Does Disney Cruise Line Include Food The Ultimate Guide

Yes, Disney Cruise Line includes most food in your cruise fare, covering all meals at main dining restaurants, buffets, and select casual spots—plus 24-hour room service and kids’ menus. Specialty dining, alcoholic drinks, and premium snacks cost extra, but the included options deliver generous variety, dietary accommodations, and the signature Disney magic.

Key Takeaways

• Most meals are included: Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner at no extra cost.
• Snacks and soft drinks: Available 24/7 at select locations onboard.
• Specialty dining costs extra: Reserve premium restaurants for an added fee.
• Room service has fees: Most orders include a delivery charge except select items.
• Kids’ menus are free: Child-friendly options included in main dining venues.
• All-inclusive drinks not included: Alcohol, specialty coffees, and bottled water cost extra.

Does Disney Cruise Line Include Food? The Ultimate Guide

When planning a vacation with Disney Cruise Line, one of the most common questions families ask is: does Disney Cruise Line include food? The short answer is a resounding yes—but the full story is much richer, more nuanced, and packed with delightful surprises. From gourmet dining experiences to character-themed buffets, Disney Cruise Line has redefined what it means to offer inclusive, high-quality meals at sea. Whether you’re cruising with toddlers, teens, or grandparents, food is not just included—it’s an integral part of the magic.

Imagine waking up to a room service breakfast of fluffy Mickey-shaped waffles, enjoying a multi-course dinner at a rotating restaurant with stunning ocean views, and ending your day with a decadent dessert buffet—all without pulling out your wallet. That’s the Disney Cruise Line dining experience. With a focus on variety, quality, and immersive storytelling, the food aboard Disney ships is designed to delight guests of all ages and dietary preferences. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into the dining offerings, answer your burning questions, and help you make the most of every bite during your cruise. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned Disney fan, this guide will equip you with everything you need to know about food on Disney Cruise Line.

What’s Included in Your Disney Cruise Fare: A Breakdown of Inclusive Dining

Rotational Dining: The Heart of Disney’s Culinary Experience

One of the most unique and beloved features of Disney Cruise Line is its rotational dining system. Instead of being assigned to one restaurant for the entire cruise, guests rotate among three main dining rooms each night. This ensures you experience a variety of atmospheres, menus, and entertainment—all included in your base fare. The three main dining rooms vary slightly by ship but typically include:

• Animator’s Palate: A high-tech, interactive experience where animated characters “come to life” on screens throughout the meal. The menu often features Pacific Rim-inspired cuisine.
• Cabanas: A casual, family-friendly buffet-style restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating, open for breakfast and lunch, and transformed into a table-service dinner experience during dinner hours.
• Royal Palace: A regal, elegant dining room inspired by Disney princesses, with a French and European-inspired menu.

Each night, your server team—your dining crew—moves with you. This means you build a rapport with your servers, who remember your drink preferences, allergies, and even your child’s favorite dessert. It’s a personalized touch that sets Disney apart from other cruise lines.

All-Day Snacking and Casual Dining

Beyond dinner, Disney Cruise Line offers a wide range of included casual dining options that are perfect for on-the-go meals, quick bites, or late-night cravings. These are available at no extra cost and are scattered throughout the ship:

• Eye Scream: A self-serve soft-serve ice cream station (vanilla, chocolate, swirl) with toppings like sprinkles and fruit. Open during pool hours.
• Frozone Treats: Located on the pool deck, this stand offers frozen lemonade, fruit smoothies, and slushies—all included.
• Pluto’s Dog House: A hot dog stand with classic and specialty options (e.g., chili-cheese dogs, plant-based sausages).
• Goofy’s Galley: A sandwich and salad bar with fresh options, perfect for a quick lunch.
• Pizza Planet: Serves up hot, cheesy pizzas with a variety of toppings—great for kids and adults alike.

These venues are open during specific hours (typically 11 AM–10 PM), and menus rotate daily. Tip: Visit during off-peak hours (e.g., 11:30 AM or 2:30 PM) to avoid long lines.

Room Service: Included (With a Few Exceptions)

Disney Cruise Line offers complimentary 24-hour room service for most menu items. This is a huge perk, especially for families with young kids or those who want a quiet night in. The room service menu includes:

• Breakfast: Omelets, pancakes, yogurt, fruit, coffee, and tea
• Lunch/Dinner: Sandwiches, burgers, salads, soups, and kid-friendly options
• Snacks: Chips, cookies, popcorn, and fruit platters
• Non-alcoholic drinks: Sodas, juices, milk, and bottled water

Note: While most items are free, some premium options like specialty coffees, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages are extra. Also, a 15% gratuity is automatically added to room service orders, but this is standard across the industry.

Specialty Dining and Premium Experiences (Extra Cost)

Adult-Only Restaurants: Fine Dining at Sea

For guests seeking a more upscale, romantic, or sophisticated dining experience, Disney Cruise Line offers specialty restaurants for an additional fee. These are not included in the base fare but are highly recommended for a special night out:

• Palo: An Italian fine-dining experience with a focus on Northern Italian cuisine. Think handmade pasta, risotto, and tiramisu. Reservations are required and cost around $45 per person (prices vary by cruise length and ship).

< Remy: A French-inspired, Michelin-star-quality restaurant on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy. Offers a multi-course tasting menu with wine pairings. Priced at $125–$175 per person, it’s a splurge but worth it for foodies.

Both Palo and Remy offer stunning ocean views, white-glove service, and an elegant ambiance. They’re perfect for anniversaries, birthdays, or a night away from the kids. Pro tip: Book early—these restaurants sell out quickly, especially on shorter cruises.

Character Dining Experiences (Included and Extra)

Disney Cruise Line is famous for its character dining, and many of these experiences are included in your fare. However, some premium character meals require an additional cost:

• Included Character Dining: Found in the rotational dining rooms. For example, on the Disney Magic, you might enjoy a “Princess Gathering” dinner where Cinderella, Belle, and Tiana visit your table. These are scheduled and rotate based on the cruise itinerary.
• Premium Character Dining: Events like Mickey’s Pirate Party or Frozen Deck Party often include a buffet or plated meal with character meet-and-greets. These are usually $25–$35 per person and require advance booking.

For families with young children, these experiences are magical. But even adults enjoy the nostalgia and photo ops. Tip: Bring a camera or phone with extra battery—these moments are unforgettable.

Specialty Desserts and Treats

While most desserts are included (think chocolate lava cake, crème brûlée, or Mickey-shaped cookies), Disney also offers premium dessert experiences for an extra charge:

• Sweet on You: A chocolate and dessert bar on the Disney Wish and newer ships. Offers artisanal chocolates, macarons, and custom cakes. Items range from $3 to $15.
• Enchanted Rose: A lounge with a curated dessert menu, including a “Rose Petal” chocolate truffle tower. Perfect for a post-dinner treat.

These are great for celebrating a special occasion or treating yourself after a long day at sea.

Dietary Needs and Allergies: How Disney Accommodates Every Guest

Gluten-Free, Vegan, and Allergy-Friendly Menus

Disney Cruise Line takes dietary needs very seriously. Whether you’re gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, or managing a severe allergy (e.g., nuts, shellfish), the culinary team is trained to accommodate you. Here’s how it works:

• Pre-Cruise Communication: When you book, you can specify dietary restrictions in your online profile. The dining team reviews this and prepares accordingly.
• Daily Menus with Allergen Codes: Each day, your server will provide a menu with allergen codes (e.g., GF for gluten-free, V for vegan). You can also request a full list of ingredients for any dish.
• Customized Meals: The kitchen can modify dishes or prepare entirely new ones. For example, a vegan guest might enjoy a jackfruit “pulled pork” sandwich or a tofu stir-fry.

Disney’s allergy protocol is one of the best in the industry. In fact, they have a dedicated Allergy Team that reviews every dish and ensures cross-contamination is avoided. Tip: Inform your server of your needs on the first night—they’ll take care of the rest.

Kids’ Menus and Picky Eaters

Even the pickiest eaters will find something they love. Disney’s kids’ menus (available at all dining venues) include:

• Mac and cheese, chicken tenders, and grilled cheese
• Fruit and veggie cups, yogurt parfaits, and trail mix
• Healthy options like turkey wraps, veggie burgers, and fruit smoothies

Servers are also happy to modify dishes—e.g., “Can I get the pasta without the sauce?” or “Do you have plain grilled chicken?” The goal is to make every child feel included and well-fed.

Religious and Cultural Dietary Requirements

Disney Cruise Line also caters to religious dietary needs, including:

• Kosher Meals: Available upon request. Must be ordered at least 30 days in advance. Served in sealed packaging with disposable utensils.
• Halal Options: Some ships offer halal-certified meats. Inquire at check-in.
• Hindu/Vegetarian (No Meat, Eggs, or Onion/Garlic): Customizable upon request.

These options ensure that guests from all backgrounds can enjoy a safe and respectful dining experience.

Drinks and Beverages: What’s Included vs. Extra

Complimentary Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Disney Cruise Line includes a wide range of non-alcoholic beverages at no extra cost:

• Soft drinks (Coke, Sprite, Fanta, etc.) at all bars, restaurants, and self-serve stations
• Juices (orange, apple, cranberry) at breakfast and lunch
• Milk, chocolate milk, and plant-based alternatives (soy, almond)
• Bottled water (limited quantities; refillable bottles encouraged)
• Coffee, tea, and hot chocolate at all dining venues

Self-serve drink stations are located near pool decks and casual dining areas. Bring a reusable cup or bottle to stay hydrated.

Alcoholic Beverages and Drink Packages

Unlike some cruise lines, Disney does not include alcoholic drinks in the base fare. However, they offer several options:

• Pay-As-You-Go: Order drinks individually at bars and restaurants. Prices are reasonable (e.g., $10–$15 for a cocktail, $8–$12 for a beer).
• Drink Packages: Disney offers two packages:
  • Unlimited Soda Package: $15.95/day for unlimited soft drinks, juices, and mocktails.
  • Unlimited Alcohol Package: $95/day for unlimited beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits (must be purchased for all adults in a stateroom).

The alcohol package is best for guests who plan to drink multiple drinks per day. For light drinkers, paying per drink may be more cost-effective.

Specialty Coffee and Premium Beverages

Coffee lovers will want to visit Vista Café (on most ships), which offers espresso, cappuccino, and lattes for an additional fee ($3–$6). While basic coffee is free, specialty drinks are not. The same applies to premium bottled water (e.g., sparkling or flavored).

Tips and Tricks to Maximize Your Dining Experience

Book Specialty Dining Early

As mentioned, Palo, Remy, and premium character meals sell out fast. Book as soon as your cruise opens for reservations (typically 75 days before sailing for first-time cruisers, 125 days for Castaway Club members). Use the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App to secure spots.

Use the App for Menus and Reservations

The Navigator App shows daily menus, dining room themes, and available reservations. Check it each morning to plan your day. You can also view photos of dishes and read descriptions.

Try the “Chef’s Special” or Daily Features

Each night, your server will recommend a Chef’s Special or daily feature. These are often creative, seasonal, or regional dishes (e.g., Caribbean jerk chicken on a Bahamian cruise). Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone!

Take Advantage of Free Room Service

Use room service for breakfast if you have an early excursion or want a lazy morning. It’s free and convenient. Just remember to tip (15% is auto-added).

Ask for Seconds (or Thirds!)

Disney encourages you to enjoy as much food as you like. Want another slice of pizza? A second scoop of ice cream? Just ask! Servers are happy to oblige.

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

Category	Included in Fare	Additional Cost	Notes
Dining Rooms	Rotational dining, Cabanas, Royal Palace	—	Three-course meals, character visits
Casual Dining	Eye Scream, Pluto’s Dog House, Goofy’s Galley	—	Open during pool hours
Room Service	Most items (breakfast, lunch, snacks)	Premium drinks, bottled water	15% gratuity auto-added
Specialty Restaurants	—	Palo ($45), Remy ($125–$175)	Reservations required
Non-Alcoholic Drinks	Soft drinks, juices, coffee, tea	Specialty coffee, premium water	Self-serve stations available
Alcoholic Drinks	—	Pay-per-drink or $95/day package	Must purchase for all adults in stateroom
Dietary Accommodations	All included (gluten-free, vegan, allergy-safe)	—	Inform server on first night

Conclusion: Yes, Food Is Included—And It’s Magical

So, does Disney Cruise Line include food? Absolutely—and then some. From the innovative rotational dining system to the endless array of included snacks, casual meals, and allergy-friendly options, Disney has set a gold standard for cruise dining. Whether you’re savoring a five-course dinner at Remy, enjoying a character breakfast with Mickey, or grabbing a soft-serve cone by the pool, every bite feels like part of the vacation magic.

What sets Disney apart isn’t just the quantity or quality of food, but the experience. The personalized service, the immersive themes, and the attention to detail—like remembering your child’s favorite juice or preparing a custom vegan dish—make dining on a Disney ship unforgettable. And with so many options included in your fare, you can relax and enjoy without worrying about surprise charges (except for the occasional splurge at Palo or Remy).

As you plan your next Disney cruise, remember: food is not an afterthought—it’s a cornerstone of the adventure. Pack your appetite, embrace the variety, and let Disney’s culinary team take you on a delicious journey around the world. Bon appétit, or as they say on the high seas, bon voyage and bon appétit!

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Disney Cruise Line include food in the cruise fare?

Yes, Disney Cruise Line includes most meals in the base cruise fare. This includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks at main dining rooms, quick-service locations, and select buffets across the ship.

Are all dining options free on a Disney cruise?

Most dining venues are included, but specialty restaurants like Palo or Remy (available on select ships) require reservations and an additional fee. These offer premium cuisine and a more intimate experience.

Does Disney Cruise Line include food for dietary restrictions or allergies?

Absolutely! Disney Cruise Line accommodates dietary needs, including allergies, gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan requests. Notify them in advance, and chefs will work to customize meals for you.

Is room service included in Disney Cruise Line food offerings?

Yes, 24-hour room service is included, with complimentary snacks and meals like sandwiches, pizza, and desserts. Premium items like alcohol or specialty drinks may incur extra charges.

Does Disney Cruise Line include food during port days or excursions?

While onboard meals are included, food during port excursions or at private islands (e.g., Castaway Cay) may require payment unless part of a Disney-organized activity. Pack snacks or budget for local dining.

Can I get unlimited drinks with Disney Cruise Line’s included food?

Non-alcoholic beverages like soda, coffee, tea, and juice are included. Alcoholic drinks, specialty coffees, and bottled water require an additional fee or a beverage package.