There's something quietly magical about meeting a Disney princess in the middle of the ocean. The Royal Gathering is one of those Disney Cruise Line moments that doesn't get talked about nearly as much as it should. It's a chance to meet several princesses at once, without queuing in the heat of a park, and can be really great fun.
What is the Royal Gathering
The Royal Gathering is a dedicated meet-and-greet where you get to meet several princesses together, usually somewhere between three and five of them. It's a lovely alternative to catching princesses one at a time around the ship, and you come away with the lot in one go. It usually takes place on a sea day morning, though on some itineraries it can fall on port days as well. Exact days will show under the My Plans option on the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app.
How to Book
Booking opens 30 days before you sail at midnight Eastern time (which is 5am here in the UK) for everyone, regardless of your Castaway Club status. And they go fast. Very, very fast. It really is a case of fastest finger first. Time slots are in 15 minute increments, and when you book make sure to select every member in your party who will be attending, as they will check you in on the day. Due to high popularity you can only book the Royal Gathering once per sailing, to allow other guests the opportunity to meet the princesses as well. Sometimes additional availability can become available once you're onboard the ship, so visit guest services on embarkation day. If there are no slots available they do run a reserve list in case anyone cancels.
Some guests like to dress up, especially their little Princes and Princesses. You don't have to, but if you've ever fancied an excuse, this is a nice one. It's all part of the fun.
For me, the Royal Gathering is one thing I do like to do on a Disney Cruise, and something I would totally recommend to anyone, especially if you love Disney princesses.
To find out more about the Royal Gathering click the link here by Royal Invitation.
