So, is this your first time boarding a ship with Mickey, Jack Sparrow, Han Solo, and the rest of their friends? You’re about to embark on an amazing adventure, we’re sure of it!
We have some fantastic in-depth tips for first-time cruisers in our “Planning a Cruise on Disney Cruise Line” guide, but you can continue reading here for a complete overview of what makes cruising with Disney truly unique. By the time you finish this guide, you’ll have a clear understanding of what to expect when Mickey takes the helm and brings you to the Caribbean.
Consider this your handbook to the most important Disney Cruise Line (DCL) information, Easter eggs, surprises, and more. We’ll also share useful advice to ensure you have the vacation of a lifetime!
Here is what we will cover:
- What Can I Expect from a Disney Cruise?
- How Many Ships Does Disney Cruise Line Have?
- How Much Does a Disney Cruise Line Vacation Cost?
- What is Included in a Disney Cruise Line Vacation?
- What is Not Included in a Disney Cruise Line Vacation?
- Is there a Dress Code on Disney Cruise Line?
- What Activities Are Available for Kids on a Disney Cruise?
- What Activities Are Available for Adults on a Disney Cruise?
- The Unique Features of a Disney Cruise
- Disney Cruise Line Stateroom Categories
- Setting Sail with Disney Cruise Line
- Preparing for Your Trip with Disney Cruise Line
- The Day of Your Trip with Disney Cruise Line
- Disney Cruise Line Onboard Services
- Tips & Secrets for Disney Cruise Line
- Disney Cruise Line FAQ
What Can I Expect from a Disney Cruise?
In one word: pixie dust… and lots of it.
That can mean many things: magical moments with your family, a meet & greet with Tinker Bell, or even actual pixie dust. Yeah, pixies do exist, at least when Mickey is the captain.
Disney Cruises are like Disney World in the middle of the ocean. These sailings are all about great food, excellent service, and immersive restaurants and stage shows based on beloved Disney franchises. That’s where Disney sets itself apart from the competition! They have an incredible catalog of franchises to draw from, plus plenty of characters for meet & greets.
One day, you might dine in a Frozen-inspired restaurant while Elsa sings Let It Go. Then, you could head straight to a stage show based on Moana, all after taking photos with Cinderella and Belle. The staff is always top-notch, and the food is excellent. Sure, Disney Cruises are often more expensive than other cruise lines, but you’re paying for exceptional service.
Let’s just say, a Disney Cruise really is a DISNEY Cruise.
How Many Ships Does Disney Cruise Line Have?
Disney Cruise Line currently has six ships in its fleet, with two more launching in 2025 and four additional vessels planned for the coming years.
Each ship features its own themed restaurants and stage shows, including at least one exclusive dining venue or production per ship. Of course, you’ll also find Disney-themed parties, character meet & greets, and all the magic you'd expect from Disney.
The other main differences between the ships? Itineraries, departure ports, and pricing.
This is the current Disney Cruise Line fleet. Make sure to click each ship to learn more about it!
- Disney Magic
- Disney Wonder
- Disney Dream
- Disney Fantasy
- Disney Wish
- Disney Treasure
- Disney Destiny (2025)
- Disney Adventure (2025)
- …plus four unnamed future ships!
How Much Does a Disney Cruise Line Vacation Cost?
Of course, prices vary depending on your selected ship, stateroom, and itinerary. However, one key thing to know is that a Disney Cruise vacation is typically more expensive than cruises with other lines.
Let’s take a look at some starting prices for a family of four. The prices below do not include taxes or additional fees:
- 3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale aboard Disney Magic: $3,020
- 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral aboard Disney Wish: $4,167
- 7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral aboard Disney Treasure: $6,530
As you can see, a Disney cruise can be pricey, but it’s well worth it, especially for families with young children. If you’re unsure, consider starting with a shorter Disney cruise to see if you enjoy the experience before committing to a 7-night voyage!
What is Included in a Disney Cruise Line Vacation?
A common question we get is: What’s actually included in a Disney Cruise? Is it just the base fare, or are there extra costs? While there’s plenty included in your cruise fare, there are a few things that aren’t, such as dining at specialty restaurants, shore excursions, and alcoholic beverages.
Let’s break down what’s included:
- Stage Shows
- Disney Movies at the Disney theater
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the buffet and rotational dining restaurants
- Room Service for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks
- Soft Drinks during meals and at beverage stations
- Snacks & Ice Cream
- Meet & Greets
- Kids Club
- Gym
- Waterparks, Pools, Waterslides, and Hot Tubs
- Sport Courses
- Visits to Castaway Cay and Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point
What is Not Included in a Disney Cruise Line Vacation?
While you can have a fantastic time on a Disney Cruise without spending extra money, there are a few entertainment options, dining venues, and activities that come with an additional cost.
Here’s a list of what’s not included in your Disney Cruise Line vacation:
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Specialty Restaurants like Palo and Rémy
- Onboard Services (like Wi-Fi packages, laundry, etc)
- Shore Excursions
- Spa and Salon Services
- The “It’s a Small World” Nursery
- The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
- Bingo
Is There a Dress Code on Disney Cruise Line?
Most onboard locations on Disney Cruise Line are considered “cruise casual”, meaning you can dine in shorts, t-shirts, and basically anything that isn’t swimwear or a tank top.
For adults-only restaurants, formal or semi-formal attire is recommended. Dress-casual attire with a polished look is also permitted, such as dress pants, jeans, collared shirts, dressy tops, polos and lifestyle shoes.
Honestly, for men, a pair of jeans and a polo shirt is usually good for the specialty restaurants, and women can wear a dress. We’ve also heard reports that you can dine there in nice-looking sneakers, and this shouldn’t be a problem.
What Activities Are Available for Kids on a Disney Cruise?
Oh, we don’t want this guide to be five thousand pages long, but let’s just say there is so much for kids to do on a Disney Cruise. Meet & greets, games, treasure hunts, stage shows, multiple swimming pools, waterparks, parties, restaurants with characters singing, and random Mickey & friends sightings around the ship... yeah, it’s a lot!
The “It’s a Small World” Nursery
Disney offers the “It’s a Small World” nursery for children aged 6 months to 3 years, which features play areas, a nap room, changing stations, and more for toddlers. The nursery also provides snacks for your little ones, though no complete meals are offered. You can always ask about this on the first day of your trip, or let us here at Famvia assist you with that.
Currently, children aged 6 months to 3 years can visit the nursery for $4.50 per child, per half hour. For each additional child, the price is $4.00 per child, per half hour. Keep in mind that there is a one-hour minimum per reservation. You can reserve a spot for your children up to three days before your cruise or check for availability at the nursery on embarkation day between 1:30 and 3:30 pm.
Disney’s Oceaneer Club
This is Disney Cruise Line’s Kids Club, and it’s considered the best one across all cruise lines. Not too surprising, right? The Kids Club offers a wide range of activities and entertainment for our little ones, some based on classic Disney characters, Marvel, and Star Wars. Best of all, the Disney Oceaneer Club is completely free!
Be sure to pre-register your child for Disney's Oceaneer Lab, or you can register once aboard the ship. Upon boarding on Embarkation Day, both children and parents must check in at the front desk of Disney’s Oceaneer Club or Disney's Oceaneer Lab.
What Activities Are Available for Adults on a Disney Cruise?
Disney isn’t just for kids. We all know that, or we wouldn’t spend hours waiting to ride Avatar Flight of Passage at Animal Kingdom, or enjoy a drink around the world at EPCOT. Disney Cruise Line also offers a variety of exciting activities that adults can enjoy! While it’s known as a top-tier cruise line for families, adults have the opportunity to embrace some solo time as well, especially with kids off enjoying the Kids Club and making new friends.
Here are a few things adults can look forward to.
Specialty Restaurants
Disney Cruise Line offers adults-only specialty dining experiences that are among the best in the cruising world. Palo is frequently regarded as one of the top restaurants at sea, with its refined Italian cuisine and exceptional service. Remy/Enchanté, another standout option, receives outstanding reviews for its French fine dining experience.
Dining at Palo costs around $50 per guest, while Rémy offers a top-notch luxurious experience starting at $125 per guest. These are perfect choices for those looking for a memorable meal or just want to enjoy a romantic evening with a special someone.
The specialty restaurants often require a specific dress code (but you don’t need more than jeans and a polo) and it's important to make a reservation well in advance!
Nightclubs, lounges & bars
There are several adults-only bars and lounges on Disney Cruise Line, and the most fun part? Most of them are themed after Disney franchises!
For example, you can enjoy a drink at the Star Wars Hyperspace Lounge onboard the Disney Wish and feel like you're travelling to Tatooine, or try the Haunted Mansion Parlor on the Disney Treasure for a good cocktail and a few spooky surprises. These are incredibly atmospheric locations where you can sit back, enjoy the vibes, and have a great drink.
There are also Beverage Tasting sessions held periodically at some of the bars, which incur an extra fee. These informative seminars not only teach you more about specific drinks but also let you taste a variety of beers, wines, champagnes, and liquors.
Senses Spa & Salon
Cruises are great places to relax. You know what’s also a good place to relax? A spa. If you combine both, you'll be relaxing².
The Disney Cruise Line Spa is designed to help you unwind and enjoy a serene experience, offering beauty treatments, relaxing massages, personal care for both men and women, and much more. Don’t forget to make reservations in advance!
The Unique Features of a Disney Cruise
Disney Cruise Line has a lot of things in common with other cruise lines, but also some very cool stuff that truly make it unique. Let’s check it out.
Rotational Dining
Disney Cruise Line introduces the concept of rotational dining, meaning that every day of your cruise, you’ll dine in a different venue, free of charge. Each DCL ship features three different dining venues, most of which are themed after Disney franchises.
For example, the Disney Wish has a Frozen-themed restaurant where Elsa and Anna sing, while the Disney Magic has a Tangled-themed restaurant, Rapunzel’s Royal Table, where Rapunzel and other characters sing and dance as you enjoy a delicious meal.
Rotational Dining continues on cruises longer than three nights, and you’ll even revisit some of the same restaurants. However, they offer new plays or an entirely new atmosphere, ensuring that the experience is never the same.
Stage Shows
One of the highlights of a Disney vacation! Each Disney Cruise Line ship features three different shows, with performances held twice per day. These shows are top-notch productions, typically lasting between 40 minutes to one hour - just the right amount of time to keep kids entertained.
You'll find amazing stage shows based on Aladdin, Frozen, Beauty and the Beast, Moana, and more. In general, there are two performances of the same show each evening: one around 5:45 or 6:00pm., and another around 8:15 or 8:30pm.
Meet & Greets
It wouldn’t be a Disney cruise without meet & greets, right? There are plenty of opportunities to meet characters onboard a Disney cruise. One of them is as simple as... walking around! It's not uncommon to see Mickey, Pluto, and friends just strolling by while you're on the ship. You can also meet specific characters during your rotational dining experiences.
Still want more? There's also The Royal Gathering - a ticketed, but free event, which requires a reservation. This special meet & greet allows you to meet four princesses one after the other and usually takes place 2-3 times per cruise, depending on the length of your sailing.
Castaway Cay & Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point
Cruise lines often have their own private islands in the Caribbean or the Bahamas, and Disney Cruise Line is no exception. In fact, they have two islands: Castaway Cay and Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point (weird name, I know). Castaway Cay is the main island, featuring a wide variety of activities, while Lookout Cay, the newer addition, was launched in June 2024.
These private islands are typically included in the itineraries of Caribbean cruises, and the cost is already covered in your cruise fare. This means you can visit them and enjoy the beaches and pools without spending a dime! Meals, soft drinks, and soft-serve ice cream are all included. However, there are additional activities and excursions that come with an extra fee.
Loyalty Program
Every cruise line offers its own loyalty program, rewarding you with perks as you continue traveling with them. For Disney Cruise Line, their program is called Castaway Club.
While you won’t receive free cruises, many of the perks include early booking advantages and complimentary gifts. Perhaps the best perk is the opportunity to reserve highly sought-after activities days or even months in advance. This is especially valuable for those looking to book experiences like the Royal Gathering or dining at Palo before anyone else.
Disney Cruise Line Stateroom Categories
Disney Cruise Line offers four main stateroom categories, listed below. Click on each one to learn more about its features!
Inside cabins are the most affordable option, while Concierge staterooms are luxury suites that come with exclusive perks such as priority embarkation and disembarkation, reserved seating for stage shows, and even special meet-and-greet experiences.
Setting Sail with Disney Cruise Line
Main Destinations
Disney Cruise Line sails to a variety of destinations, including:
- Bahamas
- Caribbean
- Castaway Cay and Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point
- Alaska
- Canada
- Europe
- Hawaii
- Mexico
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Panama Canal
Home Ports
Disney ships sail from a variety of ports, depending on the vessel. For example, Disney Treasure and Disney Wish both depart from Port Canaveral, while Disney Magic usually departs from Galveston and the Disney Destiny will sail from Fort Lauderdale. Below are the main Disney Cruise Line home ports in the United States:
- Fort Lauderdale, Florida (main home port)
- Port Canaveral, Florida (main home port)
- Honolulu, Hawaii
- Galveston, Texas
- New Orleans, Louisiana
- San Diego, California
Preparing for Your Trip with Disney Cruise Line
Here are a few essential things to know once you’ve booked your vacation with Disney Cruise Line:
The Disney Navigator App
Everything is online nowadays. Everything also has an app. You want to go to the store next to your house to buy a cigarette? There is a good chance the kiosk there has its own official app. So it’s not a secret that Disney Cruise Line has their own app as well, called the Navigator App.
The Navigator App makes your vacation experience much easier. You can use it to check meet & greet times, book activities and restaurants, view show times, monitor your spending, and access a full schedule of daily cruise activities, among other features. Be sure to download the app before you board the ship and enjoy your trip!
My Disney Cruise Adventure Booklet
This is really cool! Are you traveling with children? Well, if you’re on a Disney Cruise, there's a 99% chance that you are. You might want to check out the My Disney Cruise Adventure Booklet. It’s a fun and informative pamphlet that you can download, print, and give to your kids so they can learn more about their cruise adventure. It’s part informational, part fun, and a great way to keep them entertained throughout the journey!
Shopping for Onboard Gifts
Looking to make your trip even more special? You can shop for onboard gifts and have them sent directly to your cabin before you even step foot on the ship! Whether it’s special decor (perfect for Halloween), champagne, duffle bags, water bottles, or more, you can purchase items for yourself or for other staterooms. It’s a fun and thoughtful way to surprise someone!
The Day of Your Trip with Disney Cruise Line
Getting to the Port
Be sure to arrive early on embarkation day! If you're flying to the city for your cruise, consider arriving the day before and staying in a hotel near the port. This will help avoid any stress if your flight gets delayed or canceled.
Disney also offers official buses that transport guests from Walt Disney World, Orlando International Airport (MCO), or the Hyatt Regency to Port Canaveral. The cost is $39 per guest for a one-way trip, or $78 for a round trip. Keep in mind that the drive to Port Canaveral takes about an hour, so plan accordingly.
Documents Required to Travel with Disney Cruise Line
Our top tip is to always bring your passport. Depending on your destinations, you may also need a visa. You will also need the Port Arrival Form, which is a PDF sent to you after booking your cruise.
If a minor (age 17 or younger) is traveling without a parent or legal guardian, an adult accompanying the child must present an "Authorization for Minor to Travel Without a Parent or Legal Guardian" form, completed and signed by the parent.
Embarkation with Disney Cruise Line
When you arrive at the cruise terminal, hand your tagged checked bags to the porter, who will take them directly to your ship. If you don't have Disney tags, just let them know. Be sure to tip the porters, usually $2 per checked bag.
Keep your Port Arrival Form with you at all times, as you’ll need to show it during check-in. After checking in, you’ll receive a group number. Simply wait for your group to be called, then board the ship and get ready for an unforgettable vacation!
When you check in, each member of your party will receive a Key to the World card. This card serves as your stateroom key, cruise ID, and can also be used for onboard purchases as a credit card.
Sail Away Party
The first big celebration of your Disney cruise happens as the ship leaves port! This fun party takes place on the top deck, featuring appearances by Mickey, Pluto, Minnie, Goofy, and Donald as they count down the start of your adventure. Expect plenty of music, dancing, drinks, and a very fun time. Even the ship’s horns play Disney songs! It’s a great (and very Disney) way to kick off your cruise, so don’t miss out!
Disney Cruise Line Onboard Services
Here’s a quick and easy overview of the essential onboard services you’ll need to know for your Disney Cruise Line experience:
- Gratuities: A standard service gratuity of $14.50 per person per day is automatically added to your final bill.
- Wi-Fi: There are three Wi-Fi tiers available, with prices ranging from $18 to $34 per night, per device.
- Laundry: Self-service laundry machines are available on Disney ships, typically costing $6 for a full load.
- DisneyBand+: These wristbands function like the MagicBands at Disneyland and Walt Disney World. They replace the Key to the World card, allowing for easy access to your stateroom and other features.
- Drink Packages: Disney Cruise Line doesn’t offer a traditional drink package, but they do offer a Wine Package ($100-$330 for three to seven bottles) and a Beer Package ($30 for six beers).
- Refillable Beer Mug Savings Package: For just $25, you can purchase a refillable beer mug that offers discounted refills throughout your cruise. It’s an excellent way to save money for guests who love a good beer!
- Bringing Alcoholic Drinks Onboard: Disney Cruise Line allows each guest to bring one of the following: a 6-pack of beer or two 750ml bottles of wine or champagne. It’s a great way to save on alcoholic beverages during your cruise!
Tips & Secrets for Disney Cruise Line
This section is all about how you can enjoy your cruise even more, where we will share some secrets, surprises and things you should do when travelling on your Disney cruise.
Join an online group!
Meeting new people can be challenging, I know. If you’re embarking on a new cruise, here’s a great tip: join an online group for your specific ship!
You can find a Facebook group for your itinerary or even reach out to us to see if we’re booking other guests on the same trip. We might be able to help you connect with fellow cruisers and even make new friends! While some people prefer to relax aboard a cruise ship, others enjoy meeting new families, especially on a Disney cruise. This is particularly beneficial for families with young children, providing a fantastic opportunity for your kids to make new friends.
Another excellent place to connect with fellow guests on your voyage is DISboards, widely known as the main Disney Cruise Line forum. Many people there share valuable insights about the ships, ask for advice, and seek new friends for their cruise. They even feature a main subforum that is all about meeting fellow passengers!
Fish Extenders
Relax, friends, we’re not talking about fishing here. This idea originated on the DISboards forum mentioned earlier. Fish extenders are hanging bags outside Disney Cruise Line stateroom doors that passengers use to exchange gifts with each other.
This tradition is similar to a Secret Santa exchange and occur on most Disney cruise ships. Occasionally, as you walk down a hallway, you might see small gifts in front of or next to a stateroom, usually hanging from a metallic seahorse or plate next to the door.
These are all welcome gifts left by other cruisers, filled with surprises! A Fish Extender can be literally anything that holds items. What can go inside? Well, almost anything! A Mickey Funko Pop? Sure. A Nintendo 64 game cartridge? Why not. An old VHS of The Little Mermaid? Heck yeah. A free ticket to the Fast & Furious Supercharged at Universal Studios? C’mon, friend, only leave nice gifts to your fellow passengers.
I haven’t participated in the Fish Extender exchange myself, but I know people who have. It’s especially exciting for kids, as they love returning to their room to find a nice surprise. It’s also great for guests from other countries and continents. I know a friend from Brazil who placed a soccer jersey from his hometown team in his Fish Extender. It’s a unique and special gift that you can’t find just anywhere.
The Fish Extender is a fantastic way to connect with new friends on a Disney cruise. If you know someone online who is going on the same ship, the Fish Extender can be the next step to making your experience even more enjoyable!
Pixie Dusting
Of course, there’s a term called “Pixie Dust” on a Disney Cruise Line ship, right? On Disney ships, Pixie Dust refers to the small gifts or presents you bring onboard to share with other guests. These are typically placed in their fish extenders or shared through other creative means.
Some guests distinguish between fish extender gifts and Pixie Dust gifts: fish extender gifts are given to members of a specific group you’ve joined (like a Facebook group prior to sailing), while Pixie Dust gifts can be given to anyone without prior planning.
So, did you wake up at 5:00am to find your fish extender filled with old Game Boy cartridges, a The Little Mermaid VHS, or even a Donald Duck Funko Pop? All of those are considered Pixie Dust. And yes, if Tinker Bell herself happens to fly by and sprinkle some pixie dust into your fish extender, that counts as Pixie Dust too… perhaps even the original kind!
Feel free to sign your gifts for the people you’re giving presents to, or keep it anonymous, it’s entirely up to you. However, if you’re part of a Facebook group dedicated to giving away presents, be mindful that this small tradition can become expensive. Some groups can include as many as a hundred participants, and providing gifts for everyone can quickly add up. Don’t feel pressured, just have fun!
Pixie Dust doesn’t have to be anything expensive. Many passengers enjoy giving away handmade bracelets, mouse-shaped charms on nylon cords, candy, Mickey ear bottle openers, character stickers, and other creative items. Kids especially love going around sharing lots of small gifts and checking out what they’ve received in return. Ultimately, it’s more about the excitement and surprise than the value of the present itself.
Rubber Ducks
Shhh… don’t mention “rubber ducks” out loud. Mickey’s on a mission to collect them all! Sit back and relax while I tell you all about it before the Disney police arrives and shuts down my rubber duck operation, okay?
Rubber ducks are a fun Disney Cruise tradition… or at least they used to be. The concept is simple: you place a rubber duck somewhere on the ship, and people try to find it. It’s essentially a game of hide and seek with rubber ducks. It was incredibly popular in the past, with ducks turning up in all sorts of places - hallways, main stairwells, next to attractions, and more. Kids love hunting them down, turning it into a fun activity on the ship. They also enjoy hiding ducks themselves and seeing if other guests can find them.
As of 2024, Disney security seems to be removing the rubber ducks on the spot and asking guests not to hide them anymore. Why is this happening? It appears that the ducks got out of control, with guests sometimes bringing hundreds of them. Nope, not kidding. Also we are talking about rubber ducks, if one falls into the sea, it poses a serious environmental risk.
While rubber ducks are becoming increasingly rare, some still make occasional appearances. Apparently, someone is still hiding them. Maleficent? Jack Sparrow? No one knows for sure. But remember: if you still want to hide one of these little beauties, be very cautious and use some subterfuge.
Bring a Reusable Water Bottle!
Here’s a useful but often overlooked tip: pack a water bottle if you’re traveling with Disney Cruise Line, especially if your itinerary includes stops at Castaway Cay or Lookout Cay, Disney’s private islands. Reusable water bottles are even more important for children, so be sure to pack one for each of them.
Reusable water bottles are particularly important for the private islands. Castaway Cay, Disney’s original private island, has many water fountains, but it’s just not fun to walk around just to get a sip. The situation is even more critical at Lookout Cay, which debuted in 2024. This island has very little shade and can get very hot. Water stations are also not very close to the beach, so having your own water bottles to refill is a big yes.
The Best Seats in the House
Securing a great seat for dinner can be hard. The location of your seat can make a big difference in some restaurants, such as Frozen aboard the Disney Wish, Rapunzel’s Royal Table on the Disney Magic, and Animator’s Palate. If you're staying in a Concierge room, you might have an advantage. You can contact the concierge service to request specific seating, whether you prefer to be closer to the stage or not.
If you’re not a concierge guest, you can still make a few requests at the time of your Disney Cruise reservation. Famvia can assist with this as well, helping you request the best seat available to enhance your dining experience.
For theater stage shows, securing a great seat can be a bit more challenging. Concierge members have the advantage of entering the theater before anyone else, which increases their chances of getting a great seat. If you don’t have this perk, make sure to arrive early to the line to secure a good spot.
Disney Cruise Line FAQ
Cruising
Is Disney Cruise Line more expensive than other cruise lines?
Generally, yes, Disney Cruise Line tends to be more expensive than other cruise lines. However, you're paying for top-notch service, exceptional entertainment options, and great food.
How Much is a Cruise with Disney Cruise Line?
Prices vary depending on dates, ships, and itineraries. For example, a 7-day trip onboard the Disney Treasure for a family of four in a verandah stateroom typically costs around $12,000, while the same family would pay approximately $4,000 for a 3-night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral onboard the Disney Wish.
What is the best Disney Cruise Line ship?
The answer is subjective, but many guests rave about the Disney Treasure, saying it's a significant improvement over the Disney Wish. The Disney Fantasy also receives excellent reviews.
What's the main difference between the Disney Cruise Line ships?
The main differences lie in prices, home ports, and primary itineraries. Each ship also features its own stage shows and rotational dining restaurants.
Fish Extenders & Pixie Dusting
How do I join a Disney Cruise Line fish extender group?
The easiest way to join a fish extender group is by using Facebook. Simply enter the name of your ship and sail dates in the search bar, and you’ll likely find a group for your cruise.
Where can I buy fish extenders for Disney Cruise Line?
You can purchase fish extenders from various online retailers, including Amazon and eBay.
What is the difference between the Fish Extenders gifts and Pixie Dust gifts?
The main difference is that Fish Extender gifts are part of a pre-arranged gift exchange within your cruise group, while Pixie Dust gifts are spontaneous and can be given to anyone without prior planning.
Do I need to label my Fish Extender gifts or Pixie Dust gifts?
That's not needed, but you can do it to show where the magic came from!
Can I put lights or decorative string lights on my door on a Disney Cruise Line ship?
No, you cannot. Lights of any kind are not allowed on your door, even though you can decorate it with fish extenders or magnets.
How many magnets fit on a Disney Cruise Line stateroom door?
That mostly depends on the size of the magnets. Disney Cruise Line doors are about 28 inches wide and 77 inches tall, so that should help you with the math!
Can I use adhesives or glue instead of magnets on my Disney Cruise Line stateroom door?
No, only magnets are allowed for decorating your stateroom door. Adhesives, tape, or glue are not permitted.
Are hidden rubber ducks really banned on Disney Cruise Line?
Yes. Although there aren’t any serious consequences for hiding rubber ducks, Crew Members are instructed to remove any they find around Disney Cruise Line ships.
Staterooms
How many power outlets are in a Disney Cruise Line stateroom?
The number of power outlets in a Disney Cruise Line stateroom varies by ship and cabin type. Most ships and standard rooms have two power outlets on the dresser and two more on one of the nightstands, one of which is used by the clock. There are also two USB-A ports. Additionally, there are a couple more power outlets in the bathrooms. All outlets are international, with configurations for US, UK, and Europe.
Are there bathtubs in the Disney Cruise Line stateroom bathrooms?
Yes, most Disney Cruise Line stateroom bathrooms feature a combination bath with a small tub.
Is room service free with Disney Cruise Line?
Yes, it is. Complimentary room service is available 24 hours a day, offering breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. Additional charges may apply for alcoholic beverages and certain specialty snacks.
Food & Drinks
How old must I be to drink onboard Disney Cruise Line?
You must be at least 21 years old to drink alcoholic beverages onboard Disney Cruise Line.
Does Disney Cruise Line offer any drink packages?
No, Disney Cruise Line does not offer a traditional drink package. However, they offer the Refillable Beer Mug package, which allows you to pre-purchase a 21 oz. glass mug and refill it for the price of a 16 oz. beer at any bar or restaurant on the ship that serves draft beer.
Are beverage stations open all day on Disney Cruise Line?
Yes, some beverage stations offering water, tea, coffee, and complimentary soft drinks are available 24 hours a day on Disney Cruise Line.
What to bring onboard
Can I bring alcoholic beverages onboard Disney Cruise Line ships?
Yes, guests 21 years and older can bring a maximum of 2 bottles of unopened wine or champagne (no larger than 750 ml) or 6 beers (no larger than 12 ounces) onboard at the beginning of the voyage and at each port of call. These beverages must be packed in carry-on (not checked) bags or luggage.
Can I bring my own Yeti cup onboard Disney Cruise Line?
Yes, you can bring your own reusable Yeti cup onboard Disney Cruise Line and use it to refill drinks at the various beverage stations.
Should I bring cash onboard Disney Cruise Line?
You should bring a small amount of cash to tip porters who assist with your luggage and help retrieve it at the end of your cruise. It’s also a good idea to have cash for emergencies, even though you’ll likely use your credit card linked to your “Key to the World” card most of the time.
Can I bring a power strip onboard Disney Cruise Line?
No, you can not. Electrical devices that may compromise safety follow the "better safe than sorry rule" and are prohibited onboard Disney Cruise Line.
Do I need to bring my own hairdryer aboard Disney Cruise Line?
You do not need to bring your own, as a hairdryer is provided in every stateroom for your convenience. However, if you prefer to use your own, you may bring it onboard, as long as 110V hairdryers do not exceed 1500W and 220V hairdryers do not exceed 2000W.
Are curling irons allowed on a Disney Cruise Line ship?
Yes, flat irons and curling irons are permitted in staterooms on Disney Cruise ships.
Meet & Greets
Is it easy to meet and greet Disney characters onboard Disney Cruise Line?
Yes! You’ll encounter characters around the ship, in stage shows, and during some rotational dining events.
Do I need to pay to meet and greet characters onboard Disney Cruise Line?
No, most meet-and-greet experiences onboard Disney Cruise Line are free of charge. However, some events, like the Royal Court Royal Tea and Olaf’s Royal Picnic, are paid experiences and available on select cruises.
Can I take pictures with Disney characters during rotational dining?
Yes, you can, although there aren’t traditional meet-and-greet lines and characters won’t stop at your table for long. However, you can still snap selfies with them as they pass by.
Misc
Do I need a passport to travel with Disney Cruise Line?
It depends. Not all Disney Cruise itineraries require a passport. Disney Cruise Line does not require a passport for closed-loop cruises, which are round-trip cruises that depart and return to a US port. For these cruises, the required travel documentation can be either a passport or a birth certificate, accompanied by a government-issued photo ID.
What is the dress code for Disney Cruise Line?
In general, the dress code is considered "cruise casual," so casual attire, such as shorts and T-shirts, is permitted, with the exception of swimwear and tank tops. Formal or semi-formal attire is recommended for adult-only restaurants like Palo and Rémy, and clothing such as T-shirts, swimwear, and sports attire are not permitted in these venues.
How much is Wi-Fi onboard Disney Cruise Line?
Disney Cruise Line offers two Wi-Fi options:
- Basic Surf: Starting at $24 per day, this plan allows you to browse the web, check email, and make voice calls.
- Premium Surf: Starting at $34 per day, this plan includes all Basic Surf features and allows video and music streaming.
How much is laundry onboard Disney Cruise Line?
Full-service laundry is priced per item onboard Disney Cruise Line. Prices for full-service laundry range from $3.50 for a T-shirt to $6.50 for pants. Dry cleaning is also priced per item, with prices ranging from $6.00 for a shirt to $12.00 for a three-piece suit.
Can I celebrate a special occasion like my birthday onboard a Disney Cruise Line ship?
You certainly can! Simply log into "My Reservations," select "Special Requests," and complete the Special Request form. Be sure to do this at least 48 hours before your cruise departure.
Are flotation vests available for guests to use in the pools on Disney Cruise Line ships?
Yes, complimentary flotation vests are available on the pool decks aboard all Disney Cruise Line ships.
Do I need lanyards onboard Disney Cruise Line?
While they aren’t absolutely essential, bringing lanyards is a great idea. You can use them to store your "Key to the World" card, which is used to access your stateroom and make purchases across the ship. Lanyards are a great way to keep it secure!
Do I need a MagicBand onboard Disney Cruise Line?
No, you do not need to purchase or use a MagicBand onboard Disney Cruise Line. Your Key to the World card can be used to access your stateroom and make purchases onboard.
Do I need a luggage tag holder when traveling with Disney Cruise Line?
While not required, a luggage tag holder is useful for keeping your luggage secure and easy to identify. However, most guests find that Disney’s luggage tags are durable enough on their own.
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