Disney Cruise Line Staterooms: Designed With Families in Mind
A First-Timer’s Guide to Disney Cruise Line
By: Annette Miller
January 30, 2026
One of the reasons a cruise is my very favorite Disney vacation is that all the fun and excitement onboard is just steps away from your stateroom.
Need a break from the action? You can head back to your room anytime to relax, put your feet up, or even sneak in a nap—without losing time traveling across a resort or theme park.
While “spacious” isn’t a word often associated with cruise staterooms, Disney Cruise Line does an outstanding job of maximizing every inch of space—and they’ve clearly designed their rooms with families in mind.
What Makes Disney Cruise Line Staterooms Different
Disney staterooms include thoughtful features that make a big difference, especially for first-time cruisers and families:
Split bathrooms, allowing the sink and toilet to stay accessible while someone else showers
More connecting staterooms than most cruise lines
Select staterooms with small bathtubs, perfect for younger children
Since your stateroom is your home away from home for much of your vacation, taking a few steps to organize it early can make the entire cruise feel more relaxed and enjoyable.
My Cruise Stateroom Readiness Pack
The first thing I like to do once we’re onboard is get our room “ready for the week.”
I keep a small collection of items together between cruises that I pop into my carry-on before every sailing. I lovingly call it my Cruise Stateroom Readiness Pack—and it helps turn a compact cabin into a tidy, functional, welcoming space.
Stateroom Essentials I Always Bring
Pop-up hampers – Great for dirty clothes, but also perfect for corralling shoes, toys, or anything that might end up underfoot
Collapsible utility totes or small travel bags – Ideal for collecting items like your DisneyBand+ on dressers or nightstands
Poo-Pourri spray – A small space essential
Magnetic hooks and clips – Use them to hang paperwork, swimsuits, lanyards, or hats (the walls are magnetic!)
USB chargers and cords – Everyone will be using the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App throughout the day
Mini flashlight – Helpful for moving around the stateroom at night without turning on overhead lights
⚠️ Important note: Some items are prohibited onboard. Be sure to review Disney’s complete list before packing.
Twice-Daily Stateroom Cleaning
Parents—especially moms—will appreciate that your stateroom attendant cleans your room twice daily.
In a smaller space, it’s a wonderful feeling to return from a port adventure, dinner, or a show to find your room neat, refreshed, and organized.
And don’t be surprised if you find a towel folded into an animal when you return! Disney stateroom hosts are known for creating these playful towel “fun friends.” Leave out sunglasses or a hat and see what magic appears.
What’s Included in Your Stateroom
Disney Cruise Line staterooms come well-equipped. Standard amenities include:
A heavy privacy curtain separating sleeping and sitting areas
Spa-style bath, shower, and sink toiletries
Ample storage—including space under the bed for luggage
A refrigerator
Hairdryer
Television with in-room movies
Requests You Can Make Before or During Your Cruise
You can also request items to make your stay more comfortable, including:
Pack ‘n Play crib
Bed rails
Diaper Genie
Strollers (limited quantity; available at Guest Services on a first-come basis)
Extra pillows
Elongated bed extensions for taller teens and adults
Sometimes a little extra pixie dust appears—like character-themed sheets placed on children’s beds!
Gratuities for Stateroom Attendants
Gratuities are customary aboard Disney Cruise Line and recognize the exceptional service you’ll receive.
Many families choose to prepay gratuities before boarding. If not prepaid, they’re automatically charged to your onboard account at Disney’s suggested per-person, per-night rate.
Gratuities are distributed among:
Dining room server
Assistant server
Head server
Stateroom host
Concierge Cast Members (for Concierge-level guests)
Room Service attendants do not receive automatic gratuities, so many guests tip $1–$5 per delivery.
Celebrations & Special Surprises
You’re welcome to decorate your stateroom door to celebrate:
Your first Disney cruise
Birthdays
Anniversaries
Family milestones
For an extra-special touch, Disney also offers themed in-room décor packages. These surprises are set up before you even arrive at your stateroom when ordered in advance.
And one more surprise…
You can request a complimentary pre-recorded phone call from a Disney character before your cruise! It’s a fun way to build excitement—especially for kids.
You’ll find this option under My Reservations in your Disney Cruise Line account.
Planning a vacation can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. I’m here to guide you through the details so you can focus on what truly matters—creating incredible memories with the people you love. Want stress-free planning and the best value for your next vacation? Schedule your complimentary consultation today!
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If this is your first Disney cruise, you may also want to read: