Disney Cruise Line is known for fabulous entertainment, well-themed ships, exquisite dining, and an expensive price tag.
While Disney cruises offer family vacations similar to other mass-market and large scale cruise lines, a cruise with Disney tends to be significantly higher in price than other contemporary cruise lines. Then again, Disney Cruise Line fans will often say that the Disney cruise product is a higher quality experience. In other words, Disney Cruise Line fans tend to invoke the age old phrase of "you get what you pay for". But is this really true?
If your family is considering booking a Disney cruise, here are some things you should consider when weighing if a Disney cruise is worth the extra cost for you and your family.
Yes - The Disney connection
Perhaps the single thing that draws so many to Disney Cruise Line is the tight-nit connection between the cruise line and its corporate library of characters and movies.
Whether it is the classic characters meet and greet opportunities, themed dining experiences, movie tie-ins, or decorations onboard, being onboard a Disney cruise ship will provide a consistent connection to all things Disney over the course of the entire sailing.
Disney fans are an ardent bunch, who adore the characters and films that have been family favorites for generations. Often times Disney as a company inspires feelings and emotions of nostalgia, and this is certainly true onboard Disney Cruise Line ships.
If you love Disney films, can't get enough of Mickey and Minnie, or even are just a big Star Wars or Marvel Comics fan, the fact there is a cruise line so closely associated with these iconic franchises can be a very compelling reason to book a Disney cruise.
Yes - Soda is included
One big differences between Disney and other cruise lines is that soft drinks are included with your cruise fare at most venues onboard all the Disney Cruise Line ships.
While you do have to pay extra for alcoholic beverages (just like every cruise line), soft drinks are included and that can be a big hit with families and soda lovers.
Soft drinks are included at no extra cost with meals, while additional charges apply for bar drinks, beer, wine and bottled water onboard Disney Cruise Line. There is no charge for soft drinks at the Beverage Station on Deck 9 of the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder, as well as the other beverage stations onboard the rest of the Disney Cruise Line fleet.
It's important to note that Disney Cruise Line does not offer any sort of beverage package unlike other popular cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, or Carnival Cruise Line. This means that every alcoholic beverage will have to be purchased a-la-carte.
Yes - More for kids to do
Even if you know nothing about a Disney cruise, it is safe to say you would think there is more for kids to do on those ships due to the nature of Disney as a company, and you would be right in this assumption.
While other cruise lines have greatly increased their focus on children's programming, Disney Cruise Line packs in plenty for kids to see and do onboard, and not just in the designated kids' area.
There are character meet-n-greets, kids special pool areas, shows based on Disney films, and much more. Additionally, the kids camp areas have in-depth theming that make them more than just another play area on a ship.
There's a television channel that plays non-stop Disney films in all Disney Cruise Line staterooms, dance parties on the pool deck, and some innovative water slides onboard each Disney ship.
In short, the appeal for families to combine their love of Disney and a cruise vacation is a compelling combo, especially those traveling with children.
Yes - Castaway Cay
Disney's private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay, is a real highlight for many cruise fans because of the fun to be had there. In fact, Disney offers sailings that make multiple stops to the island, highlighting the island's popularity further.
While other cruise lines have private islands, none compare to Disney's attention to detail on the island, which has lovely decor and even a fictional backstory that brings guests into the story. And, of course, expect to meet Disney characters dressed in their best tropical attire!
Disney Castaway Cay is a completely exclusive Disney destination that can only be visited while onboard a cruise sailing with Disney Cruise Line. This destination has so much to explore, and many of the exciting activities are complimentary for guests to enjoy. On our recent visit to Disney's Castaway Cay we experienced both the exclusive 5k running course and the snorkel trail in which guests to the island can see some magical things under the sea.
No - Older kids
If your kids are entering their tweens or teens, some families may find that Disney's onboard offerings could be too juvenile for their kids' tastes.
Disney's onboard activities and entertainment for kids tend to skew towards younger children, and it leaves a gap between what young kids can do onboard and the adult offerings onboard Disney Cruise Line ships.
Character meet and greets, dinner shows, and curated dinners may not be a big hit with teens.
On the other hand, there are special teen clubs and hangout areas designed specifically for these members of the family. In fact, onboard the Disney Fantasy teen guests have their very own pool and outdoor area at the very front of the ship that they can enjoy.
No - Expensive price tag
The words "bargain" and "Disney Cruise Line" rarely go together, and you should expect to pay a lot more for a Disney cruise than a cruise on rival cruise lines.
It is not uncommon to find a Disney cruise costing two or three times the cost of a Royal Caribbean or Carnival cruise. While these cruise lines do offer a different vibe and experience than Disney, is it worth paying double or triple for the opportunity to sail with Mickey and be immersed in all things Disney magic?
Families on a budget may simply find themselves priced out from a Disney cruise, especially on itineraries when you may be super busy on shore with everything to do.
Disney Cruise Line does offer the occasional sale and these discounted cruise fares can be found on the Disney Cruise Line website. Additionally, there are certain discounts for families and members of the armed forces, as well as those guests who are Florida or Canadian residents.
Read: Our review of the cheapest stateroom onboard the Disney Fantasy ship
No - Variety of dining
Disney serves up great complimentary restaurants, but if you are looking for tons of dining options like on other cruise lines, then Disney Cruise Line may not measure up.
Read: Our inside look and review of Remy onboard the Disney Fantasy
While Disney does have a few specialty dining choices that serve up something more than what you will find in the dining rooms, they lack the Celebrity chef and varied cuisines found on Royal Caribbean or Norwegian. Additionally, they are mostly geared towards adults. Both Palo and Remy have a restricted age limit to guests 18+. If you had a teen onboard, they would be unable to join for a dinner at Palo or Remy.
We had the opportunity to test out the Remy restaurant onboard the Disney Fantasy for ourselves this year, we very much enjoyed this experience. However, we will say that dining at Disney Cruise Line's specialty restaurants can be very expensive and may not be for everyone. Think of dining at Remy like dining at a Michelin Star restaurant.
Specialty dining is a big trend on cruise ships, and Disney's cruise ships do not offer the copious amount of choices that other cruises pack on their ships.
Read: What does Disney Cruise Line really have for adults onboard?
Is a Disney cruise worth it?
Whether or not a Disney cruise is worth it largely depends on your family, your cruise desires, and budget.
First and foremost, cruising on Disney means you really love the Disney films and ambiance. You don't have to have a Mickey Mouse tattoo, or have Annual Passes to Disneyland for a Disney cruise to make sense, but it does help if you really enjoy the Walt Disney Company brands.
Second, if families with younger children or adults who love Disney will find the cruise line a better fit than other demographics. Disney packs its ships with lots to do and see, so ensure it is of interest to whomever is cruising. If you require flexible dining or want a casino, a Disney cruise won't be worth your money as these things cannot be found onboard Disney Cruise Line.
And of course, the price is something important to factor into your decision on whether to cruise with Disney or not. Money isn't everything, but it does dictate a lot of decisions when it comes to planning a cruise. Your vacation dollars will go a lot further on other cruise lines, which means a bigger stateroom, additional excursions, or even another vacation for the same cost.
However, if you are someone who has a great appreciation for all things Disney, than a Disney cruise could supply you with that added bit of magic that makes your cruise vacation that more special!
Matt Hochberg
Matt loves to cruise, and started Cruise.Blog as a place to share different cruise experiences, advice, and what to know before going on a cruise.
He lives in Florida with his wife and two daughters, where he can be found on any given day trying to convince his wife they "need" to book another cruise.
