Is Disney Cruise Worth the Money? Best Family Cruise Line for 20+ Reasons

If you’re wondering is Disney Cruise worth the money, let me tell you, it absolutely is! Sure, there are many cruise lines out there to choose from, but Disney Cruise Line offers a unique and magical experience that you won’t find anywhere else. But how does it stand out above Royal Caribbean and other major cruiselines? Here are more than 20 reasons Disney Cruise is the Best Family Cruise!

is disney cruise worth the money

Have you been curious why there is so much hype around Disney Cruise Line? Disney cruises aren’t just amazing because of the characters, Disney really shines with their customer service, fabulous food, attentive room stewards, and family fun. But is the price tag worth it? What are the ways Disney Crusie is better than Royal Caribbean or the other major cruiselines? Here are over 20 reasons Disney Cruise Ships are the Best family cruise line.

Learn more about how to plan a cruise, Disney Cruises, and the best family cruise!

 

Best Cruise Food

Once upon a time all the cruise ships offered amazing food served with food carvings, midnight chocolate buffets, and creative menus. Sadly with rising costs most cruise food has been stripped down and simplified to save on money. We dont’ even bother with eating in the dining room on Norweigan, Carnival, or Royal Caribbean because it just isnt’ that good or interesting.

Disney is the cruise line with best food! Their dining rooms still offer delicious food that is as tasty as it is pleasing to the eye as it is creative.  Here are some ways Disney has the best cruise food

• Beautifully plated dishes with garneshes, sauces, chocolate touches
• Exciting menus with unique flavors
• Menus do not repeat at dinner ever (other cruiselines have the same choices mean after meal day after day)
• Bread is actually crusty on the outside and soft, spongy, and smells heavenly on the inside
• Dips are included with bread service, and it is a different one every night
• Filet Mignon and other premium cuts like lobster are INCLUDED (no nickle and diming you)
• Soft drinks, tea, lemonade, etc are served with your dinner at no extra cost – they are included on a Disney cruise!
• Desserts are varied and you will want to eat them all, unline Royal that served a rice krispie peanut butter bar as their dessert in the dining room on the adult menu!

Dining Room Staff

Not only is there food delicious, the service is unparalleled. The staff will get to know you and your preferences, do magic tricks or origami for your table, and makes the meal such a delight.

Immersive Themes and Storytelling

No one tells stories or makes you feel like a kid again like Disney entertainment. From being announed as you step on the ship to beautifully crafted spaces like the Bayou lounge on the Disney Wish, the ship is a delight to explore. Don’t worry, the themes aren’t abnoxious in your face, but rather subtle touches that will surprise and delight Disney fans and escape non-Disney people completly.

Dining Room Entertainment

One of our favorite immersive aspets of a Disney cruise is at dinner. Each dining room has a diferent theme which could be an elegant ball room with french food, Marvel themed with “show”,  Arendale meal with characters and live music, Rapunzel celebration with Ruffians and live music, and more! The spaces are incredibly crafted to let you enter the story. Even the servers will change their clothing by venue, the live music at dinner is so special.

Each night you will be at a different dining room, don’t worry the Disney Cruise Line Ap will tell you where to go. You will have the same table number and servers with you the entire voyage.  It is so much fun to change where you eat, what you eat, and the entertainment while still having the comfort of the same attentive staff. Get ready to be amazed!

Non-stop Childcare

There are several aspects about Disney kids club that make it far superior from every other cruise line.

1. Hours – Disney kids program starts at 8am and goes all the way until midnight. Drop your kids off, pick them up, stay all day – it’s your choice. Other cruise lines have unusual hours with large breaks in the afternoon or evening that mean you have to get out of the pool and dry off just to pick up your kids so you aren’t accessed a $1/minute/child fee. Disney makes vacationing with kids fun and easy!
2. Amazing Spaces – It’s Disney so whose surprised that their kids care is over-the-top amazing, right?! From a toy story themed room with a slide to training with Marvel super heros, Rapuzel art studio, Belle library with quiet space to watch movies, Pluto Pajama Party, engaging games, and Star Wars Bay with visits from Chewbacca, Ray and others – I want to be a kid on the Disney ships!
3. Counselors – While most of the people that work with kids are nice most of the time, Disney cast members who work in the kids program are over the top nice, fun, engaging all the time! Everyone who works in their kids area has a degree working with kids, and it shows in the way they enteract with junior cruisers.

No Reservations Required for Shows

Unlike Royal Caribbean, you do not need to stress about making reservations to see the onboard entertainment. You also don’t need ‘reservations’ to get off the ship at a tender port like Norweigan. Disney plans their schedule with the number of guests in mind and makes room for everyone. I appreciate this because once on board I don’t want to be stressed about making plans, and not getting to see the entertainment – which is one of the main reasons I cruise.

Upgraded Bedding

Disney has the BEST mattresses and bedding of any cruise line’s standard accomidations. Sure they all upgrade thigns at the suite level, but for the 95% who will never travel in a 3 bedroom Norweigan star garden villa – Disney crusie ships have the most plus and comfortable way to sleep. I literally dream about the comfy beds.  THe mattresses are thicker, the duvet is more plush, it’s just better!

Shampoo AND Conditioner

Many cruise lines are desperately trying to cut costs to keep the price tag of a cruise vacation the lowest it can possibly be. One area they have done this is by only offereing combination shampoo / body wash in the cabin bathrooms. You ladies know that even if they smell good, which Royal’s products do, our hair needs conditioner. Disney cruise line still offers seperate shampoo, conditioner, and body wash to their guests. You can also find lotion in your stateroom as well. Plus the Disney products smell glorious!

Funnelvision Rocks!

Nothing comes close to touching Disney on non-stop entertainment on deck with their Funnelvision that plays movies continuously from 8am to midnight. I mean, no one else owns a giant media company to draw on for the line-up. While kids may become bored sitting by the pool enjoying th sun on traditional ships, on a Disney cruise ship they an sit on deck and enjoy movies under the sun, in the pool, and under the stars. From Little Mermaid to Lion King, Descendants to Pirates of the Caribbean there is always something fun playing at just the right time.

Stateroom Movies

While we enjoyed our recent sailing on the largest crusie ship on the world – Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, we were so dissapointed by the in cabin entertainment – or lack thereof. There were were a coupl stations (news, pbs), but if you wanted to watch a movie it cost $12 per movie. And there were only 5 movies to choose from. Sometimes you just want to chill in your room while your kids (or spouse) naps. Disney has the edge here. You will find a vast library of at least 100 movies thanks to Disney + included for our guests on the voyage. You will find classic cartoons like Toy Story and Rapunzel, bedtime stories, National Geographic series, and exciting movies like Star Wars, Jungle Cruise, Marvel, and Pirates of the Caribbean.

Onboard Movie Theatre

Another advantage of sailing with Disney is getting to watch movies in an onboard theatre. If there are any new Disney movie releases they will be runing in the theatre along with classic, popular, and favorite films.  While popcorn is extra, like every cruise ship anymore, Disney does have adorable keepsake popcorn buckets you can purchase and refill for only a couple dollars.

Entertainment Staff

While other cruiselines might take the prize for live music, Disney comes out a winner with the number of cruise led activities all day long. Whether you want to test your skills with trivia (and win a Mickey medal) to drawing classes, gameshows to dance parties – there are activities all day long. My teenage kids are bored on other ships when the entertainment is all outside in the heat and sun. On a Diseny ship you can be outside OR inside and be 100% entertained if that is your preference.

Character Encounters

If you or your kids like meeting characters, you will love a Disney cruise. You can wait in shorter lines, see unique characters, get pictures with characters in unique costumes, and all in air conditioning! From pirate Chip and Dale to tuxedo clad Goofy, Disney princesses to Doug and Russell from Up, Chewbacca to Antman – there are so many fun characters to see and interact with! Yes, they sign autograph books!

Plus you will run into characters around the ship, organically! You might see chip and dale looking at ice cream, goofy running on the track, Captain Hook strollign the decks, Peter Pan crowing over the atrium, Princesses wandering through the photo area, Stormtroopers wandering around deck 5, etc.

No Weight Limit on Slides

There is nothing worse than being weighed on vacation! Royal Caribbean has a scale to make sure you aren’t too heavy to go on their various water slides. While I understand safety concerns, there is nothing worse than watching teenage daughters try to figure out if their groups combined weight will make the cut. Disney may only have 1-2 waterslides per boat, but at least those activities don’t weigh you. Their Aquaduck and AquaMouse are fun for everyone!

Disney Crew is the Friendliest

While all cruise lines we have been on try to be focus on guests and making their experience great. Disney goes the extra mile to make it exceptional. Every crew member you pass from the janitor to room stewards and even the officers make it a point to give you a friendly hello. Need something? They will go the extra mile to help. On 7 night cruises you will even have a Captain Reception with free drinks (non-alcoholic and alcoholic), music, and a chance to meet the Captain, First Officer, Crusie Director, etc

Pool Towels with no strings Attached

I was shocked when we sailed on other cruiselines and they made us check out towels and wait in line to drop them off. Disney is so much more magical. Want a towel, or two or three, just grab one. When you are done with it, just put it in the bin. Forget a towel, no worries, the pool staff is usually watching to hand you one. Because they don’t “lock up their towels” you can even get a towel to use to dry off from a passing rain, as a blanket, or to prop your head for an evening movie under the stars. Other cruiseline towel stations have fixed hours, more like 8-6pm.

Room Steward

While no cruiseline cleans your room twice a day anymore, Disney crusieline is the only that still cleans in the morning and turns down your bed at night with a chocolate. That extra step makes turning in for bed so special. Your lights will be dimmed, bed turned down, and you will feel all tucked in and cozy!

Daily Towel Animals

I thought every cruise line did the fabulous towel animals in your stateroom that delight adults and kids alike. Unfortunately RCC only does towel animals every other day and at that they are small hand-size creations. Norweigan cruise has done away with towel animals completely. Disney Cruiseline continues to impress guests with large, super cute towel animals in your stateroom every night.

Flavorful Soft Serve Ice Cream

Every cruise line has an included soft serve ice cream machine to help guests cool off with a sweet treat. The flavor choices are chocolate and vanilla. Only Disney Cruiseline has unique flavors. Every day the flavors will change to surprise and delight you. While chocolate and vanilla are staples that are always available the other 2 flavors will change every day. You can find banana, strawberry, mango, blueberry, pina colada, and more. Again, they are included in your fare.

Fireworks at Sea

Yep, you read that right! Disney cruise shoots off fireworks from their cruiseships! As part of Pirate Night, most cruises shoot off a lovely fire works show with a musical track to delight guests. On select cruises like New Years and themed cruises you may even get 2 firework shows. Only Disney Cruiseline offers firework shows at sea.

Sail Away Party

Disney starts the amazing experience right as you set sail from the port with a fun sail away party on the lido deck. Join the team of dancers and entertainers as they engage guests with family friendly choreography, moves, and of course Disney characters. With or without kids I love these little touches that feel so happy and fun.

Soda is Included

Disney doesn’t nickle and dime you! Unlike the other cruiselines that charge extra for a soda package, you can help yourself to soda anytime you like on the main pool deck, or the dining room staff will bring it to you free of charge with dinner.

Themed Cruises

You may or may not know that Disney offers a variety of themed cruises throughout the year that offer special, unique opportunities for guests. From unique character interactions, themed food, special entertainment, and more these special voyages are some of our favorites to book. Here are some of the themed voyages for your to explore:

• Halloween at the High Seas  – From a fun deck party, costume parade, Disney Halloween movies, trick or treating with candy galore, Themed Character Meet and Greets, and specially themed food – this is such a fun day! I love that the boat “soundtrack” moves to a seasonal play list for the even! There will even be a spooky tree in the atrium and decorations throught the ship including adorable grinning port holes.
• Very Merrytime Cruise – While every cruiseline puts up a Christmas tree in the lobby, Disney has tree lighting, stories with Mrs. Claus, Christmas clad character meet and greats, holiday party, themed food, Santa sightings, and more! Plus don’t forget about the life-size gingerbread house that not only decorate the atrium, but fills the space with a delightful holiday smell!
• New Years Cruise – ring in the new year onboard with included drinks (in a free souvenir cup), extra celebration fireworks, and special food selections
• Star Wars at Sea (currently unavilable) – includes roaming characters and special character interactions with Mos Eisley musicians, Jawas, Chewbacca, R2-D2, C-3PO and Darth Vader, storm troopers, and more
• Marvel Day at Sea is an action packed day with a deck party, special activities, themed food, and a chance to see Spider-Man, Thor, Loki, Black Panther, Shuri from Black Panther, Captain Marvel, Captain America, Okoye from Black Panther, Star-Lord and Gamora from Guardians of the Galaxy, Black Widow, Hawkeye, Kate Bishop from Hawkeye, Shang-Chi, Ant-Man, and the Wasp. Plus Mickey and Minnie’s Superhero Celebration, Warriors of Wakonda Show, Strange Academy, and Marvel Hero’s Unite!
• Pixar Pals Party may just be my personal favorite! Not only will you get a chance to see and meet favorite pixar characters from Toy Story, Monsters Inc, Up, Incredibles, and more – you will get to enjoy 2 deck shows/parties, extra fireworks show, special food offerings, Edna Mode fashion show, and more!

Baby Travel Support

Traveling with babies can be hard! Disney helps make it easier by having a lot of the essential supplies ready for you to use onboard. No need to pack the whole house, Disney has what you need for you to use for free! Complimentary diaper disposal units, bottle warmers, bottle sterilizers, cribs and playpens are available upon request. Plus you can borrow a complementary stroller onboard or beach wagon! Isn’t that fantastic. Plus no need to bring along jars of baby food – they will prepare fresh pureed vegetables at the main dining rooms and through room service upon request. Wow!  Can you start to see why Disney is the best cruise line for families!

Pirate Party

While the Icon of the Seas does have a pirate parade that is amusing, no one does a pirate party like Disney! From pirate music playing throughout the ship, pirate character encounters, disney characters in pirate costumes, pirate themed menu, an epic pirate deck party (party details vary by ship), and of course fireworks! Disney’s Pirates in the Caribbean night is hugely popular with guests. You will see at least half the guests in pirate costumes making the event scale even more. Plus you will find the Pirate movies with Johnny Depp on the funnelvision in the evening!

Disney Crusie Line

As you can see, although your Disney cruise price may be more, they offer so much more in services, quality, and experience. As my mom always told me, you get what you pay for. We love taking Disney cruise vacations and although we have to save a little more for our family vacation, we think a Disney cruise is worth the cost! Plus there are some ways you can save money on a Disney Cruise you should know!

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