Today I’m sharing my experience aboard the Disney Dream and answering the question I get most often: What’s included on a Disney Cruise?
A few weeks ago I was fortunate to join a Disney Cruise press trip as my friend Jenny’s plus-one, and I got to enjoy everything Disney Cruise Line offers. This was my fourth Disney cruise — three Caribbean sailings and one to Alaska, ranging from four to seven days — and I can confidently say I’m a cruiser now. People always ask:
What’s Included In The Cost Of A Disney Cruise?
Below I break down what you receive with the upfront cruise fare and what typically costs extra. Think of a Disney cruise like an all-inclusive resort: many essentials are covered, and the on-board Disney service and entertainment add a lot of value. Here’s a clear look at what’s included so you can budget with confidence.
What IS Included on the Disney Dream?
While cruises can feel pricey, the base fare covers many necessities and experiences. Below are the main inclusions you can expect on a Disney Dream sailing:
- Stateroom: Your cabin is included, with toiletries, towels, housekeeping, TV (with Disney movies), and daily turndown surprises. Room types vary by size and view — interior, oceanview, or veranda.
- Main Dining: All main dining is included. Disney’s rotational dining lets you enjoy every main restaurant on board, with different menus and entertainment each night.
- Buffets: The buffet (Cabanas) is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and is included if you prefer a more casual meal.
- Poolside Food: Casual snacks and quick-service items at pool venues—pizza, sandwiches, chicken tenders, salads, and more—are included.
- Ice Cream: Soft-serve ice cream is available at no extra charge.
- Room Service: Standard room service items are included and convenient for late-night snacks or in-cabin treats.
- Non-alcoholic Regular Drinks: Water, coffee, iced tea, and soda are included, and juices are available at the buffet.
- Pastries at The Cove: The adults-only coffee bar (The Cove) charges for specialty drinks, but complimentary pastries are available at the pastry window.
- Movies: On-board movie theaters screen a range of films, including recent Disney releases, at no extra charge.
- Broadway-style Shows: High-quality live productions are included; shows run in multiple performances so guests on different dining schedules can attend.
- Sports and Deck Activities: Facilities like basketball courts, shuffleboard, ping-pong, a running track, and pools are included.
- Fitness Center and Classes: The gym is available for guests (usually guests 14 and older; minors may need an accompanying adult). Some fitness classes are included, though advanced sign-up may be required.
- Shipboard Entertainment: Daily activities such as trivia, comedy, magic acts, deck parties, and ship tours are typically included; check the daily schedule for times and locations.
- Character Meet-and-Greets: Encounters with Disney characters and scheduled photo opportunities are included and are a big part of the family experience.
- Youth and Teen Clubs: Supervised kids’ clubs and teen spaces are part of the fare, with age-appropriate programming from toddlers to teens.
- Nightlife and Lounges: Access to lounges and late-night live music venues is included; drinks or specialty items may be extra.
- Castaway Cay: Disney’s private island experiences include beach access, many amenities, select food and non-alcoholic drinks, and certain activities at no extra cost.
What’s NOT Included on a Disney Cruise:
You can technically sail without spending more than the base fare, but many guests choose add-ons. Below are common extras to budget for so you won’t be surprised by your folio at the end of the trip.
- Alcohol and Specialty Drinks: All alcoholic beverages and specialty non-alcoholic drinks (smoothies, milkshakes, virgin cocktails) are extra. Specialty coffee drinks are also an additional charge, though regular coffee is included.
- Internet: Wi-Fi is not included and tends to be costly. If connectivity is important, plan and budget for an internet package or use the ship’s apps and in-cabin phones for complimentary communication where available.
- Movie Snacks: Concessions outside the theaters—popcorn, candy, and alcoholic beverages—are sold separately. Purchasing a refillable popcorn bucket can lower per-night costs.
- Adult Specialty Restaurants: Remy and Palo are premium, adults-only dining venues with cover charges (fees vary by meal and menu). These offer elevated culinary experiences for an extra cost.
- Specialty Shops and Treats: Specialty shops such as Vanellope’s (on the Disney Dream), selling exclusive sweets, sundaes, and milkshakes, are additional purchases.
- Parking: If you drive to the port, parking fees at the cruise terminal are typically extra.
- Transfers: Ground transfers between airports and the ship (Disney transfer services) are usually not included and can add up for families.
- Professional Photos: Photographers capture portraits and event photos on board; purchasing print or digital copies is extra.
- Nursery Care: The on-board nursery for infants and toddlers carries hourly fees.
- Makeovers and Character Experiences: Services like the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and other themed makeovers cost extra.
- Casino-style Games: Disney ships don’t have large casinos, but games like bingo or organized gambling events may require a buy-in.
- Spa Services: Spa treatments and salon services are premium offerings and are charged separately.
- Souvenirs: Merchandise purchases from on-board shops are extra, as are specialty items and collectibles.
- Shore Excursions: Off-ship activities and specialized excursions at ports are additional and often worth budgeting for to enhance your time ashore.
- Gratuities: Service gratuities are typically added to your bill for convenience, though you can request adjustments at Guest Services if desired.
I adore Disney Cruises and will definitely sail again with my family. I hope this breakdown helps you understand what’s included and what to plan for. If you have more questions about what to expect on board, leave a comment and I’ll be happy to help.