18 Things Disney Does Better Than Every Other Cruise Line

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People ask me all the time what my favourite cruise line is. And while it’s a close call, I have to say Disney.

This may come as a surprise, as I’m not your typical Disney fan. I wouldn’t recognise most of the Princesses and I’ve never seen a Marvel movie. But I do love Disney cruises!

My family on a Disney cruise

While many people book Disney cruises for the character experiences, there are a large portion of people book them just because Disney Cruise Line offers really great cruises.

They’re not cheap, though. You might pay double or even triple what you would with another cruise line. But I think they’re worth it, and I’m looking forward to my fifth Disney cruise next year.

So, what is it that makes Disney cruise so special? Let me show you…

1. Enchanting Entertainment

When it comes to entertainment at sea, I’ve got to say that Disney Cruise Line absolutely knocks it out of the park.

Moana show on Disney Treasure

Every time I watch one of their musicals, I’m blown away by the sheer spectacle of it all. The shows are absolutely incredible – we’re talking proper Broadway-level productions that bring beloved Disney stories to life with stunning costumes, amazing sets and the world’s most talented performers.

One show might end with Mickey-shaped confetti raining from the ceiling, during another the theatre might fill with bubbles. There’s no way that even the youngest kids could find them boring. I also love that there are enough seats for everyone, so you never have to book ahead or arrive too early to get a seat.

2. Deck Parties

On a Disney cruise, the entertainment doesn’t just happen in the theatre. You can join the most fun parties up on the deck. The swimming pools convert into deck space and there’s a roped off area at the front for the kids to guarantee that they get a good view.

Disney sailaway party

I love the sailaway parties. but the Pirate Night is my favourite. Many people bring full pirate costumes, but if you haven’t got space in your luggage then don’t worry – Disney will provide you with a pirate bandana to wear.

Cruise Mummy dressed as a pirate on a Disney Cruise

Pirate Night ends with a spectacular fireworks show. Imagine standing on deck, watching fireworks explode over the ocean – it’s proper goosebump material!

3. Character Appearances

If you want to meet your favourite characters, a Disney cruise is a much better way to do it than the parks. In the parks, you might queue for an hour or more to see Mickey and his friends. On the ships, you’ll rarely wait for more than ten minutes.

Me with Mickey and Minnie on a Disney cruise

What makes Disney’s entertainment really special is how they weave those little magical moments throughout your entire cruise. You might be grabbing a coffee when suddenly there’s an impromptu character appearance, or you could be heading to dinner and stumble upon a mini-show in the atrium.

Disney Character Appearances

One of our favourite moments on the Disney Dream was when we were queuing for a photo with all of the main characters in their Halloween costumes while Stitch was running around causing mischief and distracting people in the line while his chaperone tried to control him.

4. Movies Galore

While other cruise lines might show the odd film here and there, Disney screens their latest releases in proper cinema settings. Each ship has two cinemas indoors, an outdoor movie screen in the funnel and endless Disney movies on TV.

Movies on a Disney cruise

During our transatlantic cruise, we watched more Disney movies than I have in my whole life! The kids rarely watch TV or movies at home, so it really brought the characters to life.

We particularly loved the outdoor movies. On a hot day, we would watch from the pool, and when it was colder we would snuggle under blankets on the deck chairs.

Funnel Vision outdoor movie screen

5. The Best Kids Clubs At Sea

My kids have been lucky enough to take around 20 cruises and they will tell you that Disney Cruise Line has the best kids clubs by far. (They’ll also tell you that Celestyal Cruises has the worst!)

The kids clubs on Disney cruises are huge, with several different spaces themed around different movies and offering different activities. So rather than being told what the activity is at that moment, kids always have a choice of different activities or free play.

Disney kids club

Kids are free to move between the different themed areas of the kids club. Younger kids will love the Toy Story area which feels just like you’re stepping into Andy’s room!

The Oceaneer Club accepts kids aged 3 to 12, so siblings can stay together. This is unique to Disney as almost every other cruise line splits kids into different age groups.

The teen clubs are split by age though, and there are three different areas for those aged 11 to 14, 14 to 17 and 18 to 20. That means that teens will only be with those their own age. 11-, 12- and 14-year-olds can choose if they want to be with older or younger friends. No other cruise line offers that flexibility.

Vibrant teens club room on Disney Cruise Line, featuring a large curved yellow sofa, modern stools and tables, and a colorful wall mural with the word "Vibe" prominently displayed. The room also includes a beverage station and a large screen, creating a trendy and comfortable hangout space for teenagers.

The kids clubs are open from about 9 am until midnight. Unlike most others, they don’t close for lunch and you never need to book – your kids can just turn up when they want to.

There are open house sessions too so that the whole family can enjoy the facilities together. Even if you don’t have kids, you can just turn up and play Mario Kart on the Nintendo Switch!

Dad and kids playing games in the kids club on a Disney cruise

What I love most is how the counsellors really get to know each child. They’re not just minding the kids; they’re creating genuine connections and ensuring everyone feels special.

6. The Rotational Dining System

The rotational dining system is one of my favourite things about sailing with Disney. Instead of being stuck in the same restaurant every night, you get to move between three completely different themed venues. But here’s the clever bit – your serving team moves with you!

A Disney cruise crew member is serving a family at a beautifully set dining table on the ship. The waiter is placing a bread basket on the table as the family, including a young girl, looks on with smiles. The elegant dining room features other guests enjoying their meals, with polished decor and a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Before long, our servers knew what drinks we usually wanted and that the kids wanted a bowl of cucumber slices for a starter every day!

plate of cucumbers as a starter

The food quality is consistently fantastic, and I love how each restaurant has its own unique personality. One night you might be dining in an elegant, Enchanted Garden with twinkling lights and fountains, and the next you’re in an animated dining room where the walls come alive with Disney magic. It’s a theatrical dining experience that you just don’t get on other cruise lines.

7. Casual Dining Options

On Disney cruises, I always love the poolside food court. Here you can get so many different things like tacos, burritos, pizza, hot dogs, burgers, fries, grilled meats and salads.

Donald's Cantina

There’s also a fantastic buffet called Marceline Market. Sadly, this isn’t open in the evening, which is a shame. However, if you fancy something more casual than the Main Dining Room for dinner, you can head to the poolside eatery.

Disney also offers really great room service, which is included in your cruise fare. I highly recommend the plant based chicken tenders. You can even order a plate of Babybel cheeses!

Disney cruise room service

8. Self-Service Ice Cream

Most cruise lines charge extra for ice cream, so of course when you have kids it’s great when it’s free of charge and you never have to say no!

What’s even better than free ice cream, is that on Disney ships you can serve it yourself. There are cones and soft serve machines with all different flavours like chocolate, vanilla, strawberry and banana. It’s so much fun to make your own ice cream cone!

9. Vegan Food

I made a list of the best cruise lines for vegans and Disney is number two. Number 1 is SeaDream Yacht Club and their ships only have around 100 guests, so it’s a bit easier to cater at that scale than on the much larger ships.

If you have a dietary requirement, then each evening the waiter will go through the menu for the next day with you and together you can plan what you’ll have and how you might like to adapt any dishes to make them suitable.

Vegan breakfast on Disney cruise
Yes, this is all vegan!

There are also some fantastic meat alternatives onboard like Beyond burgers, plant-based hot dogs, vegan pepperoni pizzas and omelettes made with Just Egg. For the best vegan breakfasts, head to the 1923 restaurant. Let your server know that you plan to visit the night before, and your breakfast will be fast and fresh for you.

Read more: Disney Cruise Vegan Options & How to Order

10. Included Drinks

On a Disney Cruise the soft drinks are free. By the pool and in the buffet there are machines so you can help yourselves to all kinds of fizzy drinks. You’ll also get free soft drinks and juices in the restaurants. My kids love the chocolate milk.

A row of drink dispensing machines on a Disney cruise ship, providing a variety of beverage options. These machines are labeled with popular soft drink brands such as Sprite, Coca-Cola, and Fanta, along with selections for ice and water. The area features a stainless steel counter and a reminder sign advising guests to "USE FRESH GLASS FOR REFILL", promoting hygiene and cleanliness. This setup is typical for cruise ships, offering guests convenient access to self-service beverages throughout their journey.

Alcohol is pretty pricey, but if you usually go for soft drinks you can save a fortune. If you do prefer beer or wine, the Disney drink packages can save you some money.

You’re also allowed to bring two bottles of wine or six beers per person when you board. Unlike other cruise lines, Disney also allows you to bring on extra drinks in each port of call. You can drink these in your room or on your balcony.

A sign showing how much alcohol you can bring on a Disney cruise

Another nice touch is that you get free pre-dinner cocktails or mocktails on formal night. I’ve seen other cruise lines like P&O Cruises offer a glass of sparkling wine, but Disney is the only cruise line I have known to offer cocktails. And I love that.

free cocktails on a Disney cruise!

11. The Crew Members

From the moment you step aboard, you’re treated like royalty – but in this wonderfully warm, friendly way that feels genuinely personal rather than stuffy or forced.

Disney Cruise Line’s crew members go above and beyond to make sure every guest is happy. If you request something, they never say no. They always say ‘let me see if we can make that happen’. And they almost always will.

Disney crew member

In the dining room, if you want something that isn’t on the menu, with 12 hours notice, they can do that for you. My kids asked if it would be possible to have a jacket potato with baked beans, so for the next evening our waiter arranged for the potatoes to be ready and the beans to be brought down from the buffet.

And the wait staff don’t just serve the food. They keep the kids entertained with jokes, magic tricks and even origami!

Doing origami at dinner on a Disney cruise

The housekeeping team goes above and beyond too. They don’t just make up your room – they create adorable towel animals and leave little chocolates on your pillow.

Disney towel animal

The guest-to-crew ratio on Disney cruises is perfect. There always seems to be someone nearby when you need them, but they’re never hovering or making you feel uncomfortable. I love how they manage to strike that perfect balance between attentiveness and giving you space to enjoy your holiday.

12. Stateroom Comforts

I absolutely love how Disney’s thought about every little detail in their staterooms.

My favourite feature has to be the split bathroom setup – it’s an absolute game-changer when you’re travelling with family. While one person’s having a shower, someone else can be using the toilet in the other half. It’s these practical touches that make mornings so much smoother.

The beds are super comfy too – it feels like you’re sleeping on a cloud. There’s a curtain to separate the double bed from the kids beds to offer some privacy.

The pull-down bunk has a lovely starry sky painted on the ceiling. And as a surprise, mid way through your cruise the kids bedding will be changed from plain duvets to character themed bedding.

Disney cruise character bedding

There are too many little touches to mention, from the gorgeous toiletries to the little cable tidy that your stateroom attendant might add to keep your wires neat, everything is spot on.

13. Private Islands

Disney has two private resorts in the Bahamas – Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. They each have their own unique charm, but a day spent at one of these destinations will be the highlight of your cruise.

Me in the waves at Lookout Cay

The island resorts have something for everyone. Whether you want to chill on the adults only beach or splash around with the kids in one of the splash parks, or even get active with a hike or a 5K run, you can do.

14. Adults Only Spaces

Disney cruises are just as popular with adults as they are with kids. If you cruise outside of the school holidays, you can expect to see very few kids on board.

To cater for people who prefer a more sophisticated break, there are large sections of each ship where kids aren’t allowed. There are several bars which are adults-only in the evenings and the speciality restaurants don’t allow children either.

Quiet Cove pool

The Quiet Cove Pool is my little sanctuary – no splashing or squealing, just peaceful swimming and sunbathing. It’s also the only place where you’ll find a hot tub.

The Senses Spa features the ‘Rainforest Room’ which is the nicest thermal suite I’ve ever seen. I love the outdoor space on the Disney Wish and Disney Treasure which is absolutely huge with two massive hot tubs.

Rainforest Room outdoor spa

15. Waterslides

My family and I love the waterslides on Disney cruises. Each ship has several different slides so there’s something for everyone.

Disney Treasure waterslides

The AquaDunk slides on the Disney Magic are actually pretty terrifying, but on most ships the slides are more tame! The Disney Wish and the Disney Treasure have ‘water coasters’ which include short movies as part of the experience. And all ships have a yellow slide that kids aged 4 to 14 will love, as well as some smaller slides for toddlers.

If you want to know more about the slides on each ship, I have a complete Guide to Disney Cruise Waterslides for you.

16. Magic Bands

The only thing that comes close to Disney’s Magic Bands is Princess Cruises’ Medallion. The magic bands work to open your door, sign kids in and out of kids club and to make purchases onboard – basically everything your cruise card does.

Disney's Magic Band

They’re totally optional, but a nice touch for people like me who usually don’t have pockets and constantly misplace their cruise card. The kids love them too, especially when they light up during the shows.

17. Loyalty Benefits

I find that on most cruise ships, the loyalty program never really gives you much. At least that’s the case until you get to the top tiers where you may get free drinks and spa visits.

But on a Disney cruise, your loyalty perks start at the end of your first cruise. While onboard, you’ll have the opportunity to buy a placeholder which will give you a whopping 10% off your next cruise. You can use it for almost any sailing in the next two years. Or if you decide you don’t want to cruise with Disney again, it’s fully refundable.

As a Castaway Club member, you’ll also get a welcome gift on your second cruise and each one after that. Last year I got a lovely beach bag.

Disney Castaway Club beach bag

NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!

Don’t miss the latest Disney Cruise Line offers…

18. The Sense of Community

Disney Cruise Line allows Whatsapp to work on the ship so that guests can message each other for free, without needing a wifi package.

When I took a transatlantic cruise on the Disney Dream, I was part of a WhatsApp community for the cruise that had thousands of other guests in it! Within the community were many different groups, each discussing different things such as seasickness, specialty dining, pin trading, and there was even a group for Ozempic users!

pin trading on a Disney cruise

People on Disney cruises love to be kind to each other. Many people hang fish extenders outside their door so that others surprise them with gifts.

There’s also something called ‘pixie dusting’ which involves giving out random gifts to strangers for no reason. My daughter was pixie dusted with this cute little TY toy, which made her so happy!

Leonie with TY tpy from pixie dusting

I found the WhatsApp community to be SO helpful. And I loved that I could choose which group chats I was interested in and join those. The community helped guests to organise activities such as fish extender gifting, LBGTQ+ meetups and an unofficial 5K run around the promenade deck.

fish extender gifting

I discovered the WhatsApp community via the Facebook group for my cruise. So if you have a Disney cruise booked, I would definitely recommend that you search Facebook for your sailing and see if there’s a WhatsApp group you can join.

18. The Bathroom Amenities

I love the toiletries that you get in your bathroom on a Disney ship. For some reason, most cruise ships don’t provide conditioner, but of course, Disney does, so that’s one less thing to pack.

There’s also shower gel, hand wash and cute soap which has Mickey’s face on it!

Disney Cruise soap

You never have to worry about running out of clean towels and you even get a black flannel to take your make-up off with to avoid staining the white ones. Smart.

I also love that in the public restrooms there are machines where you can get tampons and sanitary towels for free!

Disney cruise ladies vending machine for tampons and towels

Most cruise ships don’t offer any vending machines for sanitary protection at all and I’ve heard horror stories of when people have been caught short at sea and found that the shop doesn’t even sell them! No such worries on a Disney cruise.

Why Disney Is Different

Before I took my first Disney cruise, I imagined them to be loud, brash and busy. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Disney cruises are elegant and luxurious, warm and welcoming and above all, a lot of fun.

Read more: 6 Disney Cruise Misconceptions That Almost Made Me Miss Out

The food is better than most ships, the soft drinks are included, and the service is the very best. There are no casinos onboard and no unlimited drinks packages – two things which most cruise lines rely on for a large portion of their income.

So yes, they do a cost more than most family cruises. But in my opinion, a Disney cruise is worth every penny.

To find out how much you need to budget for a Disney cruise, read this guide next: How Much is a Disney Cruise Compared to Other Cruises?

NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!

Don’t miss the latest Disney Cruise Line offers…

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Cruise Mummy

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.

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