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Disney Cruise Dining Times Explained

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What are the Disney Cruise Dining Times? Disney Cruise Line has two dining times for dinner.

One is very much more popular than the other.

Find out more about Disney Cruise dining times and the advantages and disadvantages of each sitting.

Disney Cruise Dining Times

Each day on your Disney cruise you will dine in one of the rotational dining restaurants .

Each of the Disney ships has three main dining restaurants. Guests “rotate” around each restaurant so that they dine in each one at least once.

Disney cruise lines are unique as your dining team rotates with you, so you always keep the same wait staff throughout your cruise.

Early Disney Cruise Dining

Disney cruise early dining is at 5.45 pm every day. This is by far the most popular dining time choice on all of the Disney ships.

There are many families with young children who particularly want early dining time.

If you have early dining you will see the show at 8.30.

Disney Cruise Second Seating

Disney cruise late dining is at 8.15 pm. I have older children so actually prefer this dining time on a Disney cruise.

The service tends to be quicker than for the first seating. We like this as the wait staff usually have more time to talk at the end of the meal.

If you have young children in your group you can take advantage of the service that the kids club provides.

At around 9.00 pm each evening the Kids Counselors will stand at the back of each restaurant and you can check your kids into the Oceaneer’s Lab or Club.

This means that you can enjoy your desserts in peace and the adults can spend some time together at dinner without the children.

If you have late dining you can see the first show in the Walt Disney Theatre which will be at 6.15.

101 Essential Disney Cruise Tips

How To Request Early or Late Dining on a Disney Cruise

When you or your travel agent first book your cruise you will be given a choice of first or second seating for dinner. Although, if you book later you may notice that the early dining time is not an option online anymore.

What if you really want early dining but only second seating is left online? You need to call Disney cruise lines directly or have your travel agent do that if you are using one.

Then you can have it noted on your booking that you want to change dining times. It is not guaranteed, but Disney always does their best.

If you get on board and find out that your dining time has not been changed then you can always try to get it moved.

There will be a designated place on the ship, which will be posted in Navigator’s, where you can ask the Head Servers to try to move your dining time.

Again, it doesn’t always work, but they will try to help.

Requests You Can Make Online for Disney Cruise Line

Firstly log in to your reservation.

On your Cruise Details page, you will find various options.

Scroll down to find this section:

When you click on the Make Special Requests Button you will be taken to this screen:

Then, click on Table Requests:

The first screen gives you the option to request a High Chair or Booster Seat.

Then if you click on the drop-down menu you get this screen:

As you see you will have the following options:

• Near a window
• In a quieter location
• Near a screen for entertainment
• At a private table
• Neat the center of the dining room

You do not seem to be able to make more than one request. So you can’t for example choose a private table, near the center of the dining room.

You have to see which request you want to prioritize and pick that one.

There are other options available as well for Dietary Preferences which takes you to this screen:

You can also add whichever celebrations you may have during your Disney Cruise:

There is also an option to request Child Amenities where you will be taken to this screen:

Disney Cruise Dining Table Size

Some people like to dine alone. Others like to be seated with strangers so they can get to know people.

Most people who do share a table say that Disney does a great job of allocating them to a group table with people with similar interests.

For instance, couples of a similar age would be seated together, and families with children of similar age also might share a table.

The Disney cruise dining table size is generally two, four, six, or eight. That is the basic table size.

So if you have a party of three you will most likely be seated on a four-top if you request that you would rather not be seated with strangers. If you have a party which is larger than eight they will put tables together up to a certain limit.

If you have a request for a particular Disney cruise dining table size you should do exactly what you do to change your seating. Request it before you sail and if that doesn’t work request it on the ship.

In the unlikely event that you are seated with people who you really don’t get on with you can ask to be moved after the first night.

It is rare, but it does happen. If you aren’t happy, Disney wants to put things right for you.

Disney Cruise Breakfast Times

Breakfast is served in one of the dining rooms and at Cabanas Buffet on all of the Disney ships, except Disney Wish where the buffet is called Marceline Market.

Disney cruise breakfast times do vary so the only reliable way to know is to look at the Cruise Navigator which you get every day – or the Disney Cruise App.

Usually, the buffet hours at Cabanas and Marceline Market for breakfast will be from around 7.30 am until 11.30 am on Days at Sea.

On port days the breakfast hours will vary depending upon what time the ship is due to arrive in port. Hours will generally be shorter on port days but may start early.

There is always one dining room on each ship which is open for an a la carte breakfast. Dining times are shorter than in Cabanas.

Disney Cruise Lunch Times

Just like breakfast, lunch will be served in Cabanas and one of the Disney cruise restaurants.

On days at sea, the buffet usually doesn’t close for that long between breakfast and dinner. The lunchtimes in Cabanas are usually 11.45 until 2 pm.

This can actually be a little annoying that the buffet closes early if you are on a port day and get back to the ship just after 2 pm. You will probably want something to eat but your choices are limited to the food options on the pool deck.

This is where we wish that Disney cruise dining times could be extended a little.

One of the restaurants will have an a la carte lunch. This is usually served from 12 pm until 1.30 pm.

Although the buffet is easy and has lots of choices, it is nice to go for a sit-down meal for lunch at least once on your cruise.

Whatever your Disney Cruise dining time you can be sure that you will never go hungry.

Even if all the restaurants are closed and you want something to eat there is always Disney Cruise Room Service !

Alison Meacham is the founder of EverythingMouse Disney Blog. For over 15 years she has shared her love of Disney Parks, Disney Cruises and Universal Orlando.  In over 30 years of Disney Travel she has spent countless months in Disney Parks and has sailed on over 45 cruises. A British native and now a United States resident she splits her time between California, Florida and the UK. And spends a serious amount of time sailing the seven seas. She helps over 200,000 people per month follow their Disney travel dreams.

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I am a mom who loves all things Disney, but especially Disney Cruises! I enjoy sharing everything I have learned and hope that it will help others plan their own vacations.

All About Dining on Disney Cruise Line

March 16, 2019 by Disney Cruise Mom 12 Comments

I recently had a request from a first-time cruiser to write a post about all of the dining options onboard, from the main dining rooms, to the adult-only restaurants, to room service, to snacks, and basically everything available to eat on the ships.  It can be a bit confusing for first-timers, especially knowing what is included in your cruise fare, what costs extra, and what you need to reserve in advance.  So, I’m going to attempt to share with you everything I know. It is a lot of information, so I am going to break the food options up by time of day: breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and all day/other . Also, unless I specifically state that there is an extra charge for something, you can assume that it is included in your cruise fare.

Cabanas is the buffet restaurant at the back of the ship on the same deck as the pools (deck 9 for Magic & Wonder, deck 11 for Fantasy & Dream).  It is usually opens around 6:15 – 7:00, and closes around 10:30-10:45.  Check the daily navigator  or the navigator app for the times on each day of your sailing as they do usually vary by day. This is the largest variety you will find for breakfast.  It is also open on the final morning of your cruise, although that fact is not well advertised and many people do not know this.  This might be a good option for people who have early dining but do not want to have to be in the main dining room at 6:45-ish for their scheduled breakfast time on the final morning (more on this later).

Room Service

Room service is available every morning of the cruise, typically from 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM, except for the final morning when you disembark.  There are not hot items available, unless you are sailing concierge.  Here is the breakfast room service menu:

You can either call and place your order that morning, or fill out a card (found in the desk drawer) and hang it on your door the night before.

It is customary to tip $1 – $2 per item for room service.  You can either use cash, or write it on the receipt and charge it to your onboard account.  However, I often find that the CM who delivers does not have the receipt handy, but I’m sure if you ask, he/she will produce it.  But, because of this, I always bring lots of $1 bills as I find it quicker and easier to use cash.

Concierge guests can order from the menu above, or from the menu of whichever main dining room is serving breakfast that day, so hot items are included as well.  However, you can only order from this menu during the hours that the dining room is open for breakfast (usually around 8:00-10:00 – check the daily navigator).

Main Dining Room

Each day except for the final morning , there is 1 main dining room open for breakfast.  Check the daily navigator for location and hours, as they vary but are usually somewhere around 8:00-10:00.  On all ships except for the Dream, this is a table service meal.  Last I heard, Enchanted Garden on the Dream still had breakfast set up as a buffet, but with table service for your drinks.  Also, note that this buffet is much, much smaller in selection than Cabanas.

On the final morning of your cruise, you will be assigned a designated time for breakfast in the same main dining room that you ate dinner in the night before. You will have the same serving team that you had for dinner the entire cruise.  The times are usually 6:45 AM for early dining, and 8:15 AM for late dining.  If you do not want to be tied down to a certain time for breakfast on your final morning, there is also a buffet in Cabanas that you can visit at your leisure.

Daisy’s De Lights on deck 9 of the Wonder and Magic is usually open in the mornings and offers things like fruit, wraps, and pastries.

Concierge Lounge

The concierge lounge is open to concierge guests (you can read all about the benefits of concierge level here ) and will have a small breakfast spread available.  They also have an amazing coffee machine so be sure to check it out.

Palo is an adult-only restaurant (ages 18+) on all 4 ships.  They offer a brunch on sea days, usually between 10:00-12:30.  I have also heard that the Dream sometimes offers it on Nassau day on the 3 night itineraries, since there is no sea day.  You can read my review of Palo brunch here .  There is an upcharge of $40 per person (which includes 1 mimosa), and you should add gratuity on top of that (you can read my post about gratuities here ).  Platinum Castaway Club members (10+ sailings) receive 1 complimentary Palo meal (brunch or dinner) per sailing and it extends to everyone in the same stateroom as the Platinum member who is at least 18 years old.  This brunch consists of both a buffet and a small menu of made-to-order items.  You must have a reservation and should reserve this online in advance of your cruise .  If you are unable to do so, you can go to the designated location on the first day of your cruise and see if they have any availability.  The time and location for Palo reservations will be noted on the front page of the daily navigator that you get while checking in at the cruise terminal.  Palo has a dress code which you can read about here .

Remy is an adult-only (18+) restaurant, only on the Dream and Fantasy, and they offer brunch on sea days as well.  Remy differs from Palo in that it is a more upscale, gourmet experience, and is a multi-course set menu with an optional champagne pairing.  Like Palo, you must have a reservation and can reserve this online before your cruise.  The cost of brunch is $75 per person (plus gratuity ) and the optional champagne pairing is an additional $30 per person.  You can read my review of Remy brunch here .  Remy has a strict dress code which you can read about here .

Triton’s on the Wonder

There is occasionally a table service brunch in Triton’s on the Disney Wonder.  I don’t know the pattern of when they offer it, but it tends to be on a sea day from about 9:00-1:00.  Check your daily navigators, and no reservation is needed.

Cabanas is open every day for lunch from about 11:30-2:00.  This is the largest lunch selection you will find on the ship.  In addition to the standard American fare, each day they have a small section that alternates through different ethnic cuisines, such as Mexican, Asian, and Indian, and possibly more.

Room service is also an option for lunch, and it is the standard all-day menu with no additional options for concierge guests:

Note that most items are no extra charge, but there is an extra charge for the following: M&Ms, salted peanuts, buttered popcorn, salted cashews, wine, beer, juices, specialty coffees, sodas (which will come in cans), and bottled water.  An automatic gratuity of 15% will be added to sodas, bottled water, and alcohol.  As mentioned earlier, it is customary to tip $1 – $2 per item for delivery.

Each ship has quick-service counters on the pool deck that open around lunch time and stay open throughout the afternoon (and some of them stay open through the dinner hours – check the daily navigator).  Options include pizza, chicken tenders, fries, hot dogs, hamburgers, wraps, fruit, salads, sandwiches, daily specials, and more.  The Magic and Wonder also have a noodle bowl station and a Shawarma (gyro) station.  Note that I have occasionally found soft pretzels (regular and cream cheese-filled) at the pizza counter on the Wonder.

There is always one main dining room open for lunch, usually around 12:00-1:30.  It is table service and reservations are not required.

Main Dining Rooms

Dinner each night is served in the three main dining rooms (names of the dining rooms vary per ship). When you book your cruise, you’ll choose either early dining or late dining , usually at 5:45 & 8:15 PM (sometimes these times are slightly adjusted on certain itineraries). You’ll be assigned a dining rotation (written on your room key) and rotate through all of the restaurants throughout your cruise. Your serving team follows you to each restaurant, so that you have the same wait staff for the entire cruise. They’ll get to know your family, your likes and dislikes, and any food allergies. You have an assigned table reserved just for you every night, so no need to arrive early or wait in line.  You might be paired with others at your assigned table, so if having a private table is important to you, be sure and call DCL (or have your travel agent do it) a few weeks before you cruise to request it.  They will try to honor it, but there are no guarantees.  If you are unable to reserve the dining time that you want prior to your cruise, you can visit a designated location after boarding the ship (location & time will be on the front page of the daily navigator that you get while checking in at the cruise terminal) and see if they can change your dining time.  Sometimes they can, sometimes they can’t. There is a dress code (loosely enforced) which you can read about here .  Also note that dinners are a multi-course meal and usually take about 1.5 – 2 hours.  If you have young children who won’t make it this long at a dinner table, you can ask your server to bring out their food ASAP, and then you can either 1) participate in the dine & play program, available during the late seating, where a counselor from the Oceaneer’s Club will walk through the dining rooms and take kids who would like to go, 2) walk your child to the Oceaneer’s Club yourself (you will only be gone about 5 minutes), or 3) for children under age 3, reserve time in the nursery (additional fee of $9 per hour, reservations required).

Palo (all 4 ships) offers dinner nightly for those ages 18+.  There is an upcharge of $40 per person, and you should add gratuity on top of that (you can read my post about gratuities here ).  There is an optional wine pairing for an additional $59 per person.  Unlike brunch, there is not a buffet at dinner.  It is an upscale, multi-course Italian meal and you make selections from a menu.  Reservations are required, and can be made online prior to your cruise or after boarding (if space is still available).  Brunch tends to fill up faster than dinner.  Remember that Palo has a dress code which you can read about here .

Remy (ages 18+) is only on the Dream and Fantasy, and is steps above Palo in terms of cuisine and service.  It is a more fine-dining experience – some compare it to Victoria & Albert’s at the Grand Floridian.  There is an upcharge of $125 per person, and you should add gratuity on top of that.  There is an optional wine pairing for an additional $105 per person.  You can read a review of the Remy dinner experience here .  Remember that there is a dress code (strictly enforced) which you can read about here .  Once again, reservations are required, and can be made online prior to your cruise or after boarding (if space is still available).

Room service is also an option for dinner.

The quick-service counters on the pool deck are an option for dinner.  However, some of them close around 6:00-6:30, so be sure and check the navigator.  There is usually 1 that stays open until 9:30-10:00 (typically the burger/hot dog/chicken tenders one), and the pizza place usually closes around 6:00/6:30 but then opens again around 9:30 and stays open until around midnight.  Once again, these hours can change daily so plan ahead and check the hours earlier in the day if you know you may want to do this option for dinner.

Cabanas is open for dinner except on the first and last nights of a cruise, usually around 6:30 – 8:30.  But, it is not a buffet like at breakfast and lunch.  It is a table-service meal and you order from a menu that typically has a few selections from what the main dining rooms are serving that night, and a few unique selection.  The menu will be posted outside the restaurant so that you can check it out beforehand.  I have heard that the menu is the same every night, though I haven’t personally confirmed this.  This was the menu on the night we dined there on the Wonder:

 They will only have a small area of tables open so that the servers don’t have to walk so far.  No reservations are required, so this could be a good option for people who don’t want to eat dinner at their assigned time in the main dining room for whatever reason.  We ate dinner here once on our Panama Canal cruise, and you can read about the experience here .  I would say that dinner here is nothing special, but an acceptable option for table-service if you can’t/don’t want to eat in the MDR, Palo, or Remy.  Worth noting is that my husband thought his steak was far better than any steak he’s had in a main dining room, as they cook it to order just steps away from you instead of being mass-produced and having to sit a while before being served.

All Day/Other

Drink Station

The Magic and Wonder have a self-serve drink station aft, near Cabanas, on deck 9.  The Dream and Fantasy have 2 drink stations, both midship, on either side of the pool on deck 11.  There are fountain drinks, water, lemonade, coffee, hot tea, milk, and half & half available.  Note that plastic lids and straws have recently been removed from the ships.  If you have young kids and need help avoiding spills, I have a post that you can read here with some ideas for items you can bring along from home to make your life easier.

All 4 ships have a soft-serve ice cream station that is usually open from around 10:30 AM to around 11:00 PM.  There are cones next to the machines, or you can go to the drink station and get a cup if that’s what you prefer.  I have noticed that the Dream and Fantasy tend to always have chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, and banana available daily, while the Magic and Wonder tend always have chocolate and vanilla, but rotate the other 2 flavors throughout the cruise.  I can recall having mango, pina colada, banana, and blueberry.

Frozone Treats/Sulley’s Sips

Next to Eye Scream on all 4 ships, you will find Frozone Treats (Fantasy, Dream & Magic) and Sulley’s Sips (Wonder).  This is a counter that sells smoothies ($4-$5 range), bottled beer, and “Dole Whips” with or without rum for an extra charge.  The reason I used quotation marks is while the sign calls them a Dole Whip, reports are that they are not the same thing the sell in the parks.  People say that these are more like a Slurpee/slushie and not actually soft-serve.

All 4 ships have the Cove Cafe, and adult-only (18+) specialty coffee shop/bar next to the Quiet Cove Pool area.  All of the drinks here are an additional charge, but there is a small case of snacks that do not cost extra.  I have always been able to help myself, but I have heard reports of there being a sign asking you to ask a barista to fill your plate.  They do offer a rewards card that allows you to get your 6th drink for free.

The Dream & Fantasy also have the Vista Cafe on deck 4 in the atrium area.  It is similar to Cove Cafe, but is not adults-only. In addition to specialty coffee & alcoholic beverages (extra charge), it also has a case of snacks that are complimentary.

Vanellope’s/Sweet on You

The Dream and Fantasy have specialty gelato/ice cream/candy/pastry shops that are an extra charge.  On the Dream, it is called Vanellope’s and you can read my post about it here .  On the Fantasy, it is called Sweet on You.  They are both located near Cabanas on deck 11.  They both sell pretty much the same things, the only real difference is the theming.

Pompidou’s Dessert Experience at Remy

Remy offers a dessert experience at 3:30 PM on certain sea days on cruises of 4+ nights.  There is an upcharge of $60 per person plus gratuity , and an optional wine pairing for an additional $25 per person.  You can reserve a spot online before your cruise .  I have done this experience and you can read my review here .  There are 6 courses of desserts, and the chef and sommelier both explain each dessert/wine before it is served.  My advice is to only eat half of each dessert served, especially if doing the wine pairing, or you will leave with an unpleasant sugar coma and will more than likely not be hungry for dinner.  Remember that Remy has a dress code that is strictly enforced.

Just outside of the Walt Disney Theater on all 4 ships is the Preludes Bar.  It offers a full bar, popcorn, candy and cookies for an extra charge.  You can purchase items at the counter, or waitstaff will be walking throughout the theater before the show so that you can purchase from your seat.  It is open every evening during show times.

Each of the 4 ships has a pub venue that is open to all ages during the day, but only open to adults after 9:00 PM (O’Gills on the Magic & Fantasy, Crown & Fin on the Wonder, Pub 687 on the Dream).  There is a small menu with appetizer items for an extra charge, such as soft pretzels, tater tots, sliders, wings, etc.

If you are sailing concierge , the concierge lounge is open all day and has a constant supply of finger-foods and snack items available, a fancy coffee machine, as well as a complimentary happy hour every day from 5:00 – 10:00 PM.

Pirate Buffet

On sailings that have a pirate night, there is typically a pirate buffet in Cabanas after the fireworks from 10:30 – 11:15 PM.  It is not well advertised and a lot of people never know about it.  It is mentioned in the daily navigator under “Late Night Snacks”, and sometimes our servers will tell us about it at dinner.  Part of me wonders if this is intentional, as the entire ship descending on Cabanas at once (and from what I understand, they only use half of the space) can create a huge crowd.  I tried to go once on our Panama Canal cruise (trip report here ), but there was such a massive crowd trying to enter that we bailed.  This particular sailing had an enormous number of gold and platinum cruisers (i.e. more people who would know about the event from past sailings), which I believe probably led to the large crowd.  Normally I have not heard of crowds being an issue.

To read my other posts about dining, click here .

March 16, 2019 at 12:17 pm

Thanks for all the great information, especially about the options outside of the evening dinner rotation schedule. Two things I would like to add: first if you are adults traveling alone (no kids) and wish adult only companionship during dinner rotations just put in a request when making your cruise reservation. We have been fortunate to have great table mates everytime we do “Disney for adults”. Although not guaranteed our request has been completed on each cruise so far ( keeping our fingers crossed for our upcoming 11 night Northern Fjords cruise) Second, some evening rotation dinning locations have dinner shows, and offer different and multiple shows in same restaurant on longer cruises. You do not find out your dinner rotation until on the ship (it’s noted on your key to the world card) as to which restaurant is what night. We enjoy the dinner shows a lot. Again thanks for your comprehensive blog. I never take a trip on a Disney cruise without checking your blogs and comments.

March 17, 2019 at 7:31 am

Dear Diana, thank you so much for such a comprehensive review! You managed to clarify all possible questions for the potential first-time travellers, and not only 🙂 While reading, it came into my mind that the second round dinner isn’t such a bad thing if there is also a dine&play option. Did I get it right that it is available only at the second seating? We’ve been assign a second round, I think because I have two teenagers and DCL is assuming they can ‘carry on longer’. I was actually about to request a change as we’ll be on a severe jet-lag. But reading now it seems that the second round with dine&play entertainment option sounds quite nice. Any suggestion on this? And thanks a million for such a helpful post!

March 17, 2019 at 4:45 pm

As far as I know, dine & play only happens during 2nd seating but it is for kids to go to the Oceaneer’s Club (ages 3-12) and it sounds like your kids are older? For me personally, the late dining works better on port days as you will not be so rushed getting ready for dinner, and it also ensures that I am truly hungry for dinner (even if I eat a big lunch) and thus I enjoy it more. But, my kids prefer early so sometimes we do that too. You just have to weight the positives and negatives for your family.

March 18, 2019 at 10:24 am

We sailed on the Fantasy in July 2018 for 7 nights and had second seating. We had heard before our cruise that counselor would come through the dining room and were on the lookout for our 7 year old son . However, we never saw any come through. One night we did take him there since he wanted to do an activity that started during dinnertime. So not sure if this is really offered and if it is we didn’t see it during our cruise.

March 18, 2019 at 12:28 pm

Hi Tricia! I have only had late dining once, and did not see counselors walk through to get kids, but I wasn’t looking for it either. I have read other trip reports that say they did, so perhaps it is inconsistent. If you cruise again, I suggest asking the kids club counselors about it during the day when you are dropping off/picking up your kids and try to get the full scoop.

March 17, 2019 at 9:26 am

Thank you for such detailed information! We have only been on 1 Disney cruise…so far. The only negative we had on the last cruise was the last morning. We had 2nd dining so had to wait to eat at our assigned restaurant. The halls were SO crowded with so many people and luggage. Do you suggest eating Cabanas the last day to avoid the crowds? Or is there another tip to avoid that craziness on our next cruise? We are sailing on the Fantasy instead of the Wonder so I’m already concerned about the larger crowds. I know you have said before you don’t like crowds either. 🙂

March 17, 2019 at 12:08 pm

Hi Andrea! I think a good way to avoid crowds on the final morning would be to leave your luggage in your room and go to Cabanas. I have only done this once, but Cabanas was nearly empty. Just make sure you will be done and back to your room by around 8:00 as that is when they want your stuff out of your room (unless you are able to bring your stuff to Cabanas with you without too much trouble). As far as the atrium area and avoiding crowds there, I would think that leaving around 8:00-8:30 there would be smaller crowds (though I haven’t personally tried it). I have always left the ship as early as possible (for flight reasons) and there are so, so many people waiting to leave the ship right when they open the doors around 7:30. If you can, give those crowds some time to die down first.

March 17, 2019 at 1:32 pm

I agree, do express walk off (you take your own bags) and go to early breakfast at Cabanas. We’ve done it no problems, even met our steward in hall on way and told him we would be back before “out” time. Going back to room before leaving gives you one more chance to attend to needs before leaving the ship and miss the mass exit when the doors open.

November 10, 2021 at 10:45 am

Can concierge guests have room service from rapunzel’s table, animators palate and luminaries restaurant. Please answer ASAP

November 10, 2021 at 11:22 am

Before covid, this was available in come of the concierge rooms – only the one bedroom suites, two bedroom suites, and royal suites. It was not available in the concierge family staterooms. However, I do not know if they are currently doing this post-Covid.

November 10, 2021 at 10:57 am

Can concierge guests request an private table at rapunzel’s royal table. And have table in Rapunzel’s Royal Table was right in front of the stage. Please answer ASAP

November 10, 2021 at 11:20 am

Yes, you can make both of those requests and they will try to grant them but they do not guarantee it.

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Food on Disney Cruise Line: A Dining Guide

Discover the culinary adventure that awaits you with this comprehensive guide to food on Disney Cruise Line. Disney cruises offer an array of dining experiences and restaurants for every palate. This guide will help you navigate the ins and outs of dining onboard, from understanding the unique rotational dining system to exploring the specialty dining options. You’ll also get a peek into the magic of Disney’s character dining experiences. So, whether you’re a food connoisseur or a family looking for fun-filled meals, get ready to discover the delicious world of food on Disney cruises.

Prefer to Speak with Someone? Vacationeers are Standing By!

Cost of Food on Disney Cruises – What’s Included, What’s Not

Before we dive into the specifics of the Disney Cruise Line food options, it’s essential to clarify what’s included in your fare. Here’s a rundown:

• Main Dining Rooms : Meals at the main dining restaurants (such as Animator’s Palate, Enchanted Garden, and Royal Court) are included.
• Quick-Service Dining : Food from quick-service (casual) spots like Flo’s V8 Cafe, Duck-In Diner, and Eye Scream is included.
• Buffet Dining : Meals at buffet-style dining venues like Cabanas are included.
• Character Breakfasts : These breakfasts are free, but tickets must be obtained in advance.
• Room Service : Most items on the room service menu are complimentary, but note that gratuity is not included.
• Snacks : Free snacks are available throughout the day at various locations on the ship.
• Most Non-Alcoholic Drinks : Complimentary soft drinks, milk, tea, water, and coffee are available at beverage stations and most restaurants.

Unlimited sodas and juices are included in your cruise cost, no drink package necessary!

Not Included:

• Specialty Dining : Meals at adult-exclusive dining venues like Palo, Remy, and Enchanté come at an additional cost. The same goes for Royal Court’s Royal Tea.
• Alcoholic Beverages and Specialty Drinks : Soft drinks are free at the beverage station, but alcoholic beverages, smoothies, and specialty coffees are not.
• Snacks at Preludes : Snacks and beverages at Preludes, located near the ship’s theaters, are not included.

Your Disney Cruise fare includes a wide selection of delicious meals that cater to all tastes. However, you have the choice to enhance your dining experience with premium options available for an extra charge. It’s entirely up to you whether to stick with the inclusive options or add charges to your stateroom account.

Keep in mind, though, that gratuities are not included in the cost of a Disney cruise, and this applies to both the included and extra-cost meals.

Types of Dining Experiences on Disney Cruise Line

A Disney cruise offers a variety of dining options to suit every taste, from gourmet foodies to fussy eaters. Here are the main types of dining experiences you’ll encounter on a Disney cruise.

Rotational Dining on Disney Cruises

Disney Cruise Line’s Rotational Dining introduces a novel approach to dining, blending variety with familiarity. My wife and I are big fans of this system, as it brings a delightful element of surprise to our meals.

In the Rotational Dining system, you’ll visit three main dining restaurants during your cruise, changing the venue each night . This rotation lets you appreciate the unique ambiance, theme, and menu of each restaurant, ensuring that you experience them all.

You don’t need to make a reservation for the nightly dinner service — you simply pick a dining time when you book your cruise. You’ll select either early/main dining (usually around 5:45 PM), or late/second dining (typically around 8:00 PM). As you board the ship, you’ll receive a dining rotation that shows which restaurant you’re assigned to for each night of the cruise.

One of the standout features of this system is the consistent service. Your serving team travels with you from restaurant to restaurant, quickly becoming familiar with your personal preferences, dietary requirements, and even your favorite dessert, leading to a truly personalized dining experience.

Here’s a glimpse into the dining rotation on each ship:

• On Disney Magic , the rotation includes Lumiere’s, Animator’s Palate, and Rapunzel’s Royal Table.
• The Disney Wonder features Triton’s, Animator’s Palate, and Tiana’s Place.
• On Disney Dream , you’ll experience Royal Palace, Animator’s Palate, and Enchanted Garden.
• Disney Fantasy also includes Royal Court and Animator’s Palate but with the Enchanted Garden as the third venue.
• And finally, Disney Wish introduces Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure, Worlds of Marvel, and 1923.

Every meal becomes a highlight of the day, bringing the excitement of a new setting combined with the comfort of familiar faces in our serving team. For my wife and I, the variety offered by Rotational Dining transforms each meal into its own unique adventure.

Buffet Dining

Disney Cruise Line’s buffet dining options, like Cabanas on four Disney ships and the new Marceline Market on Disney Wish, offer a casual, diverse culinary experience. Both buffet venues feature an extensive selection of dishes for breakfast and lunch in a free-flowing dining environment, allowing guests to enjoy a variety of dishes at their leisure.

At Cabanas , guests can start their day with a classic American breakfast featuring made-to-order omelets, scrambled eggs, sausages, and Mickey-shaped waffles. Lunch transitions into contemporary favorites like salads, soups, burgers, sandwiches, steak, chicken, seafood, and pizza. Vegetarian options and a kid-friendly menu are also available.

Cabanas’ décor is designed to evoke the relaxed ambiance of a beach boardwalk, complete with sweeping sea views through floor-to-ceiling windows and on an outdoor patio. The nautical-themed setting is enhanced with a stunning 30-foot-long mosaic depicting a scene from Pixar’s Finding Nemo.

Disney Wish enhances the buffet experience with Marceline Market , a unique venue housing a series of themed food stations. Inspired by international marketplaces, the restaurant offers a wide range of international dishes, including Italian staples, Asian specialties, comfort food, and seafood specialties.

Dining at the buffet is included in your Disney cruise fare and offers flexibility to suit every schedule. However, because operating hours and offerings vary from day to day, please check the daily schedule.

Specialty Dining

Disney Cruise Line’s specialty dining options are perfect for guests seeking an upscale, intimate culinary experience. These adult-exclusive venues – Palo, Remy, and Enchanté – do require an extra fee and reservations, but they provide an unforgettable culinary experience.

• Palo , available across all ships, offers Northern Italian cuisine in a sophisticated setting. The menu features a wide range of antipasti, handcrafted pasta, seafood, and delectable desserts, paired with a comprehensive wine list. Palo is my personal favorite, consistently impressing me with its atmosphere and cuisine. On the Disney Wish, Palo is enhanced as Palo Steakhouse , offering not only Italian favorites but also prime beef choices such as Australian wagyu and Japanese Kobe/Miyazaki.
• Remy – found on Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy – delivers a superb French menu inspired by Disney and Pixar’s Ratatouille. My wife, Jaimie, is a huge fan of Remy — the impeccable service, the menu bursting with flavors, and the overall culinary experience are exceptional.
• On the Disney Wish, Enchanté takes luxury dining up a notch. The adults-only spot serves incredible food in a stunning setting with a menu designed by a three-Michelin-starred chef.

Palo Steakhouse – Disney Wish

The specialty dining venues on Disney cruises offer a peaceful, adult-only escape amidst the bustling cruise activities. They provide an opportunity for a relaxed, romantic meal. Exceptional service, thoughtful theming, and gourmet cuisine set these dining experiences apart on any Disney cruise. Speaking from personal experience, my wife and I believe these extraordinary moments justify the additional expense and the need to dress up just a bit.

Find the Perfect Disney Cruise and Save with The Vacationeer

Do you have questions about dining on Disney Cruise Line? Are you ready to receive a free quote or book your trip? The Vacationeer is here to assist you!

The Vacationeer , an elite Diamond-Level Authorized Disney Vacation Planner Agency, boasts years of experience and exceptional customer service for Disney Cruise Line vacations.

Your dedicated Vacationeer will handle every aspect of your cruise. After selecting your itinerary, they’ll ensure every detail is booked correctly and at the best price . With their expertise, your cruise will be tailored to your preferences, maximizing both land and sea activities.

Beyond planning activities, they will assist in tailoring your dining plans . They’ll help you choose the perfect restaurants for your family and make dining reservations for specialty and premium dining experiences. They will also work with Disney to customize your meals if you have specific dietary needs or requests, such as food allergies or a vegan diet. Relax while they handle everything!

Furthermore, The Vacationeer offers complimentary Disney cruise onboard credit as a booking bonus, which you can use to cover extras beyond your cruise fare. It’s essentially free money to spend on your cruise!

Another fantastic advantage is that The Vacationeer ‘s services are free of charge . There is no catch – they are genuinely free!

Collaborating with an experienced Disney travel agent makes sense for everyone, but especially for those new to Disney cruises . Don’t hesitate to contact The Vacationeer today for your free instant quote !

Quick Service Dining

Whether you’re craving a snack between meals or just a casual bite to eat, Disney Cruise Line offers a variety of quick-service dining options. These conveniently located dining spots are scattered across the pool deck and other areas of the ship, serving a range of food and beverages throughout the day.

The options range from classic comfort food like burgers, hot dogs, and pizza to healthier choices like fresh salads, wraps, and sandwiches. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, catching a movie under the stars, or simply looking for a snack to tide you over until dinner, quick-service dining offers a convenient and informal option that won’t interrupt your day’s activities.

Image © Disney

For instance, on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, you can grab a quick bite at Flo’s Café , a Cars-themed quick service location offering American classics. On the Disney Magic, you’ll find the Duck-In Diner serving up delicious meals poolside. Pinocchio’s Pizzeria, a beloved feature on Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, delivers hot, fresh pizza throughout the day. On the Disney Wish, the Mickey and Friends Festival of Foods offers a selection of quick bites.

Quick-service dining is included in your Disney cruise fare, ensuring a wide selection of options for everyone in your party at no additional cost.

Character Dining Experiences

One of the unique aspects of a Disney cruise is the opportunity to dine with beloved Disney characters . These special dining events provide magical moments for kids and kids-at-heart alike.

Some of the main dining rooms offer some character interaction during dinner. For example, Louie makes appearances at Tiana’s Place on the Disney Wonder, and the Frozen dining experience on Disney Wish features all the primary characters from the films.

Arendelle – a Frozen Dining Adventure, onboard the Disney Wish

Character breakfasts may be offered on cruises of seven nights or longer and offer the chance to pose for photos and get autographs from characters dressed in the cruise attire . It’s the perfect way to kick off your cruise day and one of the many reasons why Disney Cruise Line enjoys a reputation as the best cruise line for kids .

Additionally, the Royal Court Royal Tea Party (available for an additional fee on all ships except the Disney Wish) is a grand affair where young guests are treated like royalty . Accompanied by select Disney Princesses, guests enjoy tea, sandwiches, and pastries, along with storytelling and song performances.

The Vacationeer can provide more information about these special dining experiences.

Themed Dining Events

Disney Cruise Line takes themed dining to a whole new level with their unique dining events. These include Pirate Night , a swashbuckling celebration featuring a special menu and a grand deck party, and Frozen-themed dining on select sailings, where guests can savor Nordic-inspired dishes while interacting with beloved characters from the film.

On Marvel Day at Sea and Pixar Day at Sea sailings, guests can enjoy special themed menus inspired by their favorite movies. These dining events, complete with character appearances and entertainment, add another layer of magic to the Disney cruise experience.

In addition to meals, Disney Cruise Line offers a variety of snacks throughout the day. You can satisfy any mid-day or late-night craving with a variety of sweets and savory options.

One popular spot for a sweet treat is Eye Scream Treats , a self-service frozen dessert station where you can enjoy a (free!) swirled cone of soft-serve ice cream in various flavors. For those desiring a pastry or a caffeine kick, the adults-only Cove Café provides specialty coffees and assorted pastries.

Guests aboard Disney Dream can visit Vanellope’s Sweets & Treats , offering a delightful mix of candies, gelato, and baked goods inspired by the Wreck-It Ralph movies. On the Disney Fantasy, Sweet on You caters to guests’ sweet tooth with its handcrafted gelato, ice cream, chocolates, and an extensive selection of candies.

These snack locations are perfect for moments when a small treat is just what’s needed to satiate a sweet tooth or tide you over until the next meal. It’s important to note that while many snack options are included in your cruise fare, some items, particularly those from Vanellope’s Sweets & Treats and Sweet on You, carry an additional charge.

Room Service

Disney Cruise Line offers 24-hour complimentary room service , allowing guests to enjoy a meal or snack in the comfort of their stateroom. The room service menu features a variety of options, including sandwiches, salads, burgers, desserts, and a selection of beverages. Be sure to try the  All Hands On Deck cheese/cracker/fruit plate — it’s a repeat cruiser favorite!

You will need to pay a bit extra if you want canned sodas, specialty drinks, or prepackaged candies.

Whether you’re craving a midnight snack or prefer breakfast in bed, Disney’s room service has you covered. However, note that while the food is complimentary, gratuities for the delivery personnel are customary and not included in your cruise fare.

Lounges and Bars

Disney Cruise Line boasts a diverse range of bars and lounges catering to various moods and occasions. From refined champagne bars to dynamic sports pubs and relaxing pool bars, there’s an ideal spot for everyone.

Certain venues like Crown and Fin and O’Gills not only offer an extensive beverage selection but also provide light snacks or small-plate food options, enhancing your night out.

For those favoring an alfresco experience, pool deck bars such as Currents and Waves are perfect for a cocktail or cold beer paired with a selection of snacks.

Pink Wine & Champagne Bar (Disney Dream)

Each Disney ship hosts a unique nightlife district, offering themed bars and lounges. For example, the Europa district on Disney Fantasy, with its European-inspired venues, offers a variety of specialty drinks and bite-sized foods.

Disney Cruise Line’s bars and lounges extend beyond relaxation and socialization; they deliver a culinary adventure with finely crafted drinks and delightful snacks amidst a magical Disney setting. Note that while many drink options are included in your cruise fare, some specialty beverages and foods may incur additional charges.

Food at Disney Cruise Line Destinations: A Tasting Tour

Disney Cruise Line’s itineraries do more than just transport guests to some of the world’s most captivating and scenic destinations; they also offer a passport to discover unique flavors and culinary traditions from across the globe. As a result of the diverse food options available at these destinations, dining becomes an adventure, allowing guests to experience local culture through their food.

Castaway Cay

Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, is a tropical paradise with great food as well. Included in your cruise fare are meals at two island dining venues, Cookie’s BBQ and Cookie’s Too BBQ , which serve a mouthwatering spread of BBQ ribs, burgers, grilled chicken, hot dogs, fresh salads, and soft-serve ice cream.

Adults searching for a serene and relaxed dining environment can head over to Serenity Bay BBQ . This adults-only location provides the same tantalizing menu in a tranquil setting. It’s a location my wife, Jaimie, and I particularly enjoy.

Should you wish to indulge a bit more, various island bars serve a selection of tropical cocktails and beer for an additional fee.

Whether you’re savoring your meal with your toes in the sand or enjoying a fruity drink at the adults-only Serenity Bay, Castaway Cay offers a delicious taste of the tropics. See our Castaway Cay Tips page for more information.

Caribbean itineraries offer a chance to taste a medley of cuisines influenced by African, European, and Amerindian traditions. Local food vendors at various ports of call might serve up dishes like jerk chicken in Jamaica, roti in Barbados, or conch fritters in the Bahamas. If your itinerary includes a stop in Mexico, take advantage of the chance to savor authentic tacos or enchiladas.

Mediterranean

Disney’s European cruises introduce guests to a wide range of culinary traditions, especially in the Mediterranean. In Italy, you might enjoy a classic pasta dish or a slice of authentic Neapolitan pizza. In Greece, sample the traditional moussaka or a gyro filled with succulent meat and fresh tzatziki. If your cruise stops in Spain, don’t miss the chance to try paella or tapas.

Other Food Experiences on Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line also offers Port Adventures in many locations that include food tastings or cooking demonstrations, allowing guests the opportunity to learn more about the local cuisine and culture.

While dining onboard Disney Cruise Line is an experience to remember, the culinary adventures continue at each unique port of call. From local restaurants and food stalls to Disney’s very own Castaway Cay and forthcoming Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point , there’s a world of flavors waiting to be discovered on your Disney Cruise Line journey.

Special Diets and Allergies on Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line is committed to offering a wide variety of culinary options that cater to passengers with food allergies and special diets. They understand the importance of providing delicious, safe meal options for all guests, regardless of dietary restrictions or preferences.

Each dining venue on the ship features diverse menu options, many of which are suitable for vegetarians, vegans, and those with food allergies or intolerances. Guests with special dietary needs can expect to find a variety of tasty dishes, from fresh salads and grilled vegetables to unique plant-based entrees.

Disney Cruise Line menus accommodate a range of dietary requirements, including gluten-free, lactose-free, Kosher, Halal, and more. However, to ensure a seamless dining experience, guests are encouraged to communicate any food allergies or special dietary needs at the time of booking. This information is then shared with the onboard team to prepare and handle your meals with utmost care.

A Disney Travel Agent from The Vacationeer can be a helpful resource in managing this process. They can assist in notifying Disney Cruise Line of any dietary needs ahead of your sailing, ensuring your dining experience is worry-free and enjoyable. Remember, the key is to communicate your needs in advance, and Disney will do its best to accommodate you.

Have questions about food on Disney cruises? Need help with a special diet?

List of Dining and Snack Locations on Disney Cruise Ships

A Disney cruise is more than just a journey at sea – it’s a culinary experience filled with savory delights. Each ship in the Disney fleet offers distinctive dining options, each presenting its own distinct theme and cuisine. We have reviewed the broad categories of dining options, which include rotational, buffet, and specialty restaurants, as well as quick service and snack options available on every Disney cruise ship.

Now, let’s take a closer look into what each of the five Disney cruise ships specifically has to offer. We’ll provide a brief description of the dining and snack locations you can expect to find on each ship. Note that this isn’t a comprehensive list, and dining locations and menus are subject to change. However, it will give you a good sense of the main dining and snack spots you’ll find aboard Disney cruise ships.

For further information on any of these locations or to book your reservations at any of the specialty restaurants, feel free to contact The Vacationeer .

Disney Magic: Food on Cruise Ships

Disney Magic , the first ship in Disney Cruise Line’s fleet, offers an unforgettable dining experience. Here’s a glimpse of the dining venues onboard:

Rotational Dining:

• Animator’s Palate serves global cuisine in a magical environment filled with sketches, animations, and color changes.
• Lumiere’s , the main dining room, offers a variety of dishes with a French flair inspired by Beauty and the Beast.
• Rapunzel’s Royal Table provides a character dining experience with a menu inspired by German cuisine, as guests enjoy live entertainment featuring characters from Tangled.
• Cabanas serves a variety of foods in a buffet style for breakfast and lunch and casual table-service dining for dinner, all in a beach-themed setting.

Specialty Dining (Adults Exclusive):

• Palo offers Northern Italian cuisine and a selection of wines in an intimate, adults-only setting with panoramic sea views.

Quick Service (Casual):

• Pinocchio’s Pizzeria offers freshly made pizzas throughout the day, making it a great option for a quick bite by the pool.
• Daisy’s De-Lites offers healthy options like salads, sandwiches, smoothies, and fruits, a great choice for guests looking for lighter fare.
• The Duck-In Diner serves hot dogs, hamburgers, and chicken tenders near the pool on Deck 9.

Character Dining:

• Rapunzel’s Royal Table : (see above)

Snacks/Dessert:

• Eye Scream Treats and Frozone Treats are quick-service locations offering a variety of ice creams and frozen desserts for guests to enjoy.
• Cove Café , an adults-only café, offers specialty coffees, teas, pastries, and snacks.
• Preludes , located near the Walt Disney Theatre, serves refreshments and snacks before shows and during intermissions.
• O’Gills Pub is a traditional Irish bar offering a variety of beers and specialty cocktails, along with a selection of pub-style light bites and snacks.
• Promenade Lounge offers cocktails, coffee, and snacks in a family-friendly environment, with various board games and activities.

Room Service:

• Room Service is also available for guests who prefer to dine in the comfort of their Disney Cruise Line staterooms .

Disney Wonder: Food on Cruise Ships

Disney Wonder , one of the classic ships of Disney Cruise Line, provides a wide variety of dining experiences that encapsulate the magic of Disney. Here is a list of the dining venues onboard:

• Tiana’s Place is where Southern-style cuisine meets live jazz music, immersing guests in Princess Tiana’s enchanting world.
• Animator’s Palate enchants diners with its dinner show, where Disney animation springs to life amidst a menu of international culinary delights.
• Triton’s provides an elegant setting inspired by Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” and serves American cuisine for breakfast and lunch, while the dinner menu features continental French cuisine.
• Cabanas is your go-to for casual dining, serving a variety of market-style food selections accompanied by stunning sea views.
• Palo , an adults-only retreat, pampers guests with Northern Italian cuisine and a selection of fine wines, all set against panoramic sea views.
• Daisy’s De-Lites and Pete’s Boiler Bites are two pool deck quick-service dining locations offering a variety of lunch and snack options.
• Pinocchio’s Pizzeria is a haven for pizza lovers, serving freshly made pizzas throughout the day.
• Tiana’s Place (see above)
• Eye Scream Treats is your destination for soft-serve ice cream and other frozen delights.
• Preludes provides snacks and beverages during live show performances and movies in the Walt Disney Theatre.
• Cove Café , an adults-only location, serves up specialty coffees, mixed drinks, and baked goods.
• The Crown and Fin , a sports pub-themed lounge, provides a full bar in the evening.
• Room Service is on hand 24/7, delivering a variety of snacks, meals, and beverages to your stateroom.

Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy: Food on Cruise Ships

Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy , sister ships in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, provide an array of dining options that blend culinary artistry with Disney’s unique touch of magic.

• Animator’s Palate is a dining venue that celebrates the magic of Disney animation with a menu of global culinary delights.
• Enchanted Garden provides a beautiful, Versailles-inspired setting with a globally influenced menu.
• Royal Court (Disney Fantasy only) is a princess-themed dining experience that serves French cuisine. The décor pays homage to Disney’s classic princess films, creating a grand ballroom ambiance.
• Royal Palace (Disney Dream only), inspired by timeless Disney classics such as Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty, is designed to transport guests into a majestic grand ballroom. Here, diners can indulge in a selection of elegant French and Continental dishes.
• Cabanas is your destination for buffet-style breakfast and lunch and casual table-service dining for dinner, all in a beach setting.
• Remy delivers the most luxurious dining experience onboard, serving French-inspired dishes crafted by award-winning chefs in an adults-only setting.
• Palo is an adults-only dining location that offers Northern Italian cuisine and a selection of fine wines.
• Flo’s V8 Cafe is a quick-service dining spot, drawing inspiration from the hit Disney Pixar movie “Cars,” offering a variety of American classics perfect for a speedy meal or snack.
• Animator’s Palate (see above)
• Frozone Treats and Eye Scream Treats serve a variety of refreshing smoothies and soft-serve ice cream.
• Preludes serves snacks and beverages at the Walt Disney Theatre during live shows and movies.
• Cove Café is an adults-only location offering specialty coffees, mixed drinks, and baked goods.
• Senses Juice Bar provides a variety of healthy smoothies and fruit juices in the fitness area.
• Vanellope’s Sweets & Treats (Disney Dream only) is an ice cream and candy shop inspired by the film “Wreck-IT Ralph,” serving a variety of sweet treats to satisfy sugar cravings.
• Sweet on You (Disney Fantasy only) offers ice cream and sweets inspired by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse.

Bars/Lounges:

• O’Gills Pub (Disney Fantasy only), an authentic Irish bar, delights guests with its assortment of beers, unique cocktails, and light pub fare.
• Pub 687 (Disney Dream only), a contemporary sports bar with live matches and comfy seating. Open to everyone during the day, and adults only at night.
• Skyline provides scenic views of iconic city skylines around the world. Thanks to a little Disney magic, the view changes to a different city every fifteen minutes!
• Meridian Lounge is the perfect spot for a cocktail before or after dinner at Palo or Remy.
• Pink (Disney Dream) and Ooh-La-La (Disney Fantasy) focus on the bubbly side of things, featuring private-label Tattinger champagne created and bottled exclusively for these locations.
• Room Service is available 24/7, offering a variety of meals, snacks, and beverages to enjoy in your stateroom.

Disney Wish: Food on Cruise Ships

As the newest and best Disney cruise ship , the Disney Wish is a food lover’s paradise. Here’s a snapshot of the dining offerings onboard:

• Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure serves Nordic-inspired cuisine in an immersive Frozen-themed setting with live entertainment.
• Worlds of Marvel is the first Marvel cinematic dining adventure offering an interactive mission alongside a menu inspired by the Marvel universe.
• 1923 serves California-inspired dishes in a classy atmosphere, celebrating the year The Walt Disney Company was founded.
• Marceline Market is a new casual dining concept featuring a variety of food stations inspired by international marketplaces.
• Enchanté provides a luxurious dining experience in a romantic, adults-only setting, serving a menu crafted by a three-Michelin-starred chef.
• Palo Steakhouse combines an upscale dining experience with high-quality steaks, seafood, and Northern Italian cuisine.
• Mickey and Friends Festival of Foods features an array of quick-service options inspired by Disney’s iconic characters.
• Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure (see above)
• The Bayou delivers a Princess and the Frog-inspired New Orleans atmosphere complete with southern-style cocktails and beignets (New Orleans-style French pastries coated with powdered sugar).
• Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge combines a traditional bar with intergalactic travel thanks to giant widescreen “windows” showing views of planets and ships from Star Wars canon.
• Joyful Sweets and Wheezy’s Freezies are quick-service locations offering a variety of ice creams and frozen desserts.

Conclusion: Food on Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line’s array of dining options significantly enriches your voyage. With a variety of eateries available on each ship in the fleet, there’s something to cater to every taste, preference, and occasion.

From high-end gourmet venues to casual snacks featuring both international and home-style cuisines, every dining spot provides a unique touch of Disney magic. Whether you’re seeking an elegant, adults-only dinner, a memorable character dining adventure, or a quick poolside bite, the options are virtually limitless.

Additionally, the culinary journey extends beyond the ship itself, with exciting opportunities to explore diverse local flavors at various ports of call. Sampling local cuisines at your destinations adds another layer of cultural immersion to your cruise experience.

To ensure you make the most of this gastronomic adventure, consider discussing your dining preferences and plans with a Disney travel agent before booking your cruise.

Book Your Disney Cruise with The Vacationeer

Questions about your Disney Cruise? Ready to book? We recommend reaching out to The Vacationeer !

As an esteemed Diamond-Level Authorized Disney Vacation Planner Agency, they know everything there is to know about Disney Cruise Line. Their passionate team of Disney fans and expert vacation planners bring years of experience to guide you through the booking process, answer any questions, and ensure you receive the lowest prices and best deals .

Whether you need advice on how to save on Disney Cruises , information about Florida Resident Discounts for Disney Cruise Line , or help finding Disney cruises departing from Florida like Port Canaveral , Miami , or Fort Lauderdale , The Vacationeer has you covered. They can also help you find Disney cruises from Galveston , San Diego , New Orleans , New York , or overseas.

The Vacationeer doesn’t just stop at booking your cruise. They also handle all your reservations , including dining reservations, ensuring a stress-free experience. Moreover, they provide onboard credit as a booking bonus and offer the convenience of working with only one dedicated Vacationeer travel planner from start to finish.

They will also assist in making your dining experiences on Disney Cruise Line unforgettable. Your dedicated Vacationeer will help you select the best restaurants for your group and liaise with Disney Cruise Line to accommodate any special dietary needs or food allergies.

The best part? All these comprehensive, personalized services provided by The Vacationeer are completely free . So, reach out to The Vacationeer for a free, no-obligation quote, and let them transform your dream Disney Cruise into a reality!

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Dining Review of Cabanas on the Disney Wonder

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Welcome to Cabanas on the Disney Wonder!

I recently experienced the vacation of a lifetime aboard a Disney Wonder cruise to Alaska . Onboard my family experienced fun character greetings, wonderful stage shows, interactive family fun, and a lot of food!

The entrance to Cabanas

Disney Cruise Line feature a rotational dining service which means you will be eating at different table service restaurants at dinner. For breakfast and lunch, you are free to try a table service restaurant, room service, or the bountiful buffet at Cabanas.

Ample indoor seating

Cabanas became my family’s go-to choice for breakfast and lunch. Located on the 9th deck, which also features the pool and several fast food options (as well as soft-serve ice cream) it features ample seating both inside and on deck. Hours of operation varied from day to day. It seemed to depend upon what time the ship arrived in each port.

Mural depicting playful otters

We first enjoyed Cabanas for lunch on our embarkation day. The first thing I noticed was subtle differences from its sister restaurant aboard the Wonder. The décor was slightly different. Here, pretty murals depicting sea life from Disney films decorated the walls.

Salads for lunch

For lunch, we were treated to a large variety of options. Hot and cold salads, sliced meats, cheeses, fresh fruit and vegetables tempted us. Protein choices were abundant, from poultry to meat to seafood. Since this is an Alaskan cruise, both salmon and peel-and-eat shrimp were offered pretty much every day.

Tempting desserts

For dessert, we could choose from small portions of cheesecake, bowls of fresh fruit, pumpkin pie, chocolate mousse, carrot cake – just about any sweet you could think of. And since each portion was small, we felt no guilt about trying more than one!

A delicious lunch

We noticed that every two days, different options were swapped out. One day there was grilled turkey breast; the next, grilled chicken. One day the fish of the day was halibut; the next, salmon. Certain items, such as the peel-and-eat shrimp and salads, seemed to be available all week. The next time we enjoyed Cabanas, it was for breakfast. Once again, the choices were almost staggering. Every day there was creamy scrambled eggs, either plain or with add-ins. This rotated between tomato and bacon, ham and cheese, and my favorite, smoked salmon and fresh chives.

Breakfast options

Hashbrowns, oatmeal, sausage and bacon were always offered. Fresh fruit was consistent throughout the cruise: whole apples and bananas as well as cubed pineapple, watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew melon. A couple of people in our party took apples and bananas with them for snacks later or to eat in the cabin if we woke up earlier than Cabanas was open.

Look at that cute mini Mickey waffle!

British guests (and Anglophiles like me who enjoy full English breakfasts) will appreciate the addition of grilled tomatoes, baked beans and sauteed mushrooms. And would it be a Disney cruise without adorable little mini Mickey waffles? Methinks not.

Drink dispensers

There are a few drink dispensers inside of Cabanas as well as some outside the restaurant. The ones outside are available all day and all night. These dispense soda, juices, water and coffee. A note to coffee lovers: This coffee is weak. I found myself falling asleep in a chair on our first day at sea because my coffee was not strong enough. If you like strong coffee, pay for a real cup at one of the lounges or bars throughout the ship or do what I did and drink two cups of the coffee-scented hot water at Cabanas. Despite the weak coffee, we all loved Cabanas. There is enough variety here that everyone in your party – from the pickiest kid to the most adventurous eater – will find something yummy to eat for both breakfast and lunch. And since it’s a buffet that is included in the price of your cruise, go ahead and try something you wouldn’t ordinarily eat. If you don’t like it, just go back to the buffet and get yourself an old favorite!

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Disney Wonder Cruising: 2023 Restaurant Guide

By Lisa Gilmore 1 Comment

Disney Cruises have a lot to offer, like letting you experience the magic of Disney while sailing around to different locations!

Disney Fantasy

You can find exclusive entertainment , special themed days at sea , holiday celebrations , attractions , and more. There is also a lot of exclusive dining available ! If you’re planning a Disney cruise, the dining options are an important thing to consider, since it’s not like you can just order from DoorDash if you’re not feeling the options! So, let’s take a look at ALL of the dining available on the Disney Wonder !

Rotational Dining

All of the Disney Cruise ships have Rotational Dining , which means that guests on board rotate between three main table service restaurants for dinner during their cruise. The wait staff also rotates with the restaurants! Guests do not HAVE to eat at the restaurants included in Rotational Dining, but other dinner spots not included in the rotation will cost you extra money.

Disney Wonder

Let’s break down all of the restaurants included in Rotational Dining on the Disney Fantasy!

Tiana’s Place (Table Service; Rotational Dining)

Tiana’s Place is inspired by  The Princess and the Frog with live jazz music and a festive atmosphere.

Tiana’s Place on Disney Wonder

The menu includes Louisiana-inspired Creole and Cajun eats . You can get shrimp jambalaya, gumbo, Cajun-spiced seabass, among other entrées.

Triton’s (Table Service; Rotational Dining)

This restaurant is named after Ariel’s father from  The Little Mermaid . Breakfast and lunch options include dishes like scrambled eggs, hash browns, chicken, and North Atlantic whitefish .

Triton’s

Dinner is a four-course meal with appetizers (like duck confit or French onion soup), entrées (like lobster macaroni, lamb shank, and roasted duck breast) and dessert.

Triton’s on the Disney Wonder Cruise Ship

Nothing quite like dining on elegant seafood cuisine while sailing the high seas.

Animator’s Palate (Table Service; Rotational Dining)

The Animator’s Palate restaurant is, obviously, all about Disney animation. The dining room shows hand-drawn designs from artists and  guests can even watch an “innovative dinner show that celebrates the art of storytelling” while they eat.

Animator’s Palate on the Disney Dream

The food here is a fusion of eats from the Pacific Islands, Asia, and California . For appetizers, you can choose from things like s moked salmon tartare, sliced Serrano ham, black truffle pasta purseittes , and a tomato tarte , or you could get things like creamy butternut squash soup, baked potato and cheddar cheese soup, arugula leaves, or a chicken and walnut salad .

Black Truffle Pasta Purseittes

Entrees include things like pe nnette bolognese, grilled tuna steak, lemon-thyme marinated all-natural chicken breast, herb-crusted pork chop, and  ginger-teriyaki dusted angus beef tenderloin . There are some vegetarian options as well.

Ginder-Teriyaki dusted Angus Beef Tenderloin

And, for dessert, you can get things like their signature le mon icebox pie , or the c runchy walnut cake, chocolate fudge cheesecake, cookies ‘n cream sundae, or  warm sticky date pudding .

Inside the restaurant

Also, if you’re 21 or over, you can pay an extra fee to pair your entrée with a wine from the available extensive wine list.

Check out our REVIEW of Animator’s Palate right here!

Now, let’s talk about Palo . This is an adults-only table service restaurant with a semi-formal dress code . This is one of the spots that isn’t included in the price of your cruise, so you can eat here for an extra cost. Brunch or dinner  is  $45 per person .

Palo Brunch

Brunch includes things like  eggs, soups, waffles and pancakes, pizzas, and entrees . Many of these feature an Italian flair, so you’ll find things on the dinner menu like Lasagna Bolognese and Calzones, along with steak, fish, pasta, and more .

Entrées available for dinner include Italian dishes like butternut agnolotti, seared sea scallops on celery root puree, and piquant dover sole (which is fileted table side).

FULL REVIEW of Palo Brunch on Disney Cruise Line

Pete’s boiler bites (quick service).

Pete’s Boiler Bites serves traditional American food that you can grab fast.

You can choose from various burgers, tacos, hot dogs , and more

Cabanas (Buffet)

Cruise ships are known for having buffet-style options that are available almost all the time, so that you can grab a bite on your schedule!

Breakfast at Cabanas

You will find 10 food stations serving up a variety of lunch and breakfast foods here.

Daisy’s De-Lites (Quick Service)

Daisy’s De-Lites is for anyone looking for a healthier snack between meals.

Other Dining Options

There are several other dining options on the ship, like quick service spots, bars, and lounges. For quick service spots, you can check out Sweet on You , which has all kinds of sweet treats,  Senses Juice Bar , which is a juice bar near the spa.

Other quick service spots include  Preludes, the snack stand located outside the Walt Disney Theatre and  Eye Scream Treats , which has  a selection of soft-serve ice cream flavors .

French Quarter Lounge  (adults only after nightfall): This spot is themed after the French Quarter in New Orleans, with wrought iron details and imagery from Disney’s Princess and the Frog . You can listen to live music while you snack on beignets and drink specialty beverages at this location.

Crown & Fin Pub  (adults only after nightfall): The Crown & Fin looks like a classic British pub with leather furniture and a red tin ceiling. There are nods to Disney movies set in England like Peter Pan and 101 Dalmatians . The bar has lager and ale, including more than 14 beers on tap . You can also choose a glass of wine or a cocktail .

Crown & Fin Pub

Cadillac Lounge  (adults only after nightfall): The Cadillac Lounge reminds us of the swanky 1950s cars , with chrome accents and vinyl-covered barstools. This spot has a live piano performer and guest vocalists . You can order from a full bar here, with selections of beer, cocktails, champagne, and wine .

Cadillac Lounge

Azure (adults only after nightfall): This lounge has a subtle ocean theme , with decor that’s patterned after shells, coral, and other ocean life. This spot serves beer, wine, and cocktails . Some of their recommendations include the Azure (Kissui vodka, sparkling MIO sake, Patrón Citrónge, lime juice, guava juice) and Elderbubble (Absolut Raspberri, St-Germain Elderflower liqueur and Moët & Chandon Imperial).

Other Lounges: Aside from these lounges, you can also find the Cove Café , D Lounge , and Signals lounges on the Disney Wonder.

Finally, there is one more dining experience aboard the Disney Wonder. The Royal Court Royal Tea   is a special dining experience where kids ages 3 to 12 can have a tea party with Disney princesses . The party includes entertainment, a selection of herbal teas, and a two-course meal — one course is sweet and the other is savory.

Cinderella Greets Guests During the Royal Court Royal Tea || ©Disney

This experience is  $220 each for children and $69 for the adults who go with them. It also requires advanced reservations. Each child will receive a special gift. The princess-themed gifts include a jewelry box, link bracelet, necklace with charms, a Cinderella doll, autograph book with pen, and a tiara. And the knight-themed gifts include a Royal Court cinch bag, sword and shield, pins, autograph book, and Duffy the Disney Bear plush.

Lady Chamomile Brings the Royal Court Royal Tea to Life || ©Disney

That’s an overview of all of the dining available on the Disney Wonder! We hope this helps give you an idea of all of your dining options on board so you can plan your trip. If you have any questions, please let us know!!

For more on Disney Cruise Line, check out   everything that’s included with your Disney Cruise  and the best times to book your Disney Cruise .

Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney news and updates.

Click here to see an overview of every Disney Cruise Line restaurant!

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Disney Wonder , Deck 9 Aft

The breakfast and lunch buffets would be competitive with many Las Vegas resorts, and includes about as wide a variety of items as you’ll find anywhere. Breakfast includes everything from fruit, yogurt and oatmeal, to doughnuts, lox and custom-made omelets. Even cold cereal has options – besides the usual corn flakes and granola, there’s a “build your own” muesli bar where you can add ingredients ranging from brown sugar to exotic dried fruits. Don’t worry if you skipped dessert last night – you can get several at breakfast here. We haven’t asked, but we’d bet hard cash that the staff would make you filet mignon if you asked nicely.

Lunch is a similarly lavish spread, including everything from chicken tenders, sandwiches and hamburgers to salmon steaks and pasta. A big draw at lunch is the peel-and-eat shrimp bar, usually complimented with clams, oysters or crab legs.

Dinner entrees usually include chicken, fish, steak, and vegetarian options. We recommend Cabanas for dinner at sunset on longer cruises, as an alternative to dining a second time at one of the main restaurants.

Setting and Atmosphere

Enter Cabanas from either side of Deck 9 Aft, the options are the same both ways. On either side is a line of buffet tables which run the length of the restaurant. Indoor and outdoor seating arranged around the buffet. The indoor seating is air-conditioned and includes floor-to-ceiling windows affording excellent ocean views. Outdoor seating is great on mornings when the ship is docking, since you’re sometimes able to watch the port come in to view. Large, murals line the walls and display pirate and fish icons. Coffee, soft drinks, juices and water are served from dispensers placed at regular intervals throughout the restaurant.

House Specialties

Breakfast features the usual buffet staples: fruit, cereals, eggs, waffles, bacon, sausages and pastries. Lunch includes soups, salads, sandwiches and burgers, plus a couple of alternative offerings such as pasta or fish. Cabana's lunches are loosely themed each day with “Italian,” “Asian,” and “Seafood” as examples of your offerings. The fact that it’s possible to make it through a meal and not realize the cuisine until well into it (“hey, this seems to be ‘Italian!’”) gives you an example of how loose the theming is. The dinner menu features selections from the main dining rooms, as well as some basic chicken and steak entrees, so there’ll be something to everyone’s liking available.

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Talk to me about lunch on embarkation day

• Thread starter sadiecatie
• Start date Mar 21, 2023

DIS Veteran

• Mar 21, 2023

I’m seeing multiple posts with questions about which MDRs are open for lunch on which ships, and I’m just curious - what are your opinions on the food offerings on embarkation day? Do you love Cabanas/Marcelina Market on embarkation day, or avoid it? Are the pool deck quick service options open too? What are your embarkation day dining strategies/preferences?  

• Mar 22, 2023

I avoid Cabanas and do the sit down lunch. The menu isn't overly exciting but the empanadas are wonderful and I feel like being waited on gives me a great start to the holiday. Cabanas always seemed manic when I ventured up there on the first few cruises and the sit down lunch just feels more "holiday" like  

Bad experiences with lines at Cabanas truly depends on when you show up. If you arrive just when open boarding as been called, you can get a long line. However, if you take a while to get there or if you are there immediately after boarding in the first few groups, you might not wait more than a few seconds to start getting food from the stations. When not sailing Concierge, we truly prefer the buffet. We’ll get plenty of opportunities during the cruise to get waited on. There are plenty of varied options, so everyone can get the lunch they prefer - plenty of peel-of shrimps for me - without having to navigate the pool deck with food.  

CaptainMarvel

Earning my ears.

Cabanas. Yes, it’s busy but I’ll get plenty of chances to have sit down meals and we’re starving by the time we get on the boat. Like the variety of options and we have very little carryon luggage with us. I view pool side as an afternoon snack and not a meal.  

Disney_David

Mouseketeer.

I only have one cruise under my belt, so take this with a grain of salt. We did Marceline. I wanted to spend less time at lunch, more time exploring. I was very pleasantly surprised by the options and quality and we ended up taking our time. There were no/very short lines. I’ll try the sit down lunch on the next cruise to switch it up. However, I was not impressed with the food or the speed of service at the 1923 lunch. My strategy would be to go where I prefer the food. Twice!  

I love getting on the ship and going straight up to Cabanas, chaos and all. The selection is amazing (at least it has been in the past but I haven't cruised since 2019), and we generally have little trouble finding a table. However, if you have a large group, I would recommend finding your table first before going to the buffet. We learned that the hard way after walking around looking for each other with our plates of food!  

We're a go to the sit-down restaurant kind of family (whether it is just 3 of us or the extended family (12 of us)). With younger children, and the rush of the morning, I just want someone to bring me food. Plus, I really like the empanadas and they typically have a fun 'welcome aboard' drink. DS can be picky too, but he loves the adult pasta on that menu, so it means he won't be eating pizza for at least one meal! Usually when we're finishing up, rooms are just about open, so we go down there, drop off our stuff and then do a combo of explore-unpack-visit the kid's club open house-unpack, etc.  

scrappinginontario

We are Canadian and sail in February so we want the sun and fresh air! We go to Cabanas! We take our luggage to a table outside at the back of the ship then hit a line towards the back of cabanas. Generally shorter lines there.  

<3 Pink sugar heart attack! <3

How do you find the menu for embarkation lunch on your cruise?  

Princesca said: How do you find the menu for embarkation lunch on your cruise? Click to expand...

jalapeno_pretzel

We like to board late and be able to go straight to our room rather than dragging around our carry-ons. Then we order some room service and open up a couple of the beers we pre-order.  

A lot of it depends on when we board the ship. If our staterooms are not ready and I'm hauling around a backpack, I'm definitely going to a sit-down restaurant. If I'm able to drop my bag in my stateroom, I might go to Cabanas/Marcelline Market. There's definitely more selection, and at that time (post 1:30-2:00), it's probably not as busy. If I'm not very hungry, I'm also more likely to go to the buffet since I can get smaller portions. On our recent Wish cruise (Jan 30), we were staying with friends in Tampa, and we all drove there. Had to leave at 7 am so by the time we boarded just after noon, we were starving and all had our carry-ons with us. We went to Arendelle for the sit-down lunch. If I wasn't as hungry, I probably could have just ordered a couple of the appetizers/soup/salad, but we were hungry, and the sirloin was delicious. So although there are fewer options than Marcelline Market, it worked out perfectly for us. We lingered for a little while, then wandered the ship for a bit, so there wasn't too much time we needed to wait to get to our rooms afterwards.  

scoobysgirl

We took the Disney bus to the ship from the Orlando airport, so they handled the luggage for us and we didn't need to worry about that...shades of Magical Express, our luggage landed safely outside our stateroom door...so nice. Anyway, our concierge lunch was at 1923 and it was a very nice way to start the cruise. We really enjoyed ourselves and our waiter was outstanding. When we go back in October definitely the sitdown lunch.  

Only been on one crew so far, but what we did as we went to the sit down lunch, as did my pre-research and knew about it, and it was quite enjoyable.  

Ralph&Pam

Clearly it's personal preference! I personally like the buffet but we've travelled a couple times with friends who will only do the sit down so we've gotten into that habit. the sit down always feels a little heavy to me for lunch but I do like the lower chaos level. Our last cruise was on the Wish - I had heard great things about the pool deck options so we did that and it was great.  

DisneyPiPhi

Ralph&Pam said: DW has to eat gluten free. On our first couple of cruises, we learned that seeking out assistance with food selection/preparation at the buffet on the first day is way too much trouble. Ever since, we’ve been sit-down, MDR lunch people. We each have our favorites, and it’s a bonus that I avoid the temptation to overindulge at my first meal onboard. Plenty of opportunities for that later in the cruise . Click to expand...

We are definitely Cabanas people! We have eaten there for all of our cruises. 3 of us cannot go without our peel and eat shrimp and crab, and the other one is a VERY picky eater. We just did our last cruise in concierge for the first time, and we really struggled with taking advantage of the special lunch or our usual start to our cruise...Cabanas won out. It just would not have felt right to not start where we always do. No regrets!  

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Marceline Market

Ship Locations

Experience Type

The Disney Cruise Line Blog

An unofficial disney cruise line news, information, weather, and photo blog..

Disney Wish Marceline Market Breakfast and Lunch Offerings

Named for Walt Disney’s early childhood hometown in Missouri, Marceline Market is slightly different than Cabanas as it is a food hall inspired by popular marketplaces around the world. Within Marceline Market you will find some standard fare along with specials which change up to offer more variety. The majority of seating is indoors with a small outside seating area aft for an alfresco dining experience.

Overall, Marceline Market includes 10 food stalls and a café-style beverage bar in the center near the entrance. During our time onboard this was popular stop for guests as it is an ideal location to order specialty coffees or a cocktail. Marceline Market was designed as an old industrial loft converted into a marketplace, but with a some unique Disney design twists. Throughout the marketplace, there are local proprietors for the various areas with each station inspired by a Disney animated film such as Tangled, Ratatouille, Alice in Wonderland, and Zootopia.

One of the huge improvements over Cabanas on the other ships is the expansive hand washing area at the entrance. Each station has easy access to soap, paper towels, and a trash bin.

There is a variety of options available with cuisines for the whole family, including American classics, international specialties, comfort foods, seafood, soups and salads, vegetarian and plant-based fare, baked goods, and desserts.

Marceline Market is a casual, walk-around dining experience for breakfast and lunch, according to a press release, table-service dining will be offered at dinnertime with entrees cooked to order. However, I either did not notice this offering, or it was not available during the our two sailings.

Marceline Market Café

Marceline Market Breakfast

A sampling of breakfast selections at Marceline Market.

Marceline Market Lunch

A sampling of lunch selections available at Marceline Market followed at the end with a walkthrough video.

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17 Replies to “Disney Wish Marceline Market Breakfast and Lunch Offerings”

No churro Mickey waffles at breakfast?!

How is this any different than Cabanas? Because they serve you? Everything I am seeing looks just like a standard buffet. I get the food stall concept, but not how that translates to anything different.

The food quality is leaps and bounds better than what you find at Cabanas. Sure, it’s served in a similar manner, but it’s a better quality meal that what you’d get at Cabanas on the other ships

I haven’t been onboard yet – my cruise is Aug 29. I think with the “food stalls” it looks like it might be easier to pop in and out of line than on other ships. But that remains to be seen I guess.

What time does breakfast and lunch start on the Marceline Market

Breakfast on a sea day was 7:00a to 10:45a.

Thanks, Scott for the conversations over the past few days, much appreciated!

As a frequent visitor to your blog it was nice to meet you in person. Greatly appreciate your willingness to take time out of your cruise to talk with a random stranger.

As mentioned, I have followed your blog for the past decade, and your posts and information provided has been of much value to me and many others I am sure. Thanks again for the great work, and keeping all of us current with the latest Disney Cruise Line info.

Alan, Pleasure to meet you and I enjoyed our conversations.

As they have the coffee bar, do they still offer the included filter coffee from machines ?

Yes, coffee is available at the drink stations in Marceline Market and the pool deck near Festival of Foods.

Do they serve eggs Benedict ?

Yes, eggs Benedict were available.

Is there a place to eat outside aft within the market, or just outside along the pool areas? Thank you for your helpful info and posts!

Thank you for your helpful posts and updates! Is there a place within the market to eat outdoors, or do you need to leave the market and go along the pool areas to eat outside? Thnx!

There is an aft outdoor seating area similar to Cabanas.

Do they offer dinner service off the menu yet at Marceline?

Marceline Market has not been open for dinner service, except for a rare occurrence when embarkation was delayed into the evening.

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After decades of success making families smile and laugh at its theme parks, Disney dipped its toes into the world of cruising in 1998. Disney didn’t just copy another cruise line’s model for success or slap its name on the side of an existing ship. It created its own brand of cruising.

Disney went so far into charting its own path as to get special approval from the U.S. Coast Guard for its ships’ lifeboats to be yellow instead of regulation orange, to tie into the colors of Mickey himself — black, red, white and yellow.

Now, Disney Cruise Line has five ships sailing in those signature colors, along with three more on order. In a normal year, those five ships take tens of thousands of families on sailings to the Caribbean , Mexico, Alaska, Europe, Bermuda, Bahamas, through the Panama Canal and even to Australia and New Zealand.

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Having sailed four of Disney Cruise Line’s five ships, I can say the experience is indeed special — especially if you have kids. But Disney’s not a one-trick cruise line that’s only good for one age group. It offers kids clubs and activities to suit babies through teens and has several adults-only areas of the ship . Its newest ship, Disney Wish , provides more cool spaces for adults than any previous vessel.

Disney’s attention to detail transfers to its voyages on the sea. But unlike at the Disney theme parks, which can be a bit complicated to navigate, long lines and complex strategies are rarely a part of the Disney cruise experience.

Get the free planning help of a Disney vacation planner via TPG’s partner, Mouse Counselors .

What TPG loves about Disney Cruise Line

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What we could do without

• Disney cruises are expensive.
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Disney Cruise Line fleet

While Disney may be a household name, Disney Cruise Line is actually a small line. It currently sails just five ships, compared to 27 at its family-friendly competitor Royal Caribbean .

Of the five, two are smaller ships, and three are larger.

The largest ships in Disney’s fleet are Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, at 1,115 feet long and 14 decks high, and Disney Wish , at 1,119 feet and 15 decks high.

These three ships each have a passenger capacity of 4,000 people spread out across approximately 1,250 cabins. The overwhelming majority of cabins on these ships have an ocean view or private verandah, with only 10%-12% being windowless inside cabins. (On its oldest four ships, these interior rooms have a “magical porthole” that displays a live feed from outside to replicate a window.)

Disney Treasure , expected to join the fleet in 2024, will be in the same larger Triton class of ships as Disney Wish.

Disney Wish is currently a workhorse of short three- and four-night sailings from Port Canaveral , Florida, to the Bahamas, home to Disney’s private island , Castaway Cay.

Disney Fantasy often sails weeklong cruises out of Florida. With the addition of Disney Wish to the fleet, Disney Dream now spends its summer across the Atlantic, offering European cruises from May to September, then spending much of the rest of the year based out of Fort Lauderdale.

The smaller two ships in the Disney Cruise Line fleet are Disney Wonder and the line’s first ship, Disney Magic .

These two ships are 984 feet long and 11 decks high, and each has the capacity for 2,713 passengers across 875 staterooms. On these two smaller ships, 70% of passenger cabins have ocean views or verandahs.

Disney Wonder is often on the move and currently splits its time among Alaska , the South Pacific, Hawaii, California, Mexico and beyond. Disney Magic spends part of its year based out of Galveston, Texas, or New Orleans and much of the rest based out of Fort Lauderdale and Miami.

Related: Best destinations you can sail to on a Disney cruise

Disney Cruise Line destinations and itineraries

Disney Cruise Line has about 370 annual departures scheduled that range from two- to 15-night sailings. Many new-to-Disney itineraries have recently become available as the line is adding new ships for the first time in a decade.

Disney Cruise Line destinations include:

• New Zealand
• Pacific Coast
• South Pacific

Disney Wish has, by far, the highest number of annual sailings, with 105 three- and four-night cruises departing from Port Canaveral to the Bahamas. These sailings all go to Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay; some also stop in Nassau, Bahamas.

Some Disney cruises do what’s called a “double dip” and make two stops at the private island, where you can step ashore without leaving the Disney bubble.

Pro tip: If you go to Castaway Cay, rent a bike for a little exercise and a self-guided tour of the island. Or, you can run the at-your-pace 5K that morning around the island.

Coming in summer 2024 , Disney will have a second exclusive beach destination in the Bahamas — Lighthouse Point.

This won’t be an entire private island like Castaway Cay, but it will be an exclusive beachfront space designed for Disney Cruise Line with many similar offerings to Castaway. Disney Magic, Disney Wonder and Disney Fantasy will call on this new destination for the first time in 2024.

Related: Best tips and tricks for sailing with Disney Cruise Line

Who sails Disney Cruise Line?

Let’s start with the obvious: Families love Disney Cruise Line.

The ultimate sweet spot for taking a Disney cruise starts when a child is at least 3 years old and potty trained (the criteria that get them into the included kids clubs) and lasts until they outgrow their love of Disney characters. Remember, Disney now includes the “Star Wars” and Marvel brands and offers themed cruises featuring those characters, too.

A Disney cruise costs more than a similar cruise on a line like Royal Caribbean , so it’s easiest to justify the expense when your kids love Disney the most.

So, yes, the stereotype that Disney Cruise Line is full of families is 100% correct.

You’ll see many families with kids in those preschool, elementary and middle school years. But you’ll also see families with little babies (the minimum age is 6 months on most sailings, 1 year on Panama Canal and transatlantic sailings), tweens, teens, college-age kids and even grandparents who have made a Disney cruise an enjoyable multigenerational travel tradition.

Related: Comparing Disney, Carnival and Royal Caribbean cruises for families

You’ll also see cruisers who love Disney regardless of age and are proud to wear their Mickey ears while hearing the first seven notes of the “When You Wish Upon a Star” melody blown from the ship’s massive horn.

Just like you don’t need kids to have a great time at Disney World or Disneyland, you can happily cruise as adults without offspring on Disney Cruise Line. All the ships have active adults-only sun decks, pool and lounges. Disney Wish especially invested in its adult offerings with an infinity pool, along with more bars spread around the ship instead of being clustered into one main area.

Disney Cruise Line cabins and suites

At a basic level, Disney Cruise Line offers five main types of cabins across the fleet. In its simplified version, the types of cabins on a Disney cruise include:

• Windowless inside cabins
• Ocean-view cabins
• Verandah cabins (with private balconies)
• Verandah cabins with concierge service
• Suites with concierge service

These cabins start at 169 square feet for a standard inside cabin and go up to a two-story, 1,966-square-foot Tower Suite on Disney Wish .

Unless you are OK with the smallest space on the ship or have a budget for the largest, the sweet spot for price and comfort on Disney Cruise Line vessels is probably the cabins that are around 204 square feet and usually come with a queen bed, single sleeper sofa and upper-berth pull-down bed and a split bath.

This split bathroom situation places a sink and the shower/tub combo in one bathroom and the toilet and another sink in the other. Each has its own separate door, so someone could use the toilet/sink room while another takes a shower, all in private and at the same time.

You’ll find this cabin layout within the Deluxe Inside Staterooms, Deluxe Oceanview Staterooms and Deluxe Oceanview Staterooms with Verandah categories.

The Deluxe Family Oceanview Staterooms and Deluxe Family Oceanview Staterooms with Verandah add about 40 more square feet to the equation. If you want the largest within those room categories, search for rooms that can hold five people on the Disney Cruise Line website.

Pro tip: You can ask your cabin host for cartoon bedding for the kid’s bed if you think your child will be excited to come back from dinner to one of their Disney favorites.

You can connect many of the cabins on the ship , which is often a much more economical solution for a family looking for more sleeping space (and bathrooms) than upgrading to a multibedroom suite. Roughly speaking, a family of four will pay about 50% more for two cabins than they will for everyone to stay in one cabin of the same size.

Related: 7 nights. 4 people. 1 cruise ship cabin. Can we survive?

If you are going all-out on a particular trip, or are simply working with a larger budget, Disney concierge suites are special.

The smallest available room with this service is the Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah, which isn’t all that different from the Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah, other than the included concierge service. From there, you can go up to the one- or two-bedroom suites.

Be prepared for sticker shock, though, as these suites will almost certainly be near or over five figures on many sailings.

While pricey, Disney concierge service eliminates almost all of the potential pain points of a Disney cruise (not that there are many pain points to begin with).

Disney concierge service gets you access to the Disney Concierge Lounge, which has food offerings multiple times per day and a fully stocked fridge with sodas, juices and bottles of water.

In the evenings, you’ll find included beer, wine and spirits in the lounge — which you can also take with you as you head out to dinner or to enjoy the view from the deck.

The Concierge Lounge also has its own private deck, and Disney characters have been known to make a private appearance there during the cruise. (Don’t worry, you’ll get a heads-up.)

Related: Is Disney Cruise Line concierge service worth it?

You also have your own check-in area at the port and are among the first to board the ship, which can mean extra time to enjoy having the waterslides to yourself. At the end of the cruise, you can have a private elevator that takes you down to be some of the first off the ship — which should protect you from a long line to say goodbye.

There are other perks of the concierge level, too, such as early front-row seating at shows, included popcorn and the ability to submit your request for meal reservations at Palo or Remy, cabanas on Castaway Cay, spa treatments, character meet-and-greets or whatever else you wish before other guests. These can be made for you starting 120 days before your sailing, which is before all other guests except those with the highest elite status tier in the Castaway Club .

Passengers on their first Disney cruise don’t get to make those reservations until 75 days out if they aren’t in the concierge level. The reality is the hottest items are often booked up by then, especially on shorter cruises when there’s less time to do everything.

Those in the concierge level in one-bedroom suites and higher can also order room service from the restaurants to their cabin, which means you can have a hot breakfast on your verandah if you wish instead of the regular continental options available to most guests.

If you are on the fence about concierge service, it’s arguably most valuable when you are on a shorter cruise, have some specific popular must-have items on your reservation wish list or want someone else to take care of everything. You can also inquire about discounted upgrades at the port, assuming rooms are left unsold on your voyage.

Pro tip: Regardless of your cabin, bring magnetic Mickey or nautical-themed decor for the entrance, as most of the cabin doors are magnetic. Decorating is a fun tradition on a Disney cruise.

Related: Review of sailing in a suite with Disney concierge service 

Disney Cruise Line restaurants and dining options

You will not go hungry on a Disney cruise. From room service to evening dinners, meals are (mostly) all included.

Rotational dining

On each Disney ship, three main dining rooms serve as dinner restaurants that participate in rotational dining. Each ship has its own lineup of themed rotational restaurants, but the concept remains the same on each.

Each night, your tablemates and servers will move from one restaurant to the next as a team. This way, the servers get to know that you always want to start with a glass of red wine, or your kids’ food needs to come ASAP so you can take them to the kids club as soon as they finish, or (in my case) your daughter wants a side of barbecue sauce with … everything.

You must choose between an early and a late dinner time, with your showtime opposite your dining time. Some restaurants, such as Animator’s Palate, are found on multiple ships, while others are unique to one ship, such as Tiana’s Place on Disney Wonder and all of the rotational restaurants found on Disney Wish .

Included restaurants on Disney Magic

• Animator’s Palate
• Rapunzel’s Royal Table

Included restaurants on Disney Wonder

• Tiana’s Place

Included restaurants on Disney Dream

• Enchanted Garden
• Royal Palace

Included restaurants on Disney Fantasy

• Royal Court

Included restaurants on Disney Wish

• Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure
• Worlds of Marvel

At these restaurants, you can order whatever you want on the menu at no extra charge, with a few exceptions (for example, alcohol and specialty drinks cost extra).

While many guests dress up a bit for dinner (compared to their afternoon pool deck attire), most stay relatively casual for the rotational dining restaurants. Disney does not impose a specific dress-up requirement.

Disney cruise ships offer many other dining options beyond the three included themed restaurants — most included, some not.

Room service

Room service is mostly free (other than sodas or alcohol), though the menu is limited if you aren’t staying in a concierge-level cabin. Still, it’s free room service, so I’m not one to complain.

Pro tip: Fill the breakfast card out the night before and hang it on your stateroom to get breakfast exactly when you want it the next morning.

And you haven’t lived until your kids learn how to call and order free Mickey ice cream bars to the cabin … every night (just be sure and add a tip).

Buffet and grab-and-go

Your Disney cruise will also include a buffet known as Cabanas on the original four ships and Marceline Market on Disney Wish. The buffet is usually open for breakfast and lunch, though not in the evening hours.

In addition to the buffet, a few grab-and-go quick-service restaurants on the pool deck serve salads, chili, pizza, barbecue and more, depending on which ship you’re sailing.

Don’t miss these options, as some are quite good. They are typically open from late morning until later into the evening.

Room service, the buffet and the on-deck food counter dining options don’t cost extra and are available to you in addition to or instead of your rotational dining.

You’ll also find included ice cream on one of the upper decks. A pro-level hack is to get Mickey churro waffles from the buffet in the morning (only available some mornings) and add vanilla ice cream for a vacation-worthy breakfast.

Extra-cost, adults-only restaurants

At the top of the “costs extra” list are the restaurants Palo (found on all five ships, though it’s Palo Steakhouse on Disney Wish), Remy (on Dream and Fantasy) and Enchante (only on Disney Wish).

Remy is a fancy adults-only French restaurant that costs $125 per person for dinner (more if you order drinks). This is the type of place where men need jackets and women are expected to wear dresses, pantsuits or a skirt and blouse. Enchante on Disney Wish is similar — you’re dressing up for these meals.

Palo is also fancy, though a notch less fancy than Remy. You’ll see jackets and dresses in Palo, but you can also get by with nice jeans if you want. This adults-only restaurant serves Northern Italian fare and starts at about $45 per person for a multicourse brunch or dinner, though you can also order a la carte for dinner, which could cost more or less, depending on your order.

I can say with 100% certainty that if you enjoy a nice meal, this is worth the extra $45 once during your cruise . From the breadbasket to the dessert, it’s all amazing. You’ll gain 5 pounds, but you won’t regret a bite.

These reservations are hard to get, especially for brunch, so you’ll want to make them the second you are eligible and keep checking back for cancellations if you miss out the first time.

Coffee shops and snack shops

On a Disney cruise, the snacks and pastries you’ll see in the coffee shop or kiosk are all included, but the specialty coffee will cost extra. Drink prices are roughly similar to Starbucks, if not a notch lower. Be sure and ask for the Cafe Fanatic card if you’re a regular, as your sixth drink will be free.

In addition to the included soft-serve ice cream and Mickey bars available via room service, your ship may have some shops with extra-fee ice cream. This can confuse kids, so I want to warn you beforehand. On Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy and Disney Wish, you’ll find an ice cream shop stuffed with candies, gelato and ice cream — all for an extra charge.

Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy also have a juice bar that costs extra.

The exact bars will vary by vessel, but you can expect spots like a wine and Champagne bar, a pub, a laid-back lounge and a bar with live entertainment.

These bars are a lot of fun and are not to be missed if you like live music or a nice drink at the end of the day. Keep an eye out in your app for when and where the happy hours are on board if you want to save a few dollars on your drinks. Some bars also offer a sommelier bin where you get a nice glass of wine at a discounted price — as long as you put the bartender in charge of choosing your drink.

Some of the drink-tasting classes that you book in advance can be a good value if you’re a fan of the drink on offer and are interested in learning a little bit while you sip. You’ll want to book these before sailing, as many do sell out.

Food on Castaway Cay

If your cruise takes you to Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, you’re in luck, as there’s plenty of included food to eat there, too.

Just like on board, some of the food on Castaway is included, while alcohol and specialty drinks are not. The Cookie’s and Cookie’s Too lunch shacks on the island are both included, so load up on hot dogs, barbecue, hamburgers, fries and all the fixings. Vegetarian options are available.

While the food options here are somewhat basic, they still make for a fun and free meal.

Entertainment and activities on a Disney cruise

A valid reason to want to sail with Disney is the onboard fun that awaits — especially for those who love Disney characters and stories.

Theaters and shows

Each Disney cruise ship features two theaters. In the massive Walt Disney Theatre, you’ll enjoy Broadway-caliber evening shows such as “Beauty and the Beast,” “Frozen,” “Tangled,” “Disney Dreams,” “The Golden Mickeys” and more. If you want a good seat, arrive about 30 minutes early since seating is first come, first served.

The Buena Vista Theatre screens first-run Disney films. These will be the same films still showing in theaters on land. If you happen to be at sea when a new Disney movie premieres on land, you’ll also get that same first look at sea.

Pirate Night is a staple on many Disney cruises in the Caribbean. On that themed night, expect everyone to be dressed in their pirate-y best for the evening, so pack accordingly. Your dinner will also have a pirate theme, followed by a fun show up on deck, complete with fireworks.

Pro tip: If you plan to stay up late for Pirate Night, try to work in a nap that afternoon so you don’t miss out on the nighttime fun.

Game shows, karaoke, bingo and more

The extensive lineup of interactive game shows, trivia, karaoke, dance parties, bingo and more listed in the Disney cruise app are worth checking out. Some of these are adults-only, while others are fun for the whole family. Most are included in the price of the cruise, though bingo does cost extra — and you could win real money.

Other interior attractions and activities

Meeting Disney characters is a fun part of a Disney cruise.

You can make reservations to meet the popular princesses, but most characters are easy to walk up to and meet via a short line. Or, even better, you often see them roaming about the ship at unexpected times.

You can work off some of those treats and drinks at the onboard fitness center on each ship.

The Senses Spa & Salon is a full-service spa with everything from massages to pedicures and hair care. Promotions are available if you book more than one treatment. If you have a Disney Visa card , you can also save 20% on select onboard services.

Pro tip: The showers in this part of the ship are full-size, in case you are getting a bit claustrophobic in the shower in your cabin.

If you like getting away to relax, look at purchasing access to the Rainforest Room for heated stone loungers, aromatherapy showers and even hot tubs on the larger ships. You can buy a one-day or full-cruise pass to this area of the spa, but get a tour first as the layout and inclusions in this space vary dramatically from ship to ship.

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

Little cruisers can be transformed into a princess or pirate at sea at the onboard Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, which does themed kid makeovers and sells costumes as part of the package. You’ll need an appointment; expect to pay $100 to $200 for most packages.

This is a fun thing to do before meeting a princess, before a more formal night or anytime you want to see a huge smile on your kid’s face. If you have a princess dress or outfit from home you want to use or reuse, you can purchase a cheaper package at Bibbidi Bobbidi.

Decktop attractions

Waterslides.

All of Disney Cruise Line’s ships have some kind of waterslide on board.

The AquaDuck waterslide on Dream and Fantasy takes riders in single or double tubes 765 feet from Deck 12 up and down, through the forward funnel and on a four-deck drop. It’s pretty epic. AquaMouse on Disney Wish is also an inner tube-based ride and is not to be missed.

These lines can get long, so I recommend riding first thing when you board if the port is warm enough. Nighttime rides usually have short waits, too.

Disney Magic has the most thrilling waterslide in the fleet, called AquaDunk, and Disney Wonder has its own waterslide in the AquaLab splash area.

Each Disney ship has multiple pools, though if you’ve never been on a cruise, you may be initially shocked at how small they are — and how busy they can get.

As with the waterslides, we recommend enjoying these first thing when you board if you want to try them without crowds. Otherwise, you won’t find so many people in the pools on port days, early in the morning and right before dinner. There are thousands of people on the ship and only a few small pools, so plan accordingly.

Each ship has a pool and hot tub area for adults 18 and up. It can also get busy, but typically less busy than the family area. Select ships also offer an in-pool bar area for adults.

The adult sun deck is a nice place to grab a chair and relax, even if you have no intention of getting in the water.

Splash pads

Your little one has to be potty trained to use the onboard pools. The option for those still in swim diapers is some splash areas, such as Nemo’s Reef and Dory’s Reef.

Sports deck

If you want to be more active, head to your ship’s sports deck to play basketball, foosball, miniature golf and more. You may even have some sports simulator options beyond your traditional in-person fun.

Children’s programs

As a parent, my favorite part of a Disney cruise might be the included kids programs that children actually want to attend. If the kids are happy for a few hours, the parents can actually relax, too.

Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab for children ages 3–12

All five Disney ships have amazing spaces for kids in the 3-to-12-year-old range in the Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab.

Here you’ll find video games, an indoor slide, fun programs and games with the staff, arts and crafts, surprise character visits and more. Your kids need to be potty trained to stay in this club, so use that as motivation for a kid approaching 3 years old before your next cruise.

Your kids don’t need an appointment to pop in here; they can come anytime from open to close — and the club stays open pretty late.

Parents can stay with kids and play during open hours on the first day and select times on other dates, but most of the time, the Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab are kids-only. Your kids will check in and out by scanning a special MagicBand that also tracks where they are within the kids clubs.

Disney Wish has the added perk in the kids club of a slide that takes the kids straight from the main atrium and into the fun.

Know that once your child turns 8, you have the option of giving them self-checkout privileges. While kids up to 12 are welcome in the main Oceaneer Club, they may start moving up to the tween club by the time they are 10 years old.

Edge tween club for children ages 11–14

When your kid outgrows the fun in the main kids club, don’t worry. Edge is waiting just upstairs.

Technically, Edge is for kids ages 11-14, but you can get your 10-year-old in with permission — and once they figure that out, it’s probably all over for the “little kid club.”

Edge is a much smaller space, but tweens have tons of fun playing video games, having dance parties, doing crafts, playing trivia games and more with their newfound cruise friends.

This club does not utilize parent sign-in and -out, so you need to trust your kid if they are coming to Edge. If your 10-to-12-year-old child visits Edge, they can also play at the Oceaneer Lab and Oceaneer Club, so they have options.

Vibe teen club for children ages 14–17

Get ready to be jealous of this one. On Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, the teen club has its own set of small pools at the front of the ship.

Inside all versions of the teen club, Vibe, you’ll find a tech-friendly world with loungers, dance parties, smoothies and other teen-approved fun. Some of the coolest inside space on Disney cruise ships is dedicated to teens ages 14-17, but you can request for your child to attend this club starting at 13 years old.

‘It’s a small world’ nursery for children 6 months to 3 years old

While the three previously mentioned kids clubs are free and do not require reservations, the nursery operates differently. You will need to make reservations, and the fee is $4.50 per half-hour for the first child and $4 per half-hour for each additional child.

What to know before you go

Required documents.

The specific documents you will need will vary by cruise destination. Having a passport is always a good idea, but it’s not technically required on all Disney cruises. For example, round-trip cruises originating in Port Canaveral, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Galveston, San Diego, New Orleans, New York and San Juan, Puerto Rico, often do not require a passport.

Passports, when required, must be valid for at least six months. For cruises from international ports, you’ll need a passport. Note that it is important that the name on your reservation be exactly as it is stated on your passport or other official proof of nationality.

Related: Tips for getting a child’s passport

Disney Cruise Line adds a service gratuity of $14.50 per person per day to final bills. If you are unhappy with the service you receive, you can lower this amount. Of course, you can visit guest services and adjust it upward, too.

To give an idea of the cost, a four-person family on a four-night cruise would pay $232 in recommended tips. The amount is split among your team of dining room servers who quickly learned your kids’ preferences for dinner and your cabin hosts who made your room look like magic while you were out enjoying yourself.

An 18% gratuity is added to onboard spa, bar, beverage, wine and deck service tabs. You can always add an additional gratuity for any of your services or servers.

While room service is free, it’s customary to add a few dollars of tip when you sign the “bill.”

While some gratuity is included at Palo and Remy, you’ll likely want to add an additional tip if you enjoyed the service. If you stay in a concierge-level room or suite, it is customary to tip the Concierge Lounge hosts at the end of your cruise a recommended amount of $8 per night per guest.

Related:  Everything you need to know about tipping on cruise ships  

Disney Cruise Line’s Wi-Fi, Connect@Sea, is in the process of being upgraded, so speed, bandwidth and cost vary by ship.

If you are on a ship that charges by day instead of by the amount of data used, expect the prices to vary from $12-$36 per day, depending on the speed you select. There are often discounts for buying Wi-Fi access for the length of the cruise.

If you are on a ship that still charges by the amount of data used, we recommend not doing that and connecting either when you are in port or via a plan from your cellphone provider.

Related: What’s the best international phone plan right now?

Carry-on drinks policy

Guests 21 years and older may bring a maximum of two bottles of unopened wine or Champagne (no larger than 750 milliliters) or six beers (no larger than 12 ounces) on board at the beginning of the voyage and at each port of call. These beverages must be packed in carry-on (not checked) bags or luggage. You can keep drinks chilled in the small fridge in your cabin.

Guests wishing to consume wine or Champagne that they have brought on board in one of the dining rooms will be charged a corkage fee of $26 per bottle.

Smoking policy

Smoking is permitted only in designated deck areas. It’s forbidden in cabins and on cabin balconies, and those who violate this rule will face a $250 cleaning fee.

For an additional fee, Disney ships offer full-service laundry and dry cleaning services that will pick up and deliver clean clothes to your cabin.

Ships also provide 24-hour, self-service guest laundry facilities equipped with washers and dryers, along with detergent and complimentary ironing equipment. You pay for the facilities by using your Key to the World card. These services can get busy during sea days on longer cruises, so plan accordingly.

Electrical outlets

All cabins are equipped with multiple 110-volt outlets, which are standard in the U.S. and Canada. Cabins on Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy are equipped with a combination of 110- and 220-volt (European) outlets.

Small electrical appliances such as electric shavers, curling irons and flat irons with standard North American plugs will function on board; 110-volt items should not exceed 1,500 watts, and 220-volt items should not exceed 2,000 watts. A hair dryer is provided in every cabin for your convenience, but you may bring your own as long as it meets the guidelines above.

The currency on Disney Cruise Line ships, regardless of location, is the U.S. dollar.

When you are on the ship, you will not need cash or a credit card — all incidentals, purchases and services will be charged to your cabin folio. Your Key to the World card (or your DisneyBand+ on Disney Wish ) serves as your onboard payment method. The only exception is if you want to tip a crew member in cash.

In port, you may wish to carry cash or a credit card to buy snacks and souvenirs or to tip your tour guide.

Drinking age

For most Disney sailings, the drinking age on board is 21.

However, on round-trip cruises departing European countries with a lower drinking age, passengers 18-20 years of age can drink alcohol on board with signed parental consent. For round-trip cruises from Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland and Brisbane, guests 18 years of age and older may purchase and consume alcoholic beverages without parental consent.

During the day, people dress casually. If it’s a sea day in a warm-weather destination, and you’re bound for the top deck, that means looking like you’re going to the beach. T-shirts, shorts and bathing suits (with a cover-up to go inside) are fine.

During the evenings, dining attire in the three main dining restaurants is “cruise casual,” meaning no swimwear or tank tops, but you don’t have to put on a party dress. That said, many guests do dress up a bit in the evening, but it’s not required unless you are dining in Palo, Remy or Enchante.

Cruises that are seven nights or longer schedule one “formal night” — though even then, it’s only encouraged, not required. On that night, you will see suits, sports coats, cocktail dresses and similar from some guests.

Pro tip: Be sure and pack that pirate gear for Pirate Night.

Related:  What to pack for your 1st cruise

Disney Cruise Line loyalty program

Disney Cruise Line has a simple loyalty program, the Castaway Club , with four “elite status” levels that you earn based on how many cruises you’ve taken with Disney. A three-night and 10-night cruise both count as one sailing for these purposes.

• Silver: One completed cruise
• Gold: Five completed cruises
• Platinum: 10 completed cruises
• Pearl: 25 completed cruises

Related:  The TPG guide to cruise line loyalty programs

This isn’t the kind of loyalty program where you earn free cruises the way you earn free flights with airline miles. Instead, as you go up in status, you earn perks and earlier access to booking cruises and activities — which is key for getting those hard-to-snag adult dining or Castaway Cay cabana reservations

Silver members

• Book new cruise itineraries one day before the general public and book onboard activities 90 days before sailing.
• Get a “welcome back aboard” gift (such as a bag), have access to a Castaway Club members-only line when boarding and access to a Castaway Club direct phone number.
• Select port arrival time with online check-in starting 33 days before the general public.

Gold members

• All of those perks, but you can book new sailings two days before the general public and can book onboard activities 105 days before sailing.
• On eight-night and longer voyages, Gold Castaway Club members are also invited to a private reception with special entertainment. There are also select merchandise discounts available to Gold members and higher.
• Select port arrival time with online check-in starting 35 days before the general public.

Platinum members

• All of those perks, but you can book new sailings three days before the general public and can book onboard activities 120 days before sailing.
• Priority check-in at the cruise terminal.
• Complimentary evening dinner at Palo or Palo Steakhouse for themselves and everyone in the cabin age 18 and older.
• Select port arrival time with online check-in starting 38 days before the general public.

Pearl members

• All of those perks, but you can book new sailings four days before the general public and can book onboard activities 123 days before sailing.
• Exclusive cruise terminal check-in (where available)
• Unlimited Digital Photo Package.
• Select port arrival time with online check-in starting 40 days before the general public.

How much does a Disney cruise cost?

Magic ain’t cheap, and Disney cruises are expensive. They aren’t the priciest voyages out there, but they will cost more than cruises with family-friendly competitors such as Royal Caribbean by a noticeable margin.

For a family of four, the cheapest Disney cruise currently available (not counting the two-night cruises in Australia and New Zealand) is about $2,500. An ocean view will add about $90 and a verandah will add about $500.

On these shortest cruises, concierge-level cabins and access start at a little over $5,000 for a family of four.

Those sorts of prices will only be available during the offseason, such as in mid-to-late January and early February or for repositioning cruises as the ship moves from, say, Puerto Rico to Florida. That same cruise during spring break can cost double or more, so the more date flexibility you have, the better.

A seven-night cruise in the Caribbean will likely start around $5,000 for a family of four. Expect Alaska and Europe cruises to start at $5,000 to $6,000 for inside cabins for a week, and prices go up for longer sailings and upgraded cabins.

You can save money on your next Disney cruise by putting a $250 deposit down while you are at sea on a previous Disney cruise. It’s a popular way to get 10% off your next cruise.

Another way to save on a Disney cruise is to look at a one-way repositioning sailing , as those often price lower than other similar cruises. For example, the cruise line may need to end a cruise in a particular port to reposition the ship to do some sailings from there. You’ll have to get yourself back home from that port, but you may save on the cruise in the process.

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How to book

You can book your Disney cruise directly with Disney Cruise Line either over the phone or online, but I’d argue you shouldn’t.

Cruises are easy to enjoy but can be complicated to plan if you are new to this type of travel. This is an industry where a travel agent is still a good call. You want someone who can help you pick the right cabin type and location for your group and keep track of when you can snag those onboard activities you really want.

When the wave of pandemic-related cruise cancellations hit in 2020, I was so grateful to have a travel agent — instead of me — spending time dealing with the cruise line.

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Another reason to consider going through a travel agent is to get onboard credit. Some travel agents will offer onboard credit based on the amount you spend on your Disney cruise. This is credit you can use toward drinks, spa treatments, excursions or anything else you can charge to your room.

FOR NO-COST ASSISTANCE WITH PLANNING AND BOOKING YOUR DISNEY CRUISE, CHECK OUT TPG’S DISNEY BOOKING PARTNER, MOUSE COUNSELORS .

Generally speaking, the sooner you book a Disney cruise after it goes on sale, the better, as prices usually only go in one direction — up.

Whether you use a travel agent or not, make sure to maximize your credit card points  when paying for the cruise by using a credit card that offers extra points for travel purchases and maybe even offers some built-in travel protections .

• The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers 3 points per dollar on travel and dining and an annual up-to-$300 travel credit.
• The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card earns 2 points per dollar on travel.
• The Disney Premier Visa Card is also a good option, specifically with Disney Cruise Line, as it gives you access to a 0% introductory annual percentage rate for six months following the purchase date on eligible Disney vacation packages, such as a Disney cruise (then a variable APR of 18.99% to 27.99% applies). The card also gets you 10% in savings on some onboard activities and packages while at Castaway Cay.

Related: How to save money on booking a Disney cruise

Bottom line

Whether you are on a three-night trip to Castaway Cay or a bigger crossing to the South Pacific, a Disney cruise is a special vacation that actually feels like a vacation.

The classic styling of the original four ships, the modern storybook styling of Disney Wish, the vast number of inclusions, the rotational dining, waterslides, private island, fun kids clubs, Disney characters, high-caliber entertainment and Disney service shine through.

You’ll certainly pay more for the privilege of sailing with Mickey and Minnie than with some other family-friendly lines. But for those with kids in that Disney age range, or for adults who know and trust the Disney brand, it’s hard to go wrong in choosing Disney Cruise Line for your next vacation.

More stories to help you plan your next cruise:

• Best Disney ships for everyone
• Everything we know about Disney Treasure, joining DCL in 2024
• Everything you need to know about Disney Wish
• Best credit cards for booking a cruise

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And when you do spend on dining, you should use a credit card that will maximize your rewards and potentially even score special discounts. Thanks to temporary card bonuses and changes due to coronavirus, you may even be able to score a meal at your favorite restaurant for free. 

These are the best credit cards for dining out, taking out, and ordering in to maximize every meal purchase.

Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.