When setting sail on a Disney Cruise, many travelers wonder about the availability of drink packages to keep costs down. Unlike other cruise lines, Disney Cruise Line does not offer a traditional all-inclusive beverage package. But that doesn’t mean you can’t save on your favorite drinks. From beer and wine bundles to a generous bring-your-own-alcohol policy, Disney provides plenty of ways to enjoy a glass of wine or cocktail by the pool without breaking the bank.
After sailing on seven Disney cruises, I’ve found several smart ways to save on drinks. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the options for keeping your drink expenses low on your next Disney cruise.
Which Drinks Are Included on a Disney Cruise?
While alcoholic beverages aren’t included in your cruise fare, Disney does offer a few complimentary non-alcoholic options. Soda from designated beverage stations on board is free of charge. These stations can be found on Deck 9 for the Disney Magic and Wonder, and on Deck 11 for the Disney Wish, Dream, and Fantasy. Additionally, teens can grab free sodas in the Vibe lounge.
At meals, soda, coffee, and tea are included for no extra cost. However, if you order a soda at a bar or lounge, you’ll be charged, so stick to the beverage stations when possible.
Other free beverages include coffee, milk, and juice, which are available at the drink stations and during meals. If you’re looking to indulge in alcohol or specialty beverages, Disney offers wine and beer packages to help you save.
Disney Cruise Wine Packages
Disney Cruise Line offers wine packages to help you save if you plan to enjoy wine with your meals. Pre-purchasing a wine bundle offers around a 25% savings compared to ordering individual bottles on board.
Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:
- Classic Wine Package: Prices range from $105 to $220 for three, four, five, or seven bottles. You’ll choose from a list of red, white, or sparkling wines.
- Premium Wine Package: Prices range from $155 to $330, depending on the number of bottles.
You can mix and match different wines for each night of your cruise or even enjoy more than one bottle on the same night. What’s great about these packages is that you can take any unfinished bottles back to your cabin or carry them over to the next evening’s dinner.
Disney Cruise Beer Packages
For beer lovers, Disney offers six-packs of select beers for the price of five. Choose from popular brands like Blue Moon, Corona, and Budweiser, with prices starting at $36.25 for a six-pack. If you’re more of a hard seltzer fan, you can opt for a six-pack of Truly for $32.50.
You can order beer packages before your trip via Disney’s onboard gifts webpage or once you’re on the ship. Packages can be delivered to your cabin or enjoyed in the dining room.
Disney’s Bring-Your-Own-Alcohol Policy
One of the most generous alcohol policies in the cruise industry, Disney allows passengers 21 years and older to bring two bottles of wine or Champagne or six 12-ounce beers on board per person. You can bring your alcohol not just at the start of the cruise but also at each port of call.
All beverages must be packed in your carry-on bag. If placed in your checked luggage, they will be removed and not returned. If you want to enjoy your wine at dinner, be aware that there’s a $29 corkage fee.
This policy is a great way to save, especially if you prefer specific wines or craft beers that may not be available on board.
Additional Ways to Save on Drinks
Even without a traditional drink package, there are still plenty of ways to save on beverages during your Disney cruise. Here are some tips to help you sip and save:
1. Find Happy Hours Around the Ship
Every Disney Cruise Line ship offers happy hours with discounted drinks at select bars and lounges. Check the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app to find daily happy hour specials. During my last cruise, drink specials rotated through different adult-only lounges.
2. Try the Drink of the Day
Every day, the ship features a drink of the day, typically a tropical cocktail, at a reduced price. You can also purchase a souvenir cup for the drink of the day, which gives you a larger serving each time you order the special.
3. Explore the Sommelier Bin Wines
At select bars, you’ll find the Sommelier Bin, a collection of wines where you tell the server whether you want red, white, or sparkling. They’ll pour from an open bottle, but the catch is—you won’t know what it is until you taste it. This is a fun way to sample quality wines at a discounted price.
4. Enjoy Free Drinks in the Concierge Lounge
If you’ve booked a concierge-level room, you’ll have access to the concierge lounge, where free alcoholic beverages are available in the evenings. Beer, wine, and spirits are included, making it easy to grab a drink before dinner or while relaxing in the lounge.
5. Purchase the Disney Beer Mug
For beer enthusiasts, Disney offers a beer mug savings package. For $15.25, you can buy a 21-ounce mug and refill it for the price of a 16-ounce beer. You can order refills at any bar that serves draft beer. The mug also comes with a token, so you can swap it for a mug on the last night of your cruise.
6. Get a Coffee Punch Card
For specialty coffee lovers, Disney offers a coffee punch card at the Cove Cafe and other coffee bars. Buy five specialty coffee drinks, and the sixth one is free. Just remember to keep the card with you so you don’t miss out on your free drink.
Final Thoughts: Do You Really Miss a Drink Package?
If you’ve sailed with other cruise lines that offer all-inclusive drink packages, you might wonder if you’ll miss those options on a Disney cruise. However, Disney’s range of money-saving options—from wine and beer packages to the bring-your-own-alcohol policy—can help you save while still enjoying your favorite drinks. Plus, the free soft drinks at designated beverage stations are a bonus that most other cruise lines don’t offer.
With smart planning and a few creative strategies, you can enjoy your Disney Cruise Line vacation without spending a fortune on drinks. Whether you choose to bring your own alcohol, take advantage of happy hours, or indulge in a wine or beer package, there are plenty of ways to toast to your magical vacation without blowing your budget.
