What’s Included on a Disney Cruise: Food, Entertainment, and More

Thinking about taking a Disney Cruise, but not sure what’s included?

Disney Cruise Line is one of the most magical ways to experience Disney, and the best part is how much is included in your cruise fare. From delicious dining and world-class entertainment to kids’ clubs and family activities, there’s something for everyone, and it’s all part of the experience.

At Fairytale Holidays, we love to help you book and plan your very own fairytale holiday at sea. We're not only here to give you hints and tips, but to take care of your booking too! If you'd like a quote, get in touch with us, and we'll get back to you as soon as we can!

Here’s everything you can expect to help you decide if a Disney Cruise is for you, plus some insider tips to make the most of your holiday at sea.

Your Stateroom

Food & Dining Entertainment

Family Friendly Fun Kids Clubs Bars & Lounges Stop at Castaway Cay & Lighthouse Point What's Not Included Final Thoughts

What is Included

Your Stateroom

Your stateroom is your home away from home while on the cruise. Most Disney Cruise cabins include:

• Comfortable beds and linens

• Private bathroom with shower

• Storage for luggage and clothes

• Flat-screen TV with Disney movies and cruise info

• Daily stateroom cleaning and turndown service

Tip: Consider connecting rooms if you’re travelling with a larger family, as it makes evenings and early mornings much easier.

Dining & Food on a Disney Cruise

Food is a highlight on Disney Cruises, and most dining experiences are included in your fare:

• Rotational dining at themed restaurants

• Buffet-style dining at casual locations

• Room service (mostly included, 24/7)

• Special dietary options on request

Signature experiences like Palo or Remy are extra cost, but the included dining is varied, delicious, and something almost everyone loves.

Entertainment

Disney Cruises offer world-class entertainment that’s included for all guests:

• Broadway-style stage shows

• Deck parties and fireworks at sea

• Character meet-and-greets

• Movie screenings (including first-run Disney movies)

  
  

No need to pay extra — the cruise itself is packed with fun for all ages. Before booking, you can look at what each Disney Cruise Line ship offers.

Family-Friendly Activities on a Disney Cruise

Disney Cruises aren’t just about relaxing at sea, and they’re packed with activities for every member of the family! Making them one of the most fun and stress-free ways to vacation together. And the best part? Most of these activities are included in your cruise fare!

Pools & Aqua Zones

Each ship has themed pools and splash areas for kids and adults alike:

• Family pools for all ages, perfect for a post-breakfast swim

• Kids-only splash zones with slides, fountains, and interactive water features

• Funnel Vision pools – these feature cinematic screens above the pool for movies, shows, and themed entertainment

Tip: The funnel vision areas often have early morning or late evening showings that are quieter and perfect for family time.

Games & Interactive Fun

• Daily games and challenges hosted on the deck or in lounges

• Trivia quizzes for all ages, sometimes themed to Disney movies

• Scavenger hunts and activity trails that get everyone exploring the ship

These are great ways to bond as a family while earning little prizes or recognition onboard.

Kids’ Clubs & Family Fun

One of the biggest perks of a Disney Cruise is how family-friendly it is. Included in your fare:

• Oceaneer Club & Lab for kids 3–12

• Edge for tweens 11–14

• Vibe for teens 14–17

All clubs have themed activities, games, and supervised fun. This gives parents some downtime while kids have a magical experience.

Bars & Lounges on a Disney Cruise

While Disney Cruises are famous for being family-friendly, adults also get plenty of opportunities to relax and unwind. Each ship offers a variety of bars, lounges, and adult-only spaces, many included in your cruise experience or with optional extras for premium drinks.

Adult-Friendly Lounges

• Themed bars with signature cocktails, wine, and craft beers

• Quiet lounges for reading, conversation, or enjoying a drink before dinner

• Observation lounges with panoramic ocean views

Tip: Many lounges host live music or small performances, giving you a taste of Disney magic in a more relaxed atmosphere.

Some of our favourites are the Sarabi Supper Club on the Disney Treasure, the fantastically spooky Haunted Mansion Parlor, and the Pirates of the Caribbean themed Cask & Cannon on the Disney Destiny.

Stop at Castaway Cay and Lighthouse Point

If you're taking a cruise that stops at Disney-owned property, such as Castaway Cay and, from 2024, Lighthouse Point, this excursion is included in the price of your sailing. While there, your beach chairs, towels, umbrellas, and dining are all complimentary. You’ll also find entertainment, teen and kids clubs and activities, a splash zone, hiking trails, and a complimentary 5K “fun run”.

Phew! That is a lot included in the price. So much Disney magic, and you don't have to add on a dining plan or park tickets!

What’s Not Included on a Disney Cruise

While Disney Cruises include a huge amount in the base fare, there are a few things you’ll need to budget for separately. Knowing what’s not included helps you plan and make the most of your holiday.

Flights & Ground Transportation

Your cruise fare does not include flights or transfers to the port.

Tip: Here at Fairytale Holidays, we can put together a bespoke package including flights, airport transfers, or private transport directly to the ship, so your Disney Cruise starts stress-free from the very beginning.

Speciality Dining

While rotational dining and main dining rooms are included, some onboard restaurants are extra-cost speciality dining:

• Adult-only restaurants like Palo or Remy

• Character-themed events such as the Royal Court Royal Tea Party on the Disney Dream

  
  

These experiences are optional but can make your cruise even more memorable.

Tip: Book speciality dining in advance to guarantee a spot, especially for adult dinners or unique character events.

Alcoholic & Speciality Drinks

Non-alcoholic beverages are mostly included, but alcohol, speciality coffees, and certain drinks are extra.

• Cocktails, wine, and beer

• Speciality coffees like lattes and cappuccinos

• Mixology classes and tastings

Spa, Salon & Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

Extra-cost experiences for pampering and magic include:

• Spa treatments and massages

• Hair and beauty salon appointments

• Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique makeovers for kids

Tip: These can be booked before sailing to secure your preferred times and avoid disappointment.

Port Adventures

When you dock at a port, excursions are optional and cost extra:

• Disney-organised tours and excursions

• Food or shopping purchased off the ship

  
  

Port Adventures are a great way to explore each destination safely and conveniently — and can be tailored to families, couples, or solo travellers.

Final Thoughts on Extra Costs

None of these extras are mandatory, but they’re perfect for adding a little extra magic to your Disney Cruise. Planning ahead helps you budget smartly and ensures you get the experiences that matter most to your family.

Tips for Maximising Your Disney Cruise Experience

• Book shore excursions in advance as popular activities fill up fast

• Reserve adult dining early if you want a special night out

• Check the daily Navigator newsletter and app for included activities and entertainment schedules

• Take advantage of the included kids’ clubs to enjoy some adult time

FAQs About Disney Cruise Inclusions

Is food included on a Disney Cruise?

Yes! Most meals, including rotational dining, buffets, and snacks, are included. Speciality restaurants like Palo are extra.

Are drinks included?

Most non-alcoholic beverages are included. Alcoholic drinks, speciality coffees, and some bottled drinks cost extra.

What entertainment is included?

All shows, deck parties, movies, and character experiences are included in your fare.

Are kids’ clubs included?

Yes! Clubs for kids, tweens, and teens are all included and fully supervised.

Are tips included?

Disney automatically adds gratuities to your fare, but you can adjust or add extra at your discretion.

Need Help Planning Your Disney Cruise?

Planning a Disney Cruise can feel overwhelming... especially if it’s your first time.

We help our clients:

• Choose the right ship and itinerary

• Pick the best staterooms and dining options

• Plan your days so you don’t miss a thing

If you're interested in hearing more about Disney Cruise Line packages with Fairytale Holidays, get in touch with us today