What is Not Included in Disney Cruise Fares

A Disney Cruise is packed with fun activities, delicious food, and memorable experiences, with many things included in the price you pay. However, there are also extra costs that are not covered by the basic fare. Knowing what’s not included can help you plan your budget and avoid any surprises during your trip.

In this guide, we’ll go over the common extras that come with an additional cost on a Disney Cruise. This way, you can plan ahead and make sure you’re ready for all the fun, without worrying about unexpected expenses along the way!

Dining and Beverage Extras

While Disney Cruises include a lot of great dining options, some specialty items and drinks come with an extra charge.

Specialty Dining: Disney ships offer upscale restaurants like Palo and Remy for those looking for a unique, fine dining experience. These restaurants have an additional cost but provide exclusive menus and a more luxurious atmosphere compared to the main dining rooms.
Alcoholic Beverages and Specialty Drinks: Drinks like cocktails, wine, and specialty coffees from places like Cove Café are not included in the cruise fare and come at an extra cost. Even certain soft drinks and specialty mocktails might have an additional charge, so it’s good to check before ordering.
Drink Packages: Disney offers drink packages that cover a set amount of beverages, including alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, and specialty coffees. If you plan to drink several of these types of beverages daily, a drink package might help you save some money.
Bottles of Wine: Guests are allowed to bring a limited number of bottles of unopened wine onboard for personal use. There’s a small corkage fee if you want to enjoy your wine in the main dining rooms, but this can still be a budget-friendly option for wine lovers.

These extras add special touches to your dining experience but keep in mind that they come with additional costs.

Port Adventures and Shore Excursions

While a Disney Cruise includes stops at exciting destinations, exploring these places often comes with extra costs if you want to join guided activities.

Shore Excursions (Port Adventures): Disney offers various excursions at each port of call, such as tours, wildlife spotting, or beach activities. These are a great way to experience local sights and adventures but come at an additional charge. Popular excursions at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, may include bike rentals, snorkeling, or water sports.
Booking Through Disney: Booking excursions directly with Disney Cruise Line is convenient because it ensures reliable transportation and timing, so you don’t have to worry about missing the ship. However, these excursions are generally more expensive than booking similar activities independently.
Independent Exploration: For a more budget-friendly option, you can explore ports on your own. Many destinations offer free or low-cost activities like visiting local markets, going to public beaches, or hiking nearby trails. This allows you to enjoy the area without the additional cost of a guided tour.

These port adventures and excursions are a wonderful way to make the most of each destination, but planning ahead and knowing your options can help you manage these extra costs.

Spa and Salon Services

Disney Cruises offer luxurious spa and salon services, but these come with additional costs.

Spa Treatments: The Senses Spa on Disney ships provides relaxing treatments like massages, facials, and body wraps. These spa services are a great way to unwind, but they are not included in the cruise fare and can be pricey.
Salon Services: The ship’s salon offers beauty services such as haircuts, styling, and manicures. These services are popular for special occasions or just to feel pampered but also come with an extra charge.
Specialty Health and Fitness Classes: While the basic fitness center is free to use, certain specialty classes, like yoga or Pilates, may require a small fee. These classes offer a more personalized workout experience but add to your onboard expenses.

Spa and salon services are wonderful for relaxation, and with planning, you can choose the ones that fit best within your budget.

Youth and Teen Club Extras

Disney Cruise Line is known for its fun, supervised kids’ and teen clubs, but some activities within these clubs may have extra costs.

Youth Clubs: While the main youth clubs, like the Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab for kids ages 3-12, are included in the cruise fare, there are occasionally special activities or events that come with an extra charge. These might include unique experiences or craft sessions with limited space.
Video Games and Arcade: Many Disney ships have video game areas or arcades that kids and teens can enjoy. However, playing certain games or using arcade machines often requires an additional fee.
Character Meet-and-Greet Extras: While meeting Disney characters is generally included, certain exclusive experiences, such as character meals or themed events with characters in special costumes (like Star Wars or Marvel days), may require tickets or an extra cost.

These youth and teen club extras allow kids to enjoy even more unique activities, but it’s a good idea to budget for them if you’re planning to participate in these special experiences.

Adult-Only Areas and Entertainment

Disney Cruises have special spaces and events just for adults, but some of these come with extra costs.

Upscale Lounges and Bars: Adult-only spaces like Cove Café and various lounges onboard offer a quiet retreat with specialty drinks, including cocktails, coffees, and wines. While access to these lounges is free, the drinks come with an extra charge.
Adult-Only Dining and Events: Disney offers adult-only dining experiences at restaurants like Palo and Remy, where you can enjoy gourmet meals in an upscale setting. These restaurants have an additional cost but provide a more luxurious dining experience. Some ships also offer events like wine tastings or mixology classes, which are fun but also require an extra fee.
Private Cabanas on Castaway Cay: For guests visiting Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, there’s an option to rent private cabanas for adults-only relaxation. These cabanas offer comfort and privacy but are available at an additional cost and are popular, so booking early is a good idea.

These adult-only areas and events add a touch of luxury and quiet to your cruise, and knowing about these costs in advance can help you decide which experiences fit your budget best.

Room Service and Convenience Fees

While Disney Cruises offer convenient room service, some items and extra services may come with an additional charge.

Room Service: Basic room service is complimentary for many items, like sandwiches, salads, and some snacks. However, certain items—like specialty coffees, sodas, or bottled water—come with an extra charge. It’s a good idea to check the menu to know what’s free and what has a fee.
Souvenirs and Onboard Shopping: Disney Cruise ships have shops with Disney merchandise, clothing, jewelry, and other souvenirs. These items are not included in your cruise fare, so keep an eye on your spending if you plan to shop.
Gratuities: Tips for crew members, such as your room steward and dining servers, are not included in the cruise fare. Disney provides suggested gratuity amounts, which you can pre-pay or add at the end of your cruise.

These extra costs for room service, shopping, and tips can add up, so it’s helpful to plan for them in advance.

Wi-Fi and Onboard Internet Access

Staying connected while on a Disney Cruise can be useful, but Wi-Fi and internet access come at an additional cost.

Internet Packages: Disney offers several internet packages, available through the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App, which let you choose different levels of internet access. Packages vary in price depending on how much data you need, and prices can add up quickly if you plan to use social media, stream videos, or browse the web frequently.
Navigating the App: The Disney Cruise Line Navigator app is free to download and use for ship maps, daily schedules, and onboard messaging with other guests. However, accessing the internet beyond this, such as for email or social media, requires a paid internet package.

Using Wi-Fi and internet sparingly can help keep these costs low, especially if you stick to using the free features of the app. For a budget-friendly option, try using free Wi-Fi at port stops whenever available.

Special Events and Premium Experiences

Disney Cruises offer a variety of fun, themed events, but some of these experiences come with an extra charge.

Private Character Experiences: While most character meet-and-greets are included, some special experiences, like character dining or unique meet-and-greets during themed days (like Pirate Night, Marvel Day at Sea, or Star Wars Day at Sea), may have an additional fee. These events offer exclusive photo opportunities and a chance to interact with characters in unique costumes.
Specialty Parties and Themed Events: Disney occasionally hosts exclusive parties or limited-capacity events on board. These might include mixology classes, themed dance parties, or premium movie screenings in private settings. These events usually require a ticket and an extra cost.

These special experiences add to the fun and magic of a Disney Cruise, but it’s helpful to plan ahead and decide which premium events you want to join to manage your budget.

Transportation and Transfers

While Disney Cruises cover many onboard amenities, getting to and from the port may come with additional costs.

Disney Cruise Line Transfers: Disney offers transportation options from the airport to the port, which can be arranged for an extra fee. This is convenient if you’re flying in on the day of your cruise, as Disney’s transportation makes it easy to get to the ship without arranging separate travel. However, these transfers are not included in the cruise fare and should be booked in advance.
Port Fees and Taxes: In most cases, basic port fees and taxes are included in the price of your cruise. However, depending on your departure location or any changes in itinerary, additional fees may apply. It’s a good idea to confirm these details when booking.

For those looking to save on transportation, arranging your own travel to the port may be a cheaper option, though Disney’s transfers offer a more seamless experience. Planning for these transportation costs helps avoid surprises as you start or end your cruise adventure.

While Disney Cruise fares cover a lot of exciting experiences, there are additional costs to keep in mind for a fully enjoyable trip. Extras like specialty dining, shore excursions, spa treatments, internet access, and special events can add to the cost, but knowing about these ahead of time allows you to budget more effectively.

By planning for these potential extras, you can make the most of your Disney Cruise and decide which premium options matter most to you and your family. Whether it’s a special character experience or a relaxing spa day, understanding what’s not included lets you enjoy the magic of your Disney Cruise to the fullest—without surprises!