What's Included on Your Disney Cruise

We often get asked what is included on a Disney Cruise.  Having done 14 cruises across most of their ships we have a pretty good handle on all the good stuff Disney Cruise Line has to offer.  Every cruise line is a bit different and we're going to help you know the difference.

Disney is known for their absolutely top-notch customer service and that is definitely carried over to Disney Cruise Line.  We've seen a lot of examples, everything from our room steward replacing our kids sheets with fun character sheets to our waiter cutting up our daughter's steak.  But you get way more than just good service.  Let me walk you though all that Disney Cruise Line has to offer.

Cabins aboard Disney Cruise Line are above average in size.  I was surprised how small rooms can be on some other cruise lines and while I can't say that all the rooms are huge, that bit of extra room is more than welcome.  Most rooms sleep 4 with a queen sized bed and two twin beds.  One of them folds out of the couch and the other drops down from the ceiling above the couch.

Disney ships do have wifi, though you will only be able to use it for the app for free.  Thankfully the app does allow you to connect and message with anyone else on the ship.  You can pay for upgraded wifi if you need to have a stronger connection.

Disney does not have any drink packages.  All sodas, juices, tea, hot cocoa, and drip coffees are complimentary across the ship.  When it comes to alcohol you are paying for your drinks, but we highly recommend purchasing the drink of the day cup on your first day.  Each day Disney has a featured alcoholic beverage that is discounted and available across the ship.  

The drink of the day tends to run about $6-$8 dollars, but the cup gives you roughly a 3rd more than the standard drink.  They are usually classic cocktails like Mai Tais and Rum Runners.

The only other beverage that you might want to splurge on is specialty coffees.  Cove Cafe aboard each of the ships makes some great coffees.

Angie always gets the coffee card so that her 6th coffee is free.  She saves them for future cruises in case she doesn't end up having that many coffees.  Price wise they are about what you'd spend getting coffee at Starbucks.

Almost all of the food on this ship is free.  And there are plenty of options if you don't want to wait for the fine dining options for dinner.  Cabanas is the buffet that is open for breakfast and lunch on the Magic, Wonder, Dream and Fantasy.  On the Wish and her newer sister ships you'll find it's called Marceline Market.

Outside located on the same deck as the pool you'll find a variety of choices for quick eats.  Pizza, BBQ, Burgers, Chicken Strips... Even salads and sandwiches... though you'll only find Shawarma on the Magic! These grab and go options are free and included.

Each ship will have it's 3 signature dining locations that you will visit on a rotation, so you will get to eat at each restaurant.  Your dining staff also follows alongs, so your waiters will get to know your likes/dislikes along the way.  Each ship has different restaurants though some do share menus from ship to ship.  We've definitely have our favorites from most of these menus already picked out.

Most of the ships have a character meal or two that includes performances by some of the characters.  The Dream and the Fantasy are currently the only ones without a character meal, but I think Disney will probably fix that during the next dry dock repairs/rennovations.

Each ship does have it's Premium Dining Restaurants that are reserved ahead of time.  But these locations are not included with your cruise and are 18+ only.  They also have a dress code that they often enforce.

While the food is AMAZING at Palo and Remy it's not a requirement to have some great dining experiences.

Angie can never get enough of the unlimited Soft-Serve Ice Cream up near the pool.  They always have chocolate and vanilla, but the rotate in other flavors like Blueberry, Strawberry, Mango, and Banana.  The larger ships have a Signature Ice Cream and Sweets Shop, but those are a separate charge.

There is also free and included 24 hour room service in case you don't want to leave your room.  The only exception for room service is food that is pre-packaged foods like potato chips and cans of soda.  Anything from the kitchen is free, including Mickey Bars and the "Cake Slice of the Day."

There's always tons of entertainment when you're on a Disney Cruise.  Disney doesn't have casinos, but they do have movie theaters playing the most recent Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars films that are in theaters.  They even do Premier events when the movies release during your sailing.

Popcorn isn't free, but just like in the parks you can buy a refillable bucket. Refills are about $2 so the bucket buy is worth it.

Each ship has a theater where you can see some amazing Broadway quality performances.  Each ship has it's own sets of Shows.

Of coarse there are lots of character meet and greets each day on the ship. You just have to look out for them in your Disney Cruise App to find who will be where and when.  ​We've never waited more than 20 minutes to meet any character on a Disney cruise.   And you'll have MANY chances to meet with characters while on the ship.

There's plenty of shipboard fun to be had.  There are trivia competitions, game shows, drawing classes, towel animal classes, karaoke, etc...  All can be found in your app, though a few of them will be for 18+.

Alcohol classes/tastings and Bingo are available but those have there own pricing.

Most of the ships have a digital game you can enjoy across the ship.  The Dream and Fantasy have the MidShip Detective Agency where you are searching the ship for clues to solve a few mysteries.

On the Wish, Treasure, and Destiny they have the Disney Uncharted Adventure. It's played through the Disney Cruise Line App, the app acts as a "spyglass," transforming various elements on the ship into interactive experiences.

Of course you could always go and enjoy the swimming pools, water slides, splash pads, and hot tubs.  The newer ships have The AquaMouse which is a water slide coaster with cute animations added in.  These vary from ship to ship, but we can always help point you in the right direction.

Towels and life jackets are always provided for free on a Disney Cruise.

Disney Cruises in the Caribbean always have a Pirate Night Celebration that will usually include a Pirate Celebration Show.  Lots of people take this opportunity to get dressed up in some Pirate regalia.

​Disney is also the only cruise line to offer Fireworks at Sea.  The Fireworks are essentially made with fish food to be safe for the marine life.

Of course every Disney ship has their version the of the Oceaneer's Club, their kids club for kids 3 to 10, at no cost.  Kids have loads of activities to participate in and you even get the occasional character visit.  All at NO COST.
Kids under 3 can be watched at the Nursery at an hourly charge.

Kids 11-17 have their own clubs that they can come and go from for fun and entertainment.

One of my absolute favorite things about Disney Cruise Lines has to be their private islands!

With loads of free activities, there's plenty to do on both Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay.  All your food is free on their islands.  So feel free to enjoy the beach and play areas.

There are a few paid excursions and rentals if you're looking for a few extras.  But the kids club is also available on their islands for free, so you the kiddos can go off and have some fun while Mom and Dad can enjoy some time kid-free.

There's always so much to do when aboard a Disney Cruise which is why we often like our cruises to be longer just to take advantage of all that's on offer.  There are lots of other extras that can be reserved like the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique or one of the many services over at Senses Spa, but those also have their own costs.

Looking for something specific?  If it's available on a Disney Cruise, we know where you can find it!

It's Mouse O'Clock!