Welcome aboard! We’re ready to help you hop into one of the most magical vacations on the high seas — a Disney Cruise Line adventure. Whether you’re sailing on the Disney Wish, the OG Disney Magic or hopping aboard one of the new ships, such as the Disney Treasure or Disney Destiny, one of the most common questions families ask before booking is: What’s included on a Disney cruise? A Disney cruise is one of the most inclusive family vacations you can take and there’s a whole lot bundled right into your fare. From Broadway-style entertainment to nearly round-the-clock dining, character meet-and-greets, kids clubs, pools, fireworks and more, it’s easy to see why guests keep hopping back year after year.
FAQs
- What’s included in the price of a Disney cruise? Your fare covers your stateroom, dining in the main restaurants, quick-service meals, soft drinks at the drink stations, Broadway-style shows, deck parties, kids clubs, pools, most onboard entertainment and more.
- Are character meet and greets included? Yes! Character meet-and-greets, including the Royal Gathering, are included at no extra charge.
- What food and drinks cost extra on a Disney cruise? Specialty dining such as Palo and Remy, specialty coffees, alcohol, smoothies and sweet shop snacks come with an additional cost.
- Are Port Adventures or shore excursions included on a Disney cruise? All Port Adventures and excursions are an extra charge, whether booked through Disney or a third-party provider.
- Is Wi-Fi included on a Disney cruise? Wi-Fi packages cost extra and are purchased per device, though you can switch devices as needed.
What’s Included on a Disney Cruise
When you book a Disney cruise, your fare includes far more than just a room and meals. The goal is to create a seamless, story-driven vacation experience where almost everything feels taken care of once you’re onboard.
Here’s what’s automatically included in every Disney Cruise fare.
Your Stateroom and Housekeeping
Every stateroom comes with daily housekeeping service, comfortable bedding and Disney’s signature touches, from nautical details to hidden Mickeys. You’ll find split bathrooms (with a tub and separate toilet area) in most staterooms, which makes getting ready so much easier for families.
Your stateroom host will clean your room each morning and perform evening turndown service while you’re at dinner. Expect a neatly made bed, a fun towel animal and chocolates waiting for you when you return. If you need extra towels, hangers or even a bed rail for little tadpoles, just ask your stateroom host; it’s all included.
All Meals in Main Dining Restaurants
Disney Cruise Line’s Rotational Dining system is one of the most unique experiences at sea. You’ll rotate through three themed main dining rooms, but your serving team follows you each night, learning your preferences and making the experience feel personal.
Meals in the main dining rooms include breakfast, lunch (on select days) and dinner every night. You can order multiple appetizers or desserts if you wish, and even picky eaters will find something on the kids’ menu or the “lighter fare” options.
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Each ship has different restaurants:
- Disney Magic: Lumière’s, Rapunzel’s Royal Table and Animator's Palate
- Disney Wonder: Animator’s Palate, Triton’s and Tiana’s Place
- Disney Dream: Animator's Palate, Royal Palace and Enchanted Garden
- Disney Fantasy: Animator’s Palate, Royal Court and Enchanted Garden
- Disney Wish: Arendelle, Worlds of Marvel and 1923
- Disney Treasure: Plaza de Coco, Worlds of Marvel and 1923
- Disney Destiny: Pride Lands: Feast of the Lion King, Worlds of Marvel and 1923
Hop Tip: Don’t skip the themed dining nights, especially Pirate Night, when the menu includes Caribbean-inspired dishes and desserts shaped like treasure chests. This hoppens on itineraries longer than three nights.
Casual Dining, Quick Bites and Room Service
Beyond the main dining rooms, there’s a full lily pad of included dining options throughout the day. These vary slightly by ship, but all feature a combination of a main buffet, poolside grills and cafés. You’ll find options such as Cabanas or Marceline Market (a buffet with themed stations), and quick-service deck eats serving pizza, burgers, wraps, tacos, salads and fruit. Soft serve ice cream cones are free and available most of the day on deck.
Room service is also included 24 hours a day, with a few exceptions (such as certain packaged snacks and alcohol). Late-night Mickey bars, warm cookies or a plate of fries can all be delivered right to your room without an added charge (gratuity is not included).
Unlimited Soft Drinks, Coffee and Tea
Soft drinks, coffee and tea are included on all Disney ships when ordered at dining locations or at the self-serve beverage stations on deck. This sets Disney apart from most other cruise lines, which typically charge extra for soda.
You can bring your own refillable tumbler or water bottle to use at the self-service beverage stations.
Character Meet-and-Greets
One of the most magical parts of any Disney cruise is the chance to meet beloved characters without long waits. From Mickey and Minnie to princesses, Marvel heroes and even Pixar favorites on select sailings, character appearances are included in your cruise fare.
Some meet-and-greets such as the Royal Gathering, may require a complimentary ticket reservation made in advance through the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app, but there’s no additional cost.
Characters roam the ship regularly; you may see Goofy jogging on deck in the morning or Captain Mickey waving from the atrium staircase. Keep your camera ready!
Broadway-Style Entertainment
Every night, you can enjoy spectacular live shows in the ship’s Walt Disney Theatre. These are professional, Broadway-style productions featuring fan-favorite Disney stories, elaborate sets and special effects on every single ship. These performances are included and performed twice nightly, so both dinner seatings can attend. One of our favorites is Disney: The Tale of Moana on the Disney Treasure!
Arrive early for the best seats and don’t forget to catch the pre-show entertainment, sometimes the Cruise Director or characters make surprise appearances.
Deck Parties and Fireworks
Pirate Night is a Disney Cruise Line signature and yes, it’s included! Guests are encouraged to dress up in pirate gear for a themed dinner, deck party and an exclusive fireworks show at sea (weather permitting).
Other deck parties vary by itinerary. Halloween on the High Seas cruises include a “Mouse-querade” bash with spooky fun, while Very Merrytime sailings feature holiday lights, snow flurries and a tree lighting ceremony.
Bring your own pirate accessories or matching family shirts to make the night extra fun!
Disney Cruise Kids Clubs
Disney’s youth clubs are some of the most elaborate and engaging at sea and they’re included in your cruise fare for ages 3–17.
Kids ages 3–10 can explore Disney’s Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab, filled with character meet-and-greets, scheduled games, scavenger hunts, creative challenges and plenty of room for free play or rest. Tweens ages 11–14 have their own hangout at Edge, complete with video gaming, interactive tech, group activities and areas to kick back. Teens ages 14–17 can head to Vibe, a relaxed, lounge-style space with gaming, tech, music and events designed for older teens.
There’s also "it's a small world" nursery for children under 3, but that one costs extra by the hour. Make reservations early, based on your Castaway Club stats — space is limited.
Pools, Waterslides and Splash Zones
All onboard pools, water play areas and slides are included in your cruise fare. Each ship has multiple pools, plus splash zones for little tadpoles and signature attractions like the AquaDuck, AquaDunk or AquaMouse.
Adults can also enjoy their own exclusive pool area in Quiet Cove, complete with whirlpools and loungers. It’s a serene retreat that’s included for all guests aged 18 and up.
Fitness Center and Sports Deck
If you’re hoping to balance out all those ice cream cones, Disney Cruise Line’s fitness centers (18+) and sports decks are available at no extra cost. You’ll find cardio machines, free weights and stretching spaces, plus a walking/jogging track around the ship.
There are also basketball courts, mini golf, ping pong and shuffleboard areas, perfect for a little family competition.
Some yoga or spin classes are free, while others may carry a small fee. Check the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app for daily schedules.
Onboard Movies and TV
All Disney ships feature movie theaters showing first-run and classic Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars films, all included. You might even catch a film that’s still playing in theaters on land!
Your stateroom TV also offers a full library of Disney shows and movies at no extra cost.
Access to Disney Castaway Cay and Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point
If your itinerary includes a stop at one of Disney’s island destinations, Disney Castaway Cay or Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, all beach access, lounge chairs, umbrellas, towels and buffet lunches are included.
You can spend the day swimming, meeting Disney characters or relaxing in the sun without spending a dime. Only optional rentals or excursions, such as bike rentals, snorkeling gear, cabanas or float tubes, cost extra.
Towels are provided as you step off the ship, so no need to bring your own from the pool deck.
Entertainment and Daily Activities
Every day, your Navigator app lists dozens of included activities such as trivia, animation classes, karaoke, deck games, family crafts, character dance parties and more. These are all complimentary and vary by ship and itinerary.
There’s also live music in the lounges, game shows in select lounges and movies under the stars on the pool deck.
What’s Not Included on a Disney Cruise
While Disney includes plenty, there are a few things that cost extra — and it’s good to plan for these ahead of time.
Alcoholic Beverages and Specialty Coffees
Beer, wine, cocktails and specialty coffee drinks are not included. You can buy them individually at any bar and lounge onboard or purchase a wine or beer drink package before or during your cruise.
Guests 21 and older can carry on a small quantity of wine or beer on embarkation day. This can save you some green if you want to enjoy an evening drink on your balcony.
Adult-Only Dining
While main dining is included, Disney also offers fine dining experiences for an extra fee:
- Palo (all ships): Italian-inspired cuisine and ocean views
- Remy (Dream and Fantasy): French fine dining
- Enchanté (Wish, Treasure and Destiny): French cuisine from Michelin-starred Chef Arnaud Lallement.
These are adult-exclusive and well worth the splurge for a romantic evening at sea.
Spa and Salon Services
The Senses Spa & Salon offers massages, facials, manicures and other treatments for an additional cost. You can also purchase a day pass to the Rainforest Room — a luxurious thermal suite with heated loungers, steam rooms and aromatherapy showers.
Port Adventures
Excursions at ports of call (like snorkeling, ziplining or cultural tours) are not included and referred to on Disney Cruise Line as Port Adventures. These are optional add-ons booked through Disney or third-party vendors.
You can also enjoy many ports on your own by exploring local beaches or shops without booking a formal excursion.
Nursery for Infants and Toddlers
The “it’s a small world” nursery accepts little ones from 6 months to 3 years old for a small hourly fee. Space is limited, so reserve early if you’ll need childcare.
Specialty Desserts and Snacks
While most food is included, you’ll find a few for-purchase extras like specialty coffees, smoothies or treats from the specialty sweet shop onboard all ships. Be sure to pick up a Cafe Fanatic punch card — after your fifth purchase, your sixth coffee is free!
Photos and Merchandise
Professional photographers capture many moments during your cruise from embarkation to formal night. You can purchase photo packages, prints or digital downloads, but these are not included. You can save a bit by purchasing in advance of your sailing.
The same goes for onboard shops, which sell everything from souvenirs to Dooney & Bourke handbags.
Internet Access
Wi-Fi packages are available for purchase, but the cost depends on the level of connectivity you choose. Rates are charged by data usage, so if you can, disconnect and enjoy being off the grid.
Gratuities
Crew gratuities are customary on Disney Cruise Line and can be prepaid or charged to your onboard account. The standard suggested amount covers your dining team and stateroom host, ensuring your hard-working crew is properly thanked.
Tips to Make the Most of What’s Included on a Disney Cruise
Here are a few more tips to help you maximize your dollar on a Disney cruise:
- Arrive early to lunch: The buffet and poolside grills open as soon as you board or a sit-down option may be available. Enjoy your first meal before the ship even sets sail.
- Use the Navigator app: It lists all daily activities, dining times and entertainment so you never miss a show or character greeting.
- Double up at dinner: If you can’t decide between entrées, order both — it’s included!
- Plan pool time wisely: Mornings are quieter before most guests head to breakfast or on port days when many are off the ship.
- Book complimentary meet-and-greets early: The Royal Gathering books up quickly. You can make a reservation 30 days before your sail date.
- Take advantage of the included room service: A Mickey bar before bed? Don’t mind if we do.
Final Thoughts
A Disney cruise may not be entirely all-inclusive, but it comes close! Your fare covers delicious dining, world-class entertainment, endless activities and an atmosphere that’s pure Disney magic from bow to stern.
When you compare what’s included — especially character access, Broadway-style shows, fireworks and top-tier service — it’s easy to see why families and solo sailors alike say a Disney cruise feels worth every penny.
Whether you’re sailing the Caribbean, exploring Alaska or hopping aboard a new ship such as the Disney Treasure or Destiny, you can relax knowing that the bulk of your vacation fun is already built right into your fare. All that’s left is to pack your bags, bring your appetite and get ready to make waves in true Disney style.
Have more questions about what's included on a Disney cruise? Let us know in the comments below!
Related: Choosing the Right Disney Cruise Stateroom for Your Family
Keep hopping!
