disney cruise verandah room

Controversial Florida Theme Park Offers Free Entry to Select Guests

• 7 Secrets Disney Doesn’t Want You to Know About Pirates of the Caribbean
• SeaWorld Controversy: Major Victory Celebrated as Florida Theme Park is Canceled
• Worst Disney World Tips You’ll Ever Hear
• Universal Orlando Shuts Down Jurassic Park Ride Indefinitely
• The Best Disney Bar That No One Talks About

DisneyTips.com Your Guide To A Great Disney Vacation

Why you should book a verandah on a disney cruise.

Posted by: Victoria Mills June 13, 2022

The excitement experienced when booking a Disney Cruise is real! That’s the case for any Guest making a reservation with Disney Cruise Line; whether you’re a first-time Disney cruiser, or a Platinum Castaway Club member who’s sailed on more than 25 Disney Cruises, and anywhere in between.

Disney Cruise Line staterooms often have a pretty hefty price tag though, making them a more expensive Cruise Liner to sail with, compared to others. There is often a noticeable price difference to securing an guaranteed oceanview stateroom compared to inside staterooms. Differently though, the price difference between an oceanview stateroom and an oceanview stateroom with verandah may not be as much as you think.  

Credit: V Mills

When choosing between staterooms, and wondering whether to bite the bullet and book that verandah, you may need a little advice and guidance. We’re here to do just that! Let us share with you, the reasons why you need to pay a little extra and book that verandah for your next Disney Cruise.

Types of Verandah

Every Disney Cruise Ship offers staterooms with a verandah. Price can vary based on the size, type and location of a verandah stateroom. In terms of verandah category, there are two types available with Disney Cruise Line :

• Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah – on the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, this stateroom offers Guests 304 square feet, with room to sleep 5 Guests, and is located on Deck 8. Aboard the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, this stateroom offers Guests 299 square feet, with room to sleep between 3 and 5 Guests, depending on the classification of stateroom. You will find this type of stateroom on Decks 5 through 10 on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy. On the Disney Wish , this stateroom offers Guests 284 square feet, with room to sleep up to 5 Guests, and located on Decks 6 through 10.
• Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah – on the Disney Magic and Disney Wish this stateroom offers Guests 268 square feet, with room to sleep 4 Guests, and is located on Decks 5-8. Some rooms offer an enclosed verandah, with a porthole-shaped view. Aboard the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, this stateroom offers Guests 246 square feet, with room to sleep up to 4 Guests. You will find this type of stateroom on Decks 5 through 10 on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy. Some rooms offer an enclosed verandah, with a porthole-shaped view. On the Disney Wish , this stateroom offers Guests 243 square feet, with room to sleep up to 4 Guests, and located on Decks 6 through 10.

Every private verandah includes: patio furniture; deck lighting; Plexiglas or solid whitewall railings; and child-proof locks to the door. If you are traveling with a bigger party and choose to stay in adjoining rooms, you will likely find that the partition between verandahs can be opened to create a bigger balcony space to enjoy during your Disney Cruise. Check the stateroom category that will work best for your party when booking your Disney Cruise Line stateroom.

Those staterooms offering an enclosed verandah, also known as a Navigators Verandah, include a unique experience. Whilst the verandah isn’t as open as those with private verandahs, they still offer a great view, as well as providing a unique photo opportunity. Seating in these verandahs comes in the form of a bench on either side of the verandah, facing one another. The partition walls are decorated with world maps, and there are navigation-inspired details to the railing below the porthole view. Adventurers   in your party, young and old, will certainly appreciate the details in this verandah.

If you are looking to book a concierge room, then you will be guaranteed a verandah regardless of which concierge room you reserve. The cheapest concierge room is a Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah. If you’re wanting to splurge, and secure a verandah that includes a whirlpool bath, then you’ll want to look at a Concierge Royal Suite, available on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy.

Private access to ocean air

One of the highlights of cruising is that you get to feel and breathe in fresh, sea air every single day. The sounds of the ocean very much soothe all of your troubles away. Imagine having your own private access to this every day of your cruise with Disney Cruise Line. You won’t need to change out of your PJs in the morning when you’ve just woken up; instead just take a few steps and walk straight onto your balcony. Likewise, feel a fresh breeze on your face before tucking yourself into bed for the evening. Look for stars in the sky and distant ships in the darkness.

A verandah is also a great thing to have access to after a day exploring a port, such as Disney Castaway Cay . You may be in need of a little shade from the sun, but still want to hear the sea waves against the ship, and feel the ocean breeze on your face. Your verandah is also a great place to enjoy the views when leaving port.

Perfect spot to retreat to

There are so many activities to enjoy on a Disney Cruise, that you won’t find yourself bored. However, you may find that you’re in need to a little time away from all of the fun and other Guests at times. A verandah provides the perfect place to enjoy a little calm.

We love to grab some fruit from Flo’s Cafe when on board the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, and a hot beverage, before taking an hour to ourselves in the afternoon, on our verandah. If cruising on the Disney Magic, we stop by the Duck-In Diner on the way back to our stateroom, and for the Disney Wonder, Daisy’s De-Lites. Lose yourself in a book, whilst listening to the waves below, as you enjoy your afternoon snacks.

If you’re in need of a sweet, and not-so-healthy, sweet treat, Cove Cafe is our go-to for an afternoon snack to enjoy from our verandah.

Room service with a view

Room service is included in the cost of your Disney Cruise, and we definitely recommend taking advantage of it at some point whilst cruising. Just make sure you have some dollars available to tip the Cast Member who delivers it to you, or make a note of their name to include in your tips at the end of your Disney Cruise.

A verandah offers the perfect place to enjoy your room service order. Take a slower morning during your Cruise, particularly if you are taking a longer cruise that provide the benefit of Sea Days, and order breakfast in your room.

We also love to enjoy a Mickey Premium Bar from our verandah during the afternoon. You won’t find a Mickey Bar on the room-service menu, but you can order them straight to your room.

Sunrise and sunset views

You haven’t cruised unless you’ve seen a sunrise and sunset at sea! And what better place to experience these, than from your very own stateroom. Of course, the direction in which you are sailing may not always be in your favor, but we’re sure that at some point during your cruise with Disney Cruise Line, you’ll get to experience these special times of day.

Be sure to check your stateroom TV or the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App for sunrise and sunset times on each day of your Disney Cruise.

Private photo spot

Securing a verandah when booking a cruise with Disney Cruise Line means that you’ll have the perfect spot to take photos of your favorite outfits that you wear when cruising. Nothing will beat that oceanview behind you, and if you time it right, you’ll secure that photo during golden hour too!

A stateroom with a verandah will only enhance your Disney experience with Disney Cruise Line. Go on, you deserve to treat yourself! Get that oceanview verandah stateroom booked now!

About Victoria Mills

Related Articles

Armed Man Fatally Stabs Woman Outside Universal Studios

April 25, 2024

Disney Park Rejects Tiana Retheme, Doubles Down on Splash Mountain

• Disney Cruise: Start Here 1️⃣
• 101 Disney Cruise Tips 💡
• What to Expect on Your First Disney Cruise 🚢
• Disney Cruise Packing List
• Castaway Cay Tips
• What’s Included Disney Cruise?
• Fish Extenders
• Disneyland Paris
• Disney Good Neighbor Hotels
• Animal Kingdom Lodge Tips
• Animal Kingdom Lodge Rooms
• Animal Kingdom Lodge Restaurants
• Aulani Tips
• All About the Aulani Spa
• Aulani Daily Iwa
• BoardWalk Inn Tips
• BoardWalk Inn Rooms
• BoardWalk Inn Dining
• 50 Magical Disney Coronado Springs Tips
• Disney Coronado Springs Dining: 2022 Guide
• Disney Coronado Springs Rooms: Full Guide & Reviews
• Polynesian Village Resort Tips
• All About Spirit of Aloha Luau
• Best Dining at Polynesian Village Resort
• 50 Magical Pop Century Resort Tips, Secrets & Hacks
• Disney Pop Century Dining: 2022 Guide
• Disney’s Pop Century Rooms: 2021 Guide
• Port Orleans Riverside Tips
• Port Orleans Riverside Rooms
• Port Orleans Riverside Dining
• Saratoga Springs Tips
• Saratoga Springs Rooms
• Saratoga Springs Dining
• Star Wars Hotel News
• Rent DVC Points
• 101 Disney Gift Ideas 🎁
• Latest Disney Deals 🔥
• Disney Black Friday Deals
• Disney World Tickets
• Disneyland Tickets
• Why Use a Disney Vacation Travel Agent
• Mickey Mouse Shirts
• Star Wars Shirts
• Moana Shirts
• Beauty and the Beast Shirts
• How to Get Two Free Audiobooks for Your Disney Vacation
• Disney Shirts
• 101 Disney Freebies
• Mickey Mouse Nails
• Minnie Mouse Nails
• Star Wars Tattoos
• Harry Potter Tattoos
• Disney Recipes
• Get Disney+ Free
• Disney Plus Gift Card
• Disney+ Bundle
• Best Movies on Disney+
• Best Shows on Disney+
• Disney+ Marvel
• Mickey Mouse Coloring Pages
• Minnie Mouse Coloring Pages
• Toy Story Coloring Pages
• Star Wars Coloring Pages
• Frozen Coloring Page
• Moana Coloring Pages
• Little Mermaid Coloring Pages
• Tangled Coloring Pages
• Avengers Coloring Pages
• Captain America Coloring Pages
• Spiderman Coloring Pages
• Coco Coloring Pages
• Frozen Font
• Star Wars Font
• Free Disney Character Pennant Banner
• Free Disney Vacation Scavenger Hunt
• What’s in the Cricut Mystery Box?
• The Cricut Maker…Everything You NEED to Know
• The Cricut EasyPress Mini – Everything You Need to Know
• 101 Disney Cricut Ideas
• Star Wars Cricut Ideas
• How to Make a Disney Shirt
• How to Make Disney Luggage Tags with Cricut
• How to Make a Disney Card
• How to Make a Disney Water Bottle
• How to Make Mickey Mouse Earrings
• How to Make a Mickey Mouse Inspired Wreath
• Best of 2022
• Travel Credit Cards
• Hotel Credit Cards
• Airline Credit Cards
• Cash Back Credit Cards

How to Choose a Disney Cruise Stateroom

Disclosure: This Disney cruise stateroom post contains affiliate links. Read full Disclosure Policy .

By Alisha Molen

Have you decided which Disney Cruise you want to take? Great!

Once you have decided which Disney cruise itinerary is right for you, here is the next step:

Select the perfect stateroom!

Your Disney Cruise stateroom will be your home away from home for a few days and nights. It is also an important factor in the overall cost of your cruise.

What You Should Know about Disney Cruise Staterooms

Disney Cruise Line staterooms are tailored especially to families.

From split bathrooms, to bathtubs, to beds that pop out of the ceiling, to extra storage space and more, Disney has thought of everything!

In fact, their standard cabins are about 25% bigger than standard cabins on other cruise lines. Don’t get me wrong, they are still much smaller than a hotel room, but bigger than the cruise industry average.

Whatever your budget and taste, Disney Cruise Line has accommodations for every traveller. Stateroom options range from cozy and comfortable to grand and luxurious.

What Comes Standard in Every Stateroom?

First, it’s good to know what comes standard in every Disney Cruise Line stateroom:

• A queen bed (not two twins pushed together)
• Seating area
• Desk area with chair and dedicated lighting
• Privacy curtains that separate sleeping and seating areas
• Storage: 2 closets, under bed storage space, dresser drawers
• Hooks for towels
• Hangers (if you need more, ask your stateroom host/hostess)
• A mini refrigerator
• A hairdryer
• Television (satellite) and in-room movies
• Full length mirror
• In-room safes for wallets, passports, phones etc
• Electrical outlets
• “Wave Phones” that allow you to call and text both onboard and at Castaway Cay
• H20 Plus -branded shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, lotion and soap
• Housekeeping services twice a day—Morning cleaning and nightly turndown service
• Life jackets for each person
• Blackout curtains (staterooms with exterior windows)
• Split bathrooms (in most staterooms)
• Bathtubs (in most staterooms)

About those Bathtubs

I love the fact that Disney Cruise Line has a bathtub in almost every stateroom! (Accessible rooms have roll-in showers instead of tubs.)

This is not the norm for most cruise lines.

With little kids a tub is kind of a must so it’s nice Disney thought of it all. Naturally they aren’t as big as your tub at home but they should do the trick for your kiddos.

For adults? I’d probably stick with the shower.

What is Not Included in Your Stateroom

Now that we covered what is in the stateroom, here are some items that are not included :

• Coffeemaker
• Ironing board

The Four Kinds of Disney Cruise Stateroom

The staterooms on Disney Cruise Line ships can be broken down into four types:

Within each of these 4 stateroom types, there are a number of “ categories ” available.

These “categories” indicate a variance within that room type such as standard or deluxe , a type of verandah, or the location - by deck or area of the ship (forward, midship, or aft).

What Do These Category Numbers Mean?

When it’s time to reserve a cabin, you’ll notice each Disney Cruise stateroom has a “category” and “number” assigned to it.

Example: 5A - Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah

These can be confusing until you learn these simple rules:

1) The higher the “number”, the less expensive the stateroom

Staterooms start at category 11 (inside staterooms) and descend to category 4 (verandah staterooms). The Concierge is the most expensive and doesn’t start with a number at all.

This is handy to know because if you compare a Category 7 stateroom with a Category 6, you know at a glance that the 7 is less expensive.

2) The “letter” indicates a location on the ship

For example, 9B is a mid-ship oceanview stateroom while 9C is forward-ship oceanview stateroom. Same floor plan, just maybe on a different deck or different part of the ship.  

If there are multiple sub-categories available within a category - such as 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D - then “A” will be the most expensive and most desirable and “D” the least expensive. Of course, “most desirable” is completely subjective so take it with a grain of salt and the price difference between the subcategories is fairly minimal.

How Many Guests Can Sleep in a Stateroom?

Most regular staterooms sleeps 3-4 with a handful that sleep 5. There are also Concierge staterooms that can sleep up to 7. If you have 5+ guests in your party, check out Bonus Tip #1 below.  

How to Choose Your Stateroom

Here are our recommended steps for picking the best stateroom for your voyage:

Now...Find Your Stateroom by Ship

Here's a stateroom guide by ship: >> Disney Magic & Disney Wonder Stateroom Guide >> Disney Dream & Disney Fantasy Stateroom Guide >> Disney Wish Stateroom Guide

BONUS TIPS FOR SELECTING A STATEROOM

1) big family consider connecting staterooms.

If your group has more than 4 guests, you'll have a couple of different options for staterooms.

• A Family Oceanview stateroom or a Suite (sleeps 5 to 7 guests)
• Two connecting staterooms (sleeps up to 8 guests)

Connecting staterooms are two rooms that have a door between the adjoining wall.

You can leave the door always open to keep an eye on the little ones in the other room, or close it for privacy. It’s kinda like having your own little two-bedroom suite but for less moo-lah.

Which brings me to my next point...

Many times, getting two connecting staterooms is cheaper than one Family Oceanview stateroom or Suite. Crunch the numbers and see what will work best for your family.

NOTE: Just remember that you must have at least one adult booked in each stateroom.

How many connecting staterooms are on each ship?

There are 137 connecting staterooms on both the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder.

On both the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, there are over 500 connecting staterooms.

How do you know which rooms connect?

When selecting a stateroom, look for the little “doors” that open in between the cabins. If there are doors on the adjoining wall, that means it’s a connecting room.

For example, in the photo below, cabins 7064 and 7066 connect.

2) View of Beach at Castaway Cay

Want a view of the beach when in dock at Castaway Cay ? 

Book a room on the starboard (right) side of the ship.

Disney ships will usually back into Castaway Cay’s dock, so the port (left) side cabins will face the dock and the tram area while the starboard (right) side cabins will face the beaches on Castaway Cay.

Just know, this is not a guarantee.

Sometimes there are conditions that will require docking in the opposite direction.

3) If You’re On the Fence About a Verandah

First things first...let's start with this question:

What is a verandah?

A verandah stateroom on a Disney Cruise Line ship is simply a room with a balcony attached.

It is a wonderful experience to stand on your verandah and breathe in the fresh ocean air.

A DCL verandah also offers extra visibility when at port or sailing through a particularly scenic area.

If you’re debating whether to add the additional expense of a verandah (instead of an oceanview) cabin, here are some points to consider in favor of a verandah:

• Verandahs are more valuable on cruises where there is a lot of scenery. Alaska, Panama, and Mediterranean itineraries, for example.
• If you have a young child that will require a lot of naps in your stateroom, having a verandah gives the parent a place to escape to look at the view, read a book, and enjoy some room service while you wait with the little one.

4) To Avoid Noise, Have Staterooms All Around You

By booking a stateroom that has other cabins above, below and to all sides, you're able to insulate yourself from any possible ship noise (laundry, sundecks, engine, restaurants, theatres, etc).  

5) Request a Crib When You Book

You can request a crib for your baby when you book your cruise. If you have already booked your cruise, go to My Reservations to make your request.

PIN FOR LATER

Good article. Thanks for this.

Do You Need A Verandah on Your Disney Cruise Line Sailing?

The word “verandah” (with the fancy H at the end), is Disney-speak for balcony; verandah rooms are those with an exterior balcony. While some cruise lines offer cabins with balconies (or “verandas” or “verandahs”) that face to internal ship areas like atria or pools, all Disney Cruise Line verandahs face outward, toward the ocean.

Before we get started on our thinking about whether you need a verandah during your DCL sailing. Let’s do a quick overview of the four major room types on Disney Cruise ships:

• Inside staterooms: Rooms with no exterior view or access. Some inside rooms on the Dream and Fantasy have “virtual porthole” video screens that may project exterior views into the room. Inside rooms are often smaller and less expensive than other rooms.
• Oceanview staterooms: Rooms that have one or more porthole windows, but no physical exterior access.
• Verandah staterooms: Rooms that have a sliding door with access to a balcony or exterior space. There are several verandah configurations, most with seating for two. Some verandahs are oversized, undersized, or have restricted views of various sorts. This information is included in the description of each stateroom.
• Concierge staterooms. Rooms or suites with enhanced amenities and concierge lounge access. The vast majority of these also have verandahs.

Only you can decide what impact having a verandah stateroom will have on your vacation. Here are some things to think about as you make your decision.

What is the price difference between a verandah room and oceanview or inside rooms?

Verandah staterooms are almost always more expensive that other non-concierge rooms – that alone might make the decision for you.

However, on some 2- or 3-night sailings, the difference between oceanview and verandah rooms might be as little as $200, which could be a relatively easy splurge for some guests. On the other hand, some sailings of a week or more might see a price difference of several thousand dollars between oceanview and verandah rooms, making the decision more impactful.

What else would you do with that price difference?

In situations where you’re looking at an upcharge of many hundreds or thousands of dollars to acquire a verandah room, you’ll want to consider what else you could do with that money. Would those funds be better spent on adult dining? Or on the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique experience of your child’s dreams? Or on the port excursion of a lifetime? For example, the glacier dogsledding excursions on DCL Alaska sailings are quite pricey, but they could be life changing experiences. Would forgoing a verandah help you attain that experience?

You should also think about what home experiences would be impacted by selecting a verandah room. Obviously you’ll want to avoid any expenditure that impacts things like rent or car payments, but you might also want to think about whether opting for a verandah will mean your child will have to miss out on an enrichment activity at home.

How long is your sailing?

On a short sailing of fewer than five nights, you might be able to power through with, say, an inside stateroom. If you’re sailing for a week or more, then a smaller, enclosed stateroom space might start to feel unduly claustrophobic.

How many sea days is your sailing?

A corollary of the length of sailing is the number of sea days. Some sailings have no sea days – meaning that you’ll have the opportunity to get off the ship and walk on land every day. Perhaps a verandah is less necessary in this situation. Other longer sailings (often repositioning routes) may have six or more sea days. Will you want to have no access to your own outdoor space for that amount of time?

What is your itinerary?

On most sailings in the Caribbean, Bahamas, and Mediterranean, the weather should be warm enough that you’ll feel comfortable sitting on a verandah enjoying a beverage or reading a book for an hour or two. On some Northern European or Alaskan sailings, you might enjoy popping out to your verandah for a peek at the sights, but some folks will find it too chilly for lengthy lounging.

However, bear in mind that the Alaskan glaciers and Norwegian fjords offer more varied, and possibly more interesting, scenery than endless ocean views.

Are you planning to go ashore on port days?

Some guests opt to go ashore at every port, leaving less time available for verandah lounging. Other guests prefer to remain onboard the ship, possibly making time relaxing on a verandah more appealing.

Does anyone in your party have physical limitations?

Guests who find it physically challenging to repeatedly leave their stateroom, might find that verandah access significantly impacts their quality of life.

Are  you traveling with small children?

There are two schools of thought on mixing verandahs and younger children.

First, some parents find that a verandah offers them an interesting space to chat and enjoy the view after the children are asleep. They couldn’t imagine being stuck in a small stateroom for the entire evening.

Second, some parents are nervous about adventurous children having access to outdoor space. The verandah doors are heavy and feature locking mechanisms at about adult shoulder height. Nevertheless there are sometimes reports of curious kids standing on chairs to unlock doors. If you’re a single parent of an enterprising youth, you may want to pass on a verandah room until your child is a bit older.

How large is your party?

If you have four people in your party, having the extra space of the verandah might make everyone more comfortable than squeezing into a oceanview or inside room. If you have more than four people in your party , you might find two staterooms a more appealing option. Some guests in this situation split the difference and opt for one stateroom with a verandah and one without – best of both worlds.

Also note that in many cases, your cabin steward can remove the barrier between adjacent staterooms. If you have a large party and book several staterooms in a row, you may be able to create a huge verandah for socializing.

Do you like the ocean?

This may seem silly, but not every guest on a Disney Cruise Line sailing loves looking at the ocean. They might enjoy DCL’s entertainment, food, or decor. Or they might want to visit specific ports on a DCL itinerary, but the ocean itself is relatively unappealing. If you don’t love looking out at the ocean, then skipping the verandah and saving money could be an easy choice.

Do you have motion sickness issues?

Some guests prone to motion sickness find that ready access to the wind and brisk ocean air settles their stomachs. If you’re in this category, a verandah could be a must for you.

For other tips on dealing with motion sickness at sea, see our full post on this topic .

How do you feel about privacy?

Regardless of what type of stateroom you’ve booked, you’ll have plenty of access to the outdoors on the pool decks and other open seating areas on the ship. However, introverts and others who value outdoor privacy or quiet time, may prefer sitting on their own dedicated verandah rather than in a public area of the ship.

On a related note, if you’re concerned about being observed while sitting on your verandah, opt for a higher deck. Guests with lower deck verandahs may be seen from the verandahs above them.

Are verandah rooms available on your preferred sailing?

DCL ships include more verandah rooms than inside and oceanview rooms. On most sailings, you’ll have at least a few verandah options. That said, some particularly popular itineraries or last minute bookings will have no verandah availability. In this case, you’ll have no choice but to opt for an non-verandah stateroom.

For more tips on Disney Cruise Line travel, check out  The Unofficial Guide to Disney Cruise Line  or speak with one of our expert  Touring Plans travel agents .

You May Also Like...

Have you heard the news?  The Disney Dish podcast is taking it to the seas on the brand new Disney Wish…

Disney Cruise Line is back in business! For the past few weeks DCL has been sailing a series of "staycation" quick…

Disney Cruise Line announced today their itineraries for early 2024. Booking ahead can be a great way to save money and…

We've taken a look at what types of Disney Cruise Line vacations you can take at the relatively budget price points…

• TouringPlans Travel Beat 8-12-2023
• Disney in a Minute: What is a Meet & Greet?

Erin Foster

Erin Foster is an original member of the Walt Disney World Moms Panel (now PlanDisney), a regular contributor to TouringPlans.com, and co-author of The Unofficial Guide to Disney Cruise Line. She's been to WDW, DL, DL Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland, Aulani, DVC Vero Beach, and DVC Hilton Head. She's a Platinum DCL cruiser and veteran of 10 Adventures by Disney trips. Erin lives near New York City, where she can often be found indulging in her other obsession - Broadway theater.

2 thoughts on “ Do You Need A Verandah on Your Disney Cruise Line Sailing? ”

I love verandahs when you have to come back to the room while a little one naps peacefully in a pack n play. You still get to enjoy the outdoors for a book read or nice beverage, when you could be stuck inside the room while someone is napping.

We love verandahs, especially the large ones. But on our next trip we will be ocean view, simply because of cost.

I would love a veranda on the Wish… I usually enjoy spending lots of time on the ship when I cruise…❤️…Let me know!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. You can also subscribe without commenting.

The Disney Cruise Line Blog

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

Disney Wish: Stateroom Layouts

I recently received a printed Disney Wish deck plan which featured the same information you can find on the current digital deck plan along with new to me stateroom layouts on the backside.

These are conceptual layouts of the various stateroom categories. The actual staterooms are likely to vary slightly depending on stateroom location and final configurations. Plus as the fine print states, these are subject to change. The images are not perfect, as they were scanned from the printed deck plans. If and when digital versions become available, the they will be updated.

Concierge 2-Story Royal Suite with Verandah

Category 1B | Sleeps 6 | 1,759 sq.ft. including verandah

Large living area, open dining room, pantry, and a private whirlpool the verandah. Two main bedrooms with king beds, plus a double convertible sofa in the living room. Three full bathrooms: two main bathrooms with double sinks and a guest bathroom with a shower. One main bathroom features a bathtub with rain shower and the other has a walk-in rain shower.

Concierge 1-Story Royal Suite with Verandah

Category 1C | Sleeps 6 | 1,507 sq.ft. including verandah

Large living area, open dining room, pantry, and a private whirlpool on the verandah. Two main bedrooms with king beds, plus a double convertible sofa in the living room. Three full bathrooms: two main bathrooms with double sinks and a guest bathroom with shower. One main bathroom features a bathtub with rain shower and the other has a walk-in rain shower.

Concierge 1-Bedroom Suite with Verandah

Category 2 | Sleeps 5 | 608 sq.ft. including verandah

Once bedroom with king bed, living area with double convertible sofa and single wall pull-down bed. Two full bathrooms, main bathroom with double sinks, a rain-style shower and tub, wet bar and walk-in closet.

Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah

Category 3A | Sleeps 5 | 296 sq.ft. including verandah

One king bed, single convertible sofa, upper berth single pull-down bed. A “split bath” a bathroom with a vanity, sink, tub with glass door and a half bathroom with a vanity sink and toilet. ( Please note, the following image appears incomplete missing the bathroom, but this is how it is represented on the original print )

Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom

Category 3B | Sleeps 4-5 | 357 sq.ft. including verandah

One king bed, single convertible sofa, upper berth single pull-down bed (if sleeping 5), floor-to-ceiling windows, “split bath:” a bathroom with a vanity, sink, tub with glass door and a half bathroom with a vanity sink and toilet.

Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah

Category 4 | Sleeps 4-5 | 284 sq.ft. including verandah

Queen bed, single convertible sofa, upper berth single pull-down bed (if sleeping 5). A “split bath:” a bathroom with a vanity, sink, tub with glass door and a half bathroom with a vanity sink and toilet.

Category 5, 6 and 7 | Sleeps 3-4 | 243 sq.ft. including verandah

Queen bed, single convertible sofa, upper berth single pull-down bed (if sleeping 4). A “split bath:” a bathroom with a vanity, sink, tub with glass door and a half bathroom with a vanity sink and toilet.

Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom

Category 8 | Sleeps 4-5 | 237 sq.ft.

Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom

Category 9A, 9B, 9C, and 9D | Sleeps 3-4 | 218 sq.ft.

Categories 9A, 9B and 9C: Queen bed, single convertible sofa, upper berth single pull-down bed (if sleeping 4). Category 9D: Queen bed and sleeper sofa. A “split bath:” a bathroom with a vanity, sink, tub with glass door and a half bathroom with a vanity sink and toilet.

Standard Inside Stateroom

Category 11 | Sleeps 3-4 | 169 sq.ft.

Queen bed, single convertible sofa, upper berth single pull-down bed (if sleeping 4), full bathroom with a vanity, sink, shower and tub with glass door. (Note: a toilet is not mentioned in the description, but is shown on the layout.)

The various stateroom layouts displayed here have been added to our stateroom explorer .

• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)

3 Replies to “Disney Wish: Stateroom Layouts”

Nice staterooms to be sure. The two story is very nice indeed but it would be way too much for just my wife and I… that being said, we would certainly give it try if we could. My wife would never leave the hot tub on the veranda.

While those royal suites look really nice, I can’t justify spending whatever the cost is going to be. I guess I’ll have to wait until the Trackers Vlog about it.

Question about the Deluxe Family w/ Veranda that sleeps 5 – it says there is a single sofa bed, a pull down bed and Q bed. Where does the 5th person sleep?

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Inside Our Disney Wish Verandah Room 6632: Pictures & Video!

When I took my family on our very first cruise aboard the Disney Wish, I wanted to splurge on a great room. I changed our reservation three times to get the most perfect stateroom possible!

I knew from the beginning I wanted a Disney Wish verandah room so we could feel the ocean breeze from the privacy of our own deck space. Ultimately, we stayed in a Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah on the Disney Wish – complete with a HUGE extended balcony!

All I could do was hope I’d picked a great room since I’d never been on any kind of cruise ship before. I’m happy to report that after a 4-night cruise, I really do believe our room is one of the absolute best verandah rooms on the Disney Wish .

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking one, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you.

Best Deck on Disney Wish

My family stayed in a verandah stateroom on deck 6 (starboard side). Before I get into our specific room below, I want to give my opinion on why this was the best deck to stay on in the Disney Wish.

Deck 6 is the first “staterooms only” deck. This means the whole deck is dedicated to rooms. No bars, no entertainment venues, and no restaurants. (Of course, the only deck below it that does have staterooms is deck 2.)

There are two upsides to this. The first is that you’re at very little risk of any noise pollution since there won’t be any activities or parties on the same deck your room is on.

The second is that you are only one deck away from all of the cool stuff happening below! The main restaurants are on decks 3, 4, and 5. The Grand Hall spans all three of these decks as well. All of the best shopping, theatres, and family lounges (plus a couple of adult-only areas) are on these three decks! There’s no need to wait for elevators to hop down to one of the many activities on the ship.

Also, deck 6 is the first deck to offer verandahs! (The decks below are all either interior or oceanview rooms only, meaning they have one or two portholes looking outside.)

The only things you won’t be near (and therefore will want to use the elevators to access) are the pool deck, buffet and counter service foods, and a few adults-only restaurants and lounges.

Yes, the pools and buffets are very important to us, too – but the easy access to everything on the lower decks was by far the better benefit to us.

Best Deck on the Disney Wish for Families with Young Kids

The Oceaneer Club – a club dedicated to kids ages 3 to 12 – is the farthest down, on deck 2. But you only have to go down that far to pick UP your kids; you can easily check them in on deck 3 just off the Grand Hall, and they can take a special slide straight into the secured club!

Based on all the reasons previously mentioned, even considering the location of the kids’ club, if you’re wanting a stateroom with a verandah, I think deck 6 is by far the best floor on the Disney Wish for families.

If access to the Oceaneer Club and it’s a small world nursery are most important to you, you may want to forgo a verandah room and grab an oceanview or interior stateroom on deck 2 instead.

Disney Wish 6632 Verandah Room

We spent our entire cruise in stateroom 6632. It is on the starboard (right) side, mid-aft (back) of the ship. This is a category 4C room.

Technically, this was a Disney Wish Deluxe Family Oceanview with Verandah that sleeps 5 – even though there were only four of us. I didn’t even realize this until we got to our room!

There are up to four beds available: the main queen bed (where my husband and I slept), the convertible sofa sleeper (where my 5-year-old slept), an upper berth pull-down bunk (where my 8-year-old slept), and a pull-out Murphy bed (which we never had pulled down, as we had no need).

Since we never used the fifth sleeping space, we were able to utilize that extra space in the room for our dirty clothes, extra bags of goodies, and (far too many) shoes!

The room features one closet full of shelves right next to the Murphy bed, a vanity/desk with several shelves and a couple of drawers, and another set of shelves next to the spacious closet (which has more shelves and a safe as well as hanging space).

In the large drawer of the desk is a cooler that functions more like a fridge.

There are also nightstands with separately controlled lamps on either side of the queen bed.

Outlets (both American and European) and USB ports are everywhere .

Critical Review of Our Disney Wish Room

Our room connected to 6634 via an interior door right across from the Murphy bed. We kept it locked with our backpacks in front of it, and we never had any issues with our neighbors (whom we did not know).

Room 6632, like most rooms, has a split bath – one with a toilet and sink, and one with a rectangular shower/tub combo and another sink. Personally, I think one large bathroom would’ve been nicer for us, but I totally get why the split bath comes in handy for many guests.

Our bed was extremely comfortable, and our children had no complaints about theirs. The carpet in the room was nice and plush. The couch was extremely hard and not terribly comfortable, but since it’s also a bed and we spent very little time sitting on it, this isn’t a big deal.

Even if you want to watch TV, they’ve placed that directly in front of the main bed (for some reason). So we all ended up congregating on the bed to watch movies.

As far as noises, we heard almost nothing outside of our room when the door was shut. When we were in either part of the split bathroom, we could occasionally hear water running when the people staying next to us were showering; otherwise, it was extremely quiet.

The aft elevator bank was also fairly close to our room (which I loved), and from what I could tell when walking down the hallway to get to the stairwell, even if your room was right next to the elevator and stairwell entrance, you wouldn’t hear a bit of it from inside your stateroom. They are VERY well soundproofed.

Disney Wish Room Themes

A feature of the Wish unlike other Disney Cruise Line ships is that each individual room is themed after a specific princess, with each deck being split between two possible princesses.

Our room, 6632, was on a deck featuring both Cinderella- and Frozen-themed rooms. While my daughter LOVES Frozen and would’ve been very happy to have that theme, 6632 is actually a Cinderella room.

Personally, I thought that was the perfect theme to have on a ship that is entirely themed around Cinderella!

Disney Wish Door

Another unique feature of the Disney Wish is the shape of the room number signs on the stateroom doors.

On all four older ships, the room number is inside a simple circle.

On the Wish, the room number is inside a beautifully shaped frame.

The “fish extender” is also not a fish – but a Cinderella pumpkin carriage!

Since we were on a Halloween on the High Seas cruise, I decided to decorate our stateroom door with some homemade magnets! I made a Nightmare Before Christmas-themed Mickey ears magnet for each of us, as well as some Hocus Pocus magnets.

I used my Cricut Maker 3 and the Print Then Cut feature to cut out on cardstock the images I’d designed. Then I laminated the images for additional protection (using this machine and these laminating pouches ), then cut around the laminate with scissors.

Finally, I did a simple Cut of the same magnet shapes on Craftopia magnet sheets . I peeled off the protective layer to expose the adhesive side of the magnet, then stuck my laminated images on top. Voila! Beautiful, sturdy, personalized magnets!

Disney Wish Bumpout Verandah

If you’re wondering why I changed my stateroom selection three times before sailing, it is entirely because of the extended Disney Wish family verandah!

My original room selection was an oceanview on deck 5. I’d booked over a year ahead, and by the time our sailing had drawn closer, I could afford to upgrade us to a verandah on the port side of deck 6.

Then I read online that when visiting Castaway Cay (Disney’s private island), verandahs on the starboard side actually offer a prettier view of the island and surrounding ocean. So I switched to the other side of the ship – and was able to get one of the slightly “bumped out” verandahs where the balconies form a curve.

Last but not least, after checking the available rooms every few days, the largest extended verandah on our curve came available!

That’s right – other than a handful of concierge rooms, these bumpout verandahs are BIGGEST ones you can get on the Disney Wish. And they don’t cost more than the surrounding rooms that are in the same category.

Is the extra verandah space crucial to your cruise experience? Absolutely not. We found that we had more than enough space to sit outside and drink coffee, meaning the regular-sized verandahs likely would have suited us just fine.

On the other hand, all four of us could be on the balcony without having to squeeze around each other to move around – and that was a nice luxury to have.

Disney Wish Bunk Beds

The “bunk” beds on Disney cruises are really unique (and awesome). The top bunk, called an upper berth pull-down bed, actually hides in the ceiling until it’s time to bring it down.

Also: you won’t ever bring the bed down yourself (nor can you, since it’s accessed with a key). Your stateroom host will have that done for you by the time you get back from dinner! They’ll also put it away in the morning after you leave to eat or play.

In our room, the upper bed already had side rails attached to keep our daughter from rolling out. We didn’t request this, so I assume they’re attached to all the upper beds.

The ladder hooked onto the far left of the bed, and it was easily removable. This was a good thing because it definitely cut into the floor space. We tripped on it more than once before we decided to move it until my daughter was ready for bed.

You should know that this bunk is really close to the ceiling. Our daughter had no issue with it, but a claustrophobic passenger likely couldn’t handle it. Adults may find it difficult to maneuver in without bumping their heads.

One last thing: there’s surprise artwork hiding in the ceiling above the upper bed. Ours was a constellation of Fairy Godmother and “A dream that you wish will come true”. Based on my research, this image is not exclusive to Cinderella-themed rooms; it is above the upper bunk in all staterooms.

Best Rooms on Disney Wish

Choosing the best staterooms on the Disney Wish is a very subjective thing.

Some people always prefer concierge, even though that has more to do with personalized service and access to shared private areas than it does with room location and size.

The best Disney Wish stateroom is one that fits your needs, so I’ll offer my opinions based on some likely scenarios.

If you’re a couple without kids, go for a higher deck. There are some rooms on deck 11 forward (even interior ones if you’re trying to save money) that are right next to the pools, quick-service food stations, and buffet. It’s one deck away from the adult-only restaurants, and two decks away from the adult-only pool/bar/cafe area.

If you’re a family with a baby under 3, go for deck 2. No, you can’t get a verandah here, but the convenience of being on the same floor as the nursery cannot be overstated. Of course, if you don’t plan on leaving your baby to do adult-only things, this advice doesn’t apply!

If you’re a family with young kids, it depends on what your preferred activities are. Do your kids enjoy kids’ clubs, family activities in the lounges, and character meet-and-greets? Go for decks 3-6. Would your kids prefer to spend all day every day swimming and eating? Go for decks 10-11.

If anyone in your group plans on spending a lot of time in the room, I can’t recommend a deluxe family oceanview with (bumpout) verandah enough. My son and husband are both super laid back and easily tired, and they actually did spend a lot of time in our room, This made it well worth it for us.

I’ve made a list of all the deluxe family oceanview staterooms with the largest of the oversized verandahs, and these will always be the ones I go for on the Wish if I sail again:

• Deck 6: 6072, 6074, 6570, 6572, 6130, 6132, 6630, 6632
• Deck 7: 7072, 7074, 7568, 7570, 7130, 7132, 7626, 7628
• Deck 8: 8070, 8072, 8568, 8570, 8128, 8130, 8626, 8628
• Deck 9: 9060, 9062, 9560, 9562, 9120, 9122, 9620, 9622
• Deck 10: 10054, 10056, 10554, 10556, 10114, 10116, 10614, 10616

This list is just the staterooms with the biggest verandahs (at no extra cost). Even the surrounding rooms have larger-than-normal verandahs!

Disney Wish Verandah Stateroom Pictures

Most of my pictures of room 6632 on the Wish were of the “giant” verandah, haha!

BUT, I did take a short video showing what the room looks like, starting from facing the entry door and panning back to the door to the verandah. This gives you a good idea of the layout in a deluxe family room.

If you have any questions about the deluxe oceanview family rooms, the bumpout verandahs, or the Disney Wish in general that I haven’t answered here, feel free to ask and I will answer!

After you’ve booked the best stateroom on the Disney Wish for your family, I recommend checking out this article on the best Disney Wish dining rotation !

Then it’ll be time to go through my detailed Disney Wish review for everything you should expect during your cruise.

You can also find out what rare characters on the Disney Wish you might get to meet, how to get into Olaf’s Royal Picnic , and what has changed with Pirate Night on the newest ship .

I also recommend visiting the Hyperspace Lounge as soon as you board the ship. Read more about the Disney Wish Star Wars bar to find out why!

I’ve also got all the good secrets about Castaway Cay snorkeling (including what you might find there).

Michelle is a two-time veteran mom of over nine years with a passion for family life, celebrations, food, and holidays. Read more about her experience in motherhood .

Similar Posts

Castaway Cay Snorkeling: Review + 8 Crucial Tips

Plus Size Brazilian Wax: Insanely Important Facts + My REAL Experience

13 Authentic Plus Size Southern Boutiques You’ll Love

48 Beautiful Quotes About Loving Children for Mushy Parents

Pirate Night on Disney Wish: It’s Different from the Other DCL Ships

Disney Wish Halloween on the High Seas Review – Is it Worth It?

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Thanks for this thorough review! We are booked in this exact room and we’re wondering how big the obstruction was on the verandah. Did it continue over the top of the verandah or was it just a little bit on the left side?

Hi Marian! I’ll be honest: the “obstruction” is so minuscule, we didn’t even notice it! It’s just the tiny bit on the left side and an equally tiny bit on the top. We had excellent views out of our verandah, whether standing or sitting.

Have a great cruise!!

Hi Michelle!

Thanks so much for the great review, this is exactly the type of information I was hoping to find as we look to book our first ever family cruise. It seemed like this was the case from one of the pictures of your verandah, but juuuuust want to confirm. The railing at the edge looks to have some clear plastic protector so that the railing cannot be climbed, is that right?

Correct! The railing is not open and cannot be climbed.

Keep in mind that there are chairs and a table outside, though. You can always bring them inside or ask your room attendant to remove them if they are a concern!

Do you know anything about 6630? Same size veranda? I’m trying to decide between 6632 and 6630. Thanks a million for all your advice super helpful!

They have the exact same size verandahs! 🙂

We have also booked room 6632! Did you notice any motion of the boat. You didn’t notice any noise from the deck below? Based on the deck plans it looks like it is just above the Edge (club for Tweens) We are fairly light sleepers.

We noticed very, very little motion while in our room. We felt the most motion while in Arendelle for our Pirate Night dinner! But none of us ever got seasick. And no, we never heard noise from Edge in the evening.

How To Choose A Disney Cruise Stateroom

Sharing is caring!

How do you choose a Disney cruise stateroom? If you are new to cruising it can seem overwhelming at first when you are faced with the decision of which stateroom to choose.

Our guide to Disney cruise staterooms will help you to understand your choices and make the best decision for you and your family.

The first thing to realize is that whichever Disney Cruise stateroom you choose (with the exception of concierge) you will still have the same experience on the Disney ship as everyone else.

The same access to entertainment, dining, kids clubs, and all the other magical things about a Disney cruise.

However, the price you pay can be very different depending on which Disney cruise stateroom you choose. It is really important to realize this point.

If you are fine with a Disney inside stateroom, you will still have the same experience on the Disney ship itself, as those who have paid a lot more for a verandah.

The good news is that Disney cruise lines have some of the largest and best-designed staterooms in the industry. They are up to 25% larger than average cruise line cabins.

Disney cruise staterooms really are among the nicest and the best designed sailing the seas.

Want more Disney Cruise Tips? Click Here

You may also have heard about the ‘split’ bathroom. Most of the staterooms on Disney cruises have a bath, sink, and shower which is in a separate room from the toilet and sink. This is a great concept for families sharing.

The design of the Disney cruise staterooms is a nice mix of comfort, practicality and of course, some very special Disney touches.

What Disney Cruise Staterooms Are Available?

There Disney Wonder and Disney Magic have the same basic design, as do the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy.

The classic ships of the Wonder and the Magic have 877 staterooms and a maximum capacity of 2456 passengers.

The newer Disney Dream and Fantasy have 1250 staterooms and a maximum capacity of 3500 passengers.

There are some differences between the two types of ships, so we will describe each in turn with the Disney Magic and Wonder first.

Scroll down if you need to only see information relating to the newer ships the Disney Fantasy and the Disney Dream. You can also see our comprehensive guide at Disney Fantasy Stateroom Choices

Inside Staterooms On The Disney Wonder and Disney Magic

Generally speaking, prices are the lowest for inside staterooms and these make them a good budget choice.

You will still have the same overall Disney cruise experience – you will just probably want to spend less time in your stateroom than those with a verandah.

We think that this has benefits as you will spend more time using the amenities and fabulous areas on the ship.

There are 2 types of Interior Stateroom on the Wonder and Magic:

Interior Stateroom Category 11A, 11B and 11C

These sleep up to 4 and are 184 square feet. There are 160 of these Disney Cruise Staterooms available.

Wondering what the A, B, and C mean? These relate to the location on board ship – we will talk about this more later.

All of the inside and outside staterooms sleep either 3 or 4 people maximum. There is a Queen bed and a sofa bed in all staterooms.

Some also have a pull-down bed above the sofa so they can sleep 4.

These are the only staterooms which do not have the split bathroom. We have stayed in this category and found it fine as a great choice when you are on a budget.

Everything is well designed, but it is compact.

If you think you are going to spend a lot of time in your stateroom this honestly is probably not a great choice.

However, if this is the only one that fits into your budget then our opinion is go ahead and book.

You still get to enjoy everything everyone else does on the ship – you just don’t pay as much!

Deluxe Interior Stateroom Category 10A, 10B and 10C on Disney Wonder and Magic

These are larger inside staterooms at 214 square feet. They do have the split bathroom so the toilet is separate from the bath and shower room.

There are 96 Deluxe Inside Staterooms available.

Join my Disney Cruise Group for Tips and Free Giveaways!

Oceanview Staterooms on Disney Magic and Disney Wonder Category 9A, 9B, 9C and 9D

These are the same square footage at 214 as the Deluxe Interior Staterooms. The difference is they have a window or porthole.

Navigator Verandah Staterooms on Disney Wonder and Disney Magic Category 7A

These are very popular staterooms and are usually the first to be completely booked. This is a design unique to the Disney cruise line as it is a mix of Outside and Verandah staterooms.

The stateroom is 214 square feet and the same design as the Oceanview cabin. The difference is an enclosed balcony of 54 square feet. There is a separate sitting area that looks a lot like a balcony but it not open to the outside.

The Navigator Verandah Staterooms sleep up to 3 guests.

They are not available on the Disney Fantasy or Disney Dream.

Deluxe Verandah Staterooms on Disney Wonder and Magic Category 5A,5B,5C and 6A

These are the same design as the Oceanview and are 214 square feet, with the addition of a verandah of 54 square feet. These sleep up to 4 guests.

This is the ideal choice of many Disney cruise guests as it offers the balcony.

Disney Deluxe Family Stateroom With Verandah

These are a cruise rarity – a stateroom that sleeps 5. For most cruise lines you have to book a suite to have room for 5 but on Disney, these Verandah staterooms are great for larger families.

These Disney cruise staterooms are 250 square feet with a verandah of 54 square feet.

There is a Queen bed, sleeper sofa, and drop down above, with an additional drop-down bed that goes in front of the verandah door.

We have stayed in these staterooms multiple times and they offer great space for families of up to 5.

All of the Deluxe Family Staterooms with Verandah are on Deck 8 of the Disney Magic and Wonder and there are 80 available.

Inside Staterooms On Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy

Again there are 2 different types of inside stateroom on the new ships. The great innovation on these newer ships is the Virtual Porthole in all of the inside staterooms.

The Virtual Porthole is a video screen that projects images of the outside of the ship. And if you watch carefully you may well see some Disney characters swim across the screen.

These staterooms are very popular, and often sell out more quickly than the Outside Categories.

Interior Stateroom Disney Dream and Fantasy Category 11A, 11B and 11C

These are 169 square feet and do not have the split bathroom. They have a Queen bed and sleeper sofa. Some also have the drop-down bed above the sleeper.

There are 131 interior staterooms available on Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream.

Deluxe Interior Staterooms on Disney Dream and Fantasy Category 10A

These are 204 square feet and sleep either 3 or 4. There are 19 staterooms so this Category tends to sell out quickly. These do have the split bathroom.

Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom on Disney Fantasy and Dream Category 9A,9B,9C and 9D

These Disney cruise staterooms are 204 square feet and have one or two small portholes. They sleep up to 4 guest and there are 91 available.

Family Oceanview Stateroom On Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream Category 8A,8B,8C and 8D

These Family Oceanview Staterooms sleep up to 5 guests and are 241 square feet. They have a Queen bed, sleeper sofa with drop-down bunk bed above, and an additional pull-down bed near the window.

These Oceanview staterooms have a large porthole window which can be used as a window seat.

There are 108 staterooms.

Deluxe Verandah Stateroom on Disney Fantasy and Dream Category 5A,5B,5C,5D,5E,6A,6B and 7A

These are the most plentiful staterooms with 499 to choose from onboard the Fantasy and Dream. They sleep up to 4 and have 203 square feet of living space and a balcony verandah of 43 square feet.

They have a Queen bed and sleeper sofa with some also having the drop-down bunk.

Family Verandah Stateroom On Disney Fantasy and Dream Category 4A,4B,4C,4D and 4E

These are 256 square feet of living space and a verandah of 43 square feet. There are 362 staterooms to choose from. They sleep up to 5 and all have a Queen bed, sleeper sofa with bunk above, and a drop-down bed near the verandah.

Concierge Staterooms On Disney Cruise Line

There are distinct differences between the classic ships the Magic and the Wonder and the newer ships the Fantasy and Dream.

The newer ships were designed to have more benefits for concierge guests than on the Wonder and Dream.

Both the Fantasy and the Dream have a concierge lounge and private deck.

The Disney Magic and Wonder do now how a concierge lounge which is converted from a former adults-only lounge.

Here are the extra benefits for Concierge Guests:

Early Embarkation . Concierge Guests are the first to board the ship. Also depending upon the cruise port of departure there may be a special Concierge waiting area or lounge in the port. Not much of a benefit except you will be assured you will actually get a chair!

Concierge Lounge This is a nice benefit on all Disney ships.

The Lounge on the Fantasy and Dream is open from 7 am to 10 pm and is always staffed by a concierge who will help you with anything you need.

There are snacks in the lounge as well – as if you don’t have enough eating options already. Alcoholic drinks are served and are complimentary at certain times. 

Concierge Guests Can Book Onboard Activities and Port Adventures Early

This can be a huge benefit for some activities which book quickly such as the cabanas on Castaway Cay. Really your only chance of getting these is if you are a concierge guest as they are in extremely high demand.

Priority Tender Boarding

This is a very nice perk with tender ports as concierge guests can have priority getting to shore on the tender boats.

The Concierge Sundeck is a very nice private area for concierge guests. It tends to be really quiet and there is never a problem getting a lounge chair.

Concierge Dining Choices are available so that you can have your meals served in your stateroom (except Category V on the new ships).

Disney Wonder and Magic Concierge Staterooms

The smallest Concierge staterooms on the Wonder and Magic are the Concierge Family Oceanview Staterooms with Verandah . They are 304 square feet and sleep up to 5 guests.

They are all on Deck 8 and are identical in size and configuration to the Family Oceanview Staterooms with Verandah which can be found on the same deck.

They have upgraded bedding and amenities. They were upgraded when the Concierge Lounges were added to the Classic Ships.

There are One Bedroom Suites that sleep up to 5 guests in 614 square feet of space. there are 18 of these on the Wonder and Magic.

Also available on the classic ships are Two Bedroom Staterooms with 945 square feet of space and sleeping up to 7 guests.

For the ultimate in luxury and space, guests can enjoy the Walt Disney or the Roy Disney Royal Suites . At 1029 square feet you have enough room for 7 guests.

Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream Concierge Staterooms

There are more concierge staterooms available on the new Fantasy and Dream than there are on the classic ships.

Disney realized the high demand and designed the new ships to accommodate more guests in concierge with better facilities.

Concierge Family Verandah Stateroom Disney Fantasy and Dream Category V

There are 20 Concierge Family Verandah Staterooms to choose from and each are 263 square feet with a 43 square foot balcony.

The basic design is the same as the Family Verandah Staterooms but with upgraded furnishings and bedding and of course access to concierge facilities.

These staterooms sleep up to 5.

Concierge One Bedroom Suite Stateroom on Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream Category T

There are 19 One Bedroom Suite Staterooms with 536 square feet of space and 86 square foot verandah.

There is a Queen size bed in the bedroom and a double sofa bed in the living area. There is also a single pull down wall bed in the living area.

The living area has a dining table and you can order from the dining room menus.

Concierge Royal Suite Stateroom on Disney Dream and Fantasy Category R

These are the most luxurious suites on the Disney ships and there are only 2 of them. They usually book on day one when booking opens.

The Suites sleep up to 5 guests in 898 square feet of space with an additional 883 square feet of the wrap-around curved verandah.

There is a master bedroom with a Queen bed. There is a pull-down wall double sofa bed and a pull-down single bed in the living area.

If you want the ultimate in luxury and have no budget considerations then this is the one for you!

Which Deck Is The Best on the Disney Fantasy and Dream?

This is a question which people spend a lot of time over but really it isn’t that big of a deal. The lower the deck the cheaper the price is the usual idea.

There can be hundreds of dollars difference between the same design stateroom if one is on a higher deck.

We have sailed on many of the decks and decided it really does not make any difference to your enjoyment of your cruise.

The advantage of the lower decks is they are nearer to restaurants, shopping, and the theatre.

The higher decks are closer to the pools, the spa and the adult areas – and of course the buffet.

The general idea of cruise ships is that the lower, midship rooms are more stable so if you think seasickness may be an issue .

But we have sailed on rough seas on the Disney Wonder on Deck 8 and really not been affected at all. This just depends on your personal preference.

Another consideration is what is above your stateroom. In our opinion, this doesn’t matter that much on the Disney ships.

We have sailed on Deck 8 of the Disney Wonder many times and it is true that you can hear some activity, sometimes, on the pool deck above.

But we have never found it loud enough to be a problem.

Do You Really Need A Balcony Stateroom?

The simple fact is that balcony staterooms cost more than inside or outside ones. The difference can be quite considerable.

If you can afford it then definitely choose the verandah stateroom.

It is nice to sit outside on your own balcony overlooking the ocean or getting excited about your port arrival. On cruises to Alaska, Europe and The Panama Canal a balcony is particularly nice.

But if the choice is a balcony cabin or waiting to book the Disney cruise because you need to save up more, then I would choose an inside stateroom and go on a cruise!

Where Are The Disney Cruise Staterooms To Avoid?

This is always a big question for anyone going on a Disney cruise. If you start to research this there are a lot of opinions about things to avoid.

Most people say to avoid staterooms under the pool deck – but our experience on Disney ships is that this really isn’t good advice.

We have stayed many times on Deck 8 of the classic ships and have experienced only very occasional noise from the pool deck above.

If you are still concerned about this then avoid the lowest decks because of possible noise from the anchor when arriving at tender ports (so likely to happen only once on your cruise) or engine noise.

We have never experienced this but have read many reviews and some guests do seem to experience it.

Really there aren’t any bad staterooms. One of our most enjoyable Disney cruises was when staying on Deck 2 in one of the least cost staterooms available.

We heard no noise, felt no motion, and had a great time.

What About Single Travelers On A Disney Cruise?

There are certainly many people who travel on Disney cruises as singles. Unfortunately, they will pay as much for a stateroom as 2 guests though – Disney does not give a price concession to singles.

There are sometimes singles lunch events on Sea Days but Disney is not concentrating on the single market.

We would love to see more encouragement of single cruisers but for the moment we guess that Disney really doesn’t need to pursue this market.

Which is your favorite Disney cruise stateroom? We would love to hear from you, so just leave us a comment!

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.

Top 10 Tips For Your First Disney Cruise » EverythingMouse Guide To Disney

Thursday 15th of October 2015

[…] How To Choose A Disney Cruise Stateroom […]

How To Save Money On A Disney Cruise » EverythingMouse Guide To Disney

Monday 5th of October 2015

Best Staterooms on a Disney Cruise

Disney Cruise Lines are perfect for families looking to enjoy quality time together. But with so many different categories and subcategories, how do you know which stateroom is right for you? Let’s investigate how to select the best staterooms on a Disney cruise for your family vacation.

Not familiar with the term “stateroom”?  Disney Cruise Line refers to the individual passenger rooms on its cruise ships as “staterooms.”  You might have heard these previously referred to elsewhere as “ cabins .”

The Disney Cruise Line offers four main types of staterooms: Concierge (the most expensive ), Veranda, Oceanview, and Inside (the least expensive). In each category and within each ship, there are different options (subcategories). Category 1 is typically the most costly, followed by Category 2, etc. Category 11 is the least expensive. Within each category, subcategory A is typically more expensive than subcategory B, and so on.

The amenities and size of the room usually correspond to the price, with Category 1 being the biggest and best while Category 11 has the smallest rooms with the fewest features.

Within each numbered category, the letter subcategories typically designate more preferable locations on the ship’s deck plan (rather than differences in stateroom amenities).  For example, a 4A stateroom might be in a better location than a 4C stateroom, but the interiors of both staterooms will be virtually identical. Note that some Concierge staterooms are an exception to this rule; Category 1A is a drastically different stateroom versus Category 1B.

Generally speaking, rooms located on higher decks or the middle of each deck plan (known as midship or mid ) are considered more preferable than lower decks or staterooms that are forward (front of the ship) or aft (rear of the ship). Which side of the ship the room is on (port side or starboard side) generally does not factor into stateroom category.

Also note that some stateroom categories cater to different travel parties. Some staterooms might only sleep up to a family of four , whereas others can hold five or more.

Please note that this guide does not include accessible suites , which offer the same level of convenience and comfort to guests with disabilities. For questions about accessible suites or any of the below-listed rooms, please get in touch with The Vacationeer .

Their team of experienced Disney travel agents will help you find the best itineraries at the lowest price, and there’s never an additional charge for their services.

Now, let’s look at the best staterooms on a Disney Cruise ship .

Concierge Staterooms (Most Expensive Main Category)

The stunning Concierge Wish Tower Suite stateroom on the Disney Wish | Image © Disney

The Concierge category offers the most luxurious – and expensive – accommodations on Disney Cruise Line. Each room has a large private verandah and premium amenities and services.

The Concierge Wish Tower Suite and the Concierge Royal Suite are the ship’s most spacious and lavishly appointed rooms. Additionally, the Concierge 1-Bedroom Suite is a more modestly priced option that still offers an incredible experience. For families, the Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom provides plenty of space and convenient access to all of the ship’s family-friendly amenities.

Concierge-level staterooms in categories 1, 2, and 3 include additional perks , such as access to priority seating for excursions and events and exclusive access to the Concierge Lounge, where you can relax with complimentary coffee, tea, and pastries or enjoy evening hors d’oeuvres and cocktails.

Here’s a breakdown of the categories found in the Concierge category.

Category 1A – Concierge Wish Tower Suite (Disney Wish cruise ship only)

The Wish Tower Suite on Deck 14 and 15 is the Disney Cruise Line’s most luxurious room. It has two bedrooms, a space for children with two bunk beds, and a library that can convert into two more rooms. Aside from the four full bathrooms and the half-bath off the living room, the suite has floor-to-ceiling windows on both decks, providing a great view of the ship from the suite.

Eight guests can stay in this 1,966 sq. ft. suite. It has a wow factor like no other!

Recommendation :  The Concierge Wish Tower Suite is the perfect choice for families or groups who have the money to spend and won’t settle for anything less than the best. Nothing out-competes the luxury of this stateroom.  It truly is the best stateroom on a Disney Cruise.

The location of the Concierge Wish Tower Suite | Image © Disney

Category 1A – Concierge Royal Suite w/ Verandah (Disney Dream, Fantasy, Magic, & Wonder cruise ships)

The Concierge Royal Suite with Verandah stateroom is the largest and most luxurious suite offered on Disney’s Dream, Fantasy, Magic, and Wonder. The Magic and Wonder ships can accommodate up to 7 guests, and the Dream and Fantasy ships can accommodate up to 5 guests.

The suite features a living area with a formal dining table and sitting area and a massive verandah with a private hot tub on the Dream and Fantasy ships. The decor in these suites is luxurious and tasteful, making it the perfect choice for those looking for the ultimate in luxury and comfort.

Recommendation :  This is the Crème de la Crème of staterooms on the Disney Dream, Fantasy, Magic, and Wonder cruise ships. If roominess and luxury are what you’re after, and you have the money to spend, then Concierge Royal Suite with Verandah is a great choice. 

Category 1B – Concierge 2-Story Royal Suite w/ Verandah (Disney Wish)

The Concierge 2-Story Royal Suite with Verandah on the Disney Wish cruise ship is a luxurious and spacious stateroom that spans two decks (decks 12 and 13). The Suite features a spiral staircase, two large bedrooms, three full bathrooms, a large dining and living area, and two large verandahs with a private hot tub.

This stateroom is an impressive 1,759 sq. ft and can comfortably sleep six guests,

Recommendation:  The 2-Story Royal Suite is another fantastic offering from the new Disney Wish. Perfect for families and groups of six who want to be treated like kings and queens. 

Category 1B – Concierge 2-Bedroom Suite w/ Verandah (Disney Magic & Wonder)

Disney Cruise Line’s Concierge 2-Bedroom Suite with Verandah features two separate bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, and a spacious sitting area.  The total area is 945 sq. ft., including the verandah, and can accommodate up to seven people. A large verandah is perfect for enjoying the views or relaxing. It is an impressive suite, perfect for a large group or family!

This stateroom is only available on Disney Magic and Disney Wonder .

Recommendation:   An excellent choice for families who want plenty of luxury and space. Choose the starboard (right) side if you sail to Castaway Cay because you will have better views of Disney’s private island when docked. 

Category 1C – 1-Story Royal Suites w/ Verandah (Disney Wish)

With a classic elegance inspired by Sleeping Beauty, the Disney Wish’s 1-Story Royal Suites with Verandah are perfect for families and groups of up to 6. There are two bedrooms, a living room and dining room, three full bathrooms, and an impressive 1,507 square feet of living space. The wet bar is perfect for entertaining, and the large private verandah with a whirlpool tub is the ideal place to relax.

Recommendation :  These beautiful and family-friendly staterooms will make your cruise vacation unforgettable.

Category 2A and 2B – Concierge 1-Bedroom Suite w/ Verandah (All Disney Cruise Ships)

Disney cruises offer a 1-Bedroom Suite with Verandah for those looking for a little extra space and privacy on their vacation. The suite sleeps up to 5 people and features a separate bedroom, two bathrooms, a living room, and a wet bar.  The main bathroom has double sinks, a rain-style shower, and a whirlpool tub. A large walk-in closet provides plenty of space for storing your belongings.

The main difference between Categories 2A and 2B is location. Magic and Wonder’s 2A suites have a slightly different layout with a longer verandah. Dream and Fantasy’s 2A suites are located between the two connecting Royal Suites and the ship’s front center. The 2A suites of the Disney Wish are located on deck 12 and have a deeper verandah than the 2B suites.

Recommendation:  This is an excellent option if you only need one bedroom but still want plenty of roominess and class. 

A Concierge One-Bedroom Suite on the Disney Fantasy | Image © Disney

Category 3A and 3B – Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom w/ Verandah (Disney Dream, Fantasy, Magic, & Wonder)

The Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah on Disney cruises is a luxurious private room that sleeps up to five people. This room is complete with a private verandah with beautiful sea views and an abundance of warm woods and custom fabrics.

The stateroom features a queen-sized bed, a convertible sofa, a Pullman bunk bed, and a spacious bathroom with a shower, TV, and a safe. There are just over 300 square feet of living space. Additionally, families have concierge-level guests access to a private lounge and priority boarding.

Recommendation:   Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom is excellent for families that want the luxury and perks of a Concierge-level stateroom but don’t need all the bells and whistles (and expense) of the Category 1 and 2 staterooms. 

Category 3B – Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom (Disney Wish)

The Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom on Disney Wish offers stunning sea views through floor-to-ceiling windows.

A king bed, a single convertible sofa, and an upper-berth single pull-down bed make up this room, which can accommodate up to five guests. There is also a wall pull-down bed in rooms that sleep five. The 357-square-foot room provides plenty of space for the whole family to relax.

Guests staying in a Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom also have access to special concierge services, including priority boarding and seating at shows and restaurant reservations. If you’re looking for a truly magical experience, book a stay in one of these Little Mermaid-themed spaces.

Recommendation :  These are fun and family-oriented staterooms on Disney’s newest cruise ship. This is a good option if you want a Concierge-level room at a relatively affordable price.

Verandah (Balcony) Staterooms

A stateroom verandah onboard the Disney Magic | Image © Disney

Verandah staterooms are Disney’s most spacious non-concierge accommodations, each with its own balcony outside the ship where you can enjoy the fresh air while watching the ocean go by.

Category four, five, six, and seven are verandah staterooms. Some rooms in this category offer partial views, but all provide a comfortable and relaxing space.

Category 4 – Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom w/ Verandah (All Disney Cruise Ships)

The Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah on Disney cruises is the largest stateroom on the ships that are not concierge suites. Roughly 300 sq ft, it sleeps up to 5 and is the only single-room option for a family of 5 on the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder. The Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah is also the most frequently booked option for families of 5 on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy .

All of these factors considered it’s no wonder that this room type is one of the most popular among families cruising with Disney.

Recommendation : The Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom is perfect for families of four or five who value roominess and want to enjoy the ocean breeze from the verandah . 

Category 5 – Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah (All Disney Cruise Ships)

The Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah on Disney cruises is a fantastic choice for your family cruise. With enough space to comfortably sleep 3-4 guests and an unobstructed verandah, this room type is perfect for enjoying the beautiful view.

Magic and Wonder’s cabins are 268 sq ft, while Dream, Fantasy, and Wish are 248 sq ft. The Deluxe Oceanview Staterooms with Verandah come with a queen bed, a sleeper sofa, and a pull-out berth (if sleeping four). This room type also features a sitting area, plenty of closet space, and a private verandah to enjoy the view without leaving your stateroom.

Recommendation :   Among the regular-sized verandah cabins, these are the most common and the most frequently booked for families with four or fewer members. They are an excellent choice!

A Category 5 stateroom on the Disney Dream | Image © Disney

Category 6 – Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah – Undersized, Obstructed View, or White Wall  (All Disney Cruise Ships)

Category 6 staterooms are located near the back of the ship’s upper deck. Accommodations are nearly identical to those found in Category 5 but have either an undersized, obstructed, or white wall verandah. Those who book a Category 6 cabin on the Magic and Wonder will have full white wall railings, while on the Dream and Fantasy, the white wall only extends halfway up the railing.

All of these staterooms sleep at least three, and many sleep 4.

Recommendation :  Because these rooms are nearly identical to Category 5 rooms, they are a terrific way to save money on your Disney cruise . We recommend the Dream and Fantasy 6B staterooms because of their stunning views, and Disney Magic and Wonder’s Category 6 staterooms on Deck 6 have more verandah space, as do 5650 and 5150.

Category 7 – Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Navigator’s Verandah (All Disney Cruise Ships)

Navigator verandahs on Disney Magic and Disney Wonder feature mostly enclosed balconies with a viewing window cut out. In contrast, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, and Disney Wish have a minimally obstructed view from the verandah.

Recommendation:  The rooms in Category 7 are nearly identical to those in Category 5 and 6, so they are a good way to save on a Disney cruise if you don’t mind having a partial view. We believe these are the best values in the verandah category, particularly on the Dream, Fantasy, and Wish.

Feeling overwhelmed?  Working with an experienced Disney travel agent can calm the waters!  Contact the Disney Cruise experts at The Vacationeer !

Not only will they arrange every part of your cruise, but they’ll provide a generous onboard credit you can use towards purchases while you’re on the ship.  There’s never any obligation to book, and there’s no additional charge to use their planning services!

If it’s your first time cruising with Disney , working with The Vacationeer really is the best way to go!

Oceanview (Porthole) Staterooms

The giant porthole featured in some oceanview staterooms on the Disney Dream | Image © Disney

The Oceanview category of staterooms (Category 8 and 9) features rooms with scenic vistas through genuine porthole windows. The Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom is perfect for families, while the Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom provides a more intimate setting.

Category 8 – Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom (Disney Dream, Fantasy, & Wish)

Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, and Disney Wish to offer a truly luxurious cruise experience with their Category 8 Deluxe Family Oceanview Staterooms.

These staterooms are much larger than the standard size (around 240 sq ft), sleeping between 3 and 5 people comfortably. In addition, they feature unique round tub-showers (see the video above for Category 4) and large portholes with seating, making them the perfect place to relax and take in the breathtaking views. The exceptions to this are the 8As, which are similar to suites with two large portholes and plenty of space. Families and groups can enjoy Category 8A even more since many have a divider between the bed and seating area. None of them will disappoint.

Recommendation :  Families looking for affordability and comfort will find the Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom is the right choice.

Category 9 – Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom (All Disney Cruise Ships)

The Category 9 Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom sleeps 3 or 4 people and is the same size as the category 10’s with a similar layout and features. The Disney Dream and Fantasy Rooms are 204 sq ft, 214 on Disney Magic and Wonder, and 218 sq ft on Disney Wish. Most rooms have a porthole on one of the walls. On the Magic and Wonder ships, the 9D staterooms on deck 1 have two small portholes instead of one large porthole.

A, B, C, and D designations represent Disney’s assessment of the location and view of the room. In Dream, Fantasy, and Wish, the 9C and 9D staterooms typically have obstructed views and are usually located in the front of the vessel.

Recommendation :  If you prefer to save money over having a porthole in your room, opt for Category 10. 

Inside Staterooms (Least Expensive Main Category)

An Inside Stateroom on the Disney Wish | Image © Disney

The Inside category features Disney Cruise Line’s base accommodations, with no window (no exterior view) but still featuring a nautical motif. The Deluxe Inside Stateroom is slightly larger than the Standard Inside Stateroom and provides additional storage space and a sitting area.

Category 10 –Deluxe Inside Stateroom (Disney Dream, Fantasy, Magic, & Wonder)

Rooms in Category 10 are almost identical to those in Category 9, except for being unable to see the outside. These staterooms also have more square footage than those in Category 11.

The Disney Dream/Fantasy Deluxe Inside Staterooms are 204 sq ft, and the Disney Magic/Wonder rooms are 214 sq ft. They can accommodate 3 or 4 people.

Disney Wish does not have a Deluxe Inside category.

Virtual portholes on the Disney Dream and Fantasy ships allow passengers to see what is happening outside (along with a bit of Disney magic thrown in).

There are also a select few unnamed staterooms on the Magic/Wonder ships known in some circles as “secret porthole” staterooms — they actually have porthole windows but Disney decided not to classify them as oceanview rooms because lifeboats or other architectural elements obstruct the views.

Deluxe Inside Staterooms have a split bathroom, with one half having a sink and a shower, and the other half having a toilet and a sink. A, B, and C subcategories are assigned according to their locations, with A subcategories on upper decks or closer to midship, while C subcategories are on lower decks.

Recommendation : Deluxe Inside Cabins/Staterooms are an excellent option for couples or families of 3 or 4 on a budget. 

Category 11 – Standard Inside Stateroom (All Disney Cruise Ships)

Standard Inside Staterooms are typically the cheapest rooms available on Disney Cruise Line .

Standard Inside Staterooms sleep three, and some sleep four.  They’re smaller than other staterooms, but the amenities are the same. The Disney Magic and Wonder rooms are 184 square feet, while the Dream Fantasy and Wish rooms are 169 square feet.

There’s no split bathroom in a Standard Inside Stateroom. The Disney Dream and Fantasy ships feature a Magical Porthole with real-time views, but the other ships do not have exterior views.

Disney divides the rooms into categories A, B, and C based on attractiveness. Category 11A rooms are found on upper decks and near the ship’s middle, while 11B rooms are on lower decks.

Recommendation:  The Standard Inside Statement is a small and cheap option, so you shouldn’t expect too much from it. However, this DCL room offers more space than you would get on other (non-Disney) cruise ships of the same class. It allows couples and small families the opportunity to enjoy a Disney cruise at a reasonable price.

As always seems to be the case, the best option for you may not be the best option for another family.

Ask yourself the question: “what’s most important to me?”  Is it having a balcony? Is it experiencing concierge level service in a suite? Is it having additional beds for kids? Is it saving money and just making sure you’re onboard the ship?

Answering those questions, then reviewing deck plans, photos, reviews, and our guide/tips above will help you decide what’s best for you.

No matter your room type, you’re sure to have a magical experience aboard a Disney Cruise ship.

Thanks for reading our Best Staterooms on a Disney Cruise article.  Happy cruising (and don’t forget your passport)!

Ready to Book your Disney Cruise Line Stateroom?

Working with an experienced travel agent is the best way to ensure smooth sailing, and The Vacationeer is ready and willing to help you. They can help you determine the best staterooms on a Disney Cruise for your family and the best time to go on a Disney cruise as far as cost and weather are concerned.

Their team of Disney travel agents will help you wade through an ocean of option, arranging every part of your cruise and providing a generous onboard credit you can use towards purchases, activities, and gratuity while you’re on the ship.

Whether you’re planning far in advance or looking for a last-minute cruise , they have the know-how to save you money!

There’s never any obligation to book, and there’s no additional charge to use their planning services!

Related Posts:

Share This Page: Choose Your Platform!

About the author: joshua powell.

Related Posts

Leave A Comment Cancel reply

Is Disney Cruise Line concierge level worth it? We tested it to find out.

When you sail on a Disney cruise, everyone gets access to included food, good service and great entertainment. But there's a class of cabins and guests that get a little bit of extra pixie dust — Disney Cruise Line concierge guests.

Disney Cruise Line sits toward the pricier end of the cruising spectrum, even in the most basic of staterooms. But let's assume you've already decided that the cost to cruise with Disney — with the Disney characters, access to an included rotating dining room schedule and evening Broadway-caliber Disney shows — is worth it for you.

Looking at the cabin and amenity options available on Disney cruise ships, you may eventually go further down the rabbit (er, mouse) hole and wonder if Disney Cruise Line's concierge-level rooms and service are worth an additional premium.

To answer this question, we've sailed in a concierge-level room (twice) to see what exactly all that extra cash gets you on Disney Wonder and, more recently, on the new Disney Wish . Here's what we found out about Disney Cruise Line concierge-level rooms, benefits, service and lounge, and whether or not the perks are worth the additional cost.

What is Disney Cruise Line's concierge level?

Disney Cruise Line's concierge level is similar in some ways to a club-level room at a Disney World or Disneyland resort hotel. You pay more for this type of accommodation in exchange for access to a lounge, more attentive service and additional benefits. But the extras for concierge service on a Disney cruise ship actually go much further than the added benefits of a club room at the Disney parks.

Those who decide to spend the extra cash for a concierge-level room will be spoiled with earlier booking dates for excursions and activities, special onboard meals and offerings, the ability to book cabanas at Disney's Castaway Cay private island before others, early access to the theater in the evening to nab the best seats and a private lounge to utilize on the ship.

To access the concierge level on a Disney cruise, you have to book a concierge room type, and the benefits and upgraded service then convey with that cabin type. It's not an add-on you can tack onto an otherwise non-concierge stateroom.

Stateroom types within that concierge class of rooms start at the verandah-level room (i.e., a cabin with a private balcony) and go up in price and size to include a variety of suites. If you're already thinking you want to book a suite, you don't also have to decide about concierge level; you will automatically get Disney Cruise Line's concierge service included with your premium accommodations.

However, if you plan to book a cabin with a balcony, you will need to decide whether you want a room with the standard inclusions or if you want to upgrade to a concierge room with a balcony and all the extra Disney Cruise Line concierge benefits. The difference can be thousands of dollars.

When I priced out Disney Cruise Line concierge rooms, cruise fares started at just over $3,000 for a short sailing for two people. Prices go up to tens of thousands of dollars for concierge level for the larger suites or on longer sailings.

FOR NO-COST ASSISTANCE WITH PLANNING AND BOOKING YOUR NEXT DISNEY VACATION, CHECK OUT TPG'S DISNEY BOOKING PARTNER, MOUSE COUNSELORS .

Related: Best credit cards for cruises

Disney Cruise Line concierge benefits

Booking a concierge-level room on a Disney cruise brings many perks beyond access to the physical concierge lounge. Here's a quick summary of some of the Disney Cruise Line concierge benefits.

• Priority booking of activities and excursions 120 days before sailing.
• Priority boarding — be among the first on the ship.
• Access to the concierge lounge with included food and drinks.
• Complimentary wine, beer and spirits in the concierge lounge in the evenings.
• Free popcorn in the movie theaters.
• Priority seating for the evening shows.
• Priority walk-off on debarkation day.
• Room service ordering of hot breakfast or dinner from the main restaurants.
• Access to knowledgeable and helpful concierge hosts.

To appreciate the value of these perks, you have to understand how activity bookings work on a Disney cruise. Most cruise lines, including Disney, have an elite status pecking order in terms of when you can board, book premium onboard restaurants, make spa appointments, secure shore excursions and schedule onboard activities.

On Disney Cruise Line, first-time cruisers can make those bookings starting 75 days before sailing. That sounds like plenty of time, but unfortunately, those who have sailed with Disney before can make the bookings 90 to 120 days before setting sail, depending on their Castaway Club status .

However, if you book concierge level, the concierge team asks for your activity preferences via email 125 days before your sail date. They put in your requests precisely when the 120-day booking window opens, so essentially no one can book anything before you. This jump-start increases the odds that you get the spa times, onboard tastings, adults-only restaurant reservations and excursions you want.

Notably, if you want to book a private cabana at Castaway Cay, you basically have to sail in concierge level or have a high tier of status within the Disney Cruise Line program to snag one, as they book up quickly. This strategy works better on Disney's smaller ships; Disney Wish has so many concierge rooms that there's no guarantee you'll get a private cabana if everyone else is vying for the opportunity, as well.

Those in a concierge-level suite can also order from an expanded room service menu that includes meals from a main dining room on the ship. This is the only way to get a hot breakfast delivered to your stateroom.

Disney Cruise Line concierge guests also get priority tendering to ports, when required. Thanks to priority boarding times on embarkation day, we were the third family to come aboard when we sailed on Disney Wonder, which meant we got several more hours on the ship than we did on our first cruise. Boarding first also meant we had the pools and slides to ourselves for a long time.

Port Canaveral, the departure port for several Disney cruise ships, offers an entire lounge with a stocked fridge where concierge guests can wait before boarding starts for that group. Your special treatment starts before you even walk on board.

Once onboard, plan on stopping by the exclusive embarkation-day lunch for concierge-level guests, so you can avoid the lunchtime crowds and get to know your concierge host team. While it's not mandatory to attend, the lunch is a good way to kick off your cruise (before or after you've gotten in any early swimming you want to do).

Pro tip: Get the welcome-aboard sundae if it's on offer.

For me, the best part of the concierge magic is the final thing the concierge staff can do for you on the last morning of your sailing.

On our first cruise, getting off the ship literally took hours. We burned off our "vacation high" in a hurry. But when you cruise in the concierge level, you can enjoy a light breakfast in the lounge, and then the staff can take you and your luggage down a private elevator and straight to the walkway off the ship. Debarkation takes mere minutes.

This may not sound impressive until you've done it the other way, battling thousands of cruisers also ready to disembark. I'm here to tell you that experiencing no lines, no stress and no regrets as the concierge staff escorted us off the ship made for an easier transition back into the real world.

Inside the Disney concierge lounge

The physical concierge lounge is a tangible hallmark of Disney Cruise Line's concierge-level service.

On Disney Wonder, the lounge is located midship on Deck 10, which is almost as high as you can go on the ship. On Disney Wish, the concierge lounge is on decks 12 and 13, which was also one of the topmost decks on that ship.

You must use your keycard to get into the lounge. Near the entrance, concierge staff are waiting to assist you; they will quickly get to know you over the course of the cruise. The staff are basically your cruise fairy godparents. (On the flip side, they'd totally know if you tried to bring in a non-concierge guest, so don't do that.)

The lounges themselves each have a food and beverage area (with a great coffee machine!), along with various seating areas. On Disney Wish, the lounge had a good-sized bar, plus hot tubs and a small pool deck just for concierge guests.

Except on debarkation day and for a private Disney character meet-and-greet when we sailed on Disney Wonder in early 2020, the lounge was rarely crowded during our visits.

In the concierge lounge, you'll find light snacks and small plates that rotate throughout the day with some treats you can only get in this lounge.

On Disney Wish, we enjoyed the lunchtime sushi rolls that we only found in the concierge lounge. We loved to pop in for a snack or dessert for the kids. Since the lounge was so close to the concierge rooms on Wish, it was logistically simpler to grab a quick breakfast or snack there rather than heading over to the main onboard restaurants.

Related: How we made our second cruise better than the first

But what I truly loved about Disney's concierge lounge was the help-yourself-fridge. We stocked the mini-fridge in our stateroom from this main fridge, as well as loaded our backpack before shore excursions.

Each evening, complimentary beer, wine and spirits are served in the lounge by bartenders who seemed to know everyone's names by the second evening. Don't worry if you don't drink or you want something for your kids, mocktails and alcohol-free "daiquiris" were available upon request.

Disney Cruise Line concierge rooms

Disney Cruise Line concierge rooms generally start at the oceanview with verandah level, and they will be clearly labeled as concierge rooms when booking. Disney Wish also offers a few 357-square-foot family oceanview rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows without verandahs within the concierge class, too.

If you're looking for more space, the ships have one-bedroom, two-bedroom and specialty suites (like the insane 1,966-square-foot Tower Suite on Disney Wish). As previously mentioned, all Disney Cruise Line suites come with included concierge access and services.

On Disney Wish, we qualified for concierge access by sailing in a 608-square-foot one-bedroom suite that was just a few doors down from the concierge lounge. It had a master bedroom with a king-sized bed, gorgeous bathroom with a Tangled-inspired mosaic over the bathtub, living room with a couch that converted to a bed and a dining area with a table for four. The divider between the living and dining spaces contained a Murphy bed that pulled down into an additional single bed. The suite more than comfortably slept my two kids, my mom and me.

On Disney Wonder, we had a slightly larger 614-square-foot one-bedroom suite that also conveyed concierge benefits. This suite actually felt more spacious than the one on Wish, though clearly has a more classical look. In both cases, we were royally spoiled with space and service compared to a more standard cruise cabin.

Related: How to choose a cruise cabin

How much do Disney Cruise concierge rooms cost?

Cruise prices vary dramatically, and that's especially true when you start layering in concierge benefits with Disney Cruise Line.

Looking about a year out on a short three-night Disney cruise from Florida to the Bahamas (including a stop at Disney's Castaway Cay), prices for an interior stateroom start at $1,554 for double occupancy or $2,555 for a family of four. On the same cruise, a non-concierge verandah room starts at $1,950 for two or $3,051 for four.

The lowest-level concierge stateroom (with verandah) starts at $3,180 for two or $4,411 for a family of four.

For that extra $1,500 to go up to concierge level, you get access to a little more time on the ship, are likely able to book exactly what you want with no stress, enjoy included evening drinks in the lounge, have snacks at the ready, get free popcorn at the movies, order hot room service breakfast (if you book a suite) and more.

Will almost doubling the cost of the cruise for those extras be worth it to everyone? Absolutely not.

In fact, I recommend against it for your first sailing on Disney Wish unless money is no object. That's because you'll feel compelled to spend your leisure and meal times in the concierge lounge when you should be out exploring all the ship has to offer and experiencing the food and entertainment at Disney's included restaurants.

For travelers who really enjoy lounges, streamlining all the processes, having access to free-flowing drinks and want the highest level of service, I'd argue that a concierge-level cabin can be worth it for a special occasion or once-in-a-lifetime Disney cruise.

On the other hand, for a seven-night Alaska cruise for a family of four, prices start around $7,000 for an interior stateroom, a verandah room is more than $11,000, and a concierge room currently starts at a staggering minimum of over $30,000. In that case, you'll probably never find me in a concierge room simply due to the cost.

Related: How to book a cruise using points and miles

Is Disney Cruise concierge level worth it?

You don't need to spend the extra money to book a concierge room to have a great cruise with Disney. It's already a premium cruise experience. But if you are debating whether concierge level is worth it, I'll try and help you decide.

For us, the biggest perks were the advance booking for meals and activities that wouldn't have been easy for a regular Disney cruiser to secure. The evening lounge drinks, free popcorn at the movies, available sunscreen and help from the concierge staff when our plans would change at the last minute (which happened a few times) were also pretty great.

The private deck on Disney Wish was nice, too.

I'd 100% book Disney concierge level again and would say it can be worth it — mostly on the shorter cruises where every minute matters more than it would on a seven- to 10-day cruise. Additionally, on those shorter cruises, you are more likely to have the stamina to not miss the evening lounge happy hours and to drop in a few times to try some of the snacks.

Those shorter cruises are also when there are fewer opportunities to fit in the adults-only restaurants, spa treatments, drink tastings and onshore activities, making the booking window advantage more important. I'd seriously consider buying up to Disney's concierge level on a three- or four-night sailing where I care about accessing specific restaurants and activities.

If you do get the chance to book a Disney Cruise with all the concierge perks, you're in for a treat. Start packing your cruise bag and planning those excursions and don't look back.

Related reading:

• 11 ways to save money on a Disney Cruise
• Why Disney cruises aren't just for kids
• 9 things you can only do on Disney Wish
• Disney's next ship to be named Treasure
• Comparing Disney, Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Lines

Disney Cruise Line Secret Verandah Rooms These are four staterooms on decks 6 & 7 which were originally classified as Category 6 verandah staterooms, but because they have partially enclosed verandahs (an obstructed view) they were reclassified as Category 7. These are considered a great upgrade, but not as much as the Secret Porthole Rooms. They have open verandahs, but they are partially obstructed by a overhang, as seen on the photo below. Stateroom numbers are: 6134 6634 7120 7620 You can find more pics here

• Close 

I am planning my first disney cruise. Which cabin category do you recommend? ”

• Useful 1 Useful Please Sign In to mark this question useful.
• Save Answer Please Sign In to view your saved answers.
•  Pinterest
•  Facebook
•  Email

Meet the Panelist: JoVonn, Georgia

Related video.

Related Links

Visit Disney Cruise Line to view exciting itineraries and onboard amenities.

Didn't find what you were looking for? Click the Ask a Question button to open the Ask a Question dialogue box. If you are not logged in a dialogue box will appear to signin in order to ask a question.

To submit your question, please sign in now if you have not already done so., ask plandisney, discover the magic of a disney parks family vacation from one of our knowledgeable online panelists..

256 Characters Remaining

Please do not include personal information such as full names and reservation numbers in your question.

• Relevant Tags Please select at least one tag related to your question from the choices below.

The menu below has been automatically set to the panelist you were reviewing, however, you can ask anyone on our panel.

• Close Ask a Question Opens the Ask a Question dialog box.

Thanks for submitting your question!

You'll receive an email if your question is answered., please note.

Email communication is the only way we can notify you when your question has been answered. If you choose to opt-out of receiving emails, you will need to return to the site to check if your question has been answered.

Update Browser

For a better experience browsing this website, please download an updated version of Internet Explorer .

Or you can continue browsing without updating.

• Disney Cruise Line

Verandah vs. Oceanview?

By mkkao924 , November 8, 2017 in Disney Cruise Line

Recommended Posts

We are looking at a 5-night Baja-Mexico cruise right now, and we are wondering if we should book Verandah or Oceanview. Cost is definitely a big deciding factor, but on the other side, with two kids, 7 and 2 yr old, I don't know how often we will utilize the Verandah. Any suggestions?

Link to comment

Share on other sites.

I'm totally a "deck 2 oceanview" girl.

But, the answer can only be found by you. Do you want a verandah? Do you often sit out on your patio/balcony at home? Do you think you'll be spending much time in the room (besides sleeping)? What's the price difference (will it cover the cost of a specific excursion)?

cruisefamilyforever

Since you have cruised on other ships I'm wondering why you are even asking this question. First off you might what to actually price a Disney cruise if money is a factor. You will discovery the cost is significantly higher than what you have paid for your other cruises, even for in inside cabin. If Disney is still in your budget, an inside deluxe family cabin with a virtual port hole is awesome. Plenty of room for 4. If you want a large real porthole, those rooms are nice too. If you want to sit outside, then by all means select a cabin with a veranda.

You will find that Disney cabins for each category are a step above what you have experienced so far.

Since you have cruised on other ships I'm wondering why you are even asking this question. First off you might what to actually price a Disney cruise if money is a factor. You will discovery the cost is significantly higher than what you have paid for your other cruises, even for in inside cabin. If Disney is still in your budget, an inside deluxe family cabin with a virtual port hole is awesome. Plenty of room for 4. If you want a large real porthole, those rooms are nice too. If you want to sit outside, then by all means select a cabin with a veranda.   You will find that Disney cabins for each category are a step above what you have experienced so far.

Thanks. This is exactly what I am looking for. I have stayed RCCL's inside and balcony, and it was a big difference. Granted back then the inside cabin didn't have the virtual port hole, so that will be different.

I also didn't know how many kids activities there will be on Disney Wonder. Last time we stayed in balcony, we used the balcony quite a bit because there were times we got nothing to do during the day. This time around with kids, and it's a Disney cruise, I don't know how much time we will spend in the stateroom.

However, we will also travel with a 2 yr old, so I will spend at least an hour everyday in the room for his nap. For that alone, I will probably book the verandah....

Thanks. This is exactly what I am looking for. I have stayed RCCL's inside and balcony, and it was a big difference. Granted back then the inside cabin didn't have the virtual port hole, so that will be different.   I also didn't know how many kids activities there will be on Disney Wonder. Last time we stayed in balcony, we used the balcony quite a bit because there were times we got nothing to do during the day. This time around with kids, and it's a Disney cruise, I don't know how much time we will spend in the stateroom.   However, we will also travel with a 2 yr old, so I will spend at least an hour everyday in the room for his nap. For that alone, I will probably book the verandah....

Well, there's your answer then. :)

moki'smommy

You hit the one time I strongly recommend a balcony--if you have a little person who naps. Mom can put the child down and have a comfy place to sit and enjoy her cruise while still being "right there" with the child. With a little advance planning, she'll have her favorite beverage and possibly some munchies ready for that balcony time along with a book or whatever.

Without the nap issue, I'd say that I've been in all the main cabin types and it really is a personal thing. With a kid napping....verandah.

alaska_planner

i'm pretty sure that there is no virtual porthole in the inside rooms of the disney wonder.

I believe the inside room virtual portholes are only on the fantasy and dream, but maybe i'm wrong. (was there an update during the dry dock?)

i'm pretty sure that there is no virtual porthole in the inside rooms of the disney wonder. I believe the inside room virtual portholes are only on the fantasy and dream, but maybe i'm wrong. (was there an update during the dry dock?)

That is correct. The virtual portholes are only on the Dream class ships.

I'm a veranda person. For all there is to do on the ship, there is still nothing like waking up in the morning, running up to the Cove Cafe and having my coffee on the veranda while my wife sleeps. Or coming back to the room after the evening activities and reading for a bit before going to bed.

You are correct, the original post didn't state which ship they were talking about. If the budget allows, a veranda is the way to go for the extra area away from the kids and all of the light it gives the room. I like the more spacious feeling you get from a balcony even though I don't spend much time on it.

We switched at the last minute to a veranda because my adult children wanted a place to hang when their kids went to sleep at night.

elchichicuilote

We chose an oceanview room on a previous trip with another line, because our children were ages 4 and 8, and it felt safer. Not that I was ever seriously worried about them falling overboard, but having a towel, toy, or other item blow off the verandah in the wind is something I'd rather not have to guard against. A solid, non-opening window just completely eliminated one class of possible problems to deal with. Not once during the cruise did I ever have to say "no leaning on the railing", or "no horseplay on the verandah." Of course, cost was also a factor. We were happy with our choice, but of course, others are happy with theirs.

Captain Scruffy

We have an 8 year old and tend to use the verandahs often. We will spend the 30 minutes of the day out there drinking coffee and just talking about our plans for the day. We often eat lunch out there and it's a great place to hang out once the kids go to bed.

We originally booked ocean views (3 cabins, multi generation). At the last minute, we changed to verandas since the price wasn't that much more. My original reasons for the ocean view were that we weren't sure of the protection outside for a 4 and 6 year old. That was not an issue as there is a Plexiglas barrier, too high for them to climb. The other reason was that the parents of the youngsters thought it would give them a place to hang when the kids when to sleep. Not sure how much they used that but we (husband and I) were glad we got one.

I realize that many parents are concerned, and I've often heard things like "But you don't know my child." OK, that's true. But NO child has accidentally gone overboard from a DCL ship, and they currently have been cruising for 19 1/2 years. There have been a couple of instances of older individuals (one a teen) going overboard intentionally. The teen was in port and the captain was NOT amused! He jumped from a CM area which has since been closed off and is ot accessible to guests. And yes, there is one instance of a CM who went missing from a ship.

The balconies are protected by a HEAVY door with a lock that is at shoulder height on me. So your child can't get to the balcony without an adult opening the door. Then there is a plexiglass barrier on the balcony itself, designed so the child can't get a foothold or climb it. Yes, a kid could hypothetically move the balcony furniture to that area and then climb on it...but why are they even on the balcony without a parent?

Bottom line--the balconies are as safe as they could be made and have an almost 20 year proven safety record. If you are concerned, book a room without a balcony. But if you want a balcony (and they are great with napping toddlers), you have very little to be concerned about.

I realize that many parents are concerned' date=' and I've often heard things like "But you don't know my child." OK, that's true. But NO child has accidentally gone overboard from a DCL ship, and they currently have been cruising for 19 1/2 years. There have been a couple of instances of older individuals (one a teen) going overboard intentionally. The teen was in port and the captain was NOT amused! He jumped from a CM area which has since been closed off and is ot accessible to guests. And yes, there is one instance of a CM who went missing from a ship.   The balconies are protected by a HEAVY door with a lock that is at shoulder height on me. So your child can't get to the balcony without an adult opening the door. Then there is a plexiglass barrier on the balcony itself, designed so the child can't get a foothold or climb it. Yes, a kid could hypothetically move the balcony furniture to that area and then climb on it...but why are they even on the balcony without a parent?   Bottom line--the balconies are as safe as they could be made and have an almost 20 year proven safety record. If you are concerned, book a room without a balcony. But if you want a balcony (and they are great with napping toddlers), you have very little to be concerned about.[/quote']   That's all true but if you've never been on a Disney ship, you don't know until you ask or go on the ship.

not only are the verandah doors hard for kids to open, they're nearly impossible for me to open!!! :o

And don't forget, they are double locked. There's the knob you have to rotate that's above ones head and the handle you have to turn to open,

Absolutely correct. And they can be a real difficulty for older or impaired people to open. They are seriously heavy and both locks must be opened. When I cruised with an older friend, she could not open the door.

It might be possible for a child to get the correct angle and force to open the handle on the door, but they won't be able to reach the shoulder level lock or undo that mechanism. And by the time they have the strength to open the heavy door, a normal child will have the maturity to appreciate the consequences.

On our last two cruises, my family booked a Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah for my mother, myself, my five-year-old nephew and a Standard Inside Stateroom located directly across the hall for my sister, BIL, and three-year-old niece. We enjoyed watching the ship sailaway each day from port, eating room service breakfast, reading, drying out swimsuits in the sun, and just sitting around and chatting :)

If you can afford them in your budget, then yes I would highly recommend one!

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in

• Welcome to Cruise Critic
• ANNOUNCEMENT: Set Sail Beyond the Ordinary with Oceania Cruises
• ANNOUNCEMENT: The Widest View in the Whole Wide World
• New Cruisers
• Cruise Lines “A – O”
• Cruise Lines “P – Z”
• River Cruising
• Cruise Critic News & Features
• Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
• Special Interest Cruising
• Cruise Discussion Topics
• UK Cruising
• Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
• Canadian Cruisers
• North American Homeports
• Ports of Call
• Cruise Conversations

Announcements

• New to Cruise Critic? Join our Community!

Write Your Own Amazing Review !

Click this gorgeous photo by member SUPERstar777 to share your review!

Features & News

LauraS · Started 8 hours ago

LauraS · Started 9 hours ago

LauraS · Started 13 hours ago

LauraS · Started Wednesday at 08:38 PM

• Existing user? Sign in OR Create an Account
• Find Your Roll Call
• Meet & Mingle
• Community Help Center
• All Activity
• Member Photo Albums
• Meet & Mingle Photos
• Favorite Cruise Memories
• Cruise Food Photos
• Cruise Ship Photos
• Ports of Call Photos
• Towel Animal Photos
• Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos
• Write a Review
• Live Cruise Reports
• Member Cruise Reviews
• Create New...

The ultimate guide to Disney Cruise Line ships and itineraries

MSN has partnered with The Points Guy for our coverage of credit card products. MSN and The Points Guy may receive a commission from card issuers.

After decades of success making families smile and laugh at its theme parks, Disney dipped its toes into the world of cruising in 1998. Disney didn’t just copy another cruise line’s model for success or slap its name on the side of an existing ship. It created its own brand of cruising.

Disney went so far into charting its own path as to get special approval from the U.S. Coast Guard for its ships’ lifeboats to be yellow instead of regulation orange, to tie into the colors of Mickey himself — black, red, white and yellow.

Now, Disney Cruise Line has five ships sailing in those signature colors, along with three more on order. In a normal year, those five ships take tens of thousands of families on sailings to the Caribbean , Mexico, Alaska, Europe, Bermuda, Bahamas, through the Panama Canal and even to Australia and New Zealand.

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

Having sailed four of Disney Cruise Line’s five ships, I can say the experience is indeed special — especially if you have kids. But Disney’s not a one-trick cruise line that’s only good for one age group. It offers kids clubs and activities to suit babies through teens and has several adults-only areas of the ship . Its newest ship, Disney Wish , provides more cool spaces for adults than any previous vessel.

Disney’s attention to detail transfers to its voyages on the sea. But unlike at the Disney theme parks, which can be a bit complicated to navigate, long lines and complex strategies are rarely a part of the Disney cruise experience.

Get the free planning help of a Disney vacation planner via TPG’s partner, Mouse Counselors .

What TPG loves about Disney Cruise Line

• Broadway-caliber shows and first-run movies.
• Disney-level service and attention to detail.
• High-quality Disney character interactions and kids clubs.
• Innovative, included rotational dining.

What we could do without

• Disney cruises are expensive.
• The onboard Wi-Fi is not the fastest, especially on ships that haven’t been upgraded. And it’s not cheap.

Disney Cruise Line fleet

While Disney may be a household name, Disney Cruise Line is actually a small line. It currently sails just five ships, compared to 27 at its family-friendly competitor Royal Caribbean .

Of the five, two are smaller ships, and three are larger.

The largest ships in Disney’s fleet are Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, at 1,115 feet long and 14 decks high, and Disney Wish , at 1,119 feet and 15 decks high.

These three ships each have a passenger capacity of 4,000 people spread out across approximately 1,250 cabins. The overwhelming majority of cabins on these ships have an ocean view or private verandah, with only 10%-12% being windowless inside cabins. (On its oldest four ships, these interior rooms have a “magical porthole” that displays a live feed from outside to replicate a window.)

Disney Treasure , expected to join the fleet in 2024, will be in the same larger Triton class of ships as Disney Wish.

Disney Wish is currently a workhorse of short three- and four-night sailings from Port Canaveral , Florida, to the Bahamas, home to Disney’s private island , Castaway Cay.

Disney Fantasy often sails weeklong cruises out of Florida. With the addition of Disney Wish to the fleet, Disney Dream now spends its summer across the Atlantic, offering European cruises from May to September, then spending much of the rest of the year based out of Fort Lauderdale.

The smaller two ships in the Disney Cruise Line fleet are Disney Wonder and the line’s first ship, Disney Magic .

These two ships are 984 feet long and 11 decks high, and each has the capacity for 2,713 passengers across 875 staterooms. On these two smaller ships, 70% of passenger cabins have ocean views or verandahs.

Disney Wonder is often on the move and currently splits its time among Alaska , the South Pacific, Hawaii, California, Mexico and beyond. Disney Magic spends part of its year based out of Galveston, Texas, or New Orleans and much of the rest based out of Fort Lauderdale and Miami.

Related: Best destinations you can sail to on a Disney cruise

Disney Cruise Line destinations and itineraries

Disney Cruise Line has about 370 annual departures scheduled that range from two- to 15-night sailings. Many new-to-Disney itineraries have recently become available as the line is adding new ships for the first time in a decade.

Disney Cruise Line destinations include:

• New Zealand
• Pacific Coast
• South Pacific

Disney Wish has, by far, the highest number of annual sailings, with 105 three- and four-night cruises departing from Port Canaveral to the Bahamas. These sailings all go to Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay; some also stop in Nassau, Bahamas.

Some Disney cruises do what’s called a “double dip” and make two stops at the private island, where you can step ashore without leaving the Disney bubble.

Pro tip: If you go to Castaway Cay, rent a bike for a little exercise and a self-guided tour of the island. Or, you can run the at-your-pace 5K that morning around the island.

Coming in summer 2024 , Disney will have a second exclusive beach destination in the Bahamas — Lighthouse Point.

This won’t be an entire private island like Castaway Cay, but it will be an exclusive beachfront space designed for Disney Cruise Line with many similar offerings to Castaway. Disney Magic, Disney Wonder and Disney Fantasy will call on this new destination for the first time in 2024.

Related: Best tips and tricks for sailing with Disney Cruise Line

Who sails Disney Cruise Line?

Let’s start with the obvious: Families love Disney Cruise Line.

The ultimate sweet spot for taking a Disney cruise starts when a child is at least 3 years old and potty trained (the criteria that get them into the included kids clubs) and lasts until they outgrow their love of Disney characters. Remember, Disney now includes the “Star Wars” and Marvel brands and offers themed cruises featuring those characters, too.

A Disney cruise costs more than a similar cruise on a line like Royal Caribbean , so it’s easiest to justify the expense when your kids love Disney the most.

So, yes, the stereotype that Disney Cruise Line is full of families is 100% correct.

You’ll see many families with kids in those preschool, elementary and middle school years. But you’ll also see families with little babies (the minimum age is 6 months on most sailings, 1 year on Panama Canal and transatlantic sailings), tweens, teens, college-age kids and even grandparents who have made a Disney cruise an enjoyable multigenerational travel tradition.

Related: Comparing Disney, Carnival and Royal Caribbean cruises for families

You’ll also see cruisers who love Disney regardless of age and are proud to wear their Mickey ears while hearing the first seven notes of the “When You Wish Upon a Star” melody blown from the ship’s massive horn.

Just like you don’t need kids to have a great time at Disney World or Disneyland, you can happily cruise as adults without offspring on Disney Cruise Line. All the ships have active adults-only sun decks, pool and lounges. Disney Wish especially invested in its adult offerings with an infinity pool, along with more bars spread around the ship instead of being clustered into one main area.

Disney Cruise Line cabins and suites

At a basic level, Disney Cruise Line offers five main types of cabins across the fleet. In its simplified version, the types of cabins on a Disney cruise include:

• Windowless inside cabins
• Ocean-view cabins
• Verandah cabins (with private balconies)
• Verandah cabins with concierge service
• Suites with concierge service

These cabins start at 169 square feet for a standard inside cabin and go up to a two-story, 1,966-square-foot Tower Suite on Disney Wish .

Unless you are OK with the smallest space on the ship or have a budget for the largest, the sweet spot for price and comfort on Disney Cruise Line vessels is probably the cabins that are around 204 square feet and usually come with a queen bed, single sleeper sofa and upper-berth pull-down bed and a split bath.

This split bathroom situation places a sink and the shower/tub combo in one bathroom and the toilet and another sink in the other. Each has its own separate door, so someone could use the toilet/sink room while another takes a shower, all in private and at the same time.

You’ll find this cabin layout within the Deluxe Inside Staterooms, Deluxe Oceanview Staterooms and Deluxe Oceanview Staterooms with Verandah categories.

The Deluxe Family Oceanview Staterooms and Deluxe Family Oceanview Staterooms with Verandah add about 40 more square feet to the equation. If you want the largest within those room categories, search for rooms that can hold five people on the Disney Cruise Line website.

Pro tip: You can ask your cabin host for cartoon bedding for the kid’s bed if you think your child will be excited to come back from dinner to one of their Disney favorites.

You can connect many of the cabins on the ship , which is often a much more economical solution for a family looking for more sleeping space (and bathrooms) than upgrading to a multibedroom suite. Roughly speaking, a family of four will pay about 50% more for two cabins than they will for everyone to stay in one cabin of the same size.

Related: 7 nights. 4 people. 1 cruise ship cabin. Can we survive?

If you are going all-out on a particular trip, or are simply working with a larger budget, Disney concierge suites are special.

The smallest available room with this service is the Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah, which isn’t all that different from the Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah, other than the included concierge service. From there, you can go up to the one- or two-bedroom suites.

Be prepared for sticker shock, though, as these suites will almost certainly be near or over five figures on many sailings.

While pricey, Disney concierge service eliminates almost all of the potential pain points of a Disney cruise (not that there are many pain points to begin with).

Disney concierge service gets you access to the Disney Concierge Lounge, which has food offerings multiple times per day and a fully stocked fridge with sodas, juices and bottles of water.

In the evenings, you’ll find included beer, wine and spirits in the lounge — which you can also take with you as you head out to dinner or to enjoy the view from the deck.

The Concierge Lounge also has its own private deck, and Disney characters have been known to make a private appearance there during the cruise. (Don’t worry, you’ll get a heads-up.)

Related: Is Disney Cruise Line concierge service worth it?

You also have your own check-in area at the port and are among the first to board the ship, which can mean extra time to enjoy having the waterslides to yourself. At the end of the cruise, you can have a private elevator that takes you down to be some of the first off the ship — which should protect you from a long line to say goodbye.

There are other perks of the concierge level, too, such as early front-row seating at shows, included popcorn and the ability to submit your request for meal reservations at Palo or Remy, cabanas on Castaway Cay, spa treatments, character meet-and-greets or whatever else you wish before other guests. These can be made for you starting 120 days before your sailing, which is before all other guests except those with the highest elite status tier in the Castaway Club .

Passengers on their first Disney cruise don’t get to make those reservations until 75 days out if they aren’t in the concierge level. The reality is the hottest items are often booked up by then, especially on shorter cruises when there’s less time to do everything.

Those in the concierge level in one-bedroom suites and higher can also order room service from the restaurants to their cabin, which means you can have a hot breakfast on your verandah if you wish instead of the regular continental options available to most guests.

If you are on the fence about concierge service, it’s arguably most valuable when you are on a shorter cruise, have some specific popular must-have items on your reservation wish list or want someone else to take care of everything. You can also inquire about discounted upgrades at the port, assuming rooms are left unsold on your voyage.

Pro tip: Regardless of your cabin, bring magnetic Mickey or nautical-themed decor for the entrance, as most of the cabin doors are magnetic. Decorating is a fun tradition on a Disney cruise.

Related: Review of sailing in a suite with Disney concierge service 

Disney Cruise Line restaurants and dining options

You will not go hungry on a Disney cruise. From room service to evening dinners, meals are (mostly) all included.

Rotational dining

On each Disney ship, three main dining rooms serve as dinner restaurants that participate in rotational dining. Each ship has its own lineup of themed rotational restaurants, but the concept remains the same on each.

Each night, your tablemates and servers will move from one restaurant to the next as a team. This way, the servers get to know that you always want to start with a glass of red wine, or your kids’ food needs to come ASAP so you can take them to the kids club as soon as they finish, or (in my case) your daughter wants a side of barbecue sauce with … everything.

You must choose between an early and a late dinner time, with your showtime opposite your dining time. Some restaurants, such as Animator’s Palate, are found on multiple ships, while others are unique to one ship, such as Tiana’s Place on Disney Wonder and all of the rotational restaurants found on Disney Wish .

Included restaurants on Disney Magic

• Animator’s Palate
• Rapunzel’s Royal Table

Included restaurants on Disney Wonder

• Tiana’s Place

Included restaurants on Disney Dream

• Enchanted Garden
• Royal Palace

Included restaurants on Disney Fantasy

• Royal Court

Included restaurants on Disney Wish

• Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure
• Worlds of Marvel

At these restaurants, you can order whatever you want on the menu at no extra charge, with a few exceptions (for example, alcohol and specialty drinks cost extra).

While many guests dress up a bit for dinner (compared to their afternoon pool deck attire), most stay relatively casual for the rotational dining restaurants. Disney does not impose a specific dress-up requirement.

Disney cruise ships offer many other dining options beyond the three included themed restaurants — most included, some not.

Room service

Room service is mostly free (other than sodas or alcohol), though the menu is limited if you aren’t staying in a concierge-level cabin. Still, it’s free room service, so I’m not one to complain.

Pro tip: Fill the breakfast card out the night before and hang it on your stateroom to get breakfast exactly when you want it the next morning.

And you haven’t lived until your kids learn how to call and order free Mickey ice cream bars to the cabin … every night (just be sure and add a tip).

Buffet and grab-and-go

Your Disney cruise will also include a buffet known as Cabanas on the original four ships and Marceline Market on Disney Wish. The buffet is usually open for breakfast and lunch, though not in the evening hours.

In addition to the buffet, a few grab-and-go quick-service restaurants on the pool deck serve salads, chili, pizza, barbecue and more, depending on which ship you’re sailing.

Don’t miss these options, as some are quite good. They are typically open from late morning until later into the evening.

Room service, the buffet and the on-deck food counter dining options don’t cost extra and are available to you in addition to or instead of your rotational dining.

You’ll also find included ice cream on one of the upper decks. A pro-level hack is to get Mickey churro waffles from the buffet in the morning (only available some mornings) and add vanilla ice cream for a vacation-worthy breakfast.

Extra-cost, adults-only restaurants

At the top of the “costs extra” list are the restaurants Palo (found on all five ships, though it’s Palo Steakhouse on Disney Wish), Remy (on Dream and Fantasy) and Enchante (only on Disney Wish).

Remy is a fancy adults-only French restaurant that costs $125 per person for dinner (more if you order drinks). This is the type of place where men need jackets and women are expected to wear dresses, pantsuits or a skirt and blouse. Enchante on Disney Wish is similar — you’re dressing up for these meals.

Palo is also fancy, though a notch less fancy than Remy. You’ll see jackets and dresses in Palo, but you can also get by with nice jeans if you want. This adults-only restaurant serves Northern Italian fare and starts at about $45 per person for a multicourse brunch or dinner, though you can also order a la carte for dinner, which could cost more or less, depending on your order.

I can say with 100% certainty that if you enjoy a nice meal, this is worth the extra $45 once during your cruise . From the breadbasket to the dessert, it’s all amazing. You’ll gain 5 pounds, but you won’t regret a bite.

These reservations are hard to get, especially for brunch, so you’ll want to make them the second you are eligible and keep checking back for cancellations if you miss out the first time.

Coffee shops and snack shops

On a Disney cruise, the snacks and pastries you’ll see in the coffee shop or kiosk are all included, but the specialty coffee will cost extra. Drink prices are roughly similar to Starbucks, if not a notch lower. Be sure and ask for the Cafe Fanatic card if you’re a regular, as your sixth drink will be free.

In addition to the included soft-serve ice cream and Mickey bars available via room service, your ship may have some shops with extra-fee ice cream. This can confuse kids, so I want to warn you beforehand. On Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy and Disney Wish, you’ll find an ice cream shop stuffed with candies, gelato and ice cream — all for an extra charge.

Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy also have a juice bar that costs extra.

The exact bars will vary by vessel, but you can expect spots like a wine and Champagne bar, a pub, a laid-back lounge and a bar with live entertainment.

These bars are a lot of fun and are not to be missed if you like live music or a nice drink at the end of the day. Keep an eye out in your app for when and where the happy hours are on board if you want to save a few dollars on your drinks. Some bars also offer a sommelier bin where you get a nice glass of wine at a discounted price — as long as you put the bartender in charge of choosing your drink.

Some of the drink-tasting classes that you book in advance can be a good value if you’re a fan of the drink on offer and are interested in learning a little bit while you sip. You’ll want to book these before sailing, as many do sell out.

Food on Castaway Cay

If your cruise takes you to Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, you’re in luck, as there’s plenty of included food to eat there, too.

Just like on board, some of the food on Castaway is included, while alcohol and specialty drinks are not. The Cookie’s and Cookie’s Too lunch shacks on the island are both included, so load up on hot dogs, barbecue, hamburgers, fries and all the fixings. Vegetarian options are available.

While the food options here are somewhat basic, they still make for a fun and free meal.

Entertainment and activities on a Disney cruise

A valid reason to want to sail with Disney is the onboard fun that awaits — especially for those who love Disney characters and stories.

Theaters and shows

Each Disney cruise ship features two theaters. In the massive Walt Disney Theatre, you’ll enjoy Broadway-caliber evening shows such as “Beauty and the Beast,” “Frozen,” “Tangled,” “Disney Dreams,” “The Golden Mickeys” and more. If you want a good seat, arrive about 30 minutes early since seating is first come, first served.

The Buena Vista Theatre screens first-run Disney films. These will be the same films still showing in theaters on land. If you happen to be at sea when a new Disney movie premieres on land, you’ll also get that same first look at sea.

Pirate Night is a staple on many Disney cruises in the Caribbean. On that themed night, expect everyone to be dressed in their pirate-y best for the evening, so pack accordingly. Your dinner will also have a pirate theme, followed by a fun show up on deck, complete with fireworks.

Pro tip: If you plan to stay up late for Pirate Night, try to work in a nap that afternoon so you don’t miss out on the nighttime fun.

Game shows, karaoke, bingo and more

The extensive lineup of interactive game shows, trivia, karaoke, dance parties, bingo and more listed in the Disney cruise app are worth checking out. Some of these are adults-only, while others are fun for the whole family. Most are included in the price of the cruise, though bingo does cost extra — and you could win real money.

Other interior attractions and activities

Meeting Disney characters is a fun part of a Disney cruise.

You can make reservations to meet the popular princesses, but most characters are easy to walk up to and meet via a short line. Or, even better, you often see them roaming about the ship at unexpected times.

You can work off some of those treats and drinks at the onboard fitness center on each ship.

The Senses Spa & Salon is a full-service spa with everything from massages to pedicures and hair care. Promotions are available if you book more than one treatment. If you have a Disney Visa card , you can also save 20% on select onboard services.

Pro tip: The showers in this part of the ship are full-size, in case you are getting a bit claustrophobic in the shower in your cabin.

If you like getting away to relax, look at purchasing access to the Rainforest Room for heated stone loungers, aromatherapy showers and even hot tubs on the larger ships. You can buy a one-day or full-cruise pass to this area of the spa, but get a tour first as the layout and inclusions in this space vary dramatically from ship to ship.

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

Little cruisers can be transformed into a princess or pirate at sea at the onboard Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, which does themed kid makeovers and sells costumes as part of the package. You’ll need an appointment; expect to pay $100 to $200 for most packages.

This is a fun thing to do before meeting a princess, before a more formal night or anytime you want to see a huge smile on your kid’s face. If you have a princess dress or outfit from home you want to use or reuse, you can purchase a cheaper package at Bibbidi Bobbidi.

Decktop attractions

Waterslides.

All of Disney Cruise Line’s ships have some kind of waterslide on board.

The AquaDuck waterslide on Dream and Fantasy takes riders in single or double tubes 765 feet from Deck 12 up and down, through the forward funnel and on a four-deck drop. It’s pretty epic. AquaMouse on Disney Wish is also an inner tube-based ride and is not to be missed.

These lines can get long, so I recommend riding first thing when you board if the port is warm enough. Nighttime rides usually have short waits, too.

Disney Magic has the most thrilling waterslide in the fleet, called AquaDunk, and Disney Wonder has its own waterslide in the AquaLab splash area.

Each Disney ship has multiple pools, though if you’ve never been on a cruise, you may be initially shocked at how small they are — and how busy they can get.

As with the waterslides, we recommend enjoying these first thing when you board if you want to try them without crowds. Otherwise, you won’t find so many people in the pools on port days, early in the morning and right before dinner. There are thousands of people on the ship and only a few small pools, so plan accordingly.

Each ship has a pool and hot tub area for adults 18 and up. It can also get busy, but typically less busy than the family area. Select ships also offer an in-pool bar area for adults.

The adult sun deck is a nice place to grab a chair and relax, even if you have no intention of getting in the water.

Splash pads

Your little one has to be potty trained to use the onboard pools. The option for those still in swim diapers is some splash areas, such as Nemo’s Reef and Dory’s Reef.

Sports deck

If you want to be more active, head to your ship’s sports deck to play basketball, foosball, miniature golf and more. You may even have some sports simulator options beyond your traditional in-person fun.

Children’s programs

As a parent, my favorite part of a Disney cruise might be the included kids programs that children actually want to attend. If the kids are happy for a few hours, the parents can actually relax, too.

Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab for children ages 3–12

All five Disney ships have amazing spaces for kids in the 3-to-12-year-old range in the Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab.

Here you’ll find video games, an indoor slide, fun programs and games with the staff, arts and crafts, surprise character visits and more. Your kids need to be potty trained to stay in this club, so use that as motivation for a kid approaching 3 years old before your next cruise.

Your kids don’t need an appointment to pop in here; they can come anytime from open to close — and the club stays open pretty late.

Parents can stay with kids and play during open hours on the first day and select times on other dates, but most of the time, the Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab are kids-only. Your kids will check in and out by scanning a special MagicBand that also tracks where they are within the kids clubs.

Disney Wish has the added perk in the kids club of a slide that takes the kids straight from the main atrium and into the fun.

Know that once your child turns 8, you have the option of giving them self-checkout privileges. While kids up to 12 are welcome in the main Oceaneer Club, they may start moving up to the tween club by the time they are 10 years old.

Edge tween club for children ages 11–14

When your kid outgrows the fun in the main kids club, don’t worry. Edge is waiting just upstairs.

Technically, Edge is for kids ages 11-14, but you can get your 10-year-old in with permission — and once they figure that out, it’s probably all over for the “little kid club.”

Edge is a much smaller space, but tweens have tons of fun playing video games, having dance parties, doing crafts, playing trivia games and more with their newfound cruise friends.

This club does not utilize parent sign-in and -out, so you need to trust your kid if they are coming to Edge. If your 10-to-12-year-old child visits Edge, they can also play at the Oceaneer Lab and Oceaneer Club, so they have options.

Vibe teen club for children ages 14–17

Get ready to be jealous of this one. On Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, the teen club has its own set of small pools at the front of the ship.

Inside all versions of the teen club, Vibe, you’ll find a tech-friendly world with loungers, dance parties, smoothies and other teen-approved fun. Some of the coolest inside space on Disney cruise ships is dedicated to teens ages 14-17, but you can request for your child to attend this club starting at 13 years old.

‘It’s a small world’ nursery for children 6 months to 3 years old

While the three previously mentioned kids clubs are free and do not require reservations, the nursery operates differently. You will need to make reservations, and the fee is $4.50 per half-hour for the first child and $4 per half-hour for each additional child.

What to know before you go

Required documents.

The specific documents you will need will vary by cruise destination. Having a passport is always a good idea, but it’s not technically required on all Disney cruises. For example, round-trip cruises originating in Port Canaveral, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Galveston, San Diego, New Orleans, New York and San Juan, Puerto Rico, often do not require a passport.

Passports, when required, must be valid for at least six months. For cruises from international ports, you’ll need a passport. 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 adds a service gratuity of $14.50 per person per day to final bills. If you are unhappy with the service you receive, you can lower this amount. Of course, you can visit guest services and adjust it upward, too.

To give an idea of the cost, a four-person family on a four-night cruise would pay $232 in recommended tips. The amount is split among your team of dining room servers who quickly learned your kids’ preferences for dinner and your cabin hosts who made your room look like magic while you were out enjoying yourself.

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.”

While some gratuity is included at Palo and Remy, you’ll likely want to add 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 at the end of your cruise a recommended amount of $8 per night per guest.

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

Disney Cruise Line’s Wi-Fi, Connect@Sea, is in the process of being upgraded, so speed, bandwidth and cost vary by ship.

If you are on a ship that charges by day instead of by the amount of data used, expect the prices to vary from $12-$36 per day, depending on the speed you select. There are often discounts for buying Wi-Fi access for the length of the cruise.

If you are on a ship that still charges by the amount of data used, we recommend not doing that and connecting either when you are in port or via a plan from your cellphone provider.

Related: What’s the best international phone plan right now?

Carry-on drinks policy

Guests 21 years and older may 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 at the beginning of the voyage and at each port of call. These beverages must be packed in carry-on (not checked) bags or luggage. You can keep drinks chilled in the small fridge in your cabin.

Guests wishing to consume wine or Champagne that they have brought on board in one of the dining rooms will be charged a corkage fee of $26 per bottle.

Smoking policy

Smoking is permitted only in designated deck areas. It’s forbidden in cabins and on cabin balconies, and those who violate this rule will face a $250 cleaning fee.

For an additional fee, Disney ships offer full-service laundry and dry cleaning services that will pick up and deliver clean clothes to your cabin.

Ships also provide 24-hour, self-service guest laundry facilities equipped with washers and dryers, along with detergent and complimentary ironing equipment. You pay for the facilities by using your Key to the World card. These services can get busy during sea days on longer cruises, so plan accordingly.

Electrical outlets

All cabins are equipped with multiple 110-volt outlets, which are standard in the U.S. and Canada. Cabins on Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy are equipped with a combination of 110- and 220-volt (European) outlets.

Small electrical appliances such as electric shavers, curling irons and flat irons with standard North American plugs will function on board; 110-volt items should not exceed 1,500 watts, and 220-volt items should not exceed 2,000 watts. A hair dryer is provided in every cabin for your convenience, but you may bring your own as long as it meets the guidelines above.

The currency on Disney Cruise Line ships, regardless of location, 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 (or your DisneyBand+ on Disney Wish ) serves as your onboard payment method. The only exception is if you want to tip a crew member in cash.

In port, you may wish to carry cash or a credit card to buy snacks and souvenirs or to tip your tour guide.

Drinking age

For most Disney sailings, the drinking age on board is 21.

However, on round-trip cruises departing European countries with a lower drinking age, passengers 18-20 years of age can drink alcohol on board with signed parental consent. For round-trip cruises from Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland and Brisbane, guests 18 years of age and older may purchase and consume alcoholic beverages without parental consent.

During the day, people dress casually. If it’s a sea day in a warm-weather destination, and you’re bound for the top deck, that means looking like you’re going to the beach. T-shirts, shorts and bathing suits (with a cover-up to go inside) are fine.

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 put on a party dress. That said, many guests do dress up a bit in the evening, but it’s not required unless you are dining in Palo, Remy or Enchante.

Cruises that are seven nights or longer schedule one “formal night” — though even then, it’s only encouraged, not required. On that night, you will see suits, sports coats, cocktail dresses and similar from some guests.

Pro tip: Be sure and pack that pirate gear for Pirate Night.

Related:  What to pack for your 1st cruise

Disney Cruise Line loyalty program

Disney Cruise Line has a simple loyalty program, the Castaway Club , with four “elite status” levels that you earn based on how many cruises you’ve taken with Disney. A three-night and 10-night cruise both count as one sailing for these purposes.

• Silver: One completed cruise
• Gold: Five completed cruises
• Platinum: 10 completed cruises
• Pearl: 25 completed cruises

Related:  The TPG guide to cruise line loyalty programs

This isn’t the kind of loyalty program where you earn free cruises the way you earn free flights with airline miles. Instead, as you go up in status, you earn perks and earlier access to booking cruises and activities — which is key for getting those hard-to-snag adult dining or Castaway Cay cabana reservations

Silver members

• Book new cruise itineraries one day before the general public and book onboard activities 90 days before sailing.
• Get a “welcome back aboard” gift (such as a bag), have access to a Castaway Club members-only line when boarding and access to a Castaway Club direct phone number.
• Select port arrival time with online check-in starting 33 days before the general public.

Gold members

• All of those perks, but you can book new sailings two days before the general public and can book onboard activities 105 days before sailing.
• On eight-night and longer voyages, Gold Castaway Club members are also invited to a private reception with special entertainment. There are also select merchandise discounts available to Gold members and higher.
• Select port arrival time with online check-in starting 35 days before the general public.

Platinum members

• All of those perks, but you can book new sailings three days before the general public and can book onboard activities 120 days before sailing.
• Priority check-in at the cruise terminal.
• Complimentary evening dinner at Palo or Palo Steakhouse for themselves and everyone in the cabin age 18 and older.
• Select port arrival time with online check-in starting 38 days before the general public.

Pearl members

• All of those perks, but you can book new sailings four days before the general public and can book onboard activities 123 days before sailing.
• Exclusive cruise terminal check-in (where available)
• Unlimited Digital Photo Package.
• Select port arrival time with online check-in starting 40 days before the general public.

How much does a Disney cruise cost?

Magic ain’t cheap, and Disney cruises are expensive. They aren’t the priciest voyages out there, but they will cost more than cruises with family-friendly competitors such as Royal Caribbean by a noticeable margin.

For a family of four, the cheapest Disney cruise currently available (not counting the two-night cruises in Australia and New Zealand) is about $2,500. An ocean view will add about $90 and a verandah will add about $500.

On these shortest cruises, concierge-level cabins and access start at a little over $5,000 for a family of four.

Those sorts of prices will only be available during the offseason, such as in mid-to-late January and early February or for repositioning cruises as the ship moves from, say, Puerto Rico to Florida. That same cruise during spring break can cost double or more, so the more date flexibility you have, the better.

A seven-night cruise in the Caribbean will likely start around $5,000 for a family of four. Expect Alaska and Europe cruises to start at $5,000 to $6,000 for inside cabins for a week, and prices go up for longer sailings and upgraded cabins.

You can save money on your next Disney cruise by putting a $250 deposit down while you are at sea on a previous Disney cruise. It’s a popular way to get 10% off your next cruise.

Another way to save on a Disney cruise is to look at a one-way repositioning sailing , as those often price lower than other similar cruises. For example, the cruise line may need to end a cruise in a particular port to reposition the ship to do some sailings from there. You’ll have to get yourself back home from that port, but you may save on the cruise in the process.

Related:  15 ways that cruising newbies waste money on a cruise

How to book

You can book your Disney cruise directly with Disney Cruise Line either over the phone or online, but I’d argue you shouldn’t.

Cruises are easy to enjoy but can be complicated to plan if you are new to this type of travel. This is an industry where a travel agent is still a good call. You want someone who can help you pick the right cabin type and location for your group and keep track of when you can snag those onboard activities you really want.

When the wave of pandemic-related cruise cancellations hit in 2020, I was so grateful to have a travel agent — instead of me — spending time dealing with the cruise line.

Related:  How to book a cruise with points and miles

Another reason to consider going through a travel agent is to get onboard credit. Some travel agents will offer onboard credit based on the amount you spend on your Disney cruise. This is credit you can use toward drinks, spa treatments, excursions or anything else you can charge to your room.

FOR NO-COST ASSISTANCE WITH PLANNING AND BOOKING YOUR DISNEY CRUISE, CHECK OUT TPG’S DISNEY BOOKING PARTNER, MOUSE COUNSELORS .

Generally speaking, the sooner you book a Disney cruise after it goes on sale, the better, as prices usually only go in one direction — up.

Whether you use a travel agent or not, make sure to maximize your credit card points  when paying for the cruise by using a credit card that offers extra points for travel purchases and maybe even offers some built-in travel protections .

• The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers 3 points per dollar on travel and dining and an annual up-to-$300 travel credit.
• The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card earns 2 points per dollar on travel.
• The Disney Premier Visa Card is also a good option, specifically with Disney Cruise Line, as it gives you access to a 0% introductory annual percentage rate for six months following the purchase date on eligible Disney vacation packages, such as a Disney cruise (then a variable APR of 18.99% to 27.99% applies). The card also gets you 10% in savings on some onboard activities and packages while at Castaway Cay.

Related: How to save money on booking a Disney cruise

Bottom line

Whether you are on a three-night trip to Castaway Cay or a bigger crossing to the South Pacific, a Disney cruise is a special vacation that actually feels like a vacation.

The classic styling of the original four ships, the modern storybook styling of Disney Wish, the vast number of inclusions, the rotational dining, waterslides, private island, fun kids clubs, Disney characters, high-caliber entertainment and Disney service shine through.

You’ll certainly pay more for the privilege of sailing with Mickey and Minnie than with some other family-friendly lines. But for those with kids in that Disney age range, or for adults who know and trust the Disney brand, it’s hard to go wrong in choosing Disney Cruise Line for your next vacation.

More stories to help you plan your next cruise:

• Best Disney ships for everyone
• Everything we know about Disney Treasure, joining DCL in 2024
• Everything you need to know about Disney Wish
• Best credit cards for booking a cruise

SPONSORED:  With states reopening, enjoying a meal from a restaurant no longer just means curbside pickup.

And when you do spend on dining, you should use a credit card that will maximize your rewards and potentially even score special discounts. Thanks to temporary card bonuses and changes due to coronavirus, you may even be able to score a meal at your favorite restaurant for free. 

These are the best credit cards for dining out, taking out, and ordering in to maximize every meal purchase.

Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

Accommodations

Theme parks, disney cruise line – what you need to know, cruise line ships, recent walt disney world, recent disneyland, all reviews, recent reviews, allears style, newsletter home, recent allears® team blog.

• NEW Character Costumes Revealed for Disney’s Latest Private Island Destination

The BEST and WORST Decks to Book for the Disney Treasure

• It's About to Get EASIER to See the Parade in Magic Kingdom
• Mark Your Maps -- EPCOT Just Got a NEW Bathroom Update!
• This Popular Disney Souvenir Is on SALE for $20 -- But There's a Catch!
• ( view all posts )

Not all Disney Cruise Line cabins are created equal.

With the Disney Treasure setting sail on its maiden voyage this December, many travelers are planning trips on the newest ship of the Disney fleet in 2025 . Amongst them, some cruising newbies and even veteran travelers are likely wondering what kind of cabin — and on which deck — they should book for their adventure.

Choosing a cabin to cruise can be a bit more complicated than one might think, so we’re here to help. Taking into account everything we know about the Disney Treasure, plus experience on other Disney Cruise Line ships including the Treasure’s sister ship the Disney Wish, we’ve narrowed it down to what we think are the best and worst standard stateroom (no concierge or massive suites here) options.

Our pick for the bestselling would be a Deluxe Verandah Stateroom in the midship section of deck 8. There are several reasons to go with this room type in this area of the ship.

For starters, the verandah is a must-do if possible. Yes, it’s a bit of an upcharge, but the extra space makes the cabin feel considerably larger, and offers wonderful ocean views and a beautiful sitting space when sailing or docked, plus — as we’ll get into below — it’s very helpful for seasickness.

As for the cabin’s overall location, the midship of deck 8 is right in the “middle of the action” as it were. It’s located in the middle of the ship, about equal distance from the Great Hall and all its venues including cafes and retail that span decks 3-4-5 below, as well as the above-deck amenities including the pools and etc. upon decks 11-14. The midship location also includes easy access to both elevator banks and the staircases. In addition, deck 8 is home to Fairytale Fresh Laundry, meaning that you won’t need to lug clothes too far to get some done.

Finally, this location provides some of the best possible relief to seasickness. The verandah allows an influx of fresh air into the room, as well as actual views of the water which help dissipate seasick feelings for many. In addition, the location in the middle of the ship cuts down on the amount of rocking and movement you’ll be able to feel, which should cut down on queasiness.

While this does get our pick for best, there is one potential drawback: There will likely be a decent amount of foot traffic outside your room given the aforementioned proximity to so many of the ship’s amenities.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, we have our pick for the worst cabin option on the Disney Treasure: An Inside Stateroom toward the aft of deck 2.

This style of room, located in the lowest deck of the ship to feature state rooms, not only doesn’t feature a verandah, it doesn’t even have a porthole or window. This can make room feel quite claustrophobic. In addition, the lack of an outside view can increase feelings of queasiness and seasickness.

Furthermore, being located all the way down in the bowels of the ship, the area is comparatively far from from all the ship’s internal and external amenities, making it a slog to reach almost any of them, even with the elevator. There’s also a noise issue, as the hum of the engines is more audible lower on the ship, especially toward the aft portion.

However, in compassion to our best choice, Deck 2 does offer the “perk” of not much foot traffic at all, since it’s so far from the popular common areas, which definitely matters to some passengers.

While these are our opinions on “best” and “worst” options, they’re obviously open to conjecture. The “perks” that are worth extra money to some may not be so to others, and the same can be said for negatives that may be deal breakers for some and not matter to others. Stay tuned to AllEars for more on the Disney Treasure.

Disney Cruise Line Ships: Disney Treasure – Everything You Need to Know

Join the allears.net newsletter  to stay on top of all the breaking disney news you'll also get access to allears tips, reviews, trivia, and more click here to subscribe.

Which cabin would be your pick for a Disney Treasure cruise? Let us know in the comments below.

Trending Now

We're digging into Disney World's Magic Kingdom expansion plans!

An iconic EPCOT ride got a bit of a refresh recently!

One Disney World park is about to celebrate a big milestone!

What's become of Hollywood Studios' opening day attractions?

Don't mess with Disney World -- or at least, that's how fans are feeling hearing...

We found your perfect Hollywood Studios tee.

One of Disney World's parks is about to celebrate a NEW milestone soon and they're...

From time to time, rides and attractions are taken out of production temporarily for various...

We're rounding up the best souvenirs in Magic Kingdom's Tomorrowland!

There's a NEW roller coaster coming to Epic Universe in Universal Orlando, and we've got...

Disney recently shared how much Individual Lightning Lane will cost for Guardians of the Galaxy:...

We're a little surprised that these ride trends haven't changed in Disney World yet!

Let's talk about some Criminally Underrated EPCOT hotels!

Traditional, character-shaped, or cultural celebration -- these are the popcorn buckets that Disney has released...

The way guests pay for Savi's Workshop and Droid Depot is changing!

Disney World has revealed the opening timeline for the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster refurbishment.

We don't want to make traveling more stressful, but be aware if you get SSSS...

NEW Halloween snacks are coming to Disney World soon!

Planning a trip with your friends and don't know how to plan an itinerary? Don't...

We've talked about the best shoes in Disney World, but there are some major ones...

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Follow us on Social!

Shop the Disney Store | AllEars® Merchandise | Shop Amazon | Press Room | Contact Us

Read more About us or Advertise with us . We respect your right to privacy. Please take a moment to review our privacy policy and terms of use .

Copyright ©1996-2024 AllEarsNet, LLC, All Rights Reserved. AllEars.Net, AllEars® Newsletter and any other properties owned by AllEarsNet, LLC are not affiliated with, authorized or endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with, The Walt Disney Company, Disney Enterprises, Inc., or any of their affiliates. All Disney artwork, copyrights, trademarks, service marks, and trade names are proprietary to Disney Enterprises, Inc. or, its subsidiary, affiliated and related companies. For official Disney information, visit http://www.disneyworld.com

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

Disney Dream Staterooms

Deluxe family oceanview stateroom, deluxe family oceanview stateroom – accessible, deluxe oceanview stateroom, deluxe oceanview stateroom – accessible.