Are Disney Cruises Worth It? How To Decide If This Vacation is Right For You
A Disney cruise can easily cost several thousand dollars, often more than another ocean cruise. Are Disney cruises worth it, or are you simply paying for the Disney name? As someone actively planning my first Disney cruise, I wanted an answer beyond YouTube reviews and marketing brochures. So I asked Brian and Sam from DCL Duo, who’ve sailed Disney Cruise Line dozens of times, to share what first-time Disney cruisers need to know. Here’s what they told me.
Want to hear the full conversation? Brian and Sam shared even more Disney Cruise Line planning tips, money-saving strategies, and insider insights than I could fit into this article. Press play to listen below or find The Thought Card wherever you get your podcast.
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Pandora | Any player
Is Disney Cruise Line More Expensive Than Other Cruise Lines?
Short answer: sometimes, yes.
Long answer: it depends on what you’re comparing it to.
Brian said: Disney is “competitive with cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Princess,” but wildly different from Carnival.
Compared to Royal Caribbean, Sam and Brian admitted the overall cost does come out lower on Royal, but as Brian said, “not so much less that it would make the difference in me booking a Royal cruise versus a Disney cruise.” Why? Because other cruise lines typically charge you for the same extras Disney includes in their sticker price.
What You Actually Get for the Price
The majority of the Disney cruise experience is already included in your fare.
- Rotational dining across three themed restaurants — unlike most cruise lines, your serving team moves with you each evening. That means by night two, they already know your child’s favorite drink or your dietary restrictions. It’s a small detail that creates a much more personalized experience.
- Broadway-caliber stage shows in the Walt Disney Theater
- Character meet-and-greets, trivia, and family game shows
- Soft drinks and water from self-serve stations (no per-cup charge)
- Free soft-serve ice cream, all day, every day
- A full day at Disney’s private islands, Castaway Cay or Lookout Cay, with beach access, water slides, and character appearances
One of the best cost comparisons Brian gave: an alcohol drink at a Disney park can run $15–$20. On the ship, it’s closer to $9. Once you’re on board, you genuinely don’t have to spend another dollar unless you want to.
Read Next: How Much Does it Cost to Go to Disney World?
You pay once, upfront, and everything that makes a vacation feel like a vacation — the food, entertainment, a comfortable place to sleep, a beach day — is already taken care of.
| If you value… | Disney Cruise | Other Cruise Lines |
| Broadway-quality entertainment | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Disney storytelling | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✖ |
| Included activities | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Lowest possible price | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Character experiences | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✖ |
| Relaxation | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
What Costs Extra
Here’s what’s not included in your Disney Cruise Line fare:
- Spa treatments (pro tip: they’re discounted on port days, when fewer people book them)
- Optional adult-only dining upcharges
- Alcohol and specialty drinks
- Gift shop and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique makeovers
- Gratuities
The Deposit-and-Pay-Over-Time Structure
If sticker shock on the total price is what’s holding you back, know this: you’re not paying it all at once.
If you’re concerned about the overall price, keep in mind you don’t pay the full amount right away. Booking a Disney cruise requires an initial deposit. Then you make payments at your own pace until a final deadline, typically 90 days before your cruise (earlier for concierge-level rooms).
“It’s like purchasing on layaway. I’ve got to eventually pay for it, I just don’t have to pay for it today.” Sam from DCL Duo
One Caveat: When you book a discounted guaranteed stateroom, you typically pay in full up front.
Tired of reading? Listen to the full episode on Spotify below.
Who Should Book a Disney Cruise?
A Disney Cruise might be worth it if you…
- already love Disney theming and storytelling
- hate constantly pulling out your wallet on vacation
- value entertainment as much as destinations
- want an easy family vacation
- don’t want to research every little detail
It might NOT be worth it if…
- you’re looking for the absolute cheapest cruise
- nightlife is your priority
- you want an adults-only atmosphere
- you prefer longer vacations at sea
How to Actually Evaluate Vacation Value
So, are Disney cruises worth it?
The biggest mindset shift Brian and Sam offered was about understanding what you’re paying for.
Their advice for first-timers, is two-fold:
- Don’t overthink the ship. Every ship in the Disney fleet delivers. Let your itinerary and departure port decide for you.
- Don’t overspend on FOMO extras. Cabanas, the Royal Gathering princess tea, and add-on excursions are all available, but if you get on a Disney ship and haven’t pre-booked a single thing — no dining reservations, no excursions, nothing — you’ll still be completely taken care of. You’ll have a place to eat, a pool to sit by, a full slate of onboard activities, and a great day at the private islands, all without lifting a finger to plan it.
Before this conversation, I assumed the higher price tag meant Disney cruises were simply more expensive, but I now see the value goes way beyond cost. Brian and Sam completely changed how I think about Disney cruises.
If you’re the kind of traveler who values entertainment, thoughtful details, and a vacation where most of the decisions have already been made for you, Disney Cruise Line starts to make a lot of sense.
Sure, it may not be the cheapest cruise, but for many, it offers outstanding value.
Want more on planning your first Disney cruise? Brian and Sam host DCL Duo, one of the top Disney Cruise Line podcasts — find them at dclduo.com.
Start Planning Your Next Disney Trip
- How To Plan a Walt Disney World Vacation from Scratch
- Is Disney World Worth It If You Don’t Like Rides?
- Easy Ways To Save Money on Cruises
Danielle Desir Corbett is an award-winning and 6x grant-funded travel writer and podcast host who went from financial struggle to visiting 27+ countries all without waiting until retirement. Her story is proof that budget doesn’t limit adventure. Tune into The Thought Card Podcast for practical strategies to travel smarter and live on your terms. Say hello: thethoughtcard (at) gmail (dot) com.
Nice overview — clear and helpful. Quick question: for families with younger kids, do you think the extra included character experiences and kids’ activities justify the higher upfront cost compared to Royal Caribbean, or is it mainly worth it if you plan to spend a lot of time on Disney-specific entertainment? Also, any tips on which cabin types give the best value for families?
Great question. In the episode, we talked about how the inside staterooms are great for families, especially those who have napping little ones.