Disney Cruise Line has made a few rule changes in the past year, including new policies that restrict what guests can bring onboard, limitations to door decorating, and changes to the most popular adult dining option.
Keep reading for all the new policies and rules that went into effect this year for Disney Cruise Line. Mickey Visit brings you the latest Disney news and planning resources, including new layoffs impacting Disney Experiences and changes to the homemade candy cane schedule at Disneyland.
READ MORE – Star Tours Secrets Revealed! 10 Facts About Iconic Disney Ride
1. Disney Tightened Alcohol Carry-On Limits
One of the most unpopular rule changes of 2026 was a new rule tightening the limit on how much alcohol guests can carry on board. Previously, guests could carry on board two bottles of wine or champagne (750 ml or smaller) OR a 6-pack of beer (12 oz or smaller) in their carry-on luggage at embarkation.
Disney Ride Closure ALERTS, Major Changes, Secrets Revealed
Get alerts on closures, park changes, exclusive discounts, and free printables. Trusted by 100,000+ Disney fans & planners.
Now, the new rule has lowered the amount of alcohol to just one unopened bottle of wine or champagne or six beers. Disney did reduce the dining-room corkage fee from $29 to 20 per bottle. Guests are not permitted to replenish their supply when visiting ports either. Alcohol purchased in port is now confiscated until the end of the voyage.
This rule change frustrated guests that are trying to save money on expensive drinks onboard especially since Disney Cruise Line is one of the only cruise lines to not offer alcohol packages.
2. Disney Limited Stateroom Door Decorations
Disney Cruise Line also began limiting how guests decorate their stateroom doors. Disney updated the language on their door decoration page to add, “Decorations should only be placed on doors and are not permitted on corridor walls or ceilings.” Previously, the language did not limit the use of decorations on walls or ceilings.
Guests are still welcome to decorate their doors with magnets, Fish Extenders, and other items as long as they don’t require the use of tape or other adhesives. Over-the-door hanging organizers are also still prohibited, as they may cause scratches or other damage to stateroom doors and trim. Disney’s door decorating policy also reminds guests that “items of value should not be used to decorate your stateroom door. Disney Cruise Line is not responsible for damage to or loss of these items.”
3. New Restrictions on Selfie Sticks and Tripods
This year Disney Cruise Line also modified its policy on selfie sticks, extension poles, and tripods. Guests are welcome to use them in most areas onboard as long as they are “folded and under 18 inches (457mm). Longer poles and tripods are welcome onboard to use ashore, but need to be stored in the stateroom.”
So this means guests can use longer poles and tripods once they access the ports of call, but they should remain stored in staterooms until then. This policy change makes a bit more sense as it’s important to keep the deck areas and general spaces onboard clear of devices like these that can create further congestion.
4. Popular Adult Dining Location Changes Menu
The adult-only restaurant on Disney Cruise Line offers luxury dining experiences including a popular brunch and previously, a prix fixe dinner menu. Palo Steakhouse, the name used on Disney’s Wish-class ships, is an additional charge and is not included in your general cruise fare. On the other ships, the restaurant is simply called Palo.
Disney Cruise Line’s Palo restaurants phased out the prix-fixe dinner menu and moved to an à la carte menu this October. For guests who just want to order a pasta dish and dessert for dinner, the experience is now likely cheaper. But for guests who want to order a salad, premium steak, sides, and dessert, that price has now increased since they need to be ordered à la carte.
5. Change of Perks for Disney’s Most Elite Repeat Cruisers
Platinum and Pearl Castaway Club members both receive a $55 per-person stateroom credit for Palo, Palo Steakhouse, and Palo Trattoria. To reach Platinum status in Disney Cruise Line’s Castaway Club, members must complete 10 cruises, while Pearl status requires 25 completed cruises.
Disney Cruise Line will now only permit Platinum and Pearl Castaway Club members to redeem their credit on the à la carte dinner items. Previously, it was advertised for dinner, but was available to redeem for both brunch and dinner. It is no longer available for the popular Palo brunch.
6. Disney Testing Out New Key to the World Wristbands
Disney Cruise Line began testing a new wearable alternative to its traditional Key to the World cards on select ships in early October. Key to the World cards are used to access guest stateroom doors, as guest identification, for charges, among other uses. Guests also have the option to use a MagicBand+ instead of the cards.
Guests without a MagicBand+ on this cruise received temporary waterproof wristbands at check-in as an alternative to the plastic key cards that are typically used. Disney has not confirmed if this means the wristbands will be introduced to additional ships or if they are planning on replacing the traditional Key to the World cards.
7. Disney Adventure Allowing Children at Palo Trattoria
The Disney Adventure began sailing from Singapore in March and offers three- to four-night cruises with no ports of call, making the ship itself the main destination. This ship is unique from the other Disney Cruise Line ships as it serves a different demographic and has its own distinct style. Disney did not build it from scratch as a Disney cruise ship. It was originally ordered for a different cruise line, then acquired by Disney and extensively redesigned.
READ MORE – Ever Wonder Where Disney Cast Members Eat and What They Do on Their Breaks?
The Disney Adventure introduced a policy this year allowing children ages 10 and older to dine at Palo Trattoria with an adult. This is a major departure from tradition on the other ships in the fleet, as Palo Trattoria is strictly for guests ages 18 and older on those ships. However, this is a change specific to the Disney Adventure. Since it serves a different, international demographic, it follows customs and expectations specific to that market.
The changes this year were somewhat contentious among guests, particularly those involving alcohol policies. However, other changes were welcomed by some guests, including restrictions on door decorating, which some felt had gotten out of hand.
Don’t Miss the Latest Disney News
Don’t miss the latest Disneyland and Disney World news from Mickey Visit. Join the FREE Mickey Visit newsletter that over 100k readers receive every single week. Mickey Visit is here to help you save money and experience more during your Disney and Universal vacation. See the Mickey Visit guide to Disneyland and the Mickey Visit guide to Disney World for tips.
