What Does Adult Exclusive Mean On A Disney Cruise?

Can Adults Enjoy a Disney Cruise With No Kids?

Disney Cruise Exclusive Adult Pool Areas

Disney Dream and Fantasy Have Best Pools for Adults

Top Tier Dining and Lounges for Adults

Adult Only Dining Options Offer Luxury Experiences

• Enchanté by Chef Arnaud Lallement- Disney Wish
• Palo Steakhouse- Disney Wish
• Palo- Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy
• Remy- Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy
• Senses Juice Bar- Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy

A Variety of Themed Lounges on Each Ship

Upscale Lounges Offer Elevated Experiences

Chance to Experience New Cocktails

Cocktail Classes and Experiences

Live Music in Lounges at Night

Adults Even Get Their Own Coffee Shop

Disney Cruise Activities Focused on Adults

Repeat Dinner Shows with an Adult Only Twist

Disney Cruise Senses Spa & Salon

Disney Cruise Rainforest Room Is Perfect for Adults

Hot Tubs in Rainforest Room are the Best

Heated Stone Beds to Lay On

Disney Cruises Are Worth It for Adults

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One of the highlights of Disney Cruise Line’s private Castaway Cay private island is the opportunity to snorkel in the enclosed bay.

Though there aren’t natural reefs to look for, there are plenty of colorful fish and really cool Disney artifacts to discover during the experience.

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Disney Snorkeling at Castaway Cay

The Castaway Cay snorkel experience is an add-on at Disney Cruise Line’s private island. You can book the excursion in advance of your cruise, onboard the ship, or once you arrive at the island. Castaway Cay is the older of the two Disney Cruise Line private islands. There is plenty of equipment available so you don't need to worry about spots running out.

Snorkeling costs $44 per person for ages 10 and up and $24 for ages five and under. Guests need to be a minimum of five years old to snorkel. A mask, a snorkel, a snorkel vest, and a pair of fins are provided. Child-sized masks and fins are also available.

When you arrive to check in for the snorkel experience on the island, you’re given a snorkel, goggles, a yellow visibility bib, and flippers. It is required to wear the visibility bib so that lifeguards can keep an eye on you out in the water.

The main bay at Castaway Cay is an enclosed area that has areas split off for swimming along the beach and then snorkeling further out. Items of interest are marked by buoys floating on the top of the water so that you have somewhere to aim during your swims.

When you first start snorkeling you’ll encounter a sandy bottom of the ocean and colorful fish. From there you can swim out and discover some amazing Disney treasures at the bottom of the bay.

Unique Disney Treasures to Find During Snorkeling

Some of these unique Disney items to look for include a Dumbo ride car, a model of the Black Pearl from Pirates of the Caribbean, a ship’s mast featuring Daisy Duck, and a Prince Eric statue from The Little Mermaid.

This is a great activity for all ages, but be aware that the swim is actually pretty far out there. I was pretty tired at the end of the swim. Add in the constrained feeling of wearing the snorkel mask and breathing tube and this can be an exhausting experience in the sun. The fins are quite helpful to move you forward but be aware that this a more strenuous activity.

Enjoying the snorkeling experience is a perfect way to work up an appetite to enjoy the great food on Castaway Cay.

Is Snorkeling on Castaway Cay Worth It?

Swimming out to spot all of these items was one of my favorite highlights of the island experience. Disney took what could have been a less interesting experience of snorkeling around the sandy area and made it into something so exciting to discover.

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This is an affordable port excursion that is easy to build into your day and fun for everyone in the family. This is also a great way to try snorkeling for the first time if you've never experienced it! It's far more easy to do than some of the other port excursions at other places on Disney Cruise Line and it's a quick thing to build into your day on Castaway Cay.

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Disney’s private island Castaway Cay serves up a BBQ lunch prepared by Disney Cast Members during your day on the island. The food on the island is served in two locations.

Here’s a look at all the food offered at the island buffet and a call out of my favorite items that you really can’t miss! This is one of the best perks of visiting Disney's island.

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Castaway Cay BBQ Food Options

The Castaway Cay food can be found near the main beach area on the island and at the Serenity Bay adult’s only island beach at Cookie's BBQ. Both food stations have the same offerings. If you are traveling without children, I would recommend Serenity Bay for lower crowds at lunch and less chaotic energy overall.

All of the food options are really good. There are a number of different entree options all of which make me wish that I got more than one meal here. Here’s a look at the different food options.

There is a salad bar with a variety of options and a BBQ lineup.

On the salad bar, some options include coleslaw, macaroni salad, and mango slaw.

There is also a fruit bar with a large number of fresh fruit options.

On the BBQ lineup there were options for ribs, pulled pork, burgers, hot dogs, and even vegetarian options.

And of course, there is a full beverage station available too.

Here's a look at our plate on Castaway Cay! And just like the cruise, the food is all you care to enjoy.

Don't Forget the Ice Cream Sandwich Hack

One of the best hacks for Castaway Cay is the make your own ice cream sandwich trick!

Just take two chocolate chip cookies over to the soft serve ice cream machine and then you can make your own ice cream sandwich.

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Castaway Cay is just another great food offering on Disney Cruises and is one of the things to look forward to while visiting the island. Plus if you take part in the free Castaway Cay 5K you can work off all those calories from enjoying the all-you-can-eat BBQ.

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One of the most unique sailing options that Disney Cruise Line offers are the themed days at sea which are exclusive to Disney Cruise ships.

Past themed sailings have included Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars but they are not always consistently offered on a yearly basis. Disney cruisers will be excited to hear that Disney plans on bringing back most of these themed sailings in the future!

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Disney Announces Return of Pixar Day at Sea

Themed days at sea include a full day of entertainment focused around that particular theme including an abundance of character interactions, food options, and live entertainment. The themed day takes place on a sea day as part of your normal cruise itinerary. Pixar Day at Sea is one of those popular themed cruises and hasn't been offered since 2024.

Pixar Day at Sea will be making its return to the Disney Fantasy sailing out of Port Canaveral, Florida. Select five-night Disney Fantasy sailings will offer Pixar Day at Sea starting January 2026 through March 2026.

Pixar Day at Sea celebrates the Pixar stories of “Toy Story,” “Monsters, Inc.,” “The Incredibles,” “Inside Out,” and “Coco.” Day time entertainment options include the Hey Howdy Breakfast, a musical breakfast themed to “Toy Story” and a pool deck party led by Crush's Pixar Party Patrol.

Edna Mode is also present for guests to show off their best Pixar fashion during Edna Mode's Style on Parade. Disney cruisers love dressing up during these themed days at sea so I expect this will be a great way to show off those costumes or just line up to watch everyone's creativity! There will also be a live cooking demonstration with the Disney Chefs inspired to “Ratatouille” called Anyone Can Cook.

And of course, Pixar Day at Sea will include popular character meet and greets with popular characters incuding Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Mike and Sulley, Edna Mode, Joy, and Miguel.

But one of the best parts of a any themed day at sea is the nighttime show which can be even more impressive than the popular Pirates Nite. Pixar Pals Celebration on the upper decks will feature a high-energy deck party with interactions with popular Pixar characters.

Marvel Day at Sea Sailing out of Texas for the First Time

Marvel Day at Sea will also return in 2026 with sailings out of Galveston, Texas being offered for the first time for this themed cruise experience. Marvel Day at Sea will take place on the Disney Magic with itineraries offered January 2026 through March 2026. Marvel Day at Sea is similar to Pixar Day at Sea which means that one day on your Disney Cruise experience will be entirely Marvel themed with Marvel characters, activities, entertainment, and an amazing nighttime show.

Marvel Day at Sea is home to easily the best nighttime show offered on the Disney Cruise Line called Marvel Heroes Unite. Marvel Heroes Unite takes place on the top deck of the ship and features nearly EVERY Marvel character you can imagine as they battle villains above your head via zip lines and the front stage. This show features a variety of stunts, effects, and pyrotechnics.

The themed Disney Cruise Line sailings are a great way to experience a cruise that is distinctly Disney as a part of your regular itinerary, I highly recommend it. You can read more about Marvel Day at Sea in my review and see why this was an experience I would gladly repeat.

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Disney Cruise Line is sharing some exciting news about its newest heroes and villains-themed ship, the Disney Destiny. This ship will feature favorite characters and stories from Disney, Marvel, and Pixar. Today, as part of an event onboard the Disney Wish, we got a first look at the new Hercules show coming to the Disney Destiny!

One of the highlights of a Disney Cruise is the entertainment, including incredible Broadway-style shows offered onboard. The new Hercules show will feature puppetry portraying the “mythological behemoths” Hercules must defeat, which builds off of the very impressive puppetry designs that debuted in the new Moana show on the Disney Treasure ship. Keep reading for all the details that were revealed for this new Hercules stage show!

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New Hercules Show on Disney Destiny

“Disney Hercules,” which will be a Broadway-style stage adaptation of the original Disney film Hercules, promises to be a “fresh, contemporary retelling” of the story centered around the soundtrack from the film. The set design is inspired by John Legend’s “Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert” musical television special.

“Disney's Hercules” will start in a museum of Grecian artifacts and then turn into the show. It will include favorite songs like “Go the Distance,” “Zero to Hero,” and “I Won’t Say I’m in Love,” with new arrangements “inspired by the soulfulness of gospel music with the energy of a pop concert.” Among the songs in the musical will be “Shooting Star,” a ballad that was originally written for the movie by Alan Menken and David Zippel.

The show will feature all of the favorite characters from the story, with “many represented in surprising new ways.” The Muses will tell the story just like they do in the film. For the costuming, the gods of Olympus will be portrayed in “high-fashion” costume designs that contrast with the “understated” and “humble” clothing from the humans.

The “mythological behemoths” central to Hercules' story will be brought to life by award-winning puppet designer Michael Curry. You can see a sneak peek at the Hydra monster that will be featured in the show below. The scale of this puppet looks absolutely massive—this is just one head of the figure!

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We also got a sneak peek of “Go The Distance” from the show, sung by Corey Bradford, who will play Hercules. His voice is phenomenal!

See a clip of his performance shared on our Instagram below!

 

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Disney Cruise Line has revealed a first look at some of the artwork that will be featured in the staterooms on its newest ship, the Disney Destiny! This artwork reflects the heroes and villains theme of the ship, highlighting favorite stories and characters from Disney, Marvel, and Pixar.

Each of these new paintings features some beloved characters from stories like Hercules, The Incredibles, Fantasia, and more. Keep reading for a look at this new stateroom artwork coming to the Disney Destiny!

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Disney Destiny Stateroom Artwork

All of the artwork for the staterooms on the Disney Destiny leans into the dichotomy of heroes and villains, which is quite fun! We love the use of contrasting tones to convey this, like in the Hercules-inspired artwork seen above. The artwork features all of the major characters from the film, including Hercules, Meg, and Hades.

We love this amazing artwork inspired by The Incredibles, which features the Parr family and Frozone as well as Syndrome lurking in the background.

This beautiful Mulan artwork features the major characters from the film! Just like the other paintings, it strikes a balance between light and darkness. I love how that contrast manifests with the fog at the bottom of the painting in particular.

There is also artwork inspired by Brave, featuring Merida riding her horse Angus and her mother Queen Elinor in bear form.

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The concierge staterooms on the Disney Destiny will feature this Fantasia-inspired artwork highlighting Sorcerer Mickey! I love the detail in this one and the silhouette of Chernabog in the background.

We also got a first look at the door hanger designs for the Disney Destiny today as part of an event on the Disney Wish, featuring different icons representing Sorcerer Mickey, Baymax from Big Hero 6, The Incredibles, etc. See these below!

You can also see our coverage of the new details announced for the Dr. Strange lounge and Grand Hall coming to the Disney Destiny.

Don't Miss the Latest Disney News

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The Disney Destiny is Disney's newest cruise ship themed to Disney, Pixar, and Marvel heroes and villains that will debut later this year. Today, we are onboard the Disney Wish getting a first look at some of the offerings coming to the Disney Destiny.

Disney Cruise Line just shared new details about some Marvel-inspired experiences coming to the ship, including new information about special effects and villain character interactions in the Grand Hall, as well as a first look at the Dr. Strange-inspired lounge and its special menu items. Keep reading for more details about these new experiences coming to the Disney Destiny!

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First Look at Disney Destiny Grand Hall

Disney Cruise Line revealed new concept artwork and more details about the Grand Hall of the Disney Destiny! The space will shift in atmosphere in reaction to the presence of certain characters with 360-degree lighting effects, “taking on the signature aura” of the villain characters who appear. The example shown in the concept above is the appearance of Loki, who “will try to declare himself ruler of this vessel and its occupants.”

Disney Cruise Line also teased more Loki appearances and interactions, like recruiting guests “for a surprise competition to prove their adoration for his royal highness” or asking them to “explain the strange foreign rituals of ocean cruising.” Loki is extremely popular and has always been a very fun character interaction, so his presence sounds like it will add some fun mischief to the cruise.

There will also be interactions with other villains, including an opportunity for guests to show off their style on Cruella de Vil's own runway, where she will provide some fun live commentary praising or criticizing their choices. Disney also teased that she may recruit guests to create a more flattering rendition of the song “Cruella de Vil” when she hears it playing onboard. Dr. Facilier will also make appearances in the Grand Hall, “with a dazzling parlor trick or sleight of hand.” Or, you can see Maleficent at Saga entertainment lounge!

Dr. Strange Sanctum Lounge

Disney Cruise Line previously announced that the Disney Destiny would be getting a new Dr. Strange lounge as part of several Marvel experiences coming to the ship. Now, we have a first look at the concept artwork for the space as well as a sneak peek at some of its themed drinks!

The lounge will feature “mystical items,” design details inspired by the shapes and symbols of Rune shields, and icons including the Cloak of Levitation and spell books from the library of Kamar-Taj.

The lounge will be centrally located in the same spot as the Jungle Cruise lounge on the Disney Treasure, which is the same ship layout as the new Disney Destiny. Guests will be able to enjoy activities here as well as a selection of drinks, including mocktails, cocktails, spirits, and coffees. The space will lean into the theming of the space with “entrancing tableside beverage experiences” and other special menu items.

You can see some of the menu items that were revealed for the space below!

Circle of the Cosmos contains Brunswick Aces Diamonds Gin, verjus blanc, and fresh lemon juice garnished with a lemon peel spiral.

Vapors of Valtorr contains Grey Goose Altius Vodka, ginger beer, fresh lime juice, and butterfly pea flower syrup topped with berry-flavored bubbles.

There will also be some snacks available, including these stuffed waffles with custard cream filling.

Or you can get these stuffed waffles with mixed berry compote filling.

Follow along with us today for more updates on the new Disney Destiny cruise ship!

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The Disney Fantasy is one of the most popular Disney Cruise Line ships. We rank it, along with the Disney Dream, amongst the best out of the growing Disney Cruise Line fleet.

Disney Fantasy has been scheduled for an upcoming “dry dock” which means the ship will be receiving upgrades and enhancements. These new updates have now been officially revealed!

READ MORE- Which Disney Private Island is Best? I've Been to Both!

Disney Dream Dry Dock Updates Announced

First up during the Disney Fantasy dry dock updates is a new poolside restaurant called Ramone's Cantina. This Disney Cars inspired location will offer tacos and cantina bowls.

The updates will also feature a new funnel suite that pays tribute to Sorcerer Mickey.

You can see the concept art for this new funnel suite above which offers great views of the Disney Fantasy pool deck.

Other changes during the Disney Fantasy dry dock are updates areas in Senses Spa, a new concierge lounge inspired by Hercules, and the tween club Edge will be relocating to Deck 5 with new features.

The Disney Fantasy is planned to set sail again later this year in November after its dry dock period ends.

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If you’re interested in taking the most magical vacation at sea, but aren’t sure what to expect in regard to price, you’re in the right place! In this guide to Disney Cruise Line pricing, we’re going to explain everything that goes into the cost of a Disney Cruise.

We know that booking a cruise can be overwhelming. Especially if you’ve never sailed with Disney or any other cruise line before. The wide variety of different prices may catch you off guard, leaving you confused and frustrated.

We’re going to explain everything that’s included in the price of a Disney Cruise, what affects the price, ways to save, and the different payment options that are available for you. Follow along to get a better understanding of Disney Cruise Line pricing so you can get your cruise in the books!

What's Included in the Price of a Disney Cruise

One of the best things about a Disney Cruise is that they’re an all-inclusive vacation. The price that you’re presented with includes all of your vacation essentials, taxes, fees, and Port Expenses. You won’t have to worry about any other expenses during your trip unless you choose to take part in add-on experiences.

The cost of a Disney Cruise includes:

• Staterooms
• Dining
• Entertainment
• Disney’s Private Islands
• Pools & Recreation
• Kids Clubs
• Nightclubs & Lounges

Staterooms

On the Disney Cruise ships, there are four different stateroom categories – Inside, Oceanview, Verandah, and Concierge. No matter which stateroom category you choose, it’s guaranteed that you’ll sail in both comfort and style during your time with Disney Cruise Line.

Inside Staterooms are located on the innermost part of the ship and have no actual view of the outside. However, to give Guests the feel of a cruise, the Inside Staterooms feature a Magical Porthole. These portholes display a real-time view of the ship’s exterior. Occasionally, a special Disney or Pixar character may be seen passing by the Magical Porthole! Inside Staterooms are the smallest room option on a Disney Cruise, but still provide a spacious area for cruisers.

Those staying in an Oceanview Stateroom have amazing views of the sea through the one to two portholes that are in their room. Oceanview Staterooms are larger than the Inside Staterooms, but slightly smaller than Verandah Staterooms.

Verandah Staterooms feature private verandahs, which give cruisers access to the outdoors. Patio furniture is located on the balcony, which gives Guests the opportunity to sit and enjoy a meal or simply relax as they take in the beautiful sights. Verandah Staterooms are the largest out of all of the non-concierge staterooms.

The most luxurious room offering is the Concierge Stateroom. These rooms feature exquisite decor, private balconies, upgraded amenities, and special services. Concierge Staterooms also have a much larger price tag than the other room options.

All staterooms are equipped with spacious living quarters, storage space, and standard amenities. Amenities include split bathrooms (in most staterooms), H2O bathroom products, a hairdryer, refrigerator, television, in-room movies, housekeeping, and room service.

Dining

Food is readily available 24-hours a day on a Disney Cruise. With a wide variety of foods, dining locations, and service types, Guests never have to worry about going hungry during their sailing. Snacks, light-bites, quick-service meals, and full-service meals are all available throughout the day, both on and off the ship.

During your Disney Cruise, you can enjoy:

• Complimentary Beverages – Throughout the entirety of your cruise, you can visit beverage stations, where you can get non-alcoholic beverages such as soda, tea, and coffee. These stations are located on deck and near the dining locations.
• All-You-Care-To-Enjoy Soft Serve Ice Cream – You can get ice cream again and again during your time onboard. We’re not counting, and neither should you! Stop by as many times as you’d like for a cool, refreshing treat.
• Quick-Service Dining – When you’d like a quick meal, there are plenty of dining locations that you can stop by on each ship. If you’re sailing on the Disney Dream or Disney Fantasy, stop by Flo’s Café, the Cars-themed eatery. Here, you’ll find Tow Mater’s Grill, Luigi’s Pizza, and Fillmore’s Favorites. With food such as burgers, pizza, chicken, sandwiches, and salads, you’ll be able to easily find food that everyone in your party will enjoy!
• Full-Service Dining – Each ship has three full-service restaurants that cruisers rotate through during their sailing. During these meals, you’ll experience special theming, delicious foods, and top-quality service. Depending on the restaurant, you may even have the opportunity to enjoy live entertainment and character experiences. On the Disney Treasure, you’ll dine at Worlds of Marvel, Plaza de Coco, and 1923.
• Island Cuisine – Complimentary food is also available on the days that you visit Disney’s Castaway Cay or Disney’s Lookout Cay – right on the islands! A quick-service lunch is available for all cruisers to enjoy. On Castaway Cay, you can head to Cookie’s BBQ, Cookies Too BBQ, or Serenity Bay BBQ to dig into the buffets full of delicious island fare.
• 24-Hour Room Service – No matter what time of day your hunger sets in, you can satisfy it with Disney Cruise Line’s 24-hour Room Service. With dining options available all day (and night) long, you can enjoy breakfast on your balcony while watching the sunrise, grab a midday snack, or satisfy a late night craving. Whenever you’re ready, room service is just a call away!

Entertainment

A Disney Cruise is so much more than soaking up the sun, enjoying the water, and digging your toes in the sand. When sailing with Disney Cruise Line, you won’t experience a standard cruise. You’ll experience the Disney Difference. One thing that Disney is undoubtedly great at is entertainment. This applies to their cruises as well.

During your cruise, you’ll be able to enjoy live shows, character experiences, and fireworks shows – just like at the Disney Parks!

Class-act performances can be seen during the Broadway-style musicals, some of which are classic retellings while others are Disney Cruise Line originals. Some shows that you may see are Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular, Disney Dreams – An Enchanted Classic, Tangled: The Musical, The Golden Mickeys, Disney’s Believe, and Frozen, A Musical Spectacular.

Character interactions take place both off and on the ship. The characters wear special outfits during Disney Cruises, which make these interactions even more special! Enjoy meeting your favorite pals in their sailor outfits while on the ship, in their beach gear on Castaway Cay, dressed as superheroes for Marvel Day at Sea, and as pirates for Pirate Night! The characters have special meeting locations on the islands and onboard the ships. However, they can also be seen in the kids clubs and during special dining experiences.

Fireworks shows on Disney Cruises are extra magical since you get to experience these nighttime spectaculars at sea! Right now there’s an all-new show that’s lighting up the night sky. Before the fireworks begin, a playlist of fun party songs plays to get everyone onboard excited. A countdown then takes place and then the show begins!

Disney's Private Islands

Disney has two different private islands – Disney Castaway Cay and Disney Lookout Cay. Most Bahamian and Caribbean cruises stop at one or both of these islands. Just like on the cruise ships, you can enjoy an all-inclusive day on these islands. During your time at Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay, you can enjoy dining, entertainment, recreational activities, and of course, the beaches!

Complimentary beach gear is also available for use, including towels, lounge chairs, and umbrellas. While there are multiple family beaches, there are also areas designed specifically for children and others that are for adults only. Children can enjoy water slides, activities, youth clubs, and play areas while adults take in the quiet tranquility of the adult-exclusive beaches.

As I previously mentioned, during your time on the Disney islands, you’ll be treated to a buffet full of BBQ foods and delightful island fare. Just like on the ship, you’ll also have access to unlimited fountain beverages and soft serve ice cream.

Besides water fun, cruisers can also take part in exciting dance parties and character experiences. You won’t want to miss the opportunity to pose with the characters in their fun island outfits!

Pools & Recreation

While there’s lots of fun to be had on the islands, there’s plenty of onboard activities as well!

On each ship, there’s a variety of pools, waterplay areas, and water slides.

Families can splash it up in Donald’s Pool, which features a main pool and two whirlpool spas. Plus, there are fun activities to take part in during the day and dive-in movies to enjoy at night.

Tiny tikes will have a blast in the splash areas that are designated for younger cruisers. One of these areas, Nemo’s Reef, has a different variety of splash sequences with pop jets, a bubbler, and fountains. Little ones love the Finding Nemo theme in this fin-tastic splash zone.

Cruisers who are 18 years and older can head to the Quiet Cove Pool for some peaceful relaxation. Away from the family pools, this adults-only area is isolated and quiet, creating a tranquil atmosphere.

Those who are wanting to stay active while onboard are in luck. The Disney Cruise Line has fitness centers, basketball courts, miniature golf courses, virtual sports centers, and more on the cruise ships to provide plenty of opportunities for physical activities.

Youth Clubs

Kids, Tweens, and Teens all have their own special areas on the cruise ships where they can have fun with their peers.

Children ages 3-10 will have a blast at the Disney’s Oceaneer Club. Here, they can spend time with others their age, playing immersive games, doing crafts, watching Disney movies, and playing with toys. The fun is spread over multiple areas that are themed to favorite Disney, Pixar, and Marvel movies. Specially trained Disney Youth Counselors are with the kiddos every step of the way, giving grownups the opportunity to take some time to themselves.

Tweens can head to Edge, where kids ages 11-14 can go to hang out. While there, tweens can talk, spend time together, play video games, or play boardgames. Disney youth counselors are also always nearby at Edge.

Teens ages 14-17 have an exclusive space of their own at Vibe, where they can chill, play games, and watch movies. Disney youth counselors are also present for the teens to make sure everyone is having a fun, safe, and happy experience.

Nightclubs & Lounges

Cruisers who are over the age of 18 can enjoy the exclusivity of Disney Cruise Line’s nightclubs and lounges. These locations provide a space for adults to enjoy good food and drinks, take in live entertainment, and dance the night away. While all of these areas are beautifully decorated, some, like the Haunted Mansion Parlor and Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge, are uniquely themed as well.

Click here to read our review of the Haunted Mansion Parlor!

Disney Cruise Pricing Factors

Just like a Disney Parks vacation, there is not one set price for a Disney Cruise. There are a variety of factors that come into play when it comes to Disney Cruise Line pricing.

One thing that will greatly affect the price of your Disney Cruise is the date. Similarly to the parks, the cruise line has peak seasons and slow seasons. Generally speaking, you’re going to see higher pricing around holidays and any time that children are on breaks from school. That being said, the lowest prices are normally seen when children start returning to school after summer break. This is usually around the end of August and through September.

The length of your sailing will also have a major impact on your cruise price. The price of a 3-night cruise is going to look a lot smaller in comparison to that of a 7-night cruise. Generally, Disney Cruises range from 1- to 7-night sailings. However, there have also been a few specialty cruises that have had even longer sailings.

Another factor in price is the ship that you choose to sail on. Currently, there are six ships in the fleet that are actively booking sailings, with another two joining soon.

Disney Cruise Line Ships

• Disney Dream
• Disney Fantasy
• Disney Magic
• Disney Treasure
• Disney Wish
• Disney Wonder
• Disney Destiny (Setting Sail in November 2025)
• Disney Adventure (Setting Sail in December 2025)

Generally, cheaper cruises can be booked on the older ships while the newer ships have sailings that are much higher in price. That being said, the Disney Wonder and the Disney Magic usually offer the most affordable sailings. Currently, the ship with the most expensive sailings is the Disney Treasure, which set sail for the first time in December of 2024.

As I mentioned earlier, the staterooms also have different pricing and will affect the overall total of your cruise. The Inside Staterooms are the most affordable, with the Oceanview Staterooms being slightly more expensive, leaving the Verandah Staterooms as the most expensive non-Concierge Staterooms. Concierge Staterooms are the most expensive overall, generally totaling a much higher price than even the Verandah Staterooms.

The destination of your cruise is yet another factor when it comes to price. Disney Cruise Line has sailed far and wide with destinations such as:

• Bahamas
• Western Caribbean
• Eastern Caribbean
• Southern Caribbean
• Northern Europe
• Norwegian Fjords
• Mediterranean
• British Isles
• Bermuda
• Alaska
• Canada
• Mexican Riviera
• Baja
• Panama Canal
• Pacific Coast
• Transatlantic
• Hawai’i
• South Pacific
• New Zealand and Australia
• Singapore

You’ll also see a difference in price between a standard cruise and a specialty cruise. Currently, there are three specialty cruises available – Marvel Day at Sea, Halloween on the High Seas, and Very Merrytime cruises.

Take to the sea with more than 30 Super Heroes and Villains during Marvel Day at Sea. During this action-packed cruise, you’ll be able to encounter Marvel characters such as Spider-Man, Captain America, Black Panther, Thor, Loki, and more. You can also catch a glimpse of some favorite Disney pals dressed in their best super hero outfits during Marvel Day at Sea! The cruise also includes specialty entertainment and Marvel-themed activities.

In proper Disney fashion, the most popular holidays of the year are celebrated onboard the ships during the Halloween on the High Seas and Very Merrytime cruises. The ships undergo beautiful transformations with holiday decor. Guests are invited to join in and take part in activities such as trick-or-treating, costume contests, a tree lighting ceremony, and pictures with Santa Claus. Speaking of pictures, you won’t want to miss out on pictures with the Disney characters in their specialty Halloween and Christmas costumes.

How Much is a Disney Cruise?

Like I previously mentioned, since there are so many different variables that affect Disney Cruise Line pricing, it’s impossible to present you with one specific price. Because of this, I’m going to price out a cruise and present you with the different price options that are available.

For this pricing example, I filtered my search to look for a 4-Night Bahamian cruise that sails from Port Canaveral, Florida in September 2025 for 4 Guests (2 Adults and 2 Children [ages 11 +6]). With these filters applied, I was given 7 different cruise options.

• September 1st-5th, 2025 (Standard Cruise on the Disney Wish)
  • Inside: $4,383
  • Oceanview: $4,598
  • Verandah: $4,822
  • Concierge: $8,646
• September 8th-12th, 2025 (Halloween on the High Seas Cruise on the Disney Wish)
  • Inside: $4,236
  • Oceanview: $4,468
  • Verandah: $4,692
  • Concierge: $8,292
• September 10th-14th, 2025 (Halloween on the High Seas Cruise on the Disney Magic)
  • Inside: $3,580
  • Oceanview: $3,700
  • Verandah: $4,372
  • Concierge: $6,898
• September 15th-19th, 2025 (Halloween on the High Seas Cruise on the Disney Wish)
  • Inside: $4,217
  • Oceanview: $4,417
  • Verandah: $4,640
  • Concierge: $8,266
• September 22nd-26th, 2025 (Halloween on the High Seas Cruise on the Disney Wish)
  • Inside: $4,217
  • Oceanview: $4,433
  • Verandah: $4,648
  • Concierge: $8,298
• September 24th-28th, 2025 (Halloween on the High Seas Cruise on the Disney Magic)
  • Inside: $3,470
  • Oceanview: $3,684
  • Verandah: $5,193
  • Concierge: $8,424
• September 29th-October 3rd, 2025 (Halloween on the High Seas Cruise on the Disney Wish)
  • Inside: $4,217
  • Oceanview: $4,433
  • Verandah: $4,640
  • Concierge: $8,378

Keep in mind that the prices you see here include taxes, fees, port expenses, as well as all of the Disney Cruise Line inclusions.

Disney Cruise Line Discounts

For the best deals on Disney Cruises, we recommend booking with our trusted travel partner, Get Away Today. For a limited time, Mickey Visit readers get a $400 onboard credit when booking their cruise with Get Away Today.

Disney Cruise Line Deals

Disney Cruise Line regularly offers their own set of deals and promotions. Currently, there are seven different special offers:

• Pay 50% of Required Deposit (Limited Time Offer) 
• Florida Residents Can Save up to 20% on Select Caribbean Cruises
• Save Up to 20% on Select Sailings
• Save on Select 2025 European Sailings
• Special US Military Rates
• Canada Residents Can Save Up to 20% on Select Cruises
• New Disney Visa Cardmembers can Save up to $400

Castaway Club Rewards

Disney Cruise Line has a loyalty program called Castaway Club. To become a member, you simply need to sail with Disney Cruise Line one time. Afterwards, you’re in the club! 

There are four different tiers in the Castaway Club – Silver Member, Gold Member, Platinum Member, and Pearl Member. Cruisers become a Silver Member after 1 sailing, a Gold Member after 5 sailings, a Platinum Member after 10 sailings, and a Pearl Member after 25 sailings.

Each tier receives special At-Home and Onboard Benefits. One of the benefits are exclusive discounts. These special discounts are available for Gold, Platinum, and Pearl Members.

Disney Premier Visa Cardmember Savings

Disney Visa Cardmembers have the special ability to save on their Disney Cruise. While there are no specific cruise offerings for cardmembers, there are still plenty of ways to save.

Disney Premier Visa Cardmembers receive Rewards Dollars on all purchases that they make with their card. These Rewards Dollars can be used towards Disney Cruise Line packages, activities, and souvenirs. Disney Visa Cardmembers also receive special discounts during their cruise, such as:

• 10% off select digital photo packages
• 10% off select merchandise purchases
• 10% off Castaway Cay Getaway Packages
• 10% off select Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point experiences
• 20% off select onboard spa treatments

Costco Savings

Costco Travel has exclusive Disney Cruise Line savings for all Costco members. However, most of their current deals don’t actually reduce the price of the cruise. Rather, after booking a Disney Cruise through Costco, members will receive a Digital Costco Shop Card.

For those who aren’t familiar with Costco, a Digital Costco Shop Card is a discount card that’s sent electronically to members after a specific purchase is made. That card can then be used towards future purchases made at Costco.

While most of the Disney Cruise Line deals don’t save money, they are currently offering the 50% off deposit deal. Members who book a cruise using this deal will also receive a Digital Costco Shop Card, making it more beneficial for Costco members to book through Costco as opposed through Disney directly.

BJ’s Wholesale Savings

Currently, BJ’s has Disney Cruise Line discounts for Military personnel only. This Military Bonus deal is only available for a limited time.

While BJ’s doesn’t have any other Disney Cruise Line deals available, they are currently offering a limited time Double Bonus. When booking a Verandah Stateroom or higher, BJ’s members will receive a double gift card bonus – up to $1,000 on a BJ’s gift card.

Last Minute Bookings

One of the best ways to save on a Disney Cruise is by making a last minute reservation. Disney aims to fill their ships as close to full capacity as possible before each sailing. Because of this, they reduce the rates of the remaining staterooms. If you check stateroom availability about 60 days before a sailing, you’ll start to see the prices drop.

While you may receive a great deal on a cruise, availability is limited. Therefore you won’t be able to specifically pick where your stateroom is located. However, if this is something that you’re ok with, you can benefit from some amazing savings!

Payment Options

No matter which type of cruise you choose to sail on, Disney makes it easy to book and pay for your cruise.  After selecting your cruise, you can secure your booking for $0 down. Your cruise selection will be held for up to 3 days before your deposit becomes due. At that time, your deposit amount will be 20% of your cruise total. Remember, for a limited time, you can book your cruise for half-off, making it only a 10% deposit!

Once your cruise is secured, you can make payments that are convenient for you. Rather than a traditional payment plan, you can make payments of any amount at any time you’d like. Your final payment must be made 120 prior to your sale date (for most stateroom categories).

Set Sail with Disney Cruise Line!

No matter what level of cruiser you are, Get Away Today is ready to help! Whether this is your first time sailing with Disney Cruise Line, your first cruise in general, or if you’ve gone on multiple cruises before, a Get Away Today agent will be able to assist with all of your needs. Your agent will help you pick the perfect sailing length, destination, stateroom, Port Adventures, and anything else you may need. They will handle all of the details of vacation planning so you can simply enjoy your magical Disney Cruise!

Get Away Today’s agents can add so much value to your trip. With their experienced travel professionals in your corner, you’ll be able to rest assured that you are in good hands. Their industry knowledge of Disney Cruise Line will be put to use to help you plan the perfect trip for you and the rest of your party. Not only will you have continued support from the time you start planning with them, they will also be available to help you during your cruise and after you return back home.

You can view the currently available dates for 2025 Disney Cruises in our guide. After viewing the dates, be sure to come back and request a FREE quote from our travel partner for your cruise. For a limited time, Mickey Visit readers get up to a $400 onboard credit.

Read More Disney Planning Advice

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Frequently Asked Questions

The post How Much Does a Disney Cruise Cost? 2025 Pricing Explained appeared first on Mickey Visit - Disney News & Planning Tips.

Disney Cruise Line offers a fun run 5K on their Castaway Cay private island. The run is a perfect way to start off a day at Castaway Cay before the Bahamian sun warms up for the day.

Previously a scheduled event, the Castaway Cay 5K is now an experience led on your own along the running route on the island. Once completed you can pick up a very cute rubber runner's medal and walk away with plenty of bragging rights before your relaxing day.

Let's dive into my look at the 5K with details on the Castaway Cay 5K route, a look at the special medal, and tips for making the most of this trip.

Key Disney Castaway Cay 5K Overview & Key Reminders

Disney's Castaway Cay is a beautiful private island destination with private beaches for families and one dedicated for adults. The island offers a variety of very cool activities including snorkeling, a floating water slide structure, bikes, and of course the 5K.

You'll also find great BBQ food options on the island for all guests to enjoy at lunch. Don't miss the soft serve ice cream and delicious chocolate chip cookies. The cookies were perfect motivation for me to get up and enjoy the 5K before a day on the island.

READ MORE – I've Been to Both Disney Cruise Line's Private Islands. This is the Best One. 

1. There is an official running route for the Castaway Cay 5K though there is not any official confirmation that you completed the run before you receive a medal. You should be running the 5K as a way to kick off your day on vacation. The only person you're running this for is you.
2. There are days when the temperature will simply be too high to run even if you go first thing. Consider skipping the run or taking it very slowly if the humidty is getting to you. This is a hot, largely unshaded course that is best run in the morning.
3. Make sure to wear proper running attire and consider bringing a water bottle with you if it's hot. Don't miss our comprehensive Disney Cruise Line packing list.
4. Use an athletic tracking app to track your progress if you care about hitting at least the exact 3.1 mile length. I personally use Strava for my runs and bike rides at home.
5. The entire route is flat, paved, and well-marked though there is one confusing aspect where you have to double back. See full route below.

Previously this was an organized race that had a set start time and was hosted by a cast member. This current self guided version of the race allows for a lot more flexibility for guests to enjoy on their own pace. Apparently during some sailings this still an organized race when it aligns with Disney World runDisney events.

Medal at Castaway Cay 5K

After completing the 5K course you can then stop at the bike rental shed to ask for your complimentary medal. They are very cute rubber versions of running Mickey Mouse in his jogging attire.

I wanted to include the medal before the route just to give you a little incentive to consider this run. During my run I was joined by our friends from Get Away Today, our recommended travel partner that can help you with any Disney Cruise Line needs.

Disney Castaway Cay 5K Running Route

The 5K running route winds along the far side of Castaway Cay away from the busier beach areas. The official 5K running route starts and ends at the bike rental shed at the far end of the family beach area. From the bike rental shed the route then stretches from here as just over a 1.5 mile out and back.

When we recently did the 5K we ran more than the official route. We were the first ones off the ship once we were allowed to disembark right at 8:30 am. We started our run right where we got off the ship. Because we were running first thing, there were no guests lounging on the beach yet. This meant that all of the walkways were clear for us to start running right then.

Later in the day, you would not want to try and run through these areas as they will be crowded with people enjoying the island. Even in the morning, these spaces can be crowded. If it is crowded here or a Cast Member asks you not to run, slow down and walk until you get to the 5K starting line. I was happy to enjoy my run first thing both in order to avoid any crowds and to run in the coolest weather of the day.

There are three components of the running route on the island – the path to the runway, the runway, and a loop out to the observation tower. To complete the full route you'll need to run this entire route out and back in the reverse direction.

Here's the Castaway Cay 5K route as documented on Strava. Note the double lines from people running the loop twice and from making a U-turn on the runway. The below is also just the best Castaway Cay running trail where it's appropriate to be running vs walking.

There are really two options for running the official 5K route. You can either run out, down the runway, around the loop, back on the runway, make a U-turn, go back around the loop, and then come back to the bike shed or you can run around the loop twice while you are in there rather than doubling back into the loop when coming back down the runway. Running around the loop twice would reduce the distance because you would not have to double back along the entrance to the loop area.

Between the two options you can either run the loop different directions each time that you go around if you go out and then double back around the loop again or just loop it twice when you first run it. You can also add distance by making a right turn when you get to Serenity Bay and running along the path where the cabanas are. On the map above this is labeled as the Castaway Air Bar.

Note that if you end up running later in the day you'll see bikers around you and trams running down the runway out to the adult's only beach. This is another reason to run in the morning.

Here's a photo look at the 5K Castaway Cay course as I documented it. Here's the 5K race start sign at the bike rental shed.

From the bike shed you run a short path and you are then on the runway.

About halfway down the runway you'll see this plane and a pile of barrels in front of it. You'll see an arrow pointing for you to loop in for the 5K.

In here you'll have the benefit of some shade when you're running in the morning. Beautiful vegetation grows up on both sides. You'll soon reach the beginning of the loop. Along the loop area there are signs stating the amount of feet left until you make it out of the loop.

On the far side of the loop definitely stop at the obsevation tower to take in the views across the island back towards your ship. Go all the way up the stairs for the best view. Do not skip this. This is my favorite part of the 5k run.

I was blown away by the view across the beautiful Castaway Cay. I thought this was actually the top highlight of the Castaway 5K. You could also get here via a rented bike or just a walk in general but the run was the perfect way to see this.

At the observation station there is also a water station out here filled if you need a break or some water. After the water station we completed the loop. All along the loop you'll find different nautical shipwreck decorations.

After we then turned out of the loop and finished our run down the runway to Serenity Bay. I quickly stuck my head out on the beach to see the adult's only area that we would come back to later that day. Right as we were leaving the beach the first tram of the day was showing up with other passengers ready to start lounging. At this point you do a U-turn. You could also make the right turn just before getting to this beach to add distance.

At this point you should then loop back around the loop following the arrows to retrace your steps. You'll see signs guiding you back into the loop and back around towards the bike route. At this point we had completed the Castaway Cay 5K and stopped back at the bike stand to pick up our complimentary medals. Look how cute it is with Mickey on it. Here's our happy group celebrating our medals at the end of the route!

This was a perfect way to start off our day on the island. Because we had gone early enough we popped back onto the ship by 9:20 am in time for breakfast at Marceline's Market onboard the Disney Treasure.

On our way back onto the ship we ran into Stitch and Captain Hook who were hanging out waiting to greet guests getting off the ship. Stitch even tried to steal my medal. What a fantastic morning this was. I also did some stretching in the Disney Treasure Fitness Center after the run. I highly recommend the Castaway Cay 5K as a perfect way to start your morning on the private island.

Planning a Disney Cruise Vacation?

Be sure to read our review of Disney Cruise Line and my review of the new Disney Treasure cruise ship. Be sure to join our FREE Mickey Visit newsletter for the latest Disney news.

The post I ran Disney Cruise Line 5K On the Castaway Cay Private Island, Here’s Route & How it Works appeared first on Mickey Visit - Disney News & Planning Tips.