While Disney Cruise Line stands out from other cruise lines for what they do include in your fare, not everything can be included. Before I get into what is not included, let’s talk about what is included first:
- Quick Service meals and dinner rotation meals while onboard the Ship
- Lunch at Castaway Cay
- Room Service
- Character meet and greets
- Live entertainment and Broadway-style shows
- Use of the Fitness Center
- Soft Drinks and Hot Drinks
- Soft-serve ice cream
- Recreational activities on board such as waterslides and mini-golf
- Children’s activity centers on board and at Castaway Cay
As you can see this is a great array of what is included on your cruise fare! Not all cruise lines can say they included all of these things.
Now let’s get to what is not included.
- Ground Transfers – Unlike Disney World, Disney transportation buses are not included. This service costs $35 one way per person. The buses will pick you up at the Orlando International Airport or Walt Disney World Resorts and take you to Port Canaveral on the day of your cruise. Once you disembark, the buses will also take you back to the airport.
- Port Adventures – If you want to get off the ship at each port and schedule a port adventure, those are also not included in your fare. There are port adventures for everybody and every price range. These port adventures can be scheduled in advance and you don’t have to pay for them until the day of the adventure. Some people opt to stay onboard in ports to have extra time to use all of the amenities on board and that is totally cool!
- Gratuities – Disney service is exceptional on board and those who provide that service should be tipped for their hard work! Gratuities are not included in your fare, but you do have the option to pre-pay them ahead of time. On DCL, gratuities are $12 per night per person and it is split between your rotational dining servers and stateroom host.
- Alcoholic Beverages – If you like to have alcoholic beverages on your vacation, make sure to add some extra funds into your budget for the cruise. Any drink you purchase throughout the cruise will be added to your stateroom bill so make sure to keep track so you know how much you are spending and won’t be surprised when you receive your bill on the last day.
- Wi-fi – If you check email and Facebook notifications on a daily basis, you’ll have to purchase an internet package once you get on board. Disney does offer a complimentary 50MB package per room, but you have to make sure you sign up for it before midnight on the first night. The prices range from $19 to $89 and it does go quickly, so make sure you turn it off when not in use.
- Photos – All of the photographers on the ship will take your picture at dinner, with characters, in the atrium and more, but if you want those photos, you’ll have to purchase them. You can always ask a cast member nearby to use your own camera/cell phone, but it is not guaranteed there will be one there. If you want to do a photo package, I suggest buying online ahead of time to save yourself some money. You can visit MyCruisePhotos.com to check out what packages are available on your cruise.
- Nursery – Although the Children Activity Centers are included in your fare, the nursery for children 6 months to 3 years old is not. This service costs $9 per hour for the first child and $8 for any additional children. You can schedule this service in advance to make sure you get a spot for those adult meals or alone time.
- Spa Treatments and Makeovers – If you wish to partake in one of the wonderful spa treatments, you’ll have this added to your stateroom bill. If you have young ones who want Princess or Pirate makeovers, these are also additional costs. Make sure to book these ahead of time to secure your spot!
- Fine Dining – Adult-only restaurants, Palo and Remy, are also an additional cost. These fine dining rooms provide fantastic service and amazing food options. Palo is on all four ships and offers brunch on sea days and dinner most nights. Remy is found on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy which offers nightly dinner and other superb experiences throughout the cruise.
- Optional Snacks – If you want specialty treats such as concessions outside the theatres or an item from Vanellope’s Sweets and Treat on the Disney Dream, these items cost extra. You can always grab food and drinks from a free area and take them with you to the movie theatre if you want so that you don’t have to spend any extra money.
- Bingo – Disney is one of the only cruise ships that don’t have casinos since it is more of a family-friendly atmosphere, but they do have bingo that you can play on board to win cash or swag.
- Gift Shops/Souvenirs – Lastly, any item you want from the gift shops on board or on Castaway Cay are available for purchase only. These items will also be charged to your onboard account so just make sure you keep track of your spending so you don’t go over your budget.
So although none of these above items are included, there is plenty for you to do on board without most of them!
Are you ready for a pixie perfect vacation? I’m a travel agent specializing in Disney Destinations, Universal Orlando and more! I’m with Chip and Company’s official travel partner, Key to the World Travel! My concierge planning services are completely free when you book your magical vacation through me, so what are you waiting for? Let’s start making memories for your family that will last a lifetime! Email me at shannon.ewing@keytotheworldtravel.com today or message me on Facebook!
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Shannon is an accountant, Travel Agent, MBA student and Disney lover. She loves to travel the world, but Disney will always be her favorite travel destination! She hopes to hit all Disney parks around the world! So far she has been to Florida, California and Paris! When not traveling, she likes to cuddle up with her soon-to-be husband and plan their wedding! Don't worry, there will definitely be some Disney touches included!
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