Our family has sailed on more than 8 Disney Cruises, and every time we get home, we hear the same question.
“Is a Disney Cruise really worth the cost?”
Disney Cruise Line offers some of the most magical and memorable vacations at sea. Yes, it can come with a higher price tag, but we truly believe it’s worth every penny. Below, we break down what’s included, what you can expect to spend, where the extra costs sneak in, and whether the price matches the experience.
What’s Included in the Price of Your Disney Cruise
One of the biggest reasons families are shocked by the value is because Disney includes far more than most cruise lines. When you’re comparing costs, you have to consider just how much comes with the fare.
Here’s what’s included:
- Spacious, family-friendly staterooms
- All meals in the dining rooms, buffet, quick-service locations, and room service
- Unlimited soft drinks, coffee, tea, and soft-serve ice cream
- Broadway-style shows and original Disney productions
- Movies under the stars and in the onboard theaters (often brand-new releases)
- Pools, splash zones, and signature waterslides like the AquaDuck and AquaMouse
- Kids’ clubs for every age group, staffed by Disney-trained counselors
- Character meet-and-greets all day long
- A stop at Disney’s private island (Castaway Cay or Lookout Cay)
- Deck parties, fireworks at sea, and themed nights like Pirate Night
- Adults-only areas, lounges, nightclubs, and sun decks
- The Disney Navigator App for planning activities, checking menus, and staying connected
- Luggage handling, port fees, and taxes
Let’s take a closer look at some of the highlights.
Dining With Disney Magic
Meals are included, and the dining experience is one of the best parts. With rotational dining, you visit three different restaurants throughout your sailing, and your serving team rotates with you. They get to know your family, remember your favorites, and make dinner feel fun and personal.
Beyond the dining rooms, you’ll find a buffet, quick-service options, snacks, and 24-hour room service. You can even get Mickey Ice Cream Bars delivered to your room.
Soda, coffee, tea, and soft-serve ice cream are included as well, which sets Disney apart from most major cruise lines.
The only food charges you’ll see are for premium dining (like Palo or Remy) or optional treats from the sweet shops.
Broadway-Style Shows and First-Run Movies
Even if you aren’t usually a “show person,” Disney’s productions are genuinely impressive. Every ship features large-scale Broadway-level musicals along with unlimited movies in the theater. You’ll often see new Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars releases the same week they hit theaters.
The Best Kids’ Club at Sea
If you ask our kids what they love most, they’ll say the Kids’ Club. Disney’s youth spaces are on another level. The themed rooms are incredible. The staff is amazing. And the programs are so engaging that our kids beg to go back.
Characters sometimes drop in to hang out, too. No other cruise line even comes close to matching the care, creativity, and magic Disney puts into these spaces.
Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay
Your fare includes a full day on Disney’s private island. Whether you’re at Castaway Cay or the brand-new Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, the beaches are beautiful, the snorkeling is great, and the food is included.
Private cabanas are one of the most popular upgrades. They’re pricey, but they’re a dream if it fits your budget.
My Best Tips to Save Time and Money on a Disney Cruise
Tip #1: Do not book directly through Disney.
This feels surprising, but it’s true. You pay the same price booking through a travel agent, and often less, because agents know the promos and specials. I love Best Day Ever Vacations, you can read about my experience here.
When you book with a travel agent, you get:
- Hours of planning help
- The same price (or better, they know all the deals)
- Sometimes Stateroom Credit (free onboard money)
- A planner who knows the best rooms, best check-in times, and required documents
Tip #2: Book as early as possible.
Disney’s prices almost always go up as rooms fill. Locking in early can save thousands. Disney only requires a deposit, and you’ll have plenty of time before the final payment is due.
We once paid about $4,100 for a verandah on a 7-night cruise. Friends who waited booked an inside room for $3,000 more.
Our agency, Best Day Ever Vacations, specializes in Disney travel and our planning services are completely free.
Tip #3: Sail during the off-season.
If you can avoid school breaks, you’ll save hundreds. The best value months are:
September, October, early November, January, and February.
How Much Will a Disney Cruise Cost in 2025 and 2026?
Prices vary based on season, itinerary, ship, and stateroom type. Here’s the average range:
| Itinerary | Duration | Category | Cost per Person | Cost per Day per Person |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bahamas (3 nights) | 3 | Inside | $687–$1,200 | $229–$400 |
| Oceanview | $756–$1,300 | $252–$433 | ||
| Verandah | $879–$1,500 | $293–$500 | ||
| Caribbean (7 nights) | 7 | Inside | $1,200–$2,233 | $171–$319 |
| Oceanview | $1,400–$2,422 | $200–$346 | ||
| Verandah | $1,600–$2,779 | $229–$397 | ||
| Europe (7 nights) | 7 | Inside | $1,098–$2,471 | $157–$353 |
| Oceanview | $1,200–$2,600 | $171–$371 | ||
| Verandah | $1,500–$3,000 | $214–$429 | ||
| Alaska (7 nights) | 7 | Inside | $1,780–$2,062 | $254–$295 |
| Oceanview | $2,130–$2,500 | $304–$357 | ||
| Verandah | $2,697–$3,000 | $385–$429 |
Now let’s look at what this means for families.
Example Pricing for Families of Four
4-Night Caribbean or Bahamian Cruise
Most families spend $2,700 to $6,000.
Examples:
- Disney Wish (Apr 7–11, 2025)
4-night Bahamian, inside stateroom from $2,926 - Disney Wish (May 19–23, 2025)
4-night verandah stateroom from $5,112
Pro tip: weekday 4-night cruises are often cheaper.
7-Night Caribbean or Europe
Most families spend $4,800 to $10,500.
Examples:
- Disney Fantasy (Jun 7–14, 2025)
7-night Eastern Caribbean, inside from $5,824 - Disney Dream (Jul 5–12, 2025)
7-night Mediterranean, verandah from $7,296 - Disney Treasure (Jun 28–Jul 5, 2025)
7-night Western Caribbean, inside from $8,724
7-Night Alaska
Inside rooms are less expensive here.
- Inside: $6,500 to $8,000
- Verandah: $8,900 to $17,000 (highly sought after)
Examples:
- Disney Wonder (Jun 16–23, 2025) Inside from $6,800
- Disney Wonder (Aug 11–18, 2025) Inside from $7,200
- Disney Wonder (Sep 8–15, 2025) Verandah from $9,400
Extra Costs to Keep in Mind
Gratuities
- 3-night cruise: about $48 per person
- 4-night cruise: about $64 per person
- 7-night cruise: about $112 per person
A 15–18% gratuity is added to alcoholic drinks, spa services, and premium dining.
Shore Excursions
Not required, but they add a lot of fun.
Typical cost: $100–$150 per person, depending on activity.
Premium excursions like helicopter tours or dog sledding can be several hundred dollars.
Booking through Disney offers peace of mind. If the excursion runs late, the ship waits for you.
Spa Services & Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
- Spa treatments start around $150
- Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique starts around $100, deluxe packages closer to $200+
Both book up fast.
Alcohol & Adult Dining
Alcohol is not included. Palo, Remy, Enchanté, and Palo Steakhouse cost extra but are excellent options for a special night.
Have questions about planning a Disney Cruise or trying to figure out the best value? Drop them in the comments or send us a message on Instagram. We’re always happy to help families plan their next big adventure.
Note: These price ranges are estimates. Actual rates depend on your ship, dates, and availability. For exact pricing, reach out to a trusted travel advisor.
Check out my other articles:
Is Using a Disney Travel Agent Worth it?
I’m Brittany, a mom who loves travel. We have traveled all over the world with our kids….. but mainly Disney World.
