disney cruise reviews uk

My First Disney Cruise – Everything I Loved and Hated (Honest Photo Review)

For YEARS I’ve wanted to try a Disney cruise and last week I finally did it.

I’ve just disembarked the Disney Magic and I thought I knew what to expect from a Disney cruise, I’ve been cruising since I was a child with other cruise lines but this cruise was the biggest culture shock ever.

Every couple of hours I would find something new that I didn’t expect at all, some of which were really great surprises and some things I really didn’t like at all. 

I was definitely skeptical when I booked this cruise. I’d heard amazing things from my friends who love Disney but I just didn’t see how a Disney cruise could be worth the price.

This cruise was the most expensive cruise I’ve ever paid for and it was 3x what I usually pay when I cruise. 

I was worried that I’d feel as though I wasted that money and although I’d heard about how amazing the food was and the service but I wasn’t sure if this was better than the other cruise lines that I know and love, would it be 3x better to justify the cost? Or if it was just a case of paying a premium for the Disney brand. 

Why Did I Decide to Book a Disney Cruise?

When I saw that a Disney ship was coming to the UK though, I thought this was my chance. I’ve been curious about it for years and although I didn’t think I was the target market for a Disney cruise. I wanted to find out who was. 

The Disney cruise experience started before we even got to the port.

When I booked this cruise, Mickey Mouse phoned me to welcome me on board when I boarded the ship, Mickey and Minnie were there to welcome us too.

Mickey and Minnie Welcomed us Onboard 

Usually when you embark on a cruise you might be handed a glass of something bubbly but you’re pretty much left to your own devices, you can just wander off and explore the ship but on the Disney Magic when you board, your family name is announced and Mickey and Minnie do a dance.

It was a great start to the cruise because it really kind of set the scene, there was never any doubt what cruise line you were on and the kids seemed to love it. 

The crew do this same kind of welcome show over and over again for embarking guests and afterward we were sent on to do our muster drill.

The Muster Drill Was Completed Next

The muster drill is a compulsory safety drill that has to be completed on cruises where they tell you about things like what would happen in an emergency and how to put on a life jacket.

The muster drill was completed on our phones and Disney have an app that you use to do most things onboard.

The app was pretty good overall. There are definitely other cruise lines with better tech and better apps but that isn’t really the point of a Disney cruise. 

We went onto find our muster station and had to scan the sign with our phones. Mum’s phone was having none of it but luckily we could complete the muster drill for both of us on my phone.

The crew onboard were really really helpful and they would have helped us to do the muster drill if we got stuck or if you don’t have a phone I’m sure they’d have an alternative.

I Loved The Promenade Deck

Our muster station was this big promenade deck and this quickly became one of my favourite places onboard, I love a promenade deck where you can walk all the way around and I think it’s good to note the extra safety precautions like the glass here to stop any little children from trying to climb between the bars.

The Disney Magic Was Built in The 1990s

The Disney Magic was built in the late 1990s and that makes her pretty old by cruise ship standards.

She’s also pretty small, for the time she would have been a large cruise ship but now the world biggest cruise ship is almost 3x the size of the Disney Magic.

I have to say I did love not having far to walk to the top deck and wherever I was, I was never far from my cabin which was good but personally, I’m a fan of the big cruise ships.

That is a personal preference though and I’m sure many people cruising with Disney prefer the smaller ship size.

If you’re cruising with young children I doubt you want to be having to go 15 decks up to get the buffet, that isn’t a problem on the Disney Magic though. 

The thing that’s more important to me than the age and the size of a ship, is how the spaces work and if they’ve been well looked after by the cruise line. I’ve been on some ships from the 1980s and 1990s, which were in much better condition than newer ships. 

After completing our muster drill, we went to the top deck to take a selfie with the funnel. I feel as though that’s a thing you have to do on a Disney cruise and I actually managed to find some sunshine briefly for the photo which was a miracle. It’s the Disney magic I guess! 

Soda is Included on The Pool Deck

Wandering around the top of the ship I realised that this is where you could get free soda from.

On Disney cruises soda and tea & coffee are available in the buffet and on the pool deck free of charge. If you order a soda from a bar it’ll cost you money, so I made good use of it and I drink a lot of soda and we grabbed one to start exploring the ship.

On the top deck there is a swimming pool, waterslides, sports court and lots of seating. 

Theres also an adult only pool too and we did find that there were a few adult only areas onboard, which I thought I may need to retreat to at some point. 

I was a bit worried that I would be totally overwhelmed by this Disney cruise. When I cruise I usually cruise to relax. I don’t have any children myself but I decided to embrace all things Disney, I was only cruising for 3 nights but I don’t really think I understood at that point what I was actually getting myself into. 

We Went in Search of Food (Of Course)

One of the most important things about cruising for me, is eating and by the time we got onboard we were pretty hungry. We headed to the buffet but it was closing so we decided to grab a hotdog and fries from the poolside grill. 

The buffet was closed a lot more than I would expected and sometimes lunch would only be open from 12-2 and then the buffet wouldn’t reopen until around 6pm which I found really strange.

On most other cruise lines the buffet rarely closes at all, if it does, on some cruise lines like MSC the buffet is open for 20+ hours a day. 

The buffet was a nice big space with lots of seating and when we did manage to eat in the buffet though the food was great, just more of it would have been nice. 

Room Service is Free on Disney Cruises

The room service is free though, which is good. I ordered a pizza and some cookies which was nice, on some cruise lines you do have to pay for room service.

If you order drinks through room service they’ll cost you money though so if you are doing this, run up to the pool deck to get some soda and bring it to your room, that’s what I did. Luckily because the ship isn’t very big, it was never far to go. 

We Had a Balcony Cabin

We went next to find our cabin and I’ve never had a cabin quite like it. One thing that Disney seem really good at is giving out upgrades. I booked an oceanview cabin and was upgraded to a balcony cabin.

Most of the people I spoke to onboard had either been given an upgrade or had paid to upgrade their cabin, the sailing I was on was at reduced capacity so it may have something to do with that. 

I’m usually more of an inside cabin kind of person but they weren’t available to book when I booked this cruise. Disney cruises almost always sell out very fast and that’s one of the reasons they can charge as much as they do. 

The cabin was pretty big and our balcony was a really nice size. There were lots of surprises in here, like me having to sleep on the sofabed and the toilet being in a different room.

Disney do ‘Rotational Dining’

After exploring our room and wandering around the ship it was dinner time. When it comes to dining, Disney do something that no other cruise line does.

On most mainstream cruise lines you’ll either have fixed time dining or flexible dining where you just show up the restaurant when you’re hungry. 

On Disney everybody has a fixed time for dinner and it’s not just your time thats set but actually the restaurants you eat in too.

Disney calls this ‘rotational dining’ and basically, you are assigned a different restaurant each night and your waiters and everybody else in that restaurant follow you to the next restaurant. 

I thought that it worked really well and our waiters knew that I was drinking Coke Zero throughout the cruise, so I never even had to order a drink, it just arrived like magic (see what I did there)!

I love the soft drinks being included in with meals and because our cruise was only 3 nights, we never had any kind of dress codes or formal nights, I wore jeans to dinner everyday which made a nice change.

The service was really good and the waiters would take the time to talk to the kids. Some of our dining experiences were much better than others but the best was the first we had in Animator’s Palate.

Animator’s Palate Was a Great Dining Experience

I’ve never ever had a dinner quite this one and I don’t know if I would have believed it if it was described to me. When we came into the restaurant, everything was black an white and when we sat down we were given a piece of paper and a pen and told to draw a character. 

After we had finished our food, the animations came to life and danced around the restaurant. It was really clever and fun and it was definitely the dining highlight of the cruise.

The Food Quality Was Good

The food was good and I liked that there were multiple veggie options available.

Having cruised recently with other cruise lines like Princess and Celebrity, I’d say that the food was about the same in quality.

To find out what’s included in a Disney cruise (almost all the food and lots more) check out this post: What’s Included on a Disney Cruise? – Food, Activities and Exclusions

The Theatre Shows Were Great (If a Little Overwhelming)

After dinner we went onto the theatre and really I think this is what a Disney cruise is all about. We watched Tangled the musical and it was great, it was definitely of broadway quality and no expense was spared.

The team of singers and dancers were all very talented, the set design was amazing and in other shows they even had things like bubbles and fake snow. 

A word of warning though, I did find the theatre to be quite overwhelming. I had kids kicking me from behind, toys being dropped on me, kids were running around the back and it was hard to see through everybodies’ Mickey ears. 

I did talk to a few people when I was onboard and after I got back, they said that I should have picked the late dining seating and therefore gone to the earlier shows because there would be less children on that schedule.

I didn’t really think about that before but it does make sense.

I understood that I was on a cruise line mostly aimed at children and because I cruised out of the school holidays, most the children onboard were between about 2-5.

I didn’t expect the kids to sit still throughout dinner and the show but its definitely worth being aware of. My mum was hit by a Thor hammer, whipped with a Rapunzel braid, you name it, the kids were a bit wild and it did get very, very loud at some points. 

If you’re a parent though, or a child, it must be nice to be able to see a theatre show without having to worry about the kids making too much noise.

Top Tip: Buy Mickey Ears Pre-Cruise!

I will say I did feel a bit out of place without any Mickey ears! If you are taking a Disney cruise definitely get some before you go.

They only had one type left in the gift shop and for $40 I decided against it. You can get great ones online before you go though and lots of people had personalised ears.

If you want to wear custom T-shirts and things that is totally cool on a Disney cruise. Lots of people had matching Mickey ears, T-shirts, bags, you name it. I’ve never met cruise guests that are so passionate about their cruise line.

If you’d like to learn more about Mickey Ears, check out this post from a Expedition Hopper which explains what they are for, who wears them, and where to buy them: Everything You Need To Know About Mickey Ears

Disney Cruisers Decorate Their Cabin Doors

It was intense but really cool to get to talk to people from the Disney crowd, Disney fans always are very friendly and they decorate their cabin doors like nothing I’ve ever seen before. It’s incredible. 

Below are a couple of my favourite examples from the ship.

These magnets can be bought on Etsy here: Disney Cruise Door Magnets.

Disney do Towel Animals and Chocolates on the Pillow

When we came back to our cabin we found a towel animal waiting for us and a chocolate on the pillow.

10 years ago you’d find that most cruise lines would do towel animals and chocolates on the pillow but this is definitely a thing that the majority of cruise lines have stopped doing recently.

I personally quite like it and the chocolate on the pillow was good too.

As I went to sleep in my sofa bed I felt pretty content and happy with my first day onboard, I still had some questions though that I needed answering.

What would the daily schedule be like on a sea day? Would there be many activities for adults and would I be able to eat enough cookies to make back the cost of the cruise fare? 

Breakfast Options Onboard (I Found Mickey Waffles!)

The buffet was open until 10.30 for breakfast which was good because I’m not an early riser and we also went to the sit-down restaurant another day for breakfast because I was told that I HAD to try the Mickey waffles.

I did try them, and they were good, very very sickly sweet with this pink sugary stuff but it was nice to try them. Maybe that was why the kids on board were so hyper, they started their day with Mickey waffles!

The Daily Schedule

Despite the bad weather, plenty of people went for a swim and they constantly showed different Disney movies on the pool TV. They’d also show movies in the theatre and there were lots in the cabin to watch too, if you could get the little TV to work that is. 

The daily schedule on the sea day was made up almost entirely of waving at characters, Disney trivia and Disney movies.

Sometimes the schedule would look like: waving, waving, bingo, waving, waving, selling something, beer tasting, waving, waving, drawing, waving. (A real example from my Disney cruise).

I did my fair share of waving on this cruise and it was cool to see all of the Princess and Marvel Characters.

COVID Social Distancing Measures Were Still in Place

It was a little bit strange because there are still COVID social distancing rules in place, so nobody could put their arms around Mickey Mouse or hug Thor but it is what it is, not much can be done about that. 

One thing that I missed on the daily schedule was live music, there was a little bit but I’m more used to cover bands and singers being around the ship.

Of course, we did have the Disney music being played through the speakers, all day but for me personally, I’m a big fan of sitting in a big lounge with a band playing and I didn’t find any big lounges really, or much live music. 

There Are Kids Clubs For Kids of All Ages

Most of the kids would be enjoying extra activities in the kids clubs of course. Most cruise lines have kids clubs and I actually went to the kids clubs with Norwegian Cruise Line when I started cruising, I loved it so I’m sure the kids on this cruise did too.

They have kids clubs for kids of all ages and they get to meet the characters and do crafts and dance and everything. 

An Interesting Discovery on The Promenade Deck!

When wandering around the promenade deck, I came across this area which I thought was so cool. I’ve never seen anything like this just open to the public before but that’s the nerdy ship side of me coming out.

The promenade deck was also the jogging track so people would be running and walking around here in the evenings and day times. 

Frozen at Sea – A Pool Deck Party

Despite the cold UK weather, Disney did manage to put on a show called Frozen at Sea.

This was like a festival, but Frozen themed and for kids on the top deck by the pool. Anna and Elsa sang and even Olaf came out to see everybody.

There was fake snow, lots of people dancing and it was cool to see everybody having such a good time. It was freezing though, I imagine this would have been quite different in the sunshine. 

Adult Only Activities and Areas

In the evening there would often be adult-only trivia which did sometimes have non-Disney themes, there was a 90s music trivia at one point that I remember and a few other things.

There are only a couple of places onboard that are adult-only and we didn’t really spend much time there. I’d prefer to be out and about seeing what’s happening on the ship, than spending too much time in the pub.

If I was on an cruise line that included drinks, or I had a drinks package, this might have been different.

There isn’t much late night entertainment happening on a Disney cruise, so we would usually watch a movie before bed in our cabin, which was nice.

Disney cruise ships don’t have casinos and they don’t have drinks packages. To find out what else Disney cruises don’t have, check out this post: You Won’t Find These 9 Things on a Disney Cruise

Who Are Disney Cruises For?

I spoke to quite a few people onboard and since I’ve got home, who LOVE Disney cruising.

They all said to me that they cruise with Disney because of the Disney community and how well the staff take care of them and their children. 

I came at this cruise from a cruise perspective, as opposed to a Disney side and I had great fun finding out who Disney Cruises are for, but personally when I look at the cost and what I could get for the price on other cruise lines, it just doesn’t add up for me. 

It really confirms my point about there being a cruise line for everybody and not every cruise line being for everybody. Life would be very very dull if we all liked the same things.

To put it into perspective, my next cruise is over double the length of my Disney cruise, it includes flights to Spain, transfers, luggage, all gratuities, and all-inclusive drinks, a ship I much prefer personally and is quite a bit cheaper than my Disney cruise. Over double the length and cheaper. 

You’ll never get the Disney magic or Disney entertainment or anything Disney on other cruise lines though, so it’s difficult to compare, and really it’s just a case of if that’s worth the price to you.

For me personally, no. For many many other people, absolutely yes. 

One thing that I did find strange, and it seems like even Disney cruisers find this strange, is the way that Disney do tipping. To find out how that works and why I was so confused to find this in my cabin, check out this video:

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Guest Review: Disney Magic at Sea UK Staycation from Liverpool

The other day, I received an email from Tim who shared his thoughts following a recent Disney Magic at Sea UK Staycation cruise from Liverpool. The following are Tim’s thoughts on the sailing.

Yes the Disney Magic is still magical and worth the extra money compared to a regular cruise with another cruise line. For first time cruisers the experience should have been overwhelmingly positive with quality food, many craft & drawing activities for children, character appearances, quiz times, Disney films and one Broadway show (Disney Dreams) in the main theatre as well as repeated freezing the night away shows on deck.

For those who have cruised with Disney before you will notice many suitable differences. For example just one showing of Disney Dreams, even on a four night staycation cruise. Families with children needed to book the appropriate kids clubs via the app for slotted times meaning less time for children in the clubs. It’s a small world nursery was closed for babies and toddlers on this cruise.

The nephews’ splash zone and Goofy’s family pool area had limited 15 minute slots which resulted in guest waiting on the side to ensure that numbers in the water was limited for health & safety reasons. The quiet cove adult pool on the other hand was always available.

The Disney App replaced the Personal Navigators as well as the menus in the restaurants. Rotational Dining remained the same although with slightly less table time spent by the waiters. We did notice that the normal magic tricks and crayons puzzles did not take place. In Cabanas the buffet still took place however it was divided into about 6 sections rather than the two sides. As you entered a cast member greeted and allocated you an area of the buffet area to go to each time you wanted food. This was served by a cast member. As a result of this new approach there appeared to be less choice than normal although the food was still of a high quality. You could still sit anywhere you wanted in Cabanas, even outside on the deck.

The complimentary drinks station on deck 9 are no longer is self-serve. Instead a cast member will get the drink for you. This however, resulted in a long line of people waiting to be served throughout the whole of the cruise.

The gym and fitness area was in use although they suggested booking a slot through the App. However the changing rooms, showers and sauna were not in use. Gym users had to go back and shower in their own staterooms. The shuffleboard equipment was removed and therefore not in use and the table tennis tables and football tables were also removed. These were replaced by seating. The World Wide sport area was also not in use with the basketball nets removed.

Guest services requested that bookings and reservations were made via the App although we did see that walk up visits could still take place. However this mainly only ever had one cast member at a time working and they were behind a Perspex screen as well as wearing a face covering. The future vacation planning desk was closed for the whole cruise and only placeholder bookings could be made but this was through the App.

Nightly turn down service still took place each night however they did not leave a chocolate for the passengers.

Sadly during this cruise there was no Sail Away deck party (Strange as they managed several freezing the night away shows), Fireworks at sea were also missing on this cruise as was the See Ya Real Soon show at the end of the cruise. However the meet & greet character slots were replaced by appear and wave slots. This meant that you got to see a lot more characters in the atrium and walking around the deck. Socially distanced selfies could still take place and in my opinion the characters’ interactions were much better this way allowing many more passengers to see characters without the need to line up.

Finally, Tim shared a video highlighting the character appearances around the ship on the Jaunt with US YouTube channel. I was told there would be more videos on the way.

I would like to thank Tim for taking the time to share his thoughts on his UK Staycation cruise aboard the Disney Magic.

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12 Replies to “Guest Review: Disney Magic at Sea UK Staycation from Liverpool”

Cant understand the logic to not leaving a wrapped chocolate at turndown? Hopefully it will be back before my Magic cruise in a few weeks.

This was great!

sorry, not getting money worth of a cruise fare

It does seem strange not to leave a chocolate on the pillow… we usually save them up to enjoy once we are back home. In the turndown service, I hope you still get a towel origami. So it seems that there is no pirate night which means we can leave our fancy pirate costumes at home? We like to keep the daily Navigators as we mark the activities we want to do or did to remind us. These protocols may change for cruises based out of the CONUS by next year when our cruises are booked for.

What a great synopsis of the changes! Unfortunately, seems to me like a lot of the “magic” is missing from experiences. Willing to wait to make it worth the premium prices.

Brett: Even before Covid, DCL had stopped providing Navigators in staterooms every day. If you wanted a paper copy, you had to request it at the Guest Services desk.

We pay a premium for DCL. These new protocols are changing the service and amenities in such a way that these cruises are no different than any other cruise line. The two big ones for me are masks and having to make an appt. for so many things, especially the kids club. If these protocols aren’t changed before my final payment is due in Dec. I don’t think I will be able to justify the expense. I am really hoping that these things change. I’m booked on the Hawaii cruise next year and those cruises only come along every few years. I am keeping my fingers crossed.

I completely understand and support the need for distanced character experiences, but my kids would be so disappointed not to be able to get an autograph and a hug from their favorites. I hope when things return to normal, both on DCL and in parks, that these distanced experiences don’t replace traditional meets completely. A mix of both would be nice.

I know, Laura. The characters so near and yet so far. My child said that they look like the queen of England just giving a wave to the people———–out of the mouth of babes. To me the 15 minutes in the pool is pitiful amount of time for the children. I can’t imagine having to say OK you have to get out now. I am not saying that DCL is not trying their best. I am saying it does not sound like a vacation I would want to go on, especially, at that price.

Agreed. I don’t pay thousands extra for “character waves.”

Thank you for the overview, great review. Most of the changes have been communicated in advance; it still seemed magical. Looking forward to the resumption of sailing and new magical experiences in a couple of weeks on the Dream.

I have to agree with you. Most of the new policies do not make sense

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Reviews 2.8.

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Disney is cruise line is very deceptive along with the AON travel insurance they sell thru Disney.

Disney is very deceptive with the AON travel ins it offers. My son purchased travel ins on day of our cruise booking on 6/25/23 for travel on 8/3/24. Apparently the insurance does not get applied until the final payment is made for the cruise. So they said coverage begins on 4/3/24. And any medical condition occurring before 60 days prior is considered preexisting and not covered. My son had a back and hip condition that occurred 3/10/24. 9 months after I purchased the travel ins thru Disney. So the medical condition is not preexisting !! However I received no compassion or cooperation for the unfair circumstances thru Disney cruise lines nor AON travel ins. I pd for insurance and my claim is being denied.

Date of experience : 31 July 2024

Highly recommend

We took our 3 and 5 year old grandsons, with our daughter and son in law on Disney Cruise Line. It was a great experience for the kids, everything Disney! A little disappointed in the variety of food, and it was just okay. We had Concierge Veranda cabins, highly recommend for the perks. And they got us into shows and excursions that were sold out. Plus their lounge had great snacks and beverages. Recommended family vacation

Date of experience : 10 April 2024

Diabolical customer service

Booked a cruise with inside stateroom. The following day they dropped Verrandah staterooms to £600 less than what I had paid. I contacted them to please at least upgrade me to Verrandah or to try and cancel the booking. They would accept nothing. They just want to take take take maximum profits and refuse to try and find a fair solution. The staff I spoke to were so cold and honestly would not care to try and make your experience special. I would avoid this company at all costs!

Date of experience : 10 June 2024

The service provided by Disney Cruise…

The service provided by Disney Cruise Line is always exceptional. The cast members and crew are always going above and beyond to help guests. The quality of food is amazing, the entertainment is brilliant and the magic of Disney is astounding. We choose to sail with Disney Cruise Line every time and won’t sail with any other cruise company. The expanding fleet of ships means there are new opportunities and even more magic to choose from. 5 star service.

Date of experience : 01 March 2023

Poor Customer Service

Booked a cruise which cost 12k. I was working when the excursions were released. By the time I had logged on there was nothing worth doing left. The whole point of a cruise is to experience different things not stuck on a boat for 12 days.

Date of experience : 10 May 2024

Fantastic experience

Wow, what an experience. My wife and 2 children took the Caribbean cruise earlier this month on the Disney Dream and the service is exceptional. Considering the ship is full of sugar fuelled children, the staff were so calm and helpful, the ship was spotless in all areas and the entertainment and facilities were amazing. Food was second to none for the price you pay for the cruise and our little one has allergies to dairy, soy and fish, for which they had plenty of alternatives. I would highly rate this cruise.

Date of experience : 22 April 2023

What a great experience

What a great experience! The characters were out the entire trip, the food was amazing, the shows were great! No complaints my kids had a great time aged 6 and 3. A little pricey but well worth it we are already planning on another one! Thanks Olivia and Jasmine!

Date of experience : 29 April 2023

Amazing service

Amazing service! Disney have gone above and beyond to make sure my experience is amazing and i havent even gone on my cruise yet. So excited for it now

Date of experience : 10 August 2023

Best support

I have a problem with my booking and need to cancel my trip. Disney Cruise Line make everything possible to help me and give my money back. Thank you Disney, your team is awesome!

Date of experience : 18 April 2023

Sadly, the magic is gone from the Disney brand.

Sadly, the magic is gone from the Disney brand. We originally booked a Mediterranean Cruise with Disney for the Summer of 2020. It was rescheduled and eventually cancelled; because of course for unforeseen circumstances that the world had to deal with. We ventured back for our 4th Disney Cruise last year, from San Diego to Mexico. We noticed some differences from our first three cruises. Mainly less staff, food quality had went down and certainly less magic (all for of course much higher costs). That being said, we REALLY wanted to get our 5th sailing in. We felt the time was right to reschedule the Mediterranean Cruise; so in April of 2023 we booked the Summer of 2024. Now a trip like this takes a lot of planning. You have to fly overseas. You have to book stays, and arrange to get to and from. I won’t go in to all that, as it’s not Disney’s problem. I’ll start with stating that when you’re out of your element, it’s always nice to have assistance. Disney offers to pick you up from a hotel of their choosing on the day of the cruise. We called and asked what hotels, they told us and said they weren’t ready to add the transfers yet. Call back first of the year they said. So we did, and what do they say after I booked and paid for the stay…. “We cannot take you from the resort to the shop because you didn’t book the Hilton resort through us.” Isn’t that grand? They wanted us to cancel my reservation directly with the hotel and spend $800 more booking direct from Disney so we could then pay them to take us to the ship. Never been an issue before, but now it is. Not a big deal, we’ll find our own way. Fast forward to today. We’re logged in to our reservation, and see that they cancelled our day in France. Just poof, gone. Enjoy your additional Day at Sea! So all the things we had planned for that day are no more. Our guides, and excursion, no longer valid or refundable. Now how does Disney make this right… they offered a $250 credit! We lost 3x that from bookings we made. We also are now sailing around the Mediterranean an extra day instead of experiencing the culture we had expected. At $7100 for a 5-night cruise I asked them to do better. They were cold and uncaring (Hi, Maddie!). They’d rather refund the trip and let us figure it out ourselves. So that’s what we did. Look, we’re blessed to be able to afford trips like these. We’re smart enough to navigate around the country and make the most of the time there. What we won’t do any longer is be gifting Disney exorbitant amounts of money for lackadaisical offerings and poor planning on their part. There was a time they would have made this right. There was a time their parks were easier to navigate. There was a time we looked forward to venturing to Disney. That time has passed. Disney has become a vacation for the privileged, which is sad for the country. However, if that’s your consumer, you keep them happy. You make it right. It wouldn’t cost much to do so. Disney can read this review, my name, and see we’ve been to their cruises and parks 30+ times in 15 years. Loyalty like that should be rewarded and not ignored. So, now think about the aftermath… no longer will we spend money on their cruise line. We likely rethink anything Disney at this point, and now someone with 300k followers on socials gets to talk about why you too should avoid Disney altogether. Hopefully reviews like this sting enough for the powers that be to take a hard look at customer experience. I know my company would suffer if I snubbed my customers in the same manner.

Date of experience : 02 April 2024

Disney cruise line is the best cruise liner in the world

I sailed with Disney cruise line twice and we keep booking cruises with Disney cruise line although Disney cruise line are more expensive than other cruise lines it's worth every penny. I've been on the Disney magic and Disney Fantasy. When I go my online check-in I usually choose port arrival times for 11.45am to 12pm so I can enjoy lunch at cabanas buffet. When I first got on a Disney cruise ship the magic and fantasy cast members asked my for my surname and I said O'Brien and they said on the microphone please welcome O'Brien family and there was in line of cast members clapping hands. I went to Cabanas and there was lot's of food to enjoy there was pizza's, macaroni cheese, rice, crabs and shrimps and there was a selection of desserts pumpkin pie, jello, apple crumble and lemon mousse. People are friendly on the cruise and we made a lot of friends on the cruise from day 1. On the Disney cruises tea, coffee, hot chocolate, water and soda's such as CocoCola and sprite are complimentary at beverage station, cabanas and in main dining rooms. On the Disney magic and fantasy I went to the oceaneers club/lab during open house hours because during open house hours anyone of all ages can participate in youth facilities during youth activities open house hours and in the oceaneers club in the toy story room I was excited and surprised when I seen Woody I had a photo with Woody. On the Disney cruise navigator app Woody wasn't on the daily navigator so that was a lovely surprise. On the fantasy cruise ship I sat in the green RC car and when I went on the Disney magic ship I went on the slinky dog. I enjoyed the star wars machines on the Disney Fantasy in the oceaneers club and I enjoyed doing puzzles on the magical dance floor. I enjoyed the oceaneers club/lab open houses on port day's because they have lot's going on and it's opened for all ages and I enjoyed the dance party with Captain Mickey and Captain Minnie and they had BB8 encounters in the star wars room. I went to cove cafe because the when I order a cappuccino or latte the bar man said to me what picture do I like and I chosen Belle from Beauty and the Beast and he did a picture of Belle on top of the coffee froth which was magical and also they have complimentary cakes in cove cafe I love chocolate orange cake. In the D lounge they had an activity anyone can cook inspired by Disney's pixar ratatouille and it was a demonstration of cooking lobster ravioli and the sauce and you get to try it out and also you get a free glass of wine during anyone can cook event. The chef gives the opportunity for anyone to ask questions and they give you a recipe to take home. One thing that's my favourite about the cruise is character greetings I found it awesome on formal nights when Goofy was in a tuxedo that was great fun and it's fun greeting with characters especially Mickey and Minnie because Mickey wears a tuxedo and Minnie wears a wedding dress on formal nights. I like the Frozen gathering and Princess gathering because you can book Frozen and Princess gathering on the Disney cruise line navigator app and when you turn up you get to straight in to greet them and collect autographs. I like meeting Captain Mickey and Captain Minnie on embarkation day and sea day's they told me that they were driving the ship. I loved the meet and greet with Peter Pan it was a long queue but it was worth it he liked my pirates hat and he said we'll see you tonight for our pirates party I also met Captain Hook and Smee. Pirate Mickey and Pirate Minnie were there too. I also met Daisy and Minnie they were dressed up for a tea party. The fireworks out on deck were excellent, colour and magical. I loved Castaway Cay because it's Disney's private island I did the stingray adventures and I met Captain Jack Sparrow I told him that it's the best beach in the world. At cookies BBQ I had lunch there the food was delicious I had pulled pork in a bread roll, corn on the cob, packet of chips ( Lays make ) salad and french fries. The food at cookies BBQ at Castaway Cay is included in the price of the cruise fare and soda's, tea, coffee and hot chocolate at beverage stations at Castaway Cay. I hire out a river tube and went swimming in the tropical sea with it the sea is crystal clear. On the Disney magic I had Oceanview stateroom my stateroom number was 1078 and on the Disney Fantasy I had an standard inside stateroom my stateroom number was 7679. I enjoyed animators pallate restaurant because I talked to Crush the sea turtle and I enjoyed the character dance party in Enchanted gardens. On the Magic I like Rapunzels Royal Table restaurant I ordered Mickey bars every night for desserts even though they not listed on menu. I enjoyed the shows and musicals in Walt Disney theatre my favourite was frozen the musical on the fantasy and I liked Tangled the musical on the magic because I loved the lanterns.

Date of experience : 02 April 2022

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Home » Reviews » REVIEW: Disney Cruise Line Ocean View Verandah Stateroom (with balcony)

REVIEW: Disney Cruise Line Ocean View Verandah Stateroom (with balcony)

By Helen Wright

Sleepover Notes

Stamps' Rating

• Disney Cruise Line
•   disneycruise.co.uk
•   @disneymagicatsea      disneymagicatsea
• Star rating
• Rates £1291 for 2 adults and 2 children in a Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom (with balcony)
• Location UK Staycation Sail
• Bed comfiness 8/10
• Pool Four pools and splash zones
• WIFI Decent cruise wifi at £xx per day
• Parking Parking at the Cruise Terminal (https://www.abparking.co.uk/) £40 for 2 days
• Best thing? Children's activities and theming

In 2021, the Disney Magic left her usual home in the Bahamas and sailed to the UK for a series of UK staycation sails . We were lucky enough to join the Disney Cruise Line in Southampton with our two children, Finn and Isobel, and we all had the most fantastic time.

Disney have just announced that next summer, it’s the Disney Dream ship that will be sailing from our shores and this time cruises will be docking in the UK, as well as Spain, France, the British Isles, Norway and Iceland. Dates are yet to be confirmed , but tickets are on sale from May 9th , with an advanced sale on May 2nd, so if you want to experience a Disney cruise from the UK, now is the time to strike!

Disney Cruise Line room types

If you have never cruised before, deciding which style of stateroom is best for your trip can be confusing. The good news is that Disney Cruise Line are widely regarded as having some of the best staterooms at sea. From high-end interiors, super comfy beds and just-that-little-bit-of-extra-space, compared to some other cruise lines, a stay on a Disney ship can completely change your cruise experience.

As expected with Disney, attention to detail, guest experience and a continuation of their strong brand identity means guests are treated to the very best during their sail. This includes Broadway-style shows, character interactions, quality dining and luxury staterooms. The Disney Cruise Line isn’t the cheapest cruise operator to sail with, but you are guaranteed a quality, high-end cruise experience, that is in some ways unrivalled due to the enchanting Disney theming and entertainment.

What different staterooms do the Disney Cruise Line offer?

There are four general stateroom categories on Disney Cruise Line, and although they differ slightly, these are pretty much the same across all four ships in the fleet (Disney Dream, Disney Magic, Disney Wonder and Disney Fantasy. Disney’s newest ship, the Disney Wish sets sail for her maiden voyage in July 2022).

The top tier staterooms are the Concierge Suites , which provide fancy accommodations for parties of 5 to 7 Guests and all have verandah balconies.

Oceanview Verandah Staterooms sleep three to five guests and offer private balconies. A Verandah Stateroom means you will have your own outdoor space to get some fresh air and enjoy the view. Each balcony has a small table and two chairs. Verandah Staterooms are particularly ideal for parents on a cruise with their children, as once the little ones go to bed, you can relax on the balcony without worrying about waking up the kids or having to sit in the dark, once they are asleep. I talk more about this in my cruising with toddlers post . Even if you don’t want to sit on the verandah, the ability to have the door open and get some fresh air was a priority for me.

Oceanview rooms are slightly smaller than the Verandah staterooms and have porthole windows that look out to sea, but no balconies, so you can’t open the window fully or go outside. These staterooms sleep three to four 3 to 4 guests. Interior staterooms are inside staterooms that sleep three to four guests. They are similar in style to the Oceanview rooms but do not have a window or view of the outside. Despite this, interior rooms are often the first staterooms to sell out on the Disney Cruise Line because they are the cheapest. Some people often find they sleep better in an interior stateroom because they can be very dark. You may also feel less movement from the ship on choppy waters, due to their location in the centre of the vessel.

Why choose a Disney Ocean View Verandah Stateroom on the Disney Cruise Line?

The best way to choose the right room on a Disney Cruise Line holiday is to think about how you would like to enjoy your cruise. If you want to spend some quiet time away from the other guests, an Oceanview Verandah stateroom may be best to allow you that outside space and a bit of extra room. If you want to enjoy absolutely everything there is on board and don’t anticipate spending any time in the room, an interior stateroom will be fine as you’ll only be there to sleep anyway.

Travelling with two children under 5, we stayed in a Disney Oceanview Verandah Stateroom on the Disney Magic and it was perfect for us. As our children are energetic, we all had enough space to hang out in the cabin and there was enough room to put up Isobel’s crib. With so much to enjoy during the day, children were asleep by 9pm and Simon and I could sit on the balcony and have a glass of wine and some snacks. Room service is available in your stateroom 24-hours a day and most meal items are included in the price of your cruise, which is fantastic.

Our cruise on the Disney Magic

During our cruise on the Disney Cruise Line from Southampton, we celebrated Isobel’s birthday. Disney picked up on this and when we arrived to our Oceanview Verandah Stateroom, it had been decorated with birthday decorations for her. It was such a fantastic surprise and both kids were overjoyed.

Room for everyone in the Disney Magic Ocean View Verandah Stateroom

We were really impressed with the stateroom, which had more space than I was expecting. The rooms had been newly renovated and they were sleek and impressive. There was a large double bed (which I can confirm is very comfortable) and a living area toward the back of the room for relaxing in. Here, there was a sofa bed, large TV, mirror, desk and fridge. This space would also become Finn and Isobel’s bedroom, and there was a curtain separating the two areas, which is great. This meant that once they were in bed, we didn’t have to creep around in the dark on our side of the divide. Due to the large glass patio doors, the stateroom also felt very bright and airy, which was nice when were using it during the day.

When we first entered the stateroom, the children’s sleeping area hadn’t been set up. At first I became worried (with so many people boarding at the same time), however, we didn’t need to panic. Each set of staterooms has its own host, and he reassured us that while we were at dinner, Finn’s bed and Isobel’s crib would be set up. When we arrived back to the cabin, it had been prepared for bedtime and their beds had been lovingly set up. Although, Isobel wanted to sleep in with Finn, of course!

Disney Cruise Line Ocean View Verandah Stateroom – a look at the bathroom

Being new to cruising, I wasn’t sure what to expect when it came to the bathroom in our stateroom. However, I was really impressed with the bathroom, which although was a little snug, was cleverly designed and managed to be functional yet stylish.

I was even more impressed when I discovered the Oceanview Verandah Staterooms on the Disney Magic have a bathtub! Travelling with kids, having a bath makes life a lot easier, but I really wasn’t expecting to get a bath in a compact cruise ship cabin. With a cruise line that is very popular with families travelling with children, it makes sense that staterooms on Disney Cruise Line would have a bath, but I was still delighted to discover we had one.

Products provided in the bathroom are Disney-branded shower gel, shampoo and conditioner, with a hand soap for the sink. The bathroom décor uses simple details to provide an overall luxury feel in the bathroom. Towels are provided and more can be requested from your floor steward.

Is the balcony safe with kids?

Is having a balcony on a cruise suitable for young children? Obviously, this really depends on the cruise and the children. Not exactly helpful, but I am no expert other than as a parent to my own kids. To me, the balcony felt very safe, the railing is high and it is covered with a protective screen to stop small arms and legs poking out or smaller children being able to climb through. I am confident that the balcony is safe and we had no concerns with staying in a room with a balcony.

There is more on this included on my tips for taking a cruise with a toddler post , but we talked to the children about safety and told them they must not stand on the chairs or tables. We pushed the furniture as far away from the edge of the balcony as we could.

It was definitely a bonus to have a balcony on this cruise. We enjoyed using it and the kids loved being able to wave at passing ships and vessels and to look out for fish and dolphins. Our UK sail was not boiling hot, but I can imagine a nice breeze as you cruise through the Bahamas would, indeed, be a dream.

What is the decor like in Disney Cruise Line staterooms?

The first time I sailed on Disney Cruise Line was to report on whether the Disney cruise was suitable for adults travelling without kids . My verdict was, absolutely yes! There are designated adult-only areas, over-21 bars and restaurants, a wonderful spa and a pool with no-children allowed in. One concern during this assignment was that the ship would be ‘twee’ or too ‘Disney’ for the sophisticated traveller. I personally loved the way the ship interior is designed, with quality, stylish decor that includes very subtle Disney references, but follows an elegant nautical theme. Of course there are areas of the ship that are Disney overload – and rightly so. But, anyone worried about sleeping in a Mickey-shaped bed or drying themselves with a Toy Story towel can relax.

What else to expect:

After you check into Disney Cruise Line, your luggage is taken and delivered to your allocated stateroom. This is a stress-free way to arrive, as you can get straight on with exploring the ship until the cabin floors open for guests. This is usually late afternoon on the first day of your sale, so be sure to pack a cabin bag containing items you may need during the day. Find out more about this and pick up some tips here .

Our experience on the Disney Cruise Line, Disney Magic at Sea

Even though we were not sailing though the Bahamas on the Disney Magic, we absolutely loved our experience on Disney Cruise Line. The gorgeous stateroom was only the beginning. The food (even at the buffet) exceeded expectations, the on-board musicals were sensational, there was an abundance of characters to meet and greet, including Princesses, Marvel characters and favourites like Woody and Jessie from Toy Story. The kids loved practically every aspect of the cruise and haven’t stopped talking about it since we docked back at Southampton.

The best cruise for kids

It’s certainly difficult to say whether the Disney Cruise Line is the best cruise for kids, as we haven’t sailed on any other cruise lines, but it would hard to beat what was offered on board Disney Magic and Disney Dream. A cruise coupled with a visit to Walt Disney World is the stuff of dreams – and well, that’s kind of the idea.

For more on the 2023 Disney Cruise Line sailings from the UK, visit disneycruise.com

Thank you to Disney Parks UK and Disney Cruise Line for inviting us on board the Disney Magic at Sea. This is not a sponsored post, but we were sailing as guests of Disney.

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Posted on Last updated: May 23, 2024 Categories Disney Travel

By: Author Kate

My Ultimate Guide to the Pros and Cons of a Disney Cruise

This post may contain affiliate links.

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We recently returned from a 3-night Bahamas cruise aboard the Disney Dream. Our family had a blast, and it is a trip we will remember for a long time! Coming back though, I was reflecting on my Disney cruise experience and wondered, are Disney Cruises really worth the cost?

Let’s not kid ourselves, these trips are expensive! There seems to be no such thing as a discounted Disney cruise or a Disney cruise deal. I found that our trip cost easily 2-3x the cost of other cruises! I’m not sure if all the Disney extras were really worth the inflated price.

At the end of the day, my Disney Cruise advice to others is to wait until your kids are older to splurge on Disney! It seems the best age for a Disney cruise is likely between ages 5-12 when Disney mania is prime, and kids are more independent!

Although we did REALLY enjoy the awesome infant babysitting service on our cruise, I’m not sure we got out as much as we put in.

Every family is different though and every family values different things on vacation. When I was researching Disney dream cruise reviews I read a lot of blogs and I hope this review of the pros and cons will be helpful to others.  

Here is my list of the pros and cons of a Disney Cruise:

Disney Cruise on Your Horizon? Get a Quote from a Disney Travel Agent now!

My Disney Cruise Experience

Update: We recently went on The Disney Wish cruise ship as well. Here is an honest review of The Disney Wish.

Pros of a Disney Cruise:

Your kids will have a good time.

The kids will have a blast. ESPECIALLY if they like Disney Characters . My two sons were 10 months and 3 years old when we went on our cruise.

My eldest son does like Star Wars and Mickey but he wasn’t very interested in Princesses or other characters. In fact, he was mostly petrified of them.

R2D2 in the kids club was the highlight for him. He still talks about it months later! Pirate night was also great fun! (Don’t forget to bring a pirate costume!)  I don’t think it’s possible for a kid to have a bad time on the Disney cruise.

The staff will certainly bend over backward to put a smile on your child’s face. Oh, and did I mention? Unlimited ice cream = guaranteed good time.

Disney Cruise Child Care

HUGE pro: They have child minding for children under age 3! This one is HUGE. This is basically the entire reason I booked the cruise and it is something we took advantage of.

Of note, this service does cost extra (for under age 3), but given the price of the cruise, it was small in comparison. The ladies at the Small World Nursery were experienced with babies and infants. I never worried at all when I dropped off my son.

When I picked up our 8-month old I got detailed reports on how he had done. The sitters were able to detail what he ate, if he slept, and what he enjoyed playing with. I felt comfortable knowing that the sitters were attentive to all of the babies needs.

My older son who was 3 was also allowed to attend the small world nursery and I much preferred the individualized attention he got there.

One nice feature is that you can use your portable cruise phone to contact the Nursery while you are away to check up on your kids. I really loved this feature and it came in handy one day when my son was grumpy!

We left our infant son at the nursery by himself when we went to Castaway Cay. Babies who like to crawl + Sand are generally a tough combo! It was nice to have some one-on-one time with our older son who loved the beach at this age!

We also booked one night at Remy and it was great to be able to have a mommy-daddy date on board.

Check out all my tips for bringing a baby on a Disney cruise here!

The staff love kids!

The staff are wonderful and cater to children. Every single staff on the Disney cruise, right down to the housekeepers are good with kids. Clearly, it’s in the job requirement.

The servers in the restaurants go out of their way to win over your little ones. Our server had jokes, paper airplanes , and other games ready for my three-year-old at every meal. This extra mile service was definitely appreciated when my son was a bit grumpy and the servers worked hard to cheer him up.

Thinking of heading to Disney World instead? Check out my ultimate guide to doing Disney for the first time!

Disney’s Remy Restaurant is the best!

The adults-only restaurants are amazing, seriously AMAZING! We booked one night at Remy and it was literally the best meal I have ever had in my entire life. We are not novice diners either. The service was exceptional, the food delicious and the wine pairings were great as well.

Again, this was another (significant) added cost, although it was worth every penny! It did make me think twice about the whole cost of the cruise.

If you have one ‘treat’ on the cruise I would absolutely recommend dinner reservations at Remy! You won’t’ be disappointed!

Wondering what to pack on vacation with little ones? Check out my ultimate packing guide for a beach vacation with a baby.

We always use a travel agent when we book a Disney vacation. A certified Disney vacation planner does not cost extra and they often know insider deals and tips! Get a Quote Now!

Cons of a Disney Cruise:

They aren’t cheap.

This is obviously the biggest drawback to the cruise. I spent more on this 3-night vacation than I would normally spend on 7 nights at an all-inclusive resort.

I have only been on one other cruise line, NCL, and I went on it without kids, so I don’t have a great comparison to other cruises. It’s worth saying that I found my NCL cruise to be of similar quality in terms of service, food, and amenities. The only thing missing was the “Disney-ness”

I haven’t been on a Royal Carribean cruise , but I’ve heard from many friends that they compare to Disney for a fraction of the cost. We may just have to try this cruise line next.

Thinking of a family cruise? Read our review of the best cruises for kids!

There are lines everywhere.

If you want to meet a character on a Disney cruise expect to get in line. This drove me CRAZY. I do not understand why they don’t have at least one meal where the characters walk around freely and come to your table. Update: As per the comments below this does happen on longer cruises, which is great!

Although getting on and off the cruise at the various ports went better than expected, I still can’t shake that feeling of being herded on a cruise.

I’m not the only one who has had concerns about lines on the Disney cruise either. This is a definite drawback of cruising in general and is probably not specific to Disney.

The food at the main restaurants is ok.

I really wasn’t that impressed with the Disney cruise dining options . The breakfast buffet was quite good, but I found the dinners at the sit-down restaurants to be only ok.

The food felt a bit like cafeteria food. It was clearly pre-made for mass serving, as evidenced by the fact it took over 20 minutes for them to actually make the pureed food for my infant son.

Perhaps it was related to my expectations because everyone I knew RAVED about the food on the Disney cruise. It was definitely not anything special to me.  I prefer a nice buffet at an all-inclusive any day!

One thing I will note, that I have heard from several of my mom friends, is that Disney does a great job with food allergies. Certainly, this attention to detail is paramount when you have a child with an allergy, so that’s a huge plus.

Check out Smart Mouse Travel’s Disney Cruise Food Allergy Guide. She has some great tips!

For the best food, I prefer a trip to Disney World itself. There are so many great options and the food at Disney World is delicious! Check out my guide to the hardest disney dining reservations for more tips.

The pool is RIDICULOUSLY crowded.

There are two small Mickey Shaped pools on the main deck. The kids are crammed into these pools like sardines. Literally. Kids who could normally swim had to wear lifejackets in the deep pool because there was no room to hold onto the edge.

Of course, the kids really didn’t seem to care. They were all having a blast!

I found it less pleasant for the adults trying to watch their little ones though. I’ve heard from some others who have read this blog that the crowds are much less on longer cruises.

So if you are looking for a quieter cruise, choose a longer cruise, and consider a destination less popular with young families like Alaska or the Panama canal.

The adults-only pool, which we lounged at when the kids were at the kids club was much more relaxing. I at least appreciated that there was a quieter place to sneak off to and escape the chaos of the main pool area.

Don’t forget your floatie! Check out our guide to the best baby and toddler floaties for your next vacation

So, are they worth it?

Overall, Disney Cruises are a nice splurge, especially if your kids (and you) LOVE Disney. We are just starting to get into the Disney Movies, Walt Disney, and all the Disney Magic in our house.

When my kids are older, and will really enjoy the kids club more I may book again and take advantage of the R&R for me and my hubby. For now, I think that Disney doesn’t offer quite enough to make me convinced it’s worth the $$$ again.

Wondering how to book your next cruise vacation? Whether you want to book Disney or another cruise line, we recommend an experienced travel agent. Travel agents book your vacation at no cost to you and can help you plan a magical vacation for the entire family! Get a Quote Now!

What do you think? What did you love about your cruise? Do you have a Disney Dream review? I welcome all your comments below!

Pin for Later!

Sunday 3rd of September 2017

We leave for our 5th cruise on Friday and our first one was when my kids were 10 months and 3 years and we have gone every year since. As they get older they are mush more enjoyable, but we have done 2 Carnival cruises and they just don't have the same feel as Disney. With Carnival I felt like they were better for either college kids or retired aged people that like to gamble. Disney cruises are worth the money to me because I know my kids will have fun at the kids camps while we can do adult stuff around the ship. As far as lines, the longer cruises have characters that just walk around the ship and there aren't usually lines for them. Also, when your kids are in the camps, the characters go in and play with them which makes it much more personal than Disney World. Helping Peter Pan find his shadow, hula dancing with Stitch, or learning to be a super hero with Captain America. We have also been to Disney World 5 times and it is so much fun but not half as relaxing as the cruise.

Wednesday 6th of September 2017

Wow! Thanks for the detailed response! I think a longer cruise sounds great!!! I've heard that really helps with the lines. Glad you enjoyed your ???? cruise!!!

Thursday 31st of August 2017

Hi! Loved reading you post! We have been on 3 Disney cruises and one Carvial cruise. We have a 10 year old boy and an 11 year old girl. We purposely waited until they were 7 and 8 to try a Disney Cruise. I'm so glad we did because if not, my feelings would be identical to yours. Seriously, you'll be back in a few years and you'll enjoy it SO much more (and your kids will too)! Also, you get a little more value with the longer cruises and it's even more relaxing.

Thanks Sara! Yes I definitely think I will go back when my kids are older and can really take advantage of all things Disney! I've heard that the repositioning cruises are actually the best value, might consider that in a few years! Thanks for dropping by :)

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Cheapest Disney Cruises: Magical Voyages on a Budget

As a seasoned Disney travel writer and parent, I’ve discovered that a Disney Cruise can be an unforgettable family experience without breaking the bank. While Disney Cruise Line is known for its premium offerings, there are ways to make this magical adventure more affordable. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share insider tips on finding the cheapest Disney cruises and maximizing your value at sea.

Book with The Vacationeer to Get Credit Toward Onboard Spending

Understanding Disney Cruise Pricing

Before we dive into specific deals, it’s crucial to understand how Disney Cruise Line (DCL) prices its voyages:

• Prices fluctuate based on demand, season, and booking timing
• Inside staterooms are typically the most budget-friendly option
• Shorter cruises often have lower overall prices
• Off-peak sailings can offer significant savings

Cheapest Disney Cruise Options

2-night cruises: the absolute cheapest disney cruise experience.

Typically, the absolute cheapest Disney cruises are the 2-night sailings . This makes sense, as the shortest Disney cruises generally have lower overall prices.

Currently, the most affordable 2-night options are part of the “Disney Magic at Sea” cruises sailing from Australia and New Zealand ports, such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Auckland. These cruises offer a unique blend of Disney magic and Oceanic adventure, often starting as low as $800 USD for two guests in an inside stateroom.

While these may be the cheapest Disney cruises available, their location makes them less accessible for many travelers. Transcontinental airfare will eradicate the savings for most people. However, for those in the region or looking for an extraordinary Disney adventure, these cruises offer exceptional value.

It’s important to note that Disney Cruise Line’s itineraries are always evolving, and future offerings may include short cruises sailing from U.S. ports. Always check with The Vacationeer for the latest information on upcoming itineraries and ports.

Other Affordable Disney Cruise Options

For more accessible options, consider these typically budget-friendly choices:

3-Night Cruises

Image © Disney

These short getaways offer a taste of Disney magic at sea:

• Bahamian Cruises from Florida ports : Often starting around $1,700 for 2 guests in an inside stateroom. These cruises frequently sail from Fort Lauderdale or Port Canaveral.
• Baja Cruises from San Diego : These cruises typically start from $1,600 for 2 guests and often include a stop in Ensenada, Mexico.

4-Night Cruises

Offering slightly more value than shorter options:

• Bahamian Cruises from Port Canaveral : Usually starting around $1,850 for 2 guests in an inside stateroom. These often include a stop at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.
• Western Caribbean Cruises from Galveston : These cruises, often starting around $1,500 for 2 guests, may include stops in Cozumel or Progreso, Mexico.

5-Night Cruises

For those who can extend their trip a bit longer:

• Western Caribbean Cruises : Departing from ports like New Orleans, these cruises often start from about $2,500 for 2 guests.

Remember, these are general starting prices and can vary significantly based on sailing date, ship, and current promotions. Availability and pricing are always changing, so it’s best to check with The Vacationeer for the most up-to-date information on available Disney cruises for your desired travel period.

For more information on specific itineraries and ships, check out our articles on 2025 Disney Cruises , 2026 Disney Cruises , the Cost of Disney Cruises , and the Cost of Disney Cruise Per Person .

Find a Cheap Disney Cruise Right Now!

Tips for Finding the Cheapest Disney Cruises

1. check for special offers.

• Disney Cruise Line regularly updates its Special Offers page with new promotions
• Current offers may include reduced deposits, percentage-based savings, and resident-specific deals
• The Vacationee r can help you navigate these offers and find the best one for your situation

2. Be Flexible with Dates and Destinations

• Consider international options like Australia and New Zealand cruises
• Sail during the off-season (typically when schools are in session)
• Look for repositioning or one-way cruises for unique, often cheaper options

Learn more about timing your cruise in our Best Time to Go on a Disney Cruise guide.

3. Book Early… or Last Minute

• Disney often offers its best rates when itineraries are first released
• Last-minute deals can provide significant savings, but selection may be limited

For more booking strategies, read our guide on How to Book Disney Cruises and Last Minute Deals for Disney Cruises .

4. Choose Your Stateroom Wisely

• Inside staterooms are typically the most affordable option
• Consider an oceanview room for a slight upgrade without the cost of a verandah

See our Best Staterooms on Disney Cruise Line for more information on these categories..

5. Look for Resident-Specific Deals

• Florida residents can save up to 20% on select Caribbean cruises
• Canadian residents may be eligible for up to 25% off on select sailings
• Always check for deals specific to your place of residence

Check out our article on Disney Cruise Florida Resident Deals for an example of location-based discounts.

6. Consider Military Discounts

• Disney Cruise Line offers special military rates on select cruises
• These rates are limited to one stateroom per military member, per sailing

7. Use a Disney Visa Card

• The Disney Premier Visa Card may offer savings and special Disney experiences
• Check current offers associated with the card when booking your cruise

8. Maximize Onboard Credit

• Look for booking options that offer onboard credit for your Disney cruise (we recommend The Vacationeer )
• This “cash back” can be applied to certain in-cruise expenses, effectively lowering your overall cost

9. Use a Travel Agent

• Agencies like The Vacationeer can alert you to the best deals and promotions
• They may offer additional perks like onboard credit

10. Consider Older Ships

• While the newest ships are exciting, older vessels in the fleet often have lower prices
• The Disney Magic and Disney Wonder typically offer some of the most affordable options

11. Explore International Departure Ports

• Cruises departing from Sydney, Melbourne, or Auckland can offer great value
• These options also provide a unique way to explore a new part of the world

Remember, Disney Cruise Line’s promotions and special offers are constantly changing. The best way to ensure you’re getting the cheapest Disney cruise possible is to work with a specialized travel agent like The Vacationeer . They stay up-to-date on all the latest offers and can help you find and apply the best deals to your booking.

For more money-saving strategies, visit our How to Save Money on Disney Cruises page.

Making the Most of Your Affordable Disney Cruise

What’s included.

AquaDunk water slide on the Disney Magic | Image © Disney

Even on the cheapest Disney Cruises, you’ll still enjoy:

• World-class entertainment
• Character meet-and-greets
• Excellent dining options
• Access to kids’ clubs
• Use of pools and sports facilities

For a full breakdown, check out our article on What’s Included in Disney Cruises .

Budget-Friendly Tips Onboard

Unlimited sodas and juices are included in your cruise cost, no drink package necessary!

• Skip the specialty dining to save on additional fees
• Bring your own refillable water bottle
• Limit or avoid alcoholic beverages (or check out our guide on Alcohol on Disney Cruises for money-saving tips)
• Be selective with shore excursions and consider exploring ports on your own
• Avoid the onboard shops to prevent overspending

Maximize Included Activities

Showtime at the Walt Disney Theatre

• Take advantage of all the free entertainment options
• Participate in onboard activities and shows
• Enjoy the complimentary dining venues

Learn more about onboard dining in our guides about Food on Disney Cruises , Rotational Dining on Disney Cruise Line , and Character Meals on Disney Cruises .

Pros and Cons of Choosing a Cheaper Disney Cruise

• Experience Disney magic at a lower cost
• Shorter cruises can be easier to fit into busy schedules
• Less time commitment for first-time cruisers
• Opportunity to explore international departure ports
• Less time to experience all the ship has to offer
• Fewer port stops and destinations
• May feel rushed compared to longer itineraries
• Limited options for dining rotations

For a comparison with longer options, see our article on Longest Disney Cruises .

Planning Your Affordable Disney Cruise

Research and compare.

• Use The Vacationeer or DCL’s website to compare different itineraries and dates
• Consider the total cost, including transportation to the port
• Factor in any additional expenses like gratuities and shore excursions

For more information about these factors, check out our guides on the Cheapest Month to Book Disney Cruises and Tipping on Disney Cruises .

• If you find a good deal, don’t wait too long – prices can increase as ships fill up
• Consider travel insurance to protect your investment

Prepare in Advance

• Pack strategically to avoid onboard purchases
• Pre-book any must-do activities or dining experiences

For more planning tips, especially if it’s your first voyage, check out our First Time Disney Cruise guide.

Disney’s Private Islands: Budget-Friendly Paradise

Many affordable Disney cruises include stops at Disney’s private islands, which offer complimentary activities and dining:

• Castaway Cay : Disney’s original private island in the Bahamas. Learn more in our Castaway Cay Tips and Castaway Cay, Disney’s Private Island guides.
• Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point : Disney’s newest island destination. Explore it in our Guide to Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point and Castaway Cay vs. Lookout Cay articles.

A Family Perspective on Budget-Friendly Disney Cruises

As a father who’s experienced both budget and premium Disney Cruises, I can attest that the magic isn’t diminished on more affordable sailings. Here are some personal insights:

• Quality time : Even on shorter cruises, we’ve created lasting family memories.
• Taste of luxury: Budget-friendly doesn’t mean low-quality – the Disney standard remains high.
• Motivation to return : Shorter, cheaper cruises often inspire families to save for longer adventures in the future.
• Cultural experiences : International cruises offer a unique blend of Disney magic and local culture.

Looking Ahead: Future Affordable Disney Cruise Options

Keep an eye out for:

• New itineraries from additional international home ports
• Special promotions celebrating Disney milestones or new ship launches
• Off-season sailings on newer ships as they’re added to the fleet

Stay updated by regularly checking our Disney Cruise Line blog section or by checking in with The Vacationeer .

Ready to Book Your Affordable Disney Cruise?

A budget-friendly Disney Cruise offers a taste of Disney magic without overwhelming your finances. With careful planning and smart choices, you can experience the wonder of a Disney vacation at sea while keeping costs in check.

Remember, the key to finding the cheapest Disney Cruises is flexibility, early planning, and staying informed about current offers and promotions across all Disney Cruise markets. While these cruises may not have all the bells and whistles of the Most Expensive Disney Cruises , they still offer an unforgettable family experience.

Let The Vacationeer Help You Find the Best Disney Cruise Deals

Ready to start planning your affordable Disney Cruise but feeling overwhelmed by the global options? Let The Vacationeer be your guide! As Disney travel planning experts , they can help you navigate the sea of choices to find the best value for your budget, whether it’s a quick trip from Florida or an adventure from overseas.

The Vacationeer , a Diamond-Level Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, offers a wealth of services at no extra cost to you:

• Global Deal Hunting : They’ll search for the best promotions and lowest rates worldwide
• Budget Optimization : Get advice on how to maximize your cruise experience within your budget
• Itinerary Selection : Help choosing the right affordable cruise option for your family, including international sailings
• Stateroom Recommendations : Guidance on selecting the best value accommodations
• Onboard Savings : Tips for minimizing additional expenses during your cruise
• Booking Assistance : Hassle-free reservation process and support for cruises departing from any port
• Ongoing Price Monitoring : They’ll watch for price drops even after you’ve booked
• Expert Advice : Insider tips to make the most of your budget-friendly Disney Cruise, wherever it sails from

Remember, The Vacationeer’s services come at no additional cost to you. Their compensation comes from Disney, so you benefit from their expertise without any extra expense.

Don’t let the challenge of finding the best deal keep you from experiencing the magic of a Disney Cruise. Let The Vacationeer do the hard work while you look forward to your affordable Disney adventure at sea, whether it’s close to home or halfway around the world!

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Table of Contents

Booking a Disney cruise

Online check-in, embarkation , aboard the ship, disembarkation, disney cruise review recapped.

I’ve always been a big Disney fan. Whether I’m visiting nearby Disneyland or flying to its big brother Disney World, there’s little about Disney I don’t like. This includes its cruises, which I have been eyeing enviously for years. 

Happily, I was recently able to take a Disney cruise, and the experience lived up to my expectations. Let’s talk about it in this review.

Like most everything Disney, its cruises are expensive. While you might find a cruise for a couple of hundred dollars on a different line, expect to pay more for Disney. Room rates start at $1,400 for two guests on the four-night cruise from San Diego to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, that my family and I booked. 

Rather than settling for an interior category room, we booked a deluxe oceanview stateroom with a verandah. Prices can vary but expect to pay a minimum of $2,500 for this room type. 

While booking a Disney cruise is costly, there are ways to help bring down the price. If you subscribe to Disney+ , for example, you may be able to take advantage of an offer allowing the third and fourth guests in your stateroom to sail for free. 

Those who live in Southern California, Florida or Canada may also qualify for discounted rates on select routes and dates, as do those in the military. 

If you’re looking to lower your out-of-pocket cost, you may want to consider paying with a credit card and using statement credits. The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card has this ability, as does the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card .

» Learn more: How to get the best deal on your next cruise

Once we booked the cruise, we received an email confirmation. Along with details about our itinerary, the confirmation also included information regarding online check-in and documentation. 

We needed to provide a variety of information before departure, including our passport information, COVID vaccination status and other personal details. Once completed, Disney assigned my family a port arrival time, which let us know when to show up for embarkation. 

We were also mailed luggage tags to attach to our suitcases. This meant we were able to drop off our bags upon arrival and receive them in our room a few hours later. 

» Learn more: The best Disney resort for adults

On the day of departure, we were due to board at 1:45 p.m. Once we arrived at the cruise terminal, however, we were required to join several very long queues before actually getting on the ship. This included a security screening as well as an additional check-in process. 

The cruise ship terminal is decidedly unmagical. It’s a large concrete building filled with ropes and one sad vending machine. The entire process took an hour from arrival until the time we got into our rooms. 

I wish I could say this was unexpected, but Disney is as known for lines as it is for quality. All in all, I didn’t love the embarkation process, but I understand the necessity. 

For what it's worth, those who book Disney cruise concierge rooms enjoy an entirely separate and expedited check-in experience.

» Learn more: The best Disney credit card might surprise you

(Photo courtesy of Carissa Rawson)

We were aboard the Disney Wonder, which is one of five ships that Disney operates. As I mentioned, we had booked a room with a verandah. It felt pretty large for a cruise room, especially since it fit both a king bed and a fold-out couch.

The total square footage of the room came in at 268 square feet, which means a total of three to four guests can fit. However, my family had booked two separate (and connecting) rooms, which meant just my brother and I were sharing a room. 

The room included all the standard amenities you’d expect, including a hair dryer, expansive closet and fridge.

It’s clear that Disney expects many different types of guests. I was grateful for the curtain divider that separated the “living room” from the “bedroom,” since my brother and I each had a private space. 

My favorite part was our private verandah, where we spent a lot of time hanging out, reading and enjoying the wine we’d brought with us. 

I also especially appreciated the bathroom design. Rather than cramming everything into a single space, Disney has chosen to create two distinct bathing areas. One features the shower and a sink.

The other has an additional sink as well as a toilet.

Such a design allows two groups of people to get ready simultaneously, which is super convenient. The shower also includes a tub, which is unusual for cruises. I imagine the intention is to make it easier for children and families. 

Note that each night housekeeping came in for turndown. This included creating fun towel animals, converting the couch into a bed and providing chocolates.

Food and beverage

I’ve been on cruises before where the food was unlimited but nearly inedible. This wasn't the case on my Disney cruise. Simply put, there is food everywhere, all the time, and nearly all of it is incredible. Most food on the ship is included with your fare, though there is one specialty dinner restaurant that costs money. 

Most non-alcoholic drinks are also included, such as coffee and soda. Specialty coffees and smoothies cost extra, as do any alcoholic beverages. 

Guests are allowed to bring up to two bottles of wine or six cans of beer with them when they board and at each port of call.

In the mornings, there are two dining options: a buffet or a sit-down restaurant. We tried out both, and the result was a resounding mixed bag. I greatly preferred the sit-down option, which had fewer options but a much slower pace. 

As for food, I particularly enjoyed the eggs benedict, though you’re able to order as many meals as you’d like. 

My dad, meanwhile, loved the plethora of choices provided by the buffet, although it was much more crowded than the sit-down restaurant. 

At lunchtime, it was also possible to enjoy a plated meal, but we generally found ourselves too full to go in for a big portion. Instead, we enjoyed quick bites from the pool deck, which included paninis, ice cream, chicken tenders, fries, hot dogs, salads and more.

Dinner was the crown jewel of the evening. Each night, we showered, got dressed, then went to eat at a rotating variety of restaurants. Disney breaks up diners into two groups: First seating is at 5:45 and the second seating is at 8:15. We had the second seating, which was a little late for my taste. 

Again, you can order as much as you like during your meals, which quickly becomes a slippery slope. The first night I ordered just a single entree, but by the end, a veritable pile of plates surrounded me during dinner. 

I still have no regrets. 

A final note: Although water is free onboard, it can be difficult to come by, especially if you didn’t bring your own refillable bottle. While room service will charge you for a bottle of water, it’ll bring you as many glasses as you like for free. 

» Learn more: Is cruise travel insurance worth the cost?

Entertainment 

There are almost too many things to do aboard this cruise ship, and we struggled a little trying to fit everything in. 

Each night, Disney put on a different show in its main theater. This is perhaps one of the things I was most looking forward to — although nearly all cruises provide live entertainment of some sort, Disney’s is said to be the best. They didn’t disappoint. While these weren’t, maybe, Broadway-quality, they were high-end, well-designed and really fun to watch. 

Paid activities

Most everything you do during your cruise takes place courtesy of the Disney Cruise app. This includes viewing the daily schedule and booking any paid activities. While these are completely optional, they are a lot of fun.

During our trip, we tried both the whiskey tasting and the beer tasting, both of which were worth the additional cost. If this is something you’re planning to do, be prepared to pay from $40 to $70 per person for your activities. 

Games and other activities

Like I said above, there is an absolute abundance of things to do onboard. If you’re not interested in the pool, gym, spa, deck, sports or shows, it’s still possible to find tons of things to do. 

(Photo by Carissa Rawson)

One favorite activity was bingo, which featured a rolling jackpot and took place three out of the four days of our cruise. 

There are also things like Disney movies playing in various theaters, towel folding classes, karaoke, trivia contests, drawing classes and more. 

Activities for teens

If you’re traveling as a family, you’ll be glad to note that there are plenty of things for teens to do as well. While I didn’t spend any time in these venues, I did peek into Vibe, the teen-exclusive hangout area at the top of the ship. Teenagers also have access to the Chill Spa, which is designed specifically for their age group. 

Tweens aren’t left out, either. The Edge club fills the niche between teens and children and features video games as well as a dance floor. 

Children’s activities 

Again, we were a group of four adults traveling together, so we didn’t need to take advantage of any children’s activities, but suffice it to say that kids have a lot to choose from. The Oceaneer Lab was especially popular and is for those ages 3 to 12. 

» Learn more: How I did a 5-day, $4,000 Disney trip for just $1,600

Deck Nine and above featured a couple of different pools, a splash pad, a waterslide and a sports area. 

Although Disney cruises are definitely oriented toward children, they also maintain separate adult-only areas. As a family of four adults, we certainly enjoyed the quiet that came with our own private pool. 

The Senses Spa and Salon offers a wide variety of treatments, from couples massages to haircuts and manicures. I didn’t indulge, but my parents did, and they had a great time. There’s also the option to purchase access to the Rainforest Room, which includes heated stone chairs, a sauna and a steam room.

If you’re the type of person who wants to exercise while on vacation, the ship’s fitness center has you covered. Although I visited only once, I quite enjoyed the well-stocked facilities and the ability to look out over the water while working out. 

There were quite a few treadmills, bikes (both spinning and recumbent), free weights, ellipticals and really interesting curved treadmills that I was too afraid to try. 

Disney gives all its customers 50 MB of free data on day one. After that, you’ll need to pay, though the pricing is exorbitant and starts at $19.99 for an additional 50 MB. It’s not that fast, either, according to my mom, who spent the money and immediately regretted it. 

I resisted the urge to purchase any and instead relied on my international data when we made port. It was tough but I survived. 

» Learn more: How to save on your first — or next — Disney vacation

This four-day cruise included just one stop in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. I’ve never been a huge fan of stopovers on cruises, mostly because I feel like they’re too short and inauthentic. That was the case here, though this wasn’t any fault of Disney. 

The disembarkation and re-embarkation process was smooth, though we did need to board a smaller boat to get to land. Although we could have stayed out from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., we ended up returning early to enjoy lunch on the ship. 

Note that it is possible to book excursions through the Disney Cruise Line app as well as onshore, though we chose not to. 

» Learn more: Cruises might be a surprisingly affordable way to visit the South Pacific

After breakfast on our last morning, it was time to disembark. We chose to hold our luggage with us, though it was possible to have it delivered down to the terminal. 

The disembarkation process was as magical as the embarkation process. That is to say that it was terrible, disorganized and took way too long. We stood in line for more than an hour both on the ship and onshore as we waited for the immigration clerks to process the many thousands of passengers. 

I’ve waited a lot of years to experience a Disney cruise, and at the end of it all, I’m glad I had the opportunity. Was it expensive? Yes. Was it worth the cost? Also, yes. Although I haven’t booked another Disney cruise yet, I’m looking forward to the day I can board one again. 

(Top photo courtesy of Carissa Rawson)

How to maximize your rewards

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Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

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Ship review: Princess Cruises’ Sun Princess

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Overview: The largest ship in the Princess fleet, and the first in the all-new Sphere class, brings a host of pioneering features. There’s a big focus on light and space, most visible in the eye-catching orbs that protrude from the sides of the 4,300-passenger ship and the glass dome dominating the front.

Family facilities are enhanced with the Park19 activity zone, which includes the new-to-ocean Sea Breeze aerial rollercoaster zipline. Sun Princess is also the first in the fleet to be powered by liquefied natural gas.

Cabins: The 2,157 staterooms include 1,500 balcony cabins – the most on any Princess ship – 50 suites and 100 connecting cabins. The new Signature Collection suites include access to a private lounge, dining room and sun deck, although they are in different areas rather than a dedicated ship-within-a-ship complex.

Also new are sunny Cabana Mini-Suites that come with their own cabana area and a balcony. Decorated in muted tones, cabins are well designed and include innovative touches, such as motion sensor lighting in bedside cabinets.

Food and drink: Princess fans will find favourites, such as Sabatini’s Italian and the Crown Grill steakhouse (pictured below), plus a lot more among the 29 restaurants and bars. The speciality restaurants, which all cost an extra $45, include the new Umai Teppanyaki, which serves up great food and entertainment in equal measure.

Horizons dining room has been given a facelift and now takes up three floors – with the best tables overlooking the back of the ship, a casual American diner at the top and more formal dining on the other levels.

Meanwhile, couples can push the boat out with the $149 tasting menu at the artistically inspired Love by Britto, while pub lovers can head to O’Malley’s for toe-tapping Irish tunes.

Facilities: Sun Princess has five pools, including the spectacular Wake View infinity pool, and a large gym. The glass-enclosed Dome (pictured below) is a pool and lounging area by day and performance venue by night, with thrilling aerial shows. The redesigned Princess Arena showcases four productions – three of them new – in an adaptable space that can host theatre in the round.

Meanwhile, the lively Piazza, the central three-storey atrium, is an all-day entertainment hub with a packed programme of music, performances, game shows and classes, such as line dancing.

USP: Accessed through a tucked-away door, Spellbound is a unique and atmospheric bar and small theatre venue combining magic, mystery and mixology, with cocktails such as Escape from Houdini’s Chest served from a smoke-filled casket. It costs $149, including a themed meal.

Book it: A seven-night Mediterranean with France & Italy cruise, departing on April 5, 2025, and sailing from Barcelona to La Spezia, with calls at Gibraltar, Marseille and Genoa, costs from £849 per person in an interior cabin, excluding flights. onesourcecruises.com ; princess.com

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