Disney Cruise from Florida: Experience Magic at Sea this Fall

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Whether you’re a Disney fan or simply love life at sea, chances are you already know that any voyage with Disney Cruise Line will be extraordinary.

Known for impeccable service, detailed theming, Broadway-caliber theater shows and postcard-perfect private island destinations, Disney’s cruises shine year-round. But if you’re looking for an enchanting getaway with festive seasonal celebrations, breezy weather, greater availability and lower prices, fall is the perfect season to book a Disney cruise.

Here’s why a Disney cruise from Florida deserves a prime spot at the top of your family’s fall travel list.

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Why Fall Is the Perfect Disney Cruise Season for Families

Mickey and Minnie Mouse pose in purple and orange Halloween costumes on the top deck of a Disney cruise ship. — Mickey and Minnie Mouse wear Halloween costumes aboard Disney Cruise Line’s Halloween on the High Seas sailings, or special themed sailings that take place each fall. Photo credit: Abigail Nilsson, courtesy of Disney

Since Disney cruises draw families with school-age children, itineraries during the summer (May through August), spring break (March and April) and winter (the weeks surrounding the winter holidays) are most popular.

But if your schedule is flexible, the months of September, October and November — and even early December — are some of the best months to sail on a Disney cruise from Florida. With fewer crowds and unique holiday-themed events, fall Disney cruise options include:

Sailing from Cape Canaveral (Port Canaveral):

Disney Wish
Disney Magic
Disney Fantasy, beginning in November (following a summer sailing in Europe)
Disney Treasure

Sailing from Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades):

Disney Dream
Disney Destiny, set to debut in November

Are you ready to explore more Disney? Let us inspire you!

Special Fall Onboard Events You Won’t Find Any Other Time of Year

Disney characters (including Goofy, Mickey, Minnie, Daisy, Donald and Chip and Dale) dance during a holiday-themed deck party aboard a Very Merrytime sailing on a Disney cruise ship. — Disney Cruise Line’s Very Merrytime sailings offer additional deck parties, Disney characters dressed in festive holiday attire and celebratory activities for the whole family. Photo credit: Kent Phillips, courtesy of Disney

From mid-September through October, Disney Cruise Line ships are decorated from bow to stern for Halloween on the High Seas cruises, and then again starting in early November for Very Merrytime sailings.

In addition to the year-round inclusions offered on a Disney cruise (such as themed dining venues, Broadway-caliber shows and fireworks at sea), these unique holiday sailings include additional deck parties, themed activities (such as trick-or-treating) and Disney characters dressed in Halloween costumes or festive holiday attire.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Don’t miss the special seasonal treats on holiday sailings, like spooky-themed gelato flavors during Halloween on the High Seas or hot cocoa and cookie stations during Very Merrytime sailings.

The Weather Advantage: Sunny Days Without the Summer Heat

Swimmers swim in beautiful aquamarine water on Disney Cruise Line's private island Castaway Cay in the Bahamas. — Fall in the Bahamas brings sunny, cooler weather that’s still comfortable for swimming. Pictured: swimmers at Disney Cruise Line’s private island destination Castaway Cay. Photo credit: Linnea Bailey

As a Floridian who has been sailing from the Sunshine State for years, I’ll be the first to admit that summers in the Bahamas and Caribbean can be hot. While the multiple pools and water play areas aboard Disney ships provide respite from the heat (like my personal favorite: Disney Wish’s AquaMouse Water Slide!), autumn brings clear skies and cooler temperatures, while remaining warm enough for swimming and water activities.

Yes, fall is also hurricane season (which runs through November 30), though the chances of a cruise being impacted by weather are low. If a storm is brewing, cruise lines have the flexibility to alter the cruise itinerary to avoid the severe weather.

How Fall Sailings Can Save You Money

Guests sit at a bar in a Bayou-themed lounge (with a ceiling adorned with flowers and foliage) aboard a Disney cruise ship. — The specialty-priced ‘drink of the day’ can be purchased from any server or bar, including The Bayou, a casual New Orleans-inspired lounge aboard Disney Wish (pictured). Photo credit: Linnea Bailey

Fall Disney Cruise Line sailings are generally more affordable due to lower demand during back-to-school season and hurricane season, leading to lower prices and fewer crowds.

And a bonus: all the “extras” for themed holiday sailings are included in the price of the cruise, which adds considerable value. During Halloween on the High Seas sailings, this includes activities like Mickey’s Mouse-querade costume party, themed trivia and crafts and Halloween movies. During Very Merrytime cruises, it includes events like Mickey and Minnie’s holiday party, a tree-lighting ceremony and appearances by Santa Claus. Disney’s private island Castaway Cay is even transformed with “snow” and a Christmas tree.

SheBuysTravel Tip: While Disney cruises don’t offer traditional beverage packages, there are multiple ways to save money on drinks on a Disney cruise. These include buying the specially priced drink of the day; joining a beverage tasting; purchasing a refillable beer mug; or even bringing your own alcohol. Adult passengers may bring two bottles of unopened wine or champagne (or six beers) on board in their carry-on luggage.

Best Disney Cruise Itineraries to Book This Fall

The cruise ship Disney Wish is pictured docked at Disney's private island destination Castaway Cay in the Bahamas. — Many Disney Cruise Line itineraries from Florida stop at one or both of Disney Cruise Line’s tropical island destinations. Pictured: Disney Wish at Disney’s Castaway Cay. Photo credit: Linnea Bailey

With a range of 3 to 5-night Bahamian itineraries and 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, there are plenty of getaway options throughout the fall months aboard Disney ships sailing from Florida. Some itineraries even stop at both of Disney Cruise Line’s tropical island destinations: Castaway Cay and Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.

But for a voyage aboard the hottest new ship of the season, look no further than the all-new Disney Destiny, set to start sailing from Port Everglades in November. Designed around the theme of heroes and villains, the 4,000-passenger vessel will offer 4 and 5-night Bahamian itineraries in November and December and beyond.

Packing Tips for a Fall Disney Cruise

Disney Cruise Line's adult-exclusive lounge The Rose is pictured, with an ornate gold rose design on its ceiling, ample seating and floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning views of the ocean and Nassau in the Bahamas. — The Rose is an adult-exclusive cocktail lounge found aboard Disney Destiny, Disney Treasure and Disney Wish (pictured). Photo credit: Linnea Bailey

For a fall Disney cruise from Florida, sundresses and casual wear are perfectly appropriate. However, the evenings can get chilly, so make sure to pack layers. If you visit any of the adult-exclusive dining experiences onboard (like the always-incredible Palo Steakhouse aboard Disney Wish), plan on formal or semi-formal attire.

You’ll also need appropriate travel documentation; U.S. citizens (including children) will need an original U.S. passport, passport card or Trusted Traveler Card. Other options are original state-issued birth certificate and a government-issued photo ID; an original consular report of birth abroad and a government-issued photo ID; or an original certificate of naturalization and a government-issued photo ID.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Disney Cruise Line has a zero-tolerance policy for items on the “no” list. Prohibited items include weapons, firearms and ammunition, as well as marijuana, illicit drugs and drug paraphernalia.

When to Book Your Fall Disney Cruise for the Best Rates

The beach (dotted with colorful beach umbrellas and palm trees) at Disney Cruise Line's private island destination in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay. The cruise ship Disney Wish is pictured in the distance. — Disney’s private island destination Castaway Cay in the Bahamas. Photo credit: Linnea Bailey

If there are popular fall holiday dates that you’re after (especially Thanksgiving week), plan to book your Disney cruise as early as when it first hits the market (a year to a year in a half in advance). Other great times to book include known sale and promotional periods like Cyber Monday or Wave season (which runs annually from January through March).

Membership can also pay off; Disney Visa cardmembers can receive various discounts and special offers on Disney Cruises, and Disney Vacation Club members can use Vacation Points for select sailings and onboard discounts.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Travelers may find low prices even if they book last-minute; fall is one of the best seasons to find deals and last-minute availability for Disney cruises.