disney dream cruise wifi

Image of a Disney Cruise Ship funnel and deck, with a Wi-Fi symbol superimposed

Disney Cruise WiFi: Packages and Prices

Internet access and cruising don’t always mix, but if you set sail on a Disney cruise , you have several options to post the occasional picture on Instagram or check your email. Disney Cruise Line offers several internet packages aboard its fleet. All Disney cruise ships have WiFi .

Until recently, all internet packages aboard Disney cruises were priced with a “pay for what you use” model, with data plans based on megabyte usage. With the arrival of the Disney Wish in 2022, Disney announced changes to the Disney Cruise Line internet packages, which are now priced based on the type of internet access you want in a 24-hour period. These changes have now been rolled out on all ships, with the Disney Wonder being the final ship to upgrade to the new system during a September 2023 Dry Dock.

Below, we discuss everything you need to know about how Disney Cruise WiFi works in 2023.

Prices shown below are accurate as of August 2023.

Prefer To Speak With Someone? Get Free Help From Our Favorite Disney Travel Agency!

Disney Cruise Line Internet Packages

WiFi is available in three packages, each with a different level of internet access: Stay Connected , Basic Surf , and Premium Surf :

Chart showing WiFi internet packages on Disney Cruise ships

These packages are based on usage for a 24-hour period, not a calendar day. If the time of day you use the internet matters to you, you’ll want to purchase a plan at a time that will renew when it’s convenient — and not in the middle of a work meeting.

You can share the plan on multiple devices (as long as you log out of one device before using the other) or pay to connect multiple devices simultaneously. And you can save a little money by purchasing for the entire length of your cruise.

Packages previously varied by ship, but these are now the standard packages across the entire fleet: the Disney Dream , Disney Fantasy , Disney Magic , Disney Wish , and Disney Wonder .

Here’s more information about each package, including their prices:

Stay Connected

The most basic internet package on a Disney cruise allows you to access, post, and engage on social media platforms, specifically Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Twitter/X, Instagram, Snapchat, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and Tumblr.

$18 for 24 hours of access
$16 per day if purchased for the entire cruise

This mid-tier internet package allows access to the social media platforms listed above, plus basic browser surfing and email capabilities. Audio WiFi calls are also available with this package.

$28 for 24 hours of access
$24 per day if purchased for the entire cruise

Premium Surf

The highest internet Disney cruise WiFi plan gives you all the access included in the Stay Connected and Basic Surf plans (with faster connection speeds). Plus, you can stream music and short-form video on apps like Pandora, Apple Music, Spotify, and YouTube. Video calling through FaceTime and Zoom is also available with this package.

$42 for 24 hours of access
$34 per day if purchased for the entire cruise

It’s important to know that none of the packages (not even Premium Surf) supports long-form video streaming such as using Disney+, Hulu, or Netflix.

Free Help Planning Your Disney Cruise

From the small questions such as details on WiFi onboard to the bigger questions about the best time to go on a Disney Cruise or how much it costs , you can get free help planning your cruise by contacting the Disney Cruise Experts at The Vacationeer .

Here are just a few reasons to use this Earmarked Diamond level Authorized Disney Vacation Planner to book your cruise.

Free Onboard Credit: Get up to $1,000 to spend while onboard the ship
No Planning Fees: There’s no cost to use their services
One Dedicated Agent: No giant call centers or waiting on hold
The Best Prices: Your cruise won’t cost any more than if you’d booked it yourself
The Best Discounts: They know all the ways to save and will even watch for new discounts after you’ve booked
No Pressure: Vacationeers provide free, no-obligation quotes so there’s no risk in contacting them

Does Disney Cruise Line Offer Free WiFi?

There are several ways you can get free WiFi on a Disney cruise:

Use the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App

Disney Cruise Line allows guests to access the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App for free.

Screenshot showing the DCL Navigator App

The app is powered by a free WiFi network (DCL-GUEST) that’s only available onboard the ship.

Screenshot showing the WiFi Connection screen

The app is similar to the My Disney Experience app and includes a host of information about your cruise. You can view your planned activities, excursions, rotational dining assignments, deck plans, entertainment schedules, dinner menus, and much more.

Screenshot showing a dinner menu on the DCL Navigator app

One of the app’s most handy features is the ability to message friends and family who are also on board.

If you want to truly unplug during your cruise vacation, the WiFi access you get through the Navigator app may be all the internet you need during your Disney cruise.

Stay in a Concierge-Level Stateroom

One benefit of staying in a concierge-level stateroom is free WiFi. How much internet you’ll get depends on the type of stateroom you booked. Those staying in Royal Suites get Premium Surf internet for the entire cruise. Concierge Suites get Basic Surf for the whole cruise, too. Other Concierge-Level staterooms get one day of Basic Surf for free.

Use Your Onboard Credit

Many Disney travel agencies offer a free onboard credit that can be used toward purchases you make while you’re onboard the ship. You can spend this on specialty dining, gratuities/tips , spa treatments, souvenirs… and virtually anything else that’s charged back to your shipboard account.

Luckily for you, onboard internet packages are charged to the folio, so onboard credit can be used to pay towards your onboard WiFi package.

The size of your onboard credit depends on the travel agency you pick and the cost of your cruise, but it could easily be enough to cover the cost of your shipboard internet.

Book With The Vacationeer To Earn Credit Toward Onboard Internet and Other Purchases

How to Use the Internet on Disney Cruise Line

Internet packages can be purchased through the Disney Cruise Navigator app once onboard and connected to the ship’s WiFi. To buy a plan, click the “more” tab in the app and scroll down to “connect to the Internet.” From there, you can select a package, the number of devices you want to use, and the number of days you wish to purchase. You’ll then be prompted to review the plan and check out. The package will be charged to your stateroom folio. If you have trouble connecting to the internet, the onboard internet help desk can troubleshoot internet and cell phone access onboard.

Can You Share Internet on a Disney Cruise?

You can share one internet plan on multiple devices if you only use one at a time and log out of each device when you’re done using it.

Multiple-device plans are also offered; choosing one of these will save you a bit of money versus the cost of purchasing two separate plans.

How Much is WiFi on a Disney Cruise?

WiFi plans have starting rates between $16 to $42 a day. The price can vary drastically based on the number of days you purchase and the amount of connected devices. You’ll get a slight discount if you purchase a plan for your entire cruise. You also save for each device you add.

Does Disney Cruise Line Have Cell Service?

Whether your cell phone will work on a Disney cruise depends on your carrier and plan. Cell carriers like AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile provide Cellular at Sea aboard Disney cruises, which allows you to use your plan like you normally would in your stateroom. However, you may need to pay roaming charges (which can get very expensive, very quickly) or purchase a special cruise add-on from your carrier. Your data allotment (cellular internet) also may be much more limited than on land. It’s best to check with your individual cell phone carrier before your cruise to determine how cell phone data usage will work while onboard.

How Good is the WiFi on Disney Cruise Ships?

While the internet speed on cruise ships has improved drastically over the years, it’s slower than the web surfing you’re used to at home.

Disney warns cruise guests that onboard internet may sometimes be slow, interrupted, or completely unavailable. This is especially true on at-sea days; the final sea day of a Disney Alaska cruise is notoriously bad for internet due to the ship’s position and direction of travel.

However, most cruisers will typically find onboard internet sufficient to occasionally check email, post on social media , or make a video call.

Get Free Help Planning Your Disney Cruise

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What New Disney Cruise Ships Are Being Built?

Disney Cruise Wifi 2024 Prices and Internet Options

By: Author tanialamb

Posted on Published: February 12, 2024

Disney Cruise Line has wifi on board all of their ships and they all now have the upgraded wifi. If you’re sailing on a Disney Cruise in 2024, the wifi increased in price in August 2023. Here’s everything you need to know about Disney Cruise Line internet like how much it costs, how to connect to the internet while sailing, and which data plan is best for you.

How Much Does Disney Cruise WiFi Cost?

Disney Cruise WiFi prices start at $18 a day for the entire cruise. Disney Cruise Wifi options and prices are the same for the Disney Fantasy, Disney Dream, Disney Wish, Disney Magic, and Disney Wonder.

The 2024 Disney Cruise Line Wifi Package Prices Start at:

Stay Connected – $18 per day for a 24 hour period
Basic Surf – $28 per day for a 24 hour period
Premium Surf – $42 per day for a 24 hour period

If you book a wifi package for your entire voyage on Disney Cruise Line, then you’ll receive a discount on the wifi.

The price for Disney Cruise WiFi is per device in the room , not per room. So the price is cheaper per day if you choose wifi for the whole voyage. If not, you can choose 24 hour increments.

For example, if you purchase internet on Disney Cruise Line on a Saturday at 5:00 p.m., you’d have until 5:00 p.m. on Sunday to use it before it shuts off.

The graphic below shows how it works, but the prices are before the increase.

Disney Cruise Wifi Internet Packages

All Disney Cruise Line ships have upgraded wifi packages for 2024. Knowing Disney Cruise WiFi prices ahead of time will help you factor it into your budget.

The new and improved Disney Cruise Wifi is currently on the Disney Wish, Disney Magic, Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream, and now the Disney Wonder. The Disney Wonder was the last hold out. They introduced the new Disney wifi packages in 2022 and basically coincide with the old wifi packages – small, medium, and large – based on what you can do with them.

Stay Connected Package

The Stay Connected package says it will allow you to post pictures on popular websites and applications like Facebook Messenger, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, Pinterest, LinkedIn and Tumblr. However, some guests have reported to not be able to send photos.

You can also try one package and if it isn’t working the way you’d like, then you can upgrade. One of the benefits of the Stay Connected plan is that it’s the cheapest. The Stay Connected package starts at $18 a day.

Basic Surf Package

The Basic Surf package seems to work for guests who want to post on social media, check some emails, and use basic internet activity, plus send or receive photos. “Surf the web, read the news, check the weather and visit your other favorite websites, send and receive emails, and make audio calls.” The Basic Surf Package starts at $28 a day.

Premium Surf Package

The Premium Surf package is said to have faster connection speeds on a Disney cruise ship. “Make video calls, listen to your favorite music streaming platforms, surf the web, view short-form videos like TikTok.” This plan still does not support video streaming like Netflix.

If you ever used the old Disney Cruise wifi, you know it was a struggle and it was slow. This new Disney Cruise wifi is definitely improved, though you still have to be patient, because you’re at sea.

Pay-As-You-Use Disney Cruise Internet Prices

The old Disney Cruise Line WiFi was a pay-as-you-use plan that started at $.25 per megabyte used. The Disney Wonder used to have the old wifi packages, but as of October 2023, the wifi has been upgraded and matches the rest of Disney Cruise Line.

How Do You Connect to the Internet on Disney Cruise Line?

When you board your Disney Cruise, you should be able to use your regular data plan for internet until about 10 minutes or so after you leave your port.

However, to actually use the Disney Cruise Line app, you need to connect to guest wifi on board and be in airplane mode. The DCL app is where you find information about activities, schedule, stateroom, dining rotation, etc.

You don’t need to purchase internet services to connect to the ship’s Wi-Fi network when used only for the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app.

However, if you want to connect to the wifi on a Disney Cruise ship, there is an additional cost. Once you’re on the Disney Cruise Line app, you’ll see the options to Connect@Sea. Then you’ll need to set up an account if you don’t already have one.

Again, the Disney Cruise Line wifi packages are per device, and not per stateroom.

Then you’ll select your package, how many devices, and connect.

Free Disney Cruise Wifi Hack : If you have an iPhone and use iMessages and are logged in before you board, my party was still able to text people on land that had iPhones. It didn’t work 100% of the time, but as long as I had logged into iMessages before I boarded the ship, I could text while at sea for free.

This is a nice perk to be still be in contact with friends and family back home.

Is Disney Cruise Line Wifi Worth It?

If you need to work or want to browse the internet, then wifi on Disney Cruise Line is worth it…if it’s necessary. However, it still can be glitchy at sea.

If you don’t absolutely need to use it, then maybe wait until you’re in port to do what you need to do. Sometimes it’s also nice to disconnect from the world while on vacation.

You’re not always going to get the fastest wifi while on Disney Cruise Line or at sea, so I wouldn’t schedule an important meeting just in case there’s a glitch. However, the Basic Surf package should be enough to do what you need to do, provided you don’t need to make Zoom calls.

With the price increase of Disney Cruise wifi, it’s not as cost effective and may not be in your budget. If you don’t have to use it, then save your money and buy Palo Brunch instead.

I suggest trying it out for a day and then you can increases your package if necessary. If you find that the internet is not working, then you can also talk to Guest Services about their suggestions or request a refund if necessary.

Bon Voyage and have a great cruise!!

For more Disney Cruise Line tips, here is information on the Castaway Cay 5K and these are the Bibbibi Bobbidi Boutique Disney Cruise prices .

If you’re doing a land and sea vacation, then these are the closest Disney Character Warehouse outlets to Disney World!

Wednesday 9th of August 2023

I think I remember years ago "one device" meant at a time, so I could log-in on one, log out and then my son could log-in on his. Is this the case on Disney Dream because $42/day is a lot.

I don't think you can change devices and have it still work. However if you're on your device and your son wanted to check his social media or something like that on your device, that would work. I haven't tried the workaround of logging in on another device. But the basic surf plan is usually sufficient for most guests.

Lukas Danny

Tuesday 13th of September 2022

Do you need to buy wifi per device or per room?

It is per device.

Friday 11th of March 2022

Does wifi on the cruise ships allpw vpn?

Thursday 28th of April 2022

@Dan, did you ever get an answer to your VPN question? I've been wondering the same and trying to search online first for the answer before calling.

Wednesday 7th of August 2019

Does anybody have current rates for Connect at Sea?

As far as I know, the packages are still the same price as in this post.

Friday 26th of July 2019

Is the free 50mb per guest or cabin? We are cruising for Christmas and will want to text/exchange photos Christmas Day at sea. Otherwise port WiFi should do.

Saturday 27th of July 2019

Both my husband and I were able to get the free mb. It goes very quickly though, especially if you're sending photos.

Guide to Disney Cruise WiFi: Tips and FAQs

Posted on Published: 02/27/2024

While I typically enjoy unplugging on my Disney cruises, sometimes it’s important to stay connected to the outside world. Disney Cruise WiFi is available for an additional cost, and while it isn’t as fast or reliable as a land WiFi connection, it does work pretty well. It’s a good option if you do need to stay connected at sea.

If you are taking a Disney Cruise and are thinking of purchasing a WiFi package, this post will help you decide what level to purchase and will help you know what to expect from your coverage.

Disclosure: I received complimentary WiFi on media sailings and have also paid for my own WiFi packages. All opinions are my own.

two chairs on beach with umbrella in front of cruise ship

When you are on your sailing, you’ll want to put your phone in airplane mode . While cellular at sea is sometimes available, it can be quite expensive. Purchasing a WiFi package is typically the most affordable option if you want to stay connected.

AT&T and Verizon do have cruise ship packages that are separate from the Disney Cruise Line Wi-Fi. I prefer using the ship’s WiFi, however. If you want to use one of these programs, you’ll want to contact them to make sure it’s added to your cell phone in advance. You’ll need to have this feature activated in advance.

IMPORTANT: You’ll want to talk to your cell phone carrier before your trip to make sure you understand how your phone works internationally. They will likely recommend that you put your phone in airplane mode while at sea. Taking it out of airplane mode can lead to some very high charges.

Disney Cruise WiFi Packages and Pricing

There are three levels of packages on the Disney Cruise Line. These are the Stay Connected, the Basic Surf, and the Premium Surf. Within these categories, you have the option to purchase WiFi for 24 hours, or the entire length of your cruise. Disney Cruise Wi-Fi pricing is based on the cruise period’s length or 24 hours.

If you think you’ll want WiFi just to look up something quickly, the 24-hour option is a good choice. Otherwise, you’ll save money by getting an entire length of cruise package rather than purchasing daily individual 24-hour packages.

The type of package you’ll need will depend on what you are doing. If you want to stream short videos or make video calls, you’ll need the Premium Package, while the Stay Connected package is best if you only want to look up text. Generally, long-form video streaming, like TV shows or movies, is not supported under any of these programs.

When I sail on the Disney Cruise Line, I typically purchase the Basic Surf package. It lets me send and upload photos, but I don’t need the streaming functionality.

The price per day of the WiFi packages ranges from $16 for one day of Stay Connected when purchasing the full voyage to $42 per day for the Premium Package when only buying one day.

So, is the Disney Cruise WiFi reliable? In my experience, it’s somewhat reliable, but not as fast as you’d expect for a land connection, and sometimes drops off. If you require more bandwidth, it’s a good idea to purchase the Premium Package.

two satellites on deck of Disney Cruise with chairs and small pool

What Can You Do Without Disney Cruise Wi-Fi?

So, do you need to have WiFi while on a Disney Cruise? There are still some things you can do without purchasing a WiFi package (or using Cellular at Sea).

The Disney Cruise Line Navigator App works even if you don’t purchase the package. You’ll be able to check schedules, look at your folio, and book experiences through the app. You’ll just need to connect to the DCL-GUEST network (and make sure your phone is in Airplane mode).

In addition, with app access, you’ll also be able to message guests directly through the app. It can make keeping in touch very easy. Everyone will need to have their own copy of the app loaded on their devices.

If you use the Apple iMessage system, you can send text iMessages to other users both on and off the ship. So, if you wanted WiFi just to stay in touch at home, you may not need it.

There are some Disney-owned websites you can also connect to at no cost when on the DCL-GUEST network without needing WiFi. These include:

Disney Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line Photos
Walt Disney World
Disney Vacation Club
Walt Disney World Resorts
Adventures by Disney
Aulani Reservation Management

chairs and tables by pool bar on Disney Cruise

How to Connect to WiFi

Once you are on the ship, you can put your phone in Airplane mode and then connect to the DCL-GUEST network. From there, you can either stay with free access to the app or purchase a 24-hour or length of cruise internet package. If you purchase a package, it can be charged directly to your room to make it very easy.

International Day Pass/TravelPass

Some cellular phone providers offer an international day pass option. With this, you’ll pay a flat fee for 24 hours and will be able to use your phone just as you use it at home (with the same data, text, and phone package).

It’s important to know that these programs work in participating foreign countries, but do not work at sea. If you are hoping to use this program while at sea, you may find yourself with many unexpected charges.

Check with your cell phone provider directly to learn about these programs, and to find out if you are eligible. Just remember you can only use it at a port (in a participating country) and not when at sea. Your cell phone provider can let you know which countries are part of this program. You’ll need to have it activated on your phone before using it.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, you’ll purchase a WiFi package once you are onboard and connected to the DCL-GUEST network.

If you want to do that, you’ll need to purchase multiple packages.

Except for the uses mentioned above, free WiFi isn’t available. You’ll need to purchase a package to use the ship’s satellite WiFi.

In the past, the WiFi was billed by the usage but it’s since changed over to this new system. I prefer paying by the day because it was always difficult to know how many MBs I would use.

Have you ever used the Disney Cruise Wi-Fi?

satellites on the top deck of a cruise ship with sun loungers

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Disney Cruise Line Wi-Fi Review

Some cruise guests choose a cruise vacation specifically so they are forced to disconnect form the world and just enjoy a vacation with the family. Others like to post about their vacation for others to see. Maybe you need to be able to check video of a pet at home, be able to call parents or adult children if necessary, or you just really really have to get some work done while sailing the high seas. All of those things will require internet connectivity, which is not something that Disney Cruise Line has a stellar reputation for. During my recent (January 2023) cruise, I tested all of the various internet packages so that I could share what worked and didn’t, and how to make the internet package work for you.

Internet Purchasing Options

If it’s been a while since you last cruised with Disney, you are probably used to watching the dreaded data meter work its way toward zero, and frantically turning off the ability for any of your apps to burn through your allotment without your permission.

The good news is that almost all ships (Wonder is still on the “old” style plans for now) have transitioned to plans that are based on speed and connectivity rather than measured data. Hooray! The bad news is, this generally means you’ll still be paying a lot for connectivity, with often not-great results. But more on that later. Let’s review each of the three new “tiers”, and what Disney claims you’ll be able to do with each.

Stay Connected

The Stay Connected package is the lowest tier available. Not to be confused with Basic, which is the next-highest tier. This is less than basic. You can expect to pay at least $12 per day, or less if you purchase for the entire length of the cruise, or more if you need more than one device to be connected at a time.

With this package, Disney says that you will be able to “Post text and pictures on popular websites and applications like Facebook Messenger, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, Pinterest, LinkedIn and Tumblr”. They also specifically call out “This plan does not support surfing the web, accessing email or video streaming.”

So the intent of this package appears to be posting photos and reels to make your friends jealous, or updating your skills so that you can find a new job that lets you take more cruises. But nothing else.

The Basic Surf package is the next-highest tier, and it doubles the cost of the Stay Connected plan. You can expect to pay at least $24 per day for this access, or less if you purchase for the entire length of the cruise, or more if you need more than one device to be connected at a time.

With this package, Disney says that you will be able to do everything that the Stay Connected package can do, plus: “Surf the web, read the news, check the weather and visit your other favorite websites, send and receive emails, and make audio calls.” The only activities called out as specifically not supported are “long-form video streaming platforms such as Netflix and Hulu.”

This is the package that should allow you to do almost everything. You can call home if you have an app that will allow Wi-Fi calling. You can check your emails. You can read the news in the morning. Just no video streaming. Sounds reasonable. All for about $100 for a 4-night cruise. A little steep, but potentially worth it if it works, and if you need the safety of being able to check in at home with family or with your work.

Premium Surf

Here is where things supposedly get fancy. The Premium Surf package is the highest tier, and it triples the cost of the Stay Connected plan. You can expect to pay at least $36 per day for this access, or less if you purchase for the entire length of the cruise, or more if you need more than one device to be connected at a time.

With this package, Disney says that you will be able to do everything that the Basic Surf package can do, plus: “Make video phone calls on planforms FaceTime, Zoom, and more; listen to your favorite music streaming platforms like Pandora, Spotify, and Apple Music; View short-form content on platforms like YouTube, Snapchat and TikTok; and enjoy faster connectivity speeds.” Interestingly, Disney still calls out that you will not be able to engage with: “long-form video streaming platforms such as Netflix and Hulu.”

Odd that the top two tiers both have the same exclusion, so maybe the “Basic” tier isn’t as comprehensive as originally hoped. If you need a soundtrack to your day, or you want to be able to video chat with Grandma at home, you would theoretically need to purchase this package. And the cost is pretty steep.

Pricing Details

As discussed in the description of each tier, you can find a base price per day for a package. But then you are given options for duration and number of devices that can increase or decrease the actual final cost of your internet package.

On the first day of our cruise, I went through and grabbed pricing information for a variety of combinations. In every case, purchasing for the length of the cruise got me a 20% discount compared to the daily rate. So, I could get the Premium Surf package for $30/day instead of $36.

By the third day of the cruise, it was obvious that I needed to purchase Premium Surf for the remainder of the cruise. I assumed that this would knock down my savings, because two days had already passed. No! I was still given the 20% discount on the remaining days of the cruise, instead of the full price. So for my 5-night cruise, I could have theoretically gone without internet the first 3 days, then purchased Premium Surf for two days to catch up on all of the things, and I would have paid “just” $60.

I expected that there would be a similar price break for connecting with multiple devices compared to having individual log-ins for each device. Something like $36/day for the first device and $30/day for the second, etc. But no – each device was a pure multiplication of the per-day or per-voyage cost selected in earlier steps. Two devices for a day on Premium Surf? $72.

Premium Surf Package Performance

I had a checklist of activities to attempt while using each different internet package. The first of which was running a speed test to see what I was getting for my money.

If you know anything about internet connectivity, you know that those results are really sad. Really sad. And this was the best speed I got the entire length of the cruise. It was only downhill from here. I’m showing the best of the best. Immediately I knew that most of my checklist was going to be pointless, and I questioned how the other packages would function at all if this was the speed they were giving the premium users. Ouch.

But, science. I had to run my tests anyway. The first was uploading content to Instagram, so that my followers could do important things like goad me into trying the world’s worst non-alcoholic specialty beverage. To be fair, I was generally* able to post stories, even if they included short video content. Hooray. That’s something.

* Generally is the key word here. We’ll talk about overall reliability later, but there were lots of dead zones and many many dropped connections. Many.

I wanted to test out ability to stay up-to-date with games. The Disney community and video game community have some pretty significant overlap, and Marvel Snap is one example of an award-winning game that rewards those who log in and play consistently. Don’t want to miss those log-in rewards! Once again, on the Premium Surf package, I could almost always log in. But matching and completing an entire game was practically impossible. I would lose connection to my account or the game servers at least once, and that always led to losing (or forfeiting) the game. Boo.

In order to stay connected for work, (which, to be clear, was not a goal of this cruise. I cruise to avoid work. But science!) I needed to access Outlook, Teams, and Slack. On the Premium Surf plan, Outlook loaded about 50% of the time, and timed out the other 50%. Teams connectivity had a slightly better success rate, because it refreshed appropriately about 75% of the time. And Slack almost always kept itself updated, but really struggled with marking things as “read”.

I was usually able to load web pages, if I was patient for long enough. I successfully read almost the entire Saturday Six that posted before our sailing. I could go seek out the “lite” version of CNN if I felt like news was important. I could use google to search for trivia answers (I kid, I kid) or whatever else I needed to know, if I could wait the 30 seconds it would take to load.

Video and loading/downloading is where things really started to falter. I could view reels on Instagram, but not anything on YouTube. There was absolutely no way I could stay connected long enough to download a podcast episode or even a PDF. And I could connect to Pandora, but was never able to listen to a full song. It kept losing connectivity or buffering too.

Basic Surf Package Performance

This section is going to be nice and quick, because as soon as I tried “downgrading” to the Basic Surf plan … almost nothing worked. I was miraculously able to run a speed test, though!

Okay, so … 30% worse. But I’ll be honest, I expected this difference to be negligible when determining if tasks were ultimately successful or not. Sure, things would take longer. I’d have to stare at my phone and wait more. But probably they would still work.

WRONG. Instagram posting didn’t work. Marvel Snap didn’t work. Web surfing (including the speed test above) worked 50% of my tries. No email, no Teams, no Slack. The conspiracy theory part of my personality assumed that Disney was prioritizing Premium traffic, and when I managed to get web pages to load, I was getting lucky with my timing.

I’m sorry, but paying $24/day to maybe be able to load web pages 50% of the time, but have everything else fail … is not worth it. And the constant griping overheard any time we walked past the Guest Services desk seems to corroborate my feelings.

Stay Connected Package Performance

The Stay Connected Package … did nothing. Couldn’t run a speed test (it is a web page, after all). Could even get Instagram or Twitter (or LinkedIn for that matter) to load at all. I was paying $12/day to frustrate myself with just trying all of the things and failing. Maybe that’s a form of therapy. I don’t know. But it certainly wasn’t keeping me connected.

That’s about all I can say about this package. I ran through my checklist once in the morning, once in the afternoon, and once in the evening. And I tried it in different locations on the ship because that definitely had an impact on connectivity while using the other plans. But none of the magic trickery worked. This package was worthless.

Reliability and Troubleshooting

If you’ve made it this far in the post, you already know that connectivity and speeds are not impressive. Reliability was even worse. About 8 hours into the first full day of the cruise, while using and testing the Premium Surf package, everything just died. No posting. No surfing. Malarkey. I went to the Guest Services desk during the second dining service (an excellent time with no lines, if you need to visit that desk), and they walked me through the stereotypical IT troubleshooting steps. Turn Wi-Fi off. Turn Wi-Fi on. Turn airplane mode on, turn airplane mode off. Visit iCafe (the service that manages connectivity) and toggle the purchased package off. Toggle it back on. Restart phone. Toss it against the wall (kidding, again). They couldn’t fix it either.

Then, they had me go into iCafe (the service that manages connectivity), and totally log out of the service. Log back in. Disney magic happened, and I was back in business. That only took up 15 minutes of my cruise to figure out. They also admitted that they were having lots of Wi-Fi issues, and had been for several cruises. So there’s that.

From then on, that was the first step I tried when things stopped working. I kid you not – I had to log out of and into iCafe at least once every 2 hours for the rest of the cruise. I collected the data, because of course, and once I figured out the whole log out/log in fix, I averaged doing that “magic trick” every 90 minutes while awake. It usually kicked my Premium Surf package back into working, but didn’t make anything easier on Basic Surf or Stay Connected.

I know that many people feel like that they absolutely must be able to stay connected to the outside world during a cruise. Whether for home/pet safety, or work, or checking in with family, sometimes internet is just a must. But being forced to pay for the most expensive package, with such low speeds, and such frequent dropping, is totally frustrating in what is supposed to be an escape from frustration.

I recognize that connectivity at sea is tough. It’s a technical nightmare. Especially with that many people trying to utilize it at all times. But you should know what to expect – you’re not going to be video-calling friends or coworkers. You may not even be able to check email reliably or audio call at all. If the safety net of potentially being able to connect is worth the $30-$36/day for you, then go for it. Otherwise, you may be better off skipping the hassle completely.

Becky Gandillon

Becky Gandillon was trained in biomedical engineering, but is now a full-time data and analytics nerd. She loves problem solving and travelling. She and her husband, Jeff, live in St. Louis with their two daughters and they have Disney family movie night every Saturday. You can follow her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-gandillon/ or instagram @raisingminniemes

5 thoughts on “ Disney Cruise Line Wi-Fi Review ”

What ship were you on and what itinerary?

I am going to be on a couple of 14-15 night cruises in a few months on the Magic and Wonder. I will NEED work connectivity. I am curious if the ship capacity, route, this specific ship technical problems, etc. are factors in performance and connectivity.

This was on the Wonder, and on a San Diego – Cabo itinerary, but I’ve heard that the Wonder had regular issues. Perhaps they’re addressed by now.

That’s good news that the Wonder has converted to the new plans!

Great review.

Maybe sometimes it also depends on route and weather. Rough seas make the satellite connection more difficult to maintain than while docked at Castaway.

Seems like ‘try if you want’ don’t be surprised if it is less than mediocre.

We had the premium package on our cruise over winter break. My kids were able to watch YouTube, but they could not play Roblox. It was slow, but workable.

Disney Cruise Internet: Wi-Fi, Policies, and Tips

By Alisha Molen

It’s probably not high on your list when planning your Disney Cruise , but understanding the Disney Cruise Internet is definitely something you will think about when you can’t login to check your email aboard the ship.

Because you don’t want to be totally out-of-reach on your vacation, you need to know about the Disney Cruise internet packages, the Disney Cruise Wave Phones, and access to Wi-Fi on the ship if you want to be prepared.

I’ve pulled together the most comprehensive guide to internet access on Disney cruises, including all you need to know about the Disney cruise internet package and Disney Cruise Wi-Fi.

So, if you’re ready to learn how to get on the internet while on a Disney Cruise, let’s get started.

Is there wi-fi on disney cruises, disney cruise wi-fi package costs, disney cruise wi-fi packages explained, are there other ways to access the internet on a disney cruise, how do i get free internet on a disney cruise.

How to Minimize Data Usage on a Disney Cruise?
My #1 Hack to Get Free Wi-Fi on a Disney Cruise

More Disney Cruise Wi-Fi Hacks

What is a Disney Cruise “Wave Phone”?

Yes, there is Wi-Fi on Disney Cruises!

There are multiple plans for usage of the onboard internet through Connect@Sea, which can be accessed by as many devices as you want, that will be charged to your room.

Using the Wi-Fi for anything other than the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App (an app which allows you to send messages to members of your travel party while onboard, access your schedule, and view the locations of things onboard the ship and other items of note) is subject to the fees described below.

Pay As You Go which costs $0.25/MB
Small Package which costs $0.19/MB for 100MB
Medium Package which costs $0.13/MB for 300MB
Large Package which costs $0.09/MB for 1,000MB
Concierge guests traveling in Category S, T, and V Staterooms receive 100 free MB
Concierge guests traveling in Category R Staterooms receive free Wi-Fi access for the length of the cruise

Disney Cruise Wi-Fi is called Connect@Sea and all packages are purchased onboard when you sign-on for the first time. You cannot downgrade or get a refund for unused data, so plan accordingly.

I’ve grabbed as much information about which Connect@Sea package you should get depending on what your usage might be.

Pay-As-You-Go

Get this Disney Cruise WiFi package if you’re not sure you’ll be online very much, especially if everyone that you want to communicate is onboard with you. No streaming movies, though, just basic service, because the bill will be bigger than you think if you go all-out.

If you start with this, you can add one of the other packages later. However, it’s a good idea to really see how much you’re going to use the internet before making a choice, because you won’t be able to downgrade later and you will not be credited if you don’t use the MB purchased.

I’d recommend this package for the person that just wants to check in at work once or twice while cruising. Not to download a bunch of stuff, but to periodically make sure the ship back home is still sailing.

If you’re planning to post a few pics of your time on the ship on Instagram or Facebook, this is the package you want. Allows a little more flexibility for those times you want to show the world what fun times you’re having.

Supposedly, this is the plan you want if you plan to stream movies and really do some heavy surfing. But, those MB are chewed-up quick, so I wouldn’t recommend planning to watch the streaming service all that often. Besides, there are plenty of other things to do on your cruise 😉

There is no longer public computer terminal access on Disney Cruises.

Access to the internet is only allowed through your own personal devices via the above mentioned Wi-Fi plans.

There’s no way to get free internet all the time, unless you are concierge guests traveling in a Category R Stateroom .

However, all guests receive 50MB of data free on the first day of the Disney Cruise.

To get the free 50MB of data on the Disney Cruise, you simply sign-on to the Wi-Fi following the handy instructions left in your room. Simple as that.

Once that data is used up, though, you will be asked to select a plan.

How to Minimize Data Usage on a Disney Cruise

Listed below are a few tips on how you can minimize your data usage so you can maximize the time you have before you have to worry about spending extra money on the internet packages onboard your ship.

Download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App and use it for everything you can
Log out of everything when you’re done surfing. Don’t let anything be running in the background
iCloud Backup (look in Settings > iCloud > Storage & Backup) *this is a big one and you need to remember to turn this back on if you want backups of your awesome trip photos when you get home
My Photo Stream (look in Settings > Photo & Camera)
Background App Refresh (look in Settings > General > Background App Refresh)
Software Updates (look in Software Update > Edit > Preferences > Advanced > Uncheck Auto Update)
Automatic Music/Apps/Updates Downloads (look in Settings > iTunes & App Store)
Location Services (look in Settings > Privacy)
Fetch New Data, change to Fetch Manually (look in Settings > Mail, Contacts, Calendars > Fetch New Data)
Auto-Updates (look in Settings > Play Store)
Wi-Fi Updates (look in Settings > Play Store)
Background Refresh Apps (look in Settings > Application Manager > Select App > Force Quit)
Auto-Sync

My #1 Hack to Get Free Wi-Fi on Disney Cruise

It’s not really free Wi-Fi, so let me clarify. What you can do is use iMessage on an Apple device to send and receive BLUE messages. Those are only the messages that go between two Apple products. This is reported to be because iMessage is a backdoor that Apple uses that acts as push notifications on both ends, keeping Disney from being able to charge for the Wi-Fi usage.

In order to use this method, simply put your iPhone in airplane mode and turn on the Wi-Fi. When you send messages to another iPhone, you should not (in theory) be charged for internet usage.

Take a Walk: It’s easy to find free Wi-Fi when you’re in port. Usually just going a few blocks can get you to a store or restaurant that’s looking to attract customers (you) looking for Wi-Fi.
Your Data Plan: When you’re in port or even near land, within a reasonable distance, you should switch over from Wi-Fi to your phone’s data plan. The only thing about this is that roaming rates will apply if you’re outside the range of your carrier’s limits.
Maximize Speed: The internet on Disney Cruises is, like the internet on any cruise, notoriously slow. So, if you’re planning to check emails or do anything that you’d like to see load quickly, you should wait until off-peak times. That may be 1am or before 10am, but if it’s your priority, give it a try.
Push Notifications: Like with iMessage, you can recieve free push notifications. So, if you have push notifications set up, you can receive them (not respond) without incurring charges.

What is a Disney Cruise “Wave Phone”?

Disney Cruise Wave Phones are phones that are left in your stateroom that you can use to call other rooms, text other Wave Phones onboard (and at Disney’s Castaway Cay ), and contact the Cast Members onboard for things like room service and other needs.

It is similar to a hotel room phone, but it also gives you the functionality of text and it’s mobile.

You are not tied to the room with the Wave Phone. Additionally, you are provided with two phones at no cost but, for an additional fee , you can request additional Wave Phones for your party.

If you are ready to head to your Disney Cruise and want to surf the internet along with the waves, you have to have this guide to Disney Cruise Internet in your back pocket. Now go get out on the waves and enjoy your cruise!

What can I expect for Disney Cruise Wifi Speed?

I wouldn’t expect blazing wifi speed on your cruise. It will likely be fast enough to adequately check email while sipping a drink somewhere or do basic web browsing, but don’t expect to comfortably stream Disney+ movies . (PS – you don’t need to anyways, there are plenty of Disney shows to watch in your room!)

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Disney Cruise Line WiFi Packages & Pricing Vital Info

Picture this: you're lounging on an outdoor deck of a majestic Disney Cruise ship, salty breeze in your hair, nothing but ocean surrounding you. Suddenly you realize you forgot to send one last important work email before leaving for vacation and need to connect ASAP. But does Disney Cruise Line have WiFi?

Disney Wish cruise ship in the distance at the Port Canaveral terminal in Florida for embarkation day.

Hold onto your Mickey ears because navigating the digital waters is as much a part of the Disney Cruise experience as spotting Captain Mickey. Read to the end because we have a great money-saving Wi-Fi tip for you while in ports during your Disney Cruise from our experience sailing with them and traveling all over the world, accessing Wi-Fi.

Embark on a journey with us through the world of high-seas WiFi with Disney.

Disclosure: This page has affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission if you click the link and proceed with a purchase at no cost to you . We recommend cruises, experiences, products, and services we personally use. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Disney Cruise Line WiFi: Vital Info, including packages, pricing and more, with a picture of the aqua blue water at Castaway Cay behind it.

Is There Free Internet Access On Disney Cruises?

We know you might be thinking, “I'm here for the magic, not the megabytes!” But in reality, those megabytes might make or break your cruise. We know being connected has made a difference for us while on Disney Cruise ships as we check in with clients as small business owners or stay connected with family as needed.

Luckily, DCL offers free onboard internet for minimal texting.

You can access your regular cellular carrier’s service for mere minutes after the ship deports from its port of embarkation in the United States, assuming the local cellular carrier is receiving service along the coast in that area. But you should connect to the onboard Wi-Fi after you lose cell service as you sail away from your port of embarkation or get connected before the Sail Away Party.

Once on DCL’s Wi-Fi network, free texting is possible via iMessage or WhatsApp. That’s usually how we text message family and friends at home while we sail. WhatsApp works for iPhone and Android users in a similar fashion while onboard. You can also chat with other guests for free via the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App.

However, photos and videos will not be sent through iMessage without purchasing the mid-level or higher internet plan; only plain text and emojis will reach the receiving party on complimentary Wi-Fi.

Note that complimentary WiFi is included in Concierge-level bookings. The package type differs depending on room type and can range from Basic to Premium .

Disney Wish cruise ship in the background with a Castaway Cay deck with fish netting in the foreground in the Caribbean.

Use the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App for Texting and Cruise Activities While Onboard

Using the app is complimentary to all guests regardless of whether or not you purchase an internet package.

If you have not already done so, be sure to download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app and log in on your mobile device before your cruise. If you’re boarding the ship from Port Canaveral , we know from experience that there is Wi-Fi in the port that you can access while waiting to board the ship. You can also access the Navigator app while you wait to book things as if you are onboard.

DCL’s Navigator app is also great for cruise planning and a fun vacation countdown before your trip. It’s also useful for checking into your cruise before you board. It remains a helpful tool during your holiday.

Think of the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app as your in-cruise digital director. It’s where you obtain details about daily events, dining rotations, and the ship’s deck plan. It’s also where you can do things like book excursions and activities, make reservations for adults-only dining at Palo , Enchanté , or Remy’s (depending on your ship), and spa treatments before or during your cruise.

The app is completely free to access and use as long as you’re connected to the guest wifi, which is called something like “DCL-GUEST.”

Screenshot of the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app in-app Wi-Fi connection.

You Need the DCL Navigator App for Childcare Communication

If you check any children into childcare on any Disney Cruise Line ship, you will need the Navigator app to communicate with the team there.

Don’t Let your Cell Phone Battery Die

For this reason and more, we recommend that you bring a portable phone charger with you. You don’t want to be tethered to a phone cord that needs to be plugged into a wall when you’d rather be at the adults-only pool when your child is enjoying the cruise at the Imagineer’s Lab!

Trust us: You’ll be grateful you have a wonderful, lightweight, small portable charger, like Clutch. It charges iPhones, Android phones, and AirPods too!

Must-have Portable Charger for your Cruise

This portable charger is incredibly compact and lightweight. It charges Androids and iPhones. We even use it to charge AirPods. More than that, it's a lifesaver when our phones are our lifeline!

Use code “SOMETIMES10” for a discount .

Can You Browse the Internet With the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App?

Unfortunately, the Navigator app is only for cruise-related information. While it technically uses a network to function, you won’t be able to browse the web with it fully.

However, you can send and receive free text messages to other passengers onboard in the app. We especially love chatting with each other this way while at sea because we adore the little Disney character emojis that are only available through the app. Sometimes I text Dan a bunch of Disney character emojis “just because” with no words. They’re a lot of fun!

How To Connect To DCL Wi-Fi on Disney Cruise Line

Once you’re on the Disney Navigator app while onboard your cruise, you’ll see the option to connect to the internet on the ship’s Wi-Fi network. Click to connect, open the app, and sign into your account if you’re not already logged in.

Adding a Wi-Fi plan onboard is easy once you’re in the Navigator App. You have the option to purchase Wi-Fi for the length of the cruise or per day, per device. You can also add more devices to one plan for 20% off.

Put Your Phone in Airplane Mode While Cruising

If you don’t plan on using your cellular carrier roaming data while cruising, we recommend putting your phone in airplane mode when you cruise. This will ensure that you can connect to available Wi-Fi networks but won’t be charged by your cell provider for roaming data.

Putting your phone in airplane mode is kind of like telling it to use Wi-Fi, but don’t try to connect using cell towers. Conversely, if you want to use cellular data, do not put your phone in airplane mode because cellular data won’t work in airplane mode.

How to Easily Sign Up for Disney Cruise Line WiFi Once Onboard

Internet plans for DCL voyages are fairly straightforward. Here are three easy steps to signing up for onboard Disney Cruise Line WiFi:

◆ STEP 1: From the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app, select “Connect to Internet.” A new browser should open with the available internet plans. Choose the package you need by determining what you want to use it for.

Complimentary Wi-Fi (no purchase necessary): free texting and messaging on iMessage and WhatsApp and within the DCL Navigator App
Stay Connected Package: good for browsing social media
Basic Surf Package: appropriate surfing the web, checking email, sending and receiving photos
Premium Surf Package: the way to go if you need to stream videos or music, send emails, send and receive photos,

◆ STEP 2: Decide if you want it for the full cruise or a 24-hour period. There is a bit of a discount per day if you want to buy it for the duration of the cruise.

◆ STEP 3: Input the number of devices you want to use it for.

There’s an internet plan for every need aboard your cruise. Need to post and share that adorable selfie with Captain Mickey? No problem – go with the Basic Surf plan. Need to check and reply to work emails? Sign up for Basic Surf for that, too, as well as being able to check things like any documents on Google Drive.

If you want to be able to watch YouTube videos, which require faster connection speeds, go with Premium.

Disney Cruise Line Wi-Fi Packages are Per Device

Beware that a Disney Cruise Line WiFi package is per device, not per stateroom.

If you need to use Wi-Fi during your cruise but don’t want to spend an arm and a leg to connect multiple devices at once or pay a premium for the highest package, we recommend connecting one device to check email as needed and bring along a Wi-Fi hotspot to connect in international ports with your computer or iPad.

We love our Solis Wi-Fi device that we travel with for this reason and talk more about it here in this post.

Disney Cruise Line Internet Packages and Cost

You can select an onboard Disney Cruise Line WiFi plan based on your usage needs, how many days you want Wi-Fi, and the number of devices that will use the package. Pay, then connect.

It’s important to know that the internet packages offered by Disney Cruise Line are categorized by bandwidth per day, not by time, like on other cruise lines (like Celestyal Cruises or Star Clippers , for example).

In other words, if you buy a package for the day, you don’t have to worry about reaching a megabyte threshold. You’ll be able to use the level of Wi-Fi speed you purchase for the entire day regardless of how many megabytes of data you do or do not utilize.

Disney Cruise Line Wish ship at Castaway Cay port on a blue sky day.

Complimentary Internet from Disney Cruise Line

The free internet often isn’t enough for most cruisers, especially not in this need to be connected day and age. Let’s explore all your WiFi package options while away at sea with all your Disney friends.

There also used to be a free 50 MB offer when you first boarded the ship, but they no longer offer this to guests. This is partially because they no longer offer Wi-Fi per MB.

Stay Connected Package

➜ $16 a day for your full voyage, or $18 per day for 24 hours

The Stay Connected package should really be called the Social Media plan. It offers a convenient solution for sharing your Disney Cruise experiences on popular social media platforms such as Facebook Messenger, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, Pinterest, LinkedIn, etc. It’s also the cheapest package and the most affordable plan.

However, the Stay Connected package has its limitations. While it permits most social media browsing, it does not support access to email, online browsing, or streaming games or videos, including short-form videos.

One advantage of the Stay Connected plan lies in its flexibility. Guests can initially choose a package; if it doesn't meet your connectivity needs, you can easily upgrade to a more comprehensive option.

Basic Surf Package

➜ $24 per day for the full voyage or $28 per day for 24 hours

For a little bit more bang for your buck, the benefits of the Basic Surf plan include the capability to access email, surf the web, send and receive photos, and check the weather. Of course, you can also access all your favorite social media sites.

We’ve had people report they can make video calls through Facebook Messenger on this plan too.

One point to note is that video streaming is not included in the Basic Surf Package. Not even YouTube shorts or TikTok. The Premium plan is the way to go for those looking to access nearly all of the wonders of the web you’re used to, including music or video streaming.

Premium Surf Package – Best Overall Value

➜ $34 per day for a full voyage, $42 for 24 hours

With this internet plan, you will get the fastest connection speed.

You may think that you would get something close to 5G internet speed capabilities as the top-tier internet package. And while the Premium Surf package offers the fastest connection available with Disney Cruise Line, it’s still nothing like fast internet at home.

With it, you can make calls via Facetime or other video chat apps, listen to Spotify or Apple Music, surf the web, and view short-form videos like TikTok. However, you’ll have to survive without any of your streaming networks. This plan still does not support long-form video streaming platforms such as Netflix.

Planning any Zoom or video call meetings for work is too risky. If it's a meeting for which you need reliable, fast internet, it's best not to schedule it during your cruise if you don't need to because the internet is too inconsistent. That's true of most cruise ships' connectivity, no matter the cruise line.

Tips and Tricks for Purchasing Wifi on a Disney Cruise

If opting for a 24-hour package, it’s a full 24 hours. Meaning that if you sign up at 9:00 am on Tuesday, your plan will expire at 9:00 am on Wednesday, the following day.

Add more devices to your package and get a 20% discount. You can also opt to share a plan across devices.

If you don’t need internet access for the entire voyage, you can purchase it at any point during your cruise. In this case, you’ll be charged the discounted voyage rates for the remaining days.

If you are sharing an internet plan across more than one device instead of buying a plan for multiple devices, you need to remember to log out of the internet when you're done using it so you can log in on another device. Otherwise, your other devices cannot access the internet using the same package.

Disney Cruise Line Wi-Fi FAQs

Can you share an internet plan on a disney cruise.

You can share a single package as long as you log out of the Wi-Fi on one device and into it on another. If you want to use the same Disney Cruise Line WiFi package on multiple devices simultaneously, make sure you opt for that number of devices when you sign up and pay for a WiFi package.

Yellow chairs in front of the teen club bar on Disney Wish.

Is The Internet Fast on Disney Cruises?

Accessibility and internet speeds on DCL ships are limited, so don’t expect perfection. Whether you opt for the very minimal free internet or a paid plan that allows for increased data, it's easy to share your journey with the world while aboard but don't get frustrated when it's not what you're used to at home.

The onboard internet access will likely be slower than you are used to and may occasionally be interrupted or unavailable due to the technology involved in bringing it onboard and satellite connectivity. It also varies per DCL ship; though “fast” is subjective, the internet speed and connectivity vary depending on which ship you’re on and where you are in the world. This is especially true when the ship is enjoying a Day at Sea, and more passengers are using the service.

So is it perfect? No, but for many, having connectivity is a must, no matter the quality, so it's better than nothing.

The fastest internet we’ve experienced at sea with any of the various cruise lines we have sailed with is any cruise ship with Starlink satellite internet. Disney Cruise Line does not currently use Starlink, unfortunately.

Is There Wi-Fi on Castaway Cay?

Access to Wi-Fi on Castaway Cay, Disney's private island, requires the use of your Disney Cruise Internet Package. We were surprised to find out that though the island is Disney's, free internet access in Castaway Cay does not exist as it does on the ship as we walked around in the sand trying to message each other from a distance.

Disney-character painted anchors in the sand with lush foliage behind them on Castaway Cay, Disney's private island, for the best cruises to take this year.

Where Can I Get Help With the Internet on a Disney Cruise?

If you can't connect when you're onboard, head to Guest Services. Here you’ll be able to get help signing up for plans, choosing the best plan, and getting help with any troubleshooting issues.

Can You Use Your Cell Phone On A Disney Cruise?

You can use your cell phone on any Disney Cruise, such as Disney Fantasy, Disney Dream, Disney Wish , Disney Magic, Disney Wonder….and soon-to-be Disney Treasure! While at sea, your phone will connect to maritime network providers such as AT&T and Verizon, allowing you to make and receive calls just like you would ashore from your stateroom and public spaces.

However, beware that making calls or texting at sea through your cell provider will likely incur additional charges for international roaming. It's wise to check with your service provider about rates if you don’t like surprises.

Here is more information for Verizon and AT&T for using their networks at sea.

In addition to roaming charges, Disney charges ship-to-shore rates for “ Cellular at Sea ,” which are posted in each stateroom.

If you choose to enable roaming and attempt to use your cell phone’s network at sea, your network should kick in when the cruise ship is at least a dozen miles or so away from the shore.

How to Get Wi-Fi in Ports if You Don’t Have an Internet Plan: Solis Hotspot

The best option is to bring your own internet Wi-Fi hotspot on the trip to use when you’re in ports. We do this for every trip, especially traveling to international ports.

Hand holding an orange Solis wifi pocket-sized hotspot.

We love our Solis Wi-Fi hotspot for many reasons, including:

It’s small and lightweight – it fits in your pocket.
Multiple devices can connect to it, not just one. We connect computers, iPads, iPhones and more.
The day passes are affordable and convenient to activate. It can cost just $6 per day for Wi-Fi.
Not only can you connect on the ship as soon as the hotspot can receive signals from land, but you can also bring it off the ship to connect to the internet during excursions without having to incur roaming charges from your cell provider. As long as you’re in airplane mode and connected to the wifi from your hotspot, you’re good to go!

The hotspot doesn’t work well in Castaway Cay, which makes sense because Wi-Fi on the entire island is weak, and cellular service is also weak there, which means that a hotspot won’t work well either. But in ports in the Caribbean, Canada, Europe, and Asia, this is 100% the way to go.

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How Does Internet Access Work On Disney Cruise Line Ships?

Social Media and the need to have access to the internet on our mobile devices at all times has become a way of life for the majority of us. In fact, most people can do the bulk of their jobs right from their phones if they’ve got a decent internet connection.

While most of the world now offers free WiFi, there is still one major vacation destination that has not caught up with the times and the ever-booming trend of offering free WiFi: Cruising. It is so hard to stay connected to the internet while you are on a cruise ship out in the middle of the ocean without spending an exorbitant amount of money on your cell phone bill.

Let’s look at how the internet currently works aboard the Disney cruise ships .

Wireless Internet
Cell Phone Usage

WIRELESS INTERNET SERVICE

For assistance with the internet, visit the Connect@Sea desk, which is located in the Promenade Lounge (Deck 3) on the Magic & Wonder , and on Deck 4 near the midship elevators on the Dream & Fantasy . See rates below (subject to change).

Using the onboard WiFi, you can connect anywhere on the ship and chat, post pictures on social media or simply stay connected while at sea.

Due to the technology involved and satellite connectivity, the onboard internet service will be slower than you may be accustomed to and may at times be interrupted or unavailable. This is particularly true on at-sea days when there are more people onboard the ship who are accessing the service.

You can share a single Connect@Sea package. Just login to your account on any device that you want to use to access the Internet. Multiple devices can use the same package simultaneously. The combined usage is tracked on one meter, which can be monitored via the browser window.

The most important thing to remember is that when you are finished using the internet, you need to go to the page displayed in your browser and log out every time. If you or another member of your party forgets to log out when they’re done browsing, your device will use up all of the data you purchased in record time.

WIRELESS INTERNET PRICING

Pay as you go – $0.25 per megabyte
Small package – 100 megabytes for $19 ($0.19 per megabyte)
Medium package – 300 megabytes for $39 ($0.13 per megabyte)
Large package – 1,000 megabytes for $89 ($0.09 per megabyte)
Concierge guests in Cat S, T and V will get 100 free megabytes of internet.
Concierge guests in Cat R will get free internet for the length of the cruise.

Internet plans can be used interchangeably on laptops and desktops throughout the ship. Please note, however, that plans cannot be upgraded once purchased, and a credit will not be issued for unused plan minutes, so make your purchases wisely. Prices are subject to change at any time without notice.

DISNEY WISH INTERNET

Internet service on the Disney Wish is completely different from Disney’s other cruise ships. Below are the details on the three plans that are currently available. You can choose to purchase the internet daily or for your entire voyage, but there is no discount when you pay for the entire cruise at once. We should also note that the pricing below is for one device only; there are additional charges to add more than one device.

STAY CONNECTED

Stay connected on social media with DCL’s most affordable internet plan. With this plan, you can:

Post text and pictures on popular websites and applications like Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, Pinterest, Linkedln, and Tumblr

Note: This plan does not support surfing the web, accessing email, or video streaming .

The pricing on this plan starts at $10/day.

Enjoy all the benefits of the Stay Connected plan – plus, full web access. With this plan, you can:

Surf the web, read the news, check the weather, and visit your other favorite websites
Send and receive emails Post text and pictures on popular websites and applications like Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, Pinterest, Linkedln, and Tumblr

Note: This plan does not support long-form video streaming platforms such as Netflix and Hulu.

The pricing on this plan starts at $20/day.

PREMIUM SURF

Experience faster connection speeds and access to music platforms such as Pandora, Spotify, and Apple Music – plus, all the benefits of the Basic Surf plan. With this plan, you can:

Enjoy faster connection speeds
Make video phone calls on platforms FaceTime, Zoom, and more
Listen to your favorite music streaming platforms like Pandora, Spotify, and Apple Music
View short-form on platforms like YouTube, Snapchat, and TikTok
Send and receive emails

The pricing on this plan starts at $30/day.

HOT TIP: On embarkation day, each stateroom gets a 50 megabyte internet package for free, but you can only sign up for it through the DCL app on the day you board the ship, so don’t forget! It’s only valid for one free package per stateroom.

CELL PHONE USAGE ON A DISNEY CRUISE

You can direct dial, receive phone calls, or text anywhere in the world right from your stateroom. Ship-to-shore rates apply and will be posted in your stateroom.

Cell phone service is also available through most major providers (Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, etc.) The ship must be 12 miles out to sea before you can access cell service. NOTE THAT SERVICE IS LIMITED TO THE STATEROOMS. Common areas will not have cell access.

Disney recommends that you contact your cell provider prior to sailing. They can advise what is needed to arrange for access. Pricing varies depending on your wireless provider and international roaming fees will be billed to your account. (These charges vary and can take up to 90 days to appear on your statement.)

About Post Author

Jackie Gailey

Senior Editor at The DIS and DCL Fan | Disney Vacation Club Member | Thrilled to have been a ’13/’14 Disney Parks Moms Panelist (now planDisney) | Lover of all things Disney; the Magic of Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and Disney Cruise Line | ºoº

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Disney Dream cruise ship review: Mostly magic with a bit of mayhem

TPG's Erica Silverstein accepted a free trip from Disney Cruise Line to cruise on Disney Dream. The opinions expressed below are entirely hers and weren't subject to review by the line.

A Disney Dream cruise is not just for families with young children who love Mickey Mouse and princesses. Disney lovers of all ages, including many couples who choose to get married on board or on the cruise line's private island, will appreciate setting sail in an immersive Disney atmosphere.

A Disney Dream sailing is also attractive to travelers who love a good show, as the ship offers stellar musicals, captivating deck parties and all the movies you can watch from the many Disney-owned production companies (Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and more). Cruisers seeking a more midsize ship, with attentive service and plenty of activities geared toward both kids and adults, will not be disappointed.

Unsurprisingly, Disney Cruise Line does themed sailings well. My five-night Western Caribbean cruise was a Very Merrytime sailing, complete with holiday decorations throughout the ship, seasonal shows and activities, and visits from Santa. Mickey and friends, as well as my fellow passengers, were sporting red and green attire, too. The ship gets equally passionate about Halloween and Marvel-themed sailings.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

A Disney cruise might be a magical experience for some, but Disney Dream isn't perfect. On my cruise, dining venues were crowded and loud, and the lobby atrium and pool deck did not have enough space for all the cruisers who wanted to watch the signature shows. Cruisers looking for varied nightlife might be disappointed that many adults are tied up with childcare at night and unable to venture out to the adults-only bars and lounges.

A cruise aboard Disney Dream is pricey, especially when compared with family-friendly lines such as Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line . Make sure that Disney Dream is the ship for you by learning everything you need to know about the ship — from its cabins to its restaurants, attractions and activities — as well as my take on where the ship excels and where it misses the mark.

Overview of Disney Dream

The 130,000-ton Disney Dream contains 1,250 cabins and can carry 2,500 passengers at double occupancy and 4,000 at maximum capacity. That makes it small for a family ship when comparing it to Royal Caribbean's family favorite Oasis Class ships. The biggest Oasis Class ship, Wonder of the Seas , for example, measures 236,857 tons — 82% bigger than Disney Dream — and carries 5,734 passengers at double occupancy or 6,988 passengers when full.

The ship also stands apart from competitors in that it defies categorization. The ship would be considered mass-market because it offers a range of cabins from windowless insides through suites, appeals to families, does not focus on gourmet food or high-end finishings, and does not offer all-inclusive fares.

Yet Disney Dream's sailings are priced higher than most family-friendly cruise ships because the Disney brand commands a premium. Plus, you could argue that the service levels are higher and the entertainment is of a higher quality than on Royal Caribbean, Carnival or Norwegian Cruise Line ships.

Related: 5 best cruise lines for families

So who's on board? Obviously, families with young children make up a large fraction of Disney Dream's passenger base. You'll find babies, kids and teens, as well as three-generation groups and extended family or friend groups. Yet the ship also attracts adults who are Disney fans or appreciate Disney's entertainment and service. It is common for couples to plan onboard weddings or take their honeymoon on a Disney cruise.

Because Disney cruise fares are so high, most Disney Dream passengers are willing to spend money, either because they have a high vacation budget or have saved up for a special trip where they will pull out all the stops. I was surprised how many passengers were paying extra for princess makeovers at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, high-priced Disney paraphernalia from the onboard shops, and souvenir drink and popcorn containers.

The other thing to recognize about Disney Dream is that the kid activities are central and the adult amenities peripheral. The pool deck features several bars, but they are tucked away at the ends of the deck, not set out by the main pool. The sports pub, nightclub and other themed bars are hidden at the back end of Deck 4 in a warren of interconnected rooms that aren't always easy to find, and the adults-only specialty restaurants are relegated to a quiet corner at the top of the ship. There is no casino on board.

Because so many of the adults on board are traveling with children, not all are free to go out at night. So, some adult venues and evening activities can be sparsely populated. (Others generate a larger crowd, though.) On the upside, I did not encounter obviously inebriated folks on this cruise — though that could be because I, like so many adults, was traveling with a child and not often in the adult spaces.

What I loved about Disney Dream

The crew and waiters.

Every cruise line promotes the attentiveness of its crew, but the Disney Dream crew really shined, especially our waiters, who traveled with us from restaurant to restaurant. They quickly learned our preferences, bringing us our preferred drinks as we sat down, giving us butter in addition to the day's dip for the bread and remembering our tea preferences.

Our main waiter, Richard, always had a riddle or magic trick for the kids in his section, and Afandi, our assistant waiter, made origami for the kids each night. They would patiently listen as our 7-year-old companion told them jokes and stories, even though they were busy delivering meals and clearing plates.

Our room steward, Panca, left us towel animals every day and always inquired if there was anything we needed. The kids club counselors were always welcoming and ready to answer any parent questions. The entertainment staff did a great job involving as many kids as possible in the activities and were friendly and patient.

I love a good Broadway show, but the song-and-dance revues featured on so many cruise lines often fall flat. The singing ranges from great to mediocre, and while the costume changes and high-tech effects are cool, the shows don't always have a strong thread connecting the various numbers.

Disney Cruise Line takes a different approach — a more Disney approach, if you will. Disney Dream offers three featured musicals, all with a clear story to tell. Adults can appreciate the strong performances and creative use of costumes and scenery, and kids enjoy seeing some of their favorite characters and stories come to life on stage.

This was especially true of the ship's version of "Beauty and the Beast," an abridged version of the story based on the live-action movie. Kids and adults alike were riveted in their seats for an hour and a half, and the performances were stellar, with some of the actors even hailing from Broadway.

The only downside to the shows being so good is that you never want to miss one. That meant my friend and I never sent her daughter to the kids club after dinner, which would have allowed us to enjoy one of the ship's bars and an after-dinner cocktail together.

Related: The ultimate guide to Disney Cruise Line ships and itineraries

Palo brunch

I'd heard from many people that brunch at Palo was amazing, and the experience did not disappoint. If you can sneak away for a couple hours, it's a lovely way to enjoy a relaxed, quiet, kid-free meal without missing one of the featured rotational restaurants. It's also good value, leading some people to claim it's the best $50 you can spend on a Disney cruise .

Our waiter, Victor, was as handsome and charming as any Disney prince. He brought us passionfruit mimosas when my friend said she didn't care for orange juice. We started the meal with a bread basket, and the almond croissants were the best I'd ever had, warm and flaky with a delicious almond filling that elevated the pastry.

The menu is so varied that it's hard to choose. Winners included poached eggs with spinach, asparagus and mornay sauce and the goat cheese flatbread. The mushroom ravioli fell flat, but that was OK because I was getting pretty full by then. The chocolate hazelnut dessert was thankfully small because I only had room for a few delectable bites.

My tip: Book an early brunch, and don't eat anything beforehand. You will definitely want to arrive hungry and with a very empty stomach.

Family-friendly cabins

Disney really thought about what families need in a living space when it designed the cabins on its ships, including Disney Dream. As a mom who has cruised with kids since they were babies, I understand the unique challenges families face when sharing a small cabin together. Disney does, too, and has created cabins to eliminate some of those challenges.

It starts with the split bathrooms, one with sink and toilet and the other with sink and shower. That means two can brush their teeth at once, and if a little person suddenly has to go potty when Daddy is in the shower, it's not a problem.

The cabins have plentiful storage space with lots of drawers because little kid clothing does not fit on grown-up hangers. Our cabin host even left a kid-size bathrobe in the closet, along with the two adult-size ones.

There's a dim light on the ceiling of the room's living area where kids will sleep in sofabeds and pulldown bunks to serve as a nightlight. A floor-to-ceiling curtain can extend across the entire room to separate the kids' sleeping areas from the adults. This way, adults can have the lights on in their section of the room after bedtime.

Even the balconies have childproof locks high up on the door, so you can prevent kiddos from sneaking onto the veranda without adult supervision.

What I didn't love about Disney Dream

Crowds and queues.

Disney does not get everything magically right, unfortunately. One way its ships resemble its parks is in the crowds and wait times for nearly everything.

I was dismayed at how much time we spent on this cruise waiting around. Sometimes, it was waiting in the always-long lines for a meet-and-greet and photo opp with characters or to drop off or pick up kids at the Oceaneer Club. I waited 40 minutes on a sea-day afternoon to ride the AquaDuck, and there was no entertainment in that line, as there might be at a Disney park water attraction.

Any show we wanted to see involved arriving early to get seats, occasionally waiting in line to enter the theater. Show up late to one of the Pirate Night shows or any of the events in the atrium lobby, and you will have terrible sightlines and be unable to see much of the show.

The ship also felt small for the number of people it carried, possibly because of bad design and passenger flow. Unless you go very early or late, the pool deck and its two pools are insanely crowded. Even the dining rooms felt like tables were pushed extremely close together, and it was so loud that I often had to raise my voice or lean across the table to converse with my tablemates. Walking through crowded areas was also tricky since kids would veer unpredictably while ambling slowly, so it was hard to get by; both parents and kids would block stairwells or corridors.

The crowding did make the adult areas feel like a respite. Still, the Quiet Cove sun deck and pool area fill up.

Nightlife district

The majority of Disney Dream's indoor bars and adult lounge areas are grouped together in a warren of interconnected rooms at the back of Deck 4. The District is meant to be a happening nightlife area, but I found it to be more of a dark, confusing afterthought.

I liked the vibe in the pub, with comfy seating and windows to the outside, and the whimsical Champagne bar Pink with its bubbles and corset theming. But the other bars were dark and not necessarily inviting. There was one bar, Skyline, that I could not find until I got turned around in a stairwell and happened upon it.

Related: 5 reasons why Disney cruises aren't just for kids

A member of the ship's entertainment team told me that evening adult events were hit or miss as far as attendance goes. It makes sense — I found that by the time I ate dinner and attended the show, it was time to put my friend's kid to bed. I could have ditched them to hang out in a bar on my own, but that wasn't an attractive option.

Disney Dream cabins and suites

The cabins and suites on Disney Dream were designed with families in mind, more so than on nearly every other cruise ship afloat. Cabins come in various categories, with many that can sleep families of three or four. Most have a split bathroom design, with two half baths; one contains a toilet and sink, the other a sink and shower (or shower-tub combo).

My cabin was a balcony room that could accommodate three, with a queen-size bed and a sofa that flips into a twin bed. I was dismayed to discover that, unlike every other ocean-going cruise ship I've sailed, the queen bed did not split into two twins. This forced my friend and I to share a bed. (Cabins that can sleep four will have a pull-down bunk above the sofa bed.)

The room is split in two by a floor-to-ceiling height, full-width blackout curtain, so we could put my friend's daughter to bed on the couch, turn off the lights on her side of the room and then read in bed with the lights on. One downside of this arrangement is that the small flat-screen TV is in the living area, not the bedroom, so we couldn't watch a late-night movie. Another downside: The blackout curtains effectively turned the adult sleeping area into an inside cabin with no natural light.

In addition to the sofa bed, the cabin's living area features a desk with two 110V and one 220V outlets, three deep drawers (perfect for storing kid clothing), a minifridge, the aforementioned TV, an open cabinet with two narrow shelves, a closed cabinet with two tall shelves and a mirror. One of the many light switches by the desk turns on a dim overhead light that can be used as a nightlight. A low-backed chair can be positioned at the desk or turned around to face the coffee table when dining in your cabin.

The master bed is flanked by two small nightstands, each with one drawer, and reading lamps. Only one side of the bed has a 110V and 220V outlet; the other has the cabin's phone. The closet is divided into two sections, both with hanging space and some open shelves. Adjacent is a shelving unit with three deep drawers and a tall two-shelf open cabinet above. The bed is high enough for suitcases, or your small child, to fit underneath.

I found the storage perfectly adequate for two adults and a child on a five-night cruise, and the room could likely handle belongings for a seven-night or longer cruise, as well.

The narrow balcony features two metal and mesh upright chairs and a round metal drinks table. It has a childproof lock you can choose to use to prevent little cruisers from venturing out on the balcony unattended.

The bathroom with the toilet and sink offers three small glass shelves for storing toiletries; the shower room has two. Our bathroom had a tub/shower combo, and at 6 feet tall, I came close to hitting my head on the ceiling; I could not wash my hair without removing the wand showerhead from its holder and reaching it up as far its cord would go.

Each bathroom comes with a refillable hand soap dispenser; the shower room also offers bar soap and refillable containers of Disney brand shampoo, conditioner and shower gel in the tub. You'll find tissue dispensers in each. The shower room has a full-length mirror on the back of the door, which is useful, but this means there are no hooks on the door to hang extra items. There are, however, two retractable clotheslines in the shower and two large hooks on the wall between the bathroom and the sleeping area.

Less expensive cabins are either windowless insides with "magical portholes" (round video screens set in a window frame that display images from outside the ship with some cameos from animated characters) or ocean-view rooms with a round porthole window that does not open.

Higher-tier cabins include Concierge-level cabins and suites that grant you access to the exclusive Concierge lounge and sun deck on decks 12 and 13, respectively. These rooms come in three styles: a balcony cabin, a one-bedroom suite and a Royal Suite, all with private verandas. They come with upgraded amenities and privileges, such as included Wi-Fi, a pillow menu, feather duvets and priority for check-in and debarkation, tendering and reservations.

Wheelchair-accessible cabins come in nearly every cabin category except the Royal Suite.

Related: The 3 types of Disney Cruise Line ships, explained

Disney Dream restaurants and bars

The Disney dining experience is a bit different than what you might have experienced on other cruise ships . The line employs a "rotational dining" system in which you choose early or late seating (5:45 and 8:15 p.m. on my sailing). Then, each night, you are assigned to one of three restaurants each evening. You "rotate" through all the options during the course of your cruise, and your waiters move with you. This way, you can build a rapport, and they can get to know your dining preferences.

Disney Dream does not offer a buffet alternative at dinner, though you can order room service or pick up burgers and chicken tenders at Tow Mater's Grill on the pool deck. If you choose these options or if the adults in your party make a reservation at the adults-only specialty restaurants, Palo and Remy, you might miss out on one of the themed main dining room experiences.

Restaurants

Overall, the food on Disney is fine, but the emphasis is less on impressive food and more on creating an experience that children will enjoy. The waiters work hard, not only taking orders and serving food, but cutting up food for kids or entertaining them with riddles and origami.

Each of the three main restaurants serves its own menu, but on some nights, each menu will serve the same menu, such as the "welcome aboard" menu on night one and a Caribbean-themed menu on pirate night. Every menu is divided into appetizers, soups and salads, main courses, vegetarian options, lighter options and dessert (which always includes an ice cream sundae and a sugar-free option).

The kids menu varies nightly, but is the same at each restaurant on any given day. It's divided into appetizers (a different soup each night and a garden salad), mains (macaroni and cheese, mini burgers, pizza and a changing option such as kid-sized surf and turf) and Disney Check Meals (combo dinners served with a main such as baked cod or penne pasta, a vegetable and fruit).

Mickey ice cream bars are the favorite dessert here; ice cream is also available, as well as a changing dessert such as a chocolate brownie with ice cream or white chocolate cheesecake.

Related: Disney cruise tips, tricks, secrets and extra magic to unlock when setting sail with Mickey

Unlike the venues on Disney's newer ships, the three main restaurants on Disney Dream have less of a theatrical aspect to them, though all are themed.

The design of the Enchanted Garden restaurant on Deck 2 was inspired by the Gardens of Versailles, and its menu claims to be market-style and international. Try the ahi tuna and avocado tower as a starter and the scallops or the prime rib for your main. The signature pecan tart was a nod to Thanksgiving on a Christmas-themed cruise.

Right above the Enchanted Garden on Deck 3 is the Royal Palace, inspired by four princesses — Cinderella, Snow White, Belle and Aurora (Sleeping Beauty). See if you can find iconic images from their stories around the dining room. Dinner here is the perfect time to wear your princess dress to dinner or dress up a little.

The menu is French, with starters like escargot and baked brie. Mains include duck breast, rack of lamb and Chateaubriand-roasted steak. For dessert, consider the grand marnier souffle or the apple tart tartin.

Royal Palace was also the sit-down option for breakfast and lunch on our cruise. Breakfast offers a nice selection of fruit and yogurt, breakfast pastries and egg and griddle options. A kids menu features fun-sized versions of eggs, pancakes, Mickey waffles and yogurt with fruit. Signature adult breakfasts include a savory power crepe, a plant-based hot breakfast for the vegans among us, southern hash and brioche French toast.

Most families stick to casual options for lunch, but if you want a sit-down, multicourse meal, the Royal Palace is there for you. The lunch menu is split into a choice of soups and salads, small plates (such as beef satay skewers or tomato and mozzarella bruschetta), chef's recommendations (churrasco steak, spiced cod fillet), burgers (including a turkey burger and Impossible burger), pasta, a handful of kid-friendly options and dessert (typically one is a sundae). Sit-down lunch is a great option on embarkation day when you don't want to drag your bags around a crowded buffet.

Animator's Palate, on Deck 3 aft (essentially behind the Royal Palace), is the night to experience dinner with a show. Video screens around the animation-themed restaurant come to life with characters from "Finding Nemo" and "Finding Dory," with a surprising interactive element. I enjoyed the butternut squash soup, ginger-teriyaki beef tenderloin and the cookies and cream sundae for dessert.

I generally found the three main restaurants loud, with tables spaced extremely close together. (At Animator's Palate, our table was separated from the next by the width of the ice bucket for our bottle of Prosecco.) Dinners are not relaxing events, even though the waiters are outstanding, keeping the kids entertained with riddles, magic tricks and origami.

Perhaps that is why Disney Dream's two specialty restaurants are exclusive to adults over 18. They offer a nice break for the grown-ups in the group to have a quieter, more upscale meal in a less crowded setting. Both the French Remy and Italian Palo are on Deck 12, separated by the Meridian Bar.

Palo is open for brunch on sea days and dinner daily, both for $50 per person. Brunch is a highlight and a great value for all the food they give you. The meal starts with a complimentary Prosecco or mimosa and a bread basket that includes not-to-be-missed warm almond croissants.

Then you can choose as many breakfast or lunch entrees as you'd like; the poached eggs with spinach, asparagus and mornay sauce and the goat cheese flatbread (pizza) were standouts from our brunch. You can also select from frittatas, waffles and pancakes, and mains like lasagna Bolognese, sirloin steak, veal and parmesan-crusted chicken breast.

After you've completely stuffed yourself, the waiters have the audacity to offer dessert. We sampled the warm amaretto chocolate fondant and the limoncello torte; while tasty, they were definitely not necessary to complete your meal.

For dinner in Palo, choose from the $50 fixed-price menu (a four-course meal with limited options for each), upgrade to the wine-paired menu or order a la carte from the full menu. The chocolate souffle dessert is the signature sweet and should be ordered at the beginning of the meal.

Remy is one of the most expensive specialty restaurants at sea, with menus by acclaimed chefs Scott Hunnel (from Victoria & Albert's at Walt Disney World Resort) and Arnaud Lallement (of Michelin star fame). Disney Dream offers two set menus, one by each chef, for $135 per person, with wine and Champagne pairings for an additional $120 and $160, respectively. You can also order a la carte.

For casual dining, Disney Dream does offer a buffet option on the Deck 11 pool deck. Cabanas serves breakfast and lunch only. In the morning, you'll find all the staples: eggs, breakfast meat, pastries, cereal, yogurt, fruit, pancakes and the famous Mickey waffles. An omelet station is tucked away at the back.

At lunch, you can find pizza and burgers, an array of hot entrees, soup, premade salads, a huge stash of shrimp and crab legs, pasta, deli meat and desserts (including ice cream). Look for themed sections that change daily.

I found Cabanas to have a nice variety of dishes (and the creamiest steam tray scrambled eggs I've had on a cruise to date). However, the layout is awful. The buffet is all one line, rather than station-based, and there is not a lot of room to walk around the venue. The result is that lines are long, and it's tricky to navigate through (say, if you're walking from the beverage station back to your table). This is especially true if you get stuck behind slow-moving, unpredictable small children who are somehow impossible to get around.

Related: Cruise ship buffet taboos: 10 things you should never do at mealtime

Unlike other mass-market cruise ships, Disney Dream offers free soda with meals and from beverage stations along the pool deck sides and in Cabanas (where you'll also find water, juice, coffee, tea and hot chocolate). Bring your own refillable drink containers to avoid waste because the poolside stations only offer paper cups, not reusable glasses and mugs.

For a snack or simpler meal, a trio of food counters, collectively known as Flo's Cafe, on the opposite end of the pool deck from Cabanas offers all the kid favorites. Luigi's Pizza serves up five types of pie daily; Tow-Mater's Grill cooks up burgers, chicken, hot dogs and sausages, plus chicken tenders and French fries; and Fillmore's Favorites serves a range of paninis, wraps, salads and fruit bowls. Be aware that while these venues are open all afternoon, only Tow-Mater's is open for dinner; Luigi's Pizza opens again at 9 p.m. for late-night snacks.

Poolside treats include the Eye Scream station with three soft-serve machines pumping out multiple flavors, including chocolate, vanilla, banana and strawberry. Frozone Treats next door offers extra-fee smoothies and refreshing drinks with and without alcohol (such as Dole Whip with a shot of rum).

Room service is complimentary on Disney Dream. You can order continental breakfast items by marking off your selections on a tag and hanging it outside your door before bed. All-day room service is available for order via phone; the menu is on the Navigator app. Selections include soups, salads, American fare (buffalo wings, burgers, chicken tenders), pizza and pasta and dessert. Mickey bars are not on the official room service menu, but can be ordered to your cabin.

If the free treats on this ship aren't enough (which is a concept that's difficult to grasp), you can splurge at Vanellope's Sweet Treats. Indulge with extra-fee ice cream and gelato, crazy sundaes, cupcakes and other baked goods and candy.

Outside the Walt Disney Theatre on Deck 3 is Preludes, where you can buy snacks (popcorn, candy) and drinks to bring into the theater. A secondary outpost of Preludes is outside the Buena Vista Theater on Deck 4.

Parents, be prepared: The pervasive smell of popcorn will have your littles desperate for a snack, and the only way to access popcorn is by purchasing a souvenir popcorn bucket on the first night. The buckets range from $8 to more than $20, but refills are only $1.50.

On a ship where sodas and ice cream bars are complimentary, I was surprised the line charged for popcorn.

On a ship full of kids, it's understandable that adults might need a grown-up beverage or two. Disney Dream accommodates, but the bars are less front and center than perhaps you'd find on other cruise ships.

On Deck 3, the Bon Voyage bar is tucked to one side of the midship elevator banks, between the Grand Lobby and the shopping area. It's in a crowded thoroughfare, so it lacks ambience.

Tucked into a corner on Deck 4 is the Vista Cafe for all your coffee drinks, regular or spiked. It also has a small case of snacks to go with your latte or mocha.

Related: Best cruise ship bars

The District, on Deck 4 aft, is the adult nightlife area, though it's used during the day to host events such as trivia. Grouped together are Pink, a wine and Champagne bar; Evolution, the nightclub and event space; Pub 687, the sports and game bar; Skyline, for bougie martinis with a changing cityscape behind the bar; and the District Lounge for hanging out, sometimes with live music. The District is a dark warren of interconnected rooms, so I only found the Skyline bar halfway through my cruise.

You won't find crowds here, as many adults will be at the family activities in the evening or stuck in their cabins after their kids go to sleep. Fun competitive games, trivia contests, and karaoke in Evolution did get a good-sized audience, but you'll rarely need to search for a seat at any of the venues.

If you're interested in Disney Dream nightlife and are traveling with younger kids, I recommend cruising with extended family or friends; this way, each adult can take turns staying with sleeping children while the others go out. Alternatively, put your kids in Oceaneer Club after dinner and the show, but not every child wants to stay up that late or leave their family for the club.

A buffet of finger foods is put out for an hour each evening to help soak up all that alcohol.

On the upper decks, the Cove Cafe is half coffee shop, half bar by the Quiet Cove adult pool. Grownups don't have to get out of the water to order drinks at the swim-up Cove Bar adjacent to the pool. Forward of the adults area, a juice bar in the Senses Spa will kick start your day or refresh you after a workout with fresh juice blends.

Additional pool bars include the Waves Bar on Deck 12 and the Currents Bar on Deck 13.

Also on Deck 12, the Meridian bar is the perfect place for a pre-dinner cocktail before a meal in the adjacent Remy or Palo. It has both indoor and outdoor seating and is a lovely getaway from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the ship. Passengers booked into Concierge-level cabins can also get drinks at their exclusive Concierge Lounge also on Deck 12.

Disney Dream activities

Disney cruise ships offer a mix of typical and unique-to-Disney activities. Perhaps the most Disney thing you can do on Disney Dream is meet your favorite Disney characters and princesses.

Families have three options: You can sign up for free Royal Gatherings, where you can meet multiple princesses at one time, or extra-fee events, such as the Royal Court Royal Tea. You can look up on the Navigator app when characters will be making appearances and line up for a photo opp and to get an autograph. You'll often find the characters posing in the Grand Lobby or on the balcony just above. Or, you can serendipitously run into a character wandering about the ship.

Even your kids who think they're too cool for Mickey or princess photos will likely become starstruck when they see the characters around the ship and ultimately want a photo or two.

Most kid-friendly activities occur in the multiple Disney cruise kids clubs on board. Most are clustered on Deck 4, where you'll find the It's a Small World Nursery for baby and toddler (up to age 3) daycare for an hourly rate. The Oceaneer Club and Lab offer complimentary drop-off activities for kids ages 3-10. Kids will love flying the Millennium Falcon, playing in Andy's Room, competing in Magic PlayFloor challenges and making crafts in Tinkerbell's Fairy Hollow.

Also on Deck 4 is the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, where families can pay for a range of princess, prince and pirate makeovers for young cruisers. If you decide to splurge, choose your salon times wisely. You might not want to get makeup and an updo at 9 a.m. and then be unable to go into the pool for the rest of the day.

Tweens (ages 11-14) have their own hangout called Edge with video games, movies, crafts and group activities in the fake forward funnel on Deck 13. Teens (14-17) can enjoy an indoor lounge with snack bar, video game and movie space, plus a teen-only outdoor sun deck with a plunge pool and hot tub. Vibe, as it's called, is all the way forward on Deck 5, with a secret entrance from the Deck 4 outdoor promenade.

A range of family activities, from crafts to karaoke and dance parties, take place in the D Lounge on Deck 4. (Don't confuse it with the District Lounge next door, which is a bar in the adults-only area.) Some activities are held in the atrium lobby, including the hilarious Jack Jack's Diaper Dash (ie, crawling baby races). Evolution is the destination for evening adult activities, such as trivia, interactive competitions and karaoke.

The other major family-focused destination is, of course, the pool deck. Disney Dream has options for all ages and interests. Deck 11 midship is the main pool area with Mickey's pool and slide (the latter meant for ages 3-14) and the Goofy pool. Life jackets are available for kids who aren't strong swimmers.

A giant poolside screen shows Disney movies during both daytime and evening. Pools are open late so you can watch the evening film from the water. The pool area stage is where the welcome/sailaway show and Pirate's Night shows take place.

The Nemo's Reef splash area is intended for supervised splashing for junior cruisers in swim diapers, though youngsters of all ages are welcome. There is a hot tub by the kids pool, but it's generally full of kids.

Don't worry, Mom and Dad: Adults have their own pool deck, forward on Deck 11. The Quiet Cove pool and hot tub are exclusive to adults over 18 and are surrounded by a swim-up bar, adults-only coffee shop and lounge spaces.

Two decks up, the Satellite Falls pool and sun deck provides additional sunbathing space and a wading pool with a circular rain curtain under the ship's satellite transmitter. A sun deck exclusive to Concierge-level guests is also found on Deck 13.

Between the two on Deck 12 forward is a small family area with the Funnel Puddle plunge pool.

The pool area's other main attraction is the AquaDuck two-person raft slide that circles the entire pool deck. You must be 42 inches to ride and 54 inches to ride alone or with a smaller person. The ride has some thrills but is fairly tame. Sea-day afternoon wait times can be long (upward of 40 minutes). Ride after dark, and you'll hardly wait at all.

The entrance and exit from the AquaDuck are adjacent to each other on Deck 12, right above Nemo's Reef. I say this so you won't loop the decks multiple times looking for it.

On the opposite side of the ship on Deck 13 is Goofy's Sports Deck for all your athletic or competitive pursuits. A central sports court with basketball hoops is surrounded by a wacky minigolf course, ping pong tables and foosball.

Your running and walking track, however, will be the Deck 4 promenade. You'll find padded wooden lounge chairs here, as well as shuffleboard courts.

If you need some serious pamper time, head to the Senses Spa and Salon on Deck 11 forward. A salon offers mani-pedis and hair styling, or you can book a massage or facial in one of the spa treatment rooms. Couples treatments include various massages as well as time in one of two couples' villas, and teen services are also available.

A fitness center is stocked with resistance machines, free weights, yoga mats and cardio machines with ocean views, plus group class space for spin and core classes. You can also book a pass to the Rainforest Room thermal suite for access to relaxing saunas and steam rooms.

If retail therapy is more your style, you'll find an array of shops on decks 3 and 4, selling all kinds of character-based souvenirs and toys, Disney Cruise Line logo items, fine jewelry and sundries. The Whozits and Whatzits shop on Deck 11 sells swim and beach items in case you forgot something at home. If you plan on splurging, consider packing a foldable duffle that you can fill with all your souvenirs for the trip home.

Related: Tricks to save money on a Disney cruise

Disney Dream shows

Disney Cruise Line is known for its original Broadway-style musical shows. Disney Dream's trio of original productions include "The Golden Mickeys," "Beauty and the Beast" and "Disney's Believe." These are performed in the Walt Disney Theatre on decks 3 and 4. Your showtime is opposite your mealtime; if you have an early dinner, you'll see the late show and vice versa.

"The Golden Mickeys" is a Disney's version of an awards show, honoring the bravest heroes and the most dastardly villains. The show combines video clips with live performances of favorite songs from Disney movies.

"Disney Believe" is another original musical featuring a single dad who goes on a journey to regain his belief in magic. Along the way, he encounters characters from a wide selection of Disney movies, who guide him on his journey with song and dance.

The ship's marquee show, which runs 1 and 1/2 hours rather than an hour, is a stage adaptation of "Beauty and the Beast," based on the live-action movie. The show employs creative use of puppetry and high-tech scenery, and the performers are stellar. (Some even have Broadway backgrounds.) On our sailing, this show also has a matinee performance to accommodate more guests.

The Walt Disney Theatre has both orchestra and balcony seating. Be careful of poles and railings that can block views from the balcony. Sit in the front section of the orchestra if you want confetti to rain down on you during certain performances.

Disney Dream does not have just one theater. The Buena Vista Theatre on decks 4 and 5 is the ship's movie cinema, showing first-run movies from Disney-owned production studios. That means if the film is currently showing in the movie theaters on land, you can watch it for free while you're at sea.

Disney Cruise Line is also famous for its Pirate Night, a shipwide pirate-themed party, complete with pirate-themed games, trivia and kids activities; a special pirate-themed, island-inspired dinner menu in every restaurant; and two pirate shows on the pool deck stage. The early show stars Pirate Mickey and friends and is geared for younger cruisers; the later, all-ages show features Jack Sparrow and culminates in a fireworks display.

Nearly everyone on board, from babies to grandparents, gets into the pirate spirit, dressing up in looks ranging from simple DIY outfits with a few accessories to head-to-toe professional costumes, complete with wigs. Even if your kids think they're too cool, pack some pirate attire because you will feel left out of the fun if you're not in costume.

Another hot tip: The pool deck cannot handle the number of people who turn out for these shows. Arrive a good half hour early to stake out a spot with decent sightlines, and be prepared to potentially hold your child up the entire time if you're standing in the back. Also, plan for an afternoon nap, if your young kid wants to see fireworks. The show starts after 10 p.m.

On our five-night cruise, Pirate Night took place on a night when a performance one of the three musicals was not occurring. On that night, the main stage screened the newest Disney movie, so more people could watch. On the remaining night, a guest magician performed.

If you like shows, keep an eye out for short performances listed in the daily schedule on the app. Early in the sailing, Mickey and friends did a Christmas tree lighting event, complete with a Santa visit. One evening, the Broadway actor who plays Gaston in the ship's theater did a half-hour one-man show, performing numbers from the Disney songbook.

Disney Dream itineraries and pricing

Disney Dream will offer a series of three-, four- and five-night Bahamas and Caribbean cruises out of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, through early May 2024. Ports of call in the Bahamas include Nassau and Castaway Cay, Disney's longtime private island. Caribbean cruises include Grand Cayman or Cozumel, Mexico.

The ship then crosses the Atlantic for a summer season in Europe. From May through mid-July, it will offer five- to 11-night Mediterranean cruises out of Barcelona and Civitavecchia (the port for Rome), Italy.

It will then reposition to Southampton, England (near London), where it will sail two Scandinavian fjords cruises; several three- to seven-night Europe Coastal and southern Europe cruises to ports in Spain, France, Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands; and one British Isles cruise before crossing the Atlantic back to Florida.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Disney Cruise Line ship

The ship returns to Fort Lauderdale from October 2024 through May 2025, again offering three- to five-night Caribbean and Bahamas sailings. This time, certain itineraries include Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, Disney's new private destination on the island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas.

Fares vary by season, cruise destination and theme, as well as cabin category. Expect the least expensive windowless inside cabins to start at more than $200 per person, per night, based on double occupancy.

On Disney's website, three-night Bahamas cruises start from $1,733 for a couple. Five-night Western Caribbean cruises start at $2,437 per couple, and a seven-night Western Europe cruise starts at $4,427 per couple. Fares increase from there for cabins with balconies or suites, as well as for adding additional guests sharing the cabin.

A family of four would pay upward of $5,859 for a Concierge-level cabin on a three-night Bahamas cruise, for example.

Related: I saved every receipt — here's how much it actually costs to go on a Disney cruise

What to know before you go

Required documents.

U.S. citizens sailing Disney Dream from Port Canaveral will need either a passport or a government-issued photo ID and an original birth certificate. Children can sail with either a passport or a birth certificate. However, for Disney Dream's summer European sailings, including the transatlantic crossings, everyone traveling (including babies) will need a passport.

If you're sailing with a child who is not your own, you will need to fill out a form certifying that you have permission from their parents to travel with them. Passports, when required, must be valid for at least six months. Note that it is important that the name on your reservation be exactly as it is stated on your passport or other official proof of nationality.

Related: Tips for getting a child's passport

Disney Cruise Line charges a crew gratuity of $14.50 per person (including babies and children) per day for most cruisers and $15.50 per person for Concierge-level cabins and suites.

You can prepay this amount, or it will be added to your onboard bill. If you have not prepaid, you can adjust the amount up or down at guest services or give additional tips in cash. The hardworking crew relies on these gratuities; even if you have service snafus, we strongly encourage you to pay the full amount and express your dissatisfaction in another fashion.

To give an idea of the cost, a four-person family on a five-night cruise in a standard cabin would pay $290 in recommended tips. The amount is split among your team of dining room servers who kept your kids entertained at dinner and your cabin host who cleaned up your mess each day.

An 18% gratuity is added to onboard spa, bar, beverage, wine and deck service tabs. You can always add an additional gratuity for any of your services or servers.

While room service is free, it's customary to add a few dollars of tip when you sign the "bill."

A gratuity is added to bills at Palo and Remy because those servers are not included in the automatic gratuity. Leave an additional tip if you enjoyed the service. If you stay in a Concierge-level room or suite, it is customary to tip the Concierge Lounge hosts $8 per person, per day, at the end of your cruise.

Related: Everything you need to know about tipping on cruise ships

Disney Dream offers various Wi-Fi packages for a fee.

On my sailing, you could choose from three Wi-Fi packages and pay per 24 hours or per voyage. The Stay Connected package gives access to just Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. It costs $18 for 24 hours for one device or $16/day for the full voyage (so $80 for a five-night sailing like mine).

The Classic Surf package gives access to the entire web, email and audio calling. The 24-hour price for one device is $28; the full-cruise cost is $24/day ($120 for a five-night sailing).

The Premium Surf package gives the same access as the Classic but with the addition of streaming services like YouTube, Snapchat and video calling. It costs $42 for 24 hours on one device or $34/day for the voyage ($170 for a five-night cruise).

For any of the plans, you can purchase full-cruise packages for up to four devices, with a 20% discount for each additional device. There is no discount for a multiple-device package for 24 hours. You can purchase a full-cruise package in the middle of your vacation, and the price will be prorated for the number of days left.

If you're deciding how many devices to add to your package, know that you can switch your plan from device to device throughout the cruise. For example, if you purchase a one-device plan, you can switch the service from your phone to your tablet then back to your phone. However, if you need a connection on your tablet and phone at the same time, you will need a two-device plan.

On my Caribbean cruise, I had no problems using the Navigator app or texting, and my travel companions made several Wi-Fi calls using our Premium Surf package. However, loading webpages and uploading photos on my laptop was often slow.

Carry-on drinks policy

Each passenger 21 years and older can bring a maximum of two bottles of unopened wine or Champagne (no larger than 750 milliliters) or six beers (no larger than 12 ounces) on board both at the beginning of the cruise and at each port of call. Not every cruise line allows you to bring drinks back from port without confiscating them, so take advantage of this generous alcohol policy .

On embarkation day, beverages must be packed in your carry-on (not checked) bags. You can keep drinks chilled in the small fridge in your cabin or ask your stateroom host for ice.

If you wish to consume wine or Champagne that you've brought on board in one of the dining rooms, you must pay a $26 corkage fee per bottle.

Smoking policy

Smoking is permitted in the following onboard locations only:

The portside outdoor area of the Meridian Lounge on Deck 12
The portside deck area on Deck 13 aft by the Currents Bar
The aft port side of the Deck 4 outdoor promenade, but only from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Passengers caught smoking in their cabins or on their cabin balconies will be charged a $250 cleaning fee.

Disney Dream offers 24-hour, self-service guest laundry facilities on Decks 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10. They are not marked on the deck plans on the app, but they are shown on each floor's deck plan by the stairwell and signs in the cabin hallways point the way. On most decks, they are located all the way forward or aft.

Use your Key to the World cruise card to pay to operate the washers and dryers, as well as buy any detergent or dryer sheets you need. Laundry rooms are also stocked with irons and ironing boards for complimentary use; they are the only place on board where you're allowed to use an iron.

If you really don't want to do chores on your vacation, you can send out your dirty laundry for washing, pressing or dry cleaning for an additional fee. Use the laundry bag and form in your cabin and your cabin attendant will pick up and return your clothes.

Electrical outlets

All cabins are equipped with 110-volt outlets, which are standard in the U.S. and Canada, and 220-volt (European) outlets by the desk and on one side of the bed. A shaver-only outlet is located on the ceiling of the bathroom.

The currency on Disney Cruise Line ships is the U.S. dollar.

When you are on the ship, you will not need cash or a credit card — all incidentals, purchases and services will be charged to your cabin folio. Your Key to the World card serves as your onboard payment method. The only exception is if you want to tip a crew member in cash.

You will want to have some cash or a credit card for purchases in port. The exception is Castaway Cay, where cruisers can pay for all purchases at the shops and bars with their cruise cards; cash and credit cards are not accepted on Disney's private island.

Drinking age

The drinking age on board Disney Dream is 21. However, if you're sailing on one of Dream's round-trip cruises within Europe, where the drinking age is lower, parents and guardians can sign a form to allow 18- to 20-year-olds to drink on board when in the presence of an adult in their traveling party.

Daytime dress is casual; shorts, T-shirts and casual sundresses are the norm on Bahamas and Caribbean sailings. Many of your shipmates will be dressed in Mickey ears, Disney-themed attire, princess dresses or group T-shirts at all times.

During the evenings, dining attire in the three main dining restaurants is "cruise casual," meaning no swimwear or tank tops, but you don't have to dress up in anything fancy. That said, many guests do dress up in the evening, but it's not required unless you are dining in Palo or Remy. (Palo also asks that diners dress up a bit for brunch, so come prepared.)

Our five-night cruise had one optional dress-up night, and we were also told that it's fun to change into something a bit fancier (or perhaps a princess costume) when dining at the Royal Palace restaurant.

The dress code on Pirate Night is, of course, pirate casual. Bring your bandanas and eye patches, but leave your swords and pistols at home.

On Halloween and Very Merrytime Christmas cruises, costumes and holiday attire are encouraged — and make for great photos.

Related: The ultimate Disney cruise packing list

Bottom line

Disney Dream offers an amazing experience for families with children and Disney lovers of all ages. The ship stands out for its family-friendly cabins, attentive crew and stellar musical shows. You will be able to meet many of your favorite Disney characters and immerse yourself in the world of Disney.

However, you need to be prepared for crowds and queues, loud dinners, other people's children and myriad extra-fee events, treats and souvenirs that will tempt everyone in your travel party. Come with the right mindset, and you'll have a magical trip your family will remember fondly.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
Top ways cruisers waste money
The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

The Disney Cruise Family Travel Blog

Travel and Fun Things To Do

Disney Cruise Updates WiFi Plans

There are reports from the Disney Magic Mediterranean Cruise that DCL has updated their internet service offering. The new service offers plans based on a daily usage fee versus metered packages based on data used.

The new service offers three levels of connection Stay Connected, Basic Surf and Premium Surf.

Stay Connected

Stay connected on social media with our most affordable internet plan. With this plan, you can:

Post text and pictures on popular websites and applications like Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, Pinterest, Linkedln and Tumblr

Note: This plan does not support surfing the web, accessing email or video streaming .

This plan costs $10/day.

Enjoy all the benefits of the Stay Connected plan – plus, full web access. With this plan, you can:

Surf the web, read the news, check the weather and visit your other favourite websites
Send and receive emails Post text and pictures on popular websites and applications like Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, Pinterest, Linkedln and Tumblr

Note: This plan does not support long-form video streaming platforms such as Netflix and Hulu.

This plan costs $20/day.

Premium Surf

Experience faster connection speeds and access to music platforms such as Pandora, Spotify and Apple Music – plus, all the benefits of the Basic Surf plan. With this plan, you can:

Enjoy faster connection speeds
Make video phone calls on platforms FaceTime, Zoom and more
Listen to your favourite music streaming platforms like Pandora, Spotify and Apple Music
View short-form on platforms like YouTube, Snapchat and TikTok
Send and receive emails

This plan costs $30/day.

You can choose to pay for 24 hours of service or for the full voyage. There is a discount to choose the whole voyage. The charge is also per device there are some savings when you add a device 10% off for 2 devices up to 15% off for 4 devices.

So far the only ship that is showing this updated internet is the Magic, there is no word if and when it will roll out across the fleet. I suspect that the Disney Wish Maiden Voyage will have this pricing.

This post may contain affiliate links. Meaning, that if you make a purchase through my links, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support of this site.

Current Disney Cruise Discounts April 28, 2024

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All About The Disney Cruise Line Navigator App

I f you are planning to go on a Disney Cruise , you’ll want to download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app. This free Disney cruise app has always been extremely useful when you are onboard the ship because you’ll be able to get information about activities on the ship as well as communicate with your family members. Now, however, it’s essential more than ever.

If you don’t have to pay for WiFi on the ship, and if you don’t want to use roaming cellular data, it can be a great way to communicate with friends and family on board. Here’s what you need to know about the Disney Cruise Line app.

Disclosure: I have been on one complimentary media cruise, two cruises as part of Social Media Moms, and countless cruises at my own cost. All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links and a purchase/click through one of these links may result in a commission paid to us.

Check cruise prices here .

The Disney Cruise Line Navigator App

Getting started: download the app before you go.

Make sure you download the free Disney Navigator app from the app store before you head out on your Disney Cruise. Do it while you are on cellular data or WiFi , and make sure all of your family members have it as well. Don’t wait until you are onboard the ship.

If you already have the app, make sure you are using the latest version. It is regularly updated, so you’ll need to check if you don’t have automatic updates. It’s also a good idea to log in and make sure you know what your ID and password are.

Using the App Before You Go

Originally, the app wasn’t very useful before you got on the ship. Now, however, there are several things that you can do right on the Disney Cruise Line app.

You’ll be able to log into your account, find your sailing, and make modifications and changes to your plans. You’ll find things like spa and fitness appointments, beverage seminars and other onboard activities, Port Adventures, and reservations for adult dining at Remy and Palo . You’ll also be able to see your current plans.

The app offers the same openings that you’ll find on the website, so it’s still a good idea to make those reservations as soon as possible within your booking window. Many of these experiences are very popular with limited openings. If you have multiple sailings booked on the Disney Cruise Line, you’ll be able to choose your specific sailing from the list.

When You Are on the Ship

Go to the onboard chat feature section and add each of your friends or family members. Those in the same stateroom will show up easily, but you’ll need to get a code from others to add them. If you have friends or family in other staterooms, you’ll want to set this up as soon as you can – while you are still on WiFi.

If you have kids in your stateroom, they can use the onboard chat feature but will need your permission. Again, this is something that you may want to do while you are still on cellular data, if possible.

Make sure that you understand what coverage your phone will have before you leave. We turn off all cellular services to avoid charges – but check with your carrier to know exactly what you should do.

When you are on the ship, you can turn on airplane mode, and then enable WiFi, and choose the DCL-Guest network. Even if you don’t purchase the Disney Cruise WiFi, you can still use the app.

In addition, guests can use iMessage on the ship to communicate with other iMessage users (even those off the ship). To do that, you’ll need to connect to the DCL-Guest network but won’t have to pay. This has been extremely useful in communicating with family back home.

If your entire family (on the ship) has iMessage, this can be the best way to communicate on a cruise. Otherwise, the chat option in the app works well.

Get Schedule Information

In past years, a Disney Cruise Line Personal Navigator with full schedule information was provided in your stateroom each evening. Unfortunately, this paper Disney Cruise Navigator is no longer offered at the port or in your room.

You can use the app to find everything you need. While I liked glancing at the paper Navigator, I find the Disney Cruise Line app more helpful since you can sort and view it more easily. You can search by category and sort.

In addition, you can “heart” a specific event, and get a reminder for it, right on your phone. With the app, you can also see the ship’s schedule for every day of your cruise, making it easier to plan.

If you are interested in an event, but the timing isn’t perfect, you can use the app to see if the event is offered later in your cruise. You can also use the app to get the operating hours of the shops and services on the ship.

Sometimes things do change with the schedule. For instance, one day, on our Castaway Cay day, there was a downpour and we had to leave the island. They ended up adding some additional activities on the ship, and having the app was a great way to stay informed of the changes.

The app also shows a schedule of the various ports of call during your cruise so you can stay organized during your trip.

Communicate With Family Members

In the past, it could be difficult to communicate with your family members who were at different places on the ship. Because of the ease of using the app, the wave phones have been removed from the staterooms and everything is now done on the app.

I find that it’s especially helpful with tweens and teens, who always seem to be heading in different directions. My kids especially love the Disney emojis that you can use on the app. My son just kept sending messages filled with various emojis.

It’s important to note, however, that once you are back in port, the app resets. As a result, you won’t be able to see your old messages. If you meet new friends on the ship, you’ll want to get their information before the cruise is over.

You can use the app to see menus for all of the restaurants you’ll be dining at during your cruise. We like looking at future menus, so we can plan out what we’ll be eating.

Find Your Way

The app shows maps and deck plans to help you find your way on your cruise. There are plenty of maps located near the elevators on the ship, but it’s nice to have everything right on the app.

Laundry on the Disney Cruise Line app

While I typically don’t love doing chores on my family vacation, sometimes I do like doing laundry on the Disney Cruise Line. That way, I don’t have to bring quite as much with me, since I can wash clothes and re-wear them during my trip. But when I take away vacation time to do laundry, I don’t want to hover over the machine.

Luckily, the Disney Cruise Line app will alert you when your washer and dryer have finished running. That way, you can go about your vacation, and just pop into the laundry room when you need to.

Check Your Account Balance

No one wants to be surprised with a big bill at the end of their trip. You can look up your account balance and charges at any time on the app. That way, you’ll know how things are adding up without having to make a trip to guest services.

Have you used the Disney Cruise Line app?

When booking a Disney Cruise , I recommend booking with Get Away Today. Plus, when you mention Family Travel Magazine, you get an extra $25 onboard credit! Give their agents a call at 877-510-2929.

Read our guides to the Disney Dream , the Disney Fantasy , the Disney Magic , and the Disney Wonder .

The post All About The Disney Cruise Line Navigator App appeared first on Family Travel Magazine .

If you are planning to go on a Disney Cruise, you’ll want to download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app. This free Disney cruise app has always been extremely useful when you are onboard the ship because you’ll be able to get information about activities on the ship as well as communicate with your family …

Disney Cruise Line

Wi-fi on the Dream?

By big al , October 17, 2013 in Disney Cruise Line

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DISNEY FANTASY

Does anybody know if there is wi-fi on the Disney Dream, and is it free or $$, and also where on the ship? We just want it in our cabin..... Big Al

Yes there is WiFi on the dream it's good and fast I have been on the sister ship fantasy and that was very good, there are charges.

In your stateroom and all over the ship.

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/ships-activities/ships/services/internet-phone-services/

During your Disney Cruise Line vacation, stay connected with friends, family and the rest of the world with convenient services such as:

Wave Phones—a Disney Cruise Line signature service that allows you to call and text both onboard and at Disney's Castaway Cay

Wireless Internet access

Internet Cafés

Cell phone services

Note: Due to the technology involved and satellite connectivity, the onboard Internet service may be slower than you may be accustomed to, and may be interrupted or unavailable at times.

Wave Phones

While aboard the ship and on Castaway Cay, reach out to your fellow travelers via Wave Phone—an option that allows you to text and call without using your personal cell phone. From your Wave Phone, you can call any shipboard phone, stateroom phone or other Wave Phone, making it easy to connect with your travel party or new friends.

In your stateroom, you'll find 2 Wave Phones. Additional phones are available at a fee. For more information about Wave Phones, view our frequently asked questions.

Wireless Internet Access

Enjoy the flexibility and freedom of connecting to the Internet from your own personal wireless-ready laptop at convenient WiFi hotspots on Disney Cruise Line ships. Check your Personal Navigator for specific information about WiFi hotspots.

Each Disney Cruise Line ship features Internet cafés where you can check email, surf the Internet and share your vacation memories while you're at sea.

On the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, choose from the following options:

Promenade Lounge on Deck 3, Aft, offering an Internet café with computer stations

Cove Café (adults only) on Deck 9, Midship, offering WiFi-enabled café laptops, available at a fee

On the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, choose from the following options:

Vista Café on Deck 4, Midship, offering convenient wireless connectivity

Cove Café (adults only) on Deck 11, Forward, offering WiFi-enabled café laptops, available at a fee

Note: External equipment such as cameras cannot be hooked up to our computers. Computers are not equipped with any Microsoft® Office applications; attachments from your email accounts associated with these applications will not open and cannot be sent. The computers also do not allow program or software uploads and downloads.

Example Rates for Internet and Computer Services

For sailings less than 7-nights:

Internet / Wireless Internet Access Pay as you go - $0.75 per minute

50 min for $27.50 ($.55 per minute)

100 min for $40 ($.40 per minute)

250 min for $75 ($.30 per minute)

For sailings 7-nights or longer:

Internet /Wireless Internet Access Pay as you go - $0.75 per minute

100 min for $55.00 ($.55 per minute)

250 min for $100 ($.40 per minute)

500 min for $150 ($.30 per minute)

Printing $0.25 per page

Note: The prices above are for example only. Prices vary based on ship and itinerary, and are subject to change at any time without notice. Internet plans can be used interchangeably on laptops and desktops throughout the ship. However, plans cannot be upgraded once purchased, and credit will not be issued for unused plan minutes.

Cell Phone Services

In addition to dedicated locations where you can take advantage of ship-to-shore calling, Disney Cruise Line features Cellular at Sea phone service—so you can use your own cell phone or wireless PDA just as you would on land. Available from most cell phone carriers including AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile, this service is currently accessible in staterooms.

Note: Usage rates and international roaming rates vary as you travel. Be sure to contact your cell phone provider to learn these rates before your cruise. Disney Cruise Line recommends that Guests seeking to avoid the unwanted costs associated with data downloads keep their wireless devices turned off during their cruise.

The Magic's first sailing after drydock for paying pax is Sunday, 10/20 from MIA. :D

That cruise has been cancelled now.

The PP's take on the speed of the WiFi is a bit atypical. Just about everybody we have talked to says the speeds are abysmal.

Well we have fibre optic broadband at home the best speed in the capital, so we are used to fast speeds, there was little or no fall on the Fantasy or the Wonder, I was uploading about six photos a time on my IPad posting direct to my blog live, and had two kids on their IPhones all the time, we selected the biggest package each they got through two, we were looking at maps where we were going and also they were downloading there normal stuff from friends.

The only thing noticed was Skype not working.

So I am not sure on your comment, as said recent experiences on Fantasy and Wonder. The people who said its abysmal when did they sail? Maybe a long time ago! I see posts by people who clearly cruised years back or not on the new ships who refer to previous poor speeds, like everything they can upgrade!

Well we have fibre optic broadband at home the best speed in the capital, so we are used to fast speeds, there was little or no fall on the Fantasy or the Wonder, I was uploading about six photos a time on my IPad posting direct to my blog live, and had two kids on their IPhones all the time, we selected the biggest package each they got through two, we were looking at maps where we were going and also they were downloading there normal stuff from friends. The only thing noticed was Skype not working. So I am not sure on your comment, as said recent experiences on Fantasy and Wonder. The people who said its abysmal when did they sail? Maybe a long time ago! I see posts by people who clearly cruised years back or not on the new ships who refer to previous poor speeds, like everything they can upgrade!

Hopefully, it was upgraded during dry dock on the Magic because it was crappy on the May 2013 EBTA. Could not even get a signal in our midship Cat. T. Had to go out to the elevator alcove on deck 8 or other public areas. The Concierge sent someone up and they couldn't get it to work on any of our devices or theirs either (iPads and iPhones) inside the suite.

Got to say I had issues on the Magic in 2010 in a midship CAT 3 think it was 8532 and I had to go to Cove Cafe as my signal would drop out.

Fantasy - great service no issues.

Winer- fantastic cover bar bit of Tracy arm day and they warned us in advance on that.

I do think they have been upgrading it, I have seen many people walking around with IPads on.

I recall getting a refund from Concierge in 2010.

But people need to say when and where they used it last, all electronics are improving all the time, what was a norm a year or two back on one ship might not be what occurs now, I have the evidence of my live blogs they show the live photo posts and I couldn't do that in 2010 on the Magic, there I would write in word and cut and paste on, I would use it very early or late, but on Fantasy and Wonder we had it on all the time.

Got to say I had issues on the Magic in 2010 in a midship CAT 3 think it was 8532 and I had to go to Cove Cafe as my signal would drop out. Fantasy - great service no issues. Winer- fantastic cover bar bit of Tracy arm day and they warned us in advance on that. I do think they have been upgrading it, I have seen many people walking around with IPads on. I recall getting a refund from Concierge in 2010. But people need to say when and where they used it last, all electronics are improving all the time, what was a norm a year or two back on one ship might not be what occurs now, I have the evidence of my live blogs they show the live photo posts and I couldn't do that in 2010 on the Magic, there I would write in word and cut and paste on, I would use it very early or late, but on Fantasy and Wonder we had it on all the time.

Yes, we were in 8532. We have the same suite for May 2014 so I'll get to see if there has been any improvement.

We have been on the Dream twice in the last year and both times the wifi service was slow - closer to old dial up speeds than the broadband service we are used to.

Funny that must be a black spot, query the arcade above blocking or disrupting the signal. I did get a refund on that.

Hopefully in dry dock Magic has been upgraded.

It's in their interests and the third party provider for the Internet service, if it's good more people use it therefore more money in income, poor service low use low income.

Fantasy and Wonder were great.

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

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Disney Cruise Internet Packages – What You Need to Know 2024

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In 2023 Disney Cruise Line introduced new internet packages.

These new Disney Cruise Internet Packages were a welcome change for the ships, which have up to now only offered expensive data usage-based options.

However, not long after these new packages were introduced, there were significant price increases.

Here I will look at what the options are and how much the Disney Cruise Internet costs.

For historical reasons, I will keep the original prices as a comparison.

What Are The Disney Cruise Internet Packages?

Disney Cruise guests can purchase Internet for either:

A 24-hour period

As you will see from the prices below, there is a 20% discount on per-voyage pricing compared with 24-hour pricing.

If you decide to upgrade to a Voyage plan mid-voyage you will only be charged for the remaining days. However, you do need to be aware that you will be charged for a complete day no matter what time on that day you choose the Per Voyage package.

So if you change your package at 11.59 pm to a Per Voyage package you are going to be charged a whole day, even though you only had a minute of that day left.

Adding additional devices to an Internet package will receive a 20% discount.

When Does This Increase Happen?

The new internet packages are now available on all five of the Disney Cruise Ships.

Disney Wonder was the last one to be upgraded, but this happened in the dry dock just before she sailed for the Transpacific, Australia and New Zealand Cruises in October 2023.

Disney Magic – 7/31/23
Disney Wish – 7/31/23
Disney Dream – 8/1/23
Disney Fantasy – 8/5/23
Disney Wonder -10/23

There are three choices of internet package:

Disney Cruise Stay Connected Plan Cost

The old price was $10 per person per day

New Pricing

$16/day when purchased for the full voyage
$18/day when purchased for 24 hours

Stay connected on social media with our most affordable internet plan. With this plan, you can:

Post text and pictures on popular websites and applications like Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, Pinterest, Linkedin and Tumblr

The Stay Connected plan does not support surfing the web, accessing email, or video streaming

Disney Cruise Basic Surf

The old price was $20 per person per day

$24/day when purchased for the full voyage
$28/day when purchased for 24 hours

Enjoy all the benefits of the Stay Connected plan – plus, full web access. With this plan, you can:

Surf the web, read the news, check the weather, and visit your other favorite websites
Send and receive emails

The Basic Surf plan does not support long-form video streaming platforms such as Netflix and Hulu.

Disney Cruise Premium Surf

The old price was $30 per person per day

$34/day when purchased for the full voyage
$42/day when purchased for 24 hours

Experience faster connection speeds and access to music platforms such as Pandora, Spotify and Apple Music – plus, all the benefits of the Basic Surf plan. With this plan, you can:

Enjoy faster connection speeds
Make video phone calls on platforms FaceTime, Zoom, and more
Listen to your favorite music streaming platforms like Pandora, Spotify, and Apple Music
View short-form on platforms like YouTube, Snapchat, and TikTok

The Premium Surf plan does not support long-form video streaming platforms such as Netflix and Hulu.

Guests can select the number of devices that they wish to add to the package.

Avoid These Disney Cruise Money Mistakes

Disney Cruise Internet Packages for Concierge Guests

Disney Cruise Concierge Guests will enjoy an internet package as part of their concierge perks.

The package varies according to the category of concierge stateroom that the guests are staying in.

All concierge guests will have the opportunity to upgrade to a higher internet package category if they wish.

Family Concierge Stateroom Category 3 Stateroom Internet Package

Guest in Family Concierge Staterooms will have the Stay Connected internet package included for 2 guests in the stateroom.

These 2 guests can pay the upgrade price for a higher package.

If any other guests in the stateroom wish to purchase an internet package they will pay full price for whichever level they want.

One and Two Bedroom Suites Category 2 Stateroom Internet Package

Guests in One and Two Bedroom Concierge Staterooms will have the Basic Surf Package included for 2 guests in the Stateroom.

If those 2 guests want the Premium Surf package they will pay the upgrade price.

All other guests in the stateroom will pay the applicable pricing for their own internet package.

Royal Suites and the Disney Wish Tower Suite Category 1 Stateroom Internet Package

All guests in the Royal Suite on all ships and the Tower Suite on the Disney Wish will have the Premium Surf Disney Cruise Internet Package included for the length of their stay.

Is There Wi-Fi on Castaway Cay?

Wanting to connect to Wi-Fi on Disney’s private island Castaway Cay ?

Castaway Cay does not have a free internet connection. You will have to use your Disney Cruise Internet Package to use the Wi-Fi on Castaway Cay.

Really though who needs it on this beautiful island? It’s one of the only places where you really can escape from reality!

What do you think of the new Disney Cruise Internet Packages?

HOW MUCH DOES A DISNEY WISH CRUISE COST?

Alison Meacham is the founder of EverythingMouse Disney Blog. For over 15 years she has shared her love of Disney Parks, Disney Cruises and Universal Orlando. In over 30 years of Disney Travel she has spent countless months in Disney Parks and has sailed on over 45 cruises. A British native and now a United States resident she splits her time between California, Florida and the UK. And spends a serious amount of time sailing the seven seas. She helps over 200,000 people per month follow their Disney travel dreams.

Thursday 1st of September 2022

In concierge family state rooms you get 24 hours free after that you pay.

Saturday 2nd of July 2022

Curious which bundle would be needed in order to use the Disney Collect, Marvel Collect, and Star Wars Card Trader apps by Topps?

The Disney Cruise Line Blog

An unofficial disney cruise line news, information, weather, and photo blog..

Disney Cruise Line Transitioning to Usage Type Based Internet Plans

Your wish for better internet connectivity onboard a Disney Cruise may be coming true. Reports indicate a new internet service provider and internet access plans are now available on the Disney Magic.

Guests aboard the Disney Magic in Europe are currently offered a new set of Internet options starting at $10/day (a 24 hour period). The new Internet offering are based on type of usage versus a measured data plan such as a 1GB plan. The package tiers are Stay Connected, Basic Surf, and Premium Surf.

Special thanks to DLP Town Square for sharing the details and screenshots shown below. Go check their Twitter feed as they are already tweeting from the Disney Magic’s Mediterranean cruise that departed Barcelona today.

Stay Connected

Stay connected on social media with our most affordable internet plan. With this plan, you can:

Post text and pictures on popular websites and applications
like Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Twitter, Instagram,
Snapchat, Pinterest, Linkedln and Tumblr

The Stay Connected plan does not support surfing the web, accessing email or video streaming

DCL Magic Internet Packages 2022 Stay Connected

Enjoy all the benefits of the Stay Connected plan – plus, full web access. With this plan, you can:

Surf the web, read the news, check the weather and visit your other favorite websites
Send and receive emails
Post text and pictures on popular websites and applications like Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, Pinterest, Linkedln and Tumblr

The Basic Surf plan does not support long-form video streaming platforms such as Netfilx and Hulu.

DCL Magic Internet Packages 2022 Basic Surf

Premium Surf

Experience faster connection speeds and access to music platforms such as Pandora, Spotify and Apple Music – plus, all the benefits of the Basic Surf plan. With this plan, you can:

Enjoy faster connection speeds
Make video phone calls on platforms FaceTime, Zoom and more
Listen to your favorite music streaming platforms like Pandora, Spotify and Apple Music
View short-form on platforms like YouTube, Snapchat and TikTok

The Premium Surf plan does not support long-form video streaming platforms such as Netfilx and Hulu.

DCL Magic Internet Packages 2022 Premium Surf

When selecting an option you are presented with a per cruise or per 24 hour option along with the number of devices you wish to connect using the selected plan.

DCL Magic Internet Packages 2022 Options

As of today, this is rolling out on the Disney Magic, but guests on the Disney Dream are still offered the previous MB data plans.

Based on the external IP address of a guest I spoke with onboard the Disney Magic, when logged into the Disney Cruise Line internet package, they are connecting through SES in Maryland in the United States. SES is a provider of satellite internet to various sectors including the cruise industry .

As the sun sets, passengers post snaps of the day’s excursion, others stream live news before dinner. Below deck, a crew member video calls his daughter a bedtime story, starting his shift happy that he’s said goodnight. Not one of their screens, and the thousands of others on board, suffer from delay, drop out or poor quality. It is the difference between a five star and a four-star review. O3b mPOWER , the industry’s most advanced satellite constellation, enables this new era of guest connectivity with unrivalled performance, flexibility, resilience and scalability.

SES O3b Maritime Cruise MPOWERED 2022 January Datasheet 1

At this time, Disney Cruise Line has not made any public announcements, or updated their website to reflect any of these changes – currently they are still referencing Connect@Sea on this page . However, this very will could be a slow roll out across the fleet and culminate with the launch of the Disney Wish this summer.

Have you tried the new Internet packages onboard a Disney Cruise? Let us know what you think about the revised offering in the comments.

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22 Replies to “Disney Cruise Line Transitioning to Usage Type Based Internet Plans”

I hope it rolled out this summer on the Fantasy and Wish

The Wish will launch with these types of plans.

Still seems expensive for what you get. I enjoy no service, you actually get to meet and talk to people. I guess soon enough I will long for the day that people didn’t have their face stuffed in their cell phone all the time.

I’m curious. Can I choose different options each day or do I have to use the same plan for the entire length of the cruise?

It appears you would sign up for the length of cruise with a specific plan which I believe is upgradable, but I don’t believe you can go up/down plans during the voyage. In this case, I’d recommend going with the a la carte option and picking a plan that fits your needs the best each day. This is still new so details are just surfacing.

You can pay for 24 hours or for the duration of the cruise.

Better Internet service wound be great but these new plans are another money grab from Disney. The old plans our family could share a package with but these new plans, one is paying per device. Yeah it is similar to other cruise lines, why does DCL want to be like the others?

This must have just started yesterday. We were on the Magic from may 21st – 28th and only had the standard packages. I would have loved to have had this!

Scott… would you mind if I put the link to this article in my FB group for our November Magic sailing? It looks like this might be the wave of the future. Thanks.

I wonder which plan would be needed to use imessaging.

If you have a 1-device plan, can you connect multiple devices 1 at a time like you could with the old plans an like you can with RCL’s plans?

This is my understanding that the device limit is simultaneous devices. Simply logout of one device and log in on another. I will have a full rundown shortly once I am able to test the new offering on the Disney Wish.

Were you able to test it out? Did you post an article? If so, I missed it.

I have tested it out over 2 sailings, but I have not written up my thoughts on it yet. I made a note on my list of outstanding topics.

Any more news about this, Scott? Specifically can you log out of one device and into another?

Working on an article now.

I’ll be on the Fantasy in January if you need me to test anything.

Curious which bundle would be needed in order to use the Disney Collect, Marvel Collect, and Star Wars Card Trader apps by Topps?

Has the new Wi-Fi rolled out beyond the Magic and the Wish yet, or is it currently limited to those two ships?

Wondering the same. I’ll be on the Fantasy in 4 days and will update if there’s no new info by then.

Just got off the Fantasy. We were the last cruise with the per MB packages. They will have the new per day packages moving forward.

The info supplied by DCL uses “voyage” not “cruise”. Are they using the words interchangeably?

Disney Dream

A dream come true., onboard fun.

There’s an almost endless amount of one-of-a-kind entertainment, recreation and dining offerings on the Disney Dream to keep the entire family smiling from sun-up to well after sundown.

View All Onboard Activities on the Disney Dream

Entertainment

Laugh and cheer during original Disney musicals, watch a fireworks show under the stars or catch the newest Disney films. View More

Imaginative play in vivid settings for the kids, adults-only hotspots, 3 pools—around every corner, there’s fun for everyone. View More

Hungry for something different? Feast on gourmet delights and made-to-order casual fare at magically themed restaurants. View More

FIREWORKS AT SEA

Character greetings, first-run movies, daily activities.

View all Entertainment on the Disney Dream

FOR THE ADULTS

Youth clubs, sports and fitness.

View all Recreation on the Disney Dream

MAIN DINING

Casual dining, adult-exclusive dining.

View all Dining on the Disney Dream

SPOTLIGHT AT SEA

Set your sights on some of the newest onboard enhancements and must-see experiences designed to stir your family’s imagination and create memories to last a lifetime.

Animator’s Palate

Be drawn into the magic of Disney animation at this restaurant that serves up a unique dinner show starring Disney characters.

Marvel Day at Sea

Join some of Marvel’s mightiest heroes for a super day-long celebration—available on select cruises.

Star Wars : Millenium Falcon

Inside Disney’s Oceaneer Club, young rebels are invited to pilot Han Solo’s legendary spaceship through the Star Wars universe.

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

Step inside this enchanted beauty salon that offers magical, head-to-toe makeovers for young princesses, pirates and knights.

Beauty and the Beast

Fall in love—all over again! Belle, Beast and the enchanted kingdom comes alive in an amazing stage show that’ll have our Guests singing along.

Indulge in tantalizing French-gourmet fare at this adult-exclusive restaurant boasting sweeping sea views and a chic ambience.

Stay in a stateroom to fit your family’s need for style and comfort—from cozy private lodgings with extra space to grand and richly appointed suites boasting sweeping views.

Luxurious and spacious beyond compare, Concierge staterooms feature separate bedrooms, top-notch amenities and unparalleled service.

Breathe in the ocean air from these richly appointed accommodations designed for families of 3 to 5—featuring a private balcony and sweeping sea views.

Relax in roomy quarters bedecked in a charming nautical motif with Art Deco flourishes—plus one or 2 portholes for admiring the scenery.

Sail away in a spacious stateroom fitted with a Magical Porthole for real-time sea views—and surprise sightings of animated Disney characters!

PORTS OF CALL

Chart a course for unforgettable adventure with the Disney Dream as your guide and drop anchor in some of the world’s most magical places, including the Bahamas and Disney’s very own Castaway Cay.

Castaway Cay

Lose yourself to swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling and boating on this island paradise reserved for Disney Cruise Line Guests.

Tropical weather blankets this sun-kissed paradise, where the recreation is renowned and the landscapes are breathtaking.

Royal palaces, expansive museums and sumptuous gardens make this wondrous region beloved by all who visit.

IMAGES

Disney Cruise WiFi and Internet Packages 2024
10 Steps to Conserve Wi-Fi On Your Disney Cruise
2023 Disney Cruise WiFi Prices and Review: All You Need to Know
Everything You Need to Know About Disney Cruise WiFi
Disney Cruise Wifi 2022
#1 Disney Cruise Line Tip-Use The Navigator App

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COMMENTS

Wifi Service
Do the ships offer Wi-Fi service? A: Disney Cruise Line offers multiple internet packages for purchase based on your online needs. Use the onboard Wi-Fi anywhere on the ship to chat, post pictures on social media or simply stay connected while at sea. Once on board, open the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app and select "Connect to Internet ...
Disney Cruise WiFi: Packages and Prices
This mid-tier internet package allows access to the social media platforms listed above, plus basic browser surfing and email capabilities. Audio WiFi calls are also available with this package. Price: $28 for 24 hours of access. $24 per day if purchased for the entire cruise.
Disney Cruise Wifi 2024 Prices and Internet Options
Disney Cruise Wifi options and prices are the same for the Disney Fantasy, Disney Dream, Disney Wish, Disney Magic, and Disney Wonder. The 2024 Disney Cruise Line Wifi Package Prices Start at: Stay Connected - $18 per day for a 24 hour period. Basic Surf - $28 per day for a 24 hour period. Premium Surf - $42 per day for a 24 hour period.
Guide to Disney Cruise WiFi: Tips and FAQs
Disney Cruise WiFi Packages and Pricing. There are three levels of packages on the Disney Cruise Line. These are the Stay Connected, the Basic Surf, and the Premium Surf. Within these categories, you have the option to purchase WiFi for 24 hours, or the entire length of your cruise. Disney Cruise Wi-Fi pricing is based on the cruise period's ...
A Look at Disney Cruise Line's Usage Type Based Internet Plans
Over the summer, the Disney Magic was the first to go live with the new offering, followed by the Disney Wish, Disney Fantasy, and most recently the Disney Dream. The Disney Wonder will soon be upgraded and may be upgraded depending on when you are reading this article. Disney Cruise Internet Plans. Disney Cruise Line is now offering guests ...
Disney Cruise Line Wi-Fi Review
On the Premium Surf plan, Outlook loaded about 50% of the time, and timed out the other 50%. Teams connectivity had a slightly better success rate, because it refreshed appropriately about 75% of the time. And Slack almost always kept itself updated, but really struggled with marking things as "read".
Disney Cruise Internet: Wi-Fi, Policies, and Tips
Disney Cruise Wi-Fi Package Costs. Pay As You Go which costs $0.25/MB. Small Package which costs $0.19/MB for 100MB. Medium Package which costs $0.13/MB for 300MB. Large Package which costs $0.09/MB for 1,000MB. Concierge guests traveling in Category S, T, and V Staterooms receive 100 free MB. Concierge guests traveling in Category R Staterooms ...
Does the Disney Dream have free WiFi?
Once on board, access the DCL-Guest WiFi network to learn more about the various offerings and pricing for your specific cruise. If you purchase a data plan, you can share it with as many devices as you like. There is no cost for connecting to the ship's WiFi network for purposes of using the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App.
Disney Cruise Line WiFi Packages & Pricing Vital Info
Here are three easy steps to signing up for onboard Disney Cruise Line WiFi: STEP 1: From the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app, select "Connect to Internet.". A new browser should open with the available internet plans. Choose the package you need by determining what you want to use it for.
How Does Internet Access Work On Disney Cruise Line Ships?
Let's look at how the internet currently works aboard the Disney cruise ships.. Wireless Internet; Cell Phone Usage; WIRELESS INTERNET SERVICE. For assistance with the internet, visit the Connect@Sea desk, which is located in the Promenade Lounge (Deck 3) on the Magic & Wonder, and on Deck 4 near the midship elevators on the Dream & Fantasy.See rates below (subject to change).
Updated Pricing for Onboard Internet Packages • The Disney Cruise Line Blog
Disney Cruise Line's pricing for onboard Internet packages have been updated this week for the fleet, except for the Disney Wonder should, based on reports, be updated to the new internet plans during an upcoming dry dock.. The new pricing is as follows: Stay Connected Package . $16/day when purchased for the full voyage ; $18/day when purchased for 24 hours
Disney Dream cruise ship review: Mostly magic with a bit of mayhem
A cruise aboard Disney Dream is pricey, ... Disney Dream offers various Wi-Fi packages for a fee. On my sailing, you could choose from three Wi-Fi packages and pay per 24 hours or per voyage. The Stay Connected package gives access to just Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. It costs $18 for 24 hours for one device or $16/day for the full voyage ...
Disney Cruise Updates WiFi Plans
This plan costs $30/day. Premium Surf. You can choose to pay for 24 hours of service or for the full voyage. There is a discount to choose the whole voyage. The charge is also per device there are some savings when you add a device 10% off for 2 devices up to 15% off for 4 devices. Number of Days and Devices.
All About The Disney Cruise Line Navigator App
Make sure you download the free Disney Navigator app from the app store before you head out on your Disney Cruise. Do it while you are on cellular data or WiFi , and make sure all of your family ...
Wi-fi on the Dream?
On the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, choose from the following options: Promenade Lounge on Deck 3, Aft, offering an Internet café with computer stations. Cove Café (adults only) on Deck 9, Midship, offering WiFi-enabled café laptops, available at a fee. On the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, choose from the following options:
New Day-Based Internet Packages Launching on Disney Cruise Line Ships
Disney Cruise Line is launching a new version of their internet offering based on the number of days used instead of the amount of data. There will be three new internet packages. Stay Connected. Guests can select this package to access social media for either $12 per day, purchased by the day, or $10 per day for the length of cruise. Basic Surf.
Connect the Navigator App to Wifi
2. Also in Settings, activate your Wi-Fi connection. This will locate available networks on board. 3. Select the DCL-GUEST Wi-Fi network. 4. Launch the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app, and let the magic begin! Please be aware that using the DCL-GUEST wireless network for any activity other than the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app, such as ...
Disney Cruise Line Internet Access
Small package - 100 megabytes for $19 ($0.19 per megabyte) Medium package - 300 megabytes for $39 ($0.13 per megabyte) Large package - 1,000 megabytes for $89 ($0.09 per megabyte) Concierge guests in Cat S, T and V will get 100 free megabytes of internet. Concierge guests in Cat R will get free internet for the length of the cruise.
Disney Cruise Internet Packages
The new internet packages are now available on all five of the Disney Cruise Ships. Disney Wonder was the last one to be upgraded, but this happened in the dry dock just before she sailed for the Transpacific, Australia and New Zealand Cruises in October 2023. Disney Magic - 7/31/23. Disney Wish - 7/31/23. Disney Dream - 8/1/23.
Connect the Navigator App to Wifi
2. Also in Settings, activate your Wi-Fi connection. This will locate available networks on board. 3. Select the DCL-GUEST Wi-Fi network. 4. Launch the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app, and let the magic begin! Please be aware that using the DCL-GUEST wireless network for any activity other than the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app, such as ...
Wifi Service
Learn about the availability of Wi-Fi service on board Disney Cruise ships
Disney Cruise Line Transitioning to Usage Type Based Internet Plans
Reports indicate a new internet service provider and internet access plans are now available on the Disney Magic. Guests aboard the Disney Magic in Europe are currently offered a new set of Internet options starting at $10/day (a 24 hour period). The new Internet offering are based on type of usage versus a measured data plan such as a 1GB plan.
Disney Dream
Search for Cruises Aboard the Disney Dream. View Prices. Transporting families to exotic ports of call, the Disney Dream is the majestic third ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, home to entertainment, dining, pools, nightclubs and more.

Disney Cruise WiFi: Packages and Prices

Disney Cruise Line Internet Packages

Stay Connected

Premium Surf

Free Help Planning Your Disney Cruise

Does Disney Cruise Line Offer Free WiFi?

Use the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App

Stay in a Concierge-Level Stateroom

Use Your Onboard Credit

How to Use the Internet on Disney Cruise Line

Can You Share Internet on a Disney Cruise?

How Much is WiFi on a Disney Cruise?

Does Disney Cruise Line Have Cell Service?

How Good is the WiFi on Disney Cruise Ships?

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Disney Cruise Wifi 2024 Prices and Internet Options

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Pay-As-You-Use Disney Cruise Internet Prices

How Do You Connect to the Internet on Disney Cruise Line?

Is Disney Cruise Line Wifi Worth It?

Guide to Disney Cruise WiFi: Tips and FAQs

Disney Cruise WiFi Packages and Pricing

What Can You Do Without Disney Cruise Wi-Fi?

How to Connect to WiFi

International Day Pass/TravelPass

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Disney Cruise Line Wi-Fi Review

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Disney Cruise Internet: Wi-Fi, Policies, and Tips

Table of Contents

More Disney Cruise Wi-Fi Hacks

Pay-As-You-Go

How to Minimize Data Usage on a Disney Cruise

My #1 Hack to Get Free Wi-Fi on Disney Cruise

What is a Disney Cruise “Wave Phone”?

What can I expect for Disney Cruise Wifi Speed?

Does the Disney Dream have free WiFi? ”

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Disney Cruise Line WiFi Packages & Pricing Vital Info

Is There Free Internet Access On Disney Cruises?

Use the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App for Texting and Cruise Activities While Onboard

You Need the DCL Navigator App for Childcare Communication

Don’t Let your Cell Phone Battery Die

Must-have Portable Charger for your Cruise

Can You Browse the Internet With the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App?

How To Connect To DCL Wi-Fi on Disney Cruise Line

Put Your Phone in Airplane Mode While Cruising

How to Easily Sign Up for Disney Cruise Line WiFi Once Onboard

Disney Cruise Line Wi-Fi Packages are Per Device

Disney Cruise Line Internet Packages and Cost

Complimentary Internet from Disney Cruise Line

Stay Connected Package

Basic Surf Package

Premium Surf Package – Best Overall Value

Tips and Tricks for Purchasing Wifi on a Disney Cruise

Disney Cruise Line Wi-Fi FAQs

Is The Internet Fast on Disney Cruises?

Is There Wi-Fi on Castaway Cay?

Where Can I Get Help With the Internet on a Disney Cruise?