Disney Cruise Line's Key To The World Card Explained
When you first check-in at the cruise port to embark on your Disney cruise you will receive your Key to the World card (pictured below with personal info removed).
Let's take a moment to explain the purpose of the card and interpret the different letters and numbers on the card.
Disney Cruise Line Key to the World Card
Let's start with the purpose of the card. Your Key to the World card has several purposes:
1. Stateroom Key, The card serves as the key to your stateroom. Just touch it to the sensor on your door to unlock it.
2. Power Source, The card must be inserted into the slot next to your light switches in order to supply power to your stateroom. Disney does this to conserve power when guests are not in their room.
3. Credit Card, Your Key to the World (KW) card is a credit card that is used to make all of your purchases while onboard the ship. Whenever you purchase something, whether a rum drink or a souvenir, you'll pay with your KW card. Just like with a real credit card you'll be asked to sign a receipt to confirm your purchase. Please remember that many items, included alcohol, have 15-18% autogratuity already added. Please note that for very high dollar purchases, like expensive jewelry, an alternate payment method may be required. Your KW card can only be used for purchases on the ship. You cannot use it at the ports so make sure to bring a credit card or cash for port shopping. The only exception is Disney's private island, Castaway Cay.
4. Ship Pass, Your KW card is required to get on and off the ship. No exceptions. Ship's personnel will scan your card and compare it with your photo (taken at check-in) to keep strict accountability of who is getting off and on the ship.
Now that you know the uses for your KW card, let's break down the info located on the card itself.
Your Key to the Word card has a lot of useful information on it. (The picture has the personal info removed.) Your card will have your full name on it and your Castaway number for returning guests. For security purposes, and because your KW card opens your stateroom, cards never have stateroom numbers printed on them. Located at the top under "Disney Cruise Line" are your sailing dates. Below that is the name of your ship. The singe letter located next to the ship's name is your age status, "M" for minor and "A" for adult. The large letter below Captain Mickey is your muster station. Your muster station is where you would report in the event of an emergency that requires passengers to evacuate the ship. Below your name (removed) is your dining information. Everyone always asks the meaning of the capital letters below the dinner time. First, the time after "dinner" (5:45) is the time that you should arrive at your dining room each night for dinner. You have an assigned table so there is never a need to arrive early. The dining rooms do not open early anyway. There will be a ticket in your stateroom that will detail your dining room rotation.
Disney Cruise Line Dining Schedule
The letters below that (ERAERRA) are the first letters of the dining rooms in the order that you will visit them. Seven letters for a 7 day cruise, three for a 3 day cruise, etc. The letters on the KTHW photo, ERA, stand for the three dining rooms on the Disney Fantasy, Enchanted Garden, Royal Palace, and Animator's Palate. The table number is the table where your host will seat you for dinner. You will sit at the same table number every night. Don't worry about trying to find it. When you arrive at the dining room, show them your card and they will escort you to your table. The number at the bottom (23) is of little concern to you. It is the number of the check-in counter you registered at when you first arrived at the cruise port.
Everything You Need To Know About The First Day Of A Disney Cruise
That's about it. I hope you learned something from reading this that will make your Disney cruise a little easier. Please check out our other posts and make sure you subscribe to TravelVibz and follow us on social media.