Are Disney Cruises Worth It?

My Honest Take as a First-Timer

I often see posts asking, Are Disney Cruises really worth it?

Having sailed with Disney Cruise Line (DCL) recently, and with several Holland America cruises under my belt, I wanted to share my honest advice to help you decide if a Disney Cruise might be right for your family.

What Stood Out

Here's what stood out to me about DCL:

• No Casinos

  For some, gambling is a big part of a cruise. While my husband doesn't gamble (he is very much an unlucky charm when it comes to that!), I sometimes enjoy visiting the casino when it's available. That said, we didn't miss having a casino on board at all. Honestly, there wasn't time for it - and we certainly didn't miss the smoky air that often comes with casino spaces.

• Kids-Centric Experiences

  I expected my kids to say that the characters were their favorite part. I mean, who doesn't like bumping into Mickey, Minnie, or even Spiderman and Thor? Their answer surprised me - what they loved the most was how the cast members truly engaged with them and made them feel seen and heard. From our cabin stewards to the dining servers, and especially the Kids Club Cast Members, they all took time to learn our kids' names, chat with them, and make them feel right at home.

• Speaking of Kids Club... Disney offers three distinct Kids Club areas based on age. There's a nursery for little ones aged 6 months to 3 years, a club for kids aged 3 to 10, and an exclusive space for tweens aged 11 to 14. Each club has its own schedule and themed activities. Our kids had a blast making new friends and were sometimes even disappointed when we pulled them out to go to dinner! They loved their time in the clubs - and they even got to meet special characters we didn't see elsewhere on the ship.

• Character Meet and Greets

  The characters are out and about throughout the day, and meeting them is usually easy with minimal wait times. One of my favorite parts was seeing their different outfits each day - even the characters dress for the occasion! You'll also find them on Castaway Cay and Lighthouse Point. Of course, Disney PhotoPass photographers are nearby to capture those magical moments for you.

• Dining Experience

  Overall, I didn't find the food to be spectacular, but it was good - and the themed dining experience more than made up for it. Our kids were thrilled to have chicken nuggets and broccoli (yes, our kids love broccoli!) every night, and our server was a saint for making that happen. My husband and I enjoyed trying new dishes every day - I even stepped out of my comfort zone and tried escargot! The best part of Disney Cruise dining is how immersive it is - I'll share more about that in a separate post.

• Broadway Style Shows

  The shows onboard were nothing short of spectacular! Disney’s Broadway-style productions are high-quality, beautifully staged, and absolutely worth making time for. Expect to laugh, maybe even tear up, and join in the applause with the rest of the audience. The Disney magic shines through every performance, and you won’t regret experiencing these unforgettable shows.

• Not a Booze Cruise

  While you can purchase alcohol on the ship, this is not a booze cruise nor a big party ship - unless you like dancing with pirates! The vibe is family-focused and full of magical moments for all ages.

• Door Decor and Fish Extenders

  A fun Disney Cruise Line tradition is decorating your cabin door, and many guests participate in a guest-run gift exchange called Fish Extenders. It's like Secret Santa at sea! We had so much fun decorating our door and surprising other cabins with small gifts. I'll share more details about Fish Extenders and door decorating in a future post.

• The Guests

  Every cruise has a mix of people, but in my experience, Disney Cruise guests tend to be friendlier and more cheerful. The Disney magic seems to bring out the best in everyone and creates a welcoming, upbeat atmosphere.

So... Are Disney Cruises Worth It?

In my honest opinion — absolutely, at least once! Whether you're a Disney Adult sailing without kids or a family with little ones, teens, or everything in between, the Disney Cruise Line offers a one-of-a-kind experience that’s hard to match. The atmosphere, the service, the entertainment, and, of course, the magical stops at Castaway Cay and Lighthouse Point create memories you simply can’t get on other cruise lines.

It might not be the right fit for everyone — especially if you’re looking for a wild party cruise — but for those who love Disney, family-friendly fun, and a more relaxed, welcoming vibe, it’s truly something special. From the moment you step onboard to the final farewell, Disney Cruise Line delivers an experience full of magic, heart, and unforgettable moments.

If you're thinking about setting sail, I say go for it — you won't regret experiencing the magic for yourself. If you are interested in speaking with me for me details on Disney Cruise Line, please Contact Me and I'll be happy to answer any questions.