch/breakfast?

[@BlairLamb]

Great question! I'll add it to my Q&A list. Thanks!!

[@stephanie_1120]

I’ve done Bahamas and Alaska and Alaska is much more casual for dinners, fyi. I’m just totally trying to get you to Alaska lol

[@BlairLamb]

Hahaha! Me too sister! ;)

[@hiya12389]

i’m leaving for alaska in 5 days, i’m so excited but i have no idea what to pack!!

[@katielgillman]

Q&A: Was there anything you brought that you didn’t end up using or needing?

[@laurahasler3203]

Great video thanks

[@kailenedeleon8297]

Just to add on, for those that were concerned about the lanyards, if it is your first cruise, follow Blair's advice and bring a lanyard because your Key to the World card is your everything while on a Disney Cruise! If you are a returning guest, that means you are now a Castaway Club member and you will receive a lanyard! Also, if you are a returning guest, do your research and see what perks come with your level of Castaway Club membership, because in some cases, you can book experiences like adult dining or port adventures earlier than those who are cruising for the first time!

[@BlairLamb]

Great point!

[@mindyschocolate]

Anyone who’s been to the Disney parks probably have a pin lanyard they could use. I keep my stuff in mine. I think I’ve got like 8 lanyards now.

[@debbyfarrell2402]

Hi Blair. I’m a new subscriber from Australia. Just wondering -apart from the final day, when are some other situations we would be required to tip? It’s not customary to tip in Australia, so we never know and don’t want to be rude or cheap. Really enjoying your Disney cruise videos.

[@BlairLamb]

The only other situations where tips would be customary (aside from the last day) are the luggage porters (a few bucks), room service delivery (a few bucks), and the spa (usually 18-20%). Hope that helps!

[@debbyfarrell2402]

Blair Lamb Thank you! That’s very helpful.

[@lauura_m]

Thank you so much for this video ! Loved watching the vlogs and was very exciting to have all the infos :) Been subscribed to your channel for quite a long time now but never left a comment 😬 I really appreciate your videos !

[@BlairLamb]

Hey Laura!! Thanks so much for following along!

[@thedaviszone5187]

We haven't been on a Disney Cruise in 10 years & back then Remy wasn't on the ship. Can you tell us the price & foods available & if you would do it again?

[@jessicacostley3960]

We could not find the on demand system for Disney movies! Kids were kinda bummed about that, but they enjoyed the Mickey cartoons that played on one of the other channels instead. We also didn't find the breakfast room service menu until disembarkation day, but we greatly enjoyed Cabanas and Royal Palace for breakfast instead.

[@camiarvizu958]

Loved watching all your Disney Cruise vlogs! We're leaving for a cruise in 2.5 weeks! I would to know if there was anything you packed that you felt like you didn't need and/or if there was anything you didn't have that you wish you would have packed. :)

[@BlairLamb]

Great question. I'll add it to my Q&A list. Thanks!

[@camiarvizu958]

Thanks! One more question - did you put together a travel binder for planning this trip or did you just use a packing list? Would love details on it. :)

[@lizzie7972]

This was such a helpful video! I have never been on a cruise but seeing your experience makes me want to go on a Disney cruise!! I am single and was wondering if I would have a good time by myself or should I bring a friend with me? I am a big fan of Disney and think it would be a fun getaway!! Thank you for all of the good information!!

[@BlairLamb]

There are entire forums for solo cruisers, so you can Google and check those out for sure! :) Thanks so much for watching, Elizabeth!

[@Letyourimaginationgrowwild]

Well done Blair about the information about Orlando International Airport. This is one of the most crucial piece of information I have heard on any Vlog and I watch a few. Having suffered TSA lines in Orlando. I get security but its so extreme. The information you have given in this Vlog is so super terrific and so REAL well done amazing.

[@BlairLamb]

Yes--get there early to MCO! Haha! I'll shout it from the rooftops!

[@karenschlumpf4532]

This video is super helpful - thank you! Your cruise videos (this one included) convinced me to book a Disney Cruise. For your Q&A: You mentioned the envelops at the end of stay to leave gratuity for the various cast members who provided you service regularly. I assume that is cash only ... ? Thank you.

[@mastachill777]

Tip about tolls, if you set your gps to avoid tolls you can save some $$ and it doesn’t add to much more travel time to get where you are going. We did this during a Universal/Disney trip in Orlando and never paid a single toll!

[@BlairLamb]

Smart!

[@live2travel301]

Thank you for the tip :)

[@hiya12389]

i LOOVVEEE your intro!!

[@rebeccamockett3254]

Love you so much this is the perfect way to start the day ❤️❤️

[@sueyanghang4995]

Rebecca Mockett j

[@isabelrivera6891]

Is that the pear you got on your Disney trip? It’s gorgeous! I love your videos Blair!

[@BlairLamb]

It is! :) Thank you! I wondered if anyone would notice it. Gold star to you!!!

[@lovemountains96]

I was wanting to know the same thing! I just watched that vlog last week (newer subscriber and I’ve been binge-watching) and I had been wondering when I could see what you had chosen Blair. Beautiful!

[@laceyleeman8195]

I am so glad you had a great time thank you for your video! Did you like your “go pro”? Would you recommend to anyone?

[@BlairLamb]

I loved it!

[@laceyleeman8195]

Blair Lamb awesome thank you!

[@VanessaG1021]

Yay! The video I was waiting for! 🙌🏼 So much great information. Thank you, thank you! My question is: Did you think the “go pro” type camera you got (because I am ordering it ASAP, as well, after your suggestion) was everything you wished it would be? Great sound and picture quality, ESPECIALLY FOR UNDER WATER use ??? Please oh please, I’m just waiting for you input to purchase. :)

[@BlairLamb]

Short answer: yes! it was great!

[@jefflewis5316]

Keep in mind, you can order multiple items at the dinners. Like a steak and a chicken....etc.

[@lexiehooper3314]

Top 5 must dos!!

[@priscillanilla5598]

Thank you I needed this vid!

[@rb8058]

Great video - thank you for the tips! Regarding the lanyard, should I get the kind that comes with a plastic pouch to carry the room key? Or just a basic lanyard with clip?

[@BlairLamb]

Either one! I liked having the one with the detachable clip.

[@SurvivingasMom]

Fantastic Tips!!

[@ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh9551]

I love you post late. I take my melatonin, drink some tea, watch a vid then hit the hay. Lol

[@dr.blessed]

Great informational video. We are planning our first Disney cruise next year. Question: Does Castaway Key have full day of activities? How much time are you allowed on the island.

[@BlairLamb]

Thanks for watching, Cindy! I'll add that question to my Q&A lineup. Thanks!

[@brittneywilliford]

We are going on our first in February and this info is the best! Thanks Blair! What do you think is the one must-eat item we shouldn't miss? :)

[@ashleysinko1801]

Did you do/see the Rainforest room in the spa? And do you know how/when to book it?

[@BlairLamb]

We booked a day at the Rainforest Room, but had to cancel it because our Castaway Cay day ended up overlapping (it got bumped because of bad weather). We did tour it on the first day. It's lovely. When you embark, head up to the spa and you can reserve it!

[@jeanhecker4533]

Super. Which Birkenstock sandal do you wear? Thanks.

[@Dive-Bar-Casanova]

Video starts at 3:30. The Embarkation is horrible the Debarkation is horrible. The trick to make it better is to only have carry on/off luggage. The extra cost restaurants are really unnecessary. The inclusive food is really good. WiFi is horrible.

[@LK-uo5kx]

Hi Blair! Thanks for posting all of your Disney cruise related videos! The info is very helpful. My husband and I are planning on booking our first cruise next year. Did you book a cabin in the front, middle, or back of the ship? Also, what deck number? I’m thinking of booking the middle of the ship on a higher deck. We don’t get motion sickness but just want to take precautions when booking. Thx!

[@BlairLamb]

We were Deck 7, Forward.

[@CloeandDan]

Thanks for all of the awesome tips!! For tipping the staff did you leave the tips in cash or did you just fill in amounts to be charged to the room? Thanks!!

[@BlairLamb]

We filled in amounts to be charged; you can also use cash.

[@sebastianperez05]

We are planing to go in the Fantasy on February. My question was about the Aquaduck. How long were the lines on the days at sea? I have two boys who would probably be on this slide constantly. Thank you. ~Michelle from Tucson AZ

[@scrappindollar]

Great video, TFS! Did you happen to notice if they have a wide selection of gluten-free food options?

[@BlairLamb]

I didn't particularly have my eyes peeled for that, but I do remember seeing a little "GF" next to several menu items. I heard one lady explain her dietary restrictions to her server (which were quite extensive), and he didn't seem phased at all. He happily accommodated her needs and she seemed pleased.

[@davidmessersmith786]

If you let your server know, they will do everything they can to meet your requirements.

[@haleyh4899]

Is that necklace from the Pick A Pearl you did at Disney World?

[@BlairLamb]

It sure is!

[@shelbyrayleen90]

This might have been asked and I know this video is old but when I plan trips YOU are the video I go to! Did you use disney transportation from MCO to the port and back? I'm thinking of renting a car from airport to port (ours is Miami), and then returning it at the port, and then renting another on the day we disembark to maybe catch disney springs like you did. Would I be able to return the car to the airport?

[@BlairLamb]

On our first cruise we just parked our rental car at the port during the cruise, then since we had it for the full day when we returned, we swung by Disney Springs. It was easier and cheaper (and faster) to just pay for the four days when it sat at the port and return it to the same rental place at the airport than to return it to a different location and pay more fees and another deposit a second time. For a longer cruise it may be cheaper to do what you're thinking of doing. -Riley

[@shelbyrayleen90]

@@BlairLamb ours is actually a 5 day 4 night as well so I'm going to look into just parking it at the port! Thanks!

[@kind.little.learners]

Are there packing restrictions or luggage size limits? How did they handle your luggage? My family and I are going on a Royal Caribbean Bahamas cruise in August (our first cruise!) so I love watching your videos!

[@gwyennegarcia3682]

Just curious...what time of year was your cruise? I just got back and it was the last week of January. I was shocked at how beautiful our weather was! Great job on this video by the way 😊

[@gwyennegarcia3682]

Nevermind! I got closer to the end of the video 😂

[@sandraalexander4690]

Very well done

[@rebekahmichaelsen7304]

When going to the shows each night, are they in the same place each night? Is there a different show each night to go to? How long before the show did you arrive in order to get seating? Thanks!

[@pinkso5035]

What part of the ship did you lodge on? (Front, middle, or back? What level also? ) is there any preference to lodge?

[@BlairLamb]

Deck 7, forward. My last video is a stateroom tour. We had stateroom 7540.

[@kaelynjones2314]

mid ship lower decks are recommended for passengers who can get motion sickness. if you dont get motion sick, i reccommend the aft balconies

[@jay-gx9uy]

Per Disney website if your cruise leaves from the US you do not need a passport

[@BlairLamb]

If it's a closed loop cruise (departs and leaves from the same US port), you do not need a passport. If it starts in one place and ends in another, you do need a passport.

[@mindyschocolate]

I’d bring one anyway in case you have to fly out from a port for an emergency.