Trip Bacon — The secret ingredient to the perfect getaway logo
Trip Bacon

Everything You Need to Know Before Your First Disney Cruise in 2026 | Tips, Tricks & Booking Secrets

Jackson Jetsetting
Jackson Jetsetting
🥉Knowledgeable
👁️ 2K views📅 11 months ago⏱️ 16:30
What This Creator Said
Creator RecommendsTips & Advice🥉Knowledgeable Creator
👶 Best for Family (Young Kids)Veteran Cruiser

Source: Our analysis of the creator's lived experience, based on what they said in this video.

Creator's Key Takeaways

I've pulled everything together from Disney's official website, personal experience, and even some tips that the most cruised passengers may forget from time to time.

The number one tip I'm going to give you is as soon as you book your Disney cruise, you're going to want to download the Disney Cruise Line app.

I do recommend booking a Disney cruise as far out as possible because there are a few key dates to remember for booking those excursions, cabanas, different activities on the ship.

Disney Cruise Line has a very flexible, very generous alcohol policy. They don't offer any beverage packages on board.

Creator's Tips & Advice

Download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app as soon as you book.
Book dining times and activities as early as possible, especially 75 days out for first-timers.
Pack a carry-on bag with essentials for embarkation day, as luggage arrives later.
Bring two bottles of wine or six beers per adult on embarkation day.
Get off early at private islands to secure prime beach spots.

🆕New to Cruising? This Creator Addresses:

Missing key booking dates for activities and excursionsBook as early as possible, especially 75 days out for first-timers, and use waitlists if sold out.
Not knowing which restaurant to go to on the first nightVisit the dining team on embarkation day to adjust reservations if needed.

Questions This Creator Answers

QWhat should I know before my first Disney cruise?
QHow do I book activities and dining on a Disney cruise?
QWhat should I pack for embarkation day?
QHow can I save money on excursions and alcohol?

Topics Covered

Booking Process3½ Happy BaconEmbarkation3 Happy BaconKids Family4 Happy BaconDining Specialty2½ Happy BaconWifi Connectivity3½ Happy BaconExcursions3 Happy BaconPort Destination4 Happy BaconDining Main3 Happy Bacon

Port Highlights

Castaway Cay4 Happy Bacon
Top: Castaway Cay Cabanas
Lookout Point3 Happy Bacon
How to read the Trip Bacon Score
Happy Bacon — creators loved this aspect
Sad Bacon — creators took issue with this
Meh — no strong opinion either way

Scale: 0–5 strips in half-step increments. 0 = “meh”, 5 = “bacon bliss”. Aggregated from creator-review sentiment, weighted by channel expertise.

About our Bacon Score methodology
YouTube Video Description

If you’re heading out on your very first Disney Cruise, this is the video you need to watch before you board! I’m breaking down everything you need to know—from what to book early (like character meet-and-greets, Palo brunch, and Castaway Cay cabanas) to what you should never forget to pack. Learn how to make the most of your time onboard, how to avoid common first-timer mistakes, and why booking excursions outside of Disney might save you big. Whether you’re sailing on the Disney Treasure, or one of DCL’s older ships, this guide is packed with tips to help you cruise like a pro. Book with us: https://www.jacksonjetsetting.com/book Shore Excursions Link: www.shoreexcursionsgroup.com/?id=973828&data=markjacksonjr@me.com Disney Magic Full Tour: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpDiL8-Io7Y Disney Magic Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPx2xK6lDs0 Disney Magic Tips and Tricks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izFFra01V9g Lighthouse Point Full Tour: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MVgnSjXCG4