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Details About the Elusive $5,000 Star Wars Drink on the Disney Wish

By Kelly Oliveros 13 Comments

Going on a Disney Cruise can be expensive enough as it is , but if you want to unlock an incredibly special experience while on Disney’s newest ship ( The Disney Wish ) you’ll need to get ready to shell out some serious cash!

Hyperspace Lounge

We’ve made our way around the Disney Wish , explored the staterooms , ate at the restaurants , and (of course) we took you along for the ride. One other spot we got the chance to see is the special Star Wars Hyperspace Lounge aboard the ship. We’ve checked out some of the details here already, but now we’ve got some news about an extra special experience you can ONLY unlock here!

Scott Gustin and Ashley Carter shared some initial information about a PRICEY drink available at the Hyperspace Lounge that comes with some special perks. Since that time, WDW Radio also shared some information about the drink after Beci Mahnken from Mouse Fan Travel actually ordered it. This post has been updated to reflect all current details from both sources.

The drink is called the Kaiburr Crystal and it costs a whopping $5,000!  😮  Yes, you read that right. $5K!! Wel, in reality, Mahnken pointed out that there is an automatic 18% gratuity added, making it $900 more expensive. But it includes more than just 1 drink.

©WDW Radio | Beci Mahnken

The $5k drink actually includes 4 drinks and comes with 4 cups.

We’ll start with how the drink is served!  It comes served in a Camtono , a special item that  Star Wars fans will recognize. It’s got a bit of a cult following due to its inclusion in one of the original trilogy films. But since its first appearance, it has become a more “official” part of Star Wars and has been utilized to hold credits and metals like Beskar.

This is What the Camtono Looks Like!

During Star Wars Celebration, they actually revealed that a Camtono drink delivery system could be utilized on the Wish , and now that has become a reality for this very special drink! Sadly though, the Camtono isn’t something you get to take home.

No Camtono to Keep

According to Mahnken, you actually need to put in a code to open up the Camtono container and access the drinks within!

The cocktail (in the big cup in the center) is called the Barc Speeder and is made with Camus Cognac 4.160, Yuzu and Kumquat, and Grand Marnier Quintessence. 

There are 3 shots served individually in the other little cups — Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 23 Year Bourbon, Taylor Fladgate Very Old Tawny Port (Kingsman Edition), and Watenshi Gin.

Some of these drinks come from bottles that sell for thousands of dollars, are rare, or otherwise are extremely special. So you’re not just getting any old drink here!

The most expensive drink in the galaxy. The Star Wars Hyperspace Lounge on the Disney Wish has a $5,000 Kaiburr Crystal drink. pic.twitter.com/ZcUp3yt0RI — Ashley Carter (@AshleyLCarter1) June 29, 2022

The cups are silver plated and you do get to keep all 4 . Mahnken shares that they are Christofle BeeBee silver plated cups . If you search for prices for similar cups from this brand online, you’ll see that they carry a HEFTY price tag. The cups will actually be shipped to you so there’s no need to worry about stuffing them in your bag.

©Christofle

The drink experience also comes with a photo with the 2 officers from the cruise line that come to present the drink to you.

And if you pay for this drink, you’ll also get a Star Wars backpack, water bottle, and other Star Wars -themed gifts.

But wait…there’s MORE! You’ll also get a bottle of sparkling wine from Skywalker Ranch AND a voucher for 4 people to visit Skywalker Ranch!  Previously, it had been reported that the voucher was only for 1 person to visit Skywalker Ranch. That was corrected by Mahnken when she ordered the drink.

If you’re unfamiliar with it, Skywalker Ranch is about 40 minutes north of San Francisco, California. It’s known as the home of Lucasfilm’s sound design facility. There’s a technical building occupied by Skywalker Sound, a main house, and a lake appropriately called Lake Ewok.

Considering the fact that Skywalker Ranch isn’t typically a place the general public can visit, this is a pretty epic perk to score.

Also included in the $5k drink experience is a special escort off of the Disney Wish cruise ship. According to Mahnken, the staff from Hyperspace Lounge are the ones that actually escort you off the gangway. She points out that this can be beneficial if there’s a long line of people getting off the ship!

“Otherwordly concoctions” are served here!

So while $5k is a LOT for an experience, it does include more than just a single drink. It actually includes quite a few things that  Star Wars fans might be interested in and intrigued by — particularly that trip to Skywalker Ranch.

What do you think? Would you drop $5k for this drink experience package? Or would you save it to use toward another cruise, a Disney World trip, or something else? Tell us in the comments!

The Stage in the Grand Hall

Want to learn more about what you’ll find on the Disney Wish? Click here to see our full review of the Worlds of Marvel dining experience , and click here to explore the kids clubs on the Disney Wish (which do feature a special Star Wars experience).

Click here to see all of our updates from the Disney Wish!

What you need to know about disney cruise line, learn all about disney cruise line and its various ships, explore disney’s mega cruise ship – the wish, a full list of what you can’t bring on a disney cruise, these are the best times to book your disney cruise, the best ways to save space in your tiny cruise cabin, 10 things you need on your next cruise (that you won’t think to pack), what it’s like to live on a cruise ship for 6 months, join the dfb newsletter to get all the latest disney news delivered right to your inbox click here to subscribe.

Disclosure: In nearly all circumstances, Disney Food Blog writers and photographers pay full price for their own travel, hotel, food, beverage, and event tickets. We do this because it’s important to us as journalists to ensure not only that we give you unbiased opinions, but also that you can trust us to do so since we’re paying our own way. On rare occasions, when we are invited by a company to attend a preview as media, and when we choose to accept that invitation, we will always make you, our readers, aware of that situation. We were invited by Disney Cruise Line to attend their media sailing of the Disney Wish. Note that when we attend events as media we are 1) Not required to review that event/food on any of our channels, and 2) Not required to review that event/food favorably. You can always count on DFB to give you a 100% unbiased and honest review of any event that we attend, food that we eat, or beverage that we drink. You can see more in our Disclosure Policy . Thank you for reading. — AJ

Would you drop $5k on this drink + experience? Tell us in the comments!

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July 2, 2022 at 2:50 am

For those perks…I’d definitely consider it

July 2, 2022 at 3:29 pm

While I wouldn’t buy this experience, I don’t have THAT much money to waste, once I heard of some of the ingredients, I’m not surprised at the price. I already knew about Pappy van Winkle and Watenshi, and that they run a couple of thousand dollars per bottle; and a little research on the Taylor’s Kingsmen edition shows that it’s in the same range. Standard restaurant/bar markup would take a single shot of each to nearly a thousand. The further perqs of the experience could be worth the price… IF… again… IF you have that much money to waste.

July 4, 2022 at 9:49 am

Foolishness’

July 4, 2022 at 9:51 am

Just another fine example that the current Disney Business Mode; is centered to the Wealthy, and Not the Rest of Us !

July 4, 2022 at 1:24 pm

$5,000 and no plus one to Skywalker Ranch?

July 16, 2022 at 9:37 pm

Not only that the coolest thing is the Camtono and you don’t even get to keep it. LOL I would probably spend the money if you got to take home some cool items. A water bottle??? Backpack??? haha

July 18, 2022 at 2:09 pm

They are so stingy as to keep the bucket AND only 1 ticket to the ranch!! Absurd!!

August 7, 2022 at 1:34 pm

Absolutely ridiculous! No drink is worth that much money and it’s a sin in my book to waste money that way.

August 7, 2022 at 2:22 pm

Another Disney way to see how far their greed will take them. We as consumers and logical human beings need to put a stop to this madness. We need to ban together and stop spending crazy amounts of money on the crap they dish out. Disney is not what it used to be and is now only for the rich & famous. Glad I got to see it before that new greedy CEO took over who makes 10s of millions of dollars a year plus bonuses. Never going again or renewing my annual pass or spending a dime at DisneyWorld. He has ruined the magic. Most Disney employees I’ve talk too hate this guy too. Get rid of the greedy bob chepik or whatever his name is. Disney prices have gone through roof since this greedy jerk took over before COVID. I’ve seen kids & families who will never experience the magic and feel sorry. Even if you r wealthy enough to get to visit, it’s not the same and frankly not worth it anymore. When you’ve experienced the way it used to b and how it is now, it’s just not worth the money. And the weather really has made it even worse. It’s so hot now that you can only enjoy going during winter months Jan Feb March too.

September 11, 2022 at 10:59 am

I think we’re missing the point of Walt Disney’s dream in offering a 5G drink experience on a Cruise Ship named “The Wish””! Walt’s wish was to create a place where all families could enjoy!! If I had 5G’s to buy an experience, I would much rather donate to a deserving family so that they could enjoy an experience that Walt Disney intended his wish to be!!

October 6, 2022 at 8:30 pm

Yes, I would buy that. It’s a fun experience and the perks are very nice.

November 28, 2022 at 9:32 am

We got the drink in July. We had an absurd amount of cruise credit from past cruises getting canceled so we decided to spend it on that. We didn’t get to keep the silver cups. They had us poor the one drink into another glass before we could leave with it.

December 16, 2022 at 5:52 pm

HELL NO – No drink in the world is worth $5,000 ! Just another DISNEY GIMICK TO GET ALL OF YOUR MONEY. If Bob Iger does not hit the REWIND BUTTON and bring back the WDW Magic … I will be forever done with Disney and their greedy ways ! IT IS SAD THAT THEY ONLY WANT THE RICHEST OF THE RICH TO EXPERIENCE THEIR PARKS AND CRUISES. I wish the Disney family had retained 100% ownership of the company …. I bet Disney would be way different than it is now ! Next, they will offer a $10,000 meal !

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There's a $5,000 'Star Wars' drink on Disney's new cruise ship — but its contents are a mystery

Like Boba Fett searching the galaxy for fugitives with huge bounties on their heads, once I caught wind of a rumored $5,000 "Star Wars"-themed drink on the new Disney Wish cruise ship, I went on the hunt. I've experienced the $5,000-per-stay "Star Wars" hotel , so I had to know if there was truth to this smokey liquid rumor.

I deduced the most likely spot for the drink was at the "Star Wars"-themed bar on Disney Cruise Line 's newest ship. I quickly learned that the Hyperspace Lounge was unquestionably the hottest spot on Disney Wish .

I waited 90 minutes to get in last night and see if I could find signs of a $5,000 cocktail.

And if it were real — would it be made of space dust? Would it come with gems from another world that you get to keep?

I was one of the lucky ones that eventually got inside the Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge a few strokes before midnight. Was there a $5,000 drink on the menu? Here's what I found.

For more cruise news, guides and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

The $5,000 'Star Wars' drink on Disney Wish

Just before the space bar made another jump through hyperspace, I bellied up to the bar, ordered a normally priced drink and asked the bartender if the lounge's menu actually contained a $5,000 drink. With a sly smile, he confirmed the rumor was true.

Indeed, if you keep scrolling down the menu past the cocktails and zero-proof drinks, there it is. The Kaiburr Crystal rings up at a cool $5,000.

Its description is frustratingly vague, as the menu merely says it's "the galaxy's rarest and [most] valuable cocktail." That's not much to go on when you're about to spend more on a drink than on an entire Disney cruise in an inside cabin.

I would need some serious Jedi mind tricks to uncover just what was inside — or came with — the otherwise nondescript drink.

Related: A first look at photos aboard the Disney Wish

It's not just a drink — it's an experience

While I know that the Kaiburr Crystal is an actual drink (or maybe three?), I wasn't able to use any Jedi skills to learn what the drinks actually contain — though I was told they are "amazing."

What I did learn is that the pricy cocktail is "not just a drink." A Hyperspace bartender told me emphatically and excitedly that it is an experience. A wild (and expensive) experience.

I heard something about codes or puzzles involved to open the box the drink is served in. I spotted what might be the magical drink box in the corner — and even saw Disney Imagineers testing the box with some smoke the day before, while the bar was still closed.

But it's not just a smoke and box presentation. I also heard rumors that actual Stormtroopers might be involved when the drink is ordered.

While that was the end of what I could glean about the $5,000 drink on Disney Wish from my time at Hyperspace Lounge, I got a strong impression that there's more to the drink experience than the whispers I managed to hear.

In the meantime, I thoroughly enjoyed the $15 - $20 cocktails on the menu (some of which also include smoke).

Bottom line

The $5,000 "Star Wars" drink on Disney Wish is real.

What exactly it's made of — and, more importantly, what happens if you order it — is still a bit of a Mustafarian mystery. Word is that no one has actually ordered it yet, but I'll have my datapad, er phone, ready to capture what space chaos ensues if someone does take the leap and plunk down a credit card ready to earn a ton of "space credits" on the purchase.

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Here's What's In The $5,000 Drink On The Disney Cruise

Kaiburr Crystal is the most expensive drink in the galaxy, but there's a reason for that.

By Mat Elfring on July 1, 2022 at 12:30PM PDT

On the Disney Wish cruise line, patrons can soak up the sun, visit with their favorite Disney characters, and purchase an alcoholic drink that costs $5,000, called the Kaiburr Crystal. That's not a typo. It's a drink that costs $5K. Luckily we know what's inside.

During GameSpot's Chris E. Hayner's trip on the Disney Wish, he found that the drink existed on the menu; however, no one would explain what the heck was in it or what would make is cost that much money.

I spoke to an imagineer and a bartender at the Hyperspace Lounge on the #DisneyWish and they would not say what’s in the $5000 drink or even admit it exists (it’s literally on the menu). So best of luck buying whatever it is. #starwars — Chris E. Hayner (@ChrisHayner) July 1, 2022

Eventually, after speaking with another bartender on the cruise, we found out what is inside the Kaiburr Crystal. And there's more to it than the drink itself. Served in a camtano--the ice cream maker-looking machine featured most recently in the possession of The Client (Werner Herzog)--the presentation is just as important as the drink itself.

Kaiburr Crystal contents:

• Camus Cognac
• Grand Marnier Quintessence
• Yuzu and Kumquat juice
• Taylor's Fladgate Kingsman Edition Very Old Tawny Port
• Pappy Van Winkle 23 year reserve

Additionally, you will get wine from Skywalker Vineyard delivered to your stateroom and will receive a ticket to visit the vineyard yourself. So if you love fancy drinks and wine, and you have a lot of disposable income on a drink, this could be for you. There's no info as to whether it will up your midichlorian count.

Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email [email protected]

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What is the Kaiburr Crystal drink? The $5000 ‘Star Wars’ cocktail, explained

Disney is no stranger to creating some of the most indulgent pop culture experiences ever seen, and their newest experience is of the Star Wars variety. Currently being served on the new Disney cruise ship, the Disney Wish, is the Kaiburr Crystal drink and it costs a total of $5000. Of course, no mere drink costs that much money so what exactly is this Kaiburr Crystal drink, and what do you actually get for spending $5000?

What is the $5000 Star Wars drink, the Kaiburr Crystal?

The Kaiburr Crystal is certainly an experience at $5000, an alcoholic beverage that is served in an authentic-looking camtono that belongs on the set of a Star Wars production. The drink will be located in the Star Wars : Hyperspace Lounge on the Disney Wish. Complete with a smokey appearance, that looks like either dry ice or liquid nitrogen, the cocktail truly looks out of this world.

And in case you didn’t catch it, the crystal that powers up lightsabers in Star Wars is called Kyber Crystal, a pun no doubt referencing the smokey cold and frosty nature of the experience, as in “burr, I’m cold.” Either that or it’s a reference to the character in the musical Hamilton , Aaron Burr, and his cold betrayal and subsequent murder of Alexander Hamilton.

The most expensive drink in the galaxy. The Star Wars Hyperspace Lounge on the Disney Wish has a $5,000 Kaiburr Crystal drink. pic.twitter.com/ZcUp3yt0RI — Ashley Carter (@AshleyLCarter1) June 29, 2022

As for what is actually in the drink, we don’t know. Disney has not only priced the cocktail at $5000 but has also kept the ingredients of the drink a mystery, which no doubt adds to its allure. We can only assume that it is not blue milk or some dollar store spirit that is being served in the glasses contained in the camtono. 

Dubbed “the galaxy’s rarest and most valuable cocktail” the Kaiburr Crystal could have some of the most expensive alcohol in the world within, but you won’t know until you’ve tried it, and for the less experienced of us, you might not even know it then. Of course, there are many drinks in the world that cost thousands, hundreds of thousands, and even millions of dollars, with a planet full of aged whiskey and gold-flaked beverages begging to be called extravagant. 

But at the end of the day, the $5000 charge is not for the drink itself. When you buy the Kaiburr Crystal you get a fully-fledged experience, complete with a futuristic out-of-this-world container for the drink, smoke, and assumedly a great time. 

There you have it, the most expensive drink in all of Disney. Not many of us will be able to afford to see what it tastes like unless you take out a second mortgage. If you do manage to go aboard the Disney Wish and can afford to buy the Kaiburr Crystal, good luck, enjoy, and may the force be with you!

Why Disney Wish’s $5,000 Cocktail Is Ticking Off So Many People

Richard Simms

• July 8, 2022

The newest ship to join the Disney Cruise Line fleet, Wish has a lot to love, especially for cruisers who happen to love the parent company.

But at least one thing on board has come under fire, and that’s a drink that comes with a whopping $5,000 price tag.

Where To Find The Pricey Cocktail

One of the most buzzed-about features aboard the Disney Wish is the Star Wars-themed Hyperspace Lounge, and it’s here that you will find the drink everybody’s talking about.

While the bar itself is easy to find, details about the high-prized elixir are far more elusive. What we do know is that it’s called the Kaiburr Crystal, which in Star Wars lore is a relic with the ability to amplify the power of The Force. (And if you don’t know what The Force is, we can only assume the whole Star Wars phenomenon somehow passed you by.)

Appropriately described as “the most expensive drink in the galaxy,” the drink is served with much fanfare in a very cool looking vessel. As for the drink inside, About Theme Parks describes it thusly:

“ According to a bartender in the lounge, the galactic beverage is primarily made with Camus cognac. It also includes the Japanese citrus fruit, yuzu, as well as kumquat. Apparently, ritzy cocktails can never have enough cognac, because the Kaiburr Crystal also features Grand Marnier Quintessence, which is considerably pricier than Camus cognac. Speaking of pricey, the bartenders add shots of ultra-expensive Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 23 Year Bourbon and Taylor’s Fladgate Kingsman Edition Very Old Tawny Port.”

The drink also reportedly comes with various perks, including an interactive element which may or may not involve Stormtroopers and a visit to Skywalker Ranch in California.

The $5,000 Kaiburr Crystal on the #DisneyWish is an experience that also includes a visit to Skywalker Ranch and a special themed escort off the ship. Here’s everything I was able to confirm: pic.twitter.com/Srm2IwNNat — Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) July 1, 2022

Why Are People Hating On The Drink?

Almost immediately, the drink (and its price tag) grabbed the attention of the non-cruise community in general and fans of Disney — as in the brand and the parks, not the actual ships — in particular.

Under current CEO Bob Chapek, many who’ve long loved the House of Mouse believe that Disney has lost its way. One of their biggest complaints? The company’s perceived money-grabs, especially when it comes to new projects such as the new Galactic Starcruiser hotel at Walt Disney World (which runs two guests about the price of a Kaiburr Crystal cocktail for a two-night stay).

In response to a video showing what the drink looks like was posted, Twitter virtually exploded with people derisively commenting on everything from the price to the type of person who’d drink it and what the cocktail says about modern corporate culture.

“Disney loves spreading ‘happiness to everyone’ just as long as you have an absurd amount of money to give them,” tweeted Shock Tea. “5,000 dollars could be someone’s rent for multiple months and they think people are willing to spend it on a drink.”

Others, however, took a more pragmatic view, pointing out that how people choose to spend their money was up to them.

The most expensive drink in the galaxy. The Star Wars Hyperspace Lounge on the Disney Wish has a $5,000 Kaiburr Crystal drink. pic.twitter.com/ZcUp3yt0RI — Ashley Carter (@AshleyLCarter1) June 29, 2022

How Expensive is a Disney Cruise?

Disney’s cruise ships already come with a price tag that is usually higher than those attached to most of their competitors. They also, however, have a hard-earned reputation as being a top-notch experience, especially for families with children (or adults who still consider themselves big kids).

How big a price difference is there? A family with two adults and two kids under 17 can do a three-day sailing on the Disney Wish out of Port Canaveral in an interior stateroom for $3,564. That same family can do a seven-day sailing on Carnival’s Mardi Gras in a balcony for $2,720.

Of course, there are major differences between the two ships (and lines), but this example is offered up simply for the sake of comparison.

At the end of the day, the drink has done exactly what the folks at Disney hoped: Gotten people talking about the newest ship to join the fleet.

READ NEXT: Overview: 4 Cruise Lines That Offer Spa Services For Teens

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Full Details Revealed on $5,000 Cocktail available on the Disney Wish

The Hyperspace Lounge aboard the Disney Wish cruise ship is serving the “rarest” and most “valuable” cocktail from the Star Wars galaxy, but it’ll set you back $5,000. But what’s in the drink?

The Kaiburr Crystal (named for an in-universe relic) is actually four drinks, according to Nexstar’s  Scott Gustin , who was aboard the special sneak peek this week. He confirmed the cocktail’s contents:

• Camus Cognac 4.16
• Yuzu and kumquat
• Grand Mariner Quintessence 

Three shots:

• Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 23-Year bourbon
• Taylor’s Kingsman Edition Very Old Tawny Port
• Watenshi gin

All of this is housed inside a camtono — a cylindrical storage box seen in the “Star Wars” universe.

But wait, there’s more!

Inside the Camtono are several glasses containing a concoction of high-end cognac, bourbon, port, and a blend of fruits. Guests can keep the silver cups and plate used to serve the drinks (not the Camtono) and will receive additional amenities in their rooms, including a custom bottle of Skywalker Vineyards wine. But perhaps the most enticing aspect of the drink order is that it also comes with an invitation to the vineyard itself.

Related: Star Wars Joins Starbucks Been There Mug Series With Three Different Destinations!

Skywalker Vineyard is located on Skywalker Ranch, George Lucas’ California  Star Wars  HQ. It’s not generally open to the public, meaning, along with everything else, the $5,000 order also presents a truly unique experience most people won’t ever get to enjoy. 

While a $5,000 drink order seems outrageous at face value, it does offer  Star Wars  devotees serious bragging rights and a chance to visit the property where much of the work is done on their favorite movies. The novelty and spectacle of what comes with the luxury price tag is enough to grab people’s attention.

Related: Winning Vote for Next Legacy Star Wars Lightsaber is Padawan Caleb Dume (Kanan Jarrus)!

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Disney’s new cruise ship offers a $5,000 cocktail

Just as the shock over the price of its Star Wars –themed hotel was starting to die down, Disney is shocking people once again, with a $5,000 Star Wars –themed cocktail.

The Kaiburr Crystal , available exclusively on the company’s newest ocean liner, the Disney Wish, will carry the Force-choking price tag. (Prices to board the ship, which begins sailing July 15, run from about $1,800 to more than $26,000, depending when you want to travel, the length of your trip, and the stateroom you select.)

The drink is served aboard the ship’s Hyperspace Lounge, a bar that seems pulled from the Galactic Starcruiser hotel and, as you might expect from a $5,000 cocktail, is served with some flair—in this case, smoke, lighting, and sound effects.

The most expensive drink in the galaxy. The Star Wars Hyperspace Lounge on the Disney Wish has a $5,000 Kaiburr Crystal drink. pic.twitter.com/ZcUp3yt0RI — Ashley Carter (@AshleyLCarter1) June 29, 2022

So what, you might ask, is in the Kaiburr Crystal that justifies that sort of price tag? Good question, but one that (so far) has no answer. Disney hasn’t disclosed the ingredients—or, for that matter, said whether people who order one will get to keep the camtono container it comes in.

For those who don’t have $5,000 to spend on a single drink, other libations can be purchased at the Hyperspace Lounge for a more down-to-earth price.

The Disney Wish is the company’s first new ship in over a decade and the fifth in Disney’s fleet . Spanning 1,119 feet, it leans in on the Marvel and Frozen franchises and features the company’s first Disney attraction on board, called the AquaMouse water slide/water coaster.

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Disney offering $5,000 Star Wars cocktail on new cruise ship

The Kaiburr Crystal drink comes in a droid-inspired container with smoke and lighting effects.

Your bank account will be in a galaxy far, far away after indulging in Disney 's new cocktail.

EW has confirmed with a representative for the company that the new Disney Wish cruise ship is offering a $5,000 drink inspired by George Lucas' Star Wars franchise that will be available in the new Hyperspace Lounge-themed dining experience aboard the ocean liner — the first-ever Star Wars -centric themed section on a Disney vessel.

Attractions Magazine was first to report news of the concoction — the ingredients for which we were not able to confirm at press time.

A social media video from an attendee who previewed the Disney Wish shows the drink being served in a droid-inspired container that seemingly includes smoke, lighting, and sound effects.

The novelty Kaiburr Crystal is one of several options for cruisers to purchase on the ship, with other cocktails and drinks coming in at a much, much lower price point.

EW exclusively revealed Tuesday a first-look photo of the completed Hyperspace Lounge, which is billed as a "space-jumping tour" of the galaxy with an immersive section featuring high-end bar styled as an intergalactic yacht with metallic detailing in the vein of Dryden Vos' ship in Solo: A Star Wars Story . Though it is a family attraction during the day, it is adults-only at night. Throughout their stay, guests will witness the ship exploring the galaxy, including the Republic, Empire, and First Order, with hyperspace jumps flashing on screens behind the cast members.

Famous ships from Batuu, Tatooine, Mustafar, and Coruscant will also bypass the "window" behind the bar with accompanying surround-sound audio and a holo-tube that projects models of nearby craft.

The Disney Wish will also set sail on July 14 with its Marvel-themed Avengers: Quantum Encounter dining experience in tow, incorporating Paul Rudd's Ant-Man and Evangeline Lilly's The Wasp as they embark on an interactive quest at sea that also involves Captain America, Captain Marvel, and an unnamed villain from the Marvel universe.

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Disney cruise's new 'Star Wars'-themed cocktail costs $5,000 and includes shots of Pappy Van Winkle bourbon

• The "Star Wars"-themed Kaiburr Crystal drink on the new Disney Wish cruise ship costs $5,000.
• The price includes a trip to Skywalker Vineyards at Skywalker Ranch.
• The drink contains Casmus Cognac, the Yuzu citrus fruit, and more.

A "Star Wars"-themed cocktail on Disney's new cruise ship, the Disney Wish, costs around $5,000.

The cost isn't just for the drink, which is called the Kaiburr Crystal and is served in the ship's "Hyperspace Lounge." It includes the shot glasses it's served in, room amenities, and a trip to Skywalker Vineyards at Skywalker Ranch, according to the theme parks and travel writer Arthur Levine. 

Below is a look at the container the glasses come in, from journalist Ashley Carter, who covers theme parks for Spectrum News 13 in Orlando:

—Ashley Carter (@AshleyLCarter1) June 29, 2022

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This is different than Disney's new "Star WArs" hotel, Galactic Starcruiser, that launched earlier this year — but that's also on the pricey side. It costs over $4,800 for two guests to a cabin. 

Levine reported details on Friday in his About Theme Parks newsletter on what's in the Disney Wish's exorbitantly expensive Kaiburr Crystal drink. 

The Kaiburr Crystal includes Casmus Cognac, Grand Marnier Quintessence, the Yuzu citrus fruit, and kumquat. Shots of Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve 23 Year bourbon and Taylor's Fladgate Kingsman Edition Tawny Port are also included in the container, according to Levine.   

The Family Reserve is listed on Van Winkle's website for $300 . The Kentucky-based distillery is in such high demand that some retailers sell its bottles of various whiskies for far higher than the recommended price. 

The Disney Wish will set sail for the first time on July 14.

Watch: The best 'Star Wars'-themed food and drinks at Disney's newest park

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Disney Decides the Only Way to Top a $5,000 Star Wars Hotel Stay Is a $5,000 Star Wars Cocktail

And you'll have to pay for a cruise on the company's newest ship if you want to drink it..

Yes, you read that headline correctly: a $5,ooo drink. It comes served in a camtono, the bounty hunter accessory container most recently featured on The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett —which you can find it on Ebay for far less . So why is this drink, served only on the Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, the Wish , so special?

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Take a look at a video of its presentation shared on twitter by Ashley Carter, theme park insider for My13News below.

Camtono aside, it’s all  still a mystery—as are the ingredients in the drink, dubbed “the Kaiburr Crystal,” which, again, goes for $5,000 and can only be ordered if you already happen to be sailing aboard the Wish . Star Wars fans with money to burn in this economy can take a taste of what one could assume to be rejuvenating Grogu blood for that price tag. No wonder Moff Gideon was on a mission. (Also: what an interesting Disney+ afterlife for the retrofitted ice-cream maker used for a moment in The Empire Strikes Back .)

Travelers aboard the Disney Wish can visit the Hyperspace Lounge, where the rest of the drinks are regular expensive; from the looks of the media preview, it’s like a Galactic Starcruiser- lite experience that just so happens to have a drink the price of an entire trip to a galaxy far, far, away. We can’t get over how unhinged the drink concept is on top of the cost of the cruise. The commodification of Star Wars here is truly astonishing and out of touch for the beloved stories it represents.

All Grogu blood jokes aside, as of the publishing of this story it remains unknown what type of top-shelf liquor comes included in a Kaiburr Crystal. The only one we think it can potentially be is the Remy Martin Louis XIII cognac (priced at $4,299.99), but it better come with the whole bottle and include a take-home camtono for whoever has those kind of galactic credits.

Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel and Star Wars releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV , and everything you need to know about House of the Dragon and Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power .

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More Details on the Elusive $5,000 Kaiburr Crystal Drink on the Disney Wish

One of the most talked about elements of the new Disney Wish  cruise ship is the elusive $5,000 drink available at the Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge . Disney has been pretty secretive about the contents and details of this drink, but we finally have some information.

What’s Happening:

• According to Scott Gustin on Twitter , the $5,000 Kaiburr Crystal is an experience (in addition to the drink) that also includes a visit to Skywalker Ranch and a special themed escort off the ship.

The $5,000 Kaiburr Crystal on the #DisneyWish is an experience that also includes a visit to Skywalker Ranch and a special themed escort off the ship. Here’s everything I was able to confirm: pic.twitter.com/Srm2IwNNat — Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) July 1, 2022

• Camus Cognac 4.16 | Disney Wish
• Yuzu and Kumquat
• Grand Marnier Quintessence
• Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve 23 Year bourbon
• Taylor's Kingsman Edition Very Old Tawny Port
• Watenshi gin
• All four drinks are silver plated and you get to keep the cups.

The drink is 4 drinks/cups: The cocktail: Camus Cognac 4.16 | Disney Wish – Yuzu and Kumquat – Grand Marnier Quintessence The 3 shots: – Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve 23 Year bourbon – Taylor's Kingsman Edition Very Old Tawny Port – Watenshi gin pic.twitter.com/IHLPXfBFZC — Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) July 1, 2022

• You also get a Star Wars  backpack, water bottle, other gifts, a Hyperspace-themed room decoration, and a bottle of sparkling wine from Skywalker Ranch.
• Perhaps most interestingly, the $5,000 price tag also includes a trip for one person to Skywalker Ranch in Northern California, which is not typically open to the public.
• Gustin was not able to confirm the details of the escort off the ship (and exactly who is doing that escorting) – but there is definitely an entertainment component to this experience.

Screen Rant

Disney's $5000 star wars cocktail gets you a lot for your money.

Here's what comes with Disney's Kaiburr Crystal, the $5,000 Star Wars-themed drink served in the Hyperspace Lounge on the Disney Wish cruise ship.

Disney made headlines recently with the announcement of a $5,000 Star Wars -themed cocktail that will soon be available on its newest cruise ship, the Disney Wish. The exorbitant drink, named the Kaiburr Crystal, will be sold exclusively at the ship's Hyperspace Lounge, an immersive bar that will allow guests to step into the  Star Wars  universe for a nightcap. It's one of many  Star Wars -centric attractions on the ship.

But even if someone is willing to fork over the $5k for a drink, which Disney is marketing as, " the most expensive drink in the galaxy," getting into the lounge is no guarantee. The adults-only section of the ship has a strict capacity of 50 and guests need to reserve their spots in advance if they want to take in the experience. So what, exactly, does somebody get if they make it through the door and order a Kaiburr Crystal?

Related:  Disney’s New Star Wars Drink Revives Baby Yoda’s Controversial Mando Scene

Thanks to  Arthur's About Theme Parks , there's now more information about what's included with the hefty price tag. For starters, guests will have their drinks presented to them in a replica Camtono, the in-universe storage device introduced in The Empire Strikes Bac k and most recently seen in The Book of Boba Fett . With a press of a button and a turn of a dial, it opens with lights, smoke, and sound effects. Inside the Camtono are several glasses containing a concoction of high-end cognac, bourbon, port, and a blend of fruits. Guests can keep the silver cups and plate used to serve the drinks (not the Camtono) and will receive additional amenities in their rooms, including a custom bottle of Skywalker Vineyards wine. But perhaps the most enticing aspect of the drink order is that it also comes with an invitation to the vineyard itself.

Skywalker Vineyard is located on Skywalker Ranch, George Lucas' California  Star Wars HQ. It's not generally open to the public, meaning, along with everything else, the $5,000 order also presents a truly unique experience most people won't ever get to enjoy. And while the Kaiburr Crystal may be the most expensive Star Wars- themed drink on the menu, it's far from the only one. Visitors can also choose from other custom cocktails like the Cloud City or the Baby Yoda-inspired Temple Twist.

While a $5,000 drink order seems outrageous at face value, it does offer  Star Wars  devotees serious bragging rights and a chance to visit the property where much of the work is done on their favorite movies. Considering an original X-Wing model recently sold at auction for $2.3 million, it's clear that die-hard fans are willing to put up big bucks to show their love for the franchise. While most  Star Wars  fans likely wouldn't be able to justify the cost of a Kaiburr Crystal, the novelty and spectacle of it alone is enough to grab people's attention.

Next:  Disney's Star Wars Bar Design Is Inspired By Han Solo Movie

Source: Arthur's About Theme Parks

Is The $5000 Kaiburr Crystal Cocktail on the Disney Wish Worth It? Beci Found Out For Herself and…

Let’s just cut to the chase.

$5000 is a lot of money and it’s hard to justify spending that kind of cash on anything, let alone a cocktail…. or even four. But the purchase on the infamous Kaiburr Crystal onboard the Disney Wish is much more than just an adult beverage wrapped in a camtono (i.e.…a 70’s ice cream machine from another planet) .

But is it worth it?

First things first. I’m Beci Mahnken from Mouse Fan Travel . And before I dive headfirst into the answer to that question, let’s take a look at what happens when you order this little gem from the cocktail menu at Hyperspace Lounge onboard Disney Cruise Line’s brand new flagship, the Disney Wish.

The lounge is so popular they quickly implemented a reservation system to alleviate the need for a standby line outside the venue. Reservations can be made via the Disney Cruise Line app, by walking up to the podium outside the lounge, or if you are a concierge or suite guest, the concierge staff can help secure the reservation for you.

We arrived for our reservation and were led inside to a table with a perfect view of the bar and the portal window to space. If you have ever sailed with Disney you may be familiar with the Skyline Lounge where the view changes from city to city as you make your way from cocktail to cocktail. Same concept here, except you jump through hyperspace from galaxy to galaxy to view different planets and a familiar spaceship or two along the way. For Star Wars fans, the lounge is inspired by Dryden Vos’s First Light space yacht and the Canto Bight casino from Solo: A Star Wars Story.

We sat down, taking it all in and were handed tablets that feature the menu of cocktails, mocktails, beer and wine selections, all inspired by the Star Wars adventures.

I was excited when I found the Kaiburr Crystral listed on the menu as it wasn’t available on the Christening Cruise. There was some incorrect info out there on the internet on what this experience included and for how many people, so once I confirmed the details, I was all in.

The wonderful server came over and she asked what I’d like, and I pulled it up on the menu and showed it to her. I have no idea why…. But for some reason pointing to it was easier then actually saying it out loud.

When you order something as complex as the Kaiburr Crystal, you need to pack a little patience. It takes time to pull together all the ingredients and the people needed to present the final product.

But once its ready, the staff, along with two officers deliver the camtono to you table.

You are instructed to input a code by way of three switches on the top of the container. Once successful, the container opens up to reveal three small silver cups and a larger one in the middle.

The staff explains the amazing beverage journey you are about to embark upon.

The Cocktail in the middle is called the Barc Speeder.

Its primary ingredients are Camus 4.160, an extremely rare Cognac made by the Camus family and comes in a Disney Wish, limited edition engraved bottle.

It also includes Grand Marnier Quintessence, and if you know me, you know I love my Grand Marnier! Straight up, neat, in slushie form from France, over ice… I’m not picky. This spirit is described as a very limited edition of Grand Marnier, their first new product since 1977. Based on Grand Champagne Cognac aged between 25 and 135 years, including some 1875, 1906 and 1955 vintages, and using their ‘double parfum’ method of extracting the flavor from orange peels to produce an incredible liqueur.

The smaller silver cups feature three pours from very limited and extremely rare finds including:

Pappy Van Winkles’s Family Reserve – 23 year 95.6 proof Bourbon

Per my website research, bottles sell for thousands of dollars and boasts notes of dry, tannic oak, worn leather, and dark cocoa. Personally, I am not much of a bourbon fan so it was shared with others at my table.

Watenshi Gin

A very rare Japanese Gin that has a unique process described on their site as a refined technique that utilizes atmospheric pressure less than half that found at the summit of Mount Everest, and temperatures on a par with the coldest day ever recorded at the South Pole. The result is a yield of just 15ml every still run – that’s almost fifty distillations for a single bottle.

And my personal favorite….

Taylor Fladgate Very Old Tawny Port, Kingsman Edition

Another very rare addition to this experience, this Tawny Port is described as of Great Age and matured for over nine decades in hand-made seasoned oak casks. And yes… Kingsman, as in the movie (Google it!). This was the cup I didn’t want to part with. If I had known, I may have asked for three of them replacing the other two selections above. But alas.

Once you are introduced to these four masterpieces, the officers take their place at either side of you and take a picture to commemorate the occasion.

Reservations are usually limited to 45 minutes, but when you purchase the Kaiburr Crystal, you are not hurried but instead are left to enjoy the treasures with your friends around the table. When you are done, the staff comes back over to the table and you assist in the ritual of closing up the camtano, and they take it away.

Ya… sorry… you don’t get to keep that one.

However…. they do let you know you will get to keep the four cups, which aren’t just any cups. They are Christofle BeeBee silver plated cups which carry a hefty price tag too. They will ship them to the address on your reservation, so you do not need to worry about finding a spot in your luggage to accommodate the box.

Of course you end the experience with the bill. (shuddderrr….) especially because it tags on the usual 18% auto gratuity making the bill $900 higher. But knowing this goes to the hardworking server and bar staff, made that 100% worth it.

But Wait!!! There’s More!!

Sometime during the cruise, the Star Wars fairies sneak into your room and leave a few gifts to remember the experience, including a themed backpack, bottle and tumbler set and a pillow and blanket.

And a bottle of Skywalker Sommita Sparkling Wine

But the real reason you shell out the cash for a Kaiburr Crystal….

is not just for the goodies and the extremely rare spirits…. It’s for the certificate that entitles you to a private tour of Skywalker Ranch and Vineyards in Marin County, CA. (travel not included) It’s the home to Lucasfilm’s celebrated sound design, mixing and audio post-production facility, and I kid you not… the main building is on Lake Ewok.

Early internet reports said the tour was only for one person, which didn’t make much sense and wouldn’t be worth it if you had to buy two for you and your spouse or Star Wars crazed friend to enjoy this experience together. Before I said yes to this journey, I confirmed it was four guests, which made it even more valuable to share with people I adore. The certificate is delivered with the room décor, and I immediately took a picture of it, in case the airlines lose my luggage.

And yes… there is one more benefit to your cruise experience….

On disembarkation day, the staff of Hyperspace Lounge personally escorts you to the gangway off the ship. This is particularly beneficial if there is a long line waiting to disembark. If you have ever had an escort off the ship by the concierge staff, its essentially the same thing.

Early internet reports predicted the escort would be Star Wars themed characters like Stormtroopers, but alas, it wasn’t the case. I do think that would certainly enhance the experience and something they should consider if in fact they continue to sell this gem.

So… back to the initial question. Is the Kaiburr Crystal experience it worth it?

The truth is, no one can answer that for you, but you. The value we put on things is extremely subjective. I know people who spend hundreds to thousands on ‘things’. Shoes, jewelry, handbags, wine, and yes… collectables. Whatever their passion, they decide for themselves when and how to spend their disposable income. Some save up years to obtain the things they are passionate about, and while ‘things’ aren’t personally ‘my thing’, I do not judge others or assume to be able to predict the worth of their personal passions or how they decide to spend or not to spend their money.

My passion is experiences. Creating memories and sharing them with the people I adore. Especially after the last 2+ years where I faced a master class in business survival (thanks covid), took on a battle with breast cancer, and lost two beloved family members. The combination of all that struggle and loss highlight the fact that we are not here forever, and when it is my time to go, I will take those precious memories with me. It was this drive that allowed me to give myself permission to spend a little of my inheritance on this once in a lifetime experience. To do something fun and try and make up for the loss, pain and challenges that hopefully are now in my rearview mirror.

Will it be worth it to someone who isn’t necessarily a Star Wars fan? Probably not. But to the person who knows you can’t just buy a tour of Skywalker Ranch (unless you were one of the people who spent $109k per person to visit as part of an Adventures By Disney world tour), and that will check off a to-do on their bucket list… it sure might be.

For me… it was worth every penny and I look forward to the tour and sharing it with special people in my life. And, of course, the extra airline miles the purchase will give me from the credit card purchase. So I can plan a new adventure.

– Beci Mahnken from Mouse Fan Travel

What do YOU think? Would you purchase the Kaiburr Crystal on the Disney Wish (even just for an opportunity to visit Skywalker Ranch)? Discuss in the WDW Radio Clubhouse !

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Beci Mahnken

• July 25, 2022
• $5000 Drink , Disney Cruise Line , Disney Wish , Hyperspace Lounge , Kaiburr Crystal , Star Wars

About Lou Mongello

Lou Mongello is a former attorney who left the practice to pursue his passion, and is now a recognized Disney expert, author, speaker, and host of WDW Radio. Learn more…

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What's In Disney's $5,000 Cocktail? The Star Wars- Inspired Kaiburr Crystal Is Luxe

The presentation is out of this galaxy.

Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, the Disney Wish, is ready to set sail for its maiden voyage on July 14. The new ship is the largest in Disney’s fleet, and includes all-new restaurants and lounges, including a Star Wars- themed bar that features themed cocktails. Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge is full of Easter eggs from the films and Disney+ series, but the one thing people can’t stop talking about is the Star Wars- inspired Kaiburr Crystal drink. Everyone wants to know, what’s in Disney’s $5,000 cocktail, and is it worth its price tag?

That’s right, the specialty menu item will set you back $5,000, which may seem outrageous to any guests who rather take advantage of the all-you-can-eat food and drinks included in your Disney Cruise vacay. However, a trip to the Hyperspace Lounge for one of their Insta-worthy (and regularly priced) cocktails and mocktails is a must for any Star Wars fan. The view of the ship jumping into hyperspace as you sit at the bar is an experience you can only enjoy on a Disney Cruise, but you’d have to really budget yourself if you want to order the $5,000 Star Wars drink. With a price like that, it almost makes a stay at the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser seem reasonable as well. And before you take the plunge, you’ll want to know just what you’re getting into with Disney’s $5,000 cocktail.

What Comes With Disney’s $5,000 Star Wars Cocktail?

While each of drinks you can order at the Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge can be considered Insta-worthy, the presentation of the $5,000 Star Wars drink is reportedly out of this world. According to Disney blogger Scott Gustin, the Kaiburr Crystal drink , which can be found at the bottom of the menu, comes served to you in a camtono. Star Wars fans will instantly recognize the cylindrical container from The Empire Strikes Back and later in The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett. In the Star Wars universe, the container is used as a security safe, and on the Disney Wish, it holds your precious $5,000 cocktail for you.

You would think that you could keep this cool Easter egg container as part of the price of the cocktail, but according to Gustin, that’s not the case. However, the Star Wars $5,000 cocktail does come with the following:

• A Star Wars backpack
• A Star Wars water bottle
• A Hyperspace-themed room decoration
• A bottle of personalized sparkling wine from Skywalker Vineyards

Your purchase also comes with a voucher to visit Skywalker Ranch , which is located north of San Francisco. Skywalker Ranch is not open to the public, so a visit to the movie ranch where George Lucas works is pretty exclusive. However, you only get one voucher per cocktail, so if you want your bestie to tag along, they’ve got to shell out an additional $5,000.

The cocktail also comes with a Star Wars- themed escort off the ship. While Gustin was unable to confirm what that escort entails, it apparently includes “an entertainment component.” Wouldn’t that be cool to be escorted off the Disney Cruise by some Stormtroopers? And along with this experiential aspect, you also get to keep the silver plated glasses that come with your cocktail.

What’s In Disney’s $5,000 Star Wars Cocktail?

All the added goodies are fun, but what’s in the Kaiburr Crystal drink is what really matters. Afterall, why spend $5,000 on a drink if you’re not going to drink it? So, you better like Camus cognac. According to theme park blogger Arthur Levine, the Kaiburr Crystal drink is mostly made with this cognac and includes yuzu and kumquat as well. There’s also some Grand Marnier Quintessence in the mix, and along with your Kaiburr Crystal cocktail, you also receive three shots of Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve 23-Year bourbon, Taylor's Kingsman Edition Very Old Tawny Port, and Watenshi gin. If you know your spirits, you’ll also know these are very expensive — aka top shelf.

It may be advertised as a $5,000 cocktail and “the most expensive drink in the galaxy,” but the Kaiburr Crystal drink on the Disney Wish is actually one cocktail, three shots, a bunch of souvenirs, a trip to Skywalker Ranch, and a full-on Star Wars experience all rolled into one. While that may be worth it to some hardcore Star Wars fans, most people would rather save that money for some exclusive Disney Wish Mickey Mouse ears or just a $7 Baby Yoda mocktail instead.

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$5,000 Star Wars Cocktail Makes Disney Cruise Feel Like a Real-Life Canto Bight in the Worst Way

It hasn’t been too long since Disney stirred up controversy with their Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser hotel. The Galactic Starcruiser is a luxury Star Wars -themed hotel situated in Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, FL, and the out-of-this-world experience comes with a hefty price tag. Many were shocked when Disney revealed that a two-night stay in the Galactic Starcruiser costs $4,809 for two people and $6,000 for four people.

The Galactic Starcruiser’s price tag and the consistent price hikes across Disney’s parks and cruises haven’t been met with a fond reception. These high prices mean that a trip to Disney or the Galactic Starcruiser is completely out of the question for the vast majority of families and individuals. It also means that such attractions as the Starcruiser are specifically aimed at only the most wealthy, which doesn’t sit right with people in the midst of massive income inequality in the real world.

However, Disney has now officially topped the Galactic Starcruiser controversy with another outrageously priced item. The only difference is that, this time, $5,000 won’t get you a two-night stay at an immersive Star Wars -themed hotel. Instead, $5,000 will buy you one drink.

Disney Cruise serves $5,000 Star Wars -themed drink

The $5,000 cocktail has been dubbed the Kaiburr Crystal and is exclusively available on Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, the Wish . Abroad the Wish , travelers can visit the Star Wars -inspired Hyperspace Lounge to order the Kaiburr Crystal. The ingredients of the drink are a mystery, but it is served in a camtono. In the Star Wars franchise, the camtono is a cylindrical box with three movable panels and a lid, and is commonly used to store valuables. When the Kaiburr Crystal is served, the cylinder is shut, but it opens up in a cloud of vapor to reveal several shot glasses.

The most expensive drink in the galaxy. The Star Wars Hyperspace Lounge on the Disney Wish has a $5,000 Kaiburr Crystal drink. pic.twitter.com/ZcUp3yt0RI — Ashley Carter (@AshleyLCarter1) June 29, 2022

A $5000 Star Wars cocktail drink will be available on the new Disney cruise ship. pic.twitter.com/RX9yesr4Rw — DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) June 29, 2022

Is Disney recreating Canto Bight?

So, we’re just coming off the back end of a global pandemic, inflation is skyrocketing, many are facing unemployment, homelessness, and poverty, and Disney decides now is the perfect time to launch their $5,000 cocktail. After all, you only paid $5,000 for an entire stay in the company’s immersive Star Wars hotel. Why would you not want to double that price by buying one drink on a cruise? As more people struggle, soon Disney parks and cruises will be reserved exclusively for the wealthiest of society. Just like Canto Bight in The Last Jedi , the richest people in the galaxy will flock out to throw money away on Galactic Starcruisers and a whole round of Kaiburr Crystals, while paying no attention to the plight of the less fortunate around them.

We’ll just ignore the fact that you can get your own camtono on eBay for little over a $100 and that, unless its made of pure liquid gold, the drink itself can’t possibly be all that expensive for any justifiable reason. It’s all about the experience, you know? Why would you make a cocktail at home for 10 bucks yourself when you can get one for $5,000 at Disney? Why put that $5,000 to much better use when you obviously need it to treat yourself to a little cylinder that looks like an ice cream-making machine so you can be twinning with the Mandalorian?

For many families, visiting a Disney park or cruise is a distant dream. For others, though, they’ll need a $5,000 cocktail to round out their luxury stay, and Disney can’t wait to cater to them.

(via Gizmodo , featured image: Disney)

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This Disney Cruise Cocktail is $5,000 – Is It Worth the Price?

It's $5,000 for the rare mix of liquors.

With the launch of the new Disney Wish cruise line, you now can sail to a galaxy far, far away… from Wisconsin. When you’re not on deck, checking out Caribbean waters, the Disney Wish cruise hosts several entertainment hubs, including the Hyperspace Lounge, a Star Wars -themed cocktail bar. This ain’t no Mos Eisley cantina either. The gold- and neon-ribbed digs and window on interstellar space (in a running seven-scene loop) make it seem more like an intergalactic speakeasy where the cocktails are made right. They better be for $5,000! More on that in a second.

• Kaiburr Crystal – Hyperspace Lounge, Disney Wish Cruise Line
• Diamonds Are Forever – Tokyo Ritz-Carlton
• The Ultimate Macallan – Skyview Bar, Dubai
• Sidecar – The Bar Hemingway, Paris
• The Admiral – The Bad Luck Bar, Detroit

An Elegant Art

This begs the question: What other great cocktails exist for the most elite among us? Join The Manual as it strides into the lounges of the ultra rich to find the world’s most expensive cocktails. And don’t spill the hooch!

Kaiburr Crystal – Hyperspace Lounge, Disney Wish Cruise Line

“The galaxy’s rarest and (most) valuable cocktail,” describes the Hyperspace Lounge.

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The Kaiburr Crystal leans on cognac , a liquor made for French kings, Arthur’s About Theme Parks reports . A space bartender let the theme park blogger in on a Kaiburr Crystal’s ingredients, including a mix of high-end Camus Cognac and a taste of the $3,500-per-bottle Grand Marnier Quintessence. Creating a pop in the smoky syrup is the Japanese citrus, yuzu, and the almost piquant kumquat. And shots. Expensive shots, including Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 23 Year bourbon (which, for almost $6,000, should honestly be enjoyed on its own) and Taylor’s Fladgate Kingsman Edition Very Old Tawny Port (at just over $3,000 and ditto).

The most expensive drink in the galaxy. The Star Wars Hyperspace Lounge on the Disney Wish has a $5,000 Kaiburr Crystal drink. pic.twitter.com/ZcUp3yt0RI — Ashley Carter (@AshleyLCarter1) June 29, 2022

Is it good? That’s for you and social media to decide. A Kaiburr Crystal does arrive in quite a package. On offer is a bottle of sparkling wine from Skywalker Vineyards, a voucher for a visit to George Lucas’ private Skywalker Ranch (no word on whether Lucas makes an appearance on set), the metal plate and cups serving set, and other Star Wars swag. Alas, the drink does not include the camtono it’s served in.

Diamonds Are Forever – Tokyo Ritz-Carlton

From one galaxy to another, grab a seat on the 45th floor and look out onto midtown Tokyo while you sip on a martini garnished with a one-carat diamond.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by ザ・リッツ・カールトン東京 (@ritzcarltontokyo)

Inspired by the James Bond movie, Diamonds Are Forever is a cool blend of chilled Absolut Elyx Vodka with a splash of lime juice. Priced at about $20,000, this cocktail holds the current claim for the most expensive on the planet. Sitting atop Tokyo’s most expensive hotel, sippers have to feel like kings and queens looking out at the busy little world.

Find the Diamonds Are Forever at The Bar inside of the Ritz-Carlton in Tokyo.

The Ultimate Macallan – Skyview Bar, Dubai

Perched on the 27th floor of the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, the world’s tallest, all-suite hotel, is the Skyview Bar, 700 feet above sea level. While the eclectic drinks average around $40 each, there’s nothing that approaches the Ultimate Macallan.

The drink begins with 55-year-old Macallan single-malt Scotch whisky mixed in with dried fruit bitters and a homemade passion fruit sugar. All this melts in Scotch water, flown from the Macallan distillery, frozen in Dubai , and tossed in your glass. There’s even a custom stirrer from a Macallan oak cask. Oh, and Skyview serves it up in a collectible 18K gold goblet.

Sidecar – The Bar Hemingway, Paris

The Bar Hemingway bartender and owner Colin Field has been voted the world’s best bartender by Forbes, Travel & Leisure, and multiple other publications. Tending the rail at The Bar Hemingway in the Hôtel Ritz Paris, Field hosts the world’s top playwrights, designers, and artists including Kate Moss, who was nice enough to write the preface for his book, Le Ritz Paris – Une Histoire de Cocktails .

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Georges Najm (@georges_najm)

The New York Times Style Magazine notes that whenever the model is in town, she favors the French 76, an alluring alchemy of vodka, lemon juice, and sugar stirred with Champagne. The real show, though, is the $1,670 Sidecar.

The select cocktail features an 1830 Ritz Reserve Cognac, one of the world’s rarest liquors, sourced with grapes from a vine no longer in existence, eradicated by an insect infestation in the 1860s. The cognac is brought to life by Cointreau and fresh-squeezed lemon juice.

The Admiral – The Bad Luck Bar, Detroit

Detroit eh? In the 1920s and the 1930s, the city was known as the Paris of the Midwest, as speakeasies sprouting up in the city’s historic buildings can attest.

The Bad Luck Bar is just one of these dim, yellow-glow lit, old-school underground getaways. The watering hole stands out from its competition due to a signature $200 cocktail, The Admiral. Headlining the grog is a pour of a 1970 vintage Black Tot rum, a piece of distilled history. The liquor was bottled from antique stone flagons containing the last stocks of British Royal Navy Rum, untouched for over four decades.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bad Luck Bar (@badluckbar)

Black Tot is only the beginning of Bad Luck Bar’s unrivaled collection of some of the rarest liquors in the world. Make sure you get the password first, however, or you’re not getting in the locked door.

Cocktails show off a bartender’s true talent, the craft of taking simple spirits and elevating them into works of art. A special occasion or a simple stop in a saloon can turn into an unforgettable moment over a potent distillation.

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Throughout his prolific writing career, Ernest Hemingway rarely went thirsty. The man behind some of the greatest stories ever (A Farewell to Arms, The Old Man and the Sea) loved a good seat at the bar and a well-made cocktail. He's known to fancy everything from a good Champagne cocktail to a Daiquiri.

Making one of Hemingway's favorite drinks is not going to make you a better writer, we must admit. But it will allow you to pretend you're the beloved author for a spell, sipping from a stool in Paris or a cozy Cuban bar. And that's the kind of imaginative practice the late author would very much approve of. So if we're going to focus on one of his many adored cocktails, we might as well go with the one he's rumored to have invented. Here's the breakdown on the Death in the Afternoon cocktail.

We all love a good cocktail, but it's easy to tire of the classics. There's nothing wrong with a perfectly frosty, salted-rimmed margarita, or a warm-to-your-bones, cherry-topped old-fashioned, but sometimes, you just want something new. Something that makes you think. Something that, perhaps, gives you a chuckle. These are those cocktails. Pig's Blood Piña Colada (USA)

Back in 2014, bartender Jason Brown of Chicago's Kinmont restaurant and bar, concocted this cocktail after listening to a Werewolves of London lyric about a werewolf drinking a pina colada. His creativity sparked, and the "Werewolves of London" cocktail was born.

St. Patrick's Day is a holiday for imbibers. Whether you gravitate toward spirits or beer, there's a St. Patrick's Day drink or riff for you to enjoy as America pours celebratory dye into its rivers and dons every article of green clothing it has. (There's even Irish wine, if you feel so inclined.)

Here, we're focused on mixed drinks, ones that flex some Irish flair or are at least inspired by the land of rolling green hills and shamrocks -- the kind of drink you can clutch triumphantly in hand as you observe a holiday more than 1,000 years old. We won't quiz you on who St. Patrick was, nor will we check your plate to make sure you're eating traditional Irish bacon and cabbage (though you probably should). We just want to give you another excuse to celebrate.

Travel | 8 new ships coming to Norwegian Cruise Line,…

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Travel | bob graham, former florida governor and u.s. senator, dies at 87, things to do, subscriber only, travel | 8 new ships coming to norwegian cruise line, sister brands plus dock at great stirrup cay.

The parent company to Norwegian Cruise Line announced Monday a major order for eight new ships among its three brands as well as the construction of a pier to allow its cruise ships to dock instead of tender to its private Bahamas island for the first time.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings said it was planning to bring on four new ships for NCL, two new ships for upper premium brand Oceania Cruises and two ships for luxury brand Regent Seven Seas, all to be built at Fincantieri shipyard in Italy and debut during a 10-year run from 2026-2036.

The NCL ships would be the largest ever built for the line at around 200,000 gross tons and capacity of about 5,000 guests. They won’t arrive until after the final delivery of its Prima-Plus class ships expected between 2025-2028, the larger sister ships to the Norwegian Prima and Viva that debuted in the last couple of years. The four ships from the unnamed class of vessel would arrive in 2030, 2032, 2034 and 2036.

The new class for Oceania Cruises, which in 2023 debuted its first new ship in more than a decade — the Oceania Allura — will also be the largest ever built for the line at 86,000 gross tons and a capacity of 1,450 guests. They’re expected in 2027 and 2029.

And the Regent Seven Seas fleet’s new vessels will also be larger coming in at 77,000 gross tons with a capacity of 850 guests. They’re expected in 2026 and 2029. Regent just debuted the third of its Explorer class ships in December 2023.

“This strategic new-ship order across all three of our award-winning brands provides for the steady introduction of cutting-edge vessels into our fleet and solidifies our long-term growth,” said NCLH president and CEO Harry Sommer in a press release. “It also allows us to significantly leverage our operating scale, strengthen our commitment to innovation and enhance our ability to offer our guests new products and experiences, all while providing opportunities to enhance the efficiency of our fleet.”

No other details about the ships were released. Financing is already in place to fund 80% of the cost for the four ships among the Oceania and Regent orders, but financing for the four NCL ships is not finalized.

The eight ships expects to add 25,000 more to the three cruise lines’ passenger capacity.

In addition, the line is set to construct a multi-ship pier at Great Stirrup Cay, the popular Bahamas private destination visited by all three brands. The move follows the introduction of a dock that can support two Oasis-class vessels at neighboring Perfect Day at Coco Cay for Royal Caribbean while other private Bahamas destinations including Disney’s Castaway Cay and its new Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point feature tenderless docks for easy access.

“We are likewise excited with the addition of a new pier at Great Stirrup Cay to support our increased capacity in the Caribbean and multiple ships to call on the island, enhancing our guest experience and bringing seamless and reliable access to our private island year-round,” Sommer said.

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The ultimate guide to Disney Cruise Line ships and itineraries

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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.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG’s cruise newsletter .

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

• Broadway-caliber shows and first-run movies.
• Disney-level service and attention to detail.
• High-quality Disney character interactions and kids clubs.
• Innovative, included rotational dining.

What we could do without

• Disney cruises are expensive.
• The onboard Wi-Fi is not the fastest, especially on ships that haven’t been upgraded. And it’s not cheap.

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.

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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.

Related:  How to book a cruise with points and miles

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

SPONSORED:  With states reopening, enjoying a meal from a restaurant no longer just means curbside pickup.

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.