Disney Cruise Line vs. Other Family Cruises: What Makes It Worth the Investment?
Disney Cruise Line (DCL): The Magic is In The Details
The website said that a Disney cruise was “where magic meets the sea,” but I was…skeptical, to say the least. I’d fallen in love with the magic of Disney the moment that I laid eyes on EPCOT as a kid, but without the towering walls and shining blue peaks of Cinderella’s Castle, I doubted that Disney Cruise Line (DCL) could manage to keep that same magic intact so far from its roots, especially with such a hefty price tag.
That is, of course, until I finally mustered up the courage to take my daughter, Annabelle, on our first Disney cruise. From the moment that I stepped aboard, I knew that something was different, and it wasn’t just the way that Annabelle’s face lit up as she ran into the cruise’s kids club (or the fact that I got to enjoy a hot meal in peace)!
When comparing cruise options for your family, it’s not just about what’s on the ship—it’s about how you feel while you’re on it. And Disney Cruise Line gets that.
The Real Comparison: Why It’s Not Apples to Apples
It’s true that DCL’s Disney magic comes at a premium, but online pricing can often be misleading. Other cruise lines may be less pricey on the surface, but you’d likely find yourself paying far more for far less.
What’s Included:
- Where other cruise lines upcharge for activities, Disney Cruise Line offers broadway-quality shows that will leave your little one dancing in their seat to the songs of “Frozen: A Musical Spectacular” or “Disney Dreams – An Enchanted Classic.”
- Massive pools, twisting waterslides, and splash zones that will bring the magic of Disney’s Beach Club resort to the high seas.
- Spacious staterooms with 24/7 room service and a variety of dining options, perfect for a formal dinner or a casual night out.
- Adorably-themed kids’ clubs that let kids of all ages make friends and expand their imaginations while you enjoy adult-exclusive activities like cocktails or a relaxing soak at the Quiet Cove Pool.
And even better? A whole cast of costumed characters ensure that Disney magic is there at every turn. During a recent cruise to Greece, a single scoop of ice cream was $9 and character interactions didn’t exist. On Disney? Mickey pops up poolside, and soft serve is always within reach.
Bigger, Better, Built for Families: The Stateroom Difference
After strong-arming a stroller through airport security and waking a cranky toddler for an early flight, I couldn’t have been more thrilled to unpack our things into a beautiful split bathroom suite as Annabelle flopped onto the couch-turned bed.
Featuring the largest standard rooms at sea and designed with families in mind with split baths, privacy curtains, and even a murphy bed for extended families (or those wary of using the top bunk), I could close a curtain and have a space all to myself to relax, nap, or catch up on work. I was thrilled to find more-than-ample storage space under the bed or in the room’s surprisingly-roomy closets as Annabelle stared out the “magical porthole” beside our bed that made even the fussiest of afternoon naps into an adventure.
Dining Without the Nickel-and-Diming
Do you remember the last time you left a restaurant with your kids and wanted to go back again the next night? Yeah, me neither.
Between wrestling with seatbelts and paying $30 for a meal when your kid only ate a single french fry and a chicken nugget, dining out can often feel like more of a chore than it’s worth, but not on Disney Cruise Line.
Although you get to rotate through immersive themed restaurants like Animator’s Palate or even dining with Crush, you keep the same servers. They learn your kids’ quirks, remember your drink order, and feel like extended family by the end of the cruise. And even better? Room service, pool snacks, and high-quality food are all included. If you and your partner want a night away, adult-only restaurants like Palo and Enchanté are available, providing top-quality Italian and French cuisine at only a modest upcharge.
Kids Clubs They’ll Never Want to Leave
Of course, a lavish night out means you have to find childcare, and on a cruise, there’s nary a next-door neighbor or conventional daycare in sight. Enter: The Kids Club.
Kids clubs, like meals, are included in the cruise fare, so not only will you get to eat while your food is hot, your kids will get to pilot the Millennium Falcon like Han Solo, “reach for the sky” as they slide down a supersized Slinky Dog slide, and feel the magic of Pixie Hollow. With hands-on activities, regular character visits, and dedicated staff to ensure that your little one is safe at every step of the way, your kids will be begging to go back to the kids club at the end of the day.
Entertainment That Actually Entertains
Outside of the kids club, there are plenty of immersive experiences that will give your family another taste of Disney Magic (and I’m not just talking about the cruise ship)! You can crack a difficult case and explore the ship during a self-guided adventure at the Midship Detective Agency, enjoy curated character dinners that go beyond everyday meet-and-greets, and even watch the newest Disney movies a day before they debut in theaters with exclusive first-run showings at sea.
After all, storytelling is at the heart of the Disney experience, and every Disney cruise gives you and your little ones the opportunity to watch Disney’s stories come alive not just on the big screen, but on the stage, too. Every Disney cruise provides broadway-caliber shows featuring beloved characters like Elsa, Mickey, and Moana (among many others). On Disney Cruise Line, you’re not just watching performers—you’re watching a Broadway-quality version of a story your child knows by heart.
Destinations That Feel Special—Because They Are
Any other cruise can take you to the Bahamas—but can they take you to a private island? With Disney Cruise Line, you can snorkel, swim, and sunbathe to your heart’s content on Disney’s Castaway Cay, experience the rich culture and scenic vistas of the Bahamas at Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, and enjoy exclusive access to areas otherwise closed to the public in Alaska, the Mediterranean, and Northern Europe.
Each private island feels safe, well-equipped, and makes every day feel like a bonus day at Disney World. Plus, if you want even more exclusive activities, Adventures By Disney’s pre- and post-tours offer shorter lines, private tours, and additional VIP access.
That Disney Service (Yes, It Still Exists)
Speaking of VIPs, I quickly learned that you don’t need to pay extra to be treated like one aboard Disney Cruise Line. I may not have gotten the exclusive tours or shorter lines, but DCL’s servers always remembered my drink order, and they even went the extra mile to fold our towels into a whole safari of swans, elephants, and monkeys that kept Annabelle entertained for hours.
The Intangibles: Why It Feels Different
Lavish staterooms or top-notch entertainment aren’t the only reasons that a Disney Cruise feels, well…different. DCL’s curated shows and engaging activities lead to less decision fatigue, allowing you to be present and indulge in the surprise and delight of each moment on a Disney Cruise. You’re not just taking a cruise. You’re making memories in a way that feels effortless, joyful, and—dare I say—magical.
TL;DR: What Makes Disney Cruise Line Worth It
As I stepped off of my first Disney cruise a few years ago, Annabelle at my side, I realized that the cruise’s hefty price tag was worth every penny. Disney Magic does “meet the sea” onboard a Disney Cruise:
- More included = fewer surprise charges
- Family-focused staterooms with smart design
- Exceptional service and thoughtful touches
- Best-in-class kids’ clubs and entertainment
- Private islands and exclusive destination access
- Less chaos, more connection
If a Disney Cruise is still too much, be sure to check out my guide on family river cruises for a more laid-back, budget-friendly option. Whether it’s your first cruise or your fifth, I’d love to help you compare your options, find the best fit for your family, and make sure every detail is magical. You bring the excitement—I’ll handle the logistics.
Who is Christina?
Christina Vieira, a Traveler, a Planner, and a Mom. She is also the owner of Showcase the World Travel, a modern travel agency that helps busy Moms take the vacation they deserve without adding “planning it all” to their to-do lists. After all, Mom should get to enjoy their vacation too.
She specializes in Disney, Caribbean, Europe and has helped dozens of families have magical vacations that they will always remember. She loves traveling with her four-year-old daughter, Annabelle. Her favorite destinations include Walt Disney World, Wyoming, and Prague.
