Planning a Disney Cruise is exciting—but knowing what to pack can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first sailing. After cruising and learning what’s truly useful (and what’s not), this Disney Cruise packing list includes the must‑have essentials that make your cruise easier, more organized, and more magical. These are the exact items I bring every time—and many of them are Amazon finds that make a huge difference in your cabin comfort, organization, and overall experience. This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click and buy, I may make a small commission, at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. PASSPORT! and other important travel documents Keep these items in your carryon…you will need them to check in at the pier. I find a passport holder to be very useful. This is another option….travel wallet RFID blocking card Thieves are everywhere. Simply place your credit/debit cards or any other RFID-enabled contactless Smart Cards near a RFID Blocking Card and you’re safe and ready to go. Suitcase with spinner wheels I have a weakness for new luggage, lol. Make sure it’s lightweight and has 4 spinner wheels. This makes it so that it’s easy to board your cruise ship and disembark….especially if you do self-disembarkation. Plus….who wants to drag a heavy bag around ship terminals or airports. Why not make it Disney themed? Carry on luggage I have been using an airline approved size carry on bag for several year now. There is plenty of room for extra shoes, a change of clothes, medicine, jewelry, electronics….all the things I don’t want to check with baggage handlers AND this one fits under the seat! If you need more storage, I love this tote bag . There is a hidden strap, so you can easily slip it over your luggage handle. Trying to minimize the amount of luggage you are taking? This convertible garment bag holds a TON of items and protects your nicer clothes from wrinkles. Comes in other colors and patters also. Cruise Line Luggage Tag Holders Protect your luggage with reusable holders. Nothing worse than having your luggage go missing! Plastic reusable luggage tags holders are so practical. If you get nothing else, buy luggage tag holders! Not only are they reasonably priced, but they can be reused again and again. After having tags accidentally torn off one time and our bags go missing, I purchased some. I will never cruise without them again! Packing cubes I’m a packing cube convert. I’ve found even more ways to use packing cubes to keep organized on my cruise. My suitcase stays organized and when I unpack onboard, I just move them into the drawers or shelves. I recommend getting at least 2 packs in various sizes and in different colors. This way you can have cubes for each member of the family. Luggage Locks Lock your luggage! We always lock ours when flying or boarding a ship. These luggage locks are designed to keep thieves out but still allow TSA to check bags when they’re going through security. And because the TSA can’t take their key out without relocking, you can be assured your luggage will stay locked . Luggage Tag Many bags look identical. Make yours easy to spot with unique luggage tags. Apple Airtags No one wants to lose their luggage while traveling. Air tags can help you locate your bags if they go missing while flying or traveling. We use one in each bag, including carry ons. The piece of mind is worth the cost. I also use a AirTag holder that can attach to the inside of the bag. There are lots of colors available. Lanyard and Keycard Holder Cruise lanyards are one of the most popular cruise essentials. If you want to stay hands free or keep organized, putting your cruise key card in a plastic water-proof lanyard is super practical both on the cruise and as you get off the ship at a cruise port. Hanging Toiletry Bag I have used a bathroom organizer for years. I keep it packed all the time except for a few items which I need everyday. This way, it is grab and go! Travel Size Toiletries I like to use TSA approved containers. There are many to choose from, I find these useful. Plus….they come in a plastic bag that will protect against any leaks that might happen. (Click on the picture for a direct link to the product.) Waterproof beach bag or tote for pool This waterproof and sand proof beach bag has tons of pockets and space for your towels, swim suits, flip flops, water bottles, glasses, sunblock, toys and any other things you’d like to take with you to the beach or pool, and an interior pocket to place keys, your wallet or phone and other valuables. Disney Ears A Disney cruise is a great place to wear and show off your nautical themed ears. This cruise headband features glitter anchor and flag details on the ears, bringing a touch of magic. Accented with a life ring on the bow, this cruise ears is ready for a day of sailing for you! How do you protect them when traveling? I found this really cute portable mouse ears travel case that kees them safe and easy to find. Bag to use onboard and onshore When going ashore, it is nice to have a good bag. Bring Disney onshore with you by using a fun Steamboat Willy, Donald Duck or Minnie Mouse Loungefly backpack. Prefer a crossbody? This one has lots of storage with easy to use compartments. Or a cute fanny pack? Waterproof case for phone and ID A waterproof case is useful if you are uncomfortable leaving your valuables on the beach while you are in the water. There is also a waterproof case if you want to snorkel with your phone. Reusable shopping bags Many stores are eliminating free bags with purchases. I travel with reusable grocery bags…saves money and keeps me from using plastic bags. Refillable Water Bottles Make sure you stay hydrated both onboard and onshore! These Disney themed water bottles make itContinueContinue reading “Ultimate Packing List for Your Disney Cruise”
Category Archives: Disney
2026 EPCOT Garden Rocks Concert Series Line-up Revealed
Disney Parks and Walt Disney World have released the 2026 concert line-up for the Epcot Flower & Garden Rocks concert series. The Music of ABBA, Information Society, FireHouse, Katrina, formerly of Katrina & The Waves, Josiah Queen, and Iam Tongi will be new to the series this year, providing something for every musical taste. The EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is blooming back to life March 4 to June 1, 2026, along with the ever popular Garden Rocks Concert Series! With a mix of chart-topping legends, powerhouse vocalists, and Orlando’s rising local talent, this year’s lineup brings something fresh to the American Gardens Theater in The American Adventure Pavilion at Epcot. Garden Rocks concerts are performed throughout the Festival. In recent years, on Friday to Monday nights the concert series featured globally known artists, and talented local acts were featured Tuesday through Thursday nights. Show times are typically 5:30PM, 6:45PM & 8PM. Concerts are included with regular park admission to EPCOT. If going to Epcot before 2pm, make sure you have a park reservation! Garden Rocks Dining Package What’s Included Dining Packages are available to pair breakfast, lunch or dinner (either a three-course meal or full buffet with a beverage — non-alcoholic or alcoholic for of-age guests — based on location) at a participating EPCOT restaurant with guaranteed priority seating for an evening show on the same date. The exception is Spice Road Table, where each guests receives 2 small plates and a nonalcoholic beverage (or alcoholic beverage for Guests 21 and older), and a shared tagine and a shared dessert platter for the table. Guests who book a Garden Rocks Concert Series Dining Package will enjoy: An entrée and dessert or one (1) full buffet, plus a non-alcoholic or alcoholic beverage. The Spice Road Table package includes two small plates, shared tagine, shared dessert platter, and one (1) non-alcoholic beverage. One (1) guaranteed seat per person to the Garden Rocks concert held the same day as your dining reservation. Reservations for 2026 Dining Packages open February 5th. The Garden Rocks Concert Series is the perfect springtime night out: enjoy a delicious meal, then head over to America Gardens Theatre knowing your seat is waiting for you. Thanks for visiting! You can also follow me at: Instagram at Ladies.WhoDisney YouTube at Travels With Mickey Pinterest at Travels with Mickey Instagram at Travels with Mickey Please visit and follow my Amazon store for more helpful items to make your Disney visit and travel even more enjoyable! P.S. If you found this helpful, please don’t keep it to yourself. Please share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttons are below). Thanks so much! Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. This means I will earn a commission – at no extra cost to you — if you click on the link and purchase anything from these trusted companies. It helps Zest4Travel, a small business, stay in business. Thanks for your support!
Garden View Lounge Reopening: Tea Experience at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Walt Disney World has announced the re-opening date for Garden View Lounge, and shared the full menu for the Alice in Wonderland Tea Experience. Here’s everything else you need to know, including food photos and reservation dates. Not familiar with the Garden View Tea Room or Lounge? It is not brand new. The Garden View Lounge has been newly-reimagined as part of the overhaul of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. This resort reimagining has been a triumph, from the rooms to the lobby to the Club Level. The original Garden View Lounge closed in March 2020. Reopening 6 years later, it is one of the final phases of the massive resort reimagining. Walt Disney World previously announced that the project, which was originally slated to be finished before Christmas, will now continue in “select areas” through mid-2026. The Garden View Lounge – Tea Experience will be opening its doors once again on March 19, 2026 to bring guests on a whimsical afternoon tea extravaganza. Advance Dining Reservations will open on February 19, 2026. With new touches from the Walt Disney Animation Studios film Alice in Wonderland, guests will have an unforgettable experience. The Garden View Lounge will now serve an all-new menu, with choices of sweet & savory small bites to a selection of teas. The elegance of this beloved location still shines, but now with a whimsical touch. There are options for both adults and kids, making Garden View Lounge a space that the whole family can enjoy together. Walt Disney World’s beverage and culinary experts have gone down the rabbit hole (the Alice in Wonderland variety) and have created a brand new menu – here’s a first look! Garden View Lounge Beverage Menu The first step, or should I say sip, of this experience is the tea selection. Disney has worked with Twinings to hand-select premium tea blends that offer something for everyone. Delight in the Twinings Loose Leaf Tea Selections, including special flavors and classics like London Strand Breakfast and Spicy Chai. Exclusive to the Walt Disney World Resort is Orangery of Lady Grey, a unique black tea featuring bright, orange notes. The Nutty Chocolate Flavoured Assam black tea is a must-try with smooth chocolate and roasted hazelnut flavors. Want something caffeine-free, you can enjoy the Blackcurrant and Lavender herbal tea. After selecting your tea with the guidance of expertly trained cast members who serve as your own tea guide, you will be able to create a tea that is customized just for you. Next, you’ll choose an aromatic designed to accompany the tea which is added during the steeping process. There are two specialty teas on the menu – the Curiosi-TEA with Twinings Refreshers Strawberry Raspberry Herbal Tea Instant Beverage with a touch of shimmering magic, and the This Way, That Way with Twinings Refreshers Peach Mango Tea Herbal Tea Instant Beverage and mint. Also available are two signature tea-based cocktails – the Mint Tulip featuring Old Forester 1870 Original Batch Kentucky Straight Whiskey and the Mar-TEA-ni with Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin, Twinings Earl Grey Tea, lemon, and honey. The lounge will also be serving champagne and sparkling wines for those who want a more elevated tea experience. Garden View Lounge Food Menu What is afternoon tea without food options? These culinary creations bring to life the ultimate afternoon tea experience. You will be delighted with the Orange-Cranberry Scone with traditional accoutrements. After enjoying those, you will be served a three-tier tower of sweets and savory delights. The savory selections include: Curried Chicken Salad Playing Card Tart: Savory curried chicken salad filling topped with cherry gelée Footman’s Feast: Wonderland Salmon Crisp with a salmon rillette on a miso brown butter crisp Tweedledee Egg Salad Sandwich: A traditional egg salad on beet bread Caterpillar Cucumber Roll: A delicious combination with butterfly pea-infused cream cheese and cucumbers on pumpernickel Enjoy a sweet finish with the following desserts: The Matcha Mad Hatter: Sponge cake with apricot jam and yuzu buttercream Tea Party Tart: Vanilla tart, coffee custard, and chantilly cream Flamingo Croquet Choux filled with passion fruit cream and a raspberry crunch Painting the Rose: Earl Grey-flavored teacake painted tableside And for those looking for plant-based options, there is an afternoon tea selection for you too. For more added delights, there are also indulgent enhancements: Seasonal Cheese Selection or Royal Osetra Caviar with Mini Chive Biscuits and Traditional Accompaniments. The little ones have not been forgotten either. The Children’s Afternoon Tea features adorably delicious bites, including savory minis like the Queen of Hearts Cheese Toastie, a Fanciful Turkey Wrap, and a Sunflower Seed Butter and Jelly Bun. For dessert, there is the Cheshire Cat Raspberry Macaron, the Chocolate Brownie Branch; and don’t be late for the vanilla White Rabbit Cupcake. Pricing comes in at $79 per adult and $49 per child, with luxe add ons like caviar, specialty teas, cocktails, and champagne for those who want to go full Mad Hatter. With these tasty adventures, the possibilities are endless when you visit Disney Parks. Be sure to make your reservations and experience the all new Garden View Lounge at Disney’s Grand Floridan Resort & Spa. (Note: All offerings are subject to change and availability.) Thanks for visiting! You can also follow me at: Instagram at Ladies.WhoDisney YouTube at Travels With Mickey Pinterest at Travels with Mickey Instagram at Travels with Mickey Please visit and follow my Amazon store for more helpful items to make your travel even more enjoyable! P.S. If you found this helpful, please don’t keep it to yourself. Please share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttons are below). Thanks so much! Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. This means I will earn a commission – at no extra cost to you — if you click on the link and purchase anything from these trusted companies. It helps Zest4Travel, a small business, stay in business. Thanks for your support!