Disney Cruise Line is probably one of the most misunderstood of all of the cruise companies that exist.
So many people assume that a Disney Cruise “isn’t for them”, when in fact, I’m sure they would love it if they gave it a try.
After taking four Disney cruises, I’ve discovered there’s much more to this cruise line than mouse ears and princesses meet-and-greets.

I used to believe all sorts of things about Disney cruises that turned out to be completely wrong. From worrying about constant cartoon characters in my face to assuming I’d need a second mortgage to afford it, these misconceptions nearly stopped me from discovering what’s now become my favourite way to holiday…
1. Disney Cruises Are Over-Disneyfied
Here’s something that really surprised me about Disney cruises – they’re actually very classy! I was worried I’d be walking into a floating theme park, but it’s nothing like that at all.
When I first stepped onto the ship, I noticed how elegant everything looked. The grand entrance hall reminded me of a luxury hotel, with beautiful art deco touches and subtle Mickey Mouse designs that won’t even spot at first glance.

Yes, there are Disney characters around, but they’re not in your face all the time. I love how they pop up for scheduled meet-and-greets or special shows, but then they leave you to enjoy your holiday in peace. It’s perfect – you get those magical Disney moments when you want them, but you can also have a grown-up dinner without Goofy doing the cha-cha next to your table!

The ships themselves are gorgeous, with lots of little nods to maritime history and classic cruise design. The restaurants are particularly lovely – places like Palo and Remy feel just like fancy restaurants you’d find in Paris.

I think Disney’s got it just right. There’s enough magic to make it special, but it’s all done with such style that you never feel like you’re trapped in a cartoon.
2. Disney Cruises Are Too Expensive
I used to think a Disney cruise would break the bank, but doing some in-depth analysis, I’ve found they’re actually quite reasonable when you consider what you get. Let me explain why.
There’s a lot included in your fare – all your meals (and believe me, there’s lots of them!), soft drinks, and tons of fun activities. When I compare this to paying separately for hotels, restaurants, and entertainment at Disney World, the cruise often works out cheaper.
You can make it even more affordable if you’re a bit clever about it. Sailing during school term times, especially in January and September, can save you loads. And if you’re not fussy about your exact room location, you can let Disney pick it for you – they call it a “guaranteed stateroom,” and it’s usually cheaper.
You don’t have to worry about constantly reaching for your wallet once you’re on board. It’s so nice knowing most things are already paid for, and you can just focus on having fun!
Read more: This Is How Much More A Disney Cruise Costs Compared to Other Cruises
3. Disney Cruises Are Just for Families
I used to think Disney cruises were all about kids running around and non-stop cartoon characters. But after taking a few trips myself, I can tell you that’s not true at all!

The ships have brilliant adult-only spaces where you won’t see a single child. I love spending afternoons at the quiet pool area, where I can read my book in peace or have a little snooze in the sun. And when we stop at Disney’s private islands, there are lovely beaches that are just for grown-ups.

The nightlife’s fantastic too! In the adult district you can enjoy live music, comedy shows and dancing – all without any little ones around.
The food’s amazing as well, especially if you book into one of the speciality restaurants which are exclusively for adults. There are various alcohol tasting events too that are always popular.
So while Disney cruises are brilliant for families, they’re just as good for adults who want a bit of magic in their holiday. You can join in with all the Disney fun when you want to, but there’s always somewhere quiet to escape to when you need it.
4. You’ll Get Bored
Before my first Disney cruise in 2021, I was a little worried that there wouldn’t be enough to do onboard. But oh my goodness, was I wrong! There’s so much happening that my biggest problem now is fitting everything in.
The ship has these brilliant shows – Broadway-style productions that’ll knock your socks off. Plus, there are several cinemas showing all the latest Disney movies as well as your favourite classics.

If you fancy a bit of fun and games, there’s always something on at the D Lounge with trivia, gameshows, arts and crafts and animation classes. The schedule is packed!

My kids and I love Disney’s waterslides too. Instead of one big pool, there are lots of little ones, which kids love!

The really handy thing is the Navigator app. It tells you exactly what’s happening and when, so you won’t miss out on anything you fancy doing. Trust me, by bedtime, you’ll be wondering how to squeeze in everything you want to try!
5. Disney Cruises Are Too Scheduled
Our first Disney cruise was on the Disney Magic and as it was just after the pandemic, everything was pretty scheduled. We were required to book everything on the app, even if we just wanted to say hello to Mickey!
Things have changed a lot since then though, and there’s very little that you need to book in advance – you can just turn up. Apart from a few must-do bits like the safety drill when you first get on board, you’re free to do whatever you fancy.
Take mealtimes, for instance. While there are set dining rooms for dinner, you’ve got loads of choices. If you don’t fancy going to the main dining room at your scheduled time, you can grab something from the poolside food court instead, or order room service.

In fact, I often decide to avoid the crowds by planning my day to be the opposite of everyone else on board. That means going to the pub at noon and riding the water slides in the dark! Read more about my backwards cruise schedule here.
I really love how different it feels from a Disney park holiday. In the parks, you’re always checking your watch for FastPass times or restaurant bookings. But on the ship, everything’s more laid-back. If you miss a show, there’s usually another one later. If you fancy a swim at 10pm, go for it! The pools are open super late.

You get a handy app that shows you everything that’s happening each day, but there’s no pressure to do it all. Some days I’ll pack in loads of activities, and others I’ll just chill out with a book.
6. You’ll Feel Out of Place as a Solo Traveller
Nobody wants to feel like a weirdo taking a cruise full of kids by themselves. But I promise, you won’t feel odd at all. Lots of people cruise solo with Disney.
The adult-only areas are perfect for solo travellers. You can spend many happy hours at the Quiet Cove Pool, chatting with other grown-ups over coffee at Cove Café or in the jacuzzi.

Dining’s really well sorted too. You’ll be seated at a shared table so you can meet people. If you prefer quiet time, you can grab something from the poolside food court or order room service and watch the sunset from your balcony.
Some of my favourite moments were just wandering around the ship on my own schedule, popping into activities whenever I fancied. No compromising, no rushing – just me doing exactly what I wanted, when I wanted. Isn’t that what holidays are all about?
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Final Thoughts
It’s funny how wrong I was about Disney cruises, before I took one. They’re not the over-the-top, budget-busting, kid-crazy experiences many people imagine. Instead, they’re thoughtfully designed holidays that somehow manage to please everyone – from solo travellers to foodies, and from peace-seekers to party-lovers.
If you’ve been putting off a Disney cruise because of any of these myths, I’d say give it a chance. You might just find yourself wondering why you waited so long to experience the magic at sea.
Related Posts:
- Disney Cruise Ships: Newest To Oldest
- Complete Guide To Disney Cruise Drink Packages
- The Best and Worst Disney Cruise Ships (According To Cruisers)

Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.