Disney Cruise Line Wish: 4 Things You Need to Know ~

Read Time:6 Minute, 4 Second

You are all booked for your cruise aboard the Disney Wish and have chosen your excursions, dining options, beverage package, and transportation to the port, so you’re all set, right?

Nope! You need to get these four things to make your trip seamless and stress-free. You’ll be so glad you are prepared! I am a travel agent and holy cow, these things really made a difference for me, and I hope they help you fully enjoy your cruise vacation!

#1: Disney Band +

Who doesn’t love tap-to-play/pay devices?!?! Disney has made it possible for kids and adults to use a wearable to bring magic to all that you do. From hands-free conveniences like access to your stateroom and paying for drinks and merchandise, to interacting with elements around the ship, this is something you’ll be glad you have. You can purchase these through Disney before your cruise and link your band to your Disney Cruise account ahead of time so you’re good to go! They have many styles to pick from so choose whatever matches your personality. I decided on the navy and gold one – it looked spectacular!

Disney Magic Bands | shopDisney

Don’t forget to order your band protector so the magic doesn’t accidentally fall off! Etsy has a lot of cute ones. This little rubber item helps keep the band closed and gives you peace of mind. Who wants to pay all that money for the Magic Band and make the big decision about which design to get only to have it fall off?No way!

To use, put the band protector on the side of the strap that has the holes, and slide it all the way to the face. Then, put on and clasp the band. Last, slide the band protector back down over the clasped area for safe keeping. I ordered mine through the Etsy shop that created these instructions, which I appreciated that you can find here.

#2: Pirate Gear and Beyond

Yes, people really do dress up for Pirate Night! Don’t be left out of the fun – make your costume happen! You can simply wear clothes that you already have that are pirate-like, such as black and red tops and bottoms, something with stripes, a bandana, or anything that makes you want to say, “Ahoy!”

Or, you can go all out, full Pirates of the Caribbean style, and dress head-to-toe for this special night. You can bring a costume with you, and may want to check out a local thrift store for funky blouses, skirts and vests, or repurpose items you may have at home. Children can get styled at the Bibbity Bobbity Boutique on the Disney Wish – be sure to make a reservation as soon as it becomes available.

Some guests also have tee shirts made up that are themed for this event. Etsy shops have some good ideas, or if you are crafty you can always DIY.

Ooh, and temporary tattoos! You can get a pack of pirate themed tattoos, and share with friends on the trip. Some people like to “Pixie Dust” others on the trip, so your extra tattoos could be put to good use that way.

Pixie dusting is a whole other topic!

Some people dress up for the 1923 and Arendelle restaurants for dinners on the nights that your rotational dining schedules you to be there. There’s time to change into your pirate gear after dinner and before the pirate extravaganza – no worries!

#3: Door Magnets

This is big. You don’t want to be the only door without decor! Guests make and/or buy all kinds of magnets to decorate their outside cabin door.

Having a decorated door helps you identify your cabin more easily when you are walking the halls looking for your room, and adds smiles to the faces of fellow cruisers who walk by and think, “Cool magnets!”

You can have magnets with your individual names on them, a larger one that is for your whole family, a bunch of big ones and little ones… whatever floats your boat! Some people make them using magnetic paper or craft items and attach strong magnets to the back. You can buy adorable and funny premade cruise door magnets from Amazon, Etsy, or a local craft business.

Remember to take the magnets with you at the end of your cruise to keep as souvenirs, put on your fridge at home, or to use on future cruises! Also, there’s a chance that magnets get lost or taken down during the cruise, so be prepared for that when buying or making your door magnets, just in case. Hakuna Matata!

TIP: To help guests on the Wish figure out if they are walking toward the front or back of the ship while on the decks with cabins, the carpet design has the clue. If you are walking and the Mickey Mouse head is facing the correct way, you are walking toward the front door of the ship. If the Mickey Mouse head looks upside down/backwards, you are walking toward the back of the ship, called the aft.

#4: Beach Bag for Excursions

You downloaded a list of what to pack, had your favorite suitcase picked out, found your sunglasses, made arrangements for pet sitting/plant watering, and made sure everyone had bathing suits. Check!

Now, remember to pack an empty bag for beach excursions. If you are getting off the ship at Castaway Cay (pronounced /kee/) or Nassau in the Bahamas, you will want to take sunblock, hats, water bottles, and other odds and ends with you when you are out for the day.

So you don’t come back to your cabin with enough sand to build Cinderella’s castle, pack a beach bag that has holes to help reduce the sand and water situation. Any water-resistant bag you have on hand can work – just remember to bring it! Remember to also bring closable gallon size plastic bags to put wet bathing suits in when it’s time to repack, in case the suits don’t dry in time to disembark.

TIP: This beach bag can be used as a carry-on person item earlier in your trip, or to carry home Disney souvenirs from your magical cruise that don’t fit in your suitcase! Also, if you didn’t bring a bag and need one, in the gift shop you can buy a reusable bag (with a purchase) for about $2.

I hope this post about things to get before you set sail on the Disney Wish helps you feel prepared to participate in the magic! Have a wonderful trip!

Feel free to share pics of your pirate costumes, show off your Disney Cruise Bands, or any other Wish pics by adding a comment or photo to this story!

You can reach out to me with questions about the Disney Wish or Disney-related information, or other trips around the world. You can learn a bit more about me here and I’d be honored to help plan and book a wonderful vacation for you!