If you have never been on a Disney Cruise, you might wonder what is not included in a Disney Cruise Fare. Being a premium cruise line, the average cost of a Disney Cruise is generally more expensive than a typical family-oriented Cruise, so you may wonder what all that extra money includes.
With any vacation, it’s essential to consider the additional expenses that may not be included in your Disney Cruise fare, such as shore excursions and alcoholic drinks. Sunset Chasers is here to answer the question, “What is not included in a Disney Cruise fare?” and discuss these extra costs that can impact your budget and the overall enjoyment of your trip.
From specialty dining and spa treatments to port excursions and onboard shopping, we will help you navigate the costs of what is not included in a Disney Cruise fare and provide tips on how to best prepare for your Disney Cruise adventure.
Additional Expenses on a Disney Cruise
While a Disney Cruise offers a wide range of inclusions, such as food and soda, certain expenses still need to be covered. Some of these additional costs can be anticipated, while others may come as a surprise. Knowing these extra fees and budget planning will create an enjoyable sailing experience.
To help you prepare for your Disney Cruise adventure, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of additional expenses not included in the cruise fare. From Wi-Fi packages and alcoholic beverages to nursery care and souvenirs, we’ve got you covered. Let’s uncover the hidden costs of a Disney Cruise!
Pre- and Post-Cruise Ground Transfers
Getting to and from your Disney Cruise with ease is essential to your vacation. You could always take a rideshare, but ground transfers to and from the terminal are one of the easiest ways to get to a cruise. Unfortunately, they are not included in your cruise fare. For a hassle-free travel experience, have your travel advisor organize your transportation or opt for Disney Cruise Line transfers.
Disney Cruise Line offers airport transfers for $39 per person one way, as well as transfers to and from Walt Disney World resorts. Even though these transfers seem pricey, you know you will get to the port or flight on time.
Internet Access and Wi-Fi Packages
Staying connected while on vacation can be important for many travelers. However, Wi-Fi access on Disney Cruises is limited, with free access provided only for the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app. You must purchase an internet package to check your email, update social media, or browse the internet.
Disney Cruises provides a range of internet packages to match your online requirements. Prices start at $12/day for 24 hours and go up to $42/day for the entire voyage. Different plans are available, including talk, text, and data options, so you can choose the one that best fits your requirements. Remember, internet access isn’t included in your Disney Cruise fare; budgeting for this extra cost is advisable.
How to save Money on the Internet: If you only need a slight interest in sending a text or two to your petsitter, ensure that on embarkation day, one person in your stateroom signs up for the free 50-megabyte internet package. You can only get this through the DCL app the day you board the ship.
Laundry Services
Whether on a week-long Caribbean cruise or a month-long European adventure, laundry services might be necessary during your Disney Cruise. While laundry services are available onboard, they are not included in the cruise fare.
Disney Cruise ships offer self-service laundry facilities, allowing you to wash and dry your clothes during your voyage. The cost for self-service laundry starts at $3 per wash. Full-service laundry and dry cleaning services are also available for an extra fee.
How to save Money on Laundry Services: Bring your laundry detergent and dryer sheets from home! Even though $3 a load seems pretty good, adding additional costs for soap or dryer sheets starts to add up. Everyone likes to do their laundry on a sea day, so prepare to wake up early or do laundry late.
Alcoholic Beverages and Drink Options
While soft drinks, basic coffee, and tea are included in your Disney Cruise fare, alcoholic beverages are not. Unlike other cruise lines, Disney does not offer traditional drink packages for alcoholic beverages. However, guests can bring limited alcohol to enjoy during their cruise. Disney does offer specialty drinks of the day for a discounted price. Just keep your plastic cup each day for a refill.
Guests 21 years and older can bring a maximum of two unopened bottles of wine, with each bottle size not exceeding 750 ml or six beers, each not more than 12 ounces, at the cruise’s start and during each stop. These beverages must be packed in carry-on bags or luggage. This policy allows you to enjoy your favorite wine or beer without incurring additional costs during your cruise.
How to save Money on Booze: There are a few times on the cruise when you can get a complimentary cocktail or drink – make sure you take note when the captain’s reception is held. Grabbing a wine or beer whenever free drinks are offered is a good idea because you get more bang for your free buck!
Specialty Coffees and Beverages
A coffee or a refreshing beverage can be the perfect pick-me-up during your Disney Cruise. While basic coffee, tea, and soft drinks are included in the cruise fare, specialty coffees, and other specialty beverages come at an additional cost. Free coffee can be found at meal times, drink stations, and if you order room service. It’s not available anywhere else.
Specialty coffees and beverages can be found at the Cove Cafe, which requires an additional fee.
How to save Money on Specialty coffee: If you and your cabin mates love specialty coffees, ask for the Café Fanatic rewards card at the beginning of the voyage. After every five specialty coffees, your sixth coffee is free!
Bottled Beverages
Staying hydrated is vital during your Disney Cruise, but bottled beverages like water and soda are not included in your cruise fare. You can drink water from the soft drink fountain with any meal. But if you must have bottled water (we highly recommend it for excursions), it will cost extra.
How to save Money on Bottled Water: If you have an old beat-up suitcase, you can always bring your own case of water on board! Save drinking the bottled water while you are on land and drink the free water on board. You can always pick up a couple more water bottles while you are in port.
Movie Theater Snacks and Drinks
Even though you can get lots of snacks and treats for free all over the ship, anything pre-packaged, such as M&Ms, Uncrustables, etc., costs extra. Even the Movie theater popcorn has a nominal charge. Luckily, if you buy a popcorn bucket on Disney Cruise line, you can refill it for a small charge – and keep a super cute popcorn bucket.
How to Save Money on Movie Theater Snacks: If your family must have Peanute M&Ms while watching a movie or theater show, bring them on board with you! Are Twizzlers your favorite? Purchase a couple of bags on land and bring them with you! The worst thing that could happen is you eat only some of the snacks and have snacks for the flight home!
Fancy Ice Cream
Even though Disney cruises have free unlimited soft serve, some ships (Disney Dream – Vanellope’s, Disney Fantasy- Sweet on You, Disney Wish – Joyful Sweets, and Disney Treasure) have fancy ice cream for purchase.
How to save Money on Fancy Ice Cream: You can opt for the soft serve ice cream or wait to eat a sundae in one of the main dining rooms. If you want to be extra, browse the desserts and grab a cookie or brownie to elevate the soft serve.
Adult-Only Dining Experiences
Disney Cruises caters to guests of all ages, including adults who desire a more refined dining experience. Adult-only dining options like Palo, Remy, and Enchanté offer exquisite cuisine and an elegant atmosphere. However, these upscale restaurants are not included in your Disney Cruise fare, require reservations, and are an extra charge.
If you intend to experience a refined dining option during your Disney Cruise, anticipate these additional costs. These adult-only restaurants provide a unique opportunity to savor exquisite cuisine while enjoying a serene ambiance away from the bustling family areas of the ship.
How to Save Money on Adult-Only Dining: If your ship has multiple specialty restaurants for adults, opt to dine at Palo. Palo has historically been the most inexpensive of all the restaurants available. The older ships, like the Disney Wonder and Disney Magic, only have Palo.
Cocktail Tastings and Classes
A Disney Cruise offers a variety of cocktail tastings and classes for guests who wish to enhance their mixology skills or enjoy a delicious drink. These events, such as mixology, bourbon tastings, and tequila tastings, are not included in your cruise fare and typically cost between $35 and $60 per person.
Many of the Tastings need to be booked beforehand, and on longer cruises, you may want to do more than one tasting.
How To Save Money on Cocktail Tastings and Classes: There is no way around this one, folks! If you want to do a fun tasting of adult beverages, you should sign up for it, but make sure you sign up for tastings you want to go on.
Port Excursions and Adventures
One of the most essential things about a cruise is the ports you will explore! Exploring the exciting ports of call during your Disney Cruise is a highlight for many guests. Like most cruise lines, the cost of port excursions and adventures is separate from the price of a Disney Cruise. You will need to plan for that extra expense. You can book these experiences through Disney Cruise Line or explore independently, depending on your preferences and budget.
From history tours and zip line adventures to beach trips and cultural experiences, Disney Cruise Line offers various port adventures to suit any taste. Remember to account for these additional costs to enjoy your time in each port of call fully.
How to Save Money on Port Excursions: Even though third-party excursions are an additional charge, they are generally much cheaper than booking with the cruise line. You will need to weigh the pros and cons of third-party tour operators with your travel agent, but I tend to book Third-party tour companies instead of the cruise line for most cases.
You can use Viatour to look at all of the available shore excursions.
Photo Packages and Services
Capturing memories of your Disney Cruise is essential to the vacation experience. While professional photo packages and services are available onboard, they are an extra cost. You can purchase photos onboard or online to ensure a lasting memento of your magical journey.
From character meet and greets to formal night portraits, the onboard photographers are ready to capture your most memorable moments. Ensure funds are allocated for these photo packages and services to keep your Disney Cruise memories alive for years.
How to save Money with Photo Packages: Book the Photo Package before the final payment! There is a slight discount when booking the photo package. Also, if you are traveling with more than one cabin, you can get a 50% discount for that second cabin. If you are sailing with just adults, I would skip the package and take your photos.
Senses Spa and Salon Treatments
Disney Cruises offers the opportunity to relax and rejuvenate with various Senses, Spa, and Salon treatments. From massages and facials to hair and nail services, the onboard spa and salon provide a range of indulgent experiences. However, these services require additional fees.
Ensure to allocate funds for these spa and salon treatments if you wish to indulge in self-care during your cruise. Treat yourself to relaxation and self-care as you sail the high seas.
How to save money on the spa: My favorite secret is to book a spa day on a port day! The spa is always super busy on a sea day because everyone is stuck on the boat. However, people like to get off and explore on a port day. If you have a port day that starts late or ends early – book a treatment on this day to get a good discount! You can save 20% on select services with a Disney Visa card!
Nursery Care for Young Children
Traveling with young children can be a joyous experience, but it’s important to note that nursery care for children aged six months to 3 years is not included in your Disney Cruise fare. If you need childcare for your little ones, remember to account for this extra cost.
While nursery care is not included, Disney Cruise Line does offer free kids’ clubs for older children. These clubs provide a safe and entertaining environment for kids to play, explore, and make new friends, allowing parents to enjoy well-deserved relaxation.
How to save Money on Nursery Care: There are a few tips! Parents should travel with grandparents or wait until their kids are three years old if they plan on using childcare services on board.
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Experience
For young Disney fans, the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique experience offers a magical makeover that transforms them into their favorite Disney characters. Available for children aged 3-12, this enchanting experience includes hairstyling, makeup, and costumes.
If your child aspires to become a Disney princess, a brave knight, or a daring pirate, anticipate this additional cost for an unforgettable experience. The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique creates magical memories that will last a lifetime.
How to Save Money on Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique: I am a DIY person. If your kiddo is jealous, bring some fun makeup, glitter, and princess dresses so you can dress them up for the experience. Also, for pirate night, bring many accessories for your costume so no one feels left out!
Calls to Shore from Staterooms
While you may be sailing away on a magical Disney Cruise, there may be moments when you need to connect with loved ones onshore. Calls to shore from staterooms are not included in your Disney Cruise fare and incur per-minute charges. Remember to account for these extra costs if you intend to make calls during your voyage.
The per-minute charge for calls to shore from Disney Cruise staterooms is $6.95 per minute. Keep these costs in mind when planning your onboard communication and consider alternative methods, such as:
- Internet packages
- Messaging apps
- Social media
These options can help you stay connected with friends and family on land without incurring high charges for phone calls.
How to save money on phone calls: If you have an internet package and need to call home, you can use the What’s App app. I always have my clients download the app in case of emergencies and they need to contact us or their loved ones back at home.
Souvenirs and Shopping
Disney Cruises provides a multitude of souvenirs and shopping opportunities to remember your enchanting voyage. From exclusive Disney Cruise Line merchandise to unique gifts and collectibles, there’s something for every Disney fan. However, souvenirs and shopping onboard Disney ships, specifically Disney Cruise ships, aren’t included in the cruise fare; thus, accounting for these expenses is advisable. Many people fall victim to the Mickey Ears – the best thing to do is to purchase Mickey Ears on land and bring them with you! Then, you will feel free to spend reasonably on a souvenir.
Whether you are searching for the perfect souvenir for yourself or a gift for a loved one back home, the onboard specialty stores offer a wide selection of items to suit any taste. Set aside funds to indulge in retail therapy during your Disney Cruise adventure.
Gratuities and Tipping
Gratuities are essential to the cruise experience, as they reward the hardworking crew members for their exceptional service. Gratuities are not part of the total Disney Cruise fare. Unfortunately, they have to be paid separately. Disney Cruise Line suggests a gratuity rate of $14.50 per person daily, which can be prepaid or adjusted onboard.
Gratuities are automatically added to bar tabs, spa services, and specialty dining. The gratuity amount is 18%. Ensure to factor these gratuities into your vacation budget as a token of appreciation for the excellent service you’ll experience on your Disney Cruise.
How to save money on Gratuities: Your travel agent can add your Gratuities before you even sail! That way, the tips are paid off before stepping onto the ship.
What is not included in a Disney Cruise Fare?
We unveiled the various additional expenses not included in a Disney Cruise fare. From internet packages and alcoholic beverages to nursery care and souvenirs, awareness of these extra costs is crucial when planning your Disney Cruise vacation.
While some additional expenses may seem silly, being informed and prepared can help you make the most of your Disney Cruise experience without surprises. With some planning and budgeting, you can ensure a smooth sailing adventure filled with magical memories that will last a lifetime.
So, as you embark on your Disney Cruise journey, consider the additional expenses beyond the cruise fare. With this knowledge, you can confidently set sail towards an unforgettable Disney Cruise experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is not included in the Disney cruise price?
Disney cruise prices do not include Port Adventures, shopping, spa and salon services, onboard photography, nursery babysitting, ship-to-shore phone calls, arcade games, alcoholic beverages, drink packages, and adults-only specialty dining.
Is all food free on the Disney cruise?
You can eat three square meals for free on a Disney Cruise. Meals in the main dining room, casual dining around the boat, and buffets are included in the cost of a Disney cruise. Disney has Rotational Dining, where you can go to all the dining rooms on board and try out all the different menus.
Are alcoholic beverages included in the Disney Cruise fare?
Many drinks, including soda and basic coffee, are complimentary on a Disney Cruise. However, alcohol is not included. There are limited events, such as a captain’s reception or a seminar where you can get a complimentary glass of wine.
Does Disney have 24-hour food?
Room service is available 24 hours for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks except on the final day of your cruise when room service ends at 1:30 am. Room service is complimentary, but a small cash tip is expected.
