If you’re sailing on a Disney Cruise, chances are you’re looking for ways to add a little more magic to your cruise vacation, without spending more money. Mainly because while there are a couple of things not included in a Disney Cruise, one of our favorite parts about Disney Cruises is that most everything is included and already paid for, which means you don’t need to stress about money while onboard. And in fact, you can even Free Souvenirs on a Disney Cruise as part of your vacation perks. Here’s what to know before you go, if you’re hoping to score a few Free Things on a Disney Cruise.
Disney Cruise Line Freebies You Can Take Home
A Disney Cruise comes with many perks; typically sun, sand, time at the pool, and fine dining. But what about those things that you can take home with you, besides the memories of course? Let’s dive in.
Castaway Club Gifts
One of the biggest Disney Cruise Freebies is a Castaway Club gift. Whether it’s your first cruise or your 20th cruise with Disney Cruise, on the day you walk into your stateroom for the first time, you’ll get a gift. Lying unsuspectedly on your bed, gifts for each Castaway Club “Level” are marked with the appropriate colors. Silver, Gold, Platinum, or Pearl. On our last cruise, everyone in the room got a Mickey Lanyard Card Holder. This is a wonderful gift, because, there is one for everyone at your party- kids and adults alike. And it can easily hold your Key to the World Card, which means it will be easier to find when you need it to open your door, disembark the ship at port, or pay for things.
A staple on any Disney Cruise is the Castaway Club Bag or Tote gift. Typically given on your first Disney Cruise, you’ll find other “bag” alternatives on your subsequent cruises. But, either way, these are free Disney Cruise Souvenirs you get just for traveling with Disney Cruise Line. These vary in style and theme to match different Disney events and anniversaries, but the types of gift you receive remain the same at each level remain the same.
- Silver: A Tote Bag + Mickey Lanyard and Card Holder
- Gold: A Wet/ Dry Bag + Mickey Lanyard and Card Holder
- Platinum: Beach Towel + Mickey Lanyard and Card Holder
- Pearl: Pair Stemless Flute Tumblers + Mickey Lanyard and Card Holder
Sweet Dreams Dove Chocolates EVERY NIGHT
While you may be eating the Dove Sweet Dreams Chocolates left for you in your room every night, you can also bring these Disney Cruise Freebies home. While they technically are the “same ones” you can buy at the store, these Disney Cruise Line Chocolates come in cute packages, are portable, and are an excellent way to keep people extra happy.
Castaway Cay 5K Medal
If you’re sailing to the Caribbean, chances of you stopping at Disney’s Castaway Cay are pretty good! As such, you may want to try out the Castaway Cay 5K Race. Previously this runDisney race used to be something you had to get up early for and plan. But, now you can simply go at your own pace. Simply check in at the Bike Rental Kiosk and let them know you’d like to do the 5K. You can walk it or run it, and once completed you can head back to the kiosk to collect your Medal! Another Free Disney Cruise Souvenir.
Pirate Night Bandana
Also part of a Caribbean Cruise is the ever-famous, Pirate Night! With a Pirate Night menu and a Pirate Night Deck Party, the entire boat gets all dressed up to celebrate sailing around the Caribbean. Often as part of the fun, your room host will leave Pirate Night Bandanas for each traveler on the day of the party. So that even if you don’t have a costume, or couldn’t fit one in your suitcase, you can still join in on the fun.
Disney Cruise Postcards
One of our favorite Free Souvenirs on a Disney Cruise is the Disney postcards you can find inside your console drawer. These postcards can be used and sent during your time at sea, or saved and brought home later. Many guests love to frame them or add them to scrapbooks as part of their memories. But, they’re also great for collecting signatures from Mickey and Minnie while onboard.
Activity Supplies and Prizes
One of the main ways to get Free Souvenirs on a Disney Cruise is to participate in the activities onboard the ship. Everything from creating Scrapbook Pages, to 3-D Disney Crafts to scoring Disney Character Medals for Winning Trivia. There are MANY Disney Cruise Freebies to snag when you participate in the fun and games.
Giftbags from Disney Vacation Club
Another Disney Cruise Line Freebie can be found at the Disney Vacation Club desk onboard. While you typically need to chat with the DVC team or attend an Information Session to get access to these prizes, it’s an easy souvenir to score if you’re willing. Often including things like totes, buttons, lip balm, lanyards, etc. on our last cruise, these DVC prize bags were being given away to random Bingo players. That said, if you’re a DVC member, daily freebies from the DVC team are often available to you every day of the cruise, so be sure to check the desk daily to see what souvenirs you can snag.
Special Celebration Gifts
Also, depending on when you sail, you may be in luck with a souvenir you didn’t even know about! In 2023 for the Silver Anniversary Shimmering Seas Celebration, guests sailing throughout the summer were able to receive a limited edition print of Mickey himself. While this particular Disney Cruise Freebie is only offered for a limited time, there are often specialty gifts available on Disney Cruises. Just all part of the extra magic.
Disney Cruise Line Freebies You Can’t Take Home
For good measure, we just had to share all the things you get onboard a Disney Cruise that are FREE, but that you can’t technically take home. While these “freebies” may not be physical objects, they sure do add to the fun and memories. And we love that they’re included on an All-Inclusive Disney Cruise.
A Free First-Run Movie at the Theater
No need to pay for Movie Tickets when Disney Cruise Line has first-run access to movies shown in the theaters. On our last cruise, we had access to both The Little Mermaid and Guardians of the Galaxy 3. And frankly, we love the chance to see a film in the theater while at sea. Especially because back home, lots of real-life stuff can get in the way…but on the ship, the whole family can just sit down together and watch. Such a treat!
Classes OnBoard
From Towel Folding to the Anyone Can Cook Series, there are classes onboard for kids, adults, and families that get you free knowledge and skills. What’s more is that depending on the class, you may even get MORE free things. At our Anyone Can Cook Class we received free drinks and free apple strudel! We love those classes and they’re offered for both family and adult age groups, so be sure to keep an eye out on your Disney Navigator for any classes onboard.
Birthday Celebration Treats
And if you’re celebrating a Birthday on a Disney Cruise, you can count on Birthday surprises throughout your trip! Most notably is that your servers will sing for you and bring you a special birthday treat. Again, not something you can bring home, but it sure is a lovely freebie as part of your Disney Cruise vacation.
Free Souvenirs on a Disney Cruise
There you have it. Some of our favorite Disney Cruise Souvenirs that you can get for FREE! Like any Disney Vacation, you’re sure to be looking for ways to maximize the magic without breaking the bank. Hopefully, this post has helped you get a handle on the fun ahead, even if you’re not blowing your Disney budget in the giftshops onboard. There are plenty of free things to be had, enjoy them!
Rochelle Mariah is a writer, designer and photographer with an MLIS in Information Science and a B.S. in Arch and Design. Determined to make Planning a DIY Disney Vacation easier she makes lots of lists and drinks lots of coffee. When not designing apparel at Polka Dot Pixie Shop, she's watching old movies and planning the holidays. She has been traveling to Disney destinations since 2010.
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