Are Disney Cruise Lines All Inclusive What You Need to Know

Disney Cruise Lines are not fully all-inclusive, but they offer a highly inclusive experience with most essentials covered, such as accommodations, meals at select restaurants, kids’ clubs, and signature entertainment. Extras like premium dining, alcohol, spa services, and shore excursions cost extra, so budgeting for add-ons is key to maximizing your vacation value.

Key Takeaways

• Disney cruises aren’t fully all-inclusive: Most meals and entertainment are covered, but extras like alcohol cost extra.
• Kids’ activities are included: Enjoy free youth clubs and character meet-and-greets with no added fees.
• Gratuities aren’t included: Budget for daily service charges or prepay them before your trip.
• Specialty dining costs extra: Book premium restaurants early—they’re worth it but not free.
• Alcohol and spa services excluded: Purchase drink packages or pay à la carte for these luxuries.
• Port adventures are separate: Shore excursions require additional payment—plan your budget accordingly.

Are Disney Cruise Lines All Inclusive? What You Need to Know

For families dreaming of a magical vacation, few experiences rival the enchantment of a Disney Cruise Line voyage. From the moment you step aboard, you’re immersed in a world of whimsy, storytelling, and world-class service. But one of the most common questions potential cruisers ask is: Are Disney Cruise Lines all inclusive? The answer isn’t a simple “yes” or “no”—it’s a nuanced blend of inclusions and optional add-ons designed to cater to a wide range of budgets and preferences. Understanding what’s included and what costs extra is essential to planning a stress-free, magical getaway.

Disney Cruise Line has built a reputation for excellence, offering a uniquely family-friendly experience that combines the magic of Disney with the luxury of modern cruising. With four stunning ships—Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, and the newest Disney Wish—plus itineraries to the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, and beyond, Disney cruises are a top choice for families, couples, and even solo travelers seeking a touch of fairy dust. But the all-inclusive question lingers. Is your stateroom, dining, entertainment, and kids’ clubs covered? What about alcohol, excursions, and specialty experiences? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into what’s truly included, what costs extra, and how to get the most value from your Disney cruise. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned Disney devotee, this breakdown will help you make informed decisions and maximize your onboard experience.

What’s Included in a Disney Cruise (The All-Inclusive Core)

At first glance, Disney Cruise Line offers a highly inclusive experience—especially compared to many other cruise lines. While not 100% all-inclusive in the traditional sense (like some luxury or boutique resorts), Disney includes a remarkable number of amenities and services in your base fare. This section breaks down the core inclusions that make Disney cruises feel so generous and family-friendly.

Complimentary Dining for All Ages

One of the standout features of a Disney cruise is the Rotational Dining system. Unlike traditional cruise lines where you’re assigned a single dining room, Disney guests rotate through three themed main restaurants each night—Animator’s Palate, Enchanted Garden, and Royal Court—while keeping the same waitstaff throughout the cruise. This creates a personalized, intimate experience. The food is upscale, with menus that change daily and cater to all palates, including children’s favorites like chicken tenders, mac and cheese, and Mickey waffles.

• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included in all main dining rooms
• Kids’ menus with healthy and fun options
• Special dietary needs accommodated (e.g., gluten-free, vegan, allergies)
• Room service available 24/7 at no extra charge (with a limited menu)

For example, on a 4-night Bahamian cruise, you’ll enjoy 12 meals (4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners) across three unique venues, all included in your fare. Even the desserts—often themed to Disney movies—are complimentary.

Entertainment and Onboard Activities

Disney Cruise Line is renowned for its live entertainment. From Broadway-caliber stage shows like Disney Dreams—An Enchanted Classic and Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular to character meet-and-greets, deck parties, and first-run Disney movies in the Buena Vista Theatre, entertainment is a cornerstone of the experience.

• All shows and live performances are free
• Character experiences (e.g., Mickey, Cinderella, Star Wars characters) included
• Family game shows, trivia, and themed parties
• First-run Disney movies in the onboard theater

On the Disney Fantasy, the Disney’s Aladdin show features flying magic carpets, stunning costumes, and a full orchestra—all included at no extra cost. Even the Pirates IN the Caribbean deck party, complete with fireworks and a pirate costume contest, is free for all guests.

Youth Clubs and Kids’ Programs

Parents often cite the kids’ clubs as one of the biggest perks of a Disney cruise. The Oceaneer Club (for ages 3–12) and Edge (ages 11–14) and Vibe (ages 14–17) offer age-appropriate activities, games, crafts, and themed zones (e.g., Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar). These clubs are fully supervised by trained counselors and are completely free.

• Open from morning until late night
• Interactive zones with video games, arts, and character visits
• Special events like Jedi Training and Princess Tea Parties

For instance, on a 7-night cruise, a family with two children could drop them off at the Oceaneer Lab for 4 hours a day, giving parents time to enjoy the spa, dining, or adult-only areas—all at no additional cost.

Basic Beverages and Snacks

While premium drinks cost extra, Disney includes a generous array of non-alcoholic beverages and snacks:

• Soft drinks, iced tea, lemonade, and juice in dining rooms and self-serve stations
• Water and coffee/tea available 24/7
• Snacks like popcorn, cookies, and ice cream in select areas
• Mickey ice cream bars and fruit cups at select times

You’ll find drink stations in the main dining rooms, pool decks, and public areas—perfect for staying hydrated in the Caribbean sun.

What Costs Extra (The Non-Inclusive Add-Ons)

While Disney Cruise Line includes a lot, several premium experiences, services, and amenities come with additional fees. Understanding these extras helps you budget effectively and avoid sticker shock mid-cruise.

Alcohol and Premium Beverages

One of the most significant non-inclusions is alcohol. Unlike all-inclusive resorts or some luxury cruise lines, Disney does not include beer, wine, cocktails, or specialty coffees in your fare.

• Drinks at bars, lounges, and dining rooms are à la carte (e.g., $10–$14 for a cocktail)
• Wine by the glass or bottle is extra (bottles range from $40–$200+)
• Specialty coffee drinks at Vanellope’s Sweets & Treats (on newer ships) cost $5–$7
• Beer and wine packages are available for purchase (see below)

For example, a family of four enjoying two cocktails per night for five nights could spend $400+ on drinks alone. However, Disney offers beverage packages that can save money if you plan to drink regularly. The Deluxe Drink Package ($75–$90 per person per day) includes unlimited premium drinks, including cocktails, wine, beer, and specialty coffee. But be aware: it’s only cost-effective if you consume 6+ drinks per day.

Specialty Dining and Experiences

While rotational dining is included, Disney offers several premium dining options:

• Remy (French fine dining, $75–$125 per person)
• Palo (Italian fine dining, $45–$65 per person)
• Enchanted Garden (brunch, $25–$35 per person)
• Adult-only dinners (e.g., “Date Night” at Palo)

These restaurants offer a more intimate, upscale experience with sommelier service and multi-course menus. For instance, a couple dining at Remy on the Disney Dream might spend $200+ for a romantic evening—well worth it for a special occasion, but not included in the base fare.

Excursions and Port Adventures

While your cruise includes transportation to and from ports, shore excursions are not included. Disney partners with local operators to offer curated tours, but these come at a cost.

• Snorkeling in Cozumel: $69–$129 per person
• Alaska wildlife tour: $99–$199 per person
• Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay: Free beach access, but activities like bike rentals ($15), stingray encounters ($49), and cabanas ($300+) cost extra

Tip: You can book independent excursions through third-party providers (often cheaper), but Disney offers peace of mind with guaranteed ship return and family-friendly options.

Spa, Fitness, and Personal Services

The Senses Spa & Salon is a luxurious but pricey amenity:

• Spa treatments: $100–$300+ per session
• Salon services: $30–$150 (haircuts, manicures)
• Fitness classes: $20–$40 (e.g., yoga, spin)
• Personal training: $80–$120 per session

On a 7-night cruise, a guest might spend $500+ on spa treatments alone. However, Disney often offers “Spa Happy Hour” discounts (e.g., 20% off) during the first few days of the cruise—a great time to book.

Disney Cruise Line vs. Truly All-Inclusive Resorts

To understand where Disney Cruise Line stands, it’s helpful to compare it to truly all-inclusive vacation options, such as Sandals, Club Med, or Royalton Resorts. While Disney includes more than most mainstream cruise lines, it falls short of the “all-inclusive” standard set by luxury resorts.

Inclusions Comparison

At a resort like Sandals, your fare typically covers:

• All meals, snacks, and premium drinks (alcohol included)
• Water sports (snorkeling, kayaking, scuba diving)
• Entertainment, fitness classes, and spa credits
• Airport transfers and gratuities

In contrast, Disney Cruise Line includes:

• Meals and non-alcoholic drinks
• Entertainment and kids’ programs
• Basic port access (but not excursions)
• Gratuities (optional, but recommended)

The key difference? Alcohol, excursions, and premium services are not included on Disney cruises. For families, however, Disney’s inclusions often feel more valuable due to the quality of entertainment, character experiences, and kids’ activities—amenities rarely found at traditional all-inclusive resorts.

Value for Families vs. Couples

For families, Disney’s inclusions are exceptional. Kids eat free, play free, and are entertained for hours—something most resorts charge extra for. A family of four on a 4-night cruise might spend $5,000 on the base fare but save $1,000+ on kids’ activities and dining compared to an all-inclusive resort where children’s programs cost $20–$50 per day.

For couples or solo travelers, the value proposition shifts. If you don’t have kids to occupy, the lack of included alcohol and high cost of spa/dining upgrades may make a Sandals-style resort more appealing. However, Disney’s adult-only areas (e.g., Quiet Cove pool, After Hours lounges) and romantic dining options can still make it worthwhile.

Cost Breakdown Example

Consider a 4-night Bahamian cruise for two adults and two children (ages 6 and 9):

• Base fare (interior stateroom): $4,500
• Excursions (Cozumel snorkeling, Castaway Cay cabana): $450
• Alcohol (2 cocktails/day for 2 adults): $300
• Specialty dining (1 Palo dinner): $120
• Total estimated cost: $5,370

Compare this to a 4-night stay at a family-friendly all-inclusive resort (e.g., Beaches Turks & Caicos):

• Base fare (family suite): $4,800
• Kids’ programs (included): $0
• Alcohol (included): $0
• Excursions (snorkeling, catamaran): $400
• Total estimated cost: $5,200

While the resort is slightly cheaper, the experience differs significantly. Disney offers a dynamic, ever-changing environment (new shows, ports, activities), while resorts are more static. For many families, the magic of Disney justifies the extra cost.

Maximizing Value on a Disney Cruise

Even though Disney Cruise Line isn’t fully all-inclusive, you can still enjoy a high-value vacation with smart planning and budgeting. Here are proven tips to stretch your dollar and minimize surprise expenses.

Book Early for Best Deals

Disney releases itineraries up to 18 months in advance, and early bookings often include perks:

• Free onboard credit (e.g., $100–$300 per stateroom)
• Reduced deposits (as low as $250 per person)
• Priority dining and excursion booking

For example, booking a 7-night Alaska cruise 12 months out might net you $250 in onboard credit—enough to cover a Palo dinner or spa treatment.

Choose the Right Beverage Strategy

Alcohol is the biggest variable cost. Consider these options:

• Bring your own wine: Disney allows one bottle of wine per person (21+) at embarkation, with a $25 corkage fee per bottle in dining rooms. This can save $50–$100 per bottle.
• Buy a drink package: The Deluxe Drink Package includes cocktails, wine, beer, and soda. It’s worth it if you’ll drink 6+ drinks per day.
• Stick to included drinks: Stick to soda, juice, and water to save $200+ per adult.

Use Onboard Credit Wisely

Onboard credit (OBC) can be applied to:

• Excursions
• Spa treatments
• Specialty dining
• Merchandise (e.g., Disney souvenirs)

Tip: Use OBC for high-cost items like cabanas or spa sessions to maximize value.

Take Advantage of Free Activities

Disney packs the daily schedule with free events:

• Character meet-and-greets
• Family game shows (e.g., “Family Feud”)
• Poolside movies and trivia
• Art classes and craft sessions

Check the Personal Navigator (daily schedule) each morning to plan your day around free offerings.

Data Table: What’s Included vs. Extra on Disney Cruise Line

Category	Included in Base Fare	Costs Extra
Dining	Rotational dining, kids’ menus, room service (limited), snacks	Palo, Remy, specialty brunches, premium desserts
Beverages	Soda, juice, water, coffee, tea, milk, lemonade	Alcohol, specialty coffee, drink packages
Entertainment	Live shows, character meet-and-greets, deck parties, movies	VIP theater seating (rare), private character sessions
Kids’ Programs	Oceaneer Club, Edge, Vibe (ages 3–17), family activities	Private babysitting ($15/hour), special events (e.g., Jedi Training)
Excursions	Port access, Castaway Cay beach (free entry)	Shore tours, Castaway Cay activities (cabanas, snorkeling)
Spa & Fitness	Basic fitness center access	Spa treatments, salon services, fitness classes, personal training
Gratuities	Not included, but recommended ($14.50–$16.50 per person per day)	Pre-paid gratuities available

Conclusion: Is a Disney Cruise Right for You?

So, are Disney Cruise Lines all inclusive? The short answer is: mostly, but not entirely. Disney Cruise Line includes an impressive array of amenities—dining, entertainment, kids’ programs, and basic beverages—that make it feel incredibly generous, especially for families. The magic of Disney, from character encounters to Broadway-style shows, is woven into every aspect of the cruise, creating a unique experience that’s hard to replicate.

However, to call it “all inclusive” in the traditional sense would be misleading. Alcohol, specialty dining, excursions, spa services, and premium activities all come with additional costs. These extras can add hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars to your final bill, depending on your preferences. For budget-conscious travelers, this means careful planning is essential. But for those seeking a high-touch, family-focused vacation with unparalleled service and storytelling, the value is undeniable.

Ultimately, a Disney cruise is best suited for travelers who prioritize experience over inclusions. If you’re looking for a vacation where kids are entertained for free, parents can relax, and every moment feels like a scene from a Disney movie, then the answer is a resounding yes. Just remember to budget for the extras, use onboard credit wisely, and embrace the magic that makes Disney cruises so special. Whether you’re sailing to the Bahamas, Alaska, or Europe, the memories you’ll create are worth every dollar—included or not.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Disney Cruise Lines all inclusive for dining and entertainment?

Yes, Disney Cruise Lines includes most dining options (main restaurants, quick service, and room service) and live entertainment like Broadway-style shows and character meet-and-greets in your base fare. Specialty dining and adult-exclusive venues may require an additional fee.

Does the “all inclusive” Disney Cruise price cover alcoholic beverages?

No, alcoholic drinks, specialty coffees, and bottled beverages are not included in the base fare. However, Disney offers beverage packages and drink-of-the-day specials for an added cost.

Are gratuities included in Disney Cruise Lines all inclusive packages?

No, gratuities (tips) for dining and stateroom cast members aren’t included in the upfront price. These are automatically added to your onboard account at a suggested daily rate, which you can adjust.

Do Disney Cruise Lines all inclusive deals include kids’ activities?

Yes, most kids’ and teens’ programs (like Oceaneer Club and Edge) are included, offering age-appropriate activities, games, and themed events. Babysitting services are available for an extra fee.

Is Wi-Fi included with Disney Cruise Lines all inclusive pricing?

Wi-Fi is not included in the base fare, but Disney offers paid internet packages for different usage levels. Basic connectivity for texting and app use is available in select areas.

Are shore excursions and port activities included on Disney Cruises?

No, Disney Cruise Lines’ base fare doesn’t include port adventures or excursions. These must be booked separately and vary in price based on the destination and activity type.