A family cruise vacation can be so much for kids. A floating hotel full of flashy activities, delicious foods, and impeccable service can be an appealing vacation option. However, when you start looking at prices, you may wonder if a Disney cruise is worth it. It can be more money than other cruise lines, but it can also be worth it.
The answer to this question depends a lot on your budget and your plans for your vacation. It will also depend upon what you are considering for alternatives. For instance, deciding between a cruise and visiting the theme parks, you’ll need to determine what activities you’d rather do while on your vacation. These are very different vacations.
You may also choose between several different cruise lines. Many of them have similar itineraries at different price points.
Be sure you are comparing similar-length cruises to the same ports and are not just looking at the lower price. You’ll also want to consider what is included. (We have a comparison of Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Line here).
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. A purchase/click through one of these links may result in a commission paid to me at no cost to you. I’ve been on several media cruises at a lower/discounted price, but I have also paid my own way for many cruises.
When booking a Disney Cruise, I recommend booking with Get Away Today. Plus, when you mention Family Travel Magazine, you get an extra $25 onboard credit! Give their agents a call at 877-510-2929. They can also help with Disney Land and Sea vacations.
Is A Disney Cruise Worth It?
First, you’ll want to look at what’s included and isn’t included on a Disney cruise. That way, you’ll understand the full price.
Check prices and itineraries here.
What’s Included on The Disney Cruise Line
While a cruise isn’t all-inclusive, you will find that much of your family vacation is covered at one rate. Here’s what you’ll get with your fare on the Disney Cruise Line and their fantastic service compared to what you may expect on other lines.
Entertainment – the live shows on the Disney Cruise Line are kid-friendly and amazing. Depending on the ship, you’ll see popular Disney stories like Frozen, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, and original shows.
There are usually three big Broadway-style shows per sailing. For longer cruises, additional evening entertainment is offered, including magic shows. These are fun for the whole family and vary by sailing.
There is additional entertainment on the ship, which you’ll find throughout. These include individual singers, guitarists, etc. There are also game shows, dance parties, and so much more. You’ll never be bored. Just keep an eye on the app and see everything offered during your sailing.
Other cruise lines also offer entertainment for free. But, you’ll want to look at the different types of shows, which may appeal more to children.
Kids’ Clubs—When my kids were younger, they loved the kids’ clubs on the Disney Cruise Line. These clubs are completely unparalleled and include themes like Star Wars, Marvel, and Toy Story.
The clubs offer many activities. My kids always loved the art and science projects. Guests can typically tour the kids’ clubs on the first day of their sailing, and I love looking at them.
Other cruise lines also offer kids’ clubs but are usually not as themed with as many “bells and whistles”.
Movies – unlike other cruise lines, you’ll get first-run Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars movies on the Disney Cruise Line, at no additional cost. These play in the onboard movie theater (theaters – in the case of the Disney Wish which offers two theaters). In addition, classic Disney movies play throughout the day on the FunnelVision screen on the pool deck.
Rotational Dining—On the Disney Cruise Line, you’ll be assigned different dining rooms every day. Your servers travel with you, so you’ll get to know them throughout your trip.
There are three main dining rooms, so you’ll repeat locations on cruises longer than three nights. My daughter has food allergies so it’s always nice for her to have the same servers who get to know us.
In addition to your assigned dinners, there’s plenty of other food on the ships. Free room service is available, and there are more casual dining locations located throughout the ship offering free food. Of course, you’ll have to get as much free ice cream as you want!
Soft drinks, standard coffee, juice, and tea are also included. Many cruise lines charge extra for soda, so this may be important to you if you drink it.
Character Meet and Greets—Small children will love meeting their favorite characters on board the ships. These meet-and-greets are offered throughout the cruise, so there is ample opportunity. This is something that is really unique to the Disney Cruise Line. Lines for these characters do form but are typically shorter than those in the parks.
Amenities—There are many other free amenities on the ship, including pools (family and adult only), splash pads, water slides, the Aquaduck (on the Disney Dream and the Disney Fantasy), the AquaMouse (on the Disney Wish), hot tubs, a sports deck, and much more. My kids are never bored on a Disney Cruise!
Fireworks at Sea—On Caribbean and Bahamian cruises, there is typically a fireworks show during Pirate Night. This is a fun, unique experience and is often the highlight of our cruise. No other cruise line offers this.
Castaway Cay – on Bahamian and Caribbean cruises, you’ll stop for one day at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. You can enjoy water sports, beach time, a kids’ club, sports, activities, and a BBQ lunch there. Castaway Cay is one of my favorite places in the world – it’s so beautiful.
What’s Extra on the Disney Cruise Line
Gratuities—While you can pre-pay your gratuities with your fare, they aren’t included in the quoted price. Typically, you’ll tip your servers (three different servers) and stateroom attendants. I prefer to pre-pay because then I don’t have to worry about it when I’m on the cruise (although you can always add more for great service).
Transportation to the Port—Transportation from Disney World or the airport is not included. If you are traveling from Orlando International Airport to Port Canaveral, you can add on bus transportation for an extra charge or take your rental car or private transportation.
Alcoholic Beverages—Alcoholic beverages are offered at an extra cost. Be sure to keep an eye on your tab because it can start to add up. There is no all-you-can-drink drink package; however, drink packages, including wine and beer packages, are available.
You’ll learn about these on your first day on the ship and can decide if they are worth it. There’s also a drink special of the day offered at a lower price.
Premium Restaurants—In addition to the complimentary dining options, there is at least one fine-dining, premium restaurant (Palo on all cruise ships, Palo and Remy on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, and Enchante and Palo on the Disney Wish and Disney Treasure). These are adult-only restaurants, and you will pay an additional fee to dine there.
You can also purchase premium coffees at the Cove Cafe, located in the adult sections of the cruise ships. Regular drip coffee is complimentary.
WiFi – While you’ll probably want to unplug during your family cruise, there are times when you can’t be completely disconnected. The ships do offer WiFi, but there is an extra charge.
Shore Excursions – You can stay on the ship during each port of call. However, you can have a great time on various shore excursions at each destination. These cost extra, and you’ll probably want to have cash on hand to tip the guides. This is typical of all of the cruise lines.
On-Board Activities—The ship offers loads of activities each day, and most are free and included in your fare. However, several cost extra. These include BINGO (which is so much fun) and beverage seminars.
Spa Treatments – The Senses Spa is a wonderful treat, but you must pay extra money for these treatments. We love visiting the Rainforest room, which does cost extra but is a nice relaxing option.
Nursery—The regular kids’ clubs are included in the price of your Disney Cruise. However, there’s an additional hourly charge if you need to reserve the nursery for infants.
Why Choose Disney Cruise Line Over Other Lines
If you want to take a cruise and are comparing cruise lines, you are probably wondering why you should choose Disney Cruise Line over other lines. In my opinion, it’s best to look at the included amenities. The shows, kids’ clubs, and other kid-friendly activities and amenities make Disney Cruise Line an appealing option for families—especially for those who already love the Disney characters.
Consider how you plan to use these amenities and activities. Do you think you’ll want to see the shows and movies? Will your kids visit the clubs? If so, a Disney Cruise is worth it. If you aren’t going to take advantage of these things, you may be better off finding a less expensive cruise option.
Is A Disney Cruise Worth It?
Yes, in my opinion. I’ve been on over a dozen Disney Cruises and have loved every one of them. Even though my kids are teens now, they still really enjoy all of the activities on the ship.
If you aren’t sure or don’t want to commit to a long cruise, there are some wonderful three-night cruise options on the Disney Wish. These short cruises go to Castaway Cay and Nassau, Bahamas, and can be a great way for families to test out the cruise line as a first cruise. These can also be combined with a trip to Walt Disney World for a Disney Land and Sea adventure.
Read our reviews of the Disney Magic, the Disney Wonder, the Disney Wish, the Disney Dream, and the Disney Fantasy.
