Top 10 Q & A About a Disney Cruise Line Vacation

Thinking about a Disney Cruise Line vacation? Chances are you’ve got a few questions before committing. No worries! We’ve got you covered. Check out these top ten questions and answers about taking that dream cruise with a Disney Cruise Line vacation!

1 – Which ship is best?

The Disney Cruise Line (DCL) currently consists of five ships, with more ships planned for the near future! Selecting just one ship as the BEST is rather tricky as they all have unique qualities that put them above and beyond most other cruise lines. The Disney Magic first set sail in 1998, with the Disney Wonder beginning its voyage shortly after in 1999. Both ships have a passenger capacity of 2,400 and are very similar in layout. The Disney Magic keeps to the east coast while the Disney Wonder travels in the west coast area. Several years later, in 2011, the DCL introduced the Disney Dream, followed by the Disney Fantasy in 2012.  Dream and Fantasy are much larger than the Magic and Wonder, as each passenger capacity is 4,000. Both Dream and Fantasy are on the east coast, with Port Canaveral as their homeport. Most recently, the Disney Wish set sail in July 2022. This ship is in its own class, offering a new modern layout and entertainment offerings with families in mind. While the capacity of the Wish is 4000, the same as the Magic and Wonder, the ship is bigger. All five ships are superb in cleanliness and maintenance, as they are cared for non-stop. The service and activities offered on each ship are paramount, leaving it difficult to select just one as the best. 

2 – What’s included in the price of a DCL?

When people see the price of the DCL, they tend to have sticker shock. It is one of the most expensive cruise options, but you most definitely get what you pay for! The basic price includes your stateroom, meals plus snacks and ice cream, soft drinks and other beverage station drinks, character meet and greets, award-winning entertainment, current in-theater Disney films, and top-of-the-line service. Some things not included are alcohol, signature dining, spa services, and port excursions. The truth is, yes – it’s expensive, but with Disney, you know the kind of experience you are going to get.

3 – What documents do I need to bring?

The real question is, where are you headed? The DCL fleet travels to several different ports depending on which ship you are on and when you are sailing. Canada, Spain, the Caribbean, Italy, Hawaii, New York, England, Texas… are more – there is no shortage of dream destination cruises with the DCL. The safest bet is always to have a Passport and ID with you when exiting the ship at a port. Whether you are planning to experience one of the many port excursions or just staying close to the ship, once you exit, you’ll need the appropriate documentation to get back on. Follow your cruise guidelines, as Disney will provide you with the information you need as to what documentation is necessary.

4 – What is Castaway Cay?

Simply put… it’s AMAZING! But if that’s not enough – Castaway Cay is Disney’s privately-owned island in the Bahamas. DCL ships are the only ships allowed to port here, making it an island oasis away from the hustle and bustle of life. With pristine beaches and lush landscapes, it’s a tropical stop worth exploring for the day at port. Castaway Cay has a family beach and an adult beach, slides, a water splash/play area, natural paths, shopping, dining, character meet and greets, and even its own Post Office! If we could live there, we would.

5 – Is there anything for adults on the DCL?

A common misconception is that the DCL is for kids only. This is false in so many ways! With or without kids, the DCL has you covered. There are multiple adult-only areas, including dining, lounges, and pools for guests 18 and older. Some several adult-only activities and meetups include anything from dancing to trivia.

6 – Are the Kids Clubs free?

Speaking of adult-only time, did you know each DCL ship has Kid’s Clubs available onboard? The kids will have a blast playing games, making crafts, and hanging out with characters. Highly trained Cast Members are readily available to care for your child while you take some adult time, as mentioned above. Kids Clubs are, in fact, FREE, including Disney’s Oceaneer Club and Lab (ages 3-12), Disney’s Edge (ages 11-14), and Disney’s Vibe (ages 14-17). Your kids will be asking to go! This is all free, except for the “it’s a small world” Nursery for ages six months to 3 years. There are charges here as this form of childcare is more hands-on with the little ones.

7 – What is Rotational Dining?

The DCL offers what they call “Rotational Dining,” and it has become a favorite for many DCL guests. Each night, you’ll have a scheduled restaurant to dine at that is included in your cruise price. You’ll rotate to a different restaurant each night, doubling up on a few restaurants depending on how long you are cruising. This is a great way to experience all the restaurants and their beautiful dining themes. The great part is that your server team moves from restaurant to restaurant with you, so you can expect to see the same sweet faces night after night. They get to know your favorite drinks, your kids’ names, and what you like and don’t like. It’s an excellent way to dine!

8 – Can I bring alcohol with me?

We’re glad you asked! Alcohol may not be included in your cruise price, but you are welcome to bring some on board with you. Each guest 21 years or older can bring a maximum of two unopened bottles of wine or champagne no larger than 750ml. If you’re not a wine or champagne fan, you can bring six beers that are no larger than twelve ounces instead of the wine or champagne. You can bring these items on board at the beginning of each port of call. Just be sure the alcohol is in your carry-on bags, as it is not allowed to be checked.

9 – Will I see any characters?

Yes! And lots of them! Character meet and greets are what add that Pixie Dust to the Disney Cruise Line. Don’t be surprised if you see Mickey Mouse in his Captain suit, Captain Hook stirring up trouble, and even a plethora of Princesses. The DCL App is a perfect guide for the many meet and greet schedules, so you’ll know when and where you can find Stitch, Goofy, Minnie, Donald, and so many other Disney pals on board. Plus, the characters change outfits regularly, so be prepared to visit characters a second time if you desire.

10 – What type of entertainment is on the DCL?

Maybe it would be easier to ask, what type of entertainment does the DCL NOT offer?! Let’s just say you won’t be bored even on your Day(s) at Sea. While at the port, you’ll have incredible Port Adventures (aka excursions). On the ship, you can count Broadway-style musicals available daily in the theatre. There are current Disney films you’ll find in the theaters back home being played in the theater onboard. Get ready for multiple deck shows, dance parties, and even fireworks. There are live musicians available in the adult lounges and in the grand lobby on many nights. You can shop till you drop in the numerous gift shops. Play anything from basketball to mini-golf on deck. Relax with top-of-the-line Spa and Salon treatments. Go on a ship scavenger hunt as a detective. Or take a dip in one of the many pools or water coaster. No shortage of entertainment here! You can count on the DCL to keep you as busy or as relaxed as you want.