Unlocking All the Magic Included in your Disney Cruise Fare
The value of a Disney Cruise: What IS included in your Disney Cruise Fare
Mom Approved Guide to What is included on a Disney Cruise (and What Is Not)
What’s actually included in a Disney Cruise, and what isn’t… matters, because that’s how to judge the value of your family cruise. Cruise pricing is never apples to apples between lines; some nickel‑and‑dime you on the “extras.” We look at the big picture when recommending sailings for MAT families, not just the base fare, because those little add‑ons elsewhere can add up fast.
Disney Cruise Line is a premium brand, and your fare already covers a lot: rotational dining, Broadway‑style shows, award‑winning kids clubs, soda stations, 24‑hour room service and more. Below is the Mom Approved breakdown of what’s included (your automatic “yes!” items) and what to budget for separately—so you can focus on memories while we do the math
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You’ve seen the gorgeous ships and the fireworks at sea—but what exactly does your Disney Cruise fare cover? Short answer: a lot more than most cruise lines (You want warm cookies and milk delivered to your stateroom at 10pm? It’s included!)
Below is a quick Mom Approved breakdown so you know where you can say “YES!” and where to budget a little extr
What IS included on a Disney Cruise (and what isn't)
Dining
- Rotational dining in the 3 main restaurants each night – Dinner is included every night, and your serving team follows you.
MAT Note: you can get as much as you like. Want 2 desserts? Included. 3 appetizers? Included. - Casual dining buffet, several grab-and-go options even poolside
- Seated or plated Breakfast and Lunch is available in the designated rotational dining restaurant each day
- Soft drinks, coffee & tea at self-serve stations and with meals.
MAT Note: Getting a drink (even soda or coffee) at one of the bars or lounges are extra. - 24-hour room service most items including Mickey Ice Cream Bars, Warm cookies and sandwiches
Note: Some specialty snacks & alcoholic beverages are extra. - “All-you-care-to-enjoy” soft-serve ice cream on the pool deck – a Disney Cruise Line tradition!
- Most snacks at lounges and Cove cafe (beverages are not)
- Lunch & soft drinks on Disney’s private islands: Castaway Cay and Lookout Point
Entertainment & Activities
- Broadway-caliber shows in the Walt Disney Theatre
- Deck parties & fireworks at sea (not on Alaska itineraries)
- Movies (first-run & classics) in Buena Vista Theatre
- Character meet & greets (scheduled & pop-ups)
- Onboard fun Trivia, game shows, karaoke, animation classes & more family fun
- Deck Parties Pirate Night, Frozen deck party, Pixar pals party (varies by itinerary)
- Holiday and seasonal activities (still included, but special merchandise and snacks cost extra
- Castaway Cay 5K on Disney’s private Island
- Chairs and Umbrellas on Disney’s private Islands
Youth Clubs
- Oceaneer Club/Lab (ages 3–12) complimentary
- Edge (11–14) & Vibe (14–17) complimentary
Pools, Slides & Fitness
- Family Water Fun Family pools, splash zones & slides (ship dependent)
- Quiet Cove Pool – adults-only retreat
- Family Activities Fitness center & Sports deck (running track, basketball, ping-pong)
- Pool Towels – No checking in our out (thank goodness!)
Stateroom Comforts
- Split bathrooms in most categories
- In-room fridge, TV with Disney movies, premium bath products (soap, shampoo, conditioner, body wash)
- Hairdryer, mini fridge, privacy curtain (in most staterooms)
- Daily housekeeping & turndown service
- Concierge perks are included only when you book Concierge-level staterooms
What is NOT included in your Disney Cruise
Gratuities
- Disney automatically adds recommended gratuities for your dining team & stateroom host (you can adjust on board).
- Bar/spa/service areas have separate charges. We’ll walk you through the current amounts.
Alcohol, Specialty Drinks & Treats
- Cocktails, wine, beer, smoothies, specialty coffees are extra (Cove Cafe)
- Limited BYO wine/beer allowed (check policy). Corkage fees apply in dining rooms.
- Specialty ice cream shops like Vanellope’s Sweets & Treats Shop
- Bottled beverages are not included.
- Movie Snacks like popcorn, peanuts, and packaged snacks are available for purchase around the ship and outside the theaters.
Adult-Exclusive Dining
- Palo, Remy, Enchante require reservations & an upcharge. We’ll help you decide if it’s a splurge you’ll love.
Shore Excursions (Port Adventures)
- Disney’s Port Adventures cost extra. We can help you choose smartly—or suggest DIY options.
- On Disney’s private islands, snorkel rental, bike rentals & cabanas are extra
Spa, Salon & Specialty Fitness
- Senses Spa & Salon services, Rainforest Room passes, certain classes are extra.
Internet / Wi-Fi
- Packages are priced by data/speed. We’ll help you pick the smallest one that still lets you post a grandma-approved photo.
Photos & Souvenirs
- Onboard photography and merchandise are not included, but packages are available
Laundry
- Self-Service Laundry is available
- Dry Clean and Laundry Service is available
Nursery (under 3)
- It’s a Small World Nursery (under 3) hourly fee, reservations required
Ground Transportation & Pre/Post Hotels
- Disney transfers are additional.
- We can bundle your pre or post- cruise stay.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, at self-serve drink stations and with meals. Sodas at lounges are not. Bottled drinks, smoothies and specialty coffees are extra.
Pre-paid gratuities charges cover standard tips for dining and stateroom staff. (Though most cruisers will tip a little more in cash).
No, internet packages have an additional cost. We’ll help you pick the right one (or you can go blissfully offline).
You will have access to the ships onboard wifi, which will allow you to message guests onboard, and use the Disney Cruise app.
Yes, for ages 3–17.
The nursery (for under 3) is not included, and has an hourly fee.
Most Bahamas and Caribbean sailings include them. Alaskan itineraries do not due to regulations.
Feeling lost, overwhelmed or ready to book? Reach out to our Mom Approved Travel Advisors at Mom Approved Travel, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner.
