In recent years, cruise ships have not only grown in size but also in the incredible variety of restaurants they offer. I remember my first cruise with MSC in 2007; there was basically only one restaurant at night, and that was it. Nowadays? Seriously, you can find far more restaurants on a cruise than in a shopping mall.
However, dining on a cruise ship raises many questions. Is everything complimentary? What do I have to pay for? Are there plenty of options like seafood, Japanese restaurants, and pasta? Is Mickey a good chef? Let's delve into some of the most popular questions and topics.
Disney Cruise Line Dining Info
Dietary Needs
Disney Cruise Line offers gluten-free, vegetarian, no-sugar-added, dairy-free, and lighter fare options on their table-service restaurant menus. Dietary special requests can be made at no additional charge through the “Special Requests” application under “My Reservations” on the official website or mobile app. We at Famvia can also assist you with this process.
Dress Code
While most guests typically dress in jeans and t-shirts for dining, there isn’t a strict dress code to enter any complimentary restaurant. Disney emphasizes family fun and a casual atmosphere, so they avoid imposing strict dress rules that might inconvenience passengers. However, it's advisable to avoid swimwear when visiting Arendelle or dining with Marvel superheroes.
For the optional paid restaurants, there is a dress code in place. According to Disney, “Guests are requested to dress in a manner consistent with the restaurant’s sophistication. Formal or semi-formal attire is recommended. Also permitted is dress-casual attire with a polished look, such as dress pants, jeans in good condition, collared shirts, dressy tops and lifestyle shoes. For brunch at Palo and Palo Steakhouse, dress shorts are acceptable. Clothing such as T-shirts, swimwear and sports attire are not permitted”.
Room service
Good news! Room service is (mostly) free aboard Disney Cruise Line. This might come as a surprise, as other companies like Royal Caribbean often charge for room service. You only pay for room service if you order drinks, ranging from sodas to alcoholic beverages (plus a 15% gratuity fee). The menu is somewhat limited, though concierge-level cabins offer more options.
For breakfast delivery, you can place your order between 7am and 10am. Simply fill out the Room Service Request Card in your stateroom and leave it outside your door before 3am if you want breakfast delivered to your cabin.
Complimentary Dining aboard Disney Cruise Line
Rotational Dining
Disney brings a unique dining experience to the high seas. While Royal Caribbean features the Main Dining Room - a large, spacious area with numerous tables on each ship - Disney introduces Rotational Dining. This concept means that each Disney ship boasts at least three main restaurants, and every evening you will dine in a different one. Rotational Dining. See, now the name makes sense! With Rotational Dining, you get to enjoy a variety of dishes in completely different atmospheres every night!
One cool thing is that your waiters also move from restaurant to restaurant with your party, so they get to know what you love and do their best to assist you. Let’s take a look at the three main complimentary restaurants in each Disney ship:
Complimentary Restaurants aboard Disney Magic
- Animator's Palate
- Lumiere's
- Rapunzel's Royal Table
Complimentary Restaurants aboard Disney Wonder
- Animator's Palate
- Tiana's Place
- Triton's
Complimentary Restaurants aboard Disney Dream
- Animator's Palate
- Enchanted Garden
- Royal Palace
Complimentary Restaurants aboard Disney Fantasy
- Animator's Palate
- Enchanted Garden
- Royal Court
Complimentary Restaurants aboard Disney Wish
- 1923
- Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure
- Worlds of Marvel
Complimentary Restaurants aboard Disney Treasure
- 1923
- Worlds of marvel
- Plaza de Coco
As you can see, some restaurants repeat across certain ships, although the Disney Wish introduces completely new dining options. Have you checked out the names too? They're all themed after Disney! Each restaurant offers a unique experience, inspired by a Disney movie or intellectual property like Marvel. And you know what's cool? Many characters make appearances from time to time. For instance, Spider-Man might swing by Worlds of Marvel, while Anna and Elsa are often seen wandering around and posing for photos at Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure.
A common question is… what if I decide to skip rotational dining and repeat a restaurant twice in a row? For example, is it possible to go to Worlds of Marvel two times in a row?
Well, the answer isn’t that simple. According to a popular forum, “If you decide you would like to skip one of the restaurants and repeat another, I suggest that you contact a friendly Disney Cruise Line Cast Member and ask them to add your request to your reservation. Then, as soon as you board the ship, open the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App to view your dining rotation details. If you see that your request was not accommodated prior to boarding, head over to the Guest Services desk and speak with a Crew Member”. Thanks, Shannon!
Everything is free during rotational dining, with the expectation of alcohol and specialty drinks.
Cabanas & Marceline Market
Disney Cruise Line also offers a popular buffet option open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (typically dinner during longer cruises). Cabanas is the buffet restaurant on the four original ships, while Marceline Market is found on the Disney Wish. These restaurants are akin to Royal Caribbean’s Windjammer, providing a wide array of choices for guests who prefer to dine well and perhaps enjoy their meal by the swimming pool.
Cabanas and Marceline Market are complimentary for guests. Additionally, there are several small restaurants and kiosks on the pool deck that offer free options, and a great choice for those that want to enjoy a pizza or an ice-cream and get a tan at the same time.
In-depth look at Complimentary Restaurants aboard Disney Cruise Line
Enchanted Garden
Type: rotational dining, variety, open for breakfast and lunch
Inspired by: France, Beauty and the Beast (I think?)
One of the classic restaurants aboard Disney Cruise Line, Enchanted Garden offers a three-course meal in an atmosphere inspired by the beautiful views of France. Breakfast is sit-down, providing a good opportunity to try delicious options like Mickey Waffles and omelets.
Animator’s Palate
Type: rotational dining, pacific rim/american cuisine, breakfast, lunch, dinner
Inspired by: Disney and Pixar
This is perhaps the trademark restaurant aboard Disney Cruise Line, though it is not found aboard the Disney Wish. Animator’s Palate immerses you in an animator’s studio ambiance, with Disney and Pixar sketches adorning the charming atmosphere. Guests even have the opportunity to draw Disney characters on a tablet provided by staff members. Plus, there's a delightful show where your drawing comes to life on screens near your table! It's a hit with kids. Well, and with adults too.
Lumiere’s
Type: rotational dining, french cuisine, breakfast, lunch, dinner
Inspired by: Beauty and the Beast
Be Their Guest in this restaurant inspired by Beauty and the Beast that is only available onboard the Disney Magic. The atmosphere is elegantly subtle, featuring murals and the iconic red rose from the movie. There is even a pianist playing classic Disney songs! Guests can meet Belle and other princesses like Snow White and Ariel. Many guests rave that this is one of the finest restaurants on the Disney Magic, not just for its ambiance but also for its excellent cuisine.
Rapunzel's Royal Table
Type: rotational dining, variety, breakfast, lunch, dinner
Inspired by: Tangled
Another fun rotational dining restaurant that offers a show - this time with Rapunzel and Flynn walking around as they are celebrating her birthday. There is also a live band and a lot going on as you enjoy your choice of meat or maybe a delicious sea bass. The desserts usually have good reviews here, and I can see why: they offer a pretty good creme brulee cheesecake. Seriously, you have a creme brulee AND a cheesecake in the same dessert, there’s no chance this doesn’t taste like heaven.
1923
Type: rotational dining, variety, breakfast, lunch, dinner
Inspired by: Disney
This restaurant is the natural evolution of Animator’s Palate and is exclusively found on the Disney Wish. It follows a similar concept—it's named after the year Disney was founded and celebrates animation studios with two dining halls named after Walt and his brother Roy. The food is considered above average. While there isn’t a dedicated show like in Arendelle and Worlds of Marvel, guests can enjoy seeing numerous cool items and artifacts related to Disney.
Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure
Type: rotational dining, variety, breakfast, lunch, dinner
Inspired by: Frozen
Of course, Frozen has its very own restaurant aboard Disney Cruise Line, offering a variety of seafood and meat dishes (they call it norwegian-inspired cuisine) to cater to guests of all tastes. While the food is delightful, it's the enchanting atmosphere that truly shines. Guests are seated around a circular stage where Anna, Elsa, Olaf, and other characters not only greet guests but also perform songs and dances right before your eyes. You may hear classics like “Love is an Open Door” and, yep, “Let it Go”.
Worlds of Marvel
Type: rotational dining, variety, breakfast, lunch, dinner
Inspired by: Marvel superheroes
This is the first-ever Marvel restaurant aboard a cruise ship, exclusively available on the Disney Wish. Worlds of Marvel combines elements of a show and a dining experience, with screens featuring actors from the movies, such as Paul Rudd as Ant-Man and Evangeline Lilly as the Wasp. Good news: Ant-Man and the Wasp make an appearance at the end of your dining, so make sure to keep your camera in hand. Bad news: they are not Paul Rudd or Evangeline Lilly. I think.
The food here is good, though guests often prefer the offerings at Arendelle and 1923. Nevertheless, many guests visit for the immersive show experience. The restaurant can feel somewhat cramped, designed to simulate a testing lab, and it can get quite loud. Guests sensitive to bright lights and loud noises may prefer dining elsewhere.
Plaza de Coco
Type: rotational dining, Mexican cuisine.
Inspired by: Coco, Mexican culture.
Seriously, who out there doesn't love good Mexican food? This is the first Disney Cruise Line restaurant focused on Coco, and also the first one to offer Mexican cuisine. It’s an awesome restaurant that currently only exists on the Disney Treasure, with a beautiful atmosphere that includes a gorgeous ofrenda and many nods to Coco and Mexican culture in general. In fact, Disney went to Mexico to scout for artists and invite them to perform live on the Disney Treasure.
The food is good and includes Mexican classics like enchiladas, tacos, and empanadas (even though empanadas originally come from Spain). The food here also isn’t spicy, and we can understand why: this is a rotational dining restaurant serving guests and children from all over the world, so Disney needed to tone down the spice level. The overall consensus is that the food here is decent, even though Disney played it a little safe. Come here, however, for the atmosphere and the entertainment.
The Best Specialty Restaurants Aboard Disney Cruise Line
Disney also offers a variety of extra paid restaurants for guests seeking an enhanced dining experience at sea. Interestingly, many of these optional restaurants are adults-only, and a great choice if you want some time alone with the love of your life.
The best tip we can give regarding specialty restaurants is to ensure you book a spot well in advance.
Palo/Palo’s Steakhouse
Type: paid restaurant, adults only, italian (and steaks), dinner.
Inspired by: Italy, che bello!
Price: around $50
One of the standout restaurants in Disney Cruise Line, Palo is present on every Disney cruise ship. It’s named Palo on the four original ships and Palo’s Steakhouse on the Disney Wish. Guests can choose from a prix-fixe dinner for $50 or opt for a la carte dining. The main distinction between the two is that Palo’s Steakhouse offers a broader selection of steak items, aligning with its name.
Brunch at Palo also costs $50 and receives rave reviews from guests. It's highly recommended to book your spot well in advance, as brunch reservations often sell out quickly.
Remy/Enchanté
Type: paid restaurant, adults only, french, dinner.
Inspired by: Ratatouille/Beauty and the Beast
Price: $135+
Remy is THE upscale restaurant at Disney Cruise Line, found on Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy. Enchante is a very similar restaurant offering a comparable menu and pricing structure. Remy features a 5-course meal (with additional delights like cheese tables) priced at $135. In contrast, Enchante offers a six-course menu for $135 and a nine-course option for $195. That's a lot of food, friends!
While neither restaurant is inexpensive, both promise a dining experience featuring delicacies such as langoustine, duck, elk, sablefish, and Kobe beef. The excellence of these restaurants is further highlighted by their Michelin-starred chefs.
More Specialty Restaurants at Disney Cruise Line
Olaf's Royal Picnic
Type: paid restaurant, character dining, lunch.
Inspired by: Frozen
Price: $70-$220
This character dining experience is available aboard the Disney Wish, where guests can enjoy lunch and meet beloved characters inside Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure. While designed for children aged 3-12 to participate in the festivities, adults are welcome to join them. Children's participation is priced at $220, while adults can dine for $69. During the experience, children (and adults) can sing Frozen songs and meet characters such as Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, and Olaf. Additionally, children receive a goodie bag filled with souvenirs to commemorate their time in Arendelle.
Royal Court Royal Tea Party
Type: paid restaurant, character dining, lunch.
Inspired by: Disney Princesses
Price: $70-$220
Royal Court is akin to Olaf’s Royal Picnic and can be found on Disney Magic, Wonder, Fantasy, and Dream ships. Unlike Olaf’s Royal Picnic, however, guests are greeted by Disney Princesses during a traditional tea party. The pricing structure mirrors that of Olaf’s Royal Picnic, and children also receive a goodie bag filled with memorable souvenirs. Perhaps the highlight of the experience is the opportunity for children to take photos with various Disney Princesses.
Disney Cruise Line Drink Packages
Well… let’s just say that Disney Cruise Line doesn’t offer a traditional Drink Package like the one you may find aboard Royal Caribbean. They do feature a few Wine Packages, but that’s about it.
Many beverages served during your Disney Cruise Line voyage are complimentary. However, alcoholic beverages and certain other drinks will be charged to your stateroom folio.
Included at no extra charge are:
- Soft drinks, coffee, and tea served during meals
- Soda at the Beverage Stations
- Soft drinks served at the Vibe teens-only lounge
- Beverages that incur an additional charge include:
- Alcoholic beverages, smoothies, specialty coffees, and bottled water served during meals
- Beer, wine, cocktails, bottled water, and non-alcoholic beverages served in lounge areas
Consider bringing your own alcoholic drinks onboard. Adults 21 years of age and older are allowed to bring two bottles of wine or champagne (750 ml each) or six beers (12 ounces or smaller) onboard.
Regarding prices, glasses of wine typically range from around $8 to $17, while beers generally cost between $6 and $9.
Let's explore the drink packages offered by Disney Cruise Line. These packages can be purchased online before your cruise or once you are onboard.
Refillable Beer Mug Savings Package
Price: around $25
One well-kept secret is the Refillable Beer Mug Saving Package available for purchase in advance. With this package, you can pre-purchase a keepsake beer mug that offers refills at a discounted price. When you buy a standard beer, you actually receive an extra 6 ounces per pour, and you get to keep the mug after the cruise. Additionally, you have the option to exchange the mug for a coupon, which you can use to easily obtain a fresh mug whenever you want a beer without needing to carry the mug around with you all the time. This package typically varies in price from year to year, but it usually costs around $24.99.
Wine & Beer Package
Price: $100-330 (wine package); $30 (beer package)
Disney Cruise Line offers a range of wine packages tailored for wine enthusiasts. Prices start at $100 and go up to $220, providing options for three to seven bottles of wine selected from a standard assortment of red, white, or sparkling wines. For those desiring a more luxurious experience, premium packages are available for $150 to $330, allowing guests to choose from a selection of wines from the premium list.
The beer package operates similarly. It costs $30 for a six-pack, allowing you to pick from different beers such as Heineken, Guinness, Corona, and Budweiser. Essentially, you pay for five beers and receive one free.
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