So you are ready to book your Disney cruise, but still want to know what hidden fees you are missing? Here’s a breakdown of everything you may have to pay extra for on your cruise:
Gratuities. Gratuities are recommended at $12 per person per night. This will automatically be charged to your on-board account at the end of your cruise unless you go to Guest Services to make any changes. Tip envelopes will also be left in your stateroom the last night of your cruise. Most people tend to tip their servers in addition to the $12 per person per day, because service is that good on a Disney Cruise – so you may want to plan ahead.
Alcoholic or Specialty Drinks. Unlike other cruise lines, Disney cruise does include unlimited sodas. However, alcoholic and specialty non-alcoholic drinks, smoothies and coffees are not included and do cost extra. Please also note that an 18% gratuity is automatically added to any specialty drink purchase.
Excursions. This should be a given, but any excursion at the ports are going to be extra. Parasailing, swimming with the dolphins and snorkeling are just some of the types of excursions offered at ports. Excursions can also be booked direct (outside of Disney Cruise Line) and can save you money.
Parasailing at Castaway Cay!
Martini, Champagne & Wine Tastings. Disney offers certain beverage tastings on their ships for an extra fee. The fee is reasonable, with some starting around $20.
Concessions outside theaters. There are concessions outside both theaters for daily movies and the evening entertainment. Sodas, popcorn and candy are sold, although you are allowed to bring in your own snacks and drinks as well.
Bingo! One of our favorite activities on the Disney Cruise is Bingo. This does cost extra, but is family friendly and tons of fun.
Photos. Disney has professional photographers set up throughout different places on the ship (character meet and greets, special backdrops on pirate night, formal night, etc.) and also on Castaway Cay. The photographers are not allowed to take a photo with your phone, but sometimes at the character meet and greets there are cast members there also that will take a picture with your phone. Different photo packages are offered, and you can save a little money if you pre-order at www.mycruisephotos.com.
Internet. Disney does offer some internet packages with their Connect@Sea, but they are pretty expensive. You can get 50MB free your first day of the cruise by signing up through the app.
Small Package (100MB) – $19.00
Medium Package (300MB – $39.00
Large Package (1000MB) – $89.00
Adult Only Dining. Disney offers two adult only dining choices – Palo and Remy. You can read all about the Palo Brunch here. These are five-star restaurants and a really good price if you want a special date night or adult only time on your cruise. Palo is current $30 per person, while Remy is $85 per person.
Souvenirs. What is a trip to any Disney destination without going home with some goodies? There are several gift shops on board and also at Castaway Cay for you to find that perfect souvenir to take home.
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique & Pirates League. Disney offers this service to girls who want to be made up like their favorite princess, or kids who want a pirate makeover for Pirate Night! This is very popular and reservations can be made at your online check-in date (75 days before sailing for first-time cruisers).
Spa Services. All Disney ships have a spa on-board with services such as massages, facials, pedicures & more! There is also a Chill Spa available for teens. The spa will run specials your first day on-board, but usually require a booking for the first night in order to get the discount. If you are a Disney Visa cardholder, certain services will be eligible for a discount. Read about the Rainforest Day Pass here.
