Is Disney Cruise Line Actually Worth The Price? Our Honest Opinion

Disney Cruise Line is often regarded as one of the more expensive cruise lines to sail with, and many people feel that it’s very overpriced! As regular Disney Cruisers, we feel that we are best placed to weigh in on this argument. We have completed sailings onboard every current sailing Disney ship. So, do we think it’s worth the price you pay?

Disney Magic docked in Nassau, Bahamas

Disney Cruise Line is currently sailing eight ships in it’s fleet - Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Wish, Disney Treasure, Disney Destiny and Disney Adventure. Although they all vary in price, they are all in the pricier range.

So, what's actually included in the price?

Surprisingly, quite a lot. Especially when this is compared to other cruise lines. Included is:

• Rotational dining restaurants

• Quick service restaurants and snacks

• 24 hour room service

• Water, sodas, tea, coffee, juices, hot chocolate

• Twice daily turn down service and housekeeping

• Broadway-style entertainment

• Onboard activities and recreation

• Character meet and greets

• Access to Disney’s exclusive island destinations (select itineraries)

• Exceptionally themed kids and teen clubs

• Themed nights (pirate night etc.)

• Fireworks at sea (select sailings)

• First run Disney movies

• Basic wifi to access the Navigator app and to use messaging services (WhatsApp, iMessage)

• Onboard attractions (Disney Adventure)

• Arcade games (Disney Adventure)

  
  

And that is just touching the surface. Disney Cruise Line offers so much, especially in the form of entertainment and that is a whole post on its own.

What's not included?

Although Disney does include a lot in their cruise fare cost, there are inevitably some things that aren’t included. However, there aren’t many!

• Alcoholic drinks (except for certain times if you are sailing concierge level or for a select time on formal night for longer sailings)

• Adult exclusive restaurants

• Select onboard activities (beverage tastings, bingo, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique etc.)

• Port Adventures

• Spa and beauty services

• Wifi for general internet access

• Gratuities

The Disney difference

It really is true that Disney puts in that little bit of extra pixie dust, and that is no exception when it comes to the Cruise Line. The Cast Members onboard always go the extra mile (and then some!) to make your sailing the most magical experience ever, and Disney Cruise Line Cast Members are the best in the company in my opinion. I could write an entire essay on how incredible Disney Cast Members onboard are, they truly are incredible.

Rotational dining is really great and means you don’t miss any of the magic. On bigger ships, such as the Disney Adventure, there are multiple restaurants that have duplicate menus but different themes so you have to collect them all! Something Disney does that is different is that your server team will be with you at every single restaurant for rotational dining. This means they learn things you like, how you may like things cooked and if you have kids in the family, they will even cut your child’s food up! On the theme of dining, there are some exceptionally themed restaurants across the fleet. From incredible dining shows to interactive elements, there is something for all the family.

Additionally, the attention to detail across all the ships is out of this world. From lighting fixtures to differences in the carpet, everything is part of the story and is there for a reason. If this is something you are interesting in, each ship has a free tour that delves into the theming of the ship and the reasons for certain elements. It’s so worth it and remains one of the best things I have done onboard.

Equally, if you are a big Disney fan (or even if you're not) the Disney themed entertainment across the fleet is out of this world. From Broadway-style shows to character experiences and everything in between, you can have as much, or as little, Disney as you desire.

Is Disney Cruise Line just for kids?

A simple answer? Absolutely not!

All of the Disney Cruise Line ships, aside from the Disney Adventure, have adults only areas and adult exclusive entertainment. There have been some times watching some of the adult exclusive shows where I have laughed so much I thought I was going to pass out. A special mention also goes to the Disney Destiny where there is such a great variety of themed adult entertainment including Disney characters or experiences.

Adult exclusive entertainment includes nightclubs, variety acts and gameshows such as the infamous Match Your Mate - this is a can’t miss show! On longer sailings such as Transatlantic sailings, there are adult exclusive takeovers of the Oceaneer Club (kids club) with activities just for adults. There are adult exclusive trivia and other onboard activities, as well as adult exclusive Port Adventures.

On Disney’s private island destinations, Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, there are adult exclusive beaches, Serenity Bay. These include dedicated areas on the beach for those over 18 years old only, and include more space, a dedicated adult exclusive dining location and a bar.

Are there any down sides?

Nothing is perfect, and Disney Cruise Line isn't perfect by any stretch of the imagination. My biggest criticism when I compare Disney to other cruise lines is the lack of variety in itineraries and ports, especially when considering the Disney Adventure which currently does not dock anywhere. The likes of Royal Caribbean have destinations across the world, whereas Disney seems to do the same itineraries each year. I feel like there is such an untapped market for Disney Cruise Line in so many areas of the world and I would love Disney to do more longer sailings going to other destinations. Time will tell.

Overall, is it worth it?

I truly do think it is worth it overall, even more so if you are a Disney fan. Yes, the price is usually a lot more than other cruise lines but you do get a lot more included for that cost. The only thing I can recommend is to give it a go at least once to see if it is for you!

What do you think? Have you sailed with Disney Cruise Line? Tell us below!