Ahoy, thirsty travelers! If you’re hopping on Disney Cruise Line, you might be wondering if you can snag a Disney cruise drink package to keep your cup full without draining your vacation budget. The short answer? There is no unlimited alcohol package available on any of the Disney cruise ships. But don’t let that sink your spirits just yet. Disney Cruise Line takes a different approach to onboard beverages, which doesn’t require you to gulp down a dozen cocktails a day just to “get your money’s worth.” Instead, you’ll find free soda, beer packages, wine packages, hoppy hours, pay-as-you-go alcohol, plus there are plenty of clever ways to save. Let’s take a deep dive into all the details about the Disney Cruise drink packages.
What Drinks are Included on a Disney Cruise?
One major perk of sailing with Disney Cruise Line is that many beverages are complimentary. Many other cruise lines charge extra for sodas, but Disney includes soft drinks at no additional cost in most areas on the ship. You’ll find self-serve soda stations on the pool deck where you can pour your Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Fanta and other Coca-Cola products whenever you like. Soda is also free in the main Rotational Dining rooms, meaning you can enjoy a glass with your meal without an extra charge. Shirley Temples are also free — Tad and Lily love to order those with dinner!
Along with soda, Disney also provides complimentary coffee, tea, milk, juice and water. Regular brewed coffee is available at all hours and a variety of teas, including herbal options, can be found throughout the ship. Drinks such as orange and apple juice are available and milk is always an option at meals. Filtered water is offered at drink stations and in the dining rooms, giving a great alternative to having to purchase bottled water. We always bring along a refillable water bottle for each member of the Frog Family, that way it's easy to grab a water or a soda refill on the go.
While these free options cover most basic beverages, there are plenty of specialty drinks available for an additional charge. If you’re looking for cocktails, premium coffee, smoothies or a fancy mocktail, you’ll need to pay out of pocket.
What Drinks are Not Included on a Disney Cruise?
Alcoholic beverages are not included on a Disney cruise and cost extra — prices vary depending on the selection. Cocktails typically range between $10 and $14, while beer is between $6 and $8 per glass. Wine is available by the glass or bottle, with prices starting at around $9 per glass and going up for premium selections.
While regular coffee is free, specialty coffee, such as lattes, cappuccinos and cold brews, is an extra expense. Cove Café and other onboard coffee bars offer these beverages. Be sure to grab a Cafe Fanatic card and receive a stamp with every order. After your fifth coffee, your sixth is FREE!
Mocktails, smoothies and other specialty non-alcoholic drinks also come at a cost. While soda is free at the drink stations and in dining rooms, ordering it from a bar, at Preludes snack stand or through room service incurs a charge (although room service food is complimentary). Bottled water is available for purchase, but many guests bring their reusable bottles and fill them up at the complimentary drink stations instead.
Even though there’s no unlimited drink package, don't leap to conclusions. There are plenty of options and packages to keep your tab from creeping too high. The key is knowing where to find the best deals on board.
What Types of Disney Cruise Drink Packages are Available?
Disney Cruise Line allows guests to purchase wine packages that provide both convenience and potential savings of up to 25%, especially when ordered in advance. These packages are available in two tiers — Classic and Premium — and can be purchased in quantities of three, four, five or seven bottles.
Classic Versus Premium Drink Packages
The Classic Package features a curated selection of popular, approachable wines that pair well with the diverse menus in Disney’s Rotational Dining rooms, including well-known varietals like Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. These packages range from $105 to $235.
The Premium Package includes higher-end wines, such as Napa Valley Cabernets or Italian Proseccos. This is great for those looking to elevate their dining experience. These packages range from $155 to $353 (prices are subject to change).
Benefits of a Disney Cruise Line Wine Package
These packages also offer flexibility. If a bottle isn’t finished during the meal, your dining staff will store it and present it the following night (a corking fee may apply), or you may take it back to your stateroom to finish. You also have the option to drink multiple bottles per evening, or if you don’t drink all of the wine purchased, you can carry up to two bottles with you off the ship when returning to port.
Importantly, these packages are exclusive to the main Rotational Dining rooms and cannot be used in the adult-exclusive restaurants like Palo, Remy or Enchanté, though these venues have their own premium wine selections available.
Disney Cruise Drink Packages for Beer
Another Disney Cruise alcohol package offers beer packs that allow you to enjoy your favorite brews while saving a bit compared to ordering individual bottles. These beer packs can be purchased in advance or onboard and typically come in sets of six, 12 or 24 bottles. You even have the option of adding a DCL cooler to your order. This comes in handy, especially when hopping off the ship at Disney Castaway Cay or Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, where you can bring your beers along with you.
The selection includes a variety of domestic, imported and craft beers, as well as a hard seltzer (Truly) option. Guests can choose from popular brands such as Blue Moon, Corona, Budweiser and Heineken (in a non-alcoholic version too) and more unique options depending on the sailing and available inventory.
Beer packs can be delivered directly to your stateroom or enjoyed at various bars and lounges throughout the ship. By purchasing a pack rather than ordering beer one at a time, you can enjoy a slight discount and the convenience of having your fav brews readily available whenever relaxation calls.
How Can I Save on Alcohol on a Disney Cruise?
Here are a few more tips on ways you can save on drinks while on your Disney cruise:
BYOB
One of the best ways to save money on drinks is to take advantage of the cruise line’s bring-your-own-alcohol policy. Unlike most cruise lines, which prohibit outside alcohol, Disney allows each adult (21 and over) to bring two bottles of wine, champagne or a six-pack of beer on board at embarkation.
There are a few rules to keep in mind. The alcohol must be packed in carry-on luggage — checked bags containing alcohol will be flagged and guests will be asked to remove the bottles before boarding. If you bring a bottle to dinner, there is a $29 corkage fee to have it opened at the table, but drinking it in your stateroom is free. You can even ask your stateroom attendant to deliver a wine opener and wine glasses to your room.
Guests can also purchase alcohol at port stops and bring it back onto the ship. However, the crew will hold any liquor bought at port until it’s time to disembark the cruise.
For guests who enjoy a particular type of wine or craft beer, bringing their own drinks can be a great way to enjoy their favorites without paying onboard prices. Just keep in mind that Disney does not allow guests to bring spirits or liquor on board at embarkation, so those who prefer mixed drinks will need to order from the bar.
Drink of the Day
One of the easiest ways to save on alcohol is to order the Drink of the Day, a rotating specialty cocktail offered at a discount. These drinks are typically priced around $5 to $6, making them one of the best bargains on board. The featured drink changes daily and often includes fruity favorites like Bahama Mamas, Mai Tais and Sunken Treasures. The Drink of the Day is available across the ship, and you'll find the day's selection listed in the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app.
Buy the Souvenir Cup
Purchase the souvenir cup and enjoy bigger refills of the Drink of the Day for the same price as a regular serving. You’ll get about a third more in each pour. The souvenir cup is typically only available on the first day of your cruise. We usually purchase ours right after the Sail Away Party on the top deck.
Also, bring your souvenir cup to Castaway Cay or Lookout Cay. The bartenders and beach servers will honor the refill size there, too!
Beverage Seminars & Mixology Classes
A fun, cost-saving and educational option onboard is beverage tastings and mixology classes. You'll sample different beers, wines, spirits and cocktails based on the class you book, while learning a bit of background and history about each one. Typically costing between $25 and $75 per person, guests can book options like wine tastings, whiskey flights, tequila samplings and hands-on cocktail-making classes. They’re a fun way to enjoy multiple drinks while learning a little something along the way.
Beer Mug Refills
For beer lovers, the refillable beer mug program offers another great deal. Guests can purchase a 22-ounce Disney Cruise Line beer mug and receive refills at the price of a standard 16-ounce beer. If carrying around a heavy mug sounds like a hassle, guests can exchange it for a token and pick up a fresh mug whenever they’re ready for a refill.
Sommelier Pours
For those who appreciate fine wine or want to add elegance to their meal, sommelier pours are a frogtastic option. These smaller pours are thoughtfully chosen to perfectly pair with your dish, allowing you to savor high-quality, often pricey wines without the commitment of a full glass, bottle or price tag. These pours are offered in the main Rotational Dining rooms as well as many of the adult-only exclusive locations around the ship such as Palo, Remy and Enchanté.
Prices for these usually range from $8 to $15, depending on the selection. It’s a way to enhance your meal while discovering new varietals at a reasonable cost. Many featured wines come from renowned labels and exclusive vintages carefully selected by Disney's expert sommeliers.
Happy Hours
Disney Cruise Line offers happy hours at select bars and lounges throughout the ship, offering discounted drink specials during specific times of the day. Guests can find the schedule and locations for these specials by checking the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app. Trust us, we’re always hoppy to see a happy hour pop up!
Should You Leap For a Disney Cruise Drink Package?
For those accustomed to sailing on other cruise lines, not having an expensive unlimited alcohol package may come as a surprise. While these packages on other cruise lines can provide savings for guests who plan on having multiple drinks per day, they often require all adults in the stateroom to purchase the same package, which can add up quickly as they tend to cost $60-$100 per day.
For casual drinkers, Disney Cruise Line’s approach is actually a benefit. Without an expensive drink package to worry about, guests can enjoy a cocktail here and there, indulge in a specialty coffee when they feel like it and never feel pressured to drink more than they usually would just to justify a flat-rate fee. Plus, the free soda policy is one major advantage over other cruise lines, making Disney’s complimentary soft drinks a big win for soda drinkers and families.
Disney Cruise Line offers plenty of ways to sip smartly and save without going overboard on spending. The wine packages offer excellent value for guests who plan to enjoy multiple bottles during their cruise, providing a cost-effective way to enjoy wines without racking up the cost by the glass or bottle at the table. By purchasing in advance, guests not only receive a discount compared to onboard prices but also enjoy the convenience of having their selections readily available across the ship's main dining rooms. This is a deal we think is worth leaping for!
Are you thinking about hopping aboard a Disney cruise? What drinks are you looking forward to trying? Let us know in the comments below!
Related: Disney Cruise Gratuities — Everything You Need to Know
Related: How to Save Money on a Disney Cruise
Keep hopping!
