Is a Disney Cruise Right for YOu?
Magic on the Sea
There’s a reason Disney Cruise Line has such a loyal following. A day at sea has a completely different kind of magic than a day in the parks.
You wake up somewhere new. Your dining room changes around you. Characters appear in unexpected places. Kids find their own adventures while adults get time to relax. The magic isn’t just in the destinations, it’s in the experience of being onboard.
Familiar Yet Different
There’s something about a Disney cruise that feels familiar and completely different at the same time.
If you’re used to Disney parks, you’re probably used to making plans, checking wait times and figuring out how to fit everything in. A cruise changes that rhythm. You still have plenty of things to do, but the pace feels different.
You might spend the morning exploring the ship, catch a character appearance you weren’t expecting, head to a show after dinner and realize you never even looked at the schedule you made before boarding. Or maybe you do the opposite and spend a quiet afternoon enjoying the pool deck or watching the ocean go by.
And that’s not even mentioning the beautiful port destinations!
That’s one of the things we love about Disney Cruise Line. The magic isn’t just in the ports you visit. It’s in the little moments that happen onboard.
What’s Included in Your Disney Cruise
It’s no secret that Disney Cruise Line is not a budget trip. Compared to many other cruise lines, the upfront cost can be higher, which is why it’s important to understand what is actually included before deciding if it’s the right vacation for you.
Part of what guests are paying for is the Disney experience itself: the service, the entertainment, the attention to detail and the way the entire vacation is designed to feel seamless. But the value also comes from what’s included in your cruise fare.
From dining and entertainment to onboard activities, youth spaces and select island experiences, there is a lot included before you ever pull out your wallet.
Let’s take a look at what’s included on Disney Cruise Line and what that means when you’re comparing your options.
Stateroom Amenities
- Twice-daily housekeeping and evening turndown service
- Split bathrooms in most staterooms
- Flat-panel TV, Disney movies, Disney+ content (on select ships), live television channels and more
Dining Options
- Rotational dinner at three themed main restaurants
- Casual dining and quick-service locations
- Snacks and soft serve ice cream
- Fountain soft drinks, juice, coffee and tea
- 24-hour room service
Entertainment & Activities
- Broadway-style stage shows
- Character appearances
- First-run and classic Disney movies
- Deck parties
- Fireworks at sea on select sailings
- Trivia, games and onboard activities
Youth & Adult Spaces
- Disney’s Oceaneer Club — 3 to 10 years
- Disney’s Oceaneer Lab — 3 to 10 years
- Edge — 11 to 14 years
- Vibe — 14 to 17 years
- Adult-only areas and activities — 18+
Recreation
- Pools and water play areas
- Waterslides and water attractions
- Sports areas
- Fitness centers
- Adult-only Quiet Cove areas
Private Island Destinations
Select Caribbean and Bahamian itineraries include visits to:
- Disney Castaway Cay: beach access, bbq lunch, non-alcoholic beverages, beach chairs, umbrellas, family and adult-only areas, water play areas and island activities
- Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point: beach access, bbq lunch, non-alcoholic beverages, lounge chairs, family areas, kids’ activities and Goombay Cultural Center
Beyond the Ship
A Disney cruise is the main event, but the days around your sailing can shape the entire vacation.
Where you stay before you board, how you get to the port, what you do on your port days and whether you combine your cruise with time at a Disney park or another destination can all change the experience.
Here are a few magical tips to consider:
- Think about what you’ll need on embarkation day. Your checked luggage may not arrive at your stateroom right away, so keep important items like medications, travel documents, swimsuits, sunscreen and anything else you’ll want access to in your carry-on bag.
- If flying, arrival should be the day prior in case of delays. When departing, I always recommend our guests book for 2:00 P.M. or later.
- Disney offers transportation or transportation partners to and from port, but you also have the option to park at the port. In addition, many port area hotels offer cruise parking packages.
On the Blog
Fish Extender Guide
What to know about the ships’ unofficial gift exchange
Door Decorating
What to know about decorating your stateroom door
Photo Tours
A few pictorials of the Dream, Fantasy and Castaway Cay
Ready to Set Sail?
A Disney cruise has a lot of moving parts. One minute you’re dreaming about sailing away, and the next you’re comparing ships, itineraries, staterooms, dining rotations, port days and wondering how to sort through the 18 tabs you have open.
That’s where we come in! We’ll help you navigate the options, answer the questions that come up along the way and make sure you have a plan before you step onto the ship. Whether you’re booking your first sailing or already looking ahead to your next one, we’re here to help make the process a little less mayhem and a lot more magic.
