Disney Cruises Drink Packages: Cost, Benefits, and Tips

Planning a Disney cruise is like preparing for a dream adventure at sea, where every detail counts, including what's in your glass. Unlike some cruise lines that offer bundled, all-you-can-drink packages, Disney Cruise Line takes a different approach to drink packages. Instead of a single option that covers everything, guests will find a selection of pre-paid beverage deals, a la carte pricing, and complimentary choices that make understanding the options essential before setting sail.

For many adult travelers, especially those who enjoy a morning latte, a poolside cocktail, or a glass of wine at dinner, knowing how the Disney Cruise drink package options work can help balance comfort, convenience, and cost. Whether booking your first cruise or returning to your favorite ship, getting familiar with the drink policies and packages ahead of time can make all the difference in planning your budget and your onboard experience.

Overview of Disney Cruise Line's Beverage Policy

When it comes to beverages, Disney Cruise Line takes a distinctive approach. Unlike many other cruise lines, Disney does not offer a traditional all-inclusive drink package. Instead, guests have access to various complimentary drinks, with alcoholic and specialty beverages available for purchase separately.

Complimentary Beverages

Included in your cruise fare are several non-alcoholic beverages:

• Soft Drinks: Available at meals and self-service beverage stations on the pool deck.
• Coffee and Tea: Served during meals and at beverage stations.
• Milk and Juices: Offered during breakfast and at beverage stations.

These complimentary options ensure guests enjoy a range of beverages without additional charges.

Alcoholic and Specialty Beverages

For those interested in alcoholic drinks or specialty beverages, Disney Cruise Line offers these for an additional fee. Options include beer, wine, cocktails, specialty coffees, and bottled water. While there isn't a traditional all-inclusive drink package, guests can purchase wine and beer packages or pay per drink.

Alcoholic Beverage Options on Disney Cruises

For guests looking to enjoy a drink while sailing, Disney Cruise Line offers several flexible and budget-conscious ways to purchase alcoholic beverages. Travelers can access curated wine and beer packages, daily drink specials, and unique cocktail menus across the fleet's themed lounges.

Wine Packages

Disney Cruise Line offers two types of wine packages designed for guests who enjoy a glass with dinner or want to explore new vintages during their trip:

• Classic Package: Choose 3, 4, 5, or 7 bottles from a handpicked selection of wines, with prices starting around $100 for three bottles.
• Premium Package: Offers a more upscale collection of wines with pricing beginning at approximately $150 for three bottles.

Each package is priced based on the number of bottles selected, and any unopened bottles can be taken home at the end of the cruise. Wines are delivered to your table at dinner, and if you don't finish a bottle, it can be stored and served the following night.

Sample wines in the Classic Package include: Beringer White Zinfandel, Ruffino Pinot Grigio, and Blackstone Merlot.

Premium Package selections may include: Simi Chardonnay, Silverado Sauvignon Blanc, and Chateauneuf-du-Pape.

How to Purchase: Wine packages can be pre-ordered through the Onboard Gifts section of your reservation or purchased once onboard at dining rooms or lounges.

Beer Packages

Beer lovers can save by purchasing beer in bundles or opting for Disney's refillable mug program:

• Beer Bundle: Buy six beers and only pay for five. This package is available for most domestic and international beer brands.
• Refillable Beer Mug: For $16.95, guests receive a 21 oz. glass mug and can refill it throughout the cruise for the price of a 16 oz. beer. At the end of the sailing, guests can either keep the mug or return it for a souvenir token.

Popular beer brands include Bud Light, Heineken, Corona, Stella Artois, and craft selections like Kona Brewing Co.

Cocktail and Specialty Drink Options

Cocktails, frozen drinks, and themed beverages are available throughout the ship in lounges, pool bars, and restaurants. Guests can expect creative options tailored to the ship's theme and sailing itinerary.

One of the best values onboard is the Drink of the Day, a rotating special cocktail offered for around $5-6, making it an affordable way to try something new each day.

Disney's themed lounges, such as the Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge, Pink (Champagne Bar), or Ooh La La, enhance the experience with imaginative presentation and exclusive drink menus not found elsewhere onboard.

Non-Alcoholic Beverage Options

Disney Cruise Line is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, and its beverage offerings are no exception. Guests of all ages will find plenty of non-alcoholic drinks included in their fare, while specialty options are available at an additional cost. From a quick soda by the pool to a cappuccino at Cove Cafe or a refreshing smoothie during an afternoon break, drink packages on Disney Cruise Line cater to a variety of preferences, even without a traditional bundled plan.

Complimentary Beverages

A generous selection of non-alcoholic drinks is included in the cruise fare:

• Soft drinks (Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, etc.)
• Regular and decaffeinated coffee
• Hot and iced tea
• Milk
• Apple juice, orange juice, and fruit punch
• Water (tap and filtered)

Where to find them: Complimentary drinks are available at beverage stations on the pool deck (open 24/7), main dining rooms, buffet restaurants like Cabanas or Marceline Market, and room service (select drinks only).

This built-in access to non-alcoholic drinks is a big plus for families and anyone looking to avoid extra charges for the basics.

Specialty Non-Alcoholic Drinks

For those who want something a bit more customized, Disney Cruise Line offers premium options at an additional cost:

• Specialty coffees: Lattes, cappuccinos, and espresso drinks are available at locations like Cove Cafe and select bars.
• Smoothies and mocktails: Offered at pool bars and lounges, these creative concoctions are perfect for both kids and adults.
• Bottled water: Available for purchase individually or in multi-pack bundles.

Guests can also attend non-alcoholic beverage seminars and tastings, which cover topics like coffee brewing, smoothie blending, and mixology with mocktails. These events may carry a fee but offer a fun, interactive experience for beverage enthusiasts of all ages.

Unlike some cruise lines that prohibit guests from bringing alcoholic beverages onboard, Disney Cruise Line allows passengers to bring a limited amount of alcohol, so you can enjoy personal favorites without purchasing every drink at bar prices.

What You Can Bring

• Up to two bottles of wine or Champagne (750 ml or less).
• Six beers (12 oz or less) per adult, per port of embarkation.

These beverages must be packed in carry-on bags, not checked luggage. Any alcohol discovered in checked bags will be removed and returned at the end of the cruise.

Where You Can Drink It

While personal wine and beer can be enjoyed in your stateroom or on your verandah, consuming in public dining venues comes with limitations. If you bring your own bottle to the main dining rooms or adult-exclusive restaurants like Palo or Remy, a corkage fee of $26 per bottle will apply.

Guests cannot bring spirits or hard liquor onboard. Any purchased or gifted bottles will be held until the end of the sailing.

Tips for Managing Personal Alcohol

• Plan for multiple ports: The alcohol allowance resets at each embarkation port, so if your cruise departs from and stops in different locations, you may restock according to the policy.
• Use a carry-on cooler: Small, soft-sided coolers (no larger than 12"x12"x12") are permitted and make transporting wine or beer easier.
• Be considerate and safe: Enjoy responsibly, intoxication policies are strictly enforced across the fleet.

Bringing your own drinks can be a cost-effective alternative to Disney Cruise drink packages, but understanding the rules helps ensure a smooth experience.

Tips for Saving on Beverages During Your Cruise

Drinks can add up quickly on any cruise, especially when traveling with a group or enjoying a drink or two with every meal. While there isn't a traditional Disney Cruise drink package that covers everything, there are still plenty of smart strategies for keeping beverage costs under control without sacrificing enjoyment. Here are some tried-and-true tips to help stretch your budget while sipping throughout your sailing.

Take Advantage of Happy Hours

Many onboard lounges offer daily happy hour specials: discounts on cocktails, beer, or wine for a limited time. These specials can change daily and are usually listed in the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app, which is your best friend when it comes to tracking deals, bar hours, and drink menus. Set notifications or check in each afternoon to find out which locations are offering specials.

Purchase Drink Packages in Advance

If you're planning to enjoy multiple glasses of wine or beer during your cruise, it's worth purchasing a package before you board. Pre-ordering can be done through the Onboard Gifts section of your reservation. Not only does this save time on embarkation day, but pre-purchasing also locks in current pricing, helping avoid any onboard markups or changes.

Utilize the Refillable Beer Mug

One of the best beverage deals on Disney Cruise Line is the refillable beer mug program. For $16.95, guests receive a 21 oz. beer mug and pay the 16 oz. refill price every time. Over a multi-day cruise, this adds up to noticeable savings for beer drinkers.

• You can swap your mug for a clean one at any bar.
• At the end of the cruise, either keep the mug as a souvenir or turn it in for a token.
• That token can be exchanged for a new mug on a future sailing or simply taken home.

Bring Your Own Allowed Alcohol

Disney's BYO policy allows adults to carry on a limited amount of wine, Champagne, or beer. To maximize this allowance:

• Pack your favorite brands to avoid paying for premium pricing onboard.
• Bring a travel corkscrew and reusable wine tumblers.
• Chill your drinks using the stateroom fridge or by requesting ice from your room host.

Used wisely, this allowance can be a major cost-saver, especially for guests who prefer wine with dinner or a relaxing beer on the balcony.

Share Drink Packages or Bottles

Wine packages don't have to be purchased individually. Friends or family members traveling together can coordinate and share bottles across meals. Since bottles can be carried over to the next night, there's flexibility in how and when they're enjoyed. Sharing helps stretch the value of each package while adding variety to your selections.

Look for Special Drink Deals

In addition to happy hour discounts, keep an eye out for limited-time drink offers like:

• Drink of the Day: A rotating cocktail offered for around $5-6.
• Port day specials: Some bars offer deals when the ship is in port.
• Lounge-specific promotions: Lounges may feature unique themed drinks or combo pricing.

The Navigator app, bar menus, and helpful bartenders can all point you toward the best deals of the day.

Final Thoughts on Disney Cruise Drink Packages

While Disney Cruise Line doesn't offer a traditional all-inclusive drink package, it does provide a range of flexible options for alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. From wine and beer bundles to creative cocktails, refillable mugs, and complimentary soda stations, there are plenty of ways to stay refreshed without overspending.

Understanding the costs, knowing what's included, and taking advantage of Disney's BYO policy can go a long way in helping you manage your onboard budget. Add in a few happy hour specials or the occasional Drink of the Day, and you'll find plenty of opportunities to enjoy a drink without missing out.

Planning your drink strategy before you sail is one of the easiest ways to enhance your cruise experience. Whether sailing solo, with a partner, or group, being informed helps keep things fun and affordable.

Ready to dive deeper into your cruise planning? Explore more Disney Cruise Line tips and tools at iCruise.com. From dining guides and stateroom reviews to shore excursion ideas and packing checklists, iCruise has everything you need to plan a seamless and unforgettable vacation at sea.