benefits of disney cruise concierge

12 Benefits of Disney Cruise Concierge Level

In the booking process for your Disney cruise, you’ll have the option to choose a Concierge stateroom or suite. Understanding the benefits of the Disney Cruise Concierge Level will help you decide whether it’s worth the extra cost. Here are the 12 benefits of Concierge Level to help you decide.

What is Concierge Level on Disney Cruises?

Disney Cruise Line’s Concierge Level offers various services and amenities that may appeal to guests looking for a more luxurious and personalized cruise experience. For an additional cost, Concierge Level guests can enjoy perks such as priority boarding, access to a private lounge, concierge assistance, enhanced amenities, and other premium services. 

Want personalized assistance with Concierge Staterooms?

Concierge Level Disney Cruise Benefits

Let’s now look at Disney’s Concierge Level’s 12 benefits.

1. Pre-Arrival Services

Disney Concierge guests can take advantage of pre-arrival services that help smooth the vacation planning process. Additionally, you’ll get priority bookings on Disney Cruise Line.

Concierge Guests can go online and pre-reserve many onboard activities and services up to 130 days before the sail date. You can inform the Concierge Team (or your Disney travel agent ) of your preferences. As soon as the 130-day booking window opens, the Concierge Team will make the bookings on your behalf. This way, guests can relax and enjoy themselves, knowing that all details have been taken care of.

Pre-Arrival Services for Concierge guests:

• Port Adventures
• Specialty Dining and Character Dining reservations (Palo, Remy, Royal Tea, etc.) , spa treatments, and nursery stays
• Requests for dining room seating
• Celebrations and special occasions
• Special requests ranging from pre-arrival to post-cruise

Whether booking a table at Palo or securing a cabana on Castaway Cay , the Concierge Team is ready to assist guests in any way possible.

If you have questions about upgrading to Concierge or wondering how much it will cost , it’s time to contact The Vacationeer .

They can provide up to $1,000 in FREE Disney onboard credit , Disney’s best available pricing on some of the industry’s top cruise ships, and expert planning advice and assistance. They can also help you select the best stateroom for your needs.

And, their services are completely free to use — no itinerary planning fees!

2. Priority Boarding and Disembarkation

Concierge Level guests have access to an exclusive check-in area on embarkation day, bypassing the long lines for regular guests and being the first to board the ship when it’s ready. Concierge passengers can also disembark before regular passengers as soon as the ship docks.

This perk can save you time, avoid crowds, and let you fast-track your tired or impatient children onto the ship. The Concierge Level may be worth it if you’re looking for a more relaxing and hassle-free cruise experience.

3. Private Disney Concierge Lounge

A private lounge is available to Concierge Level guests on Disney cruises. The Concierge Lounge is the perfect place to relax with a drink in hand or to enjoy a light meal or snack. It’s rarely crowded and a great place to meet other Concierge Level guests. Plus, there’s always at least one Concierge Host in the lounge to answer your questions.

Concierge Lounge Hours

The Concierge Lounge is typically open as early as 7:00 am and remains available until around 10:00 pm.  Operating hours can vary based on port times, itinerary, etc.

Food at Concierge Lounge 

The Concierge Lounge serves food throughout the day.  Here’s a typical schedule:

• 7:00 am to 10:30 am : Continental breakfast items
• 11:00 am to 4:30 pm : Lunch offerings
• 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm : Dinner offerings
• 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm : Desserts

Concierge guests can choose from various light bites, hot a la carte menu items, and non-alcoholic beverages daily from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm. Bottled water, soft drinks, milk, juices, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate are always available. Packaged popcorn is also often available to take to your stateroom, the movies, the shows, or to enjoy in the lounge.

Reminder: All Concierge Lounge food and drinks are complimentary, including alcohol.

Open Bar at Concierge Lounge

5:00 pm to 10:00 pm: Complimentary selection of beer, wine & spirits

An open bar in the Concierge Lounge runs continuously from 5–10 pm daily. Guests can take their drinks anywhere on the ship, including to dinner.

4. Private Sun Deck

Disney Cruise Line concierge guests have privileges to a secluded sun deck, accessed through a private entrance from the Lounge area. These quiet, hidden outdoor spaces make them the perfect place to relax and enjoy the stunning ocean views.

Concierge sun decks feature comfortable lounge chairs, umbrellas for shade, complimentary suntan lotion, towels, and refreshing drinks. There are hot tubs on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy sun decks, while you can find a hot tub and wading pool on the new Disney Wish.

5. Special Gifts

On a Disney cruise, concierge guests often receive special gifts throughout their cruise. These gifts vary but may include items like a fruit basket, a bottle of champagne, or fresh flowers in your stateroom. Plus, your nightly turndown service will include special cookies or chocolates.

Guests can expect a more substantial souvenir from your Concierge Host on the final night. These gifts are usually exclusive Don “Ducky” Williams prints, but sometimes there are other surprises. While they aren’t guaranteed, these special surprise gifts add a touch of magic to your Disney Cruise Line vacation.

6. Upgraded Stateroom Amenities for Disney Concierge Level

Depending on the ship, Concierge staterooms range from a regular Category 4 type that sleeps five to a giant Royal Suite that sleeps seven. They all have upgraded amenities, including upgraded linens and sofas/chairs that are more comfortable than you find in standard staterooms. Guests can also choose which type of pillow they want to use: feather, hypoallergenic, or therapeutic memory foam.

Upon check-in, you will discover soft, comfortable bathrobes and slippers in the Concierge Level staterooms to use during your cruise. All staterooms have upgraded toiletries and a refrigerator stocked with complimentary bottled water and sodas of your choice (restocked every day). These amenities make cruising with Disney even more special and add an extra touch of luxury.

Have questions about stateroom categories?

7. Priority Cabana Reservations on Castaway Cay

Castaway Cay beach cabanas are a hot ticket. Concierge guests (and Pearl/Platinum Castaway Club members) can book a Cabana at Castaway Cay before anyone else. Other guests often have no chance to reserve a cabana before they are all booked.

If a Cabana at Castaway Cay is a top priority, you may consider upgrading to Concierge. The Concierge Level does not guarantee a cabana, but it gives you a much better chance of getting one.

8. Free Internet for Disney Cruise Line Concierge Guests

On most Disney ships, guests staying in a Concierge stateroom get at least one day — if not an entire cruise’s worth — of free onboard Wi-Fi service . This means you can stay connected to your friends and family at home without worrying about racking up a hefty bill.

Note : Guests staying in the super luxurious Royal Suites always get unlimited internet access.

9. Exclusive Character Meet-and-Greet

Concierge guests typically have the opportunity to enjoy a private Disney character meet-and-greet in the lounge. The characters will be more accessible, and you’ll be able to take some great shots without competing with non-Concierge passengers.

10. Priority Seating at Shows

Concierge-level guests now have the option of entering the Walt Disney Theater early to ensure the best seats.

It works this way: The Concierge guests will gather in the Concierge Lounge approximately 30 minutes before the show. Then they will be guided to the theater via a backstage pathway to avoid long lines outside.

As Concierge guests enter the theater, they can select their preferred seats before the doors open to the rest of the audience. Gourmet popcorn is also available as a complimentary treat for Concierge guests.

11. Special Dining Opportunities 

If you stay in a Concierge stateroom with a dining table, you have the option of having dinner delivered to your stateroom from the main dining room. Palo delivery is even available to the Royal Suite guests.

On the last morning, Concierge guests can order breakfast from room service. Room service closes at 1:30 am for all non-Concierge guests.

12. Concierge Host  

Concierge Hosts are available exclusively to Concierge guests during their stay aboard the ship. Your Concierge Host can assist you with any needs you may have rather than waiting at the guest services desk . It’s like having your own personal assistant on vacation!

Concierge Hosts can assist you with checking excursion availability, booking shore excursions , depositing funds into your account, handling your laundry/dry cleaning, changing a dining reservation at Palo or Remy, and booking placeholders for your next Disney cruise. If you have questions, they are also there to answer them.

These Concierge Hosts are exceptional and remarkably attentive to your needs. There is nothing too much trouble for them, and they always do it with a smile. Don’t forget to tip !

Ready to book? The Vacationeer can help!

What Disney Concierge Does NOT Offer (but We Wish It Did)

Disney Cruise Concierge is great but costs a lot of extra money. Here are a few things we wish were included with Disney Cruise Concierge to make it even more magical:

• Having a separate restaurant just for Concierge guests would be ideal.
• A dedicated area on Castaway Cay for Concierge guests might be an excellent addition.
• Concierge guests could benefit from priority escort through customs.
• While waiting for embarkation, Concierge guests should have access to a nice area at the port with food and activities. We are glad to hear that there will be a new Concierge Lounge at Port Canaveral soon!

Is Disney Cruise Concierge Level Worth It?

With so many perks, it’s easy to see why sailing Concierge Level is such a popular choice for cruisers. If you’re looking for a truly magical vacation experience, sailing Concierge Level is the way to go. But is it worth the significant extra expense?

As prices vary according to the season, route, ship, and occupancy, it is hard to determine whether the Disney cruise Concierge Level is worth it. There is no way to calculate the value based on numbers, but logically, a larger room will be more expensive .

As cruise ships charge per person (rather than per room), the value will depend on your family size and priorities. Some are attracted to the open bar, while others want priority reservations for the Cabanas at Castaway Cay or expedited boarding. It is well worth the money if you add priority access and all the additional amenities.

Disney Cruise Concierge level is worth it for families with small children. Extra space, special treatment, and amenities make the experience more pleasant. We recommend upgrading to the Concierge level if you’re looking to book a cruise and have young children (and don’t mind paying extra).

Disney Cruise Concierge Level may not be the best option if you are on a tight budget. However, suppose you don’t mind paying more for priority boarding, reservations, seating, additional space, upgraded amenities, and extra perks such as the lounge and sun deck. In that case, upgrading to Concierge is absolutely worth the money!

Not to mention, you’ll have access to some of the best Cast Members who are always happy to help make your cruise vacation perfect.

Thanks for reading our 12 Benefits of Disney Cruise Concierge Level. Have a wonderful trip!

How to Book Disney Cruise Concierge Level

Do you have questions about the Concierge level? Are you ready to book your Disney Cruise? The Vacationeer can assist you!

If you need help planning and booking your magical Disney Cruise Line vacation, please contact our friends at The Vacationeer. They are always willing to help you, and their services are free !

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21 Disney Cruise Concierge Perks and Benefits (2024)

Last updated on Jan 1, 2024 by Adam Bryan . This post may contain affiliate links.

Disney Cruise Line prides itself in being one of the best cruise lines in the world.

From its world-class service and unique dining experiences to Broadway-style shows and immersive kid clubs, Disney Cruise Line is on a level of its own. Unfortunately, that also comes at a price.

Even with a standard stateroom, you can expect to pay a significantly more than other cruise lines. But, did you know that there’s an even higher level of stateroom and service that provides you with exclusive access to private areas on the ship and an array of perk and benefits only available to certain guests.

What is the Disney Concierge Level?

Disney cruise concierge perks and benefits.

• What’s in the Concierge Lounge and Sundeck?

How much do Disney Cruise concierge staterooms cost?

When is the cheapest time to sail for a concierge room, is disney cruise concierge level worth it, disney cruise concierge faqs.

The Concierge Level is similar to a club-level room that you can get at Disney World or Disneyland.

By staying in a Concierge Level stateroom, you’ll pay more for your cruise in exchange for access to a lounge, a personal concierge team, and extra services that make your cruise even more relaxing, memorable, and engaging.

Here’s an in-depth breakdown of what you can expect by staying in a Concierge Level stateroom on any of the Disney Cruise Line ships.

Here are some perks and benefits you can expect to receive when staying in a Concierge Level stateroom.

(Just note that a few of these perks are only available on certain ships, such as the new Disney Wish)

Pre-Arrival Services

Disney’s signature Concierge services begin before you board the ship by providing you with some nice benefits before you even step foot on the ship.

• As a concierge guest, you can pre-reserve many of your onboard activities and services online up to 120 days prior to your sail date. 
• You can also email or call the Concierge team and inform them of your preferences  130 days in advance . That way you can almost guarantee an activity, popular exclusion, or adult dining reservation. The 130-day window is especially handy when trying to reserve a  Cabana at Castaway Cay since those are gone almost instantly when the booking window opens up for Concierge guests and Platinum Castaway Club members.
• The Concierge team can help you plan every detail of your cruise such as Port Adventures, reservations for adult-exclusive restaurants like Palo, Remy, or Enchante, spa treatments, nursery stays, dining room seating requests, and even special occasions and celebrations.

Embarkation Services

Once you arrive at Disney’s cruise terminal, whether if it’s at Port Canaveral or any other international port, you have a few perks and benefits that most guests not staying in Concierge staterooms have access to.

• You can arrive at any time after  11 am
• Once you drop off your bags and park, you have access to a  dedicated Concierge check-in line  which normally has less than 4 people in it.
• As soon as you go through security, you are immediately greeted by a Cast Member that will take you toward the back of terminal and into a private waiting area. Then from there you will be brought onto the ship. (This waiting area is currently only available at Port Canaveral).

Shipboard Services

As soon as you step onto the ship, that’s when the Concierge magic truly shines.

• After the amazing Cast Members announce your arrival into the stunning atrium, you are directed towards a  private lunch  available only for Concierge Guests. This restaurant all depends on what ship you’re on.
• During your lunch, a member from the Concierge team will greet you and go over your pre-booked itinerary as well as take requests to help you book additional activities or excursions . (For example, on the Wish, as soon as we spoke to ours, we asked for a Hyperspace Lounge reservation and she got us a reservation the next day at a reasonable time).
• Each stateroom has upgraded amenities such as a pillow menu, upgraded lines, higher-end toiletries, and even a mini-fridge.
• You get exclusive access to dedicated areas around the ship such as the  Concierge Lounge  and a  private sundeck .
• Inside the Concierge Lounge, you’ll find complimentary food, snacks, appetizers, refreshments, and some of the best coffee aboard the entire Disney Cruise Ship.
• You’ll receive  complimentary  beer, wine, and spirits from 5 pm to 10 pm daily inside the lounge.
• On the private Concierge Sundeck on the Wish, you’ll have access to two hot tubs, lounge chairs, a full bar, two showers, and a wading pool, not to mention complimentary raspberry or  Dole Whip  smoothies.
• On the private Concierge Sundeck on the Fantasy and Dream, you’ll have access to a hot tub, lounge chairs, and a shower.
• You’ll have access to lounge chairs on the private Concierge Sundeck on the Magic and Wonder, .
• On the Wish, you’ll get early access to the Walt Disney Theater for shows. Thirty-five minutes before the doors open to everyone else, Concierge guests can head to a private entrance on deck 2 where a Concierge Team Member will escort you to the theater and allow you to choose your seats before everyone else.
• Complimentary fresh popcorn  before shows and movies at the refreshment stands when you show your Gold Key to the World Card on the Wish. On all other ships, you’ll get free bagged popcorn that you can pickup from the lounge.
• Private dining tables . As a Concierge guest, you won’t have to share your table with any other parties at the three rotational restaurants. This is by far one of my favorite concierge benefits.
• 24 hours of complimentary continuous basic surf internet packages for everyone 18+ or older
• Pre-paid gratuities are added to your shipboard account to give to your dinner wait staff, as well as housekeeper.
• On disembarkation day, there is also a continental breakfast, specialty coffees, and other beverages.

Disembarkation Services

When it comes to saving time, the biggest perk is using the Concierge disembarkation service. 

• From 7:15 am to 8:15 am, you can meet a Concierge team member in the lounge and they’ll escort you down the elevators towards midship which is where you can essentially cut the exit line and get off the ship quickly. This is a massive time saver especially since when you catch the elevator right outside the lounge, one of the Concierge team members will make the elevator express meaning you won’t have to stop on every floor down to the 3rd.

What’s in the Concierge Lounge and Sundeck?

The concierge lounge always has a rotating menu of food, appetizers, desserts, fresh fruits, snacks, and bottle beverages such as soda, water, and juice.

Also from 5 pm to 10 pm daily, there is an open bar where you can enjoy beer, wine, cocktails, and top shelf liquors.

Unlike the other 4 ships, the Disney Wish concierge lounge also has a real lunch menu where you can order food and they’ll serve you at your seat/table. It’s a really nice touch if you don’t want to go out to deck 11 and grab something to eat.

The prices for a concierge room vary dramatically depending on your ship, duration of cruise, time of the year, and where you’re sailing. But one thing that stays consistent is that the concierge level has some of the best stateroom and suites available on the entire ship.

On average, you can expect to pay around $3,713 for two adult guests in a standard Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah on the Disney Wish. For a family of four adults, that same stateroom will cost around $5,332 . And finally, for a family of 2 adults and 2 children, that same concierge stateroom will cost $5,304 . This is just example pricing for a sailing in September of 2023.

To help give you a better idea of costs, I’ll break down the cost for a 3-night cruise on the Wish that goes to the Bahamas, a 7-night Alaskan Cruise on the Wonder, and a 7-night Mediterranean cruise on the Dream.

Every example will include 2 adults and 2 children.

Example A: 3-Night on the Wish

For a 3-night voyage on the Wish for 2 adults and 2 children, concierge staterooms start at $6,909.

Here’s a better breakdown of the costs for each room and suite type:

• Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah = $6,909
• Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom = $7,521
• Concierge 1-Bedroom Suite with Verandah = $9,179
• Concierge 1-Bedroom Suite with Extended Verandah = $13,683
• Concierge 1-Story Royal Suite with Verandah = $20,069
• Concierge 2-Story Royal Suite with Verandah = $22,979
• Concierge Wish Tower Suite = $27,272

And if you wanted to see these concierge prices compared to standard staterooms, here it is:

Example B: 7-Night Alaskan Cruise on the Wonder

For a 7-night Alaskan Cruise from Vancouver in a concierge stateroom for 2 adults and 2 children, you can expect to pay on average around $14,285 in late August and early September, $24,877 during June and July, and $15,427 in May. This is pricing for a standard concierge family oceanview stateroom with verandah.

Here’s a better breakdown of the costs for each room and suite type for the cheapest sail date in September 2023:

• Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah = $14,285
• Concierge 1-Bedroom Suite with Verandah = $20,959
• Concierge 2-Bedroom suite with Verandah = unavailable
• Concierge Royal Suite with Verandah = unavailable

And if you wanted to see the concierge prices compared to standard staterooms, here it is:

Example C: 7-Night Mediterranean Cruise on the Dream

For a 7-night voyage leaving from Barcelona on the Dream for 2 adults and 2 children, concierge staterooms start at $13,933.

Here’s a quick breakdown of all the stateroom and suite costs:

• Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah = $13,933
• Concierge 1-Bedroom Suite with Verandah = $19,933

Lastly, if you want to see the concierge prices compared to standard staterooms, here it is:

One last thing is that these rooms are always the first to go. So, if this is something you want to try, be sure to book a Concierge stateroom well in advance, especially if you’re searching for sail dates during the summer, spring break, Christmas, or Thanksgiving.

Currently, if you’re sailing out of Miami or Port Canaveral, the cheapest sail dates are found in January and February , as well as in September and early-November .

Also, when searching for a stateroom on the Wish specifically, you’ll find cheaper staterooms when you book for the upcoming year. Prices will then get progressively more expensive as the sail date approaches.

As of this writing, Concierge staterooms are the cheapest in September 2023 .

What Does a Concierge Key to the World Card look like?

As a concierge guest, you’ll receive a gold Key to the World card as opposed to the standard light blue other guests will be wearing.

Personally, I don’t think you get better treatment if you’re wearing a lanyard with a gold card or blue card, especially since almost every Cast Member interaction is very positive.

The only true perk of showing this off is when you’re claiming your freshly popped popcorn before a movie or show lol.

If you value time and comfort over anything else, then yes, concierge level is absolutely worth it.

I think I spoiled myself by staying in Concierge level rooms and just the thought of slight inconveniences makes this worth the price.

But there are some things I recommend you consider if you’re still on the fence about it:

1. Concierge Level is 100% worth it on the Disney Wish.

No questions asked. Hands down the best concierge experience of any Disney Cruise ship.

Even on the Dream or Fantasy, concierge is really nice, especially since you have your own portion of the ship blocked off for concierge guests only.

2. It’s best trying it out on a 3 or 4-night cruise.

On the shorter cruises leaving from Port Canaveral or Miami, you’ll generally find the cheapest Concierge rooms.

Plus, I enjoy the 3 and 4 night cruises because you don’t necessarily have to get off the boat at Nassau, but instead you can use all the Concierge amenities as well as the main pools and slides with less crowds on the ship.

3. Skip Concierge on any of the Europe cruises.

From personal experience, we found ourselves leaving the boat at 7 am daily and not returning until 530-6 pm since we were out every day on our European excursions. It felt that we couldn’t take advantage or even relax in the lounge since we were never on the ship.

Plus, the prices for a standard Concierge on a Mediterranean cruise, and northern European or Norwegian cruise are quite obnoxious.

Unless you don’t mind spending the money, I wouldn’t break the bank to stay Concierge level on anything over 7 nights, at least in Europe.

4. The service is exceptional across the board.

No matter what ship you choose, you’ll receive incredibly personal attention from your Concierge team.

5. The Magic and Wonder have small lounges, but they’re better than the Fantasy and Dream.

The concierge lounges on both the Magic and Wonder are bright and comfortable and they look out onto the ship with its floor-to-ceiling windows. The lounges on the Dream and Fantasy are a little dark and windowless (minus a small skylight). But they make up for it with the nicely sized private sundeck and hot tub upstairs, which the Magic and Wonder lack.

6. If your first concierge experience is on the Wish, it will absolutely ruin the other ships for you.

At least from my experience, I don’t think I can go on the other ships after seeing the Wish’s lounge and sundeck. Plus, let’s not forget about those king-sized beds in every Concierge stateroom.

7. Concierge on an Alaskan Cruise is one of the best experiences.

Unfortunately, this incredible experience comes at a price. However, you can witness breathtaking views in the heated lounge as you navigate through the straits of Alaska.

Plus, most excursions only last a few hours so you still have time to return to the port and shop/eat, as well as hang out on the boat before the ship needs to leave. It definitely didn’t feel as rushed.

So with all that being said, I hope this helped simplify your decision on whether or not sail in a Concierge Level stateroom on your next Disney Cruise.

So will you cross this off your Disney Cruise bucket list ?

Alcohol is complimentary on a Disney Cruise but only during certain times of the day. During the embarkation lunch, there are alcoholic beverages available. Every evening between 5 pm and 10 pm inside the concierge lounge, you can enjoy a complimentary selection of domestic and imported beers, wines, and hard liquor.

Generally, your Concierge stateroom will be ready by the time you board starting at 11 am.

No, you will be printed out pre-paid gratuities from your onboard account that you can give to your wait staff and housekeeper.

Yes, all five Disney Cruise Ships have Concierge level staterooms and suites. However, the amount of rooms available are limited except for on the Wish.

Yes and no. You can book a similar-sized room to what you’ll find on the Dream, Fantasy, Wonder, and Magic for around the same price. However, the Wish has a few more suite options than the other ships that prices are significantly higher than what you’d pay on the other four ships.

No, your membership will not add any additional Concierge-only perks or benefits.

Yes, 24 hour room service is always free on a Disney Cruise, no matter what stateroom level you’re in.

Yes, all guests staying in a Concierge stateroom gets access to complimentary bottled sodas, water, juice, and coffee in the Concierge Lounge or sundeck.

Yes, by communicating with the Concierge team via the Navigator App or by stopping into the lounge, the Concierge team can assist you with most needs.

More Disney Cruise

About Adam Bryan

Hey what's up, I'm Adam, founder of Urban Tastebud Disney and I spend most of my days eating (and researching, but mostly eating) around Disney Parks to create useful travel planning content that will help you maximize your time and money at Disney.

Reader Interactions

June 22, 2023 at 11:13 am

Hi, I’m a mom interested in planning family Disney Cruise trip. Do you have a checklist you can recommend that I follow, in order to plan the most cost effective trip. I would like to cruise on Disney Magic ship. Thanks in advance!

June 22, 2023 at 10:04 pm

Hi, here’s a Disney Cruise trip planning checklist and timeline that I’ve written:

https://disney.urbantastebud.com/disney-cruise-planning-checklist-timeline/

hope this helps!

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Table of Contents

What is a Disney cruise concierge?

Disney cruise concierge rooms, disney cruise concierge benefits, is a disney cruise concierge worth it, if you’re interested in booking a disney cruise concierge room.

Ever thought about going on a Disney cruise? While pricey, Disney cruises offer high-end entertainment for the whole family, including spectacular events like shows and character meet and greets. But there’s more than one way to book a Disney cruise.

For those who are willing to splurge, Disney cruise concierge rooms provide a superior experience and a host of extra perks.

When you book a Disney cruise, you have the option to choose from a variety of different staterooms. The cheapest are located in the interior of the ship and have no windows. Those that cost a little more have an ocean view or verandah, and the most expensive rooms are Disney cruise concierge rooms.

Along with better rooms, those who book at the concierge level can expect additional benefits, such as exclusive access to an onboard lounge, a personal concierge and better access to onboard bookings.

» Learn more: Best credit cards for cruises

The type of room you’ll receive when booking at the concierge level will vary according to the ship you’re sailing on, but generally, you can expect a larger room than others you’ll find. This may include a one-bedroom suite, a two-bedroom suite or even a royal suite spanning 1,000 square feet.

Disney Dream: This ship offers a Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah that sleeps five and a Concierge 1-Bedroom Suite with Verandah that sleeps five. Both have wheelchair-accessible options available. There is also the Concierge Royal Suite with Verandah which sleeps five.

Disney Fantasy: This ship offers identical room types to the Disney Dream.

Disney Wish: The Disney Wish ship has several more concierge-level room options, including Concierge 1-Story Royal Suite with Verandah, Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah, Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom, Concierge 1-Bedroom Suite with Verandah, Concierge 1-Bedroom Suite with Extended Verandah, Concierge 2-Story Royal Suite with Verandah and the ultra-luxurious Concierge Wish Tower Suite. The Concierge 1-Story Royal Suite with Verandah and the Concierge 2-Story Royal Suite with Verandah sleep six, while the Concierge Wish Tower Suite sleeps eight. All other rooms sleep five, and wheelchair-accessible versions are available.

Disney Magic: There are four concierge-level room options on the Disney Magic: Concierge Royal Suite with Verandah (sleeps seven), Concierge 1-Bedroom Suite with Verandah (sleeps five), Concierge 2-Bedroom Suite with Verandah (sleeps seven) and Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah (sleeps five). Wheelchair-accessible options are available for the Concierge 1-Bedroom Suite with Verandah.

» Learn more: Ways to save on your first — or next — Disney vacation

So what kind of perks will you receive if you book a concierge-level room? Have you ever booked a club-level room at a hotel? Many of these benefits are the same, though you’ll receive even more when booking a Disney concierge room.

Here's a full list of benefits of the Disney Cruise concierge level.

Early access to onboard bookings.

Personal concierge.

Priority boarding.

Separate check-in area.

Exclusive lounge.

Daily free alcoholic drinks.

Complimentary snacks.

Stocked in-room refrigerators.

Exclusive sun deck.

Special gifts.

Additional complimentary Wi-Fi package.

Access to in-room dining.

Private character meet and greet.

Early seating to shows.

Priority disembarkation.

As a Disney cruise already includes an exhaustive level of amenities, it’s difficult to add more value to your booking; even so, Disney concierge-level rooms do so by easing your trip at every opportunity. This means you can expect better service and priority access pretty much everywhere you go.

Those in a concierge room also have access to a dedicated lounge filled with snacks and drinks. Even better, in the evening you’ll be able to enjoy complimentary alcoholic beverages, which are notoriously expensive on cruises.

Disney allows you to bring up to two bottles of wine or six bottles of beer with you on your cruise. You can also restock during ports of call, allowing you to save money onboard.

The most important perk you’ll receive is priority access to onboard bookings. Guests have the ability to book additional activities during their cruise, but the timeframe varies based on your room type and your Disney cruise elite status in the Castaway Club.

Those at the lowest rung will be able to book activities 90 days before departure. Disney cruise concierge rooms, meanwhile, can begin booking 120 days in advance, giving them first dibs on every activity. The Concierge Team will make bookings on your behalf, giving you the ability to kick back and relax.

Examples of activities you can book early include:

Port adventures.

Adults-only dining reservations at Palo or Remy (on the Dream and Fantasy only).

Spa treatments.

You can also make requests for dining room seating and other special occasions.

» Learn more: Is cruise travel insurance worth the cost?

Is a Disney cruise concierge-level room worth booking? There's no right answer to this personal question. Before booking one of these rooms, there are a few questions to consider:

How much do you value your time? Early embarkation allows you to get onboard first and skip most lines during your cruise.

Are you traveling with children? A private meet and greet may mean the difference between waiting in line for a photo versus a little more time with a character.

What types of activities are you planning to do? At Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island, cabanas are notoriously difficult to book. Purchasing a concierge-level room grants you first access to these coveted spots.

Disney cruise concierge price

But what about the cost involved? To take a look at the difference in pricing, we compared the cost of two different staterooms on a four-night Disney cruise departing from San Diego.

The cheapest room available when we checked rang in at $1,135 for two adults. With a square footage of about 170 feet, there isn’t much room to move around. There’s also no window as this is an interior room.

The least expensive concierge room, meanwhile, clocked in at $3,431 for two adults. At this rate, you’d be getting a stateroom, not a suite, though you’d have your own private verandah and almost twice as much space. This is in addition to all the perks you’ll receive as a concierge-level booking.

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Is it a smart money move to spend three times more to have a concierge room? There are some pretty significant perks, after all. However, at this rate, you could buy yourself two additional cruises and still have a little money left over in your pocket.

If you want to maximize your time on board a Disney cruise, a concierge booking may be worth considering. You may also want to look at this option if this is a once-in-a-lifetime event since you’ll want to have first access to all the goodies that Disney provides.

» Learn more: How to earn and redeem points on cruises

There’s no denying that Disney does cruises in style. However, the concierge rooms exist on a different level, and although they can be costly, these rooms also prove their worth with a variety of benefits.

Before you decide on your Disney cruise booking, consider if you’ll be able to take advantage of the amenities offered with a concierge-level room. If not, save the money and splurge on your own activities — or another couple of cruises — and enjoy your less expensive Disney experience.

Featured image courtesy of Disney Cruise Line.

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10 Benefits of Concierge Staterooms on Disney Cruise Line

I will start off this blog post with a warning!  Once you have sailed concierge on a Disney Cruise , it is very.  Very.  Hard to go back!  So, tread cautiously…

I’m much more likely to do it when I’m splitting the cost with a friend than I am when it’s my family and I’m paying for the whole room.  But when it works with my budget, I’m all in, and I don’t ever regret it.  Here are 10 reasons why.

2. Early Onboard – Concierge guests are the first guests onboard. If you like being first (I admit it, I need like to be first) concierge is for you! There’s a special check-in area, and in most terminals, Disney has a special reserved seating area or lounge for concierge guests.  Before any other numbers are called, someone comes to get those concierge guests first.  First!  Winner winner chicken dinner!

4. A Concierge Lounge – Now all four ships have concierge lounges. And they are lovely, quiet spaces. On embarkation day, concierge guests can choose to go right to the lounge if they don’t want to go right to lunch.  The lounge hosts are there to go over your itinerary for the cruise, there are bartenders to get drinks for you, and snacks are available.  During the cruise, the lounge is open from early morning until around 10 pm, and there will always be at least one concierge host inside.  There will be continental breakfasts available each morning, snacks and desserts during the week, and evening receptions with free alcohol available.  There is also packaged popcorn available to take to your stateroom, or the movie, or the show, or just eat.  One day there will be a special meet and greet with a Disney character!  There’s also an amazing coffee/hot chocolate/hot tea machine for guests to use which may, in actuality, be the highlight of the lounge for coffee or tea drinkers.

6. Private Sundeck – All four ships also now have private sundecks. They vary in size and what they offer (the Dream and Fantasy sun decks have a private hot tub), but they are all quieter than the regular pool decks, and have lots of seating. They are also fully equipped with sunscreen, towels, and they usually even have Evian facial spray !  That’s luxury for you!

8. Extra Internet – Disney offers all guests a little free internet, but concierge guests get even more. Every stateroom that signs up for internet on the first day will get 50mb of data free. Concierge staterooms get an extra 100mb.  And the big kahunas, the Royal Suites, actually get unlimited internet.  Un. Limited.

10. Extra Gift – This can always change, but the concierge hosts usually drop off a gift in the staterooms on the last day. They are usually exclusive Don Ducky Williams prints, but I’ve had other gifts as well. You never know what will show up!

Bonus – There’s a special activity for concierge guests on select sailings on the Fantasy–It’s a private cooking class inside Palo!  Called Palo Be Our Guest , guests will cook, eat, drink and even take home souvenirs like their own Palo chef jacket.  The experience is 3-hours long and $279 a person.  While other guests can book if concierge guests don’t fill all eight slots, it’s usually full after concierge gets their shot.

Have you sailed concierge?  Are you thinking about it?  Tell us in the comments!

Tammy Whiting  is the owner of  Storybook Destinations . Did you know Storybook Destinations offers a  complimentary subscription to TouringPlans  with qualified Disney and Universal bookings? Click  here  for a no-obligation quote on your next vacation!

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Tammy Whiting

Tammy has been a lover of all things Disney for most of her life. There’s nowhere on this Earth she’d rather be than on a Disney cruise with her family. She’s a Space Force wife and proud mom of two wonderful children and one beautiful daughter-in-law . She fulfilled a lifelong dream in 2008 and became a travel agent specializing in Disney vacations. She now owns her own travel agency - Storybook Destinations. You can reach Tammy at [email protected].

15 thoughts on “ 10 Benefits of Concierge Staterooms on Disney Cruise Line ”

Have any change about guests have dinner brought to their room from any of restaurants on Disney Magic cruise ship and guests staying at concierge 1 bedroom suite have breakfast brought to their room on last day of their cruise.

Can guests stay at concierge 1 bedroom suite still order dinner from lumiere, animator palate, rapunzel Royal table cabanas and palo delivered to thier room for room service and have breakfast delivered to thier room on last day of thier cruise.

Hi Carys! Things can change once they start sailing again, but currently guests in a one-bedroom suite can order from just one designated Main Dining Room. The dining room varies by ship. In room dining for Palo is only in the Royal suites.

Ok i wait for you to confirm.

Are sure that concierge guests can get can get dinner from the main dining rooms delivered to their stateroom from any of the restaurant on Disney Magic Concierge guests can also order breakfast from room service on the last morning.and since i saw this email saying

The Concierge 1-Bedroom Suites with Verandah offer in-suite dining with the menu from Lumiere’s only. Guest are not able to order from Rapunzel’s Royal Table or Animator’s Palate.

On the final night of the cruise, room service is available until 1:00 a.m. (subject to change). Guest in concierge would not be able to order room service for breakfast before departure.

Hi Carys! It was correct when the article was written, but that may have changed. Let me confirm!

Could get with a dining table (all concierge staterooms except category V), can get dinner from the main dining rooms delivered to their stateroom from any of the restaurant on Disney Magic .

That is correct!

Thank you, Tammy for such great information. I have sailed on Disney Cruise Line 7 times and just booked my VERY FIRST Conceirge room! We are so excited, however, we know it will be very hard to go back! Thank you for sharing all the “extras” that we were unaware of. It was very helpful!

Wonderful! You are going to love it! I’m glad I could help!

Just booked concierge for the Wish ! We did 23 Disney cruises in the past 7 years on all 4 ships and wanted to experience all types of rooms… but this will be our first concierge because on the Wish concierge has its own pool…which we like! We never enjoyed the pools on the ships because they were too crowded…

Wonderful! You are going to love it! And the concierge lounge looks beautiful!

Great article! With all the extras, does Disney “suggest” more or different gratuities in this room class? For example, is there a gratuity for the concierge host, or do you tip them each time you ask for help? Any other expenses above those in the standard stateroom categories? thanks!

Thanks, Angela! You will get a separate tip envelope at the end of the week for the concierge hosts! Whatever you put in there, they will split three ways. They don’t ask for more for the stateroom hosts, but I would recommend tipping them more than normal if you are in a bigger room. If you want to tip any of the bartenders in the lounge, you can certainly do that! Otherwise, there are no extra expenses. 🙂

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Magical Moments: A Guide to Disney Cruise Concierge Level

Experience the ultimate luxury and relaxation on a Disney Cruise with their concierge-level rooms, offering exclusive perks such as priority boarding, access to a private lounge with complimentary drinks, and personalized itineraries for a stress-free cruising experience.

Introduction

Booking a concierge-level room on a Disney Cruise Line provides guests with an array of Disney Cruise Concierge perks, setting the stage for a superior and indulgent experience at sea. These exclusive benefits are thoughtfully curated to deliver a luxurious, stress-free voyage for travelers who appreciate the finer things in life.

With Disney Cruise Concierge perks, guests are treated to priority boarding, ensuring a smooth and swift start to their adventure. Once on board, the privileges continue with preferred seating at entertainment shows, early access to onboard activities, and a dedicated concierge team to assist with any needs. An exclusive highlight is the access to a private lounge, where complimentary wine, beer, and spirits await to toast the beginning of a magical journey.

Concierge-level guests receive priority booking for shore excursions, allowing them to secure their top choices before others. On the final day, they benefit from priority debarkation, making their transition back to land as effortless as possible. Furthermore, in ports where tender boats are required, concierge guests enjoy priority tendering, adding another layer of convenience to their excursion experiences.

Choosing a Disney Cruise Concierge room means embracing an enhanced cruise experience filled with special touches, elevated service, and an extra dose of Disney magic, designed to create an unforgettable vacation that goes above and beyond ordinary cruising.

Benefits of Concierge or Club Level Rooms

Concierge-level rooms on a Disney cruise offer numerous benefits:

• Priority boarding, show seating, and onboard activity access.
• Access to a private lounge with complimentary drinks.
• Priority booking for excursions and activities.
• Expedited debarkation and tendering to ports.
• Personal concierge service for a hassle-free experience.

These perks provide a luxurious, convenient, and stress-free cruise vacation.

Cost and Considerations

Disney Cruise Line Concierge-level rooms are quite expensive, with prices starting around $3,000 for a short trip for two and increasing significantly for larger suites or longer cruises. These rooms offer luxury and personalized services such as private lounges, priority boarding, and special access to activities and dining.

When deciding if it’s worth the extra cost, consider the value the amenities add to your cruise experience, especially for shorter trips where time is limited, and the desire for a more exclusive and indulgent vacation is high.

Concierge Lounge and Amenities

The concierge lounge on a Disney cruise is a secluded and luxurious retreat exclusively available to concierge-level guests. This private lounge is designed to offer a serene and comfortable space for guests to unwind and indulge in light snacks, small plates, and complimentary beer, wine, and spirits, creating a truly elevated cruise experience. For example, guests can savor a glass of premium wine while enjoying a peaceful ocean view, adding an extra touch of indulgence to their vacation.

Moreover, concierge-level guests have the privilege of accessing private sun decks, which are adorned with comfortable lounge chairs, umbrellas, hot tubs. This exclusive outdoor space provides a tranquil haven for guests to bask in the sun, take in breathtaking sea views, and enjoy moments of relaxation away from the bustling areas of the ship. For instance, guests can immerse themselves in a good book while reclining on a plush sun lounger, simply unwind in the soothing waters of the hot tub, or getting themselves spa treatments creating unforgettable memories amidst the luxurious amenities. This access to private and refined spaces reflects the unparalleled level of comfort and exclusivity that comes with booking a concierge-level room on a Disney cruise.

Concierge Services and Hosts

You’re stepping into a realm of exclusive services that amplify the magic and comfort of your vacation. Before you even set sail, you benefit from pre-arrival services that grant you priority when booking the cruise line’s sought-after activities, dining options, and shore excursions. This early access is orchestrated by a dedicated Concierge Team, who cater to your needs, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable start to your adventure.

Once aboard, a Concierge Host is at your service, offering a personal touch to your stay. They’re there to recommend the best onboard experiences, respond to any specific needs, and guarantee you have all you desire for a delightful cruise. One of the special advantages of staying at this level is the chance to reserve cabanas on Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, ahead of others, providing a serene spot to unwind during your island visit.

Concierge-level accommodations don’t just end with exceptional service; they also include special gifts and superior stateroom amenities that bring a sense of indulgence to your living space. These thoughtful details ensure your cruise is not just a trip but a luxurious retreat. Plus, with complimentary internet access provided to concierge guests, you’re always just a click away from sharing your experiences or staying in touch with the world ashore.

A Disney Cruise with concierge benefits will unlock a world of personalized attention, premium benefits, and exclusive privileges that enrich your holiday and make it an experience to cherish.

Personalized Itinerary and Special Dining

Prepare to be treated to a host of special amenities designed to enhance your vacation. One of the highlights is the exclusive dining room seating included in your personalized itinerary, which is accessible via the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app. This app not only keeps you in the loop but also offers tailored recommendations to ensure you make the most of your time at sea.

Your concierge experience is marked by special dining arrangements that provide a unique atmosphere distinct from the main dining areas. Enjoy private meals in select spots on the ship, themed dinners, and the chance to experience a chef’s table where every dish is a work of art, courtesy of the ship’s culinary team. The personalized attention to your dining room seating and service is a testament to the luxurious and intimate dining encounters reserved for concierge guests.

But the indulgence doesn’t stop there. You’ll have access to intimate meet-and-greet sessions with beloved Disney characters—perfect for creating memorable moments with the little ones.

Worth of Concierge Level

Shorter wait times make holidays more enjoyable. The benefits depend on the time of year, travel path, size of the ship, and how big the family is, with more advantages during busy times and for bigger groups. Extra perks like special presents, better facilities, and first dibs on reservations and unique activities make the higher-priced concierge service worth it for those who want a lavish and relaxed trip.

Comparison with Standard Rooms

When deciding between concierge and standard rooms on a Disney cruise, consider the following differences:

Concierge Rooms:

• Luxury Features : Concierge rooms boast high-end furnishings and sophisticated décor, offering a more opulent experience. Think premium bedding, generous space, and tasteful design.
• Exclusive Access : Guests in these rooms can enjoy private lounges and sun decks, away from the crowds. These areas typically include plush lounge chairs, umbrellas, and hot tubs, perfect for relaxation with a view.
• Special Perks : Those staying in concierge rooms get special gifts and superior room amenities, elevating the cruise experience.
• Internet Access : Concierge guests often receive complimentary internet, allowing for easy online access throughout the journey.

Standard Rooms:

• Basic Comfort : Standard rooms provide the essentials for a comfortable stay without the frills of the concierge level.
• Affordable : These rooms are a more economical choice for travelers who prioritize budget over luxury.

Concierge Accommodation Examples:

• Concierge Wish Tower Suite
• Concierge Royal Suite with Verandah
• Concierge 2-Bedroom Suite with Verandah
• Concierge 1-Bedroom Suite with Verandah
• Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah

In short, concierge rooms are about upscale comfort and exclusive perks, while standard rooms offer a more basic cruise experience.

In summary, choosing a concierge-level room on a Disney cruise comes with many benefits, making your trip extra special and relaxing. It’s perfect for those who value luxury, convenience, and exclusive experiences.

Consider concierge level if you want a memorable, hassle-free cruise, especially if you’re traveling with children or looking for luxury on a shorter trip. It’s about matching the perks with what’s important to you for your ideal cruise experience.

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Disney Cruise Concierge Level

Are you looking for a more luxurious cruise experience? Consider upgrading to the Disney Cruise concierge level. You’ll enjoy special amenities like priority boarding, a dedicated concierge lounge, and exclusive access to dining and entertainment venues.

Plus, you can take advantage of your concierge team’s personalized service. Contact your travel agent to learn more about this exclusive level of cruising.

Table of Contents

Disney Cruise Concierge FAQs and Quick Overview

If you are planning to book a Disney Cruise Line vacation, you may want to consider the Concierge service offered by the company. This service provides guests with a range of exclusive perks and amenities that can enhance their cruising experience. Here are some frequently asked questions about the Disney Cruise Concierge service:

What is Disney Cruise Concierge?

Disney Cruise Concierge is a premium service that provides guests with personalized attention and exclusive amenities throughout their voyage. Guests who book a Concierge-level stateroom receive a range of benefits, including access to a dedicated Concierge team, priority check-in and boarding, access to exclusive lounges and dining venues, and much more.

What are the perks of booking a Disney Cruise Concierge stateroom?

The perks of booking a Disney Cruise Concierge stateroom include:

• Access to a dedicated Concierge team
• Priority check-in and boarding
• Access to an exclusive lounge and sundeck
• Complimentary specialty coffees and snacks
• Evening turndown service with chocolates
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Exclusive dining experiences
• Reserved seating at live shows and entertainment
• In-room dining from the Main Dining restaurants
• Personalized assistance with shore excursions, spa treatments, and other activities

How much does Disney Cruise Concierge cost?

The cost of Disney Cruise Concierge varies depending on the itinerary and stateroom category. Typically, Concierge-level staterooms cost 2-3 times more than standard staterooms. However, the additional benefits and amenities can make the extra cost worth it for some guests.

How do I book Disney Cruise Concierge?

To book a Disney Cruise Concierge stateroom, you can contact a travel agent or call Disney Cruise Line directly. Keep in mind that Concierge-level staterooms are limited and tend to sell out quickly, so it’s best to book well in advance.

Is Disney Cruise Concierge worth it?

Whether or not Disney Cruise Concierge is worth it depends on your budget and priorities. If you value personalized service, exclusive amenities, and a more luxurious cruising experience, then Concierge may be worth the extra cost. However, if you are on a tight budget or prefer a more casual cruising experience, then a standard stateroom may be a better fit.

What is Disney Cruise Line Concierge Level?

For those looking for an extra touch of magic on their Disney Cruise , Concierge Level is the way to go! Concierge Level guests receive exclusive perks and services, making for a truly VIP cruise experience. 

So, what does the Concierge Level include? First, you’ll have access to a private concierge desk where you can book dining reservations, shore excursions, and more. You’ll also enjoy priority boarding when you arrive at the port and access to a private lounge with complimentary snacks and drinks.

Staterooms on the Concierge Level are also upgraded, with upgraded linens and sparkling wine waiting for you upon arrival. Throughout your cruise, you’ll enjoy attentive service from a team of dedicated concierges. 

Ready to experience the magic of Concierge Level on your next Disney Cruise? Contact your travel agent or visit Disney Cruise Line’s website to learn more and book your sailing today!

Disney Cruise Concierge Price

While the price of a Disney Cruise Concierge Level stateroom will vary depending on the sailing date and itinerary, you can expect to pay a premium for this upgraded cruise experience. However, many guests feel that the added perks and services are worth the cost.

For example, a 7-night Bahamian cruise departing from Florida in early January starts at $8,199 per person for a Concierge Level stateroom. A verandah stateroom on the same sailing starts at $6,499 per person, meaning you’ll pay an additional $1,700 for the Concierge Level experience.

Interested in booking a Disney Cruise Concierge Level stateroom? Contact your travel agent or visit Disney Cruise Line’s website to start planning your sailing today!

Wait and inquire about upgrading your room at the port

Even if the Concierge rooms are available when you book. You can also ask about an upgrade at check-in, but availability will be limited.

This is a way to save up to half on your upgrade.

What are the benefits of the Disney Cruise Line Concierge Level?

There are many benefits to booking a Concierge Level stateroom on Disney Cruise Line. First, you’ll enjoy upgraded stateroom accommodations, with upgraded linens and sparkling wine waiting for you upon arrival. You’ll also have priority boarding when you arrive at the port, meaning you can head straight to your stateroom to drop off your luggage and start exploring the ship.

In addition, Concierge Level guests have access to a private concierge desk where they can book dining reservations, shore excursions, and more. You’ll also enjoy exclusive access to a private lounge with complimentary snacks and drinks. Plus, throughout your cruise, you’ll receive attentive service from a team of dedicated concierges.

Disney Cruise Concierge Benefits

If you are wondering: What does the concierge level on a Disney cruise include? You’re in the right place!

Room Benefits

Gifts and specials.

• Food/Snacks

Private Sun Deck

Disembarkation, character meet and greets.

You can complete your online check-in 120 days before the cruise. This is significant because it allows you to book activities way before others. So that when vacation time comes around again there’s no stress about finding things for yourself or having last-minute plans fall through!

No matter what you need, your concierge will be happy to help. From booking dining reservations to ensuring you have the perfect spot for fireworks, your concierge team is there to take care of all the details.

When you arrive at the port, you’ll be able to head straight to your stateroom without waiting in line. Concierge Level guests have priority boarding, meaning you can start your cruise vacation immediately.

As a Concierge Level guest, you’ll enjoy complimentary snacks and drinks in the private concierge lounge. Plus, you’ll receive upgraded stateroom accommodations, with upgraded linens and sparkling wine waiting for you upon arrival.

In addition to upgraded stateroom accommodations, Concierge Level guests have access to a private concierge desk. This is the perfect place to book dining reservations, shore excursions, and more.

Often, concierge-level rooms are available as soon as you board the ship. This is a great benefit over waiting until the afternoon for your room to be ready.

Upgraded amenities include a fully stocked mini fridge, robes, slippers, and other room upgrades.

All Concierge Level guests will receive a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine upon arrival in their stateroom. In addition, the private concierge lounge features a selection of complimentary alcoholic beverages.

Does the Disney Cruise concierge include alcohol? Despite the limitations I mentioned above, it does. But not in an all-you-can-drink way.

Free Food and Drinks

The lounge (that I review below) has better snacks than anywhere else. You can head to the lounge before the broadway shows for a glass of wine and some free popcorn for the kids. Otherwise, the popcorn is paid for at the theater.

All Concierge Level guests receive complimentary internet access during their cruise vacation.

You’ll enjoy special gifts and surprises from the Concierge Level team throughout your cruise.

The private concierge lounge is perfect for relaxing and unwinding during your cruise. This exclusive space features comfortable seating, complimentary snacks and drinks, and attentive service.

The private concierge sun deck is perfect for soaking up the sun and enjoying stunning ocean views. This exclusive space features comfortable lounge chairs, umbrellas, and attentive service.

When it’s time to leave the ship, Concierge Level guests have priority disembarkation. This means you can head straight to your transportation without having to wait in line.

As a Concierge Level guest, you’ll have exclusive access to character meet and greet experiences. This is the perfect opportunity to get autographs and take photos with your favorite Disney characters.

Concierge Embarkation Lunch

Disney Cruise Line Concierge Embarkation Lunch is an event held exclusively for concierge members and their guests.

The lunch takes place on the first day of the cruise before the ship sets sail. Guests are treated to a private lunch buffet, which includes a variety of hot and cold dishes.

Concierge Cast Members are on hand to answer any questions about the cruise. The Embarkation Lunch is a great way to start your vacation!

Shoreside Concierge Service

The Shoreside Concierge Service is a complimentary service offered to all Disney Cruise Line Concierge guests.

The service includes assistance with restaurant reservations, shore excursions, and more.

The Shoreside Concierge Service can be reached by phone or email.

To reach DCL Shoreside, the toll-free number is 1-866-784-1654, and the hours of operation are Monday through Sunday, 8:30 am to 5:30 pm. Their email is:

[email protected].

The Concierge Team

When you book a cruise with Disney Cruise Line, you’re not just booking a vacation – you’re booking an experience. And part of that experience is the amazing customer service you’ll receive from the moment you step on board.

The Concierge team is specially trained to ensure every guest feels valued and cared for. From planning custom celebrations to assisting with special needs, the Concierge team goes above and beyond to ensure your cruise is everything you’ve dreamed of.

They’re always available to answer questions, offer advice, and lend a helping hand. So whether you’re looking for restaurant recommendations or need help booking shore excursions, the Concierge team is always there to make your cruise perfect.

Your team will be the best part of your concierge-level service.

Concierge Tipping

While gratuities are not required, they are greatly appreciated by the Concierge Level team. If you receive excellent service throughout your cruise, a gratuity of $15-18 per day, per person, is appropriate.

You can give your gratuity in cash or charge it to your stateroom account. Tipping is not required, but it is a nice way to show your appreciation for the extra effort made by the Concierge Level team.

Deciding how much to tip on a Disney cruise can be tricky.

After all, there are so many wonderful staff members who go above and beyond to make sure you have a magical time.

However, some general guidelines can help you decide how much to tip.

First, consider the length of your cruise. On a one-week cruise, it is typically around $15 per person per day for tips, while on a two-week cruise, you may want to budget around $17 per person per day.

Of course, you can adjust these amounts up or down depending on your level of satisfaction with the service.

Remember, tips are not required, but they are greatly appreciated by the hardworking staff members who make Disney cruises so special.

What Are Some Exclusive Dining and Entertainment Venues Available to Concierge Guests?

As a Concierge Level guest, you’ll have exclusive access to some of the best dining and entertainment on the ship.

Concierge guests can enjoy private dining at Palo, Remy, and Royal Court. You’ll also have access to the private Concierge Club on Deck 11, where you can relax with a drink or catch up on some work.

For entertainment, you can enjoy private shows in the Walt Disney Theatre or catch a movie at the Buena Vista Theatre. You’ll also have priority access to shore excursions and tickets to popular Broadway-style shows.

As a Concierge Level guest, you’ll have plenty of exclusive perks to enjoy. From private dining and entertainment to priority access to shore excursions, you’ll be treated like royalty from the moment you step onboard.

What Does Concierge Get You on a Disney Cruise?

If you’re planning a Disney cruise, you may be wondering what kind of perks come with booking a Concierge-level stateroom. Here are some of the exclusive benefits that Concierge guests can enjoy on a Disney cruise:

• Personalized service: As a Concierge guest, you’ll have access to a dedicated team of Concierge hosts who are available to assist you with anything you need throughout your cruise. They can help you make dining reservations, book shore excursions, and answer any questions you may have.
• Priority check-in and boarding: When you arrive at the port, you’ll be able to skip the lines and check in at a dedicated Concierge check-in counter. You’ll also be among the first guests to board the ship, so you can start enjoying all the fun activities and amenities right away.
• Exclusive lounge and sun deck: Concierge guests have access to a private lounge and sun deck that are reserved exclusively for them. These areas offer a quiet and relaxing retreat where you can enjoy complimentary snacks and beverages, read a book, or simply soak up the sun.
• Complimentary amenities: Concierge guests receive a number of complimentary amenities, including a premium in-room beverage cooler, a selection of newspapers and magazines, and access to a DVD library.
• Special experiences: Disney offers a variety of exclusive experiences that are only available to Concierge-level guests. These may include backstage tours, character meet-and-greets, and priority seating at shows and events.

Overall, booking a Concierge-level stateroom on a Disney cruise can be a great way to enhance your vacation and enjoy some extra perks and special experiences.

Is Concierge Worth It or Not?

A lot of people tend to think that the Disney Cruise Line Concierge is a waste of money.

After all, you’re already paying a pretty penny for your cruise, so why spend even more on an add-on like this?

Well, quite a few benefits come with being a member of the Concierge Level.

For starters, you’ll have access to an exclusive lounge where you can enjoy complimentary snacks and beverages. You’ll also be able to book private dining experiences and shore excursions.

Perhaps best of all, you’ll have a dedicated concierge at your service who can help you plan every detail of your cruise. So, if you’re looking for a truly magical experience, the Disney Cruise Line Concierge is worth considering.

However, my personal opinion is that experiencing the concierge level once has been more than enough. I can do without it on my Disney Cruise .

If you’re looking for a wonderful cruise experience, consider the Disney Cruise Line Concierge Level.

Everything was perfect from the moment we stepped on board until we disembarked.

The service was impeccable, and our stateroom was spacious and comfortable. We had an amazing time and will sail with Disney again in the future!

Has anyone else sailed with Disney Cruise Line at the Concierge Level? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below.

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Disney Cruise Concierge Benefits and Perks

By Adam Bryan . Last Updated: Mar 20, 2024 . This post may contain affiliate links meaning if you buy anything through some links, I might get a commission.

I truly believe that Disney Cruise Lines is the best cruise company for families, especially if they love Disney. From the stellar service, delicious food, fantastic entertainment, and even better destinations, Disney Cruises is on a level of its own.

But the craziest part is that although everyone is treated like royalty as soon as they step onboard, there’s a higher class of service, amenities, and benefits that only select guests can experience called Concierge, which is the equivalent to Club Level rooms found at Disneyland and Disney World. But onboard and even before you embark on your journey, you get access to so many great benefits and perks reserved exclusively for you.

All Concierge Benefits

Here’s a quick breakdown of the benefits you’ll get as a Concierge stateroom guest.

Pre-Arrival

Before you step onboard, the concierge service starts at home.

• Pre-reserve almost every onboard activity up to 120 days prior to your sale date.
• 130 days before your cruise , you can email or call the concierge team to basically guarantee a reservation for adult exclusive dining, popular excursions, and even Cabanas at Castaway Cay

At the Cruise Terminal

When you arrive at the port terminal, here’s what you can expect:

• A dedicated check-in line
• You can arrive at any time after 11 am
• After you got through security, a Cast Member will greet you and escort you to your Concierge waiting area
• You’ll be the first onboard

On The Ship

As soon as you step foot on the ship, the Concierge level of service truly starts to shine.

• A private lunch at one of the main three restaurants only for Concierge Guests
• Upgraded amenities in your stateroom such as a pillow menu, upgraded linens, mini-fridge, and high-end toiletries
• Exclusive access to the Concierge Lounge and private sundeck (most of which include a hot tub and comfy lounge chairs). So far, the Wish has the best setup .
• Inside of the Concierge Lounge, you’ll find complimentary snacks , coffee, bottled beverages, and even alcohol (5 to 10 pm daily)
• On the Wish, you have early access to choose your seats before any of the shows inside of the Walt Disney Theater
• Complimentary fresh popped popcorn whenever you want
• Private dining tables at all of the restaurants
• 24 hours of complimentary basic surf internet for everyone 18 and older
• Pre-paid gratuities for your housekeeper and dining server team

Disembarkation

When your cruise ends, you get to use the Disembarkation service.

• Once the ship clears customs, you can meet your Concierge team in the lounge where they’ll escort you down the elevator (express with no stops) and provide you with quick exit off the ship without having to wait in any lines

So if this is something that intrigues you, and you don’t mind spending a little bit more to experience a concierge level stateroom then I recommend that you give it a shot, even it it’s just a 3-day cruise to the Bahamas.

More Disney Cruise

About Adam Bryan

Orlando local that has an expensive addiction to Disney and Universal.

I spent $10,000 on my family's 5-night Disney Cruise. From a 614-square-foot suite with 2 bathrooms to on-call concierges, here's what it was like.

• My family of four spent $10,000 to stay in a concierge room on a five-night Disney Dream cruise.
• We received free food and drinks, priority booking status, exclusive lounge access, and more.
• It was totally worth it for us and even though it was so expensive we'd consider doing it again. 

I've always wanted to sail concierge and decided to take the plunge on our fall 2022 cruise on the Disney Dream.

On past Disney cruises, we've stayed in verandah (balcony) staterooms. Our last cruise was an inside stateroom , one of the cheapest cabins Disney offers. 

But on our recent five-night sailing on the Disney Dream, my family of four booked a one-bedroom concierge stateroom for $10,000.

We sailed in late September, which is generally a less expensive time of year to cruise to the Bahamas or the Caribbean. The lower price is likely also because a lot of kids are in school at this time and it's in the middle of hurricane season.

The long list of things we loved about concierge started with our port arrival.

All other passengers are assigned a port arrival time based on their Castaway Club level, how quickly they checked in online once their check-in window opened, or a combination of both.

As concierge guests, our arrival window was any time between 11:00 a.m. and 3:45 p.m. We opted for earlier to maximize our time on the ship . We even had a separate concierge waiting area at the port.

Once on board, we were escorted to a special welcome luncheon that included free alcohol and other beverages we'd normally incur an extra charge for, like smoothies, mocktails, and specialty coffees. 

During the luncheon, one of the concierge hosts visited our table to ask if had questions or if we wanted to make any changes to our schedule.

I booked a 614-square-foot one-bedroom concierge stateroom that sleeps five.

We had a bedroom, full bathroom with a jetted tub, an additional three-quarters bath, a dining table with four chairs, a living room with a sofa and two wing chairs, a desk, and an extended verandah with seating for four.

There were also three closets and tons of storage space in the bathroom and bed (drawers were built into the frame). 

Our larger, more luxurious stateroom was a fun splurge.

You're definitely experiencing some luxury in concierge. 

Our bed linens were Frette and felt fantastic. I loved the sheets so much that I looked them up online and found a set of queen sheets from the brand can cost over $500. 

The sofa folded out into a bed and there was also a Murphy bed.

There were also three pocket doors around the queen bed. I loved that my husband and I had our own space and that we had an extra three-quarters bath for our boys. 

The doors gave my husband and me some privacy but there was little-to-no noise buffer. My kids were on the sleeper sofa talking very quietly and I could hear them clearly.

Still, the space was incredible . We even had plenty of room to move around while the sofa bed and the Murphy bed were down. 

I also loved the decor, which seemed like an upgrade from the usual nautical style in Disney staterooms.

Concierge staterooms have a palette of cream, turquoise, and brown. The artwork seemed nautically themed with a European flair.

As an experienced Disney cruiser, I appreciated the elevated vibe all the way around.

The bathrooms had some enhanced amenities.

The master bathroom had a double sink and regular power outlets that support a hair dryer and whatever else you'd want to plug in.

In my experience, many other Disney Cruise Line staterooms have a bathroom power outlet that will only support a shaver. 

Upgraded Elemis toiletries were provided in both bathrooms.

We received shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and body wash. We also had bar soap and gel hand sanitizer in the master bath as well as a flower-shaped sponge with soap already added to it.

Our room also had cotton swabs, hand sanitizer, and even a pad to set a hot hairstyling appliance on.

There were even real bath mats in the master bathroom instead of just the standard bath sheet that most hotels and staterooms provide for you to step on after you get out of the tub or shower.

Although no one goes on a Disney Cruise to watch TV, our stateroom had three screens.

The 24/7 availability of Disney cartoons and animated classics on the televisions was really fun. We could also watch the ship's position and broadcasts with helpful information from the cruise director each day. 

There were flat-screen TVs larger than what you'll find in a regular stateroom in the bedroom and living room. There was also a screen built into the mirror of the master bathroom.

At one point, I watched "The Aristocats" while drying my hair. 

For me, one of the best perks of concierge was access to the lounge just steps from our stateroom.

The lounge was an exclusive haven where we could hang out and grab refreshments throughout the day.

It's open from 7:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. every day and there was always at least one host present who could answer questions and make or cancel reservations.

The concierge station had a fancy coffee machine, too.

Some of the complimentary drinks included bottled water, sodas, juices, and the best coffee on the ship.

I think Disney's free cruise coffee is usually pretty bad so I appreciated being able to have the good stuff whenever I wanted it.

The concierge area also had an open bar from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. each night.

The bar had high-quality wines and liquors, and bartenders could make just about any drink you wanted, except frozen ones.

Food offerings ranged from sweets (cookies, small dessert bites) to savory eats (chilled shrimp, sandwiches). The buffet changed every three hours.

We loved having a dedicated concierge team, which felt like having our own personal assistants.

The concierge team can take care of anything you'd ordinarily stand in line for or go looking for. For example, our itinerary changed due to weather and our concierge hosts helped make sure our adjusted schedules were what we wanted.

When it came time to leave the ship, we even had the option of being escorted off by the concierge staff, bypassing long lines to disembark.

They could also sometimes secure us hard-to-get reservations, such as cabanas on Disney's Castaway Cay port or adult dining at Palo or Remy.

Concierge guests also receive early access to the shows in the Walt Disney Theater.

We were escorted into the theater via backstage elevator before showtime to get the first pick of seats. We also didn't even have to stand in line for popcorn — it was handed to us when we arrived.

The popular Broadway-quality shows fill up fast on full cruises, especially seats in the first few rows. The early access not only ensured we'd sit where we wanted but also enhanced that white-glove experience concierge brings.

There's also a private sundeck for concierge guests.

I spent part of one morning relaxing on the sun deck with a book and I had the space mostly to myself. An attendant came by and offered an ice-cold towel at one point, which I loved. 

The private deck has hot tubs and amenities for concierge guests only.

We had lots of comfortable, shaded seating, a hot tub, nicer towels than you'll find on the main pool deck, a selection of cold drinks, and sunscreen.

I loved that we mostly had this hot tub all to ourselves. The hot tubs on other Disney Cruise decks are usually crowded , especially on sea days.

Honestly, I feel like there were way too many perks to mention.

We also received access to shoe-shine service and Wi-Fi.

Continental breakfast room service is included in the price of all Disney Cruises but, as concierge guests, we could order a hot breakfast with omelets and pancakes from the room-service menu.

Concierge guests also get priority booking before the ship sets sail.

Certain onboard activities (alcohol-tasting seminars, spa appointments, adult dining) and port excursions open up for booking prior to the cruise.

The booking window for concierge guests opens before the other passengers get to look at availability, which means you're at the top of the list for hard-to-book activities. 

Priority booking came in handy for securing a cabana at one of the stops.

Cabanas at Castaway Cay, Disney's private island in the Bahamas, are notoriously difficult to snag. I requested one as soon as our booking window opened and I was put on a waiting list.

Our number eventually came up and we were able to book a cabana for an additional fee.

I noticed most of the people on the beach where the cabanas are located were other concierge passengers so it made me think it would've been more difficult — maybe even impossible — to book a cabana if we'd not been concierge. 

Overall, we have zero regrets and we were happy with our choice to book concierge.

Did our experience with concierge spoil us forever? Yes and no.

I can't afford to book concierge on every future cruise and part of me wishes I didn't know what I was missing. I was perfectly happy in an inside stateroom and I'm sure I would be again. 

Still, our family's enjoyment made the high cost worth it.

If you tally up every drink, smoothie, and bucket of popcorn and expect it to come close to the difference between non-concierge and concierge, it won't. That said, we certainly did enjoy the open bar.  

It wasn't one single thing that stood out to make concierge on the Disney Cruise exceptional but rather the combination of everything working together to elevate our experience . We felt truly special.

We'd consider splurging again, though it's worth noting concierge prices vary by itinerary and cruise length. If you want to spring for the experience, it's worth it to do some research and make sure you'll actually be taking advantage of the perks. 

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Is Concierge Level Worth It on Disney Cruise Line?

By Lisa Gilmore Leave a Comment

Sing with us, now… 🎶”I’ve got dreams, like you – no really! Just much less touchy-feely. They mainly happen somewhere warm and sunny…

… On an island that I own. Tanned and rested and alone. Surrounded by enormous piles of money…”🎶

Anyone? Anyone? Just us? Ok, well, even if you don’t dream about owning your island (because who wants to hassle with all of that infrastructure?), you can still experience most of those luxurious feelings on a Disney Cruise !

We’ve gone into excruciating detail on everything the Disney Cruise ships have to offer , but now we’re gonna peel back the curtain on one of the most exclusive areas of the ships — the Concierge Level. Just hearing it gives you shivers like Shenzi when she hears Mufasa’s name.

Just the name sounds decadent: “concierge.” And if you’re looking to get a little spoiled on your Disney Cruise, well, booking a concierge-level room may just do it for you! But while you’re deciding, let’s dissect what all comes with cruisin’ concierge-style.

What is Concierge Level?

The Concierge Level is similar to a club-level room that you can get at Disney World or Disneyland. By staying in a Concierge Level stateroom, you’ll pay more for your cruise in exchange for access to a lounge, a personal concierge team, and extra services that could make your cruise even more relaxing, memorable, and engaging.

Disney Dream

Concierge Perks & Benefits

The perks start long before you leave the dock. Once you’ve booked your concierge level room, a concierge attendant will reach out to you — usually through email about 130 days prior to your cruise departure date — to ask about your goals and plans for your cruise and help you get those experiences booked. They can help you with things like reservations at Palo or Remy , spa services, shore excursions , and other items you’ll need to book in advance. Concierge guests do have first access to book cruise experience before they open up to the rest of the ship’s passengers. So if you’re hoping for one of those coveted Castaway Cay cabanas, staying concierge will help you secure one before they’re all booked up!

The Atrium of the Disney Dream

When sail-off day arrives, concierge guests get to bypass the regular line and don’t have to wait for a specific check-in window. You can check in and board the ship anytime after 11am until the ship departs. And there’s a separate check-in location just for concierge guests to help expedite your entry to the ship.

Disney Cruise Line Terminal

This expedited service is available to you through your cruise. It essentially acts as a Lightning Lane anytime you plan to leave the ship for a shore excursion, return, or finally, on debarkation day. No need to wait for your specified time or wait in a queue. Your concierge status is your DCL Lightning Lane.

Worlds of Marvel

Another great perk is that Concierge guests will have private tables for their rotational dining service. Sometimes Disney will assign different cruisers together at the same table during the rotational meals, which is a fun way to meet your fellow cruisers. But if you’re not into making new friends or are more of an introvert, then the concierge perk of having a private table might be just what you want.

Concierge Lounge

The Concierge Lounge is one of the biggest draws of booking this type of stay — it’s very similar to the Club Level lounge at the Disney Resorts. You’ll find a full bar, some snacks, small plates, and munchies throughout the day, a private lounge and sun deck to enjoy, and dedicated Cast Members who will get to know you, your family, and your preferences to help tailor your cruise experience to your desires.

Bar seating

It is open from 7AM until 10PM and is only accessible with your gold Concierge level Key to the World card. You can expect:

• 7AM – 10:30AM — Continential Breakfast
• 11AM – 2PM — Lunch Snacks
• 2:30PM – 4:30PM — Afternoon offerings
• 5PM – 8:30PM — Dinner Snacks
• 9PM – 10PM — Dessert offerings

From 5PM until 10PM, of -age guests can enjoy a full bar. And in the morning, you can have a specialty coffee drink with your continental breakfast. You can also grab little bags of popcorn “to go” and take them with you to any shows on the cruise. And the same with any drinks you get at the Concierge Lounge.

Triton’s Lounge

The Concierge Lounge is also the location for a special character meet-and-greet reception you should experience at least once during your voyage. You’ll want to check with the Concierge Cast Members or the Personal Navigator App for more information specific to your cruise.

Concierge Stateroom

Unlike their Disney Resort counterparts, the Concierge Level staterooms are slightly different from standard staterooms. Most of them are a little bigger and usually have a verandah and an option for an adjoining room.

You’ll also find plush robes and slippers to use with your room, and a fully stocked mini-fridge with bottled water and soda. The concierge staterooms also receive 100MB of Wi-Fi included with their room, so no need to shell out extra money for internet access. You also have access to what is referred to as the “pillow menu,” where you can choose what sort of pillow you prefer to have on your bed, and how many!

Ceiling Pull-down Bed

Many guests experience little gifts like Disney Rice Krispie Treats, fruit, or chocolates left in their room from the Concierge Team throughout their stay, but that is subject to change, and your mileage may vary on that perk.

Magic & Wonder

The sister ships of the Magic and Wonder provide similar concierge offerings of:

• Concierge Royal Suite with Verandah
• Concierge 1-Bedroom Suite with Verandah
• Concierge 2-Bedroom Suite with Verandah
• Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah

The Royal Suite with Verandah is 1,029 square feet, with 2 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a whirlpool tub, a living room, a dining room, pantry, and wet bar, and sleeps up to seven people. These suites also include all of the other standard amenities you’d expect in a stateroom.

The Concierge 1-Bedroom Suite with Verandah is 614 square feet and sleeps up to five people with a separate bedroom and living room, 1.5 bathrooms with a whirlpool tub, and wet bar.

The Concierge 2-Bedroom Suite with Verandah is 945 square feet and sleeps up to seven people with a two bedrooms and living room, 2.5 bathrooms with a whirlpool tub, and wet bar.

The Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah is 304 square feet and sleeps up to five people, but it is essentially a standard stateroom with access to concierge perks.

Dream & Fantasy

The sister ships of the Dream and Fantasy provide similar concierge offerings of:

The Royal Suite with Verandah is 1,781 square feet, with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a whirlpool tub, a living room, a dining room, pantry, and wet bar, and sleeps up to five people. These suites also include all of the other standard amenities you’d expect in a stateroom.

The Concierge 1-Bedroom Suite with Verandah is 622 square feet and sleeps up to five people with a separate bedroom and living room, 1.5 bathrooms with a whirlpool tub, and wet bar.

The Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah is 306 square feet and sleeps up to five people, but it is essentially a standard stateroom with access to concierge perks.

Wish (*and likely the new Treasure)

With the most concierge options come ships of the Wish, and likely the coming Treasure provide similar concierge offerings of:

• Concierge Wish Tower Suite
• Concierge 1-Story Royal Suite with Verandah
• Concierge 2-Story Royal Suite with Verandah
• Concierge 1-Bedroom Suite with Extended Verandah

A Look at One of the Main Bathrooms! ©Disney

The Concierge Wish Tower Suite is 1,966 square feet, with 2 main bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, and a bonus room which can be another bedroom or library and a child’s room. There is a focal spiral staircase, a living room, a dining room, pantry, and wet bar, and sleeps up to eight people. These suites also include all of the other standard amenities you’d expect in a stateroom.

The Wish Tower Suite ©Disney

The 1-Story Royal Suite with Verandah is 1,507 square feet, with 2 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a whirlpool tub, a living room, a dining room, pantry, and wet bar, and sleeps up to six people. These suites also include all of the other standard amenities you’d expect in a stateroom.

The 2-Story Royal Suite with Verandah is 1,781 square feet, with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a whirlpool tub, a living room, a dining room, pantry, and wet bar, and sleeps up to five people. These suites also include all of the other standard amenities you’d expect in a stateroom.

First bedroom in the Tower Suite

The Concierge 1-Bedroom Suite with Verandah is 608 square feet and sleeps up to five people with a separate bedroom and living room, 2 bathrooms with a whirlpool tub, and wet bar.

The Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah is 296 square feet and sleeps up to five people, but it is essentially a standard stateroom with access to concierge perks.

The Tower Suite Living Room

The Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom is 357 square feet and sleeps up to five people, but it is essentially a standard stateroom with access to concierge perks.

Concierge Cost

Prices, like for any cruise, will adjust based on length of cruise, time of year, destination, and even occupancy. You can tend to expect to pay anywhere from about 3 time to almost 4 times the prices of an Inside Stateroom option.

Prices for options on the Disney Wonder going to Alaska may be some of the biggest price differences you’ll see.

You can expect to pay almost 4 times the price of an Inside Stateroom for a Concierge level room. And depending on the level of Concierge room. The Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah is priced at the lowest tier at $12,072 and the highest tier, Concierge Royal Suite with Verandah, is priced at $33,016, almost 10 times the cost of the Inside Stateroom on the same cruise.

The Bahamian cruises have some more moderate prices, at least compared to the Alaskan cruises.

You can expect to pay a little less than 3 times the price of an Inside Stateroom for a Concierge level room. And depending on the level of Concierge room. The Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah is priced at the lowest tier at $12,235 and the highest tier, Concierge Royal Suite with Verandah, is priced at $27,295. This is a bit more than six times the cost of the Inside Stateroom on the same cruise.

The gap between the Inside Stateroom and Concierge Level closes a lot more with the European cruises.

You can expect to pay just about 2.5 times the price of an Inside Stateroom for a Concierge level room. And depending on the level of Concierge room. The Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah is priced at the lowest tier at $11,354, and the highest tier, Concierge Royal Suite with Verandah, is priced at $37,268. This is a bit more than eight times the cost of the Inside Stateroom on the same cruise.

The gap between the Inside Stateroom and Concierge Level stays fairly balanced for these Caribbean cruises.

You can expect to pay just about 2.75 times the price of an Inside Stateroom for a Concierge level room. And depending on the level of Concierge room. The Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah is priced at the lowest tier at $13,668, and the highest tier, Concierge Royal Suite with Verandah, is priced at $44,636. The Royal Suite costs almost nine times the cost of the Inside Stateroom on the same cruise.

You can expect to pay just about 2.75 times the price of an Inside Stateroom for a Concierge level room. And depending on the level of Concierge room. The Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah is priced at the lowest tier at $6,043, and the highest tier, The Wish Tower Suite, is priced at $31,120. The Royal Suite costs about 10.5 times the cost of the Inside Stateroom on the same cruise.

Is it Worth it?

The value of an experience is always subjective. When you’re looking just at price, the splurge on the European cruises may be easier to swallow, since the concierge level is comparatively closer in price to the standard staterooms. But then you have to evaluate the trade-off. When visiting Europe, do you want to tie up that kind of money on your stateroom when you could spend it on other unique European experiences? And will you be debarking at every port to experience instead of enjoying the concierge areas on the cruise? Suffice it to say, it might be “cheaper,” but will you get the value?

One area that just seemed universal when considering who would get the most value out of a Concierge Level Stateroom (besides the 1%), are families with little ones! You’ll get early access to reserve spots for them in the nursery on board. You’ll get immediate access to your room on embarkation day for naps or just getting settled. If you choose to rent a stroller on the cruise, the Concierge Team will deliver it to your room. And that Concierge Lounge can be a game changer to help shift baby/toddler duties, and one parent can get a quick breakfast, coffee, or snack and then trade off.  And for any other assistance, you’ll have the Concierge Cast Member team to help you, right there with you, instead of having to traipse down to Guest Relations on the fourth level.

Set Sail with Disney Pals!

A concierge stay is a great way to splurge, sit and savor the beautiful cruise ship, and get early access to some of the most coveted experiences and amenities. But it may not be for you if you’re not planning to book any exclusive excursions or take advantage of the Concierge Lounge. If you happen to be sailing on the Disney Wish, there are so many lounge and dining options on the cruise, you might be so busy experiencing those instead of the Concierge Lounge.

No matter where you end up selecting your stateroom, you’re bound to have a magical time. And we can help! Want to learn more about  Disney’s newest cruise ship, the Wish ? We’ve checked out  all the best restaurants on board , taken in some  seriously incredible stage shows , and even explored the  kids clubs on the ship !

Want to learn some AMAZING Disney Cruise Line SECRETS? Click HERE!

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 splurged on a Concierge room for a cruise? Let us know in the comments below!

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Is Disney Cruise Concierge Worth It?

If you’re dreaming of a luxurious vacation with Disney Cruise Line’s concierge service, you may be asking yourself if the high price is worth it.

My family and I sailed in this exclusive Concierge Level on the Disney Magic where we had an amazing time. The concierge benefits were so much fun to experience! However, during the trip, my husband and I had several conversations about whether or not the perks were worth the high price tag .

After all, the concierge prices often equal what you would pay for two separate cruises in a regular stateroom. Still, you can’t deny that the upgraded cabin accommodations, extra amenities, and special service you get with concierge status isn’t worth something.

In the post below, I will discuss the Disney cruise concierge perks that are included in your cruise fare. I’ll also provide my honest opinion on whether the concierge level is worth it and if our family would pay for this upgrade again .

How We Paid for Concierge Level

Disney Cruise Line offers a special, luxury level of service known as the concierge level. When you are booking your Disney cruise, you will see the staterooms and suites that are categorized as concierge. These rooms range from a Family Oceanview Stateroom with a Verandah to the Concierge Royal Suite, which has multiple bedrooms and bathrooms.

On my family’s concierge cruise, we had originally booked a Deluxe Inside Stateroom. However, about a week before sailing, my husband and I decided that we would really like to have a room with a verandah.

I checked the DCL website and saw that it was going to cost roughly $1000 more to switch to a verandah room. We ultimately decided to just wait and inquire about upgrading our room at the port .

For a full rundown of how this works, you can read all about our experience in this post – Disney Cruise Upgrade at the Port . Long story short, when we inquired about changing rooms on embarkation day, the cast member told us we could upgrade to a concierge stateroom for around $2000.

Since we had already paid roughly $4000 for our inside stateroom, we ended up paying $6000 total for a concierge cabin. This seemed like a great deal to us since the non-concierge rooms with a verandah that I had looked at before our trip were around $5000 total.

Disney Cruise Concierge Benefits

When we upgraded to the concierge level, we were not given a list of benefits that came with it. So, I am pulling this information on concierge amenities from our experience and my research. If you know of an additional perk offered in concierge that I missed, please comment below and let me know!

Early Access to Booking Activities

If you book a concierge stateroom rather than upgrade to one at the port, you can book activities in advance before they sell out. One of the most sought after amenities on a Disney cruise is a cabana on their private island , Castaway Cay . These typically sell out really quickly.

Concierge guests, who are paid in full, are able to book activities 130 days before sailing by calling the Shoreside Concierge Team or 123 days prior to sailing if booking online . This means your odds at getting a cabana or another popular activity increase significantly.

Since we upgraded to concierge at the port, we did not get to experience this benefit. Luckily, I was able to book all the port adventures and onboard activities we wanted during my online check in anyway. So, this wasn’t a huge deal for us.

Early Port Arrival Time

Concierge guests also receive the earliest port arrival times available on embarkation day. Once you arrive at the cruise terminal, you get to experience priority check in by entering a separate line that is set aside for concierge level guests. This means you get to bypass any long lines that have formed at the regular check in stations.

Priority Boarding

In addition, you will receive priority boarding so that you are one of the first guests allowed to board the ship . After we upgraded our room at the port, the supervisor updated our Key to the World Cards to reflect our new stateroom information. This supervisor also gave us a new boarding card with Group #1 listed on it.

It was around 11:45 at this time, and boarding had just started in the Miami terminal. My family and I were able to walk right over to the gangway and board the Disney Magic immediately after checking in.

We had originally been assigned to Boarding Group #2, so this wasn’t a huge difference for us. However, it was nice not having to kill time in the cruise terminal with our two little kids in tow!

Exclusive Concierge Embarkation Lunch

We usually like to eat near the pool deck on embarkation day because my kids are always eager to swim. However, while checking in at the port, we were given a letter with information about a special embarkation lunch for concierge guests . So, instead of eating our embarkation lunch at Cabanas or on the pool deck, we headed to Rapunzel’s Royal Table for the special concierge lunch.

The host at the door checked our name off his list and showed us to a table. A server came by to hand out menus and to take our drink order. Alcoholic beverages were available for no additional charge.

As we ate, one of the concierge hosts came over to introduce herself. She gave us a packet of information with an itinerary showing everything we had previously booked for the cruise. We didn’t have plans to book any extra items, but the concierge host let us know that we should contact her if we needed to change or add anything .

Room Benefits

One major concierge perk for us was that our stateroom was available immediately after boarding. Typically, the cruise cabins aren’t open until around 1:30, which is right in the middle of my toddler’s nap time. Since we were concierge guests, we were able to go straight to our room after lunch (around 12:30) . This allowed me to put our one year old down for her nap at her regular time.

In addition to gaining early access to your stateroom, the concierge rooms come with higher quality touches as well. Robes and slippers were available inside our stateroom closets. Also, our cabin refrigerator was stocked with bottled waters and canned drinks.

We also had two TVs in our stateroom : one across from the bed and one across from the couch. I had read about a pillow menu where concierge guests are able to choose which type of pillows to have on their beds. I did not see this menu, and this amenity wasn’t important to us, so I didn’t ask. We all slept really well on the beds and pillows provided.

Free Alcohol

Readers often email me to ask if Disney Cruise Line concierge level includes alcohol. The short answer is that it does, but there are limitations . We were offered alcoholic beverages at our embarkation lunch as mentioned above. In addition, the concierge lounge provides a happy hour each evening with a bartender .

My husband and I would swing by the concierge lounge every evening before dinner to grab a glass of wine for each of us. We were able to take these with us to the dining room rather than ordering (and paying for) a glass of wine at dinner.

Additionally, the concierge bartender also served us drinks in the lounge before the nightly Broadway style shows. Since she knew that we were going to the theater, the bartender put our drinks in glasses that fit inside the cup holders of the theater seats .

Free Drinks and Food

In addition to getting adult beverages for the theater shows, we also used the lounge to grab snacks for the kids. Each evening, the concierge lounge provided popcorn, gummy bears, and drinks for our daughters to take to the show .

The lounge had specified times for snacks and desserts each day too. (You can refer to the photo in the section above to see the schedule from our sailing.) Beside this buffet of offerings, the lounge has a huge refrigerated section full of bottled waters and soft drinks . Coffee, tea, and hot chocolate were also available at all times in the lounge.

Access to Concierge Lounge

As mentioned above, concierge guests receive access to the concierge lounge. This lounge is a huge perk in and of itself! Since this area is only for those cruising concierge, you must use your Key to the World Card to unlock the door to the lounge. Once inside, you will find tables and chairs for relaxing and enjoying the food and beverages available.

There is also a private sun deck that concierge guests can access via the concierge lounge. This sun deck holds additional seating, and it was always pretty empty and really quiet during our cruise. Plus, you’ll find hot tubs on these sun decks on some of the other Disney cruise ships (Fantasy, Dream, Wish).

Sunscreen and pool towels are also available for guests on the sun deck.

Special Treats and Gifts

Concierge guests receive special gifts from the team throughout their stay . One of the first items we received was a fruit basket , which was waiting in our stateroom for us when we first arrived.

We also returned to our room one evening to find Mickey Mouse Rice Krispie Treats for our two kids. In addition, on the last evening of our cruise, the concierge team left a beautiful lithograph showing Disney characters as a departing gift.

Guests sailing in a regular concierge stateroom with Disney Cruise Line receive the basic WiFi for free for 24 hours. If you are sailing in a 1 or 2 bedroom Concierge Stateroom, you receive the basic internet package for your entire sailing. Guests in the Royal Suite receive the premium internet package for the duration of the cruise

In Room Dining

If you book one of the roomier Concierge Suites, your cabin includes a dining table. This allows you to order meals from the main dining room to enjoy in the comfort of your stateroom.

So, if you don’t want to go to dinner one night, you can have it delivered right to your stateroom. Again, this in room dining perk is only available in suites and NOT in the Concierge Family Oceanview Staterooms with Verandahs.

Concierge Team Services

One of the biggest perks to sailing concierge is that you have a concierge team who provides exceptional service. The concierge team on our cruise consisted of three main hosts who went above and beyond to make our vacation memorable. They seemed to immediately know all of our names, and they were always so friendly and eager to help.

At our embarkation lunch, the concierge team let me know that any requests I had should go through them. They even gave us a special number to dial on our phone if we needed anything at all. This meant that I never needed to stand in line at Guest Services on the ship.

↓↓ Check Out My Etsy Shop ↓↓

I had planned on borrowing a stroller from Guest Services on embarkation day. When I mentioned this to the concierge host, she assured me that one would be brought to me. At the end of our cruise, I did not have to return the stroller to Guest Services. Instead, they asked that I just leave it in our stateroom.

In addition, I didn’t have to stand in line to book a placeholder at the future cruise desk. The concierge hosts took care of booking my future cruise right inside the Concierge Lounge. (Note that the Disney Cruise Navigator App is supposed to allow you to book this directly on the app now. For some reason this feature wasn’t working on my App, so the Concierge host took care of it.)

Private Dining Table

This was another perk that we really enjoyed! I always request a private table in the main dining rooms prior to our Disney cruises. However, I always stress that this request won’t be granted. When you are a concierge guest, you automatically get your own table at dinner .

Also, our table each night seemed to be in a priority location in the dining rooms . For example, our table in Rapunzel’s Royal Table was right in front of the stage. So, we had an excellent view of the entire dinner show!

Priority Tendering

This concierge perk came in really handy during our sailing because one of our ports of call was Grand Cayman. When visiting Grand Cayman , cruise ships stop just offshore, and guests ride to the island on tender boats.

You can see the tender boat in the bottom right of the photo. Disney Cruise Line has a whole process for moving passengers to the tender boats; however, we did not have to get tickets or wait in line for this. Instead, one of the concierge hosts walked us down to Deck 1 where we were able to bypass the line and board the tender .

Special Character Meet and Greet

Concierge guests are treated to a private reception with beverages and entertainment during one day of the cruise. A Disney character also makes an appearance at this reception. This means your family can take photos with a character without waiting in one of the ship’s typical character lines.

During the concierge reception, we were served mimosas and smoothies . Entertainment was also provided in the form of a pianist playing popular Disney tunes and carolers singing Christmas songs. (We were on a Merrytime themed cruise in December.) Pluto was our special character guest. He walked around the room and spent time with each family.

Priority Seating at Shows

If you are sailing in the concierge level on the Disney Wish, you can arrive at the Walt Disney Theater 45 minutes before the nightly show to choose your seats before other passengers arrive.

Priority Disembarkation

Much like priority embarkation, concierge guests are also able to disembark first. The morning of debarkation , we met the concierge team inside the lounge. One of the hosts escorted us all down to the gangway to disembark the ship.

In addition, the concierge team checked us in for our flights the day before we arrived back in Miami. Our printed boarding passes for our flights were waiting for us in our room the day before we were scheduled to leave.

Concierge Tipping

Gratuities are an additional cost during any Disney cruise. DCL automatically adds $14.50 per person per night to your account to cover tips for your servers and room host. It’s important to note that Disney Cruise Line updated their guidelines and now recommend concierge guests pay $15.50 per person per day in gratuities .

In addition to paying $15.50 per person per day for your dining servers and stateroom hosts, Disney Cruise Line encourages concierge guests to pay $8.00 per person per day for the concierge lounge team .

You are welcome to tip your concierge team in addition to these recommended gratuities. We really enjoyed the concierge team, and they felt like good friends of ours by the end of our cruise. Plus, they were incredibly helpful and really made our family vacation run smoothly.

Is it worth it?

Now, the million dollar question…. Is Disney Cruise Line’s concierge level worth it? Like the subject of tipping, this is completely subjective, but I will give you my family’s candid thoughts.

We LOVED the concierge team , and they made our trip run more smoothly because it was like having a personal assistant taking care of our errands for us. In addition, we really liked the lounge and the availability of adult beverages and snacks for the nightly shows . So, the service was exceptional!

Our concierge level stateroom was not anything special, though. In fact, I prefer the regular staterooms on the Disney Fantasy, Disney Dream, and Disney Wish to our concierge stateroom on the Disney Magic. The couch, curtain, and carpeting all looked dated to me – clean, but dated.

So, don’t book a concierge family oceanview stateroom on the Disney Magic merely for upgraded finishes in the room because you may be disappointed. After deciding for myself whether or not concierge was worth it, I asked my husband what he thought.

Surprisingly he had the exact same answer that I had come up with. We both agreed that it probably wouldn’t have felt “worth it” to us if we had paid full price for it. However, we both felt that the price we paid to upgrade at the port was worth i t!

How about you? Do you think the Disney cruise concierge perks are worth the price? Comment below and let me know!

Shari is an experienced planner and organizer for Disney vacations, cruising, and U.S. travel. Her family vacation information, reviews, and tips provide insight for moms and dads everywhere. You can read more about her story, including her journey through breast cancer, in the about me page.

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12 comments.

I was very blessed to not only sail on the Disney Wish in August (one of the first sailings) but also got a concierge spot–waited over a year on their waitlist. There were a few hiccups as we were not on the concierge level so there was a barrier getting to our room, less than stellar service at the Hyperspace Lounge, and no private firework area. But we were able to squeeze our youngest son into the It’s A Small World Nursery as much as we needed and they went out of their way to accommodate us at the live shows. They gave us booster seats for my kids so they were able to see as they were taller people blocking their view. The staff were AMAZING with making sure my kiddos have chocolate muffins each morning whether we got room service, stopped by the lounge, and even had them waiting for us in the room. They were also genuine and treated us like family. It was worth every penny, especially for embarkation and debarkation days. I wished that I got a placeholder as I am going on the Dream in concierge for the Merrytime Cruise.

Hi Jessica,

Thank you so much for sharing your recent experience on the Disney Wish. It sounds like you had a wonderful trip once you were all settled. I hope you have an amazing time on the Dream! Thanks again for taking the time to provide a review for other readers!

Hi, Shari! Great article, thanks for the info. Have a question about the dining staff when sailing concierge: is there a separate concierge wait staff? We sailed the Wish twice in Feb (both 4-night cruises) with the first non-concierge and the second was concierge. Since we fell in love with our wait staff and family was joining us the next week, we requested a table with them for the second (concierge level) cruise. Thanks! Sherry

It sounds like you had a great time on the Disney Wish! I’m not positive that concierge guests have a separate wait staff, but I *think* they do. When my family and I sailed concierge, our wait staff only served other families in concierge. I’m not sure if that’s always the case though. That being said, we have always loved our Disney Cruise Line servers whether we were in concierge or a regular room! Hope that helps!

Thanks for the article! We’ll be concierge on the Wish in May (woo hoo!). Was that a typo of $20 per day for the bartender? I’m curious why he/she/they gets so much more than everyone else. The whole lounge team would get $32 for a 4 night cruise but that bartender gets $80? That just seems off to me.

Hey Leslie,

Tipping is such a hard topic, but I’ll try to answer your questions as best I can. So, Disney Cruise Line officially “recommends” that you tip the Concierge team $8 per day/per guest in your stateroom. Following these recent tipping recommendations, Disney Cruise Line is suggesting that my family of four would tip the Concierge team $32 per day, which would total $128 on a 4-night cruise.

Since those guidelines weren’t around when my family and I sailed Concierge, we had no idea what to tip. So, we chose to tip the Concierge team $100 per day for 5 days, which totaled $500. In addition to that, we tipped the bartender $20 per day, which totaled $100.

My brother-in-law recently sailed Concierge and basically doubled what we had tipped. H! So, each family kind of does their own thing. Personally, I would at least follow the $8 per person per night guidelines. If you feel that the Concierge team and/or bartender deserve more than that, you can add an additional amount.

Sailing concierge on the Disney Wish sounds like a dream come true! I hope you have an amazing vacation! 🙂

Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful in-depth review. We’ve booked a Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah on the Disney Magic next March and are wondering if we should opt in for the early or late dining as concierge guests. Did you prefer the early dining experience?

Hi Jennifer,

You’re going to have the best time on the Disney Magic! I think the best dining time really depends on who you are cruising with. I have little kids who are used to eating early, so the 5:30-5:45 time works best for us. If your kids are older or if you are traveling from a different time zone, the later time may not seem as late to you. Hope that helps and have a great trip!

Thanks for the review! Were you able to go to the shows early for best seating? This will be our first cruise! Any food on the dream that is a must-get or skip?!?

Hi Danielle,

I’m so glad you liked the review! To answer your question, we were not able to go to the shows early as this was not an included perk when we sailed in the concierge level. I believe Disney Cruise Line now allows concierge guests to arrive at the shows 30 minutes early to choose seats. In regard to the food, my family and I love all the dining options onboard the ships! We recently sailed with Royal Caribbean and really missed the dining rooms and food from Disney Cruise Line. Hope that helps! You’re going to LOVE your first cruise!

Hi Sherri! We are going on the magic this December and wondered if meet & greets are back? We had heard with covid they had to be socially distanced. Loved this write up!

Hey Jessica,

You are going to LOVE the Disney Magic at Christmas time! I believe the meet and greets are back, and I’ve even seen recent photos of families posing with Santa! Hope you have the BEST time on your vacation!

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Disney Cruise Mom Blog

I am a mom who loves all things Disney, but especially Disney Cruises! I enjoy sharing everything I have learned and hope that it will help others plan their own vacations.

The Concierge Benefits on Disney Cruise Line

April 6, 2018 by Disney Cruise Mom 17 Comments

One question I know a lot of people have is whether or not it is worth it to pay for for a concierge-level stateroom.  Having done both (4 times concierge, 9 times not), my standard answer is that for some people it is, and for some people it isn’t – it just depends on what is important to you.  Is concierge amazing?  Yes.  Did I still have fantastic cruises when I wasn’t concierge?  Yes.  Today I have Gunes, our guest blogger who recently shared a trip report of her family’s cruise on the Magic (trip report here ), to share about all of the concierge perks from her cruise.  Hopefully this will help you decide if concierge is worth the hefty price tag for your family.

The following was written by Gunes, who has sailed Concierge level on the Disney Magic, Dream, and Fantasy. You can see photos and videos from her cruise and other adventures by visiting her travel blog ( fotogenictravel.com ) or by following @ fotogenictravel  on Instagram or Facebook. Gunes provides concierge-style planning services as an independent travel advisor affiliated with My Path Unwinding Travel and can be followed on both Instagram and Facebook (@vacayconciergegunes).

I have been on three Disney cruises so far and have been very fortunate to have sailed in a Concierge level one-bedroom suite each time. In fact, after sailing Concierge the first time on the Disney Dream, I realized that there was no way I would want to be in a standard stateroom, especially with a rambunctious six-year-old in tow. It’s like flying first class: if you do it once, you never want to go back to coach!

So, why should anyone fork over such an exorbitant amount of money to sail Concierge on Disney Cruise Line?

Pre-Arrival Services

Concierge perks begin even before you embark the ship. You can reserve your onboard activities (e.g., spa appointments, specialty restaurant reservations) and port adventures 120 days prior to your sail date. This booking window is the same as Platinum Castaway Club members; however, unlike Platinum members, you are able to leverage a dedicated shoreside Concierge team by informing them of your preferences 125 days prior to sailing. The shoreside Concierge team then makes the bookings on your behalf when the 120-day booking window opens. They are literally the first ones in the system allowed to book anything – at 12:00am, when the booking window opens, all the Concierge requests are automatically fulfilled (they have priority over all other requests).

If reserving a port adventure through DCL , and your reservation is linked with with another party who is not in a concierge stateroom, the shoreside concierge team may be able to reserve the same port adventure for them as well. I was told by the concierge team that as long as the non-concierge folks have fully paid for their cruise at the time that you make your reservations (ie., 125 days out), then they will reserve the same shore excursion for them.  However, this seems to be a fairly new perk and I have heard of others not being able to do this in the past, so be sure and call shoreside concierge as soon as possible to verify if they will allow you to do this.

I have found the shoreside Concierge team to be extremely helpful in answering my questions about port adventures and also taking the burden off of me to book the excursions. Also, probably the absolute best thing about using this team is that, if you want to book a cabana at Castaway Cay , you’re pretty much guaranteed to get it. Since you have first pickings, you even can request your cabana number. Both times that I have requested a specific cabana, my requests have been honored.

Embarkation

Concierge guests can embark the ship at any time, once the ship is ready. Depending upon which port you embark your ship, you literally will have no wait to get on the ship. When we sailed the Disney Dream out of Port Canaveral, we walked right up to the dedicated Concierge/Platinum guest check-in desk (no line), were checked in within two minutes, and then were personally escorted onto the ship (bypassing many lines in the process). Once on the ship, we were immediately met by one of the Concierge hosts, who took us directly to the Concierge Lounge to give us drinks (champagne!), food, and a folder containing a personalized itinerary listing our activities for the duration of the cruise.

When we embarked in Miami for the Disney Magic , we also had a very quick check-in and did not have to wait in any lines to get on the ship. However, there was no personal escort, and we were on our own once onboard the ship (and had to ask a few people where the Concierge Lounge was located). Later in the cruise, I asked one of the Concierge hosts on the Magic why we were not escorted in Miami. She said it was because the terminal in Port Canaveral is solely dedicated to Disney. The terminal in Miami is not, so for security reasons, they cannot send folks off of the ship to assist.

Another concierge perk is that they have a private lunch available for only concierge guests in one of the main dining rooms.  It is table service, and alcohol is complimentary.

If you book a suite, then you automatically will be at the Concierge level. The one-bedroom suites on all 4 ships sleep 5 people and average around 614 square feet, which is the size of a normal hotel room (and MUCH larger than standard cruise ship cabins). Take a peek at all the space of the one-bedroom suite with verandah (Category T) that we stayed in when we sailed the Disney Magic in December 2017 .  The Magic and Wonder also have 2 two-bedroom suites which each sleep 7, and 2 royal suites which each sleep 7.  The Dream and Fantasy have 2 royal suites that each sleep 5.

Note that you still can sail Concierge level if for some reason you do not need all that space. Non-suite Concierge level family verandah staterooms (that sleep 5) are available on all 4 ships.  They are the same size as standard family verandah staterooms, but have more upscale furnishings and provide access to the concierge benefits.

You can see more concierge stateroom reviews here .

Location of Staterooms

On the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, the Concierge staterooms are grouped together on the forward portions of decks 11 and 12 and are located very close to the Concierge Lounge. The Concierge staterooms on the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder are interspersed between non-concierge staterooms, all on deck 8. Depending upon your location on deck 8, you could be somewhat far away from the Concierge Lounge on deck 10 (which is on the forward portion of the ship).

Stateroom Dining and Extra Amenities

Once you arrive in your Concierge stateroom, you will notice a fresh fruit basket as well as a fully stocked refrigerator, which includes soft drinks and Evian bottled water. For non-concierge guests, bottled water is never free, and sodas are only complimentary in the restaurants or at the self-serve drink station by the pool.

Also, in addition to the standard room service menu, you can order any of the food being offered in the main dining rooms (whether for breakfast, lunch, or dinner) directly to your stateroom. Just coordinate your order with your Concierge host the day before (they have menus on-hand in the Concierge Lounge so that you can preview what is being offered).

On disembarkation day , only Concierge guests are allowed to order room service for breakfast. All other guests must dine in Cabanas or in one of the main dining rooms. Again, just provide your order to a Concierge host the night before.

Another fantastic amenity offered to Concierge guests is free 100MB to use on Disney Cruise Line’s Connect@Sea WiFi network . This 100MB is in addition to the free 50MB that any guest can get by logging in to Connect@Sea on the first day of the cruise. Side note: 150MB was plenty for my husband and I to share during our five-night cruise on the Disney Magic. We made sure to have our phones in airplane mode throughout the day and to only check emails and log into social media accounts once in the evening. We did not send or upload any large attachments (e.g., photos or videos) because that quickly would have used up our free allotment.

All Concierge guests are provided with plush robes and slippers in their staterooms.

I’ve never been in a port on a Disney cruise ship where tendering is required, but, per Disney Cruise Line’s website, Concierge guests are provided with priority tendering in ports of call. I’m sure that could save you a lot of time waiting in line!

Private Character Meet and Greet

All Concierge guests are invited to an exclusive meet and greet with one character. The meet and greet is set up as a reception for Concierge guests and is usually on a day at sea, typically during the morning. They have a nice spread of yummy food, as well as champagne and mimosas.

The identity of the character is a surprise – you won’t know until you go. But, it’s a great opportunity to get up close and personal with a character without having to stand in line. The meet and greet is very casual and relaxed. You can sit and eat while you wait for the character to come to you.

On the Disney Magic, my son was able to have a private meeting with Goofy, while on the Disney Dream, we met with Minnie Mouse. Based on what I’ve heard from cast members and fellow passengers, the character is usually one of the Big Five (Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, or Pluto).

Concierge Lounge and Private Sundeck

One of the best perks for Concierge guests is the exclusive and private sundeck and lounge, only accessible via your Key to the World card. Here are some photos of the lounge and sundeck on the Disney Magic:

The lounge has ample seating and really only gets crowded on embarkation and disembarkation days. I’ve never otherwise seen the lounge more than one-quarter occupied. It is open from 7:00am to 10:00pm daily, with snacks and drinks available throughout the day. During both of our cruises, I stopped by several times a day to refresh our Evian stock in the stateroom fridge. The “snack” quality is pretty good, and I’ve seen the same foods offered on both the Disney Dream and the Disney Magic.

In addition to the free Evian, the two best drink offerings in the lounge are the coffee and the free booze! For the coffee, they have an amazing machine that can make any type of espresso-based coffee drink that you want, using real milk (not that powdered stuff). Every morning, I made my own latte, which was far superior to anything else offered on the ship (better than Starbucks quality). Then, they have a happy hour every evening starting at 5:00pm – always my first stop on the way to dinner! The happy hour is a true open bar: any kind of wine, beer, or cocktail you could imagine. The bartender concocts whatever you want!

Comparing the lounges of the Magic to the Dream, I prefer the Magic, mainly because it has windows looking out over the Quiet Cove Adult Pool. The Dream’s lounge has no windows but rather has a giant domed skylight. As between the two ships’ private sundecks, I still prefer the Magic. Again, it overlooks the Quiet Cove Adult Pool. The sundecks on the Dream and Fantasy actually have a hot tub (which I never care to use), but are more enclosed by privacy barriers with no direct views over the water or any pool. It just seems like the Concierge Lounge and sundeck of the Magic are both more open, bright, and airy.

While in the quiet comfort of the lounge, be sure to take advantage of some exclusive amenities: a DVD collection, Nintendo DS and iPads, assorted board games, a variety of magazines, and popcorn! The popcorn comes in a big bag that you can bring with you to the movie theater – no need to buy it at the theater.

On-Board Concierge Hosts

Disney Cruise Line is renowned for their “cast members” and their ability to create “magical” moments. That goes double (if not triple) for the on-board Concierge hosts. Superior service is their hallmark. I fondly remember one member of the Concierge hosts on the Disney Dream always saying “my pleasure” in response to all of our requests. I’ve seen a similar level of service at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, so it does not surprise me that Disney Cruise Line strives to offer this kind of five-star service to all of its Concierge guests.

I’ve had many questions and requests of the Concierge hosts on both the Disney Dream and the Disney Magic. Every question was easily answered, and every request was fulfilled timely and with no issue whatsoever (as they say, “my pleasure”!). The on-board Concierge hosts offer the same services as the shoreside Concierge staff. For example, they can make new or change existing reservations you may have – no need to ever stand in line at the Guest Services or Port Adventures desks. They take care of everything for you. They’re basically your own personal assistants for the duration of the cruise!

Should you book a cabana on Castaway Cay, the Concierge hosts will join you ashore and then serve you throughout the day. You literally just press a call button in your cabana, and (usually) within minutes, one of them arrives to assist you. The hosts also walk around just to see how you’re doing and make sure everything is OK. Both times we were on Castaway Cay at the cabanas, it was reassuring to see these familiar and friendly faces. (You can see reviews of Castaway Cay cabanas here )

The Concierge hosts love to surprise their guests with special gifts. When we cruised on the Disney Magic, we were elated to find this cute two-sided Mickey emoji stuffed toy waiting for us on our bed:

At the end of every cruise, all Concierge guests receive a beautiful parting gift: a limited-edition lithograph by Disney artist “Ducky” Williams. Here is the very frameable print that we received at the end our Disney Magic cruise:

Speaking of the end of your Disney cruise, the Concierge hosts really strive to help ease your transition off of the ship . If you bought a photo package through Shutters , let both the Shutters staff and a Concierge host know the last night of your cruise that you would like the Concierge staff to pick up your package. Rather than waiting in line at Shutters during the crazy disembarkation morning, just go to the Concierge lounge and your photo package will be waiting for you – magic!

Also, for the best magic of all, on that aforementioned disembarkation day , Concierge guests are allowed to disembark at any time they prefer. If you go to the Concierge lounge, a Concierge host will personally escort you off the ship. They will block off the elevator (using a special key), which will send you straight to the correct deck for disembarkation, and they will help you bypass the line to literally just walk off the ship.

All of these perks have made me a Disney Cruise Line Concierge ADDICT! I cannot wait to sail Concierge level again on my next Disney cruise!!!

 Thank you Gunes for sharing all of this valuable information with us!  If you are interested in reading another concierge trip report, I have written a trip report for one of our concierge sailings on the Disney Wonder which you can read here .

As always, don’t forget to like me on Facebook ( click here ) and follow me on Pinterest ( click here ) for all of the latest Disney Cruise Mom Blog updates!

April 6, 2018 at 10:15 pm

We surprised our 85 year old mom with a one bedroom suite on the Wonder. She was escorted on to the ship and didn’t know what to think of that. We gave her the bed room side and my sis and I took the pull out. Each side had their own temp control so she could keep her bedroom as warm as she wanted. Mom really liked the large mirrored vanity, walk in closet and large deep tub not to mention the large balcony. She also had a shower and double sink area but really liked that we had our own bath and didn’t have to share with her. She also had her diet Coke with lots of ice every night waiting for her. Although we don’t usually do concierge for mom the trip was a wonderois and special surprise for mom.

April 7, 2018 at 10:38 am

That’s awesome! What great memories!

April 17, 2018 at 10:44 pm

I would like to add when we sailed concierge, on the days we had a port of call there were bottles of sunscreen for adults and baby as well as the Evian spray water! They also gave us priority seating on a port of call where we needed to tender out. We had a particular rough day at sea and also got to spend the day inside watching movies all day, with ginger ale and popcorn, the rough seas didn’t damper our spirt and the staff was always excellent! The bartender knew my husband and my drink of choice after day one! I loved everyday and I am hooked from now on, and my family was also allowed to join in on the fun for activities that were also attended by someone in our room. So when we had 18 people and 5 different rooms they were allowed to attend gingerbread making, tendering to a port, and so much more with my family with the concierge staff!

April 27, 2018 at 8:57 am

This article was EXTREMELY well written! Thanks for sharing such a great description! I was just able to share this with a client who I booked on the Magic out of Miami in concierge! Thank you!!!!

April 27, 2018 at 10:57 am

Thank you Stephanie!

July 26, 2018 at 1:47 pm

Fantastic review! Thanks for taking the time to share. I was frustrated by how little accurate info I could find online prior to our first Disney Cruise. We made the (fabulous) mistake of sailing concierge for our first ever, and for us, there was no looking back. We have enjoyed it on all ships but Wonder, which we have booked for next year!

One note… in-room dining from the MDRs and in-room debarkation day breakfast are only available in the suites, not for Category V (this is because there is no dining table and chairs).

And now I am craving a latte from the lounge!!

July 30, 2018 at 12:15 pm

Does anyone know if there is priority or roped off seating for the shows onboard?

July 30, 2018 at 12:28 pm

Hi Cari! No, there is not priority seating for concierge guests at the shows.

September 24, 2018 at 2:11 pm

I’m glad someone took the time to explain the benefits of concierge cruising. I wanted to add another point about the cost. Think about the amount of alcohol you consume during the cruise, ..now consider how much you would have consumed if you had an open bar every day from 5pm to 10pm. No need for a drink package. Also, if there is a specific brand that you favor, they will make every effort to obtain it for you. Also, other items like bottled water or suntan lotion have no extra charge. This alone really offset some of the cost. After our first cruise on the Wonder, I upgraded to the concierge level and now the WIFE, just like that Seinfeld episode won’t let me go back to coach. We just finished a cruise on the Fantasy and are about to cruise on the Magic for the first time. I can’t wait to see the 3 new ships starting in 2021.

March 28, 2019 at 3:36 pm

New to sailing with Disney and thinking of booking concierge level for my immediate family. My mother will be traveling with us as well to help with my children. She WILL NOT be staying on the concierge level. We of course want to do everything all together….will I have problems boarding the ship, making reservations, spending time in the sundeck if my “non concierge” level mother is with us? Will she have to board the ship separately from us? HELP!

March 28, 2019 at 10:06 pm

Hi Andrea! If your mother is not sailing concierge, she will not be able to board with concierge guests. But, if you wait and board with her group, you will be able to board together. She will also not be able to go to the concierge lounge. For online booking of activities and port adventures, your booking window will open before hers so she would not be able to book things at the same time as you – she would have to wait for her booking window to open. This might be an issue or not, depending on how full the sailing is and if you are trying to get one of the more popular port adventures.

October 26, 2019 at 4:41 pm

Thanks. We’ve sailed Disney before but now with teenagers we need more maroon and have become spoiled by upgraded service over the years. Your article is really very helpful. Best I’ve found. One question and 1 comment. Question: what Elimis bath amenities are offered in the rooms? And FYI, the 1-bebrood concierge rooms have really huge verandas but only sleep 4 (no pull down) and I think they don’t have tubs bc they are wheelchair accessible showers. Thanks again!

October 26, 2019 at 4:44 pm

One more benefit—email the concierge team before you travel and they will stock your room with your preferred sodas and waters, extra blankets and specific types of pillows!

November 16, 2019 at 11:39 am

What a great blog firstly.

Am still somewhat confused as we have never done a cruise before. we are looking at staying at concierge level in a family room with veranda which I think they class it a V level, the price is around £4.5k difference from a normal family room and I’m trying to work out whether it will benefit us… is the room a lot bigger than the standard room ? are all these extra activities everyone is talking about that the team book you chargeable ? we are not really big drinkers but I do like a brandy so I am I right to assume that drinks are free at concierge level in there lounge which kids can also go in ? we have 3 kids 13,5 and an 18 month old which I think will enjoy the cruise…sorry for the long reply im just confused at what extra we have to pay for on the cruise at that level or any level…

November 17, 2019 at 3:03 pm

Hi! We just returned from A Concierge level Disney Cruise. Concierge is everything you expect and more. 2 notes I think would be helpful to your readers: requesting soda, water, blankets, pillows etc from Concierge prior to boarding and during the cruise is delivered by the concierge staff. Important to know when you’re determining Rios. also, they have discontinued providing Eliminis products in the rooms (!). I asked for them, and they delivered plenty to me, but it was basically Left overs, I was told AJ’s they aren’t supplying them to concierge rooms anymore.

December 1, 2019 at 5:58 am

Question – I was told that Concierge cabin doors are not magnetic. How does everyone decorate them? What do they use?

December 1, 2019 at 9:20 am

Hi Beth! On the Wonder and Magic, the concierge doors are no different from the rest so they are magnetic. On the Dream and Fantasy, they have a wood covering which I have heard prevents magnets from sticking well. From what I understand, people just don’t decorate them.

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We tried a $10,000 concierge suite on Disney Wish to find out if it was worth the extra cost

Disney Wish is Disney Cruise Line's newest, largest and undeniably fanciest ship. In the summer of 2022, Wish joined the fleet as Disney's fifth ship, and since then, I've become an unabashed fan. The beautiful, modern floating resort is so impressive that it can even win over non-cruisers .

I've been lucky enough to sail on Wish twice. During my first sailing, I was an invited guest of Disney on a media preview cruise and stayed in a stateroom with a veranda. More recently, I sailed as a paying passenger on a regularly scheduled sailing in a one-bedroom suite.

A suite is obviously more luxurious and spacious than a standard room, but arguably the best things about Disney Cruise Line 's version are the numerous concierge perks that come with it.

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On Wish, there is a concierge lounge, complete with a private sun deck and hot tubs. Plus, you'll enjoy complimentary evening cocktails, hot room service breakfast, access to earlier onboard and port activity reservation times, and a dedicated team that handles any needs or logistics that arise on your voyage, among other perks.

If you're considering a cruise on Disney Wish in a concierge-level cabin, here's a look at what you can expect — and when paying extra is and isn't worth the cost.

Disney Wish concierge basics

Concierge lounge access and services on Disney Wish are available to passengers with bookings in the Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom category and above.

Measuring 300 to 350 square feet, these entry-level concierge rooms include a private balcony (in some cases) and can sleep up to five people. While they are essentially standard cabins in terms of size, they have the added benefit of touches like a down duvet, a plush robe and slippers, a pillow menu and included Wi-Fi access, according to Disney.

The suites on the ship, ranging from the one-bedroom suite we booked to the over-the-top Tower Suite located in the ship's forward (fake) funnel, also come with concierge access and perks.

Concierge rooms are admittedly pretty pricey when compared to most standard cabins, and they typically sell out before the other room types.

For the least expensive three-night sailings on Disney Wish, expect to pay at least $3,700 for double occupancy or around $5,300 for two adults and two children in the same cabin.

However, it can easily cost more than double that price to sail in a concierge room during peak holiday dates, when the price of the suites quickly crosses the $10,000 mark for a family.

Disney Wish has roughly double the number of concierge cabins of the other Disney ships, with a total of 76 located across decks 11, 12 and 13. This increase in total number of concierge passengers comes with it its own list of pros and cons that I'll address shortly.

Related: 11 ways to save money on Disney Cruise Line

FOR NO COST ASSISTANCE WITH PLANNING AND BOOKING YOUR NEXT DISNEY CRUISE OR VACATION, CHECK OUT TPG'S DISNEY BOOKING PARTNER, MOUSE COUNSELORS .

Disney Wish concierge perks

The magic of the Disney concierge benefits starts well before you board. Most of these perks are the same regardless of which Disney ship you've booked, though how they play out varies a bit based on the ship and port(s).

Early booking for dining and activities

Starting 130 days before you sail, you can inform the concierge team of your booking preferences for things like onboard dining, spa treatments, port adventures and bookings at Castaway Cay. Then, 120 days before you set sail, that team does its best to secure the reservations you want.

That's an earlier booking window than other cruisers get. Typically, passengers can start booking activities 75 days out for first-time cruisers, 90 days for those with Silver Castaway Club status and 105 days for those with Gold Castaway Club status.

The early access period for concierge cruisers is the same window as those with Platinum Castaway Club status — the highest elite tier in Disney Cruise Line's loyalty program — receive. You don't earn this top-tier status until you've completed at least 10 sailings with Disney, so this head start on booking is a huge benefit for concierge room guests.

This early booking benefit can be the difference between getting that coveted brunch or dinner reservation at the adults-only restaurants, premium spa treatment time or a highly sought-after cabana on Castaway Cay, Disney's private island .

Early ship boarding — and a private lounge at Port Canaveral

Some concierge perks come when it's time to sail.

You get the earliest port arrival time, which often means you'll rub elbows with fewer people in the terminal and end up spending more time on the ship. We were able to arrive at the port starting a little before 10:30 a.m., which is an hour or two earlier than most passengers.

There were no crowds at all in the Port Canaveral terminal, which is Wish's home port, and we didn't have to wait in any measurable lines to have our documents or carry-on bags checked.

A sticker was put on our shirts to denote that we were concierge passengers to the staff, which literally opened doors for us.

By 10:40 a.m. we were in the private lounge reserved for those in concierge cabins and back-to-back cruisers who were enjoying a second consecutive sailing.

The lounge wasn't over-the-top nice but did have spots to sit, charge your phone and sip on a cold drink from the minifridge.

Shortly before 11:30 a.m., we found ourselves walking on board the still mostly empty ship.

Onboard welcome lunch

The pools and AquaMouse waterslide weren't yet open when we got onto the ship because it was so early in our sailing. However, I highly recommend using this extra time to head to those the minute they are available. Since we had just cruised on Wish a few weeks earlier, we decided instead to check out the Grand Hall and attend a leisurely concierge welcome lunch in the 1923 restaurant.

This was a good time to get to know the concierge team and ask them about essential tips, like making your booking for the Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge before the times are all snapped up. Minutes seriously matter on that one, so make the booking the moment you get on the ship's Wi-Fi and can access the Disney Cruise Line app.

We were also told that our suite should be ready by the time we were done with our meal of smoked salmon, empanadas, and the epic welcome aboard sundae with vanilla bean ice cream, pecan-caramel cupcake bites and butterscotch topping — and that proved correct.

Related: What it's like to eat in the 'Frozen' restaurant on Disney Wish

The concierge lounge

Now we're getting to the good stuff. Located on Deck 12 forward (Deck 13 for the sun deck), the concierge lounge is a showpiece of why you sail in this class of Disney Wish cabin in the first place.

This is where you will find the kind, knowledgeable, personal and gracious team of four concierge hosts. It's also where you can enjoy small plates of snacks throughout the day; access a fridge full of complimentary juice, water and soda; and visit the included bar in the evenings from 5 to 10 p.m.

This particular concierge lounge is massive when you factor in all the indoor space, the outdoor terrace and the entire sun deck.

We enjoyed the sailaway out of Port Canaveral from this deck and would visit each day for small plates of food that you don't usually find on other parts of the ship, such as sushi. We'd also come here to load up on bottled water and some sodas for the room and shore excursions.

Whatever you do, make sure you don't miss the evening happy hours in the lounge. You can get wine, beer, mixed drinks, cocktails and basically anything you can dream up at no extra charge to enjoy there or elsewhere on the ship. Our kids loved the mocktail strawberry daiquiris.

On the sun deck, there are two hot tubs and a small pool available exclusively for concierge guests. There's more than enough seating up here and even an unlimited Dole Whip smoothie machine, if you find yourself craving Disney's iconic treat. It sounds better than it tastes, but the odds are high that your kids will have fun with it.

Hot in-room meals for breakfast and from the restaurants

Everyone on Disney Cruise Line can order room service to their stateroom at virtually any time of day for free. However, in most staterooms, room service breakfast choices are limited to continental options such as cereals, doughnuts, pastries and fruit. In concierge suites, you can order hot room service options, too.

To place an order, fill out the order card the night before. The next day, you'll find yourself starting your day with pretty delicious menu items such as Mickey waffles, avocado toast and breakfast sandwiches, all in the comfort of your room.

At night, most stateroom guests can choose from room service basics such as chicken fingers, hamburgers and chicken wings. But in concierge accommodations, you can also have a meal from the sit-down restaurants brought to your room.

I'd love to say we tried that and show you some pictures of fancy food, but after several rich and involved meals, the chicken fingers and fries were all we wanted on the one night we dined in.

Related: 7 things that surprised me on Disney Wish

Early seating for evening shows

There are no assigned seats for the Broadway-caliber shows (think: "The Little Mermaid" and "Aladdin") on Disney Wish, but those who are staying in concierge rooms do have their first choice of seats, as you can meet one of the concierge hosts at a special entrance about five minutes before the other guests are let into the theater. This translates to getting your first pick of seats.

These first-come, first-served seats are not in a reserved section, so you do still need to get to the theater pretty early. You'll need to ask the hosts exactly what time they are meeting before the show, but if you want that front-and-center spot, it's a nice perk.

Free popcorn

While watching the evening shows or a movie — or really whenever you get a craving for a snack — you can get free popcorn with your concierge stateroom keycard. It's a small way that the concierge label makes everything feel a little bit easier.

Get walked off the ship at the end of the cruise

On our first Disney cruise , getting off the ship on the final morning was a total nightmare. There were epic queues for the over-stuffed elevators and a seemingly never-ending line to walk off the ship.

If you stay in a concierge accommodation, you don't have to deal with any of those headaches. At certain times in the morning — the final available time to do this on our recent cruise was around 8:15 a.m. — one of the hosts will let you get into a special elevator that quickly brings you down to the deck to disembark without a wait. It's a magical way to end the trip.

You're on your own for the regular line for clearing customs, but getting off the ship itself is a dream that you don't want to end.

Related: What it's like to eat at the Marvel restaurant on Disney Wish

Inside our 1-bedroom suite on Disney Wish

Like the rest of the ship, our one-bedroom suite was lovely, albeit a little plain in certain areas.

First, the highlights, of which there were many: The king-size bed was absolutely heavenly. Given how tight sleeping quarters can be on ships, it was a massive luxury to have such a large bed while on Wish.

The "Tangled"-themed mural on the wall in the bathroom was also breathtaking.

Frankly, the entire bathroom was divine and felt far more like what you'd find in a hotel than in a cruise cabin, thanks to its spacious layout.

Off the living room was another full bathroom that lacked a tub like the primary bathroom, but it still had a shower that was extremely generous in size, especially given it was the suite's secondary shower.

In the living room, there was a small Murphy bed that came out of an awkward divider between the dining and sitting areas. The couch also converted into a bed courtesy of the stateroom host each evening.

That made for a total of three sleeping spaces in this suite.

Disney Wish's layout was a bit different from what I'd found when staying in a one-bedroom suite on Disney Wonder , where suites have smaller single beds in the bedroom instead of the living room. That worked better for me at the time with younger kids, but I can see how Wish's arrangement may be ideal for those with older kids.

Either way, the primary bedroom area was mostly occupied by the bed, so there wasn't much room for anything other than a side table and a dresser.

Another key difference that I'm not sure was an improvement was the use of space between the primary bedroom and bathroom. On Disney Wonder, there was a desk there that was perfect for working, putting on makeup, or organizing and charging all your devices.

On Wish, that hall was instead used for storage, which was OK but a little awkward, especially because the doors were so tough to open that my 7-year-old couldn't always do it without help. Younger kids certainly wouldn't be able to access it on their own. If someone happens to pull out the keycard that allows the lights to come on inside — which happened to us during our cruise — heaven help you, as it is pitch black and almost creepy in there.

Other than the eye-catching light fixture, the dining area also felt a little uninspiring, given how grand the bathroom was. Some art on the walls, perhaps from "Tangled" to continue the theme, would have been nice.

That said, our private balcony was perfect for morning coffee and evening sunsets.

All-in-all, the one-bedroom suite was a lovely space that certainly benefited from the modern decor and bedding, but I'm not 100% convinced it is an overall better use of physical space than what you'll find on the older Disney ships. Still, my two kids, grandma and I were comfortable throughout our cruise.

Related: Disney Cruise Line's ships explained

Related: These are the best credit cards for booking a cruise

Is concierge level worth it on the new Disney Wish?

Now that you have a sense of the suite and what type of magic a concierge-level booking unlocks on Disney Wish, let's talk about when it is — and maybe isn't — worth the splurge.

When concierge level on Disney Wish is worth it

If you simply want to be in one of the ship's suites (and have the funds for it), then you're going to default to having concierge access and perks. You'll not only have more space in your cabin but also all the perks that come along with it.

For what it's worth, my favorite onboard suite is not the most expensive one in the funnel but rather the two-story "Sleeping Beauty"-inspired Royal Suite. Sure, it'll set you back at least $15,000 per sailing, but it's beautiful — to say the least.

Concierge level is also worth it if you want the best service that Disney Cruise Line has to offer.

For example, if you are only ever going to sail once, paying up for all the bells and whistles may be the way to go. That way, you can have someone on hand to magically handle all the logistics and requests and be available for any onboard questions and assistance.

On shorter cruises, like the three- and four-night options on Wish, the concierge can also help you maximize your time by letting you on as early as possible. Additionally, it's a fantastic category to book if you really enjoy lounges when you travel and plan to make the most of the ones on and off the ship.

On Wish specifically, you have the added benefit of the private sun deck with hot tubs. If you think you'll use those, then it's a real value-add.

And of course, when the price differential between the more standard cabins and concierge rooms is smaller — let's say $1,500 or so, it's obviously more worth it than when the price differential is thousands and thousands of dollars.

Finally, if you have hard-to-get reservation requests (like the perfect Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique time slot) and don't otherwise have Platinum Castaway Club status, which allows you to book it at the first available moment, then being in a concierge room increases your odds of snagging those valuable timeslots.

When concierge level on Disney Wish isn't worth it

As mentioned, if funds are not an issue and you want the best of the best, then great, book a concierge cabin on Disney Wish. We eagerly await the postcard you send us from your fabulous vacation.

However, for most of us with finite vacation budgets, there are trade-offs requiring us to maximize each decision. As a result, having concierge access on your first Wish sailing may not be the best use of money.

Having sailed both in and out of these accommodations on Wish, I found myself enjoying more of the ship itself when sailing without concierge access.

On your first Wish sailing, you already have three new-to-you restaurants to enjoy, which makes dining at the adults-only specialty restaurants less of a priority since doing so means you'll need to skip one of the included restaurants. If you don't eat in the adults-only spots, you don't need help getting those coveted bookings, meaning you'll get less out of the pricey concierge experience.

The on-deck food, like Marceline Market, is also worth visiting on your first Disney Wish cruise, but you may find it harder to work it in when you have access to the concierge lounge.

The same applies for drinks. Since drinks were included in the concierge lounge each evening, I felt silly going to the ship's fantastic bars, such as the Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge and The Rose, because of the out-of-pocket costs attached to those cocktails.

Even with concierge perks, you may also find yourself out of luck in getting some highly sought-after benefits. This happened to me with one perk I was really looking forward to: the hard-to-book cabanas on Castaway Cay.

Because there are more concierge cabins on Disney Wish than there are cabanas on Castaway Cay, you are not guaranteed the ability to rent one. Athough we requested one as soon as possible, we were not one of the lucky ones to snag a cabana.

If you decide to skip the extra expense of concierge level, that means you'll have more money to put toward the new offerings on board, such as cocktails with popsicles in tasty flavors in the adult-only pool area.

Bottom line

There's no question that sailing with concierge access on Disney Wish is a fantastic experience, but you probably could have guessed that. It improves an already low-stress vacation so it becomes an essentially stress-free getaway with magical moments at every turn. The concierge team can grant virtually every wish you could dream up.

Sipping evening cocktails on the private deck while sailing away into the sunset was simply phenomenal, and having a lounge to pop into for treats, drinks or reservation assistance was a convenience I could get used to.

However, magic comes at a cost.

Disney Cruise Line is already more expensive than most family-oriented cruise lines, and Disney Wish is the most expensive of the Disney ships. Add concierge access on top of that and, well, it's certainly not cheap. If you are going to have to take fewer trips over the course of a year or two to afford a concierge-level room on Disney Wish, then you're probably better off skipping it on your first sailing. After all, part of the fun of being on Disney Wish is checking out all the one-of-a-kind facilities you'll only find on this ship.

Related: Comparing Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Disney for a family cruise

Once you've tried all the restaurants, found your favorite bars and explored every corner of the ship, a concierge accommodation is absolutely worth considering — if you have the means to make it happen. The upgraded stateroom, concierge lounge and other perks provided with these rooms are a treat to experience while cruising.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
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Is the Disney Cruise Concierge Level Worth the Price?

Robert Dwyer

October 29, 2023

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Disney Cruise Concierge amenities might not seem like much. But during the cruise at every turn I felt like some invisible hand was guiding us to have the time of our lives.

How a Disney Dream Suite delivered our best family vacation ever

After taking a couple of Disney Cruises when our kids were younger I left feeling a little disappointed. But after spending a few years focusing on Disney World and other destinations, I was ready to try a Disney Cruise again.

Read our Concierge review of the newest Disney Wish!

On the first two cruises I was, at times, unhappy with the service quality, the food was disappointing, and the stateroom was tiny. This time, I was willing to pull out all the stops to give Disney a chance to help make this the memorable vacation I wanted it to be.

I booked one of the one bedroom Concierge suites for a 4-night Bahamian cruise on the Disney Dream. The Disney Concierge level appealed to me for its ability to smooth the rough edges we experienced on our previous cruises in dining and cabin comfort. The living room had bedding options for up to three kids, and the master bedroom offered privacy and additional upgrades in bedding and bath amenities the concierge rooms are known for.

The Royal Suites on the Disney ships have additional perks like expansive verandahs with hot tubs, and the newer ship, the Disney Wish has Royal Suites that can sleep up to 8 guests, eliminating the need for connecting staterooms.

The Disney Concierge level appealed to me for its ability to smooth the rough edges we experienced on our previous cruises in dining and cabin comfort. For longer itineraries on the Disney Fantasy? This is absolutely worth it.

The third time was the charm.

Concierge Level on the Disney Dream was probably our best family vacation ever.

What’s Included in Concierge Level Disney Cruise

When Disney Cruise Line added the Dream and Fantasy to their fleet they focused on making their Concierge product even more compelling. After recent refurbishments, there are now a Disney Wonder and Disney Magic Concierge Lounge, too.

The experience starts before your vacation begins with pre-arrival services that enable priority on reserving onboard activities, the port adventures (shore excursions), dining reservations, and beach cabanas on Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.

On embarkation day, you get priority boarding and are among the first guests to board the ship. Non-Concierge guests are given an arrival window to avoid everybody slamming into the terminal at the same time.

Adjacent to Concierge staterooms is a Concierge Lounge with light snacks and beverages throughout the day and complimentary beer, wine and cocktails in the evening.

The Lounge is where you’ll interact with your Concierge Hosts, probably the single best thing about the Concierge experience, who can help with just about any request you might have onboard.

Above the Lounge is a Concierge sundeck, an uncrowded space to relax outdoors with hot tubs, cooling misters, and beverages.

On their face, Concierge benefits might not seem like much. But during the cruise at every turn I felt like some invisible hand was guiding us to have the time of our lives. So many little things were just subtle, and—well— better.

Many of the guests we chatted with agreed. It would be hard to go to non-Concierge once you start this expensive and addicting version of a family vacation.

Disney Shore Side Concierge

Once our cruise was booked, I called the on-shore Concierge for guidance on things that can be booked ahead of time. If you’ve never sailed with Disney, having someone talk you through the options you’ll want to book is invaluable.

Probably the hardest amenity they can secure is a cabana on Castaway Cay which, despite their high price of $599, sell out quickly and typically go only to Concierge guests. We opted against booking a cabana, unable to justify the cost in our minds.

Our requests were simple: a table at Remy and a spa appointment. Others might request tickets to character meet and greets on the ship, preferred tables in the main dining rooms, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique appointments, or which non-alcoholic drinks to stock your stateroom fridge.

A few days before the 120-day booking window opened we secured the reservations we wanted via email. This was handy since we were out of the country at the time.

READ OUR DISNEY DREAM GUIDE ON THE VERY BEST SPLURGES

People determined to secure a cabana draft their request emails in advance and use an automatic email scheduler like Boomerang.  It is critical to send your cruise requests at 12:01AM exactly when your window opens. Here’s how .

Disney Embarkation Day at Port Canaveral

On embarkation day, we arrived at the Disney Cruise terminal about 15 minutes before the earliest time we could board in order to maximize our time enjoying the ship.

When you’re sailing Concierge, you check in at a dedicated counter and can board whenever you want to rather than being assigned a window of time to check in.

If you arrive early you can wait in an area reserved for Concierge guests. It’s nothing special, but it does provide a place to sit down. Concierge guests board immediately after guests who are doing back to back cruises, but before everyone else. There tends to be quite a bit more standing around and queuing for non-Concierge guests since there aren’t many seats.

Nobody does a better job than Disney making every family feel special. After boarding the ship, we were greeted and guided up to the Concierge Lounge.

This is probably as busy as the lounge ever is since every family sailing Concierge was also there.

That said, it was a really nice greeting with Champagne and a personal review of our itinerary, orienting us on the benefits of sailing Concierge, and securing any last-minute reservations we might be interested in.

They proposed a wine tasting we neglected to book earlier, and, though it was sold out, they were able to get us on the guest list.

The One Bedroom Disney Concierge Suite

The One-Bedroom Concierge Suite is twice the size of a standard stateroom. We could enjoy our time in the room with our two boys without climbing over each other.

The entry level Disney Cruise staterooms in the Concierge area are deluxe verandah rooms. Even though it is the same design footprint as the deluxe family verandah room, it’s interior design scheme follows that of the larger suites with a few upgraded bath amenities.

From there they informed us our stateroom was ready. A Host walked us over and showed us around the room. The One Bedroom stateroom on the Dream is gorgeous and spacious. It’s roughly the size of two standard staterooms, thoughtfully configured with a separate sleeping area, two bathrooms, a soaking tub, a dining table, sofa, Murphy bed, and a double-sized verandah.

Check out our reviews Disney Wish Concierge experience!

It was so nice to have one of the Disney Cruise suites at sea that’s even larger (about 600 square feet) and nicer than most hotel rooms.

Once we got done gawking at the room we got our swimsuits on and hit the AquaDuck. It’s actually a lot of fun to enjoy with the kids. Try going early in the morning or late at night when lines are shorter.

Food and Drinks in Disney Concierge Lounge

Before dinner most nights, Concierge guests head over to the Lounge for a complimentary drink or two. Martinis and glasses of Prosecco were popular choices.

The wines they pour would sell for around $10 to $15 a bottle at a retail wine shop on land. The spirits selections included brands like Tanqueray, Jack Daniels, and Maker’s Mark. Beers were options like Corona and Heineken.

While I appreciated this amenity (which took the edge off the bar tab over the course of the cruise) it would be difficult to drink enough for it to put a dent in the Concierge price differential. I hope no one has ever tried.

They’ve got an espresso machine I’d heard great things about that is available all day. It’s certainly a step up from the thin coffee available on deck but seemed to pour mediocre milk-based espresso drinks. The same brand of machine is used at luxury hotel lounges, but its quality varies.

Concierge Services and Disney Cruise Dining

Most mornings we opted for a light continental breakfast in the Concierge Lounge. Though we could have gone to a sit-down restaurant or taken in a buffet, the Lounge was close and convenient and saved calories for other meals.

JOIN THE  LUXURY DISNEY WORLD  FACEBOOK GROUP IF WE CAN ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS WHEN PLANNING YOUR NEXT DISNEY VACATION.

The first night we went to our standard rotational dining restaurant and got to know our servers who’d follow us throughout the cruise. I realized that since we were going to Palo and Remy on a four-night cruise we’d only dine with them twice.

The main dining room food is just “fine”. Like, there’s a tuna tartare but it doesn’t taste very good because the grade of tuna used doesn’t seem to be very good. Because of the quality, the tuna resembles a light pink instead of a dark red. The steaks in the main dining room are Outback Steakhouse quality. Not good.

But some dishes can surprise, like pork or lamb shanks, that seem to survive the banquet preparation format better than others. Perhaps that sums it up. It’s banquet food. It like Be Our Guest without good theming.

Concierge level doesn’t really “fix” the food problem on Disney Cruises. But there’s a solution.

Remy and Palo deliver along with enhanced room service

Remy is an upscale, adults-only French fine dining establishment open to all passengers for an extra fee.

The upcharge is pricey at $99 per person or $199 with a wine pairing option, but I think it is worth every penny. It’s so elegant, delicious, interesting and refined. It’s truly an experience I’ll never forget and one of the best meals I’ve enjoyed anywhere.

Getting the kids fed on Palo and Remy nights can be tricky. Kids can eat in the kids’ clubs, or you can always take them on deck to grab some buffet food I guess. And they also say you can have the club counselors take them half way through a meal (we’ve not had luck navigating that).

When we were headed to Remy, we wanted to check on getting room service for our boys in our suite. One of the Disney Concierge perks is that you can order room service from the main dining rooms rather than the more limited standard room service menu if you have booked any of the Disney Cruise Suites.

We headed over to the Lounge, and one of our delightful Concierge hosts showed our boys menus. They could have anything they wanted from the main dining room. We set a time for them to deliver their food while we would be enjoying our meal at Remy, and they took care of everything. That worked out really well for my kids 10 and 12.

This experience was in great contrast to ordering room service on our previous non-Concierge Disney Cruises. During one cruise, I called for room service for our kids at 5pm. Room service staff informed me that it would take 30 to 45 minutes. An hour later the food wasn’t there and didn’t end up arriving until one hour and twenty minutes after we ordered which interfered with our dining plans.

Meanwhile we thoroughly enjoyed our Remy meal that the Disney Dream Concierge team reserved for us. We liked Remy so much we booked Palo the next night on our way back to the room.

The food is just so much better than the main dining rooms, and the room service for the kids worked out brilliantly. When our kids were younger that wasn’t a viable option without us in the room.

Those Incredible Disney Concierge Hosts

As time went by we got to know our Concierge Hosts better. They’re delightful, and I really appreciated having someone to go to with any issues I might have had. For example, I had trouble getting Wi-Fi working on my phone. Concierge guests receive 100 MB of data complimentary, and I blew through that almost instantly. They squared it away in an instant.

Similarly, I asked if the soda in the refrigerator in our room could be swapped for Evian. No problem. They took care of it immediately. Now I know I could have requested that in advance.

The Hosts can help in big and little ways and seem empowered to flatten issues on the spot. You never know when you’re going to need something.

Our boys were 12 and 10 at the time of this cruise, so we all appreciated that they could come and go from the kids’ clubs on their own. I was a little concerned they’d not both be able to visit the tween club, but we signed a waiver for our 10-year-old and both boys were able to come and go as they pleased from both the main kids’ clubs for 3 to 12 year olds, The Oceaneer Club and Lab as well as Edge, the tween club for 11 to 14 year olds.

Perhaps the most heartwarming example I can provide didn’t even involve our family. A little girl came to the Concierge Lounge crying saying she’d lost her lanyard on Castaway Cay. The Host said, “Don’t you worry, we’ll get you a new key to the world card right away!”. The little girl explained it wasn’t her key card – it was the pins on her lanyard she was sad about.

The Host said she’d radio over to the island to see if anyone had found the lanyard. I’m thinking to myself “Yeah, good luck with that.” But wouldn’t you know it – they had found the lanyard on the island, and it was already on its way back to the ship.

On Castaway Cay two of the Concierge Hosts tend to guests in cabanas. The family booked one for the day and the girl left her lanyard in the cabana. Knowing that, it wasn’t so unbelievable that they’d be able to find it and return it to its owner.

I think this anecdote perfectly captures the Concierge difference. You never know how it might be helpful but when it is, you’re sure glad you’re sailing Concierge.

How Much Does a Concierge Disney Cruise Cost?

If we look at a February 2025 cruise on the Disney Dream, I see the following prices for a 4-night cruise for a family of four:

Deluxe Family Ocean view Stateroom with Verandah (299 sf): $4,014

Concierge Family Ocean view Stateroom with Verandah (306 sf): $7,393

Bottom Line: Is Disney Cruise Concierge Worth It?

When sailing Concierge so many little things are just a little better, nicer, or easier. The bedding is plusher. The bathrobes and slippers are more plentiful. The build quality in the concierge hallways shows more refinement. You’ll be sitting at a nicer table at dinner and wonder whether it’s because you’re sailing Concierge.

There’s not a singular thing or list of things I could put together to say if you should book Concierge on Disney Cruise Line.

But if I look at the collective enjoyment of our family and the percentage of time that everyone was enjoying themselves, we were all utterly delighted with the experience. This was our best family vacation ever. That’s hard to attain so I can absolutely say that for us Concierge was worth it.

So is a concierge Disney Cruise Worth it?

Would I do it again? Absolutely, if the price isn’t too insane. You can find some truly crazy prices out there for Disney Cruises.

Could I now book a Disney Cruise that wasn’t Concierge? I could. Especially if we were traveling with extended family and needed more rooms.

If I go back to the three things that irritated me on prior non-Concierge Disney Cruises, sailing in a 1 Bedroom Concierge stateroom with frequent visits to premium restaurants addressed all of them.

Service quality dramatically improved. The space in the a one-bedroom suite addressed my comfort concerns. And by opting to visit Palo and Remy this cruise, 50% of our meals were spectacular. (The premium restaurants are, of course, available to everyone even if you choose not to sail concierge.)

So, was Concierge worth it? Absolutely. If you can find a cruise where the cost of Concierge Disney Cruise isn’t too much more expensive and you can justify it in your mind I’d recommend giving it a try. If most of the families we met while sailing convinced me of anything, you’ll do it again and again.

Planning your first (or 4th) Disney cruise?

If you are considering a European or Alaskan adventure, or short stay at the Disney theme parks before your cruise, Luxe Recess can plan  everything  as we are the luxury Disney experts. We can book all cruises, park tours, hotels, and transfers, so you can focus on getting excited for your vacation! We can help ensure Disney is the best line for your family or if an ultra luxe line is better.

Request a quote or a consultation call.

Robert Dwyer and his family are residents of the Boston area. His passions are family travel, food, and wine. You can read more at his blog Wellesley Wine Press , on Disney World  or follow him on Twitter .

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These are the 5 best universal orlando hotel options and why, 5 thoughts on “is the disney cruise concierge level worth the price”.

All you need to do to send your kids to the Oceaneers Club after eating is to sign up for the second seating and tell your server. As for Concierge, we love it too. My older son has mild sensory issues related to noise and I’m mildly claustrophobic. It’s nice to have a public place to relax as a family that’s less crowded and less noisy then the rest of the ship. After the first day there one of the stewards started poring my husband his favorite drink as soon as my husband entered the lounge. My husband didn’t request that service but the steward had noticed how much my husband enjoyed that particular drink.

I have somewhat of a more mixed view with concierge. Perhaps it was because we were upgraded once we began sailing (at a fee). We were on the Fantasy and while we enjoyed being in conceirge I couldn’t imagine paying full freight for it. The good: the lounge and the conceirge only deck and hot tub area are very nice and a good place to escape the crowds. We also requested and received a coveted cabana on Castaway Cay which was definitely worth it! The not so good: had to remind the conceirge team several times to remove previous bookings we made on castaway cay, since they were included with the cabana. The same thing happened with an event onboard, we asked for it to be cancelled and while the conceirge said, “leave it with me” it was not done timely and we had to ask another conceirge to do it for us. The conceirge team seemed a little miffed that we kept asking for larger to-go coffee cups for the coffee maker, which btw is fabulous and another perk of being in conceirge. That was a little petty. Also we were celebrating our anniversary, which was in our cruise profile, and never once got any recognition for that. And no welcoming gift or surprises in our cabin, as I have heard other conceirge guests have gotten. The personal touches seemed to be missing for us, for whatever reason. We’ve cruised a lot with other lines including Seabourn, Crystal, Norwegian, Princess, and RCCL. When sailing with those lines in upgraded or conceirge level cabins, we got much, much better service.

I completely disagree with your assessment of the concierge level justifying the price. For starters, the space is not that big and frankly it is filled with a dining table you really won’t need or use. Same with a living room. You are on a cruise! There is so much to do that there is no need to hang out in a room.

There are lovely lounging areas on the adult side as well. The kids loved the kids club so much that we had to peel them out of there. They had dinner in the kids club also on those nights. Everyone was happy without overpaying for concierge level. In fact, with that savings it allows more money towards the next trip!

I think this is a fair assessment. We sailed concierge on a 7 night western Caribbean in 2017 near Thanks giving (not on thanksgiving) and we paid $12,500 on the newly renovated Wonder. That was $1,800 per night. I though it was worth it at that price; and I much prefer concierge on the smaller ships as the 1 bedroom suite is much nicer in my opinion. The little things add up over time to make it great.

Not anymore though. In 2018 on, Disney has made significant pricing changes for concierge and it is just not worth the difference in price. Consider the exact same cruise is in concierge is now selling for $18,500. That is $6,000 more and the only difference is a year past, no more service, no more amenities. But good for Disney if they can get it I suppose.

Currently, we have are looking at the price difference between two veranda rooms versus a 1 bedroom concierge and just cannot find a reasonable justification; for example, $14,300 for a 4 night (that is $3,575 a night, and no I do not spend that much as a DVC member staying at the grand Floridian in a two bedroom over christmas) versus two verandas that connect are $8,000 ($2,000 per night). Is concierge worth an extra $1,000 to $2,000 per night. It depends on what you want to do with your extra money regardless of how wealthy you are.

I think, unfortunately, Disney can demand these prices because the market is supporting the increase. Concierge sells out on most cruises, so they can have their fun with this increase. It is scary when you compare the nightly rate to the equivalent at the resort hotels at WDW!

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Disney Cruise Concierge Level Upgrade: A Mixed Review

Debating whether to upgrade to the Disney Cruise Concierge Level for your next sailing? We give our honest review of whether this upgrade is worth the splurge .

Luxury comes in many shapes and sizes, especially on a cruise. When it comes to Disney Cruise Lines, guests will already experience a magical voyage, so is it worth upgrading to the premium Disney Concierge Level? Our honest answer is not really; however, it is worth considering if the price is right.

Hopping aboard the Disney Magic, we set sail in our Concierge-Level Stateroom to decide if this were an upgrade we would be willing to splurge on again. Top-notch service and exceptional experiences happen at every stateroom level on Disney Cruise lines. So why upgrade? Let’s break down each benefit of the Concierge Level to see how Disney elevates their service and amenities for this elite class level.

What’s Included In A Disney Cruise Concierge Level Stateroom?

Priority boarding.

Concierge:  Having a coveted group one boarding pass means that you are one of the first people to get to board the ship. Even better is that Concierge Passengers have their own priority check-in line, where they skip waiting with those in the main boarding line. Inform a Disney Cast Member of your Concierge status, and they will whisk you away to the Concierge Line.

These perks will allow you to have extra time on the ship to explore, enjoy a sit-down lunch and swim before the pools get busy.

Remember to pack your swimsuit in the bag you are bringing onboard because it could be a few hours before your stateroom is ready and you receive your luggage. Check out our  Disney Cruise Packing List,  so you come prepared.

Non-Concierge:  Guests will choose their preferred boarding arrival time according to their Castaway Club Status. Castaway Club status depends on the number of sailings you have had with Disney. Guests will arrive at their boarding time and can wait to clear security and check-in. Depending on your boarding time, this could go quickly, or you may have to wait 30 minutes to an hour.

Takeaway:  If you are a first-time cruiser nervous about embarkation day, having Concierge will relieve stress. Disney does not offer priority boarding outside of Concierge, so this elite.

As a frequent cruiser, I am okay with waiting to board the ship. However, being able to bypass the lines made me feel like a celebrity. Getting on board the vessel first does have its perks, with the pools and slide being practically empty! However, arriving at a later boarding time has its perks as well. There are fewer lines at the port terminal, once onboard the lunch rush is over and your stateroom will likely be ready or close to it.

Pre-Access To Experiences With Concierge

Concierge:  One of the top reasons guests enjoy booking a concierge room is that they have priority access to all experiences available to book on the ship. If you are a first-time Disney Cruiser, this is a significant perk, since your reservation window will open last. Here are just a few of the things concierge guests get to reserve before the rest of the guests:

• Activities at Castaway Cay, including private Cabanas (on select sailings)
•  Adult-exclusive dining reservations
•  Port Adventures
•  Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
•  Royal Court Royal Tea & Olaf’s Royal Picnic (on select sailings)
•  Virtual Sports/Golf Simulator (on select sailings)
•  Beverage Tastings
•  Senses Spa Appointments
•  It’s A Small World Nursery
•  Dining rotation and seating requests
•  Character meet and greets such as Royal Gathering

Once onboard, guests can access a Concierge Team to assist with special requests, additional bookings, or any questions.

Non-Concierge:  Guests will have to wait for the booking window to open up to be able to reserve experiences. Often first-time cruisers will not be able to get experiences in high demand as they usually are booked up before their booking window opens.

Takeaway:   The value of this perk comes down to each family individually. On a personal note, there are so many great things to do on the ship that it isn’t a deal breaker if I don’t get a particular reservation or activity. At the same time, other families find specific experiences a must-do for their vacation, especially for kids, such as the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and the Royal Court Royal Tea.

One sure way to make sure you get all the experiences you want, book a Concierge Level Room.

SIDE NOTE:  If you still need to read my review about the  Royal Court Royal Tea , I recommend it before spending your money.

Welcome Lunch

Concierge:  Depending on the Disney Cruise Line Ship you are sailing a designated dining room has been reserved for Concierge Guests to enjoy a special Embarkation Lunch. The lunch menu mimics the regular Embarkation Day menu. However, guests are allowed to order complimentary alcoholic beverages. During the lunch, your concierge hosts will introduce themselves, confirm any onboard activities, and welcome you aboard.

Non-Concierge:  Guests can enjoy a sit-down lunch in one of the designated main dining rooms, enjoy one of the quick service restaurants poolside or hit the buffet at Cabanas.

Takeaway:  The lunch was nothing to write home about. You could find comparable lunch offerings elsewhere on the ship. While it is nice to have a table waiting for you, I was expecting a little more.

The Cocktail Trolley

Concierge:  One of the unique offerings was a daily visit from the Cocktail Trolley. The Fairy God Mother must have known this was the wish of many cruisers as nearly all Concierge Level Guests were in their staterooms at 5:00 pm waiting for the Cocktail Trolley to appear!

We were onboard the Disney Magic, and the trolley would make its rounds daily between 5:00 pm-6:00 pm. Guests were able to get craft cocktails made right outside their door. If there wasn’t a spirit on the trolley that you enjoyed, you could always request it. It would appear on the trolley the following evening. The cocktail trolley also offers plenty of mocktail options and canned drinks to restock your stateroom.

Non-Concierge:  Many bars throughout the ship will serve craft cocktails and alcoholic beverages; however, you will have to purchase them.

Takeaway:   Concierge Level does  NOT  include a drink package offering unlimited alcoholic drinks. Therefore, it is a nice perk to get complimentary drinks. Each drink costs between $9-$18, which can add up quickly.

Concierge Level Stateroom

Concierge-level staterooms come in different categories depending on which ship you are sailing. Concierge royal suites are the most luxurious featuring a master bedroom, living room, and dining table, along with a private verandah whirlpool (on select ships such as the Disney Fantasy, Disney Wish, and Disney Dream ). Other popular options are the Concierge 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom suites are available, along with Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah.

Stepping into the Concierge rooms, you will notice that they are slightly more elegant than the standard rooms, with a more plush sofa, lush carpeting, and warm wood finishes.

One noticeable difference besides the extra square footage was the premier bedding in Disney Cruise Line Concierge Level Staterooms. Concierge Suites may choose from pillow options, including hypoallergenic, feather, and therapeutic memory foam. I slept like a baby with the Custom Premium Plush Euro-top mattress, down duvets, and picking a pillow from their pillow menu.

Step into your cozy soft bathrobes and slippers that you can use during your cruise. All staterooms have upgraded toiletries and a refrigerator stocked with complimentary bottled water and sodas of your choice (restocked every day).

Dinner Delivery

If you stay in a Concierge stateroom with a dining table, you can have dinner delivered to your stateroom from the main dining room. Palo delivery is even available to the Royal Suite guests.

Special Gifts

We were surprised to receive a special gift from our Concierge Team. It was a lovely Limited Edition Commemorative Lithograph. While gifts are not guaranteed, it was a magical touch that was not overlooked. Upon further research, it is common for Concierge Guests to receive gifts throughout their stay, including a fruit basket, champagne, and other fun treats.

Castaway Cay members are often greeted with a welcome gift in their stateroom upon arrival, regardless of stateroom status.

Standard Staterooms:  While standard staterooms may not have the extra space or upgraded amenities, they make a perfect home away from home. Various stateroom categories are available to help meet the needs of each family sailing.

Takeaway:  If you are looking for a room that sleeps six or more, consider booking two staterooms or splurging on one of the concierge suites. While the plush bedding and premier amenities were excellent, it wouldn’t be the main reason I would sail Concierge again. Mainly because of how little time our family spent in the stateroom.

The Concierge Lounge

Concierge:  The Concierge Lounge is exclusively reserved for guests in the Concierge Suites. The Concierge Lounge offers a variety of gourmet offers, including continental breakfast, afternoon tea, dessert offerings, and In-Lounge Cocktail Hours.

Here is a brief breakdown of the Daily  Offerings At The Concierge Lounge: 

• Continental Breakfast 7:00am to 10:30am (Debarkation morning 6:30am-8:30am)
•  Lunch Snacks 11:00 am to 2:00 pm
•  Afternoon Tea 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm
•  Dinner Snacks 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm
•  Dessert Offerings 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm
•  In-Lounge Cocktail Hours 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm

The Concierge Lounge offers a variety of soft drinks, bottled water, specialty coffees, teas & hot chocolates throughout the day. They have an excellent expresso machine to create custom lattes and cappuccinos.

The Concierge Sun Deck is off the lounge offering an exclusive area with lounge chairs, light snacks, sunscreen, and non-alcoholic beverages such as dole whips! Bigger ships like the Disney Dream have a larger sun deck with various seating options; some ships even have hot tubs.

Non-Concierge : Guests can access many of the ship’s lounges and dining options throughout the day. Loungers are on a first-come, first-served basis by the pools and sun decks.

Takeaway:  I often found myself in the Concierge Lounge in the morning for coffee because it was better than the dining room coffee. There was so much food on the ship, so we only came occasionally to snack. My daughter, on the other hand, loved checking out the treats.

The happy hour in the Concierge Lounge was one perk I enjoyed and would have me consider booking the Concierge.

A brief breakdown : If you get three drinks a day at $15 a piece, you would be paying $315 a person for a seven-day cruise.

Early Access To The Walt Disney Theatre

Concierge:  A great perk of Concierge is getting early access to the Walt Disney Theatre 45 minutes before the show. Guests will enter the theatre through an exclusive entrance with the Concierge Team. Complimentary popcorn and soft drinks are provided. If you are a concierge, guests can flash their gold Key To the World Card at the refreshment stand to get complimentary popcorn if they arrive after priority seating.

Non-Concierge:  Doors open 30 minutes before the show with open seating. The Broadway shows are spectacular and not to be missed. I recommend arriving at the theater a little before doors open to snag a great seat. Guests can opt to purchase popcorn for the show. The show is offered twice to accommodate both dinner times.

Takeaway : Having prime seating for the shows was ideal when you have kids. They will be able to see the characters and be close to all the action. Waiting for the show can prove problematic once they are bored with the popcorn, so plan on bringing a small activity or toy to keep them entertained till the show starts.

Priority Cabana Reservations on Castaway Cay

If lounging in a Castaway Cay beach cabana is your dream, then the Concierge is one of the best ways to make that reality. Reservations for these highly desired cabanas are open to Concierge guests and Platinum Castaway Club Members before anyone else. Often, other guests do not get an opportunity to reserve because they are all booked when their reservation window opens.

Character Meet-N-Greet

Concierge:  A small perk of Concierge is that they occasionally have a character meet-n-greet in the Concierge Lounge. While this did not happen during our 7-day cruise, it has on others.

Non-Concierge:  Character meet-n-greets happen throughout the ship during the cruise. Check the Navigator App to see who will be out and when.

Takeaway:  Character meet-n-greets happen throughout the day onboard the ship. I didn’t find this perk particularly appealing since I could see all the characters many times throughout our cruise. You would never have to wait long, either.

Priority Disembarkation

Concierge:  The best perk is that Concierge Guests are offered priority debark assistance. If you have cruised before, you know how to long it can take to disembark a ship. After enjoying one last breakfast in the lounge, Concierge Guests receive one final perk. From 7:15 until 8:00 am, a Concierge host provides priority debark assistance. It is one of the most appealing perks for anyone who has ever waited in line to disembark a ship. One elevator becomes key access only for those 45 minutes, and the host escorts Guests to the gangway.

Note:  Concierge guests can order breakfast from room service on the last morning.

Non-Concierge:  Guests must be out of their staterooms by 8:15 am and off the ship by 9:45. You will be given a luggage tag with a character the evening before disembarkation. In the morning, you will have to wait until your character group is called before disembarking the ship. 

While you wait, breakfast options are available. Many guests opt for Cabanas for convenience, while some may enjoy breakfast at the dining room during their disembark breakfast time. Room service is not available on disembarkation day.

Takeaway:  Not having to wait to disembark the ship was a significant perk, especially since we had an earlier flight. If you are driving or have a later flight, the priority disembark isn’t going to be a game changer. However, it is nice not to wait around the ship for your character to be called.

Is Disney Cruise Concierge Level Worth It?

The Concierge Level offers many excellent features and perks that enhance your cruise. I would recommend it for special occasions, families who need extra space or traveling with young children. Sailing Concierge-level will spoil you with priority embarkation and disembarkation, happy hours, and pre-access to experiences. However, the Concierge still left a lot to be desired for the price tag that comes with it.

If you spend $30,000 more than a verandah room for the concierge level, it should include a magic lamp to wish for your money back. The Concierge is not worth more than a $2000-$3000 upgrade unless you book one of the larger suites, in my personal opinion.

Larger families wishing to stay together will find the Concierge suites an excellent option for the extra space, special treatment, and amenities.

Many Concierge cruisers will swear by the concierge experience. However, as a budget-friendly traveler who enjoys splurging on luxury, I did not find this worth the spend. While many of the exclusive offerings were nice, I found the ship as a whole to be a luxury experience on its own.

Without Concierge, I had access to the same great service, excellent snacks, soft drinks, and entertainment. However, I did have to wait until my reservation window opened to make reservations for all the experiences. We missed out on the Royal Court Royal Tea once and the Royal Gathering past cruises. Mainly because we were first-time cruisers, and the experiences were fully booked when our reservation window opened. 

Pricing For Concierge-Level Staterooms

Concierge Level pricing will differ based on cruise date, cruise ship, the length of the cruise, and destination. I recommend looking at different Disney Cruise Line sailings to get an idea of how vastly different the pricing can be. There are sailings where the Concierge Rooms go as high as $60,000 for two people. It is mind-boggling that a concierge-level room can cost as more as a new car.

If you want to experience a Concierge Level Room, look at shorter cruises and check all of the sailing dates for the most affordable option. Longer cruises have higher price tags, such as a 7-day Alaskan Cruise, or themed cruises, such as Halloween On The High Seas .

Our Disney cruise was exceptional; we left with remarkable memories and a placeholder for another cruise. The Concierge team became our family onboard the ship and knew each of us by name from day one. It was a once-in-a-life experience that I can only dream will happen again.

If you enjoyed this article, be sure to check out our related posts below:

I Took My Two Year Old On A Disney Cruise, And It Was Awesome

3 Reasons To Go To Disney World AFTER Your Disney Cruise

The Ultimate Disney Cruise Packing List

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Disney Cruise Line Check-in Process Online: Everything to Know

W e recently went through the Disney Cruise Line Check-in process and wish we knew everything we're sharing below ahead of time. It would have avoided confusion and cut down on the time it took to complete it all. Alas, we're smarter and wiser now!

Luckily, we're sharing our valuable knowledge with you , including screenshots of the check-in process (which we did on a mobile phone) and what to expect.

Disclosure: There are affiliate links in this post, which means we may earn a small commission if you click the link and proceed with a purchase  at no cost to you . We truly only recommend cruises, experiences, products, and services we personally use. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Creating a Smoother Check-in Process for You

In order to create the smoothest check-in process possible, we are also sharing what you need to have ready ahead of time . Additionally, we'll tell you the info we wish we knew in advance that will help you for your own Disney Cruise Line (DCL) check-in.

Get excited because you'll know what time you can arrive at the port to start boarding your Disney cruise after you complete the check-in process! Woohoo! (We'll also explain why that Port Arrival time is important.)

Towards the end of the post, we'll share what you can do after you check-in in the days leading up to your cruise.

Preparing for your Disney Cruise Line Check-in

Check-in opens to passengers a minimum of 30 days before embarkation. It must be completed by one day before your sail date. Only guests in good standing who have paid the balance of their cruise booking can proceed with checking in.

Castaway Club Perk: Earlier Check in

If you are a member of Castaway Club, which you are automatically enrolled in for free, after your first Disney cruise, you can check in according to the following:

• Silver: 33 days before the cruise
• Gold: 35 days before the cruise
• Platinum: 38 days before the cruise
• Pearl: 40 days before the cruise

Disney Cruise Line Concierge Guests Check In

It does not matter when concierge guests check in as long as they do so before the cut off date for online check in. This is because they get Group One boarding anyway.

➜ Download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App

First, you want to ensure you have the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app downloaded on your phone for your online check-in. You will want the app for your cruise anyway since it allows you to text with fellow passengers while on board, free of charge or free of an internet plan.

You will find links to download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app here via the Apple App Store or Google Play for Android users.

If you have never downloaded the app, you'll also need the following to log in :

• Disney Cruise reservation number
• Your Disney Cruise account login info (username and password)

You can do other things in the DCL app, including:

• Manage your reservation.
• Explore & book activities.
• View additional cruise options, like adding air or ground transportation and adding dining or special requests.
• Onboard chat (the free text messaging we mentioned above), which allows you to chat with fellow passengers or a crew member – the most fun part of this is the cool Disney emojis in the chat feature.
• Access your cruise calendar and things like menus for each restaurant during your cruise.
• View your cruise statement balance.
• See DCL's latest cruise specials and offerings for your next vacation.
• Explore the ship with the app's deck-to-deck plan, bow to stern .
• View the ports of call and daily itinerary, like what time you dock and what time you need to be back onboard before the cruise departs for the next destination.

︎ Download our free check-in printable!

Download our free Disney Cruise Line Check-in Cheat Sheet

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at anytime.

➜ What You Need to have on Hand, Ready to Upload for Check-In

• Photo of every traveler's passport .
• A clear photo of each passenger , solo.
• A credit card that you'll use for purchases while you're on the cruise.
• Flight information (if you're flying to the port) .
• Hotel information for before/after your Disney cruise (if applicable).

☆ It's important to have all of the info above handy when you arrive at your Port of Embarkation too. Do not put them in any luggage you'll pass off to the crew curbside.

Keep these things in your carry-on bag that you're going to have on you at all times.

➜ Checking in Large Groups of Travelers

If you're checking in a lot of travelers for your cruise – for example, eight, ten, or more – one person can check everyone in.

Link all the reservations into one account so you can change between them easily. Then make sure the one person checking everyone in has EVERYTHING needed to do it, which is referenced in this post. (Security photos, passports or birth certificate info, etc.)

Our check-in printable has a checklist to ensure you’re prepared for check-in! Be sure to download that through this post.

Be sure to download our free printable Disney Cruise Line Check-in Cheat Sheet, in the box above or here , so you're fully prepared, including a checklist of what you need for a smooth online check-in!

Below, we'll go into depth about each item you need to check-in, in the bulleted list above.

➜ Photo of Your Passport

You'll need a photo of every traveler's passport, taken one at a time (not a group photo of the passports). It has to be a clear, unobstructed, glare-free photo. Alternatively, a Passport Card may be acceptable if you travel between the United States, Mexico, Canada, Bermuda, and the Caribbean.

This is harder to get than you would think! We recommend taking the photo during daylight, near a window with natural light. Turn off any artificial light in your home. Then take your photo.

If you can't get the light coming in from your window to stop reflecting on your passport, try closing the blinds a little or closing a shade that still allows light to come through.

You'll upload citizenship documents for check-in if you don't have a passport.

Check-In Tip:

Passport Card

You can use a Passport Card to check in if you are traveling between the U.S. and Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean, and Bermuda, in lieu of a passport. They may be easier to photograph.

You cannot use this option if you're cruising elsewhere, including Europe.

If you're cruising between the United States and the Caribbean, including Castaway Cay, you can use your Passport or Passport Card.

➜ Solo Photo of Each Passenger

Disney wants a photo of each passenger for their onboard account. It should be taken from the shoulders up, looking straight at the camera.

It cannot be the same exact photo as your official ID. (In other words, you cannot simply take a photo of the image in a passport.) However, use that photo as guidance for what they want.

Think of your passport or driver's license photo. This is the type of photo DCL is looking for of each passenger to identify him/her upon check-in/out of the ship at ports.

We simply looked for a photo of us from vacation without a crazy background, where we were looking at the camera straight-on. This doesn't have to be a glamour shot – it simply has to show what you look like, without a face mask or sunglasses , looking directly at the camera.

There is a size limit to how large the photo can be (minimum and maximum size). Be sure that it meets these requirements before you upload it. The process will move along quicker if it's not huge (especially because cameras take huge-sized photos these days in terms of storage space).

The check-in website may crash if the photo is beyond the photo size limits it states. (Trust us – it crashed a few times for us because the image was too big. It stopped crashing when we reduced the file size.)

➜ Proof of Vaccination (No Longer Required)

Before November 2022, you needed to have a photo of vaccination cards for any vaccinated passenger. While this is no longer required, regulations/requirements can change anytime.

➜ Credit Card

You'll input the info of a credit card you want to use for purchases while onboard during online check-in. Have one handy.

Alternatively, you can choose to pay for cruise expenses in cash. If you do so, you'll have a credit limit depending on the length of your cruise. If you reach the limit, you'll have to go to guest services to pay off the bill (in cash) before you can charge more to your account.

➜ Flight Information

Have your flight info ready to input so you don't have to search for it. If you are driving to the port, then you do not have to enter this info. (You simply check “No” when they ask, “Are you flying in for your cruise vacation?”)

➜ Hotel Information

This includes any Orlando hotel (for example), Port Canaveral area hotel, Air BnB, VRBO, etc. that you may be staying at before or after your cruise.

If this does not apply to you, then you do not have to input this information.

Check in to Your Disney Cruise Line Sailing 30 Days Prior to Embarkation: Timezone Info

Online check-in is available for your sailing 30 days prior to the day you board the ship. We thought this was according to the time in the same time zone as your port of embarkation.

However, it's not. It is at midnight EST, regardless of where you are or what timezone you're sailing from.

Why does this matter? Because if you live in England but your cruise leaves from Port Canaveral , Florida, you can check in at midnight EST . You cannot check in at midnight BST time (England's local time).

We tried to check into our cruise while we were enjoying a barge cruise in France. Dan and I specifically stayed up late just in case the countdown showing in the app was correct.

Forcing myself to stay up until midnight in France, I realized that somehow the Disney counter switched to local time in France during the trip. The countdown was incorrect .

Imagine our disappointment (and exhaustion) when we realized that we could n ot check in at midnight. Instead, I set an alarm for 6:00am (six hours later) to check into our cruise at midnight EST . And voila, we could check-in.

➜ So, if you're wondering, “Is the 30 days local time for Disney Cruise Line, or is it my local time where I live?” The answer is that it's Disney Cruise Line's headquarters local time, midnight EST. Disney Cruise Line officially confirmed this for us via email correspondence with their PR team.

Check-in, and any modifications to your check-in, must be completed by the day before you sail.

Disney Cruise Line Online Check-In Process

➜ begin check-in.

When you open the DCL Navigator app at any time before your cruise, you'll see an awesome countdown to your sailing. We love that they use emojis in the counter. They sub out a lot of the zeros for fun Disney characters. (A lot of the characters are also available in the app chat feature while you are on your cruise.)

When you can check in, you'll see that a little button that says “Begin Check-In” appears in the app (screenshot below, right). This button will not appear until 30 days before your cruise, at midnight EST.

You can see that our Online Check-In screenshot says “6:00” on the upper lefthand corner because we were in France at the time of check-in; it was 12:00 midnight EST.

Complete Check-In Items on the Overview List

When you hit the “Begin Check-In” button, it will take you out of the app. It opens an internet browser window to begin checking in.

You will see a checklist for what you need to do to complete check-in. The icons, which are silhouettes of the faces of classic Disney characters (like Goofy, Donald, and Minnie) are not filled in if you haven't completed the task.

But as you fill in the information, you'll see the faces start to fill in with more graphic and colorful drawings. So cute, right?

In the screenshots below, you'll see the top two don't have the faces filled in yet. In the bottom two screenshots, the faces are filled in, which indicates we completed those tasks for check-in.

➜ Moving Through the Steps of DCL Check-In

You'll be glad you will have already gathered what we recommended to have on hand, ready to go, as you move through the Disney Cruise Line check-in steps. Things will move as efficiently as possible this way.

Each step is sequential. You cannot jump ahead to the Port Arrival Time, for example, then go back to filling in your contact information. You must fill in your contact information first before it lets you move to the next step.

As you can see from the screenshots below, we filled in the information for our Travel Plans, picked our Port Arrival Time (the BEST part of check-in), accepted the terms of the Cruise Contract, and we were done.

All DCL guests, including Platinum Castaway Club members , need to select a Port Arrival Time.

➜ Port Arrival Time

The Port Arrival Time is a timeslot you are given or select during the check in process. This is the time you are able to arrive at the cruise terminal to board the ship on embarkation day.

It's an important timeslot! If you're able to, given how you're arriving at the port (especially if you're driving yourself) you'll want to select the earliest available arrival time.

This is the time you can arrive at the port and drop your luggage off, curbside. (The luggage is delivered to your cabin later in the day.) Then you go inside the terminal to continue your check-in, in person, and you get your boarding group. The earlier the boarding group, the earlier you get on the ship. This means the longer your cruise is, even if that's just hours longer.

Disney has a lot of shorter cruise itineraries that are three or four days that head to Castaway Cay and Nassau, then head back to Florida. This Port Arrival Time particularly matters for shorter cruises. Why not maximize your time onboard a Disney ship if you can?

If you want one of the earliest arrival times, it's imperative you check in for your cruise at midnight. Being one of the first to check in means you will increase your chances of being able to select an early arrival time.

For Guests taking Disney Cruise Line Transportation

The caveat to the Port Arrival Time you get during check in is if you are taking DCL transportation from your Orlando-area hotel. This is especially true for resorts that are on-property at Walt Disney World. If this is the case, your Port Arrival Time doesn't really matter because you will arrive at the port when the bus drops you off.

➜ Disney Cruise Line Website Delays During Check-In

We're not going to sugarcoat this: Disney websites are notoriously slow and buggy.

It's not uncommon to get an error message that the website is experiencing complications during check-in. This is very frustrating when you feel like you're racing against the clock to get your earliest Port Arrival Time and have to do the steps sequentially as the app presents them.

Trust us, we know, and we can relate. We were on vacation overseas the last time we had to check-in for a Disney cruise…at 6:00am local time! It wasn't what we wanted to deal with. Alas, we are all at the mercy of Disney.

The good news is that Disney periodically saves your work. If you need to reload check-in, simply re-open the app. Log in again. Then click “Complete Check-In,” and it will take you back to the check-in website.

You may lose some check-in work (we did), but not all of it. It usually doesn't take much time to re-enter the info.

Confirmation You're Checked-In for Your Cruise

When you have successfully completed the online check-in process, you'll see the message in the screenshot below, that says, “You're All Set to Sail!”

An important note is that while it says you're set to sail, your online check-in may still show as “ Pending Review “. This is because a Disney Cruise Line cast member has to check the photos you submitted (a real human, from what we understand), and it's a long process.

It could potentially say “Pending Review” until you sail. If it does, don't worry. We have heard that this is common. In our case, our account said “Pending Review” up until the day we embarked on our cruise.

As long as you bring all the documents with you that you uploaded to the app, you should be golden when you arrive at the port to embark on your Disney Cruise. (Remember you must keep all of these documents in a carry-on bag with you at all times during embarkation.)

➜ Disney Cruise Line Port Arrival Cards for your Digital Apple Wallet

If you have an iPhone, one of the coolest things you can add to your Apple Wallet after check-in is your Port Arrival Form QR codes. This makes it extra easy to find those important QR codes you need when you get to the cruise terminal to embark on your Disney Cruise.

We're not 100% sure if the same cool feature is available to Android phone users with Google Pay. But if you know (because you use an Android and you've gone through the check-in process with Disney Cruise Line, firsthand) please let us know in the comments!

➜ Your Check-In Should be Good to Go!

Though there used to be another step to clear “Safe Passage by Inspire Diagnostics” (aka: “Safe Passage”) through the end of September 2022 for some of the Disney Cruise Line ships (Disney Dream, Wish, Wonder, and Fantasy) and through November 7 for Disney Magic, you no longer need to do this.

The official statement from Disney Cruise Line to its guests was the following:

Beginning November 14, 2022, for sailings departing from the United States, Disney Cruise Line will no longer require Guests (regardless of vaccination status) to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test prior to sailing.

The Safe Passage portal is no longer available as of January 1, 2023.

Visit DCL's “ Know Before You Go ” page for the latest updates.

➜ How long did the Disney Cruise Line Online Check-In Process Take Us?

It took us 50 minutes to complete the DCL online check-in process. In an ideal world, it should have only taken 20 minutes. But it is what it is.

To reiterate a sentiment we mentioned earlier: we're all at the mercy of Disney Cruise Line's website speed and how well it works – or doesn't work – when you check in.

Our fingers and toes are crossed, and we're knocking on all the wood for you that the website is working and it's quick and painless when you go to check in! If it's not working, simply keep logging back in and refreshing things.

Important Information Regarding your DCL Port Arrival Time and Sail-Day Embarkation

There is nothing quite like the morning you board a Disney Cruise ship. The excitement is almost unbearable!

I always look forward to driving to Port Canaveral from Orlando and seeing that first glimpse of the iconic DCL cruise ship stack in the distance. It comes into view as you cross over the second bridge on A1A to get to the port.

The most important thing to know about arriving at the terminal is that you can only arrive within your Port Arrival Time window . This is the 15-minute time block that you chose when you checked in.

Don't arrive an hour earlier, hoping they let you embark early. Though we have heard if they are running ahead of schedule they might let you arrive early, it would be a bummer if they say no and then you have to find something to do to kill thirty minutes or an hour of time. Especially because it's not quite enough time to explore Cape Canaveral .

If you forget your Port Arrival Time, you can easily view it on your Port Arrival Form. It's also in your iPhone Wallet if you added the cards to the iPhone Wallet app.

If you arrive early, they will tell you to come back later during your scheduled time. They might tell you to come back later after several other time blocks clear if you arrive late.

Disney Cruise Line Check In FAQs

✦ if one reservation in our traveling party has concierge but the rest of us don't, can we get in with the concierge guests.

No, there is no formal way to do that. But we have heard that once you're at the port, you can simply ask someone who works there if they'll allow you to board as a group at the earlier boarding time. Sometimes they say yes.

✦ I accidentally only registered half of our party for check in, then realized later and now my group has two different Port Arrival Times. Can I change the later ones to be earlier?

The answer is no, you cannot change the later time to be earlier. But you can arrive later than your Port Arrival Time and board as a whole group with later group.

✦ We're doing a closed-loop cruise and don't have a passport. What do we need to upload for documentation proof?

You must have a photo or scan of a birth certificate and photo ID ready to upload upon check in if you don't have a passport. Note that this is only true of a cruise that starts and ends in a US port and goes to certain areas.

If you have a passport, then — without a doubt — upload that as your photo documentation.

✦ We will be checking in ten people for our Disney Cruise. Would it be best for three people to do 3 or 4 check ins so that we can get the same boarding time?

One person can do all the check-ins for your cruise. You can link all the reservations into one account and change between them easily. Just make sure the one person who is checking everyone in has everything we mention that you need to do it. (Security photos, passports or birth certificate info, etc.)

Our check-in printable has a checklist on it to ensure you’re prepared for check-in! Be sure to download that.

✦ When in the process of doing the check-in steps. Do you need to go through them in order or can you jump ahead to selecting the Port Arrival Time first and then go back and fill the rest?

The system will not allow you to select a Port Arrival Time until you’ve completed the previous steps.

✦ Can you take photos of your passports and upload those photos when checking in? Or do you actually need to create a file (pdf)?

You can take photos of the passports on your phone to upload. Just make sure that the photos you create are glare-free and all the information is legible.

✦ We’re staying at Walt Disney World before and after our cruise. Should I mark “no” when it asks if we’re flying in?

Our Disney Travel Agent, Becca Plans Vacations , helped us with the official answer to this question. If you won’t have a car at the port, say you’re flying in even if it’s at the start of your WDW trip.

✦ Is it best to check in on the app through your phone or on a computer?

It's best to do it in the app on your phone. However, we know some people check in through their computers, especially if they need bigger fonts for eyesight reasons or they have trouble pressing small links and buttons on their phone.

Some people even have their phone and computer in front of them to see what's faster. Do what's best for you, but we personally stick to the app.

✦ What happens if you arrive 30 or 40 minutes prior to port arrival time?

If you arrive before your Port Arrival Time, ask the staff if they'll let you arrive early. If they're running early that day they might, but they may also tell you that you have to come back later.

✦ How long does the security check usually take at Port Canaveral?

We have embarked at Port Canaveral many times. It usually takes about an hour or less from parking our car to getting inside the terminal. Twenty to thirty minutes is a good approximation for the security line itself. However, that's just getting through security.

The time you board the ship is dependent upon the boarding time you receive once you arrive at the port and go through security.

What to Do After You Check-in for Your Disney Cruise

➜ mark your calendar with important dates.

You'll want to mark your calendars with the date below. (Don't forget to get our Free Check-in Cheat Sheet Printable if you haven't already, which makes counting the days super easy.)

• After check-in, before you sail: Enjoy booking things like special dinner reservations at Enchanté , Palo, or Remy's, depending on the Disney Cruise Line ship you'll be on. You can also book spa treatments in the app and schedule gifts, like flowers or chocolate-covered strawberries, for delivery to your stateroom. (Read our “Start to Pack for Your Disney Cruise” info below for great things to purchase and bring onboard to decorate your room.)
• 3 days before your cruise is when online bookings for cruise activities close, like spa treatments and dining reservations.
• The day before you sail : mark your calendar to buy wine or beer if you want to bring some onboard. But seriously…mark your calendar to go to a local wine/beer store if you want to bring some on board. This way, you won't have to worry about it the day you embark! Disney's policy is as follows:

Disney Cruise Line Guests 21 years and older may bring a maximum of 2 bottles of unopened wine or champagne (no larger than 750 ml) or 6 beers (no larger than 12 ounces) on board at the beginning of the voyage and at each port of call. These beverages must be packed in carry-on (not checked) bags or luggage. Guests wishing to consume wine or champagne that they have brought on board in one of the dining rooms will be charged a corking fee of $25.00 per bottle. Disney's Policy stated on their website

• Date for the day you sail . (Just in case you haven't already marked it in your calendar!) You'll also want to set a reminder to complete the Pre-Trip Embarkation Health Questionnaire , which is available in the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app on your embarkation day.

If you need to figure out any dates above, simply Google, “What day is __ days before [enter your sailing date]” and Google will show you the date in its results. It's a beautiful thing.

➜Start to Pack for Your Disney Cruise

When we come back from one trip, we're always excited for the next. Whether you're cruising as adults only on Disney Cruise Line or looking forward to a DCL sailing with the entire family, we know it's never too soon to think about packing.

If you're going to the theme parks before or after your trip, be sure to check out our Ultimate Year-Round Walt Disney World and Universal Packing List , which includes a helpful printable.

➜ Order Cruise Essential Items in Advance

This is because you may need to order some cruise items ahead of time, which might take time to ship. Such things as Blissets (which are awesome and fashionable anti-nausea bands ), or perhaps custom Disney Cruise Line attire on Etsy , take time to arrive at your doorstep.

Other things may be available on Amazon, where you can use Prime to ship within days. If you don't already have a Prime account, now is the perfect time to sign up for a free 30-day trial so you'll get free shipping.

We also have a list of Cruise Essentials for you to browse in our Amazon shop , from handheld fans to beat the heat to Apple AirTags if you're checking luggage, to reef-safe sunscreen, and more.

➜ Get Trip Insurance

If you didn't opt for Disney's trip insurance but still want to explore covering your trip, it may not be too late! We never get trip insurance through the cruise line because it's more cost affective to get it elsewhere and we like what third-parties include.

Disney Cruise Activities: Make any Desired Reservations from Dining to the Spa and Port Excursions

As your cruise countdown continues, you can do some additional things in the app. For example, you can make reservations or appointments for dining and the spa ahead of time. You can access this online app feature up to three days before your cruise.

If dining (like Enchante on the Disney Wish , for example) is showing as unavailable, that usually means there are no more advance reservations available. (In that case, you'll want to ask about how to make a reservation while on board the day you embark.)

Port excursions and spa reservations can also be made in advance from within the app.

If a spa treatment, or appointment for Hook's Barbery on Disney Wish , is showing as “Sold Out,” you may want to check about availability once you board the ship on embarkation day.

Cruise Essential FOR YOUR TROPICAL VACATION:

The only thing we have tried that gets rid of bug bites from your skin is The Bug Bite Thing . This item is a MUST pack when we travel. We always pack one in our backpack/day bag and another in our luggage. Don't travel without it!

Things to Do Nearby in Port Canaveral

If you are sailing from Disney Cruise Line's Port Canaveral Terminal and are looking for things to do nearby, we've got you covered!

There are many great activities, whether you have a few hours, half a day, a full day, or multiple days.

Check out our recommendations for things to do near Port Canaveral and make the most of your trip to the Florida coast! (Or “Space Coast,” as it's called!)

Going on a Disney Cruise? Read this next:

• Best Disney Cruise Ship, According to DCL Experts
• Experiencing a Disney Cruise without Kids
• Anti-Nausea Medication and Other Cruise Sea Sickness Solutions 

The post Disney Cruise Line Check-in Process Online: Everything to Know appeared first on Sometimes Sailing .

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