Curious about Disney Cruise Line food? You’re not alone! One of the best things about Disney Cruise dining options is the all-inclusive style that covers breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even snacks. That’s right—most of your meals are included in your cruise fare, so once you’re on board, you don’t have to worry about additional food costs. Pretty awesome, right?
However, a common question is, “What’s included in Disney Cruise dining, and where do I need to pay extra on a Disney Cruise?” This is a great question because Disney Cruise Line does things a bit differently from other cruise lines. On many cruises, you’ll find yourself paying extra for certain restaurants, but Disney Cruise Line covers almost all dining options in your fare. That’s why being informed ahead of time can help you get the most out of your vacation.
In this blog, I’ll walk you through the different types of dining on Disney Cruise, what’s included, and where you might want to budget for a little something extra. Get ready to indulge in all this delicious food talk. Let’s dive in!
Disney Cruise Line Food Options
Disney Cruise food options offer a fantastic selection of restaurants, coffee shops, and lounges (bars) to explore! If it’s your first time, you might feel a bit overwhelmed with all the choices, especially figuring out what’s included in your cruise fare and what costs extra. Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered! To keep things simple, I’ll refer to anything included as “free.”
Disney Cruise Complimentary Dining
1. Disney Cruise Buffet Restaurants: FREE
Disney Cruise Line’s buffet restaurants offer a relaxed, self-serve dining experience for both breakfast and lunch, and best of all, they’re complimentary. Guests can enjoy a wide variety of food choices, including fresh fruit, hot meals, and more, all while taking in stunning ocean views. Each Disney Cruise ship features a buffet restaurant: the older ships (Disney Magic, Wonder, Dream and Fantasy) offer Cabanas, while the newer ships (Disney Wish and Treasure) feature the modern Marceline Market. Whether you’re craving a light snack or a full meal, these complimentary buffet spots are perfect for casual dining on your cruise.
Each ship has a different name for its buffet restaurant:
2. DCL Rotational Dining: FREE
Rotational dining is one of the highlights of Disney Cruise! Each night, you’ll dine in a different themed restaurant, with the same amazing servers every night who really get to know your preferences. You can expect a full-course meal for dinner with starters, mains, and desserts. Depending on your ship, the restaurant themes change, but they all provide that signature Disney magic. Several Disney Cruise Line restaurants offer live shows and performances during your meal. Here’s what’s offered by ship:
3. DCL Quick Service: FREE
If you’re in the mood for a snack, Disney Cruise’s Quick Service spots are just what you need. Offering pizza, burgers, salads, and more, these spots are open from late morning until late at night. Perfect for grabbing a bite between meals or while lounging by the pool!
Each ship offers slightly different options, but here’s a taste of what you can expect:
Oh, and don’t miss the soft-serve ice cream—also included and available until late in the day. It’s a big hit with kids (and grown-ups too!).
4. DCL Drink Stations: FREE
On a Disney Cruise, water, soda, coffee, and tea are complimentary! You’ll find drink stations on the pool deck of each ship, where you can access soda machines and other beverages 24/7. Cups are provided, but bringing your own refillable water bottle is a great idea. That way, you can fill it up and bring it back to your room, as the staterooms don’t provide bottled water. Super convenient and eco-friendly!
5. Disney Cruise Room Service: FREE
Need a quiet breakfast in your room or a late-night snack? Room service is included on Disney Cruise! While the service is free, a small tip is appreciated, so keep some cash on hand. This is super convenient for early mornings when you’re heading off the ship for an excursion or just want to enjoy a cozy meal in your room and watch Disney movies.
6. DCL Concierge Lounge: FREE for Concierge Guests
For those staying in Concierge-level rooms, there’s an exclusive lounge where you can enjoy complimentary drinks and snacks. It’s a quiet, more private space for guests looking to enjoy a bit more luxury during their stay.
7. DCL Lunch on Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay: FREE
Did you know that lunch on Disney Cruise’s private islands, Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay, is completely free? You’ll get to enjoy freshly prepared BBQ, along with a variety of sides like coleslaw and salads. There are also plenty of snacks like fresh fruit, cookies, and of course, soft-serve ice cream. Plus, you’ll find a drink station to keep you cool while you relax by the beach. The BBQ is especially tasty and perfect for a day at the beach!
Specialty Dining and Treats On Disney Cruises
While most of your food and drinks are included on Disney Cruise Line, there are a few spots where you can splurge on something special. Here’s what to expect:
1. DCL Specialty Ice Cream and Sweets: Extra Cost
If you’re sailing on Disney Dream, Fantasy, or Wish, you’ll find adorable dessert spots like Vanellope’s Sweets & Treats or Inside Out: Joyful Sweets. These colorful shops offer premium ice cream and cakes for an additional cost.
Palo on Disney Magic
2. DCL Adult-Exclusive Dining: Extra Cost
If you’re looking for a quieter, upscale dining experience, Disney Cruise Line offers adult-only restaurants like Palo (Italian cuisine) and Remy (French cuisine, available on some ships). These restaurants offer a luxurious meal, often with ocean views.
These adult-exclusive extra cost dining on Disney Cruise are incredibly popular, so dining reservations tend to fill up quickly as soon as they become available. In addition to brunch and dinner, both the Disney Dream and Fantasy offer a special dessert course, providing an extra layer of indulgence. If you’re looking to spend some luxurious, quiet time in a sophisticated setting, this is a must-do! The serene atmosphere, gourmet dishes, and impeccable service make it an unforgettable experience for adults wanting a touch of elegance on their cruise.
3. DCL Character Dining: Extra Cost
Disney Cruises, just like the parks, offer character dining experiences! These are super popular but keep in mind that reservations are required. Unlike the adult-exclusive dining options, character dining is designed for kids and families with children aged 3 to 12. So, sorry adults—you can’t book this one without a little one!
The characters you’ll meet vary depending on the ship. While I haven’t personally tried it, reviews suggest that it’s more about the fun atmosphere and kids’ gifts than the food itself. It’s a hit with families, but it can get a bit pricey. Before booking, I recommend checking out reviews and YouTube videos to make sure it’s the right fit for your family.
But don’t worry if you can’t snag a character dining reservation! You can still enjoy character interactions for free at Rotational Dining. During your meals, Disney characters put on a show, and afterward, they’ll visit each table for photos. Best of all, this is included in your cruise fare!
4. DCL Coffee shops: Complimentary and Paid Options
For all the coffee lovers out there, don’t worry—Disney Cruises have you covered! Every ship in the fleet features cafés where you can grab a specialty coffee or alcoholic drink. While coffee from the café does come with an additional charge, regular drip coffee is available for free at the drink stations and in all dining areas.
The Cove Café, available on all ships, is an adults-only (18+) café where you can enjoy both coffee and alcoholic beverages. While there is an extra cost for these drinks, the pastries offered inside are complimentary, so you can always pop in and grab a treat at no extra charge. As of 2024, it’s worth noting that the Disney Wish doesn’t offer pastries at Cove Café, but you can still enjoy your coffee or drink.
Aside from Cove Café, the Disney Dream and Fantasy also feature Vista Café, providing more options for coffee and relaxing. The Wish has a unique café setup compared to the other ships, with three additional coffee shops—one located conveniently inside the Marceline Market buffet restaurant, perfect for a quick coffee run!
5. DCL Popcorn and Snacks: Extra Cost
Planning to catch one of Disney’s amazing shows or movies on board? You’ll find popcorn and snacks for sale at stands near the Walt Disney Theatre. The cool part? Not only can you grab snacks, but you can also bring drinks from the bar into the theater for that full cinema experience.
And just like at the Disney parks, Disney Cruise Line also sells those super cute souvenir popcorn buckets! The best part is that once you have a bucket, you can refill it throughout your cruise at a discounted rate ($1.50). If you already have one from a Disney park, you can bring it on board and still get the refills at a lower price, which is such a great deal for popcorn lovers. To be honest, though, shouldn’t the popcorn be free? Just saying!
6. DCL Frozen Drink Stands: Extra Cost
If you’re hanging out near the quick-service spots, keep an eye out for frozen drink stands where you can grab fun treats like smoothies or Dole Whip. These stands are perfect for cooling off, and they offer soft drinks as well as alcoholic options if you’re looking for something with a little extra kick!
7. DCL Lounges (Nightclubs & Lounges): Extra Cost
Disney Cruise ships offer a variety of lounges and bars where you can kick back and enjoy a drink. Throughout the day, some lounges host family-friendly events, while others are adults-only in the evening. You can check the event schedule on the app once you’re on board.
Each lounge has its own unique atmosphere, so whether you’re looking for a lively spot to hang out with family and friends or a more quiet, sophisticated space to relax, there’s something for everyone. Some lounges even feature karaoke nights or live piano and violin performances, so you can enjoy the vibe whether you’re drinking or not.
Here’s a quick look at some of the lounges on each ship:
8. Senses Juice Bar on Disney Dream and Fantasy: Extra Cost
On the Disney Dream and Fantasy ships, the Senses Juice Bar offers refreshing smoothies and juices made from fresh fruits and vegetables. Conveniently located near the gym and Senses Spa, it’s the perfect spot to recharge after a workout or when you’re craving something healthy after indulging in the all-inclusive meals and drinks.
Final Thoughts
Dining on a Disney Cruise is truly a highlight of the experience! From the variety of included meals to the special extras you can choose to indulge in, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re enjoying a meal in one of the themed restaurants or grabbing a quick bite at the buffet, Disney Cruise all-inclusive dining is a huge perk.
If you’re planning your first Disney Cruise or just dreaming about it, this guide will help you feel more confident about what to expect. Still need Disney Cruise dining tips or have questions? Feel free to ask for help! If you’re a seasoned Disney Cruiser, share your favorite dining experiences in the comments—I’d love to hear about your adventures!
Happy cruising!
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