family rooms on disney cruise

Best Staterooms on a Disney Cruise

Disney Cruise Lines are perfect for families looking to enjoy quality time together. But with so many different categories and subcategories, how do you know which stateroom is right for you? Let’s investigate how to select the best staterooms on a Disney cruise for your family vacation.

Not familiar with the term “stateroom”?  Disney Cruise Line refers to the individual passenger rooms on its cruise ships as “staterooms.”  You might have heard these previously referred to elsewhere as “ cabins .”

The Disney Cruise Line offers four main types of staterooms: Concierge (the most expensive ), Veranda, Oceanview, and Inside (the least expensive). In each category and within each ship, there are different options (subcategories). Category 1 is typically the most costly, followed by Category 2, etc. Category 11 is the least expensive. Within each category, subcategory A is typically more expensive than subcategory B, and so on.

The amenities and size of the room usually correspond to the price, with Category 1 being the biggest and best while Category 11 has the smallest rooms with the fewest features.

Within each numbered category, the letter subcategories typically designate more preferable locations on the ship’s deck plan (rather than differences in stateroom amenities).  For example, a 4A stateroom might be in a better location than a 4C stateroom, but the interiors of both staterooms will be virtually identical. Note that some Concierge staterooms are an exception to this rule; Category 1A is a drastically different stateroom versus Category 1B.

Generally speaking, rooms located on higher decks or the middle of each deck plan (known as midship or mid ) are considered more preferable than lower decks or staterooms that are forward (front of the ship) or aft (rear of the ship). Which side of the ship the room is on (port side or starboard side) generally does not factor into stateroom category.

Also note that some stateroom categories cater to different travel parties. Some staterooms might only sleep up to a family of four , whereas others can hold five or more.

Please note that this guide does not include accessible suites , which offer the same level of convenience and comfort to guests with disabilities. For questions about accessible suites or any of the below-listed rooms, please get in touch with The Vacationeer .

Their team of experienced Disney travel agents will help you find the best itineraries at the lowest price, and there’s never an additional charge for their services.

Now, let’s look at the best staterooms on a Disney Cruise ship .

Concierge Staterooms (Most Expensive Main Category)

The stunning Concierge Wish Tower Suite stateroom on the Disney Wish | Image © Disney

The Concierge category offers the most luxurious – and expensive – accommodations on Disney Cruise Line. Each room has a large private verandah and premium amenities and services.

The Concierge Wish Tower Suite and the Concierge Royal Suite are the ship’s most spacious and lavishly appointed rooms. Additionally, the Concierge 1-Bedroom Suite is a more modestly priced option that still offers an incredible experience. For families, the Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom provides plenty of space and convenient access to all of the ship’s family-friendly amenities.

Concierge-level staterooms in categories 1, 2, and 3 include additional perks , such as access to priority seating for excursions and events and exclusive access to the Concierge Lounge, where you can relax with complimentary coffee, tea, and pastries or enjoy evening hors d’oeuvres and cocktails.

Here’s a breakdown of the categories found in the Concierge category.

Category 1A – Concierge Wish Tower Suite (Disney Wish cruise ship only)

The Wish Tower Suite on Deck 14 and 15 is the Disney Cruise Line’s most luxurious room. It has two bedrooms, a space for children with two bunk beds, and a library that can convert into two more rooms. Aside from the four full bathrooms and the half-bath off the living room, the suite has floor-to-ceiling windows on both decks, providing a great view of the ship from the suite.

Eight guests can stay in this 1,966 sq. ft. suite. It has a wow factor like no other!

Recommendation :  The Concierge Wish Tower Suite is the perfect choice for families or groups who have the money to spend and won’t settle for anything less than the best. Nothing out-competes the luxury of this stateroom.  It truly is the best stateroom on a Disney Cruise.

The location of the Concierge Wish Tower Suite | Image © Disney

Category 1A – Concierge Royal Suite w/ Verandah (Disney Dream, Fantasy, Magic, & Wonder cruise ships)

The Concierge Royal Suite with Verandah stateroom is the largest and most luxurious suite offered on Disney’s Dream, Fantasy, Magic, and Wonder. The Magic and Wonder ships can accommodate up to 7 guests, and the Dream and Fantasy ships can accommodate up to 5 guests.

The suite features a living area with a formal dining table and sitting area and a massive verandah with a private hot tub on the Dream and Fantasy ships. The decor in these suites is luxurious and tasteful, making it the perfect choice for those looking for the ultimate in luxury and comfort.

Recommendation :  This is the Crème de la Crème of staterooms on the Disney Dream, Fantasy, Magic, and Wonder cruise ships. If roominess and luxury are what you’re after, and you have the money to spend, then Concierge Royal Suite with Verandah is a great choice. 

Category 1B – Concierge 2-Story Royal Suite w/ Verandah (Disney Wish)

The Concierge 2-Story Royal Suite with Verandah on the Disney Wish cruise ship is a luxurious and spacious stateroom that spans two decks (decks 12 and 13). The Suite features a spiral staircase, two large bedrooms, three full bathrooms, a large dining and living area, and two large verandahs with a private hot tub.

This stateroom is an impressive 1,759 sq. ft and can comfortably sleep six guests,

Recommendation:  The 2-Story Royal Suite is another fantastic offering from the new Disney Wish. Perfect for families and groups of six who want to be treated like kings and queens. 

Category 1B – Concierge 2-Bedroom Suite w/ Verandah (Disney Magic & Wonder)

Disney Cruise Line’s Concierge 2-Bedroom Suite with Verandah features two separate bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, and a spacious sitting area.  The total area is 945 sq. ft., including the verandah, and can accommodate up to seven people. A large verandah is perfect for enjoying the views or relaxing. It is an impressive suite, perfect for a large group or family!

This stateroom is only available on Disney Magic and Disney Wonder .

Recommendation:   An excellent choice for families who want plenty of luxury and space. Choose the starboard (right) side if you sail to Castaway Cay because you will have better views of Disney’s private island when docked. 

Category 1C – 1-Story Royal Suites w/ Verandah (Disney Wish)

With a classic elegance inspired by Sleeping Beauty, the Disney Wish’s 1-Story Royal Suites with Verandah are perfect for families and groups of up to 6. There are two bedrooms, a living room and dining room, three full bathrooms, and an impressive 1,507 square feet of living space. The wet bar is perfect for entertaining, and the large private verandah with a whirlpool tub is the ideal place to relax.

Recommendation :  These beautiful and family-friendly staterooms will make your cruise vacation unforgettable.

Category 2A and 2B – Concierge 1-Bedroom Suite w/ Verandah (All Disney Cruise Ships)

Disney cruises offer a 1-Bedroom Suite with Verandah for those looking for a little extra space and privacy on their vacation. The suite sleeps up to 5 people and features a separate bedroom, two bathrooms, a living room, and a wet bar.  The main bathroom has double sinks, a rain-style shower, and a whirlpool tub. A large walk-in closet provides plenty of space for storing your belongings.

The main difference between Categories 2A and 2B is location. Magic and Wonder’s 2A suites have a slightly different layout with a longer verandah. Dream and Fantasy’s 2A suites are located between the two connecting Royal Suites and the ship’s front center. The 2A suites of the Disney Wish are located on deck 12 and have a deeper verandah than the 2B suites.

Recommendation:  This is an excellent option if you only need one bedroom but still want plenty of roominess and class. 

A Concierge One-Bedroom Suite on the Disney Fantasy | Image © Disney

Category 3A and 3B – Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom w/ Verandah (Disney Dream, Fantasy, Magic, & Wonder)

The Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah on Disney cruises is a luxurious private room that sleeps up to five people. This room is complete with a private verandah with beautiful sea views and an abundance of warm woods and custom fabrics.

The stateroom features a queen-sized bed, a convertible sofa, a Pullman bunk bed, and a spacious bathroom with a shower, TV, and a safe. There are just over 300 square feet of living space. Additionally, families have concierge-level guests access to a private lounge and priority boarding.

Recommendation:   Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom is excellent for families that want the luxury and perks of a Concierge-level stateroom but don’t need all the bells and whistles (and expense) of the Category 1 and 2 staterooms. 

Category 3B – Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom (Disney Wish)

The Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom on Disney Wish offers stunning sea views through floor-to-ceiling windows.

A king bed, a single convertible sofa, and an upper-berth single pull-down bed make up this room, which can accommodate up to five guests. There is also a wall pull-down bed in rooms that sleep five. The 357-square-foot room provides plenty of space for the whole family to relax.

Guests staying in a Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom also have access to special concierge services, including priority boarding and seating at shows and restaurant reservations. If you’re looking for a truly magical experience, book a stay in one of these Little Mermaid-themed spaces.

Recommendation :  These are fun and family-oriented staterooms on Disney’s newest cruise ship. This is a good option if you want a Concierge-level room at a relatively affordable price.

Verandah (Balcony) Staterooms

A stateroom verandah onboard the Disney Magic | Image © Disney

Verandah staterooms are Disney’s most spacious non-concierge accommodations, each with its own balcony outside the ship where you can enjoy the fresh air while watching the ocean go by.

Category four, five, six, and seven are verandah staterooms. Some rooms in this category offer partial views, but all provide a comfortable and relaxing space.

Category 4 – Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom w/ Verandah (All Disney Cruise Ships)

The Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah on Disney cruises is the largest stateroom on the ships that are not concierge suites. Roughly 300 sq ft, it sleeps up to 5 and is the only single-room option for a family of 5 on the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder. The Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah is also the most frequently booked option for families of 5 on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy .

All of these factors considered it’s no wonder that this room type is one of the most popular among families cruising with Disney.

Recommendation : The Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom is perfect for families of four or five who value roominess and want to enjoy the ocean breeze from the verandah . 

Category 5 – Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah (All Disney Cruise Ships)

The Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah on Disney cruises is a fantastic choice for your family cruise. With enough space to comfortably sleep 3-4 guests and an unobstructed verandah, this room type is perfect for enjoying the beautiful view.

Magic and Wonder’s cabins are 268 sq ft, while Dream, Fantasy, and Wish are 248 sq ft. The Deluxe Oceanview Staterooms with Verandah come with a queen bed, a sleeper sofa, and a pull-out berth (if sleeping four). This room type also features a sitting area, plenty of closet space, and a private verandah to enjoy the view without leaving your stateroom.

Recommendation :   Among the regular-sized verandah cabins, these are the most common and the most frequently booked for families with four or fewer members. They are an excellent choice!

A Category 5 stateroom on the Disney Dream | Image © Disney

Category 6 – Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah – Undersized, Obstructed View, or White Wall  (All Disney Cruise Ships)

Category 6 staterooms are located near the back of the ship’s upper deck. Accommodations are nearly identical to those found in Category 5 but have either an undersized, obstructed, or white wall verandah. Those who book a Category 6 cabin on the Magic and Wonder will have full white wall railings, while on the Dream and Fantasy, the white wall only extends halfway up the railing.

All of these staterooms sleep at least three, and many sleep 4.

Recommendation :  Because these rooms are nearly identical to Category 5 rooms, they are a terrific way to save money on your Disney cruise . We recommend the Dream and Fantasy 6B staterooms because of their stunning views, and Disney Magic and Wonder’s Category 6 staterooms on Deck 6 have more verandah space, as do 5650 and 5150.

Category 7 – Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Navigator’s Verandah (All Disney Cruise Ships)

Navigator verandahs on Disney Magic and Disney Wonder feature mostly enclosed balconies with a viewing window cut out. In contrast, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, and Disney Wish have a minimally obstructed view from the verandah.

Recommendation:  The rooms in Category 7 are nearly identical to those in Category 5 and 6, so they are a good way to save on a Disney cruise if you don’t mind having a partial view. We believe these are the best values in the verandah category, particularly on the Dream, Fantasy, and Wish.

Feeling overwhelmed?  Working with an experienced Disney travel agent can calm the waters!  Contact the Disney Cruise experts at The Vacationeer !

Not only will they arrange every part of your cruise, but they’ll provide a generous onboard credit you can use towards purchases while you’re on the ship.  There’s never any obligation to book, and there’s no additional charge to use their planning services!

If it’s your first time cruising with Disney , working with The Vacationeer really is the best way to go!

Oceanview (Porthole) Staterooms

The giant porthole featured in some oceanview staterooms on the Disney Dream | Image © Disney

The Oceanview category of staterooms (Category 8 and 9) features rooms with scenic vistas through genuine porthole windows. The Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom is perfect for families, while the Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom provides a more intimate setting.

Category 8 – Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom (Disney Dream, Fantasy, & Wish)

Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, and Disney Wish to offer a truly luxurious cruise experience with their Category 8 Deluxe Family Oceanview Staterooms.

These staterooms are much larger than the standard size (around 240 sq ft), sleeping between 3 and 5 people comfortably. In addition, they feature unique round tub-showers (see the video above for Category 4) and large portholes with seating, making them the perfect place to relax and take in the breathtaking views. The exceptions to this are the 8As, which are similar to suites with two large portholes and plenty of space. Families and groups can enjoy Category 8A even more since many have a divider between the bed and seating area. None of them will disappoint.

Recommendation :  Families looking for affordability and comfort will find the Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom is the right choice.

Category 9 – Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom (All Disney Cruise Ships)

The Category 9 Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom sleeps 3 or 4 people and is the same size as the category 10’s with a similar layout and features. The Disney Dream and Fantasy Rooms are 204 sq ft, 214 on Disney Magic and Wonder, and 218 sq ft on Disney Wish. Most rooms have a porthole on one of the walls. On the Magic and Wonder ships, the 9D staterooms on deck 1 have two small portholes instead of one large porthole.

A, B, C, and D designations represent Disney’s assessment of the location and view of the room. In Dream, Fantasy, and Wish, the 9C and 9D staterooms typically have obstructed views and are usually located in the front of the vessel.

Recommendation :  If you prefer to save money over having a porthole in your room, opt for Category 10. 

Inside Staterooms (Least Expensive Main Category)

An Inside Stateroom on the Disney Wish | Image © Disney

The Inside category features Disney Cruise Line’s base accommodations, with no window (no exterior view) but still featuring a nautical motif. The Deluxe Inside Stateroom is slightly larger than the Standard Inside Stateroom and provides additional storage space and a sitting area.

Category 10 –Deluxe Inside Stateroom (Disney Dream, Fantasy, Magic, & Wonder)

Rooms in Category 10 are almost identical to those in Category 9, except for being unable to see the outside. These staterooms also have more square footage than those in Category 11.

The Disney Dream/Fantasy Deluxe Inside Staterooms are 204 sq ft, and the Disney Magic/Wonder rooms are 214 sq ft. They can accommodate 3 or 4 people.

Disney Wish does not have a Deluxe Inside category.

Virtual portholes on the Disney Dream and Fantasy ships allow passengers to see what is happening outside (along with a bit of Disney magic thrown in).

There are also a select few unnamed staterooms on the Magic/Wonder ships known in some circles as “secret porthole” staterooms — they actually have porthole windows but Disney decided not to classify them as oceanview rooms because lifeboats or other architectural elements obstruct the views.

Deluxe Inside Staterooms have a split bathroom, with one half having a sink and a shower, and the other half having a toilet and a sink. A, B, and C subcategories are assigned according to their locations, with A subcategories on upper decks or closer to midship, while C subcategories are on lower decks.

Recommendation : Deluxe Inside Cabins/Staterooms are an excellent option for couples or families of 3 or 4 on a budget. 

Category 11 – Standard Inside Stateroom (All Disney Cruise Ships)

Standard Inside Staterooms are typically the cheapest rooms available on Disney Cruise Line .

Standard Inside Staterooms sleep three, and some sleep four.  They’re smaller than other staterooms, but the amenities are the same. The Disney Magic and Wonder rooms are 184 square feet, while the Dream Fantasy and Wish rooms are 169 square feet.

There’s no split bathroom in a Standard Inside Stateroom. The Disney Dream and Fantasy ships feature a Magical Porthole with real-time views, but the other ships do not have exterior views.

Disney divides the rooms into categories A, B, and C based on attractiveness. Category 11A rooms are found on upper decks and near the ship’s middle, while 11B rooms are on lower decks.

Recommendation:  The Standard Inside Statement is a small and cheap option, so you shouldn’t expect too much from it. However, this DCL room offers more space than you would get on other (non-Disney) cruise ships of the same class. It allows couples and small families the opportunity to enjoy a Disney cruise at a reasonable price.

As always seems to be the case, the best option for you may not be the best option for another family.

Ask yourself the question: “what’s most important to me?”  Is it having a balcony? Is it experiencing concierge level service in a suite? Is it having additional beds for kids? Is it saving money and just making sure you’re onboard the ship?

Answering those questions, then reviewing deck plans, photos, reviews, and our guide/tips above will help you decide what’s best for you.

No matter your room type, you’re sure to have a magical experience aboard a Disney Cruise ship.

Thanks for reading our Best Staterooms on a Disney Cruise article.  Happy cruising (and don’t forget your passport)!

Ready to Book your Disney Cruise Line Stateroom?

Working with an experienced travel agent is the best way to ensure smooth sailing, and The Vacationeer is ready and willing to help you. They can help you determine the best staterooms on a Disney Cruise for your family and the best time to go on a Disney cruise as far as cost and weather are concerned.

Their team of Disney travel agents will help you wade through an ocean of option, arranging every part of your cruise and providing a generous onboard credit you can use towards purchases, activities, and gratuity while you’re on the ship.

Whether you’re planning far in advance or looking for a last-minute cruise , they have the know-how to save you money!

There’s never any obligation to book, and there’s no additional charge to use their planning services!

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Disney Cruise Stateroom Guide for Disney Dream & Disney Fantasy

Disclaimer: this Stateroom guide for Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy page includes affiliate links. Read full Disclosure Policy .

Img: Disney Cruise Line

Stateroom Guide: Disney Dream & Disney Fantasy

By Alisha Molen

So, you’ve decided you’ll be sailing on either the Disney Dream  or the Disney Fantasy .

Now, it’s time to decide which stateroom is right for you.

First things first though…

Did you review our primer on How to Choose a Disney Cruise Stateroom ?

In that guide, I explain:

• The four different kinds of staterooms available on a Disney Cruise
• What comes standard in every Disney Cruise stateroom
• What is NOT included in your stateroom
• What do these strange category numbers mean for each stateroom?
• How many guests can sleep in a stateroom
• And lastly...our recommended method for selecting a stateroom

If you haven’t read it yet, I strongly recommend you read that guide first , as that will give you the background information you need about Disney Cruise staterooms.

Ready to go forward?

Awesome ...you’re now ready to evaluate the various stateroom options available on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy cruise ships.

Table of Contents

Inside staterooms, oceanview staterooms, verandah staterooms, concierge staterooms.

• "Secret" Staterooms

Inside staterooms are the most budget-friendly options onboard the Dream and the Fantasy.

They are usually the smallest staterooms and do not offer a window or balcony to the outside.

However, you get something pretty cool that oceanview and verandah staterooms don't have:  Magical Portholes!

Magical Portholes

All inside staterooms on both the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy have Magical Portholes that show a real-time view of the outside just as if you did have a porthole.

If you have a starboard stateroom, you get the actual , current starboard view displayed on your Magical Porthole (LCD flat-screen monitor) Pretty nifty if you ask me!

Oh, and make sure to watch for little surprises that might float by.

And when you are ready for bed, just flip a switch to turn it off.

Two Variations of Inside Staterooms

There are two variations of Inside Staterooms: Standard and Deluxe .

One important difference between these variations is the bathroom configuration:

The Standard Inside staterooms offer a full bath while Deluxe Inside provide a split bath.

A full bath is where the tub/shower, toilet, and sink are all in one room.

A split bathroom means there are basically two bathrooms which is so helpful when multiple people are getting ready. One has a toilet and a sink, and the other has a tub/shower and a sink. 

Below are more details about the “Standard” and “Deluxe” variations of Inside Staterooms and how they differ:

Standard Inside Staterooms: Disney Dream & Disney Fantasy

Standard inside stateroom images.

Images: Disney Cruise Line

Deluxe Inside Staterooms: Disney Dream & Disney Fantasy

Deluxe inside stateroom images.

Oceanview Staterooms found on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy are called "Deluxe Oceanview" and "Deluxe Family Oceanview".

The difference?

Deluxe Family Oceanview rooms are slightly bigger in square footage and can sleep up to 5 guests.

All Oceanview cabins are very similar to the Deluxe Inside Staterooms, except they offer a real porthole with a view outside of the ship.

Here are the specifications:

Deluxe Oceanview Staterooms: Disney Dream & Disney Fantasy

Deluxe oceanview stateroom images, deluxe family oceanview staterooms: disney dream & disney fantasy.

Room Notes:

• Categories 8B, 8C, 8D have round tubs with rainfall shower heads
• 5018, 5518, 6012, 6510 and 6512
• Privacy wall divider in rooms 5020, 5022, 5520 and 5522, or a
• Vertical pole in rooms 6014, 6016, 6512 and 6514

If you want to be able to sit outside on a private open-air balcony, then a Verandah Stateroom is the way to go.

There are 3 kinds of verandahs:

Standard Verandah . Features an open-air balcony skirted by an acrylic wall, offering a full view of the horizon even while seated. ( Found in Categories 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D. Category 5E have oversized verandahs, facing off back of the ship)

Standard Verandah - Img: Disney Cruise Line

Whitewall Verandah . Provides open-air lounging with a solid wall from the deck to the railing. Most of these staterooms are located in the aft of the ship. (Found in Category 6A, 6B)

Whitewall Verandah - Img: Disney Cruise Line

Navigator's Verandah.  Enclosed for greater privacy, while still delivering a stunning view and sea breezes through a large, open-air porthole above the railing. (Found in Category 7A)

Navigator's Verandah - Img: Disney Cruise Line

About Connecting Verandah Staterooms

On most connecting verandah staterooms, the outside partitions can be opened to create an even more spacious balcony with access between rooms. Contact your stateroom host to unlock the partitions.

Two Variations of Verandah Staterooms

There are two variations of Verandah Staterooms: Deluxe and Deluxe Family.

The difference? Deluxe Family offers a little more square footage and can sleep up to 5 (instead of only 4).

Below are more details about the “Deluxe” and “Deluxe Family” variations of Verandah Staterooms and how they differ:

Deluxe Oceanview Staterooms with Verandah: Disney Dream & Disney Fantasy

Deluxe oceanview with verandah stateroom images, deluxe family oceanview staterooms with verandah: disney dream & disney fantasy.

• Categories 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D have round tubs with rainfall shower heads
• Category 4E can only sleep 3 to 4 guests and has an oversized verandah that is about 2.5 times bigger than the standard verandah.
• Category 4 staterooms have standard verandahs with clear Plexiglas walls.

Deluxe Family Oceanview with Verandah Stateroom Images

If you’re looking for a splurge to make your Disney Cruise even more magical, take a peek at the Concierge Staterooms .

These lavish cabins are a dream!

On top of the extra room in these suites, you’ll get access to extra amenities, such as:

• Down duvets
• Plush robes and slippers
• Elemis spa products
• Complimentary WiFi service (up to 100mb)
• Dedicated Concierge team
• Access to the Concierge Lounge and Sundeck
• The earliest check-in, giving the ability to begin booking reservations 120 days prior to sail date

Talk about luxury!

Here’s what the different cabins include:

Concierge Family Oceanview Staterooms with Verandah: Disney Dream & Disney Fantasy

Concierge family oceanview verandah images, concierge 1-bedroom suites with verandah: disney dream & disney fantasy, concierge 1-bedroom suites verandah images, concierge royal suites with verandah: disney dream & disney fantasy, concierge royal suites verandah images, secret staterooms.

Have you heard about Disney’s “ Secret Staterooms "?

So why is it a secret?

Well, because you get a higher category cabin for the price of a lesser category cabin.

Basically, you get more for your money on these unadvertised staterooms.

Yes! I love Disney secrets and I love saving money even more!  

Secret Verandah Staterooms

Both the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy have 24   secret verandah staterooms  that are priced as Category 7 but are really Category 5 and 6.

Most of these rooms have a standard verandah but some sort of partially obstructed view because of an overhand that cuts off some of your view. Some views are less obstructed than others.

But listen up...

If you want one of these Secret Verandah staterooms, you better plan on booking early as these cabins have become very popular.

In the chart below I have listed the staterooms in order of least to most obstructed views.    

Secret Verandah Staterooms: Disney Dream & Disney Fantasy

Rooms to avoid.

I haven't stayed in these rooms but from what I've read you might want to steer clear of 5024 and 5524.

The extended verandah of the cabin next door blocks your view and provides neighbors with a clear view into your stateroom from their verandah.

See video tour of Disney Dream 5524 below:

Triangular Verandah

There are two more 7A staterooms that don’t have an obstruction, but have a smaller (they call it undersized) triangular verandah. These are staterooms 5188 & 5688. Chairs do not fit on the verandah but there is a bench to sit on and enjoy the view.

Disney Cruise Line Stateroom Considerations for Larger Families

If your family consists of four or fewer people, selecting a stateroom on the Disney Cruise Line ships is a straightforward affair – your party can fit into most DCL staterooms. If you have five or more people in your traveling party, things get a little more complicated. Here’s what you need to know:

Many Stateroom Categories Won’t Accommodate a Party of Five or More

Take a look, for example, at the deck plans for the Disney Dream and Fantasy. A quick skim of the room floor plans at the top will show you that all staterooms in categories 11, 10, 9, 7, 6, and 5 are off limits for your group if you all want to stay together. The same floor plans shows you that if you have a party of six or more, you won’t be able to stay in one room together at all on these ships. (Click to enlarge the image.)

If you’re a party of five, and you want to stay together in one cabin, your only options on these ships are stateroom categories 3, 4, and 8, plus the pricey concierge categories 1, 2, and 3.

If you Have a Party of Five, Even if You Can All Fit into One Room, You Might Not Want To

On the Dream and Fantasy, a category 4 stateroom, which can accommodate five guests, runs approximately 300 square feet, including the verandah. At the full capacity of five guests, that gives each person 60 square feet, some of which is bathroom and outdoor space, and most of which is consumed by the bed and other furniture. Also on the Dream and Fantasy, a category 8 stateroom (an oceanview room with no verandah), which allows five guests, is approximately 240 square feet total, or 48 square feet per person, much of which is consumed by the bathroom and furniture.

And consider that you’ll have five people’s worth of luggage to store, devices to charge, and toiletries to contain, and you’ll soon realize how quickly cozy can turn into cranky.

If you’ve never been on a cruise before, as you make your stateroom selection, one thing to consider is that you may use your stateroom differently than a hotel room at Walt Disney World, for example. I’ve been on plenty of Walt Disney World vacations where I left my hotel room at 7:30am and returned at 11:00pm to just to shower and sleep. I was too far away and too occupied in the parks to go back to my room.

This type of room avoidance is unlikely on a cruise. There’s certainly plenty to do on the ships, but chances are you’ll be in and out of your room much more often on board than you would be at theme parks, even if only to change clothes. On board a ship, guests often find a need to change frequently. On a typical day, you might be in and out of exercise clothes, swim clothes, casual attire, and formal dinner attire, then back to swim or casual attire. If one person wants to nap and another person needs to change, there’s not much room for quiet and privacy with only 48 square feet to call your own.

Splitting Your Party Into Two Staterooms May Save Your Sanity

If you’re putting five guests into one category 4 stateroom, for example, your sleep surfaces will be one queen sized bed, one twin-size sleeper sofa, a twin-size Murphy bed, and a twin-size bed that pulls down from the ceiling. This set-up requires that two of the guests sleep in the same bed. If you’re traveling with adults who don’t want to share a sleep surface this could be problematic. This arrangement might also be tight for any guest who is physically larger than average. Some teen boys may find that the twin-size beds, particularly the top bunk, are uncomfortably small.

I have three daughters who all like to take their time in the bathroom. Even with DCL’s split-bath (shower/sink in one compartment, toilet/sink in a different compartment) arrangement, we have A LOT of grumbles about who is taking too long to get ready. And again, there is often more need to get ready on a cruise ship than their would be in some other vacation situations.

Having more sleep surfaces and more bathroom space could be the key family harmony. This can be accomplished by booking your family of five or more into two cabins rather than one.

Contrast this with putting five guests into two category 11 staterooms. This combination would give the party two queen beds, two twin sleeper sofas, and likely two twin beds that pull down from the ceiling. This gives your group an additional adult-sized sleep surface, which can be helpful if the members of the party are friends rather than family, if the guests are physically larger, or if there is more than one guest with a fear of heights who doesn’t want to sleep in a bunk-like situation. And – while the category 11 staterooms don’t have a split bathroom, they do have two showers, which may be better for some party configurations.

The Finances of Two Staterooms May Not Be Different Than One Stateroom

Note: Stateroom pricing is quite variable. The same room might be a drastically different price depending on your sail date and the date on which you book the cruise. So that I’m comparing apples to apples, the prices I’m about to note were all found on the same date for the same cruise. You might encounter different pricing if you conduct your own search.

For the April 6, 2023 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Miami on the Dream, putting five guests into one stateroom (two adults and three kids, ages 15, 10, and 8) involves a minimum cost of about $7,400 in an Oceanview stateroom, or about $7,850 in a Verandah stateroom. (An inside stateroom is not an option with this party composition.)

If you instead book these folks into two inside staterooms, you can get a price of about $7,900. This is less than $100 different than putting everyone into one Verandah stateroom to get more sleep surfaces, more square footage, and an additional shower.

Losing window or verandah access might be a deal-breaker for some families, but a compromise might be to get one inside cabin and one with outdoor access.

When you’re playing around with different stateroom combinations, be aware that the first two people booked into a stateroom always pay the adult rate, regardless of age. If you have young kids and teens, you may be able to save a few dollars by making sure the youngest child is booked as the third person in a room (rather than the second) so that they get charged the child rate instead of inadvertently forcing them into the adult rate.

You Can Make Two Staterooms Feel Like One Room

Families with young children might worry about putting little ones in a different cabin. Never fear! Break out your magnifying glass for a look at the deck plans and you’ll see that many of the staterooms on the Disney ships are connected by an internal door. (Look for the little V-shaped symbol between the rooms to indicate that the rooms are connected. Seriously, you may need a magnifying glass to see them.) Connecting rooms are available at most stateroom levels, from standard category 11 inside staterooms, on up to concierge suites. There are even a few concierge rooms which allow more than two rooms to be connected.

Connecting rooms are exactly what they sound like, two rooms connected by an internal door. Opening the internal door effectively turns those cabins into a multi-room suite. In addition to adding space, selecting connecting rooms gives you a real door in addition to the flimsy internal “privacy curtains” present in most rooms.

Connecting Rooms are Not All Alike

In most instances, connecting rooms are listed at the same category level. For example, an 11B is connected to an 11B or a 4C is connected to a 4C. However, there are a few unique situations in which staterooms of different categories connected. For example, on the Dream and Fantasy, stateroom 7188 (a 6B cabin) can connect to 7190 (a 5E cabin). These staterooms are quite similar, but a bit of tinkering with various combinations might save you a few dollars.

The most common situation in which you’ll find dissimilar staterooms connected occurs when one of the staterooms has a handicap accessible designation. For example, on the Dream and Fantasy, you’ll see handicap accessible stateroom 6186 (a 9A deluxe oceanview cabin) connected to 6188 (a 6B deluxe oceanview cabin with a verandah). For many parties, this would be a nice balance of economy and outdoor access, with one slightly less expensive room connected to a slightly more expensive room with an additional amenity. Of course, the priority access in this situation should go to guests who need the handicap room for medical reasons, but if theses rooms become available for general booking, it could be the best of two worlds.

If you’re looking for odd stateroom combinations, you may benefit from the expertise of a veteran cruise specialist travel agent who understands the nuances of the various options.

Your Options Expand Further if You Don’t Need Your Rooms to Connect

While parents of small or special needs children will likely want access to them via a connecting door, families with older kids, or a party of friends rather than family, might not need their rooms to be connected. For example, when my daughters were older teens, I liked to have them in a room fairly close to my husband and me, but they were experienced enough travelers that I didn’t absolutely need them to be in a connected room.

If you just want adjacent but not connected rooms, the stateroom type combinations increase dramatically. For example, on the Dream and Fantasy, cabin 9010 is an oceanview stateroom next to (but not connected to) 9012, a stateroom with a navigator’s verandah. This could be a good combination savings and outdoor access for my family, particularly if something like the connecting door handicap room combinations were not available.

There are also many families who put teens in an inside stateroom with the parents in an oceanview or verandah room directly across the hall (for example something like 9521 and 9518 on the Dream or Fantasy). Again, this allows cost savings in one room with better amenities in the other.

Larger Parties Should Get Familiar with the “Add Another Stateroom” Button

A group of six or more will get error messages when trying to book the entire party into one stateroom. Any larger party will want to get familiar with the “Add Another Stateroom” button as they explore their booking options.

Not All Age Combinations Will Work When Booking Staterooms

While getting two rooms for your larger party is often an elegant solution, it may not be possible in all cases. Disney Cruise Line requires that at least one guest age 18 or over be booked into every stateroom. Additionally, all guests ages 17 and younger must be booked into a stateroom with someone 21 or older.

This is no problem if, for example, two adults are traveling with three kids. Two get two rooms, you would book an adult with one child into one cabin, and the other adult and two children into the second cabin. However, if one adult is traveling with four children, then they would not be eligible to be booked into two staterooms. On the Dream and Fantasy, their only option would be one category 8 room or a one category 4 or higher room, assuming one is available. This is true regardless of whether the rooms are connecting and regardless of the age of the children. A single parent of four teens would have to stay with them in one stateroom rather than two.

This rule has other impacts as well. I once considered taking two of my teen daughters and a friend of theirs on a DCL cruise. While my daughters are quite close with their friend, I didn’t think she would be entirely comfortable sleeping/changing/relaxing in the same room with me (a non-family member) for a week. I wanted to get a room for the girls (again, well-behaved older teens) connected to a room for me to give everyone a measure of privacy, but Disney would not allow me to do this. We ended up scrapping our plans.

You Don’t Have to Sleep Where You’re Booked

I mentioned earlier that some families put their teens in an inside stateroom with the parents across the hall in a verandah or oceanview stateroom. Given the 18-and-over rule, you’ll see that this is not allowed from a booking perspective. However, once you’re actually on the ship, the rule is not enforced. If you’re a family traveling with more than one stateroom, Guest Services at the ship will be more than happy to code your Key to the World Cards (room keys) so that each key opens all the linked rooms. This means that on the ship, family members are free to mix and match their sleeping locations among the reserved rooms. Even though it’s not booked that way, parents can sleep in one room, with the kids in another. Most stateroom attendants will automatically ask you how you want your rooms configured and where people will really be sleeping.

Think About Your Castaway Club Status

In addition to thinking about the ages of who gets booked into which room, your ability to book excursions and fine dining may be impacted by who is booked into which stateroom.

For example, during one family vacation, my twins and I had a higher Castaway Club (DCL loyalty program) rating than my husband and other daughter (lucky us). My kids were all older, so we had no pricing issues with who got paper-booked into which cabin. However, we did run into a problem when trying to book excursions for that cruise. We inadvertently booked me and the higher Castaway status twins into one room, while my husband and lower status Castaway status daughter were in the other room. Excursion and dining booking access dates are based on the Castaway level of the highest status person in each room. Because we had stacked the deck with all the high-status family members in one of our rooms, half of our party was able to make excursion reservations before the other half. If we had arranged the booking slightly differently, booking one of the higher-status kids into the room with her dad, we would have been able to make excursion reservations for both rooms at the same time.

The excursions we were selecting were not in short supply, so as a practical matter it ended up as a non-issue, but if you were looking to book an extremely popular or scarce excursion, then you might be in trouble.

Additional Ways to Save Money on DCL for Larger Families

In addition to tinkering with different stateroom configurations, larger families (and anyone else looking to economize), may want to look closely at their travel dates. Your travel date can be the largest factor in the overall price of your Disney Cruise vacation. The price might be double on the same ship, on the same itinerary, if you choose a Christmas week voyage over one in, say, late September. Choosing a different ship is also something to consider. The Wish may be the hot new thing, but the Dream visits the same ports and is often 10% cheaper (or more) for a nearly identical itinerary.

You may also want to look at other aspects of your trip planning as areas where you can economize. Will driving, rather than flying, allow you to reduce your total budget? Will choosing a different embarkation port change your budget? Can you skip extras like pricey shore excursions?

For more tips on Disney Cruise Line travel, check out The Unofficial Guide to Disney Cruise Line .

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Erin Foster

Erin Foster is an original member of the Walt Disney World Moms Panel (now PlanDisney), a regular contributor to TouringPlans.com, and co-author of The Unofficial Guide to Disney Cruise Line. She's been to WDW, DL, DL Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland, Aulani, DVC Vero Beach, and DVC Hilton Head. She's a Platinum DCL cruiser and veteran of 10 Adventures by Disney trips. Erin lives near New York City, where she can often be found indulging in her other obsession - Broadway theater.

3 thoughts on “ Disney Cruise Line Stateroom Considerations for Larger Families ”

Thanks Erin! This is very helpful. We’re a family of 5 and for our Mediterranean B2B cruises this summer, it was less for us to get 2 connecting Navigator’s Veranda rooms then one bigger room. We’re looking forward to the extra space and bathroom. Kelly

Thanks for this, Erin! We just devoured the 2022 Unofficial Guide as well. We’re a family of 6 embarking on our first cruise since our family grew to that size (we were a family of 4 on our last cruise). We had to juggle this same situation, booking connecting rooms, with my wife and 2 kids (tweens) in one room and myself and the other 2 kids (littles) in another. As you mentioned, sleeping arrangements will differ once we board. We’re also trying it a little differently on another cruise with a guaranteed rate and will see where and how they assign us.

When we called DCL, they did mention that the Wish will have rooms that sleep a family of our size, is that right?

Thanks for reading! Pretty much what we know about stateroom configurations on the Wish can be found in this post by our friend Scott Sanders at the DCL blog. https://disneycruiselineblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/StateroomLayouts_Wish_Original-Scan.jpg

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Types of Disney Cruise Rooms

By: Author Kristi

When you begin planning your Disney Cruise, besides choosing the date & destination of your cruise, you will need to decide on a Disney Cruise Stateroom. There are four different categories of Disney Cruise rooms (and 10 types of Staterooms) to choose from.

For first-time cruisers , it can be hard to understand the differences in the rooms.

You will want to make sure you are aware of the differences in each type so that you make sure you have enough space for those you are traveling with.

While all Disney Cruise rooms are a bit different based on category & type, you will be able to find that they do have many things in common.

Interior Stateroom (Disney Cruise Room for 4)

This means that you will have no view of the ocean.

It is the smallest & most affordable of the Disney Cruise rooms.

Standard interior rooms do not have the split bathrooms that exterior staterooms have.

Interior staterooms on the Disney Dream , Fantasy and Wish have a virtual porthole which is really cool!

One of the benefits (besides price) is that interior rooms usually do not have as much sway as other rooms because of where they are located on the ship.

Another perk is that no light to wake you in the morning, so you can sleep in as long as you would like without having any natural sunlight letting you know it is morning.

Oceanview Stateroom (Disney Cruise Room for 4)

With this type of stateroom, you will have a view of the ocean, but the window will not open.

There is usually a window seat area so that you can sit & enjoy the view. There are curtains for you to close when you need to have less light or need to get some sleep.

If you tend to get seasick, having a view of the water may help curtail the symptoms as it is said to help your brain deal with balancing the equilibrium.

Verandah Stateroom (Disney Cruise Room for 4)

Not only will you have a view of the ocean, you will get a small seating area outside of the stateroom.  

We always like this room because of the “extra” outdoor square footage.

Each room has a door that can be propped open to let in fresh air.

Another perk to having a veranda room is that you can place your wet swimwear out to dry.

Family Deluxe Verandah Stateroom (Disney Cruise Room for 5)

These rooms are a bit larger and give you extra seating!

 If you choose this room, you will find that it not only features a couch (that turns into a bed), but also has a chair. The extra seating is a nice addition.

Concierge Stateroom (Disney Cruise Room for 6 or 7)

Talk about luxury. These fancy Disney Cruise line staterooms have a separate bedroom area, and private balcony with their own private lounge area that is packed with cold water and snacks.

This extra space is great for big families who aren’t easily confined to one small room.

The private lounge gives you a quiet space to get away (without having to be far from your own stateroom).

What You’ll Find in ALL Disney Cruise Staterooms:

• Split bathrooms (in most staterooms) and privacy curtains between bed & bunks
• Throw Blanket
• FREE toiletries (soap, shampoo, conditioner, body wash & lotion)
• Post Cards & Notepaper
• A refrigerator
• A hairdryer
• Housekeeping services twice a day (morning; typically before lunch & evening turndown service)

*When trying to determine which Disney Cruise fits in your budget, you may find that there is only a small price difference between the inside cabins and those with a balcony on the Disney Dream, Fantasy & Wish ships while a much larger price difference between that on the Magic & Wonder regardless of number of nights or destination.

This is because there are far fewer balcony rooms on the Magic and Wonder, causing them to be more expensive.

Have you been on a Disney Cruise? What Stateroom Type is your favorite?

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The Ultimate Guide To Going On A Family Disney Cruise

Taking a Disney Cruise is the perfect trip for all families. They combine the child-like magic of Disney with the adult need to explore sandy beaches. 

Disney ensures that all of its trips are accessible, easy to navigate and contain fun activities for all ages. This means that families can experience all the fun and none of the hassle which comes with a vacation. 

Still, as a parent, you probably want to know all the details that go into planning, booking, and taking a Disney cruise before parting with your money.

In this guide, we will break down all of the important details you need to know – such as the cabin information, the general facilities (including laundry), the food options, entertainment, and more.

A prepared parent creates a stress-free vacation, so dive into our guide and let the relaxation begin!

📌 Pin it for later 📌

Disney Cruise Cabins And Suite Information 

Each ship is slightly different, but in general, there will be 4 different types of cabins for you to choose from. We will go through each option, so you can make the best decision for your family.

The Inside cabin is the smallest, and, as the name suggests, it is located inside the ship. This means there will be no windows looking out into the ocean. However, the room will likely have a painted window to keep the sailing theme alive for your children.

The Inside comes in four choices, Standard, Deluxe, Standard Accessible, or Deluxe Accessible.

Realistically, this option should only be chosen by those on a tight budget. The space is small and practical for a 4-person sleeping room, but not big enough for long periods. If the Inside is your only option, then be prepared to spend most of the day on the deck and not in your room.

The Deluxe has an additional 30 ft to play around with, which is why it is the best choice within the Inside collection.

Disney Cruise likes to keep the names simple. Oceanview cabins are placed near the edge of the boat, allowing them to have a window with a view of the ocean.

All Oceanview cabins are considered Deluxe; however, they have an Accessible option for those with additional needs.

Apart from the view and the size, these rooms contain the same refrigerator, LCD screen TV, spa products (such as shower gel), and WIFI (although the WiFi costs are extra).

In the Accessible suites, the bathroom has a ramp and doesn’t contain any splits. This is designed to make maneuvering easier. There are low bars around the room and bathroom and additional emergency alarm buttons near the bed.

The term “ Verandah ” means “a balcony with a roof.” This doesn’t mean that the room is open to the elements. However, you will be given a private balcony to enjoy the ocean breeze and take in the sunrise. 

If you are booking with other families, you can pick adjoining rooms and remove the partition, opening the verandah and allowing the families to mingle.

It is at this point that Disney allows larger sleeping facilities. All the Verandahs are considered Deluxe; however, the rooms which sleep five are also considered Family sized.

You may notice the rooms are called Oceanview Verandah instead of just Verandah. This is because all Verandah must have an ocean view, so to avoid confusion, some ships include both names.

Concierge Suites

A “Concierge” is normally a term that means an employee of a hotel. But on a Disney Cruise, the workers don’t sleep here. Instead, Disney has flipped the switch and named this room “ Concierge ” as it is a miniature hotel, all by itself.

The bedroom is separate from the living area, unlike all other rooms. This space sleeps five people and is 622 square feet long, almost three times the size of an Oceanview room.

The LCD TV is much larger, and you are given complimentary robes and slippers to lounge in. Most importantly, you can enjoy free WIFI up to 100 MB.

All Concierge Suites have a balcony as standard. However, if you have a large party, you may wish for the Concierge Royal Suite, which allows the balcony partition to be removed.

As you can imagine, this suite is the most expensive.

What To Know Before You Go

The Disney Cruise line has policies and requirements, just like any vacation abroad. To make sure you don’t get tripped up on the essentials, follow these guidelines and make sure you are ready for the less exciting parts of your vacation.

Required Documents

Each cruise will be traveling to different locations. Some will be staying within the United States, while others will travel to Europe and further. 

If you are an American citizen and are taking a cruise that only travels to the US States, then you can use either your state-issued birth certificate or government-issued photo ID (such as a passport or driver’s license) to prove your identity and ability to travel.

If you are not an American citizen or are traveling to places outside of your country, then you will need to use a passport to prove your identity and ability to travel. 

We recommend taking a passport regardless of destination. All passports must be valid for six months before the cruise starts. Read our step-by-step guide for getting your baby or child a U.S. passport . 

Instead of tipping every time you interact with a staff member, the Disney Cruise Line suggests adding your tip to the end of the bill. They suggest tipping $13.50 per guest per night; however, tipping is optional and not mandatory. 

Some areas of the cruise will automatically take a tip. For example, when you dine at The Palo & Remy, a gratuities charge of 18% is added to your bill. You may ask for this amount to be removed or add more as your prerogative. 

The Senses Spa and Salon also automatically take a tip of 18%.

Straight off the bat, we suggest NOT using Disney Cruise’s WiFi . If your package comes with free WiFi usage, use up the data, but once your allowance dries up, don’t bother paying for more.

The WiFi on the cruise is not strong, fast, or reliable. Even worse – it is expensive. The smallest package you can buy is 100 MB for $19 – roughly 4 hours of social media scrolling or 10 minutes of streaming.

The largest package you can buy is 1,000 MB (1GB) for $89 which can give you 1 hour of standard-definition Netflix viewing.

However, the money doesn’t match the quality or need, so instead, we suggest going internet-free for the vacation or re-visit the roaming charges on your devices. If your phone company doesn’t charge for roaming or gives a better price, then use your data instead.

Carry-On Drinks Policy

Disney Cruise’s drinking policy matches America’s oldest age requirement. It doesn’t matter where the cruise starts; they all follow the “21 or over” rule.

Only those aged 21 or older can bring alcohol onto the ship. 

You can bring up to 2 unopened wine bottles or six unopened beer cans onto the cruise ship. You can do this every time you enter the boat from a port.

The drinks must be part of your carry-on bags and not your suitcases or luggage and can be consumed in your cabin without charge.

If you want to drink the beverages in one of the cruise’s dining rooms, you can. However, you will be charged a $25 corkage fee per bottle.

Smoking Policy

Disney does have smoking areas around the ship, however, if you smoke inside the cabin or even on the cabin balconies, you will be fined $250 .

Smoking in any unauthorized location will result in fees.

All Disney Cruise lines have a laundry room which is fantastic news for parents. It doesn’t matter if they spill food everywhere or if your child wants to wear their favorite top 5 times in a row – you can wash and dry everything as often as you want.

The only limit to the laundry is the availability and the price. Washing costs $3, drying costs $3, and detergent costs $1. You can use your own detergent and softener, and there is an iron available too. (Please note these prices are subject to change.)

There are multiple laundry rooms throughout the ship to help reduce lines and waiting times. 

Electrical Outlets

If you don’t have the correct outlet, you should bring an adaptor for your appliances.

Only use appliances of 110 volts and less than 1,500 Watts in the US outlets. The European outlets only use 220 volts and a maximum of 2,000 Watts.

Going over these numbers may result in broken equipment and fires.

Everything on the Disney Cruise is counted in US Dollars . However, the ship is considered cash-free. You don’t need to use your credit card or cash to pay for activities, food, or items. Instead, all the charges will be sent to your cabin, creating a total bill at the end of your stay.

No matter which cruise you take or which room you choose, you will have 110-volt US outlets available . That being said, the Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream cruises have 220-volt European outlets too.

However, before you begin your voyage, you must submit a credit card as part of your check-in process. This is so you do not spend more than your account allows. If you reach your maximum, the staff will ask you to pay the debt and to check in a new card.

Accepted credit cards are:

• Disney Visa Credit Card
• American Express
• Discover Credit Card
• Diners Club International
• Japanese Credit Bureau

All charges will be given in US dollars.

Drinking Age

The drinking age is dependent on where the cruise starts. All cruises will have an onboard drinking age of 21, however, if the trip starts and ends in a European country, parents can give consent for people between the age of 18 and 20 to drink.

Parents have to give signed consent for this to be accepted.

This change in the ruling is due to the low drinking age in European countries . 

Generally speaking, there are three dress codes on Disney cruises. These are Sea Days, Cruise Casual, and Formal Night.

Sea Days are when the sun comes out, and you wish to spend time on the top deck or the water slides. Here you can wear bathing suits, t-shirts, shorts, or anything that would seem appropriate on a family-friendly beach. However, when you go inside, you are expected to wear a cover-up with any swimwear.

Cruise Casual attire is expected at any dining event. This dress code means you can be casual but shouldn’t wear swimwear, tank tops, or anything considered “beachwear.” You don’t have to be fancy.

Formal Nights are often encouraged on long 7-night trips. In these events, you are encouraged (but not required) to wear suits, cocktail dresses, sports coats, and other similar attire. 

When attending restaurants such as Palo and Remy, you are also expected to wear evening or smart clothing.

Check out these Printable Family Travel Packing Lists to know exactly what to pack when traveling with a baby, toddler, or children.

On Ship Restaurants, Dining, And Food

There is always food and drink available on cruise ships, but depending on where you go, you will receive a different service.

Rotational Dining

No matter which cruise you pick, there will be three dining rooms available. These rooms separate breakfast, lunch, and dinner. However, these experiences come with rotation staff. This means you will receive the same servers for your table no matter the day.

This type of service is designed to make sure you get the best service possible. Do you prefer a glass of wine at the start of every meal? The glass will be waiting for you. Do your children require ketchup on every plate? The sauce will be added to your meal. 

Whatever your personal preferences are, the serving staff will learn them and make sure you receive them as necessary.

Room Service

All room service is free with your stay. It doesn’t matter if you have a Concierge room or an Inside room; you will still receive the kitchen-to-door service.

However, the room you pick will create a limit on what you can order. The menu will be different on each cruise, so we cannot give you a breakdown. However, if you tick off your breakfast options the day before and display them on your door, they will arrive at the selected time ready for you.

Buffet And Grab-And-Go

The Buffet is another free service that contains ready-made foods and “grab and go” style lunches for you to eat at the restaurant or take with you as you dock.

If you don’t want the rotational dining service, you can opt for the Buffet.

Palo And Remy

Palo and Remy are two different restaurants on the Disney Cruise, some ships have both others have just one. Either way, these restaurants have an additional cost for a fine dining experience.

As a fine dining restaurant, only adults are allowed to enter this area. If you want a night away from the kids, you can hire a babysitter and book a table at the restaurant for a relaxing high-class evening.

The experience costs around $125 per person, and the drinks are extra. 

The dress code is dresses, jackets, skirts, and blouses. You can wear jeans; however, they shouldn’t be ripped. 

Coffee Shops And Snack Shops

As an odd twist, the delicious pastries and snacks aboard the Disney Cruise are often free, however, if you ask for a specialty coffee (like a latte), you’ll have to pay extra.

This is great news for the kids, as you can get them any of the snacks they dream of, but it means the adults need to watch their wallets.

The bars on Disney Cruises are designed to feel like a laid-back lounge or a live entertainment drinking area.

There is often live music and a cocktail to enjoy.

Most of these areas are off-limits to children, so again, you may need to hire a babysitter if you wish to experience these adult entertainment features.

Food on Castaway Cay – Disney’s Private Island

Castaway Cay is a restaurant on Disney’s private island; however, you can expect the same all-inclusive experience as when you are on the ship. This means that most things will be available for you regardless of the room you stay in, while others will cost you extra and be charged to your room.

Generally speaking, the options are more basic and festival-style than the food on the boat, but that’s because the experience and the games of the island are more important.

Entertainment And Activities

Of course, the main reason for taking a Disney Cruise is its entertainment. The ship is packed with fun games, experiences, and events!

Interior Attractions And Activities

For adults, the most popular indoor activity is the Spa. You can experience either a solo or a couples spa treatment which includes rejuvenating massages, body wraps, and aromatherapy.

The most popular children’s indoor activity is the “Meet Your Favorite Character” interactive experience. In this experience, you dine with the character, play games and reenact their scenes, and have chats with the stars.

Theaters And Shows

There are theaters on the cruise which allow you to watch scheduled shows. You can ask for the timetable and tell your kids when their favorite show will be ready.

However, you can also watch the live showing . Each cruise will have a handful of live performance schedules for your stay. The most popular are:

• Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular
• Disney Dreams – An Enchanted Classic (A cruise special)
• Tangled: The Musical
• The Golden Mickeys (A collection of classic Disney songs)
• Disney’s Believe (A cruise special)
• Frozen – A Musical Spectacular

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is a performance-based tailoring experience where kids can be transformed into Royalty, such as princes and princesses, Fairytail Characters, and Pirates.

This event is extremely popular, so you should book the boutique as soon as possible. 

The Castle Package involves hair styling, a princess necklace, sash, makeup, gown, and nail polish costing $199.95.

The Captain’s package contains hair styling, a pirate costume, and a plush toy, costing $119.95.

Ultimately, there are seven styles in total you can pick from.

Deck-Top Attractions

If you want an experience that every member of your family can enjoy, then you should spend the majority of your time on the deck.

Here you can enjoy waterslides, pools, splash pads, and sporting facilities.

The waterslides wrap around the boat like a theme park. The lines might be long, but the experience will be worth it. 

There are multiple pools for you to choose from. These include a splash pool, length swimming pools, and wave machines. 

Also, the Splash Pads are little areas of water that are designed for young children to play safely in.

And the sporting facilities include basketball courts, crazy golf, and soccer pitches.

Get these  Printable Disney Games  to entertain your children while you travel to Disney World or while waiting in line at the Disney Parks.

Children’s Programs

The children’s programs are all free to use and don’t require pre-booking. Each section has its own opening times, staff on hand to play with the children, and may even experience a surprise visit from a Princess.

Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab

The Oceaneer experience is aimed at 3 to 12 years olds. The kids need to be potty trained to join this event, but they will have indoor slides to play on, video games, and mini-movies to watch.

There is also a “make your own story” theater and a soft play area.

Edge Tween Club

The Edge Tween is for kids aged 11 to 14. Here the kids can play video games, have dance parties, experience arts and crafts, and play arcade games.

The kids don’t need parental supervision while in the club, and staff will be around to watch over them.

Vibe Teen Club

In the Vibe Teen club, kids ages 14 to 17 can swim in their pool, hang out on the lounge chairs, sing karaoke, and play video games.

Babysitting

The babysitting facility that we have mentioned a couple of times already is called It’s A Small World Nursery. There will be one on any cruise ship that you join, and is designed for children ages two and younger.

What To Bring

If you wish to drop your kids off at the nursery, you need to book a slot. Ideally, you should book the usage when you plan your trip, but the earlier, the better.

Before you let the kids go, you need to bring the following items:

• Food for the child – this could be formula, milk, bottles, or pastes.
• Additional clothing in case of an accident.
• Diapers, diaper wipes, and or pull-ups.

Non-pacifier items will not be allowed into the crib. If this will be a problem for your child, you may wish to start training them out of their special toy before the vacation.

Children with Additional Needs

Children with special needs are more than welcome in the clubs or the nursery; however, the ship cannot offer them one-to-one care. A child that can explain their needs and self-assess their medication will be allowed to give their medication to the Youth Activities desk and request them when needed.

The staff will do all they can for the child, but they will not be trained in your child’s specific needs. This means you must assess the activities and your child’s abilities before entering them into the clubs or nursery facilities. 

Nursery Attractions

Inside the nursery, your children can experience a 3D replica of the “It’s a small world” attraction, which means bright lights, geometric shapes, and iconic songs along a floor-painted river.

There is also a decompression area to help those who struggle with new environments. This contains soothing images and music.

The naps room has painted walls featuring Lightning McQueen, Pocahontas, Buzz Lightyear, and more.

The playroom has story-based fun for kids to make their own stories.

Disney Cruise Loyalty Program

The Disney Cruise loyalty plan is called the Castaway Club . But instead of getting a free stay or a reduced cost, you get earlier check-ins, special discounts, and a free dinner at Palo.

However, to get all of these benefits, you need to have multiple trips on the Disney Cruise.

Silver Membership

If you have sailed with the Disney Cruise once before, you will become a Silver Membership owner. With this title, you get the following benefits:

• The ability to book the itineraries a day earlier than nonmembers.
• The ability to book cruise-based activities 90 days before you sail.
• Adverts to exclusive deals.
• A dedicated Castaway Club phone number for direct information and assistance.
• Early access to the port and early check-in.
• Access to the members-only check-in.
• A welcome back gift.

Gold Membership

To become a Gold member, you must sail with the Disney Cruise 5 times. Once you do that, you get the following benefits:

• The 1-day early booking for itineraries is upgraded to 2.
• The 90 days of online booking for cruise activities are upgraded to 105 days before sailing.
• Private onboard reception with special entertainment.
• Special discounts while onboard.

Platinum Membership

To become a Platinum member, you must sail with the Disney Cruise 10 times. This is the highest membership you can receive, and as such, you will be treated like royalty on the cruise.

As a Platinum member, you will receive all the benefits that the Silver membership gave and all the benefits that the Gold membership gave. However, you can book your itineraries three days before the general public and start planning your cruise activities 120 days before sailing. 

You also receive one more benefit – a free dinner at Palo, the 5-star restaurant.

How Does Cruising Compare To Visiting The Parks?

The main difference between the Disney cruise and the Disney parks is their rides. You cannot put a roller coaster on a cruise, so of course, this aspect is missing.

Secondly, there is just one water slide on the cruise due to the limited space the platform has. 

Thirdly, the diversity in shows is limited, again due to the smaller space.

However, if you don’t care for rides and instead want to see the live shows, eat the amazing food and explore different areas of the world simultaneously, it doesn’t matter about the limited space.

The attention to detail is the same as in the parks, so you won’t miss out on the magic. There are also fewer crowds on the cruise, and the servers get to know you. This makes the experience feel like a luxury stay rather than a packed tourist destination.

Feeling Overwhelmed? Consider A Travel Agent

Booking a cruise (any cruise) can feel overwhelming – especially if it’s your first time. If you would rather tell a professional about the important information, you care about and let them do the rest, then hire a travel agent.

They will find your best rooms, book the cruise activities, plan itineraries, and set up your dining experiences. They will then break down all the details, so you don’t have to worry about a thing. 

Of course, each travel agent will have its pricing bands. Depending on the booking company you use, they may help with every element or simply guide you through the essentials.

Disney World Planning Guide

The Disney World Planning Guide with Printable Worksheets will help your family plan a fun, easy, stress-free, and magical vacation to Walt Disney World. The 78 printable pages include various Disney World vacation planning information, printable worksheets, and vacation planner templates.

How Much Does A Disney Cruise Cost?

The Disney Cruise costs can range from $1,800 for a family of 4 on a four-night stay around Baja to $17,500 for a family of 4 on an 11-night stay around the Mediterranean and Greek Islands.

There are roughly 450 cruises for you to pick from, each with its geographical attractions and cruise-based experiences. There is something for everyone and a wide range of price points to suit different budgets.

Preparing for a family trip often means researching the location and figuring out what activities will be enjoyed by the most people in the family. But with the Disney Cruise, all that stress is taken care of. 

There is a myriad of choices for your family to choose from, and they can split up from each other and spend time doing the activities they enjoy.

The magic of Disney is to help parents create a beautiful vacation as easily as possible.

Taking a vacation with grandparents and extended family can provide the perfect way to have some fun, spend time together, and create shared memories and experiences. But it is important to choose the right type of multi-generational vacation for your family to be the best experience for every family member.

If you are still looking for more vacation suggestions, check out this article about Multi Generational Travel Ideas For Families . For a smooth travel experience, read The Complete Guide To Traveling With Children .

However, if you are considering a trip to Disney World with your family, then be sure to read my Tips and Tricks for Disney World and use my Walt Disney World Vacation Planner to help simplify the experience.

And remember, let’s BE Family so you can enjoy the journey!

Until next time, 💖Ruth

For more about family travel, check out these posts: Disney World Itinerary Planning: What You Need to Know Which Disney World Park Is Best? Games To Play In Line At Disney Disney World Planning Guide

BE Family Products Inc., or (BE Family Travel) participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Using any of the links on this website does NOT cost you anything but does help us continue to create content on this blog. Thank you so much for your support and for partnering with us. Let’s BE Family.

Ruth Hutchins grew up in England and now lives in North Carolina with her husband, Doug, and their two young daughters. They always loved to travel, but once having children everything changed because family travel is more complicated. Traveling with a baby may feel overwhelming to new parents. Travel with a toddler can really test your patience, and traveling with kids can lead to utter chaos. However, travel with your little ones doesn’t have to be that stressful or exhausting. On the BE Family Travel blog Ruth shares her parenting wins, and even epic failures about traveling with kids. She provides resources to help you feel empowered to plan a family vacation and travel with your children.

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A Complete Guide to Disney Dream Cruise Ship Rooms

By Samantha Kendall Leave a Comment

There are plenty of ways to have your perfect Disney vacation.

The atrium of the Disney Dream

For some, it might be heading to Disney World. For others, Disneyland is the ticket. But if your perfect Disney vacation includes traveling to different destinations and hanging poolside — then setting sail with the Disney Cruise Line might be for you! We recently sailed on the Disney Dream and have been bringing you reviews , and if you’re thinking about sailing on this ship you’re in luck! We’re taking a look at all the different categories of staterooms on the Disney Dream to help you plan your trip!

There are four different types of staterooms on Disney Cruise Line ships, including the Disney Dream. Those are Concierge, Oceanview with Verandah, Oceanview, and Inside . Each room category comes at a different price point, and each category is equipped with different features and amenities. Let’s see what might be best for your trip!

As the name might imply, the Concierge Suites feature the most luxurious and spacious accommodations on the Disney Dream. They can sleep parties of 5 to 7 guests and all feature verandahs for a bit of breathing room. Not only that, but you’ll also have the personal attention of a dedicated Concierge Service when you stay in one of the suites.

In addition to the suites, there are also Concierge Family Oceanview Staterooms with Verandahs . These aren’t quite as spacious as the suites, but they are roomier than normal staterooms and come with the same Concierge Services — including Pre-Arrival Services. You’ll also have access to the Concierge Lounge, with complimentary food and nonalcoholic drinks.

Concierge Suites and Staterooms come with priority check-in and a dedicated check-in station — plus there will be a private welcome session. Depending on where you’re sailing and how many nights your cruise is, a Concierge Suite or Room on the Disney Dream could cost you more. For example, a summer 2022 3-night Bahamian cruise was  $5,128 , but a 5-night Western Caribbean cruise was  $9,142.

That’s quite a big price tag, but Concierge Level rooms come with the most luxurious amenities onboard the Dream, and you can’t beat the private lounges, sun deck, and dedicated staff. You’ll just have to decide if that’s worth the cost!

Ultimate Guide To Disney Cruise Line 2023

Oceanview with verandah.

There are two types of Oceanview Staterooms, but only one category features verandahs or balconies. These rooms are pretty spacious, though they are only one room technically unlike the Concierge Suites. Oceanview Verandah rooms sleep 3 to 5 guests depending on the type of room.

Not only do you get a view to the ocean or outside world with these rooms, but you also have the added benefit of a decently sized verandah perfect for a glass of wine after putting the kids to bed or a warm cup of coffee in the morning. Though these rooms are spacious, they don’t come with the Concierge Services or dedicated check-in features. But, Oceanview Staterooms with Verandahs are the second most expensive type of room on the Disney Dream.

Pretty spacious

Like most staterooms, the price for these rooms is entirely dependent upon where you’re sailing and how long your cruise will be. A 3-night cruise on the Disney Dream can start at around $1,459 , but a longer cruise could be priced more like  $4,051.

See Our FULL TOUR of an Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah on the Disney Wish

Oceanview Staterooms are pretty much identical to the Oceanview Staterooms with Verandahs, though they can be smaller (and obviously also don’t have verandahs!). Instead of a balcony, there is a porthole with “stunning ocean views” for guests to enjoy.

Typically, Oceanview Staterooms sleep 3 to 4 guests and occasionally these rooms feature two large portholes ! You’ll find a queen bed, sleeper sofa, and sometimes an upper-berth pulldown bed . Keep in mind that depending on which stateroom and which deck you’re in, you might have an obstructed porthole view.

If you don’t need the access to outside via the verandah, this could be a good option if you’re trying to save a little bit of money . You still get ocean views and natural light, and these rooms can be decently roomy if you don’t plan on spending too much time in them. An Oceanview Stateroom summer 2022 3-night Bahamian cruise on the Disney Dream started at  $1,387,  but the same room type started at  $4,562  on a 5-night Western Caribbean cruise, depending on which month you sailed.

PHOTOS: Tour a Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom on the Disney Dream Cruise Ship With Us

If having a balcony or ocean view isn’t important to you, an Inside Stateroom might be just the thing . These rooms are located on the interior of the ship, meaning they have no outside walls or windows — and no natural light . There are “Magical Portholes” that offer real-time views of the sea. Plus, you never know who or what might float by like your favorite Disney character or a pirate ship.

Inside Staterooms on the Disney Dream sleep 3 to 4 guests , and feature a queen bed, sleeper sofa, or upper-berth pulldown bed . These are the smallest rooms on the ship, so even though they technically can sleep up to four, they’re not all that roomy if you plan on spending a lot of time in your room.

For those adventurous types or travelers who just want a place to rest their head and don’t care how big the room is, an Inside Stateroom definitely offers the most bang for your buck. Larger families or those who need just a bit of personal space might not be that comfortable in these rooms . These are the least expensive rooms on the Disney Dream — an Interior Stateroom summer 2022 3-night Bahamian cruise started at $1,357 and a 5-night Western Caribbean cruise Interior Stateroom began at  $4,332  depending on the month.

Keep in mind that with all these stateroom categories, there are even more different types of rooms including Deluxe, Family, and Handicap Accessible . What’s best for one family or travel group might not be what’s best for you — so make sure you take all these factors into account when planning your cruise on the Disney Dream!

To learn more about the Disney Dream and Disney Cruise Line, check out our posts below:

• FULL REVIEW: Pink on the Disney Dream Cruise Ship
• FULL REVIEW: The Royal Palace Restaurant on the Disney Dream
• Special Sailings Announced for Disney Cruise Line 25th Anniversary
• Tour an Oceanview Stateroom on the Disney Wish with Us

Be sure to stay tuned to DFB for the latest Disney Cruise Line news and more!

Everything You CAN’T Bring on a Disney Cruise

What you need to know about disney cruise line, learn all about disney cruise line and its various ships, explore disney’s mega cruise ship – the wish, a full list of what you can’t bring on a disney cruise, these are the best times to book your disney cruise, the best ways to save space in your tiny cruise cabin, 10 things you need on your next cruise (that you won’t think to pack), what it’s like to live on a cruise ship for 6 months, join the dfb newsletter to get all the latest disney news delivered right to your inbox click here to subscribe.

Have you sailed on a Disney Cruise? Let us know in the comments!

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I've stayed in 3 types of rooms on cruises, and the cheapest was never worth it. Here's what to book instead.

• I'm a frequent cruise traveler who's stayed in a variety of onboard accommodations.
• The least expensive rooms have no view and are usually cramped, especially if shared by a family.
• Splurging on a higher-category cabin on my last cruise was the best decision I made.

Automatically booking the cheapest room on a cruise ship without doing proper research first can ruin a trip. 

As someone who's been going on cruises for over 10 years, I've learned that the price tag for these vacations can vary based on a number of factors — from cruise line to trip duration to room category.

Staying in the most standard-level cabin seems like an obvious way to keep costs down. But after trying out three different room categories, both with and without my kids, I've found that a ship's least expensive option is almost never worth it.

Based on my experience in three different cruise-room categories, here are the ones I recommend skipping and the ones I recommend splurging on.

Interior staterooms are limited in space and privacy

The standard (and least expensive) room on any cruise ship is typically called an inside or interior stateroom.

These cabins often sleep three to four people and are located in the middle of the ship, with no exterior view of the vessel's surroundings. 

I've stayed in interior staterooms on a Carnival Cruise Line ship and a Disney Cruise Line ship . Aside from different decor styles and a few small touches, this room category is fairly standard across the board. 

When I'm on a cruise, I like to wake up and open my curtains to look at the ocean or the port where the ship is docked , which isn't an option in these inward-looking cabins.

Apart from having no view, interior staterooms are very small. The exact square footage varies but, for reference, the Disn ey Fantasy cruise ship's interior stateroom is 169 square feet and a Royal Caribbean ship's version is around the same size at 164 square feet .

To put those numbers into perspective, standard hotel rooms in the US are, on average, around 330 square feet , almost double the size of the entry-level cruise accommodation.

I want to be able to maneuver around without tripping over luggage, accent furniture, or my own family members. And because of the lack of space in interior staterooms, that's a challenge.

This category is definitely the most economical option, making it ideal for travelers on a budget .

However, if families, especially ones traveling with teens, can swing an alternative, they should steer clear of cramming into an interior stateroom and opt for a category with more space and privacy.

Ocean-view staterooms provide slightly more space but can still feel cramped

The next category up is usually an ocean-view stateroom.

With an outward-facing window, ocean-view staterooms are a solid mid-tier option for travelers who want more space than an interior stateroom offers but don't want to spend extra for a balcony room.

Their exact size and capacity range from ship to ship, but Disney Fantasy's ocean-view staterooms are 204 square feet , and Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas' version is 179 square feet .

Many of these accommodations fit up to five people. If you have more than four family members (yes, infants who are six months and older are part of the headcount), making the jump from an interior stateroom to an ocean-view stateroom is absolutely worth the extra money.

Some cruise lines sell ocean-view rooms as the entry-level category for families of five or more travelers , simply because many interior staterooms can only accommodate a maximum of four guests.

My top pick is balcony staterooms, which offer privacy and plenty of space 

Balcony staterooms, also known as veranda staterooms, are usually the largest accommodation option you can get without concierge service or extras.

I recommend this category to all travelers setting sail in the future for one reason: the private balcony.

You can open your curtains and enjoy the sights outside, similar to the experience of staying in an ocean-view stateroom. But in this room type, you can step out onto a balcony and take in the sounds and smells, too. 

The rooms' sizes and capacities depend on the ship, but balcony staterooms are usually larger than ocean-view staterooms and tend to sleep up to five guests . Even if the rooms' living spaces aren't substantially bigger, they have the added space of the veranda. 

Including the terrace, balcony staterooms on the Disney Fantasy are 246 square feet and are between 214 square feet to 279 square feet on Princess Cruises' fleet.

When my family stayed in a balcony stateroom on a seven-night cruise, we made great use of the outdoor space. On a shorter cruise, where the balcony itself might not get as much use, I would still book this category for my family.

The upgrade was completely worth the price increase, especially because we were traveling with two sets of grandparents .

To make the most of the balcony staterooms, we even turned our individual verandas into one large terrace by having our steward remove the partitions between rooms. 

This story was originally published on May 25, 2022, and most recently updated on February 5, 2024.

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I have 2 rooms booked on the disney wish. It will only allow me to book activities for one room. The other is in a continiuos loop. ”

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Meet the Panelist: Tracie, Florida

Ahoy! Just like Moana, I feel the irresistible call of the sea. I think the best vacation is aboard a Disney Cruise Line ship – thankfully, my family agrees. Whether savoring gelato in Italy, snorkeling in Mexico, or basking in the sea breeze on deck, each destination fills us with memories to last a lifetime. I look forward to helping your family plan a Disney Cruise Line adventure brimming with cherished moments!

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Room Reveal! Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows

by Heather Concannon , Public Relations Manager, Disney Signature Experiences

Recently, we announced new details about the new Island Tower addition at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows . This week marks the start of bookings, so we’re sharing a first look inside the guest rooms!  

Projected to open on December 17, 2024, the proposed 10-story tower will feature a variety of room types, each brimming with original artwork inspired by the Polynesian Islands, wayfinding and the natural elements – earth, water, wind and sky. Each guest room will also feature stunning custom pieces inspired by Walt Disney Animation Studios film, “Moana.”  

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Disney Parks (@disneyparks)

And like all Disney Vacation Club properties, each accommodation will tout just-like-home amenities to make your stay extra comfortable. 

The Perfect Stay for Two  

  With inspiration from the stars and the sky that the wayfinders used for celestial navigation, the bright and airy duo studios will offer the perfect retreat for two.

Sensational Studios for Families of Four  

Celebrating the lush flora and fauna of the islands, the deluxe studios will sleep up to four and include a first-of-its-kind feature for Disney Vacation Club deluxe studios – a dishwasher! The deluxe studios in the Island Tower will have a new layout, including a cozy seating area across from the kitchenette.  

One- & Two-Bedroom Villas for the Entire Family  

You and your family and friends will be able to spread out in a one- or two-bedroom villa, sleeping up to five and nine, respectively. Through unique artwork, each villa will showcase a voyager’s journey both on land and under the sea. Embracing the beauty of water or earth, these spaces will feature a kitchen with full-size appliances, a dining area, a washer and dryer, and an outdoor patio area.  

Introducing NEW Two-Bedroom Penthouse Villas  

Disney Vacation Club will introduce a brand-new type of accommodation in Island Tower: two-bedroom penthouse villas. Themed after the calming balance between water and the islands, the stunning villas will sleep up to eight and boast a spacious living room, and spectacular views of the Seven Seas Lagoon and Magic Kingdom Park from an expansive patio balcony. 

Sustainable Design Details at the Island Tower  

Several features within guest rooms contribute to the Island Tower’s sustainable design, in line with Disney’s 2030 environmental goals. For example, in addition to the convenience that comes with the first-ever dishwashers in the tower’s studios, they also contribute to our goal of minimizing waste by reducing the need for plastic utensils and single-use dishware. You might also be surprised to know the beautiful, plush rugs and carpets inside guest rooms are made from mostly recycled plastic bottles woven into fine yarn that feels like silk. 

How to Book Your Stay at the Island Tower  

• June 4: Beginning today, Disney Vacation Club members can make rental reservations by contacting Member Services at (800) 800-9800. Members will be able to make points-based reservations at a later date.    
• June 5: Walt Disney World Annual Passholders can start booking rental reservations by contacting (407) 934-7639.   
• June 6: All guests can make reservations online or by contacting (407) 934-7639. 

This is just the beginning. We have many chapters ahead for our island-inspired adventure, so stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for more! 

This advertising material is being used for the purpose of soliciting sales of timeshare interests.  

Are any of these above questions being answered ? I would really like to know why as DVC members we get first dibs at renting but not using points? This does not make sense to me?

What are the rates? Before I sit on hold would love to see a rate chart

Will these become available to purchase as timeshare?

I love that manta ray design. Great work!

I really like it! I can see how others might miss more overt theming but I personally prefer this modern style with subtle hints. And thankfully it looks like the room will be bright compared to other villas I’ve stayed in!

Two words: Maui Wowi!

When can we book using our points?

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NEW Addition at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows

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Job summary:.

Disney Cruise Line (DCL), a division of The Walt Disney Company, operates a five-ship fleet of premium class cruise liners and is the industry leader in family vacations at sea. DCL Entertainment (Toronto) is a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company Canada, and serves as the rehearsal headquarters for DCL’s award-winning theatrical productions. Within a state of the art entertainment rehearsal facility, DCL’s production teams pride themselves on creating memorable family entertainment that is both enchanting and magical – delighting the young and young at heart with legendary Disney storytelling.

Based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and reporting to the Production Manager, the Production Supervisor will be responsible for organizing, coordinating, operating and scheduling of all rehearsals for multiple casts.

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• Creates and maintains daily rehearsal, fittings and crossover schedules - partnering with shoreside and shipboard teams.
• Manages all in studio rehearsals and breaks keeping room focused and on schedule.
• Manages Contract Riders for designated cast.
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• Responsible for the coordination of all stunt rehearsals & logistics.
• May be required to travel to the ship for technical rehearsals and or run of show for 2 – 3 weeks at a time.

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• Post-Secondary education or equivalent experience in entertainment stage management or production / theatre related position.
• 4+ years’ experience in an entertainment management/production support role.
• Proven experience and understanding of Disney Character & Theatrical operations.
• Excellent communication, organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to assess and manage competing and changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-motivated and capable of working both independently and as part of a team.
• Computer proficiency –  Excel, Word, Outlook and Keynote. (nice to have but not necessary)
• Demonstrated scheduling, management and leadership skills.
• This position will occasionally be required to travel to the ships for projects and or short term assignments onboard for 2 – 3 weeks at a time.
• Agreeable to all maritime sailing and seafarer guidelines, requirements and regulations, including sailing onboard the DCL ships statused as “crew" and assigned to the crew manifest.

Our Company proudly provides equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants.  We welcome and encourage applications from persons with disabilities.  Accommodations are available upon request for candidates taking part in any aspect of the selection process.  Accommodations are available upon request for candidates taking part in any aspect of the selection process.

About Disney Cruise Line:

A leader in the cruise industry, Disney Cruise Line provides a setting where families can reconnect, adults can recharge and children can experience all the magic that Disney has to offer. Guests can sail out of ports around the world on exciting itineraries to the Caribbean, Bahamas, Alaska and Europe, among others. Aboard the fleet of five ships – the Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy and Disney Wish – and Disney’s private island paradise in the Bahamas - Castaway Cay, crew members provide guests with unparalleled service, enchanting storytelling and immersive family entertainment that only Disney can deliver.

About The Walt Disney Company:

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.

This position is with The Walt Disney Company (Canada) Ltd. , which is part of a business we call Disney Cruise Line .

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• Disney Vacation Club / News / Resorts / Walt Disney World

Opening DATE and Room Photos Revealed For Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Resort

by Holly Ramey · June 4, 2024

As we previously reported, the all-new Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows is set to open in December of this year.

Polynesian Tower Updates

Today, we know the exact opening date of the Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Resort, AND we have our first look inside these absolutely breathtaking rooms!

Opening Date for Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Resort

The all-new Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Resort will welcome its first guests on December 17, 2024!

            View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by Disney Parks (@disneyparks)

All About the Rooms

Once open, the new 10-story tower will offer several room types filled with original artworks inspired by the Polynesian islands, focusing on earth, water, wind, and sky. 

Like rooms in the main section of the Polynesian Village Resort, the rooms will also feature custom pieces inspired by the hit movie Moana. 

Credit: Disney

And just like all Disney Vacation Club Resorts, all rooms in the new Island Tower will feature amenities to make you feel like you are at home. 

Rooms for a Duo

The new Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Resort will offer Duo Studios that are perfect for travel parties with just two guests and also offer a kitchenette.

Deluxe Studios for Four 

Inspired by the lush flora and fauna of the Polynesian Islands, the deluxe studios in the Island Tower at the Polynesian will boast a first for Disney Vacation Club Deluxe Studios — a dishwasher! 

In addition, these Studios will feature a new layout from other DVC properties and include a kitchenette and seating area. 

1- & 2-Bedroom Villas for the Entire Family 

The Island Tower at the Polynesian will offer 1- and 2-bedroom Villas for larger families.

The 1-bedroom Villas will sleep up to five guests while the 2-bedroom Villas will sleep up to 9-guests.

The artwork in these Villas will share the journey of a seafaring voyager while on land and under the sea. 

Regarding amenities, both the 1- and 2-bedroom Villas will offer guests full-size appliances, a dining area, a washer and dryer, and an outside patio. 

NEW 2-Bedroom Penthouse Villas 

Now, here is what I am excited about the most: NEW 2-bedroom Penthouse Villas!

For the first time in DVC history, the Island Tower at the Polynesian will boast two-bedroom Penthouse Villas. These villas, designed to offer a calming balance between water and land, will sleep up to eight guests. 

In addition to an amazing view of the Seven Seas Lagoon and the Magic Kingdom from an oversized balcony, the Penthouse Villas will also include a large living room.

How to Book the Island Tower at the Polynesian 

Bookings for the all-new Island Tower at the Polynesian are now open for DVC Members who want to make their reservations with cash. Bookings with points will open at a later date. 

For all other guests, bookings will open as follows: 

• Disney World Annual Passholders: Annual Passholders can start booking their stay on Wednesday, June 5. 
• All Guests:  All guests can make reservations starting Thursday, June 6. 

What do you think about the new rooms at the Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort? Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below! 

Ready to start planning your stay at the all-new Island Tower or another Walt Disney World Resort Hotel? Fill out the form below or email [email protected] for a FREE, no-obligation quote and to start booking your next Disney vacation.

MickeyTravels

As an agent with MickeyTravels (a Platinum Earmarked Agency), I will be on hand to help you with everything from finding your perfect package  and I offer rate monitoring to ensure you are receiving the best rate available.  I work with all Disney Destinations and destinations outside of Disney. Best of all, my services are absolutely FREE. Get in touch via email at  [email protected]  or calling 954.401.9577. Also, make sure to  CLICK HERE  to follow along with my Facebook page for all things Disney and giveaways!

Image/Source Credit: Disney 

Tags: Disney World Disney's Polynesian Village Resort DVC Island Tower opening date Poly Polynesian

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Theme parks, disney cruise line – what you need to know, cruise line ships, disney private islands, recent walt disney world, recent disneyland, disney world reviews, other park reviews, recent reviews, allears style, newsletter home, recent disney and florida attractions news blog.

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• ( view all posts )

SNEAK PEEK: Exclusive Look at the NEW Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Souvenir Collection Coming to Disney World Soon

The time has come! Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom is here and ready to go! Well, it’s time to make sure those wallets are ready to go now, too! 

Since Splash Mountain closed in January 2023 , we’ve been watching for every update, big and small . Now we know the new attraction will open on June 28th with two ways to ride – via Virtual Queue (which will open at 7AM and 1PM each day) or by booking a Lightning Lane after purchasing Genie+ . Although we’ve seen some sneak peeks of the ride , we are FINALLY able to experience it for ourselves. That’s not all, though, of course! With a new ride opening, that means we officially have NEW merchandise! 

You can find all of the new Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and  Princess and the Frog  merchandise over at X in Magic Kingdom. Ready to see what all is up for grabs? Let’s go!

First up, you can grab this T-shirt…

…this spirit jersey…

…this bag…

…this Loungefly backpack…

…this Tiana doll…

…this Louis Cuddleez plush…

…this interactive firefly…

…this restaurant fund coffee can…

…this MagicBand+…

…and this water tower figurine…

…and these ears…

…a Princess Tiana Dress…

…a tumbler…

…another shirt…

…a crown…

…and so many more awesome things that we can’t wait for you to see in person!

There’s even a kids’ section of Critter Co-Op!

Whew! That’s a LOT of merch! We’re not even sure how we’ll decide what to officially buy. Later this year, you’ll be able to snag more merchandise from the two shops near Tiana’s Bayou Adventure: Critter Co-Op and Tiana’s Bayou General. 

We’re always on the lookout for new Disney merchandise as well as other Disney news. Make sure to follow along so that you’re always in the loop and never miss a thing.

Looking for more Tiana’s Bayou Adventure news? Click here!

Join the allears.net newsletter  to stay on top of all the breaking disney news you'll also get access to allears tips, reviews, trivia, and more click here to subscribe.

What do you think of the new merchandise? Let us know in the comments! 

Disclosure: We were invited by Disney World to attend a media preview of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. This did not affect our reporting of the event — our opinions are our own.

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How many Guests can occupy one stateroom?

Our largest Concierge-level suites can sleep 7 Guests, while all other stateroom types accommodate at least 3 people.

It’s easy to find the right-size stateroom for your party. When booking your cruise, provide the number of Guests you want to share your stateroom (one of whom must be an adult). You’ll then select from the available room configurations that can accommodate your party size. If you have a larger travel party, you can reserve up to 3 additional staterooms online.

To book 5 or more staterooms in the US and Canada, call (800) 951-3532 for assistance. If you are traveling from a country outside the US and Canada, please visit our global phone number listing for contact details. Guests under age 18 must have parent or guardian permission to call.

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