Disney Cruise Line Secrets

In preparation for my upcoming cruise I've decided to share my top 5 Disney Cruise Line secrets, tested and tried by yours truly.

• Dining Rotation: If you get a cruddy dining rotation, be sure to go to the adult club district when you board and find out when the dining captains will be there. There will be one line for general dining and one line for Palo so be sure to pick the right spot to wait; or divide and conquer. The earlier you get there, the better chance you have of getting what you want. 

• Take advantage of the spa: No reason to fight for the shower before dinner and make your stateroom a sauna; pack your things and head to the Vista Spa the rainfall showers are to die for and they are open to everyone. I also like to blow-dry my hair there, because there's more space and more airflow. When I blow-dry my hair in the stateroom I feel like I have to shower again by the time i'm done!

• Learn to navigate your Navigator: The Personal Navigator is passed out each evening for the next day. This is your guide to everything happening; from drinks of the day, to events onboard to spa specials. Read it front to back (the back is where you'll find spa specials!) and bring highlighters with you to highlight the events you don't want to miss!

• To maximize space in your stateroom, unpack as soon as you get onboard. Use the closet and drawers to unpack your clothes, bring a hanging toiletry bag for the back of the bathroom door and collapse and nest your suitcases. Some will fit under the beds on the Magic and Wonder and the beds on Dream and Fantasy have been raised in order to accommodate suitcases. Don't forget to think outside of the box and use nightstand drawers and other creative places to unpack your essentials. 

• Participate-There are a lot of fun things to do onboard, try all of them (or as many as possible) at least once. There are activities geared for everyone, kids, tweens/teens, adults, couples and families. Don't be afraid to try out the adult clubs at night, you will find them very non-threatening and fun. The nights with the Newlywed game and the scavenger hunt are particularly fun. Enjoy the band, meet new people and have fun!

I have many more tips and tricks but you'll just have to wait until I get back...I have packing to do! :)