Many people interested in sailing on Disney Cruise Line are curious what is included in their cruise fare. It’s an excellent question, and I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised when you read everything that comes with a Disney cruise vacation.
Food
There are no shortage of included food options on a Disney cruise! If you like room service, you’ll be elated to find out that 24 hour room service is included at no additional charge. You can order a meal, a cheese plate while you get ready for dinner, warm cookies and milk, and more as often as your heart desires. When it’s time for breakfast, you can also choose from table service in one of the main dining rooms or the buffet. That means all-you-care-to-eat Mickey waffles and bacon. Near the pool, you’ll find casual dining options like burgers, sandwiches, wraps, fruit, and pizza. In addition to those, there is a lunch buffet featuring premium items such as shrimp and crab claws as well as lunch in the main dining room. For dinner, most guests head to the ships’ 3 main dining rooms, each with a different theme and menu. During your cruise, you can can experience all of them, and your wait staff even rotates with you. Want an extra appetizer or lobster tail? Just ask! And if you’d like to eat dinner outside one of the two seating times, Cabanas also serves table service dinner.
Fountain Soda
Yes, I know I just had a whole section about food, but if you love Diet Coke or any other soda like I do, you understand that this deserves its own section. Unlike other lines, fountain soda is included on Disney cruises. This includes all dining areas and the pool deck. That means you don’t have to buy a soda package. Woot! Woot! Be careful though. Cans like room service offers are not included.
Entertainment
The entertainment on Disney Cruise Line is in a class by itself. In the main theater, familiar stories like Tangled, Toy Story, and Frozen come to life, and shows developed just for the ships will keep passengers of all ages entertained. Live entertainment continues with themed deck parties like Pirate Night. In addition to the live shows, first run movies are shown in the movie theater on-board each ship. That means if the new Star Wars film is released while you’re on your cruise, you’ll see it the same day as your friends on land. During the day, you’ll also find games and activities like trivia for all ages. If your family loves characters, there are scheduled character meets every day with lines much shorter than what is typical in the parks. And don’t forget that Disney is the only cruise line that offers fireworks at sea!
Kid’s Activities
It should be no surprise that Disney’s kids areas are simply amazing. This is probably where I should insert a video of my son because he LOVES to tell people all about them. Disney offers supervised kids’ activities for children 3-17 on all of their ships. Kids 3-12 will have a blast in the Oceaneer Club and the Oceaneer Lab which is open from 9AM until midnight. These areas include games, dance parties, crafts, movies, character meets, play areas, science experiments, and more. There are a mix of free play and organized activities. These areas are secure and children must be checked in and out by parents or other designated adults. If parents would like a romantic dinner on their own, the kids can have meal time with their Oceaneer friends. Disney has something for older kids too: Edge is for 11-14 year olds, and Vibe for 14-17 year olds. These clubs have cool spaces for older kids to hang out and meet new friends, and they offer organized games and activities all around the ships.
Adult Only Areas
I know people assume that Disney cruises are all about the kids, but I assure you that Disney has the best adult areas of any cruise line I’ve experienced. The ships include an adults only pool area complete with bar and hot tubs. Chairs are more plentiful there than other lines I’ve cruised. Evening brings to life a whole adults only section with different themed bars and a night club. But my favorite adults only area that is included in the cruise fare is the adults beach on Castaway Cay. Grab a lounger and relax, or take a swim in the crystal-clear waters. It even includes a restaurant where adults can grab a BBQ lunch, and all is included at no additional charge.
Castaway Cay
Disney Cruise Line has the best, most magical private island- Castaway Cay. The majority of their Bahamas and Caribbean cruises stop there, and some itineraries even stop twice. The loungers, umbrellas, beaches, games, over-water playground, kid’s club, and food at Castaway Cay are all included. Bring your own snorkel gear and enjoy finding fish and sunken treasures. Lounge around on the beach for awhile and then enjoy a BBQ lunch. Finish your meal with multiple ice cream cones and race over to the water slides. It’s a perfect day that doesn’t have to cost you anything additional!
Disney cruises are nearly all inclusive vacations with a wide range of activities and unparalleled service and attention to detail. If you’re considering your first Disney cruise, I’d love to answer any questions you have, and if you’re experienced cruiser, please let me know if I’ve left something out! With so much that is offered, I’m sure I missed something.
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