Hi there! I see you are interested in learning about what is and is not included in your Disney cruise fare. That tells me you have either booked your fabulous Disney cruise vacation or are contemplating whether to embark on one of the beautiful Disney cruise ships. Either way, you are in luck! I will guide you through a comprehensive list of everything included in your base cruise fare on the Disney Cruise Line (DCL) and everything not included that would incur an additional cost.
Pay for Everything Before You Sail
One of my favorite parts about a Disney cruise is that you can essentially pay for your entire cruise before getting on the boat (i.e., cruise fare, pre-paid gratuities, shore excursions/port adventures, and other onboard activities) and never have to use your card again onboard. However, I will be honest with you - that is probably not going to happen. 😅 There is bound to be an extra that catches your eye that you simply must have! Personally, the Disney Wish popcorn bucket, the souvenirs, and the specialty non-alcoholic beverages caught my eye, and they went straight to my Keys to the World card!
Disney Cruise Tip: The Keys to the World card is your room key, identification, and credit card while onboard the Disney cruise ships. You will also use this card when getting in and out of the cruise ship, making it a crucial card—hence its name, Keys to the World!
Onboard Credit
Another plus about Disney Cruise Line is that if you do not want to aimlessly tap your card on the boat without a set budget, you can add a prepaid amount to your onboard account and use that essentially like a gift card. Once you are out of funding, you stop purchasing! However, a word of warning: you still need to limit yourself and monitor the account, as you can continue to rack up charges even after you have met your set prepaid amount - Disney Cruise Line will simply charge the credit card you have on file.
Concerning budget, some people like to bring a set amount of cash on the boat and say, "This is all I am going to spend on additional items." However, unfortunately, it does not work that easily on DCL as they do not accept cash for purchases. Almost everything you purchase will go through your Keys to the World Card - the only exception is when using your Disney Visa Card for the 10% discount while on board. In this case, you need to pay with your Disney Visa Card instead of your Keys to the World Card. With this in mind, still bring cash on hand for tipping purposes. I will cover gratuities in more detail below.
Let's jump into what IS included in your Disney Cruise Fare!
✅ Your Stateroom
This is the most obvious item included and the main driving factor in the cost of your cruise fare, as an interior cabin is typically cheaper than a Verandah. Depending on your budget, you can decide which type of room to get. Unless you opt for a Concierge room, you will have about the same experience and amenities in your room, regardless of the category - the main differences being whether you have a porthole, a balcony, or neither. Within your stateroom, you can expect:
- a spacious cruise cabin - though they are still small compared to a hotel room, Disney is known for having more spacious cabins compared to competing cruise lines, and I can attest to that!
- a private bathroom, typically with a tub - some cabins have a split bathroom set up, especially on the older ships
- bathroom hygiene essentials like liquid hand soap, bar soap (by request), shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and body lotion
- DCL embossed bath towels and robes plus regular hand towels and washcloths
- hairdryer with a big vanity mirror and chair
- safe
- life jackets
- mini-fridge
- drawers, closet space, and under-bed storage space
- privacy curtain between the living area and the bed - this is perfect for when you have a 3rd or 4th guest staying with you and need some privacy for changing or sleeping
- TV with plenty of channels, including Disney and HGTV (you can also stream the TV channels on the DCL Navigator app when you are elsewhere on the ship - this was such a cool feature, especially when waiting in line to meet the characters
- and the best one yet... a STATEROOM ATTENDANT 🥳 Shoutout to Jun from Indonesia for being AMAZING! You will get housekeeping services two times a day - one in the morning for regular housekeeping needs and one in the evening called turn-down service. During the day, the stateroom attendants fix the beds, switch out the towels, and tidy up what they can. For turn-down service, they typically pull out/fix the 3rd or 4th bed, create a fun towel/blanket animal, and leave you a nighttime chocolate! Turn-down service usually occurs during your dining rotation time, so if you decide to shower before dinner, they can switch out the towels then as well.
✅ Food
One of the main reasons someone goes on a cruise is for the food and Disney does a great job keeping you full at all times on your trip! Now, where can you eat onboard without an additional charge? Luckily, the answer is most food places on board!
- Buffet - Marceline Market on the Disney Wish. For breakfast, you can find omelets, Mickey Waffles, french toast, bacon, sausage, egg fried rice, an assortment of cereals, Danishes, donuts, many other pastries, and more. For lunch, you can find crab legs, chilled shrimp, salads, meats, sides, tikka masala, plenty of desserts, and more! Unfortunately, the buffet is not open for dinner.
- Quick Service Stations - Festival of Foods on Disney Wish. Here you will find delicious BBQ, yummy pizzas, burgers, hot dogs, amazing tacos, burritos, bowls, and soft-serve ice cream!
- Main Dining Restaurants, also called sit-down meals - Each Disney Cruise Ship has three rotational dining rooms. Rotational Dining means that you switch to a new dining venue every night, all while staying with your dining party and the magnificently attentive servers who are familiar with your preferences. Shoutout to Eduardo from Mexico and Glory Ann from the Philippines! On the Disney Wish, you can expect to eat at 1923, World of Marvel, and Arendelle. You can typically enjoy one or two of these restaurants for a sit-down breakfast and/or lunch during your cruise as well.
- 24-Hour Room Service - this feature typically ends at 1 am on the final day of the cruise, but apart from that, you can order room service at any time during your cruise! It is customary to tip $1 per item you order off the menu.
On top of all the included food mentioned above, you can enjoy soft drinks, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate in the main dining rooms, the buffet, and near the quick service stations!
For more details about what you can expect to see and eat at Arendelle, check out my blog post, Menus for Disney Wish Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure!
✅ Disney's Private Island, Castaway Cay
This is one of the ports of call you may experience if taking a Bahamas & Caribbean cruise with DCL. One of the best parts of this island is that you do not have to spend any additional money when visiting as a lot of the necessities are included with your cruise fare, like:
- beach chairs and umbrellas
- hammocks
- lunch at all three locations - two family beaches, Castaway Family Beach and Snorkeling Lagoon, and Serenity Bay, the adults-only section
- the two waterslides on Pelican Plunge
- basketball, ping pong, billiards, chess, checkers, foosball, and other fun activities and sports
- Disney character appearances
- kid clubs
- participating in the 5k
For more details on the Disney Castaway Cay 5K, check out my blog post, Disney Castaway Cay 5K: Details on How to Participate!
✅ Onboard Entertainment
Every moment of the day from 7 am until midnight (and sometimes even later), there is an activity or two! You will not get bored on a Disney cruise, from the arts and crafts and trivia to the first-run movies and Broadway-style shows! Here is a listing of the different types of entertainment you can find onboard:
- Broadway-style shows at the Walt Disney Theatre
- arts and crafts - on our trip, we created 3-D cutouts of the Disney Wish, Pascal, Minnie, Mickey, and Flounder
- Disney trivia - both for all ages and adults-only
- karaoke - both for all ages and adults-only
- first-run movies - during our cruise, The Marvels and Wish were playing at Wonderland and Never Land Cinemas on the Disney Wish (other cruise ships have the Buena Vista Theatre)
- other Disney movies - these can be shown in the Cinemas and Theatres listed above, but they also have movies at Funnel Vision on the Disney Wish which is found on the pool deck
- deck parties
- water slides, hot tubs, pools, and a splash pad
- Fireworks at Sea
- sports and games - on the ship, you will find basketball courts, ping-pong, air hockey, table and regular shuffleboard, foosball, and more
- fitness center (fitness classes are offered at an additional fee)
✅ Character Meet and Greets
You will have plenty of opportunities during your cruise to meet various Disney characters like Captain Minnie Mouse, Captain Mickey Mouse, Goofy, Donald, Daisy, Rapunzel, Moana, Cinderella, and many more.
There is also a meet-and-greet for all the princesses at the same time, called the Royal Gathering. It is free to sign up, but you will need a reservation in advance to join the event, and it typically sells out fast. If you cannot get a reservation on the app before your cruise, visit Guest Services onboard and ask to be put on the waitlist or check for any cancellations.
✅ Pirate Night
This evening featured the characters dressing up in their pirate attire, pirate-themed shows, and bands at the pool deck, with a fireworks show at 10:30 pm. During shorter cruises, like a 3-night cruise, Pirate Night does not include a meal change at your rotational dining. However, on longer cruises, like their 4-night cruise or longer, Pirate Night comes with its own unique menu at whichever rotational dining location you are at that evening.
✅ Kids Clubs
There are three kid clubs for ages 3 - 17. On the Disney Wish, they have the Oceaneer Club for the younger kids about elementary age (3 - 10), Edge for those around middle school age (11 - 14), and Vibe for high school age (14 - 17). The age groups are subject to change. These areas are full of fun, incredibly immersive, and can have surprise character appearances!
The best part is that there is a daily open house where anyone of any age can come in to enjoy the activities for an hour at a time - this is perfect for exploring the area and seeing what is included, for the young adult who wants to play some video games at Vibe, or those on the cusp who want to enjoy what the other age group is doing.
Personally, the Oceaneer Club is the coolest as it hosts a Marvel Super Hero Academy, Star Wars: Cargo Bay, Fairytale Hall, Walt Disney Imagineering Lab, and Mickey and Minnie Captain’s Deck. Edge and Vibe mostly have video games and board games, but they are both great hang-out spots for your middle schoolers and high schoolers, respectively.
✅ Disney Wish Walking Ship Tour
This experience is less well-known and usually only advertised in the "Onboard Fun" section of the app while on board. The best part is that this tour is a free one-hour guided tour by a cast member, taking you around the ship and teaching you about different features that you may not have noticed previously!
✅ Disney Cruise Line Navigator App
Utilize the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App to access essential vacation details, like what activities are happening and when/where, and communicate with fellow travelers on the ship. The chat feature allows you to chat with those in your cabin and new friends you make on board. The best part is the ability to use adorable Disney emojis you cannot find anywhere else!
On the app, discover the interactive adventure "Disney Uncharted Adventure" guided by Captain Minnie. Transform your mobile device into a magical spyglass, unveiling unseen constellations across iconic Disney and Pixar realms. Immerse yourself in augmented reality and special effects, actively participating in beloved Disney and Pixar tales.
Collaborate with family and friends, earning rewards and achievements through the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app. The adventure culminates in a live finale, where you join forces to restore the Wishing Star and thwart a notorious Disney villain. The Disney Uncharted Adventure promises an unprecedented fusion of technology, storytelling, and collective magic.
Now, what IS NOT included in your Disney Cruise Fare?
❌ Gratuities
Although you can prepay your gratuities before you board, they are still not included in your base cruise fare. Disney Cruise Line recommends a base tip on your cruise fare of $14.50 per guest per night. This tip gets split amongst your stateroom host, dining room server, dining room assistant server, and dining room head server.
If you sail Concierge the recommended amount is $15.50 per guest per night, split amongst those individuals listed previously. However, there is an additional $8 per guest per night added to the previous amount for the Concierge Lounge Team.
On the second-to-last night of the cruise, you will receive some envelopes and a paper that breaks down the tips for your stateroom. The paper will list how much each person gets, and you can add extra money to the envelopes to give to your stateroom attendant and servers before the end of your cruise. If you did not bring any cash or do not have sufficient cash on hand, you can go to guest services and increase your tip amount there, and it will be charged to your credit card.
Moreover, when you arrive at Port Canaveral and hand your luggage to the porters, it is customary to tip them $1 - $2 per bag. Therefore, it is essential to carry cash on hand for these instances. Another time when you will need cash on hand is when you want to tip your excursion tour guides at a port of call. Indeed, Disney does not accept cash on board or at their private island; however, the cast members onboard, the porters, and your tour guides at the ports of call would appreciate cash tips for their spectacular service! You can also use cash at the ports of call that are not Disney-related, like Nassau, Grand Cayman, and others.
❌ Extras at Disney's Private Island, Castaway Cay
There are plenty of included things to do in Castaway Cay, there are also various things to do for an extra charge. You do not need to do any of these if they are out of your budget or do not interest you, but they are available for your pleasure! These include:
- the gift shops - you can get Castaway Cay souvenirs here or find local Bahamian treasures
- alcoholic beverages
- boat rentals - you can rent a kayak, paddleboard, aqua trike, and paddleboat
- bicycle rentals
- enjoy delicious frozen drinks in Olaf souvenir cups at Olaf's Summertime Freeze
- rent snorkel gear to enjoy the undersea enchantment in Snorkeling Lagoon, be sure to be on the lookout for the hidden Mickey in the water! (Disney Cruise Tip: Bring your own set of snorkels to partake in this experience without having to pay additional for the rental)
- rent tubes to float in the water
- other Port Adventures, like the Banana boat ride - these can be booked while onboard or online before your sailing begins
Soon, in the summer of 2024, Disney will open their all-new Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, which includes its own included and non-included items to add to your magical experience! Stay tuned for more details on this new private Disney oasis coming soon!
❌ Other Onboard Activities
Although a majority of the onboard activities are included in the cost of your Disney cruise, there are still certain items that will cost extra. Some of these experiences include:
- Royal Court Royal Tea - found on Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, and Disney Fantasy - Experience a premier character dining on Disney Cruise Line with a unique tea party celebration. For $220 per child (ages 3-12) and $69 per accompanying adult, guests will enjoy two delicious courses, gifts, storytelling, and face-to-face interactions with Disney princesses.
- Olaf’s Royal Picnic - only on the Disney Wish - similar idea and pricing as Royal Court Royal Tea, but instead, you will partake in a delightful afternoon of summertime melodies, treats, and merriment with Olaf, Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, and the Castle Staff.
- Beverage Tastings - more details will be found below.
❌ Specialty Restaurants
Adult dining locations such as Remy, Palo, Palo Steakhouse, and Enchanté by Chef Arnaud Lallement, which are not part of the rotational dining, are all extra. You need a reservation for these adult-only dining locations, and the prices start at around $50 per person.
Elegant attire is encouraged for adult-exclusive restaurants on Disney Cruise Line ships, with formal or semi-formal options preferred. Dress casual with a polished appearance is acceptable, including dress pants, well-maintained jeans, collared shirts, blouses, and lifestyle shoes. T-shirts, swimwear, and sports attire are not allowed.
❌ “it’s a small world” nursery!
At "it's a small world" nursery!, expert Disney counselors provide quality care and entertainment for children aged 6 months to 3 years (1 to 3 years on specific itineraries). Parents can enjoy peace of mind as activities like movie time, storytime, and arts and crafts keep the tots engaged. With the option to discreetly check on your child(ren) through a window into the main play area, you can embark on your own adventures worry-free. Due to limited space, book early, during the open house on Embarkation Day, or throughout the cruise.
❌ Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
Transform your child's day into a fairy tale at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, where they can become princesses, knights, or sea captains with themed costumes, styling, and accessories. The enchanting experience ensures magical memories that last a lifetime. For added adventure, there is also a Pirates League at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, perfect for embracing the swashbuckling spirit on Pirate Night.
❌ Senses Spa
Senses Spa & Salon offers a high-end spa experience catering to adults seeking tranquility. Immerse yourself in an environment designed for all five senses, indulging in massages, facials, teeth whitening, and other spa treatments. It is a haven for pure bliss and inner contentment.
Moreover, discover serenity at the Rainforest Room, an adult-only oasis found on all Disney ships. With both indoor and outdoor spaces, this spa sanctuary features a dry sauna, aromatherapy steam room, invigorating ice room, heated loungers with privacy curtains, swings above a pool, stone lounge chairs, tropical showers, and tranquil fountains - a perfect retreat for relaxation and rejuvenation.
❌ Untangled Salon
Indulge in the enchanting experience of Untangled Salon aboard the Disney Wish, inspired by Rapunzel. Offering a full range of Rapunzel-esque treatments, from manicures to pedicures, the salon ensures you look and feel your very best in the magical ambiance of Disney Princess luxury.
❌ Hook's Barbery
Indulge in a refined grooming experience at Hook's Barbery aboard the Disney Wish, offering haircuts, hot shaves, and beard trimmings. Men can unwind with manicures, pedicures, and facials. Guests aged 21 and older can enjoy specialty whiskey tastings at the hidden bar during treatments and special evening events for an added touch of sophistication.
❌ Alcoholic Beverages and Bars
Alcoholic drinks are an additional charge no matter where you purchase them - this accounts for the price of the beverage and the additional gratuity that gets automatically added to that. The cool thing about Disney is that they have beautiful and immersive themed bars around their ship, perfect for every type of Disney fan!
For instance, Disney Wish has The Bayou, inspired by The Princess and the Frog, where they serve beignets and specialty cocktails. The Disney Wish also has a Hyperspace Lounge, where you feel as if you are being transported into Hyperspace and can enjoy Star Wars-themed cocktails and drinks. You can even purchase a Grogu sipper with your specialty beverage.
The bars on the Disney ships are an experience on their own - they are great for a social hangout, enjoying a drink, and even having a little photo session! However, do not worry - you can still find a bar at the pool deck for convenience as you lounge by the pool or take a dip in the hot tub!
Moreover, Disney does not offer a typical drink package. The drinks are typically a la carte. However, Disney does have beer or wine packages. You can purchase these packages onboard or pre-order through Disney Cruise Line Onboard Gifts. Example: As of late January 2024, you can get a 3-bottle classic wine package for $105 or a 6-pack of Corona beer for $36.25 - prices are subject to change.
The great thing about Disney is that they have two Drinks of the Day, one alcoholic and one non-alcoholic, that they sell at $5 each. It is a great deal compared to the prices of their other drinks and allows you to enjoy something a little extra fancy at a bargain!
Disney Cruise Tip: DCL Guests aged 21 and older can bring two bottles of unopened wine or champagne (750 ml or smaller) or six beers (12 ounces or smaller) per person at the voyage's start and at each port of call. These must be securely packed in carry-on bags. It is worth noting that a corking fee of $27.00 per bottle applies if guests opt to enjoy their brought wine or champagne in the ship's dining rooms. Plan accordingly for a seamless, budget-friendly, and enjoyable cruise experience!
❌ Beverage Tastings
Embark on a journey of flavor at the Beverage Tastings aboard Disney Cruise Line, where informative seminars invite you to explore the worlds of wine, beer, spirits, and more. The selection of tastings varies based on the ship and itinerary, offering diverse experiences such as sampling Italian Amari drinks, beer, bourbon, champagne, chocolate & liquor, martinis, rum, and more. Immerse yourself in the art of beverage appreciation through these engaging seminars that cater to a variety of tastes and preferences.
❌ Non-Alcoholic Drinks, Sweets, and Treats with an Extra Fee
There are a few other drinks that will cost you extra onboard and at Castaway Cay, and these include bottled beverages, specialty drinks, and specialty coffees. The Disney ships offer bottled water, canned soft drinks, specialty coffees (like at the Quiet Cove Cafe), and specialty non-alcoholic beverages.
Each ship also offers a fun dessert shop where you can get hard-scooped ice cream, customized ice cream sundaes, specialty cupcakes, and many other delicious treats. In select areas of the ship, you can even find Dole Whip! Lastly, if you want movie snacks like popcorn, candy, or soda, you need to pay extra for those as well.
❌ Port Adventures
Maximize your cruise experience with Port Adventures by Disney Cruise Line, offering specially selected shore excursions. From flightseeing to cultural explorations, these experiences are easily bookable through the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App or onboard with the Port Adventures teams.
Booking through Disney's Port Adventures eliminates uncertainties in unfamiliar ports, negotiation of fees, and currency exchange, providing a hassle-free experience. With coordination based on the ship's arrival, adjustments for delays, and full refunds for missed ports due to itinerary changes, Disney's Port Adventures ensures flexibility and reliability during your cruise. As mentioned previously, do not forget to bring cash for tipping guides.
❌ Photo Package
Capture magical cruise moments with the help of professional photographers, ensuring the entire family becomes part of the cherished memories. Forget the hassle and focus on enjoying your Disney cruise while the Disney photographers snap photos at character meet and greets, dining rooms, daily-changing photo backdrops, iconic ship locations, magic shots, and on the private island. Opting for the photo package before embarking on the ship grants you a discounted rate.
❌ Gift Shops
There are various stores onboard from Disney souvenirs and merchandise to diamonds and Rolex watches. The best part about purchasing items on board is that it is duty-free! It is a good idea to begin preparing yourself for spending extra money onboard once you enter the gift shops because they have something for everyone! Plus, why would you not want to commemorate this magical experience with a souvenir?
❌ Wi-Fi
Although you can communicate with other guests onboard using the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App, you cannot interact with those off the ship or check social media without purchasing an internet package. DCL offers three internet packages: Stay Connected, Basic Surf, and Premium Surf. The higher the level, the more internet access you will have.
Stay connected at sea with Disney Cruise Line's internet packages. The "Stay Connected" plan, priced at $18 for 24 hours or $16 per day for the entire cruise, enables access to popular social media platforms. For a bit more, the "Basic Surf" package, priced at $28 for 24 hours or $24 per day for the entire cruise, expands capabilities to basic browsing, email, and audio WiFi calls.
Opt for the ultimate connectivity with the "Premium Surf" plan, offering faster speeds, streaming on music and video apps, and video calling through FaceTime and Zoom. This package is priced at $42 for 24 hours or $34 per day for the entire cruise. Choose the internet package that suits your needs for a seamlessly connected cruise experience. However, the best part about going on a cruise is disconnecting from the everyday world and enjoying your time off!
Disney Cruise Tip: If you have an iPhone with iMessage, you can communicate with other individuals on iMessage, both onboard and off the ship, without purchasing the internet package. It is also rumored that you can use WhatsApp without purchasing the internet package onboard.
❌ Laundry
Enjoy the convenience of 24-hour self-service laundry facilities on board. Utilize your Key to the World card to operate washers and dryers, available for a nominal fee, and to purchase detergent and dryer sheets. Complimentary ironing equipment is also available; however, you cannot take it to your stateroom. Alternatively, opt for full-service laundry with stateroom pickup; notify your Stateroom Host(ess) or Guest Services by 9:00 AM for next-day return.
Happy Sailing! 🚢
Embarking on a Disney cruise is not just a vacation - it is a magical journey filled with enchanting experiences and memories that will last a lifetime. From the included delights like character meet-ups, deck parties, and the magnificent shows at Walt Disney Theatre to the enticing extras such as specialty drinks, spa treatments, and shore excursions, a Disney cruise offers a perfect blend of family-friendly adventures and premium indulgences. Bon voyage, and may your Disney cruise be filled with the most extraordinary moments at sea!
Disney Cruise Tip: If you are sailing out of Port Canaveral, Florida, be sure to check out my blog post, Disney Cruise Line Port Canaveral: Terminal Info and More, for more information for a smooth arrival to the Port!
Have you ever been on a Disney Cruise? Let me know in the comments below! Share this article with the person or people you want to go on your next adventure with! Also, be sure to SUBSCRIBE below to learn about other places you should add to your "To Visit" List! Ready? Okay, vamos. Time to have fun!
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