Disney Cruise Line in a Jiffy: What Are In-Room Gifts?

On Disney Cruise Line, In-Room Gifts are enhancements or embellishments that appear in your room as a special treat; however, the word “gift” is not always entirely accurate in this description. Most of these “gifts” are expected, rather than surprising, and many of them you’ll have to pay for yourself.

Some types of In-Room Gifts you might encounter are:

Castaway Club member gifts. Repeat DCL cruisers qualify for a welcome gift, based on their Castaway Club level. These are often variations on a tote bag, with different club levels getting different colors or designs, along with luggage tags or lanyards. You can assume you will find these in your stateroom after your first cruise.

Platinum and Pearl Castaway Gifts. In addition to the stateroom gift, the highest Castaway Club levels are also entitled to a free extra of their choice, typically either a small box of chocolates, a fruit plate, or a bottle of sparkling wine or cider. These items will not be automatically left in your room; you have to call room service to request them.

“Surprise” gifts to mark a special sailing. I have received stateroom gifts from Disney Cruise Line during sailings that have coincided with Christmas (DCL art prints, chocolates), New Year’s Eve (art prints, party hats), and maiden voyage sailings (extra tote bags, champagne flutes, additional items). You can also expect to find extras if you’re on a DVC member sailing. You won’t know in advance what these items are, but it’s a fair bet you’ll receive them.

Gifts from a travel agent. Some (definitely not all) travel agents like to thank guests for their business by arranging for a gift to be left in their room. You will typically not know in advance that this is coming unless you’re a repeat customer of that agent.

Gifts you arrange for someone else. You may purchase in-room gifts for anyone sailing on Disney Cruise Line. You can do this by visiting the DCL Gifts and Amenities page, or by calling DCL at (800) 601-8455. Be aware that you’ll have a reservation number or know the name, ship, and travel dates of the person you want to send a gift to. (Which sometimes makes it hard to be a true surprise.) Options include things like floral arrangements, cakes, champagne, toys, snacks, or room decor.

“Gifts” you arrange for yourself. Any of the DCL gifts you can arrange for others, you can also arrange for yourself or for one of your traveling companions.

Click on photos to enlarge.

Have you received a gift on Disney Cruise Line? What have your experiences been?

“Disney Cruise Line in a Jiffy” is an offshoot of our “Disney in a Minute” series. Both are bite-sized nuggets of information that can better help you understand a Disney term or planning topic. Have a question about a DCL term that is unfamiliar to you? Suggest it here for an upcoming segment.