If you are planning a Disney Cruise Line vacation, one of the most popular reservations you will want to know about is the Royal Gathering.
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/195k4gxzoh/?mibextid=wwXIfrThis *complimentary* princess meet and greet gives guests the opportunity to meet multiple Disney Princesses during a single experience. For many families, especially those traveling with young princess fans, the Royal Gathering is one of the most anticipated character experiences onboard.
Because reservations are limited, understanding how to book the Royal Gathering can make a big difference in your planning experience.
What Is the Disney Cruise Line Royal Gathering?
The Royal Gathering is a complimentary character experience that typically takes place in the Grand Hall aboard the ship.
During this special event, guests have the opportunity to meet multiple Disney Princesses, take photos, and collect autographs in one convenient location.
Rather than waiting in several individual character lines throughout your sailing, the Royal Gathering allows families to meet multiple princesses during a single reservation.
Guests may only reserve the Royal Gathering one time per cruise.
It is important to know that every guest attending the experience must have a valid reservation, even adults who do not plan to take photos themselves. When booking, make sure everyone who will be going through the line is included in the reservation.
How to Book Royal Gathering on Disney Cruise Line
One of the most important Disney Cruise Line tips I share with guests is that the Royal Gathering follows a different booking schedule than many onboard activities.
Royal Gathering reservations open at exactly midnight Eastern Time, 30 days before embarkation, regardless of Castaway Club status.
For first-time Disney Cruise Line guests, this booking window opens at the exact same time as online check-in.
If you are a first-time cruiser, I strongly recommend reserving the Royal Gathering before starting your online check-in process.
While there is certainly value in completing check-in quickly, especially if you are hoping to secure an earlier boarding group, the Royal Gathering is one of the fastest-selling reservations on Disney Cruise Line. In many cases, waiting until after check-in is complete means the reservation will already be gone.
What Happens If You Miss Securing a Royal Gathering Reservation?
Many guests stress about the possibility of missing a Royal Gathering reservation, and for good reason.
The reality is that Royal Gathering reservations can disappear very quickly, within minutes. It is also common for guests to experience website errors, app issues, or other technology glitches during the booking process.
If this happens to you, it is completely normal to feel disappointed.
However, missing the Royal Gathering online booking does not mean completely missing the opportunity to meet Disney Princesses onboard the ship.
- You can go to Guest Services when you board the ship to enquire if they have spots available- often guests find there is additional availability when they ask on board! (Please note: there is no guarantee there will be more openings, but it is always worth asking!)
- Disney Cruise Line offers additional princess meet and greets, character appearances, and special character experiences throughout your sailing. Once you are at the port/onboard and connected to Disney Cruise Line Wi-Fi, the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app will display character greeting times and locations throughout your cruise.
The Royal Gathering is a wonderful convenience, but it is not the only way to experience the magic.
Disney Cruise Line Tips for First-Time Cruisers
My biggest piece of advice is simple: set a reminder for when your booking window opens, be logged into your account before midnight Eastern Time, and be ready to hit 'Book' as soon as the clock strikes 12!
And if you do not get a reservation, try not to let it define your cruise experience.
Some of the best Disney Cruise Line memories come from unexpected moments, *surprise* character encounters, and magical experiences you never planned for.
Planning Your Disney Cruise Line Vacation
As a Gold Disney Cruise Line Castaway Club member, Walt Disney World Annual Passholder, and travel advisor specializing in Disney destinations, I help families navigate Disney Cruise Line planning from the initial quote all the way through debarkation day and beyond.
Whether you are sailing for the first time or returning for another Disney cruise adventure, I help my guests understand booking windows, character experiences, onboard activities, dining, and all of the details that can make planning feel overwhelming.
If you are planning a Disney Cruise Line vacation and would like personalized assistance, I would love to help your family create a magical sailing.
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