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Hear ye! Hear ye! You are invited to this grand event where guests can meet multiple Disney princesses at once while onboard Disney Cruise Line.
The Royal Gathering (formerly known as the Princess Gathering) is a ticketed event on any of the ships in the Disney Cruise Line fleet where you can meet multiple Disney princesses from the likes of Rapunzel from Tangled and Tiana from The Princess and the Frog.
Appearances during the Royal Gathering vary based on the princess' schedules and by ship. Likewise, the number of princesses in attendance varies as well, but normally you can expect to meet 3 to 4 princesses. For example, on the Disney Wish in February 2023, we met Cinderella, Belle, Rapunzel, and Moana, however, on the Disney Fantasy in October 2022, we met Cinderella, Snow White, Belle, and Tiana. A good indication of what the line-up will be is the princesses who have been meeting regularly throughout the voyage.
When you book, you will choose a return time to check in at the atrium with a cast member who will ask for your stateroom number to confirm your reservation. Normally they run right on schedule so if you show up early, they will have you wait off to the side. Once checked in, you will join the line and wait your turn to meet the princesses. Each princess has a PhotoPass photographer who can scan your Key to the World card. You are welcome to take your own photos or videos, and the princesses are also available for autographs.
The Royal Gathering is the perfect opportunity to meet multiple princesses at once. I simply love the ease of being able to throw on a cute dress and have a guarantee to meet several characters with a low wait time. I find this experience ultimately gives you more time to have quality interactions with the princesses. It is important to note you meet with each princess individually, not all together. Once you have met with the first princess in line, you make your way down the royal line.
How much does it cost?
Free! Although this experience is included in your cruise fare, you do need to make a reservation to attend. This is considered a booked experience, so a valid reservation is required.
How do I make a Royal Gathering reservation?
This is a booked experience - each stateroom Guest will be required to present a valid reservation to attend. There is a limit of one booked Character experience per cruise. It is a popular experience, and space does run out, so booking as early as possible is important.
First, your cruise reservation must be paid in full to book this experience. Beginning 30 days prior to your sailing (same timing as Online Check-In), you can pre-book the Royal Gathering on the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App or the Disney Cruise Line Website. Castaway Club levels do not impact the order in which you can book, unlike other onboard activities. Depending on if this is a priority for your family or not, will determine whether you complete the Online Check-In process first to get a Port of Arrival Time, or book a reservation for the Royal Gathering.
On the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App, under My Plans, click on Add Activities to the right of the day you wish to book. The Royal Gathering can be found under Onboard Fun, if the 30-day mark has not been reached it will show when booking begins.
If you were not able to snag a reservation in advance, some reservation times might be available on embarkation day. Visit Guest Services as soon as you board to see if there are any spots left.
Guests who are booked in a Concierge category will have the chance to pre-book before the general public prior to their sailing. To book the Royal Gathering, include the day and approximate time you would like to attend in the same email to Shoreside Concierge for your other reservations 120 days out.
Is it worth it?
Absolutely, this is one of my must-dos while on a Disney cruise. If you have someone in your party who loves princesses, this is the perfect opportunity to have back-to-back interactions with minimal wait time. Sometimes it can be daunting to try and plan to meet specific characters over the course of the cruise, especially since lines can get long, and other activities might overlap.
Booking the Royal Gathering is free, so I highly suggest taking advantage of this experience. All in all, I have never waited more than 15 minutes so the ability to have quality interactions with a handful of princesses at once can save time and maximize the number of characters I can meet while onboard.
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