Disney Cruise Line Guide

What's Included on a
Disney Cruise?

From rotational dining and Broadway-style shows to world-class kids clubs and fireworks at sea — here's everything your fare covers (and what costs extra).

Get a Free Quote from Jason

Disney Cruise Line is widely regarded as the best cruise line for families — and for good reason. Your fare covers far more than most cruise lines, including all main dining, Broadway-caliber shows, incredible kids clubs, pools and waterslides, character meet-and-greets, and so much more. As your travel advisor, I'll help you understand exactly what you're getting — and how to make the most of every dollar.

📋
The Bottom Line

Included vs. Extra Cost

✓ Included in Your Fare

  • Your stateroom accommodation
  • All main rotational dining restaurants
  • Quick-service meals & poolside dining
  • 24-hour room service
  • Soft drinks, coffee & tea at dining venues
  • All-you-can-enjoy soft serve ice cream
  • Broadway-style stage shows
  • First-run & classic Disney movies (3D)
  • Deck parties & themed nights (Pirate Night!)
  • Fireworks at sea (most sailings)
  • Character meet-and-greets
  • Royal Gathering princess experience
  • Kids clubs (ages 3–17)
  • Pools, splash zones & waterslides
  • Adults-only Quiet Cove pool
  • Fitness center & running track
  • Castaway Cay / Lookout Cay beach access
  • Beach chairs & umbrellas at private islands
  • Trivia, games & daily activities
  • Midship Detective Agency interactive game
  • Disney Navigator app onboard messaging

+ Costs Extra

  • Specialty adult dining (Palo, Remy, Enchante)
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Smoothies & specialty coffees
  • Port Adventures (shore excursions)
  • Internet / Wi-Fi packages
  • Spa & salon services
  • Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique makeovers
  • Nursery (under age 3) — hourly fee
  • Private cabanas at Castaway Cay
  • Bike & snorkel rentals on private islands
  • Onboard photography packages
  • Arcade games
  • Laundry services
  • Gratuities (auto-added, adjustable onboard)
  • Transportation to the cruise port
  • Some premium room service items
🍽️
Food & Drinks

World-Class Dining — Included

Food is one of the best things about a Disney cruise — and the majority of it is covered in your fare. You'll rotate through three uniquely themed restaurants each evening, so you never have the same dinner twice.

🔄

Rotational Dining

Three themed main dining restaurants per sailing — your dining team rotates with you each night so they always know your preferences. Dinner, breakfast and lunch all included.

🍔

Quick-Service & Poolside

Casual counters, poolside grills and buffet-style options are available throughout the day. The buffet opens as soon as you board — enjoy your first meal before you even sail!

🛎️

24-Hour Room Service

Order breakfast, lunch, dinner or a late-night Mickey bar delivered to your stateroom — all included. Tip the delivery staff; the food itself is free.

🍦

Soft Serve Ice Cream

Self-service soft-serve ice cream is available on the pool deck all day, all cruise — a beloved Disney tradition. Eat as much as you want, totally free.

Complimentary Drinks

Soft drinks, coffee and tea are included at dining venues and drink stations throughout the day — a perk most cruise lines charge extra for.

🥂

Specialty Dining (Extra Cost)

Adult-exclusive restaurants like Palo (Italian), Remy (French) and Enchante offer a premium experience at an additional charge. Worth every penny for a special night out.

🍽️ Pro Dining Tips from Jason

  • Can't decide between two entrées? Order both — it's included!
  • Book Palo or Remy as soon as your booking window opens — they fill fast
  • Arrive early to lunch on boarding day — the buffet is open and uncrowded
  • Check the Navigator app daily for dining times and special menus
  • Late-night snacks are available in the adult lounges at no charge
  • Island Barbecue at Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay are included in your fare
🎭
Shows & Events

Entertainment That Rivals Broadway

Disney doesn't cut corners on entertainment — these are full-scale, professional productions included in your fare.

🎬

Broadway-Style Stage Shows

Full productions like Beauty and the Beast, Frozen: A Musical Spectacular, and Marvel shows. Productions vary by ship — check before booking if a specific show matters to you.

🎆

Fireworks at Sea

A Disney exclusive — fireworks launched from the ship at sea, typically on Caribbean and Bahamian sailings. No other major cruise line does this.

🏴‍☠️

Pirate Night

A full evening celebration with pirate-themed crafts, deck party, pirate feast dinner, and entertainment. Pack costumes — the whole ship participates!

🎥

Disney Movies

First-run and classic Disney and Pixar films shown in 3D in the ship's theater throughout every day. Perfect for downtime or rainy sea days.

🎤

Deck Parties & Live Music

Character-led deck parties, live bands, trivia nights, dance parties, mixology demos and more. The daily schedule in the Navigator app keeps you from missing anything.

🔍

Midship Detective Agency

An interactive mystery game built into the ship itself — paintings come to life and clues lead you across decks. A unique Disney experience loved by all ages.

Characters & Experiences

Meet Your Favorite Disney Characters

Character meet-and-greets are included in your cruise fare — no upcharge, no FastPass required. Disney cruise ships offer more character interaction than most theme park visits.

👑

Royal Gathering

A princess meet-and-greet experience — free for all guests. Reservations open 30 days before sailing regardless of Castaway Club status. Book it immediately when your window opens.

🐭

Mickey & Friends

Mickey Mouse, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and more appear throughout the ship daily. The Navigator app lists exact times and locations so you never miss them.

🦸

Marvel & Star Wars

Select sailings feature Marvel or Star Wars characters and themed events. Marvel Day at Sea and Star Wars Day at Sea are special add-on cruise experiences on select itineraries.

🎠
Youth Activities

World-Class Kids Clubs — All Included

Disney's youth clubs are widely considered the best in the cruise industry — large, beautifully designed spaces with trained counselors and endless programming. All included in your fare (except the nursery).

🌊

Oceaneer Club & Lab

Ages 3–10

Immersive themed spaces with character meet-and-greets, scavenger hunts, cooking classes, science experiments, crafting and free play. Multiple themed rooms on most ships.

🎮

Edge

Ages 11–14

A tween-exclusive hangout with video gaming, interactive tech, group activities, movies and chill spaces. Designed to feel cool, not babyish.

🎧

Vibe

Ages 14–17

Teen lounge with gaming, tech, music, events and dancing. Open until 2am on most nights. Your teens will want to be there — not with you!

🧸

It's a Small World Nursery

Under Age 3

Supervised care for your littlest ones with trained staff and age-appropriate activities.

⚠️ Extra hourly fee applies
🌊
Recreation & Fitness

Pools, Waterslides & More

🎢

AquaDuck / AquaMouse / AquaDunk

Each ship has its own signature waterslide experience. The AquaDuck on the Dream and Fantasy is a water coaster that circles the ship — a must-do. All included.

🏊

Multiple Pools

Every ship has family pools, kids splash zones, hot tubs, and the adults-only Quiet Cove Pool with whirlpools and loungers. All included in your fare.

🏋️

Fitness Center

Full gym with cardio equipment, free weights, and a running track on the outer deck. Included. Fitness classes and spa shower facilities also available at no charge.

🏝️
Private Islands

Castaway Cay & Lookout Cay

Disney's private Bahamian islands are among the most popular parts of any cruise — and the core experience is included in your fare.

✓ Included at the Islands

  • Beach access (family and adults-only areas)
  • Lounge chairs and beach umbrellas
  • Lunch and soft drinks on the island
  • Castaway Cay 5K race participation
  • Tram transportation around the island
  • Kids' splash areas and playgrounds

+ Extra at the Islands

  • Private cabanas (reserve early — very popular)
  • Bike rentals
  • Snorkel gear rentals
  • Water sport equipment rentals
  • Specialty beverages & alcoholic drinks
  • Port Adventures / guided excursions
💡
Jason's Insider Advice

Pro Tips to Maximize Your Cruise

1

Use the Navigator app religiously. It lists every activity, dining time, character appearance and show for the day. Never miss a thing — and never stand in line when you don't have to.

2

Book the Royal Gathering the moment your window opens. It fills within hours. Your window opens 30 days before sailing for all guests, regardless of loyalty status.

3

Pool mornings are your best friend. Pools are quietest before 10am and on port days when most guests go ashore. On sea days, get there early or after 4pm.

4

Order both entrées at dinner. Can't decide? Your server will bring both — it's completely included. This is a Disney cruise, not a budget airline.

5

Pack pirate costumes. Pirate Night is one of the most memorable nights of any Disney cruise. The whole ship dresses up — don't be the family that missed the memo.

6

Let me handle the planning. As your travel advisor, I'll manage your dining reservations, activity bookings, and Castaway Club perks — at zero extra cost to you. That's what I'm here for.

Ready to Set Sail?
Let's Plan Your Disney Cruise.

As a Disney travel advisor with Wish Upon a Castle, I handle every detail — dining reservations, port strategies, onboard activities — completely free to you. My fee is paid by Disney.

Request a Free Quote
Questions? Call or text 843-608-9481  |  jason@wishuponacastle.com