Disney Cruise Line is known for their immersive theming within the Disney brand. Broadway-style shows, incredible service, and family-friendly experiences are all components you can expect on a Disney Cruise.
They are also known for a heftier price tag than other cruise lines, leaving those wondering if the extra money is worth it to sail on Disney Cruise Line.
While Disney cruises share similar experiences with other mainstream cruise lines, there are unique aspects that you won't find in competitors like Royal Caribbean and Carnival.
Disney fans will argue that the extra money is worth it because of the high-quality service and experiences they offer, but is this true for everyone?
I sailed on the Disney Magic in November of 2024, and I found it was worth the $1,500 price tag for my 3-night cruise — here’s why.
Read more: I sailed on my first Disney cruise. I loved the Broadway-style shows but didn't enjoy all the food
The shows aboard Disney's fleet are arguably some of the best at sea
During my sailing on the Disney Magic, we saw Tangled: The Musical, Disney Dreams - An Enchanted Classic, and Twice Charmed: A Twist on the Cinderella Story.
Growing up in the New York City area, I am familiar with the standard that Broadway shows are held to, and I was pleasantly surprised to see that the shows on Disney Cruise Line were up to par. The cast, sets, and music are nothing short of magical.
Disney also offers premieres of new movies before they hit the cinemas. On our sailing, there wasn’t a new release, but we enjoyed countless Disney movies on the pool deck every day. If the entertainment on the ship isn’t of interest to you or your family, a movie is always a way to go!
Another distinctive experience Disney offers is its well-known Pirate Night. During a lively deck party featuring favorites like Captain Jack Sparrow, a festive fireworks display lights up the sky!
Unfortunately, on our sailing, the weather prohibited the staff from being able to launch these fireworks. Instead, they moved the party indoors to the atrium.
Kid-friendly environment
Disney Cruise Line has some of the best kids' clubs at sea. Their intricate theming, ranging from Star Wars to Marvel and Toy Story, sets them apart from normal play areas.
Along with the kids' clubs, they have special pool and water play areas for kids, character meet-and-greets, and Disney-themed restaurants. As adults, my partner and I attended many of the character meet-and-greets — they are exciting regardless of age if you love the Disney franchise!
Additionally, Disney movies play constantly all around the ship. Whether you are on the pool deck, in your stateroom, or hanging out in the theatre, there are movies playing all are you.
Disney Cruise ships have fantastic service
Another element that sets Disney apart from other cruise lines is the quality of the service they offer. The crew members are energetic, kind, and attentive.
There were moments when we ordered a drink in the theatre, and it would arrive within minutes. This service was also similar in the dining rooms. We got to know the staff so well that one of our table mates started asking our waitress to bring him whatever she thought he would like!
Very rarely, if ever, did we have to wait in lines, other than when we chose to line up before shows. Whether in the dining rooms, on the pool deck, or attending one of the onboard activities, the personalized attention from the crew made our entire experience more magical and enjoyable.
Read more: Pros and Cons of a Disney Cruise
Thoughtfully designed staterooms
During our cruise, we sailed in an inside cabin, and I was surprised by how large the cabin was. I've stayed in interior staterooms on other lines, such as Carnival and Royal Caribbean.
However, this particular cabin aboard Disney Magic felt more spacious and thoughtfully designed, even though the ship is over two decades old.
We also had a vanity, two nightstands with bedside outlets, and a large couch across from the vanity. The bathroom was a shock to me as well; it’s the only cruise ship cabin I have ever seen with a tub.
Many cabins on Disney ships also have split bathrooms. The separate toilet and shower rooms are great for families sharing a stateroom.
Not only that, but the bed was easily the most comfortable bed I have ever slept in on a cruise ship. It made it difficult to get out of bed in the morning!
Read more: What it's really like in a $500-a-night, 185-square-foot stateroom on a Disney Cruise
Unique rotational dining
Disney offers a dining experience unlike any other cruise line. All ships in the fleet have three dining rooms that guests rotate through during their sailing. Each features a unique menu:
- Disney Destiny: Pride Lands: Feast of The Lion King; Worlds of Marvel; 1923
- Disney Treasure: Plaza de Coco, Worlds of Marvel, 1923
- Disney Wish: Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Experience; Worlds of Marvel; 1923
- Disney Fantasy: Animator's Palate, Enchanted Garden, Royal Court
- Disney Dream: Animator's Palate, Enchanted Garden, Royal Palace
- Disney Wonder: Animator's Palate, Triton's, Tiana's Place
- Disney Magic: Animator's Palate, Rapunzel's Royal Table, Lumiere's
Additionally, there are only two dining times. The earliest tends to be around 5:30pm, whereas the later one commences closer to 8:00pm or 8:30pm. Disney Cruise Line does not offer flexible dining times in the main dining room.
If you’re traveling with a group smaller than 4, it is likely you will have tablemates, unless a request for a single table has been submitted. However, this cannot always be accommodated.
Outside of the main dining rooms, all Disney ships have a complimentary buffet, but the selections are, in my opinion, better. On our sailing, we regularly saw shrimp, crab, and other options that are not usually available daily!
Other dining options include free room service available 24/7! There are also casual grab-and-go spots, like Pinocchio's Pizza (Disney Magic/Wonder) and Mickey and Friends Festival of Foods (Disney Wish/Treasure/Destiny) that dish up complimentary food in a more relaxed, poolside setting.
Something to consider when booking a Disney cruise is that there are no family-friendly specialty dining options, like Izumi Teppanyaki on Royal Caribbean ships.
The specialty restaurants on Disney Cruise Line are for adults only, and they are an extra cost. We didn't dine at any on our 3-night getaway, but Palo consistently receives high praise.
Why Disney cruises might not be worth the extra money
Even though there are many incredible aspects of a Disney cruise vacation, it ultimately depends on what you’re looking for in a cruise experience. You can easily spend thousands of dollars less on other lines to similar ports of call in the Bahamas, Caribbean, and Alaska.
When choosing the cruise line you sail on, it is important to consider all types of options. Many cruise lines are geared towards specific customers, and Disney is definitely a family-friendly environment. Similar to the entire Disney franchise, the activities, theming, and overall atmosphere are family-focused.
If you are a family with older kids or a couple looking for a more adult-centered experience, Princess or Celebrity could be a great option. Their atmosphere is more adult-friendly while still having some elements that cater to children, like complimentary youth programming.
Not to say that there are no adult areas on Disney cruise ships, but there are fewer than on other mainstream cruise lines. If you are looking for a vacation with casinos and lively clubs, Disney is not the best option. For instance, if you're someone who enjoys gambling, you will be disappointed to board and discover that Disney ships don't have casinos.
That said, adults who like themed cocktail bars will like Disney's bars. After 9:00pm, many lounges become adult-only, including the Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge aboard the Disney Wish and the Haunted Mansion Parlor on the brand-new Disney Treasure.
There's also adult-only entertainment, such as karaoke, trivia, and game shows. Compared to other lines, however, I found that the nightlife was more low-key, but that isn't always a bad thing.
Moreover, many cruisers prefer purchasing drink packages, rather than buying each beverage individually. This is a huge consideration to take into account, as Disney doesn't offer any beverage packages similar to Royal Caribbean's Deluxe Beverage Package or Carnival's CHEERS! Package.
If you're a cruiser who regularly buys drink packages to avoid counting pennies while onboard, you won't have that convenience on a Disney cruise. That said, Disney does include soda in the cost of the cruise fare. Self-serve machines are available on the pool deck and in the buffet.
While my partner and I like buying drink packages, we find that we don't mind scaling back on Disney cruises. Because the environment isn't as alcohol-focused as other cruise lines, we found that we naturally drank less.
Read more: 5 things Disney Cruise Line is doing wrong
Bottom line
At the end of the day, Disney cruises will always be more expensive because you're paying for the magical experience associated with the brand. For example, the meet and greets, movies, and the basis of many activities are centered around the Disney franchise.
If you are not a Disney fan, you are paying for experiences that you are not going to take advantage of. Everything from the main atrium to the napkins in the restaurants has a Disney touch to it.
If these experiences do not mean much to you or your family, the “premium” you’re paying would go to waste. In this case, researching different lines would be a good idea.
Because Disney Cruise Line offers a unique experience that caters to families and fans of the well-known brand, you might be paying too much if you don't care about the theming, special parties, and meet-and-greets.
That said, there's a lot that Disney Cruise Line does well to justify the higher price tag, including top-tier service, incredible entertainment, and thoughtful staterooms.
While Disney Cruise Line isn't my go-to line for every vacation, I wouldn't hesitate to book another sailing. In fact, my partner and I are looking forward to sailing on Disney Destiny in May 2026.
Sarah Cinq-Mars
Sarah is a 5th-grade teacher based in North Carolina. When she isn't teaching or being taught the latest slang by her students, she's catching up on the latest true crime podcast, playing with her 12-year-old dog, or checking out the area's newest restaurants.
Since she began cruising in October 2023, she has hit the high seas 10 times. Her favorite ship has been Celebrity Ascent, and her favorite itinerary was a 7-night voyage to Norway.
