Now is a great time to be a fan of Disney Cruise Line! Whether you’ve been sailing with Disney for a while or are just now considering dipping your toes into the water, there are lots of things you might need to know.

Disney Cruise Ship

In addition to its current fleet, Disney Cruise Line has four more ships currently in the works — and has announced that it will be adding another four ships over the next decade as well. But, if you’re getting ready to set sail with Disney, there’s been an important policy change you need to know about!

Disney Cruise Line has updated its documentation policy for all sailings. Effective immediately, guests who do not use a passport to board will need to show an original birth certificate. Photocopies and hospital-issued birth certificates are no longer accepted.

Disney Cruise Ship docked at Lookout Cay

According to WESH news, guests with upcoming reservations received an email advising them of this change, which you can read below:

“For round trip sailings departing from the U.S., guests using a birth certificate as citizenship documentation are reminded that only an original state-issued birth certificate is acceptable. Guests 16 years of age and older are also required to present a physical government-issued photo ID. Children 15 years of age and younger will need to present an original state-issued birth certificate but do not need to present a government-issued photo ID. Photocopies of birth certificates will not be accepted.”

Disney Wish

Disney has varying guidelines for what additional travel documentation may be needed depending on departure and arrival ports, but all sailings require US citizens to have a valid passport, passport card, or as of now, an original birth certificate. Make sure you double-check what’s required of you documentation-wise before you set sail so you don’t run into any hiccups.

Don’t Go Into Your Cruise Without Any Knowledge!

In the past, Disney has accepted photocopies of birth certificates to verify citizenship for both adults and children, but that is no longer the case moving forward. If you’ve got an upcoming cruise with Disney, make sure you have the proper documentation for all travelers in your party!

Aboard a Disney cruise

In the meantime, we’ll be on the hunt for the latest updates, tips, and tricks for planning your next Disney cruise or vacation. Make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog so you don’t miss a thing!

EVERYTHING You Need To Know About Sailing with Disney Cruise Line

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Have you been on a Disney Cruise? Tell us in the comments.