Let’s talk about what is actually included on a Disney Cruise Line vacation, so you know exactly what to expect before you sail.

Disney Cruise Line is considered a premium cruise line, and a big reason for that is how much is included in your cruise fare. Once you step onboard, most of your meals, entertainment and activities are already covered, which makes it easier to relax and enjoy the experience.

Below is a clear breakdown of what’s included, what costs extra and a few tips to help you get the most value out of your cruise.

What’s Included on a Disney Cruise

Your Stateroom and Housekeeping

Every stateroom includes daily housekeeping and Disney’s signature attention to detail. Most staterooms feature split bathrooms with a tub in one space and a separate toilet area, which makes getting ready much easier for families.

Your stateroom host services your room each morning and provides evening turndown service while you’re at dinner. You’ll return to a freshly made bed, a towel animal and chocolates waiting for you. If you need extra towels, hangers or a bed rail for little ones, just ask. It’s all part of the experience.

Dining and Meals

Main Dining Restaurants

Disney’s Rotational Dining system is one of the most unique parts of cruising with Disney. You rotate through three themed main dining rooms during your sailing, but your serving team follows you each night. They learn your preferences and make dining feel personal and relaxed.

Main dining includes dinner every night, plus breakfast and lunch on select days. You can order multiple appetizers or desserts if you want, and there are great options for picky eaters, lighter fare and allergies.

Tip: Do not skip themed dining nights like Pirate Night. These typically happen on itineraries longer than three nights and feature special menus and desserts.

Casual Dining, Snacks and Room Service

In addition to the main dining rooms, you’ll find plenty of casual dining options throughout the ship. These vary by ship but include a main buffet such as Cabanas or Marceline Market, poolside grills and quick service locations serving pizza, burgers, tacos, wraps, salads and fruit.

Soft serve ice cream is included and available most of the day on the pool deck.

Room service is available 24 hours a day and most menu items are included. A few packaged snacks and alcohol are excluded, and gratuity is not included. Late night cookies, fries or Mickey bars delivered to your room are a favorite for many guests.

Unlimited Soft Drinks, Coffee and Tea

Soft drinks, coffee, tea and juice are included when ordered in dining locations or at the self service beverage stations on deck. This is a big perk compared to many other cruise lines that charge extra for soda.

You’re welcome to bring a refillable tumbler or water bottle to use at the beverage stations.

Entertainment and Activities

Broadway Style Shows

Every Disney ship features live, Broadway style productions in the main theater. These shows are included and performed twice each evening so guests with either dinner seating can attend. Productions feature elaborate sets, costumes and special effects.

Movies and Screenings

Disney Cruise Line shows first run and classic Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars films in onboard theaters at no extra cost. Some movies are even still playing in theaters on land.

Your stateroom TV also includes a full library of Disney movies and shows.

Character Experiences

Character meet and greets are included and far more relaxed than what you may be used to in the parks. You’ll see Mickey, Minnie, princesses, Marvel heroes and other favorites throughout the ship.

Some experiences, like the Royal Gathering, require a complimentary reservation through the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app, but there is no additional cost.

Deck Parties and Fireworks

Pirate Night is a Disney Cruise Line staple and includes a themed dinner, deck party and fireworks at sea, weather permitting.

Seasonal sailings may also include special celebrations such as Halloween on the High Seas or Very Merrytime cruises with holiday decor, music and events.

Kids and Teen Clubs

Youth clubs for ages 3 to 17 are included in your cruise fare. These spaces are thoughtfully designed and fully staffed.

Kids ages 3 to 10 can enjoy Disney’s Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab with games, crafts, scavenger hunts and character experiences. Tweens ages 11 to 14 have Edge, and teens ages 14 to 17 have Vibe, both offering lounges, games and social activities.

The it’s a small world nursery for children under 3 is available for an hourly fee and requires advance reservations.

Pools, Waterslides and Sports

All pools, splash zones and waterslides are included. Ships feature family pools, splash areas for younger children and signature attractions like the AquaDuck, AquaDunk or AquaMouse.

Adults can relax in the Quiet Cove pool area, which is included for guests 18 and over.

Fitness centers, jogging tracks, mini golf, basketball, shuffleboard and other sports areas are also included. Some fitness classes are complimentary, while others have a small fee.

Disney’s Private Island Destinations

If your itinerary includes Disney Castaway Cay or Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, all beach access, lounge chairs, umbrellas, towels and buffet lunches are included.

Only optional rentals or excursions such as snorkeling, bikes or cabanas cost extra.

What’s Not Included on a Disney Cruise

While Disney includes a lot, there are a few things that are not covered in your cruise fare.

Alcoholic Beverages and Specialty Drinks

Alcohol, specialty coffees, smoothies and bottled water are not included. These can be purchased individually or as part of a drink package. Guests 21 and over may bring a limited amount of wine or beer onboard on embarkation day.

Adult Only Dining

Specialty adult dining experiences such as Palo, Remy and Enchanté are available for an additional fee and are well worth considering for a special night.

Spa Services and Port Adventures

Spa treatments, Rainforest Room passes and shore excursions are not included. These are optional add ons you can book in advance or onboard.

Photos, Wi Fi and Gratuities

Professional photos, internet packages and crew gratuities are not included in the base fare. Gratuities can be prepaid or charged to your onboard account.

Tips to Get the Most Out of What’s Included

Arrive early on embarkation day so you can enjoy lunch onboard.
Use the Navigator app to track daily activities and entertainment.
Order more than one entrée or dessert at dinner if you want to try multiple options.
Take advantage of included room service.

A Disney cruise can easily be entirely all inclusive. When you factor in dining, entertainment, kids clubs, character experiences and service, most of your vacation is already paid for before you board.

Whether you’re sailing the Caribbean, Alaska or aboard one of Disney’s newer ships, you can relax knowing that the heart of your vacation is included. All that’s left is to pack, show up and enjoy the magic.

What’s Included on a Disney Cruise?