Disney Cruises Cost More - But Are They Worth It?
You know how it is - everyone says Disney is the happiest place on earth. And if you're a cruiser you may have seen one of the Disney cruise ships in port, and thought to yourself, "Hmmm, wonder what all the fuss is about?" Sure, they look incredible, but let's be real - a Disney cruise has to cost a small fortune, right? Well, before you write it off, you might want to hear about our first Disney cruise.
Our family of four was finally able to board a thrice-delayed cruise on the Fantasy and we have a lot to say. Keep reading to find out if the experience lived up to the hype and if the premium price we paid compared to the Norwegian cruise on the Getaway that we took earlier in the same year was worth it. Spoiler alert - we were surprised by what we discovered about the value of a Disney cruise vacation.
9 Things to know about Disney Cruise Line
The kids clubs are top-notch, your littles won't want to leave
Characters are everywhere! It is much easier to meet a character on sea than on land
Weather permitting, there are fireworks on most cruises
If you like seafood, you'll find crab legs at the buffet daily
Unlike other cruise lines, you will experience Rotational Dining where you move dining rooms each night and your waitstaff moves with you
Soft drinks are included in your cruise fare
You can use your magic band as your room key
DVC members receive daily giveaways; just stop by the DVC desk
Traveling in a party of adults only? Have no fear there are plenty of kids- free spaces around the ship
Disney Cruise Line 101
Before we jump into what to expect on the Disney cruise line, let's cover some cruise line basics.
The Disney Cruise Line Fleet
Disney cruise line as of this writing has five cruise ships, with a sixth launching later this year. In order of introduction, you have:
Disney Magic
Disney Wonder
Disney Dream
Disney Fantasy
Disney Wish
Disney Treasure
Disney Cruise Itineraries and Destinations
Disney cruises visit popular destinations around the globe, from Alaska to the Bahamas and everywhere in between. Their itineraries range from 3-night quick getaways to 15-night transatlantic crossings.
The Caribbean and Bahamas
The majority of Disney cruises sail to the Caribbean and Bahamas, ranging from 3 to 7 nights. You can visit tropical destinations like the Bahamas, Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and Castaway Cay, their private island paradise. If Caribbean Cruises are your vibe, then you're likely to find yourself on the Magic, Fantasy, Wish, or Treasure to these destinations.
Tortola Excursion
Alaska
For a complete and total change of scenery, you can board an Alaskan cruise on the Disney Wonder during the summer. You’ll sail along the coast, spotting whales, seals, and even bears in their natural habitat. Alaska cruises are usually 7 nights, roundtrip from Vancouver. The Disney Wonder also tends to be the ship that sails to all destinations on the Pacific Ocean.
Europe
Disney also offers cruises to the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and the Greek Isles. You can explore culturally-rich destinations like Barcelona, Rome, Venice, and Santorini. Marvel at architectural wonders, taste authentic cuisine, and embrace the ambiance of Old World Europe. European sailings range from 7 to 12 nights. The Dream will likely be your ship if Europe is the destination.
Transatlantic/Repositioning
Like other cruise lines, Disney repositions their ships seasonally between the Caribbean/Bahamas and Europe. These longer voyages typically last 12 to 15 nights, crossing the Atlantic with stops in the Azores, and other destinations along the way. While at sea, you’ll have extra time to enjoy all the ship has to offer.
What's Included in Your Fare
Similar to other cruise lines, your meals in the main dining rooms, buffet, and most quick service locations are included
All of the entertainment on board comes included. You can enjoy as little or as much of the offerings as you'd like. The only exception to this is Bingo, which does come at an extra fee to play
Visiting Castaway Cay, the private island is also included, along with meals served on the island. You will have to pay for alcoholic beverages
The Youth clubs are all included with the exception of the It's A Small World Nursery. Reservations are required for the nursery and a fee will be charged
There are areas of the ship that are designated for adults to enjoy nightclubs and lounges. Use of these areas is complementary but you will have to pay for alcoholic beverages
The use of the sports deck is complementary. Disney will provide the equipment for basketball, golf, etc. Keep in mind that if you'd like to use the sports simulators, this will be extra
Special days at sea like Pixar Day, Marvel Day, and other themed cruises are included in your purchase. However, you should know that you will pay extra to be on one of these sailings
What's Not Included in Your Fare
Specialty dining restaurants like Remy and Palo will cost extra
Cruise tours are purchased at your discretion and like other cruise lines will vary in activity and price
Alcoholic beverages are not included and will cost extra
What to Expect on a Disney Cruise
Now that we've covered the basics, let's talk about what to expect on a Disney Cruise.
Entertainment Galore
Disney cruises are filled with live shows, character interactions, first-run movies, and deck parties. You'll never run out of things to do, with a different show each night in the Walt Disney Theater, including Broadway-style productions like Frozen the Musical.
Frozen the Musical, Aboard the Fantasy
Disney characters like Mickey and the rest of the Fab 5 are around every corner for photos and autographs. While you may find a line to meet the characters, it will be unlike the waits you typically experience in the theme parks.
Spectacular Themed Decor
From the moment you board, you'll feel immersed in the magic of Disney. The older ships are themed to the Art Deco glamor of the 1920s and 1930s, with dark woods, brass accents, and whimsical touches like the shape of a giant peacock feather in glass as the chandelier in the atrium aboard the Fantasy. Staterooms and dining rooms also get the Disney treatment with some subtle and not so subtle touches that will make you smile.
Chandelier in the Atrium of the Fantasy
Rotational Dining
Instead of the same dining room every night, you'll rotate through three themed restaurants on a pre-set schedule. This means you get to experience different menus and atmospheres each evening, while keeping the same friendly wait staff.
We're happy to say that we found the variety of dining on our Disney cruise to be solid in the main dining rooms. Often the menu is themed to the port of call which means you could find yourself dining on everything from Italian to island-themed casual fare.
Animators Palate Aboard the Fantasy
The themed restaurants tend to vary from ship to ship. However, you will find the ever popular and must be experienced Animators Palate on four out of the six ships. The exceptions to this are the newer vessels, the Wish and Treasure.
Not just for Families
While it's true that more so than other cruise lines, Disney does cater to families, which means you will find family focused entertainment and no casinos on the ships. However, Disney Cruise line is also suitable for adults traveling without children.
The Adults-only Cove Pool Aboard the Fantasy
There are multiple adults only venues scattered throughout Disney cruise ships that are perfect for those traveling without children.
Why Disney Cruises Cost More Than Other Lines?
Disney cruises come at a premium and we after experiencing one first hand, we believe for good reason. For starters, the level of theming and entertainment is unparalleled. Every corner of the ship is steeped in the magic of Disney, from character meet and greets to Broadway style shows like Frozen and Aladdin.
The kids clubs are also top notch, with activities and adventures featuring beloved characters that will delight children and give parents a much-needed break. But more on that in a moment.
Enchanting Extras
Unlike other cruise lines, soda is included as long as you don't order it from a bar. And tell us, where else can you ring up room service and request a Mickey Bar? Disney has set-up beverage stations that are open 24 hours for you to grab soda, coffee, or tea on the pool deck. Compared to what you'd spend for soda on other cruise lines, the money you save can add up.
Beverage Station Aboard the Fantasy
Magical Service
Disney's reputation for unparalleled guest service is alive and well on the high seas. The crew, especially the dining room staff really go out of their way to make the guest's experience magical. They are also experts in catering to families with young children, providing little extras like bedtime stories, and wake-up calls from Disney characters!
Expansive Staterooms
This is one of the places where in our opinion the Disney cruise costs really begin to show value for the money. When we compare the size of our Norwegian Getway cruise family balcony at 236 square feet (204 ft cabin and 32 ft balcony) to the Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah on our Fantasy cruise at 299 square feet (255 ft cabin and 45 ft balcony), we immediately get a little more comfortable with the cruise fare and the price difference.
Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah Aboard the Fantasy
That's extra space, with a split bathroom done right, a bathtub, plenty of storage for our luggage, more elbow room to lounge around in the cabin and more space on our balcony. We say yes to this trade off every time.
Bathtub Aboard the Fantasy
Onboard Activities
This is the first cruise that we've been on that we quite literally could not keep up with all of the daily activities. Or for that matter had any real desire to try to keep up with most of the activities. There are animation classes, character meet and greets, first run movies, arts and crafts, trivia and Bingo. Did we mention Bingo?
Bingo Aboard the Disney Fantasy
Unique Amenities You Get on a Disney Ship
Disney cruises offer some amazing amenities you won’t find on other cruise lines. After all, Disney is all about creating magical experiences.
Exclusive Entertainment and Disney Character Interactions
Disney cruise ships feature Broadway-style shows based on various animated classics, first run movies, deck parties, and meet and greets with your favorite Disney characters - all included in your fare.
Pluto Aboard the Fantasy
You’ll have opportunities to meet characters like Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy. The sail away celebration when the ship leaves port and the pirate night deck party are experiences you can only have on a Disney cruise.
Decked Out Ships
Walking onto a Disney ship is like entering the age of classic cruise ships. The ships feature Art Deco style with Disney touches, like a grand staircase, and an iconic character statue in the atrium. From bow to stern, Disney’s attention to detail will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a magical time and place.
Minie Mouse Statue in Bronze Aboard the Fantasy
Rotational Dining
Disney pioneered the concept of rotational dining, where you rotate through three different themed restaurants with the same waitstaff each night. This allows for a more relaxed dining experience, as your servers get to know you and your preferences over the course of the cruise. The menu in each restaurant is solid, with quality ingredients and options to suit most tastes. It’s an experience you won’t find on any other cruise line.
Complementary, Immersive Kids Clubs
This is the other place where we won't quibble with the higher fare. We've been cruising with our little guy since he was learning how to walk and our cruise on the Fantasy was the first time he agreed to go to a kids club.
Kids Club Aboard the Disney Fantasy
In fact, we'd go to pick him up and he'd ask for more time often closing down the club. Based on this fact alone, Disney cruises have got our vote. In addition to the kids club, there are multiple family based activities on board, not to mention the very popular with kids and adults alike, Midship Detective Agency.
In case you're not familiar, the Midship Detective Agency has two different cases available to solve using "badges" and interactive art displays around the ship.
You get to enjoy Disney's private island, Castaway Cay
Disney's private island Castaway Cay, in case you haven't been, is yet another unique experience if for no other reason than all of the character interactions on the island. If you time things right, you'll even get to meet Captain Jack Sparrow.
Castaway Cay Map
While you're on the island you can take part in the 5K, complete with a medal at the end. It's no longer an organized event where everyone runs at once but you can start the course whenever you’re ready. You'll claim your medal at the end of the trail.
Castaway Cay 5K Medal
Disney also splits the island with dedicated spaces for families and adults. This gives both types of travel parties their own space to relax and play.
What did we think of the Disney Fantasy?
What can we say, the Fantasy was everything we thought it would be. It's always a pleasant surprise to have things live up to your expectations.
Dining on Board
The food on the ship was solid with very few exceptions. The value of having soda included for those who drink it can't be beat. The three main dining rooms were impeccably themed and should be experienced.
Pasta At Animators Palate Aboard the Disney Fantasy
The real gem here is the waitstaff. They were able to get to know each of us, our likes and preferences, and had things like our favorite beverages waiting for us and always had ketchup on hand for our little guy. Every night they entertained our son with jokes or magic tricks and looked after his every need without really being asked. This on its own was a unique experience that we're looking forward to on our next Disney cruise.
Staterooms
The size of the cabins and the balcony as noted earlier are larger than what we've experienced outside of a suite. Our Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah gave us plenty of room to lounge, the split bathroom which was handy for getting ready, and a private verandah to enjoy the sea breeze and beautiful views. The staterooms are well-designed, comfortable, and provided more than enough room.
Entertainment
There was no shortage of entertainment on the Fantasy. Each evening there were different shows to choose from like musicals, comedians, and magicians. During the day you can enjoy family games, dance parties, movies, and activities. Of course, there are also character greetings, kids club, and the AquaDuck water coaster. For adults, there are cocktail lounges, nightclubs, and spas. You'll never run out of things to do on a Disney cruise.
Entrance to the Aqueduct Aboard the Fantasy
The Fantasy exceeded our expectations in almost every way. While not the most budget-friendly option, the experience for us was truly magical.
Are Disney Cruises Worth the Higher Price?
In the end, there were three things that stood out to us that figured heavily into whether or not we thought the extra cost was worth it.
The Magic of Disney at Sea
Being on a Disney cruise felt like stepping into a magical Disney experience at sea. The attention to detail, whimsical decor, and memorable live shows and activities bring the spirit of Disney to life onboard. For Disney fans, especially those with kids, experiencing this kind of immersive storytelling and entertainment on the high seas was a plus.
Amazing Service and Amenities
Disney’s service and amenities are on full display aboard the cruise line. Your dining crew will go above and beyond to make each dining experience special for you and your family. The entertainment, pools, clubs for kids and teens, a luxurious spa, and all of the activities for guests of all ages all weigh in Disney's favor.
A Relaxing Alternative to the Theme Parks
For many, us included, a Disney cruise offered a more relaxing way to experience the magic of a Disney vacation without visiting Walt Disney World or Disneyland. There were no impossibly long lines, standing around in the hot sun, or huge crowds to contend with. You can be as active or relaxed as you like, with opportunities for both bustling family fun and tranquil adult moments. The pace is leisurely, so you have time to lounge by the pool, pamper yourself at the spa, catch a movie, or simply gaze out at the open sea.
Our Final Thoughts
So was our Disney cruise really worth the extra money? For our family, it was.
Yes, we paid more upfront, but we felt that we got a ton of value for that premium price. Now that we've sailed the high seas with Mickey, we're finding it hard to go back to a "regular" cruise!
We're already planning our next Disney cruise adventure. Who knows where Mickey and the gang will take us next time? One thing's for sure - no matter the destination, it's sure to be fantastical when Disney is involved.
Until next time, enjoy the journey!
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