What is not included on a Disney cruise?

what is not included on a disney cruise? Paid extras to expect

Planning your vacation budget requires knowing exactly what is not included on a disney cruise to avoid unexpected financial surprises
Understanding these specific extra costs helps families manage their spending while enjoying the trip. Review the complete list of premium additions to protect your wallet.

What is not included on a Disney cruise?

While Disney Cruise Line offers robust, all-inclusive-style perks like rotational dining and Broadway-style shows, you will pay extra for adult-exclusive specialty dining, alcoholic beverages, premium coffees, and movie theater snacks[cite: 1]
Additionally, port excursions, spa services, Wi-Fi packages, optional disney cruise gratuities and extras, and nursery care for kids under 3 are not included[cite: 1]. ^[2]

Food and Beverage Exclusions

A breakdown of what to budget for starts with your culinary options. Adult-Exclusive Dining options like Palo, Remy, and Enchante require an additional cover charge and have strict dress codes[cite: 1]

While soda, water, coffee, and tea from self-serve stations are free, specialty drinks like alcohol, smoothies, mocktails, and specialty espresso from cafes like Cove Cafe cost extra[cite: 1]. Furthermore, snacks and sweets such as packaged movie theater popcorn, specialty candy shops like Vanellopes Sweets and Treats, and premium ice cream are not covered[cite: 1].

Specialty Dining and Drinks Breakdown

Budgeting for these extras can catch first-time cruisers off guard. Lets be honest - buying a few specialty coffees each day or booking a fine dining reservation adds up quickly
That said, you can easily avoid these extra costs by sticking to the main dining rooms and self-serve beverage stations.

Onboard Services and Activities

Beyond dining, several onboard services require out-of-pocket expenses. Childcare for babies is a notable exclusion; while the main Oceaneer Club and Lab are free for potty-trained kids ages 3-12, the Its a Small World Nursery for infants and toddlers requires hourly fees[cite: 1]

Spa and salon treatments, massages, and the rainforest-themed thermal suites at Senses Spa are extra[cite: 1]. Shore excursions, also known as Port Adventures, and tours or activities at ports of call involve an additional cost[cite: 1].

Logistics, Extras, and Souvenirs

Logistical costs are another important factor when planning your trip. Gratuities for your stateroom host and dining servers are automatically added to your onboard account[cite: 1]

Wi-Fi is another hidden expense, as basic internet access is not included unless restricted to the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app, meaning full web browsing requires purchasing a data plan[cite: 1]. Professional photos taken by ship photographers, print and digital packages, souvenirs, boutique items like Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique makeovers, and arcade games are all pay-as-you-go[cite: 1].

Included vs. Extra Costs on a Disney Cruise

Understanding the clear line between what is complimentary and what requires an extra fee helps prevent budgeting surprises.

Included in Fare

• Broadway-style stage shows, deck parties, and character meet-and-greets
• Soda, water, coffee, and tea from self-serve drink stations
• Rotational dining rooms, casual buffet, and quick-service stations
• Oceaneer Club and Lab access for children ages 3 to 12

Not Included (Extra Cost)

• Alcoholic drinks, smoothies, and specialty coffees from cafes
• Hourly nursery care for infants and toddlers under 3 years old
• Cover charges for adult-exclusive venues like Palo and Remy
• Standard internet packages and professional photography packages

A Family Budgeting Reality Check

Mai and her family booked a 4-night Disney cruise, assuming everything onboard was entirely covered by the initial ticket price.

During the trip, they didn't realize that specialty espresso drinks, nursery care for their 1-year-old, and professional family photos were billed separately, leading to an unexpected final bill.

After reviewing their onboard account breakdown on the third day, they decided to skip the adult-exclusive restaurant and used the self-serve beverage station instead.

For their next cruise, they budgeted an extra percentage for gratuities and port adventures beforehand, completely eliminating any financial surprises at checkout.