suites on disney cruises

Best Staterooms on a Disney Cruise

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Concierge Staterooms (Most Expensive Main Category)

DCL Concierge Wish Tower Suite

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DCL Concierge Wish Tower Suite Exterior

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DCL-Disney-Fantasy-Concierge-One-Bedroom

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Verandah (Balcony) Staterooms

DCL Disney Magic Verandah Stateroom

A stateroom verandah onboard the Disney Magic | Image © Disney

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DCL-Disney-Dream-Cat-5-Stateroom

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oceanview (Porthole) Staterooms

DCL-DIsney-Dream-Oceanview-Stateroom

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Inside Staterooms (Least Expensive Main Category)

DCL Disney Wish Inside Stateroom

An Inside Stateroom on the Disney Wish | Image © Disney

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

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

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

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

Disney Wish does not have a Deluxe Inside category.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ready to Book your Disney Cruise Line Stateroom?

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

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

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

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

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What types of staterooms and suites are available on Disney Cruise ships?

Find your dream suite, from comfortable cabins to elegant spaces, and plan your dream getaway.

Book Disney Cruises

The magic of setting out on a Disney cruise vacation goes far beyond the decks and sails. The lodgings are an integral part of the captivating experience, providing a variety of staterooms and suites to suit different tastes and requirements. Disney Cruise Line offers a range of options that promise comfort and an element of elegance and grandeur, from comfortable interiors to roomy suites suited for royalty.

What is the ideal suite on Disney Cruise ships?

Inside staterooms.

The Inside Staterooms are the ideal hideaway for individuals looking for a cost-effective choice without sacrificing style. These cabins can house four people and feature imported tiles, nautical accents, and natural wood textures. The intelligent layout makes the most available room and comfort, resulting in a cozy environment perfect for unwinding.

Oceanview Staterooms

Oceanview Staterooms offer a breathtaking view through a porthole, enabling guests to stay connected to the splendor of the open ocean. These exquisitely designed cabins, which can sleep up to four people, blend luxurious grandeur with the calming influence of the sea to provide an immersive experience that establishes the mood for an unforgettable journey.

Oceanview Staterooms with Verandah

The Oceanview Staterooms with Verandah elevate the experience by enhancing the sea views. Having a private verandah allows guests to take in the spectacular views and cool coastal breezes from the privacy of their own homes. These rooms may accommodate three to five people and offer unmatched intimacy and freshness.

Concierge Suites

The Concierge Suites on Disney Cruise Line are the epitome of luxury for travelers looking for the best onboard accommodations. These lavish apartments come in a variety of sizes to accommodate groups of five to seven people. The suites are intended to offer a luxurious and private experience, replete with individualized care from the Concierge services team and a number of exclusive facilities.

Royal Suite with Verandah

The most luxurious accommodation on board, the Royal Suite with Verandah, is the definition of luxury. This suite can easily accommodate up to seven guests owing to its two bedrooms, one with a queen-size bed and the other with twin beds with pull-down top sleepers. Living and eating areas, a media library with a wall bed that folds down, numerous bathrooms with whirlpool tubs, a pantry, a wet bar, and walk-in closets are all included in the suite. Guests can savor the beauty of the surroundings from their own verandah's breathtaking ocean view.

2-Bedroom Suite with Verandah

The 2-Bedroom Suite with Verandah is a spacious refuge that can house up to seven guests and is perfect for bigger groups. This suite is ideal for families or groups of friends since it has a master bedroom with a queen bed and a second bedroom with twin beds. After a day of exploring, guests can unwind in a cozy and private place provided by a convertible sofa in the living room.

1-Bedroom Suite with Verandah

The one-bedroom suite with a verandah offers the ideal fusion of solitude and luxury for individuals who value both. This suite has a master bedroom with a queen-size bed, a living space with a double convertible sofa, and a single-wall pull-down bed that can sleep up to five people. The suite includes two bathrooms, a walk-in closet, and a jacuzzi tub. Families or couples looking for a unique experience should consider it.

Concierge Services

Regardless of the lodging option, Disney Cruise Line's Concierge Services provide a variety of special advantages that improve the journey. The Concierge experience ensures that passengers are properly cared for throughout their journey, from pre-arrival services that let visitors reserve onboard activities to upgraded comforts like spa items, luxurious bedding, and custom pillow selections.

Also Read:  Which Stateroom Suits You the Most?

Final Words

The selection of staterooms and suites offered by Disney Cruise Line is the ideal blend of coziness, elegance, and enchantment. The choices can accommodate a wide range of preferences, whether you're looking for a private internal cabin, a room with a view, or an extravagant suite suited for a king or queen. A trip with Disney Cruise Line is more than simply a vacation; it's a beautiful experience that provides a home away from home on the open seas through Concierge Services that provide an extra degree of exclusivity and convenience. Every element, from the smallest particulars to the largest suites, is intended to make your trip unforgettable. 

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Disney Cruise Line Stateroom Descriptions

suites on disney cruises

Staterooms Oceanview Staterooms Verandah Staterooms

Disney Cruise Lines Suites

Disney Cruise Line staterooms are designed for the whole family.  Enjoy staterooms that combine the classic elegance of a bygone era with the amenities and conveniences to make your stay unforgettable.  Everyone will appreciate the beauty of the stateroom that is always mingled with a bit of magic.

Disney Cruise Line Inside Staterooms

suites on disney cruises

Category 11A, 11B, 11C- Standard Inside Stateroom

suites on disney cruises

Queen-size bed or two twin beds and single convertible sofa, privacy divider, bath (Sleeps 3, some sleeps 4 with an upper berth pull-down bed) 184 sq. ft. Located on Decks 5, 6 and 7 and 2, no connecting rooms. 11C, located on Deck 2, sleeps only 3. Features a “magical” porthole with real-time views.

View the location of these Disney Cruise Line staterooms on the Disney Wonder and Disney Magic

View the location of these Disney Cruise Line staterooms on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy

Category 10A – Deluxe Inside Stateroom

suites on disney cruises

Queen-size bed or two twin beds and a single convertible sofa, privacy divider, split bath (sleeps 3, some sleeps 4) 214 sq. ft. Located on Decks 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9, some connecting rooms. Lower decks offer convenient access to restaurants and nightclubs. Upper decks have more commanding views.

suites on disney cruises

Disney Cruise Line Oceanview Staterooms

suites on disney cruises

Category 8A, 8B, 8C & 8D – Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom

suites on disney cruises

Queen-size bed or two twin beds and single convertible sofa, and a pull down bed, privacy divider, bath (Sleeps 3, 4, or 5) 241 sq. ft., located on Decks 5, 7, and 9 some connecting rooms. These rooms are larger than most, and feature 1 or 2 porthole windows. Rooms on lower decks are closest to the restaurants and nightclubs. Upper decks have more expansive views. Relax in classic maritime style within an environment that offers generous room to spread out and unwind. Watch television and first-run movies in a seating area that includes a handsomely upholstered couch and a sleek and sturdy desk. When it’s time for sleep, a luxurious bed awaits, shielded from the activities in other parts of the room by a convenient privacy curtain. These sumptuous private quarters are decked from ceiling to floor in fine-looking furnishings that will please any sea-farer.

Category 8 – Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom

suites on disney cruises

Queen-size bed or two twin beds and single convertible sofa, privacy divider, bath (Sleeps 3, some sleeps 4) 214 sq. ft., located on Decks 2, 5, 6, 7 and 8, some connecting rooms.

Disney Cruise Line Verandah Staterooms

suites on disney cruises

Category 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E, 6A, 6B, & 7A – Deluxe Stateroom with Verandah

suites on disney cruises

Queen-size bed or two twin beds and a single convertible sofa, may have a pull-down bed, privacy divider, split bath (sleeps 3) 246 sq. ft. Located on Decks 5-10, some connecting rooms. Decks 7-10 afford the most expansive views as upper decks. Larger verandahs are in category 5E on Decks 6-10. With adjoining rooms the partition between verandahs can be removed. Guests should contact their stateroom host for the removal of a verandah partition.

Category 4A-E: Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah

suites on disney cruises

Located on decks 5-10, (deck 5 category 4E having the largest verandahs), these rooms have more sqaure footage than the Deluxe Family Oceanview Staterooms. This room type sleeps 4-5 people except for category 4E which sleeps 3-4. Room size is about 299 square feet including the verandah. Rooms have a queen bed, sleeper sofa, wall pull-down bed, and sometimes an upper-berth pull-down bed.

Disney Cruise Line Verandah Overview Video

Disney Cruise Line Suites

suites on disney cruises

Category T – 1 Bedroom Suite with Verandah

suites on disney cruises

Queen-size bed, living area with double convertible sofa, wall pull-down bed, two bathrooms, walk-in closet, wet bar, VCR, verandah, Concierge Service (sleeps 4, some sleeps 5) 622 sq. ft. Located on Decks 11-12, some connecting rooms.

Category S – 2 Bedroom Suite with Verandah

suites on disney cruises

Two bedrooms with Queen-size bed, two and a half bathrooms, whirlpool tub, living area with convertible sofa, walk-in closet, wet bar, VCR, private verandah, Concierge Service (sleeps 7) 945 sq. ft. Located on Deck 8.

Category R – Walter E. Disney Suite & Roy O. Disney Suite

suites on disney cruises

Two bedrooms, one with queen-sized bed, one with two twin beds and two pull-down upper berths. Media library with wall pull-down bed, two and a half bathrooms, whirlpool tub, walk-in closets, living room, dining salon, pantry, wet bar, TV, VCR, private verandah. Concierge service. (Sleeps five.) 1,781 sq. ft. located on Deck 8.

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Privacy Overview

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

Summer Hull

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.

suites on disney cruises

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.

suites on disney cruises

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.

suites on disney cruises

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.

suites on disney cruises

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 .

suites on disney cruises

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.

suites on disney cruises

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

suites on disney cruises

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.

suites on disney cruises

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.

suites on disney cruises

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

suites on disney cruises

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.

suites on disney cruises

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.

suites on disney cruises

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.

suites on disney cruises

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.

suites on disney cruises

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

suites on disney cruises

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.

suites on disney cruises

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.

suites on disney cruises

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.

suites on disney cruises

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.

suites on disney cruises

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.

suites on disney cruises

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.

suites on disney cruises

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.

suites on disney cruises

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

suites on disney cruises

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.

suites on disney cruises

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.

suites on disney cruises

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

suites on disney cruises

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.

suites on disney cruises

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.

suites on disney cruises

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

suites on disney cruises

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.

suites on disney cruises

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.

suites on disney cruises

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.

suites on disney cruises

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.

suites on disney cruises

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.

suites on disney cruises

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.

suites on disney cruises

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.

suites on disney cruises

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

suites on disney cruises

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.

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Disney Magic cabins and suites

Disney magic staterooms review, floor plans, photos.

Disney Magic cabins and suites review at CruiseMapper provides detailed information on cruise accommodations , including floor plans, photos, room types and categories, cabin sizes, furniture details and included by Disney Cruise Line en-suite amenities and services.

The Disney Magic cruise ship cabins page is conveniently interlinked with its deck plans showing deck layouts combined with a legend and review of all onboard venues.

Concierge Royal Suite

Layout (floor plan).

Disney Magic's Royal Suites are named "Walter E. Disney" (8030, portside), and "Roy O. Disney" (8530, starboard).

Concierge 2-Bedroom Suite

Concierge 1-bedroom suite, deluxe family balcony cabin, deluxe balcony cabin, navigator cove balcony cabin, deluxe oceanview cabin, deluxe inside cabin, standard interior cabin, disney magic cabins review.

Of all Disney Magic cruise ship cabins, 71% are outside (including 22 Suites, 332 Balcony rooms, 237 Oceanview), and 256 are Inside (of which 96 are Deluxe). The number of all cabin categories is 25, including the "Guaranteed" categories VGT-Balcony, OGT-Oceanview, and IGT-Inside.

Follows the review of MS Disney Magic staterooms as furniture, amenities and included (complimentary) services:

All Disney Magic rooms have Queen-size bed (ample under-bed storage space, Posturepedic Sealy mattresses, deluxe bedding sets /Egyptian cotton linens), wardrobe, split bathroom (vanity, sink, WC, bathtub, shower, hairdryer), H20+ spa products (shampoo, conditioner, moisturizing body butter), living area (sofa, desk, curtain divider), 22-inch smart HDTV, electronic safe box (in the closet), direct-dial phone (voice mail), mirror, individual air-conditioning.

All Disney Magic Suites enjoy the following perks (bonus amenities and services): Disney themed artworks, upgraded bath products, robes/slippers), luxury bedding sets, pillow menu, daily food (canapes, fruits), iPod station, console gaming table, BlueRay/DVD /CD player (media library), board games, priority services (check-in, Disney Magic cruise itinerary ports of call tendering), free Internet, pre-dinner cocktails. Suite passengers also enjoy concierge services: (Disney cruise shore excursions booking, specialty dining-nursery-spa reservations, special requests assistance, private parties/celebrations planning, in-room dining (all main dining room restaurants menus).

All balcony rooms feature a private veranda with sliding doors and kid-proof locks, deck furniture (2 chairs, 1 small table). Family Verandah/balcony cabins have 1 queen or 2 twin beds (convertible) and split bathroom. Oceanview cabins are with Porthole Window views.

Royal Suites have a master bedroom (plus hidden in the wall double pull-down and single pull-down bed), master bathroom (dual sinks, closet, whirlpool bathtub), large living room, dining area (pantry, wet bar), guest bathroom (shower, sink, WC), floor-ceiling windows, wrap-around private balcony (deck furniture, whirlpool bathtub).

MS Disney Magic cabins tips

On Deck 5 are located 6 staterooms (plus 2 on Deck 6) that are oceanview but can be booked as "Category 10 inside". Their views are from obstructed porthole windows. The obstructed view is by the canisters holding liferafts. Deck 5's "Secret Porthole cabins" are located near the "Flounder’s Reef Nursery" and "Buena Vista Theater". These staterooms also benefit less foot traffic and noises. For comparison, most Category 10 cabins are without windows and located on lower decks (many under nightclubs). Of Deck 5's "Secret Porthole cabins", 2 are connecting room pairs - great for families of 5, and affordable alternative to Category 4. "Secret Porthole cabins" numbers are 6006 (less obstructed), 6506 (less obstructed), 5020, 5520, 5022, 5024 (connecting, most obstructed), 5522, 5524 (connecting, most obstructed).

"Secret Balcony cabins" (aft on decks 6 and 7) are in Category 7A but unlike Category 7A's enclosed "navigator’s veranda" they have regular (step-out) balcony. These staterooms have a slightly obstructed view due to deck location (at ship's very end). These secret cabins numbers are 6134, 6634, 7120, 7620.

"Connecting Balcony cabins" are most adjacent balcony staterooms (excepting those with steel dividers). These balconies can be connected by folding back their dividing panels. To connect these balconies, contact your cabin attendant; to unlock the divider. Once opened, these pairs of rooms share a long (double) balcony. If you have group-booked cabins, you can unlock all dividers and make a very long one.

Disney Magic ship's smallest "cabins for families of 5" are Category 4 "Deluxe Family Oceanview" (with balcony). However, the cheapest option is to book 2 connecting cabins - Category 9 ("Deluxe Oceanview") or Category 10 ("Deluxe Inside"). The combined (connecting cabin) price is ~2/3 to 3/4 lower (then 1x Family Oceanview). The combined size is ~40% larger, and there are 2x full bathrooms (no balcony though). If the balcony is a must, book 1x Category 6 "Deluxe Oceanview" or 1x Category 7 ("Navigator’s Verandah") combined with 1x cabin in categories 9, 10 or 11. All these options are cheaper, larger, more privacy, 2 full bathrooms. Still, these rooms are not connecting. The "connecting" option is booking 2x Category 5 staterooms.

For families of 6+, the choices are "2-Bedroom Suite" or "Royal Suite" (max capacity 7 persons). However, much cheaper is to book 2 staterooms than 1 suite.

"Cabin upgrade" is an option when you book a low-priced "guarantee" category and hope for a category upgrade. Booking “guarantee” stateroom means you get at least this category, but you're not assigned to a specific cabin, Disney just guarantees you a room (at this category rate) and waits to see how the bookings go. As most people book the cheapest cabins, they often sell out. In such cases, Disney may offer cabin upgrades to passengers with first booked lower fare, thus making cheaper cabins available for new customers. You can also request a cabin upgrade upon check-in (at the cruise terminal). Depending on bookings, Disney sometimes upgrades cabins for a fee, but it's usually less expensive than if that category was originally booked.

This page is integrated with CruiseMapper's  Disney Cruise Line secrets, tips, and tricks .

Disney Magic cabin and suite plans are property of Disney Cruise Line . All floor plans are for informational purposes only and CruiseMapper is not responsible for their accuracy.

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.

suites on disney cruises

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.

suites on disney cruises

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.

suites on disney cruises

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.

suites on disney cruises

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.

suites on disney cruises

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.

suites on disney cruises

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.

suites on disney cruises

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.

suites on disney cruises

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.

suites on disney cruises

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.

suites on disney cruises

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.

suites on disney cruises

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.

suites on disney cruises

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.

suites on disney cruises

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.

suites on disney cruises

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.

suites on disney cruises

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.

suites on disney cruises

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.

suites on disney cruises

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.

suites on disney cruises

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.

suites on disney cruises

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.

suites on disney cruises

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. 

suites on disney cruises

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Disney Cruise Line – Pre/Post Cruise Hotels and Ground Transportation

LAST UPDATE: 2/22/24

On this page we’ve collected some useful hints about Disney Cruise hotels and where to stay before or after your cruise, ground transportation (limo or rental car) and other pre/post cruise information.

  • Where to Stay the Night Before Your Cruise

What to Do If Your Return Flight Leaves Late in the Day

Transportation and parking at the cruise ports, disney cruise hotels: where to stay the night before your cruise, port canaveral hotel options, fort lauderdale hotel options, galveston hotel options, miami hotel options, san diego hotel options, vancouver hotel options.

For those who want to spend the night at Cape Canaveral before their Disney Cruise, there are four hotels very close (5 miles or less) to the port:  Homewood Suites by Hilton Cape Canaveral ,  Residence Inn Cape Canaveral Cocoa Beach , Country Inn & Suites Cape Canaveral  and the  Radisson Resort at the Port .

These hotels are also good places to stay if you also want to visit the Kennedy Space Center .

If you will be arriving at the Orlando airport the day before your cruise (and we highly recommend this, so you don’t have to worry about missing your sailing), you might want to consider spending the night before your cruise at Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport . It is located inside the Orlando International Airport (MCO), so this can be a nice option if you are arriving later in the day. 

Homewood Suites by Hilton Cape Canaveral

Homewood Suites by Hilton Cape Canaveral is an all-suite hotel about 2 miles from the Disney cruise terminal.  It’s the newest hotel in the group nearest the port, and has a pleasant modern feel with a few Florida-inspired touches here and there. Your stay includes a FREE hot breakfast buffet every morning. On Monday – Thursday evenings from 5:00-7:00 pm, the hotel offers a FREE evening social with snacks, beer and wine. Rooms feature FREE high-speed internet access .

There are two room types: studios (bedroom with one king or two queen beds, living room area with full-size sofabed but not separated by a wall) and  1-bedroom suites (one bedroom with one king or two queen beds, separate living room with full-size sofabed). All sleep at least 4, but the two-queen 1-bedroom suites can sleep 6.

All room types include a full kitchen with two-burner cooktop (no oven), microwave, dishwasher and full-size refrigerator. Bathrooms have granite countertops.

This hotel does not have a restaurant (just a breakfast room where the complimentary breakfast and evening social is served), but there are several restaurants within a mile of the hotel.

The Homewood Suites offers “Park and Go” cruise packages that allow you to park your car in their lot during your cruise. The packages include two vouchers for the shuttle to Port Canaveral. If you are not on such a package, the hotel offers a shuttle to Port Canaveral for $5 per person each way. If you don’t want to use the shuttle, you can take a taxi to the port from this hotel for around $10. 

Residence Inn Cape Canaveral Cocoa Beach

Residence Inn Cape Canaveral Cocoa Beach is an all-suite hotel with a nice Florida-style ambiance and a heated pool and whirlpool. Your stay includes a FREE hot breakfast buffet . Rooms feature FREE high-speed Internet access .

There are three room types: studios (bedroom with king bed, living room area with sofa bed but not separated by a wall), 1-bedroom suites (one bedroom with two queen beds, one bath, separate living room with sofa bed) and 2-bedroom suites (two bedrooms, each with a king bed, two baths, separate living room with sofa bed).

All room types include a full kitchen with stove/oven, microwave, dishwasher and refrigerator. Beds at the Residence Inn are equipped with high-quality mattresses and bedding. Bathrooms have granite countertops.

This hotel does not have a restaurant (just a breakfast room where the complimentary breakfast is served), but there are several restaurants within a mile of the hotel.

The Residence Inn offers “Park and Cruise” packages that allow you to park your car in their lot during your cruise. The packages include a certain number of vouchers for the shuttle to Port Canaveral. If you are not on such a package, you can pay separately for parking ($6/day) and the hotel offers a shuttle to Port Canaveral for $6 per person round trip. If you don’t want to use the shuttle, you can take a taxi to the port from this hotel for around $10. Thanks to Jamie D for additional info.

Country Inn & Suites Cape Canaveral

Country Inn & Suites Cape Canaveral is located virtually next door to the Residence Inn, so they are about the same distance from the port. Your stay includes a FREE hot breakfast buffet every morning. The hotel has a fitness center, FREE high-speed Internet access , outdoor heated pool, a waterfall hot tub, and a gas grill and fire pit. Shuttle service is offered to the port (for a fee).

There are five room types: standard rooms with one King bed or two Queen beds; family  suites with one Queen bed and a separate kid’s room area with two twin beds; one-bedroom suites with one King or two Queen beds and a separate living room area with a queen sleeper sofa; whirlpool suites featuring one King bed with a whirlpool tub; and Captain’s Quarter suites with King bed, queen sleeper sofa, separate living and dining areas and a larger kitchenette with a toaster oven. All room types include a microwave, small refrigerator (except Captain’s Quarter suites, which have full-size refrigerators) and coffee maker.

The Country Inn & Suites does not have a restaurant (just a breakfast room where the complimentary breakfast is served), but there are several restaurants within a mile of the hotel.

This hotel offers Park & Cruise packages that allow you to leave your car at the hotel while you are on your cruise and take a shuttle to and from the port. If you don’t book a Park & Cruise package, you can still take the shuttle for a fee (currently $5/person). If you don’t want to use the shuttle, you can take a taxi to the port from this hotel for around $10. 

Radisson Resort at the Port

Radisson Resort at the Port in Cape Canaveral is also close to the port. It gets mixed reviews. It’s an older property than the Residence Inn or Country Inn & Suites. Most rooms include Sleep Number beds and FREE high-speed Internet access .

There are three room types: standard rooms with one King bed or two double beds; King Jacuzzi suites , which include one room with a King bed, a whirlpool Jacuzzi, a separate full bathroom and one room with a comfortable living room area and a pull-out sofa sleeper; and Two King Jacuzzi suites , which are the same as the regular Jacuzzi suites except that they have two King beds in the bedroom. Suites include a microwave and mini refrigerator; regular rooms do not.

The Radisson has an elaborate waterfall pool, a koi pond and beautifully landscaped grounds. There are tennis courts and a fitness room. There is a buffet-style restaurant (extra charge) that has a nice atmosphere, with lots of windows, white-washed walls and high ceilings. The hotel lobby/restaurant entrance has a small lounge for evening drinks.

The Radisson offers some packages that including parking for your car at the hotel while you are on your cruise and a shuttle to and from the port. Alternatively, the hotel will charge you a fee to park your car in its lot while you are on your cruise, and provides a shuttle to the port for $5 per person, or you can take a cab for $10-12.

Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport

The Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport  is an upscale hotel that is actually located in the Orlando International (MCO) airport terminal , so you don’t have to worry about traveling any further. Just collect your bags, take them up on the elevator, check in and you’re ready to start enjoying your vacation! Or, if you prefer, take advantage of their luggage retrieval service; for a small flat fee ($10, last we checked, plus tips for the bell staff at your discretion), Hyatt staff will retrieve your luggage from baggage claim and deliver it to your room. (The rooms are well insulated from the airport noise, by the way — we have stayed there several times and did not hear the planes.)

If you stay at the airport Hyatt instead of going all the way out to Walt Disney World, you are much closer to Port Canaveral. That means you can sleep in a little longer before heading off to the ship in the morning. You can choose from multiple dining options within the airport, or take a swim at the hotel. It’s great way to start relaxing right away.

The Hyatt has a relationship with Disney, so you can arrange Disney bus transportation to the ship from the hotel (or you can book a private car transfer or rental car if you prefer). If you arrange your transportation through Disney, your luggage is transported directly to your stateroom on the ship. Talk about convenient!

The Fort Lauderdale hotel below can be added to your Disney Cruise Line reservation. If you have booked through a travel agent , contact your agent to add a pre-cruise and/or post-cruise stay. If you have booked directly with Disney Cruise Line, call them.

Pre/post-cruise stays can be added up until 31 days prior to check-in date (after that time, you can be waitlisted). If you stay both before and after the cruise, both portions must be booked at the same hotel. Pre/post-cruise stays that are added to a cruise reservation must be purchased for ALL guests in the same stateroom.

Alternatively, you can book directly with this hotel  through the links below, which may be less expensive and offer more flexibility:

  • Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina is about 5 miles from the Fort Lauderdale Airport and about a 1/2 mile from the cruise terminal. They offer a shuttle to the beach. There is also a Water Taxi stop just a short walk away, which will take you to shops, restaurants and the beach, or just use it to take a tour of Fort Lauderdale’s waterways.
  • Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa is about 5 miles from the Fort Lauderdale Airport and about 5 miles from the cruise terminal. The high-end hotel is on a private beach and has multiple restaurants at the hotel, a full-service spa, an activity center for kids age 5-12 and more. 

We would strongly recommend staying in Galveston rather than Houston pre-cruise unless you book Disney’s Houston hotel (the Marriott listed below) and Disney’s hotel-cruise transportation. It’s an hour or more drive to the cruise terminal from Houston, and traffic can double that, especially on holiday weekends. It’s best to fly in the day before the cruise, take a cab or shuttle to Galveston, and stay overnight at a hotel there. You don’t want to be sitting in traffic at 2 pm on the day of your cruise wondering if you’ll make it on time.

The Galveston hotels below can be added to your Disney Cruise Line reservation. If you have booked through a travel agent , contact your agent to add a pre-cruise and/or post-cruise stay. If you have booked directly with Disney Cruise Line, call them.

Alternatively, you can book directly with these hotels  through the links below, which may be less expensive:

  • The Houston Airport Marriott at the George Bush Intercontinental Airport is right in the Houston airport complex, and is connected by tram to the terminal. If you arrange your own transportation, be aware that G. W. Bush International is a good 75-90 minute drive from the Galveston cruise terminal.
  • San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center is a lovely resort right on the beach in central Galveston. It’s about a 10-15 minute drive to the cruise terminal.
  • Hilton Galveston Island Resort is a beautiful hotel with extensive amenities, located a very short walk away from the beach. It’s about a 12-16 minute drive to the cruise terminal.

The best deal going in Miami seems to be Comfort Suites Miami Airport North . While it’s not fancy, this well-reviewed hotel offers reasonable rates along with some great benefits:

  • FREE transfers between Miami airport and the hotel and FREE transfers between the hotel and the Port of Miami! As far as we know, this is the only hotel in Miami offering both transfers for free, which can save you a substantial amount in taxi or shuttle fares.
  • FREE hot breakfast.
  • FREE Wi-Fi.

Comfort Suites Miami Airport North  is a non-smoking hotel and rooms include high-definition flat-screen television with cable, microwave, refrigerator, pillow-top mattress, safe, coffee maker, hair dryer, iron and ironing board.

Official Disney Cruise Hotels

If you prefer something more upscale, the Miami-area hotels below can be added to your Disney Cruise Line reservation. If you have booked through a  travel agent , contact your agent to add a pre-cruise and/or post-cruise stay. If you have booked directly with Disney Cruise Line, call them.

Alternatively, you can  book directly with these hotels  through the links below, which may be less expensive and offer more flexibility:

  • EB Hotel Miami is a 4-diamond boutique hotel near the airport. It’s literally across the street from the airport property, but is about 2.5 miles by road from the entrance (7 minutes or so). It’s about 8.5 miles from the cruise terminal (about 15 minutes).
  • Hyatt Centric Brickell Miami is a tower hotel located in the heart of downtown Miami, roughly 2 miles from the cruise terminals. Downtown Miami has a wealth of shopping, restaurants and things to do and see, and the hotel has great views of Biscayne Bay from the rooftop pool deck and many rooms.

The San Diego hotels below can be added to your Disney Cruise Line reservation. If you have booked through a travel agent , contact your agent to add a pre-cruise and/or post-cruise stay. If you have booked directly with Disney Cruise Line, call them.

Alternatively, you can book directly with these hotels  through the link below, which may be less expensive:

  • The Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego is on San Diego Bay between the San Diego Convention Center and the Seaport Village. It is approximately 3 miles from San Diego International Airport and just a few blocks from the San Diego Cruise Terminal.
  • The Intercontinental San Diego is a modern 4-diamond tower hotel just across the street from the cruise terminal, with sweeping views of San Diego Bay. It’s about 3 miles from San Diego International Airport.

The Vancouver hotels below can be added to your Disney Cruise Line reservation. If you have booked through a travel agent , contact your agent to add a pre-cruise and/or post-cruise stay. If you have booked directly with Disney Cruise Line, call them.

Alternatively, you can book directly with these hotels through the links below, which may be less expensive:

  • Fairmont Waterfront boasts a spectacular location across from the Convention Centre and Canada Place Cruise Ship Terminal, within walking distance of the city’s many restaurants, shops and galleries. All rooms are elegantly appointed with contemporary, airy deco and feature floor to ceiling windows to highlight the beautiful scenery. If you decide to stay here, be sure to sign up for the Accor Live Limitless loyalty program (free) in advance, which will give you FREE internet during your stay.
  • Fairmont Vancouver Airport is the only luxury hotel and spa within Vancouver’s International Airport, located in the suburb of Richmond (20 minutes south of Vancouver). The beautifully appointed guest rooms are spacious with floor-to-ceiling windows offering soundproof views, revealing the serenity of mountain views and plane spotting opportunities. If you decide to stay here, be sure to sign up for the Accor Live Limitless loyalty program (free) in advance, which will give you FREE internet during your stay.
  • Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown is an upscale tower hotel in the heart of Downtown Vancouver. High floor rooms have a great view of the harbor and/or downtown. It’s about a half-mile from the cruise terminal, which would be an easy 5 minute cab or Lyft ride.

A hotel that isn’t part of the Disney cruise add-on program, but is well worth considering, is the Pan-Pacific Vancouver , since it is literally in the same building as the Cruise Ship Terminal, and they offer free transfer of your checked bags to the ship, which is a huge convenience. You should tip the bell staff a dollar or two per bag (they’ll take US dollars happily if you don’t have Canadian).

You’ll be getting off the cruise ship early in the morning on the last day. If your flight doesn’t leave for hours, and you don’t know what to do with your day, here are some suggestions.

Orlando International Airport (MCO)

Los angeles international airport (lax).

  • Get a “day room” at Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport . For a modest charge (typically less than an overnight rate) you can use a hotel room from 10:00 am until as late as 6:00 pm and watch TV, use the hotel pool, etc. When flight time rolls around, you’re already in the terminal! Call the hotel directly at (407) 825-1234 to book a day room. The Hyatt has a relationship with Disney, so you can arrange Disney transportation to the hotel from the ship, or you can book a private car transfer or rental car if you prefer.
  • If you have loads of time, you can rent a car for the day and visit the nearby Kennedy Space Center to explore the NASA exhibits, or play in the sand at Cocoa Beach . Allow at least an hour to drive back to the airport.
  • Los Angeles Airport Marriott – Day room rates vary by date. They are available from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm. Call the hotel directly at (310) 641-5700 and ask for the front desk to book a day room.
  • Embassy Suites Los Angeles – International Airport South – Day rooms can be booked an “as-available” basis on the day of check-in (no advance bookings). Rooms can be used from morning through 6:00 pm. Call the hotel directly at (310) 640-3600 and press 0 for the front desk. (Do not select “reservations,” as that will send you to a call center that knows nothing about the day rooms.)
  • If you have loads of time, you can rent a car for the day and either drive to Hollywood (check out Disney’s El Capitan Theatre  or play in the sand at one of the many beautiful local beaches ( Manhattan Beach and Venice Beach are two great, close-by options, each with its own unique vibe). Allow at least an hour to drive back to the airport.

Disney’s bus transfers to and from the port are convenient, but also pretty expensive, especially for a family:

  • In Florida, Disney offers bus transfers between any of the Walt Disney World resort hotels and Port Canaveral, or between the Orlando (MCO) airport or the Hyatt MCO and Port Canaveral. You can also do a multi-part transfer (for example airport-resort-port-airport). The cost is $78 per person round trip or $39 per person one-way for Disney’s bus transfers.
  • Only hotels that are offered as pre- or post-cruise options by Disney Cruise Line have transportation available from Disney Cruise Line. If you stay in a different hotel, you’ll need to arrange your own transportation.
  • The cost depends on the prevailing transportation rates in that city and the distances between the airport, hotel and cruise port. Remember taxis and car services charge per car , whereas Disney charges per person .
  • With a party of two, the total cost for a private car or taxi will usually be similar to the total cost of Disney’s transportation. Lyft will almost always be cheaper, if it is offered in the city in question. A party of three or more people will almost always save money using independent transportation.
  • The primary appeal of using Disney’s transportation is that it’s easy; you follow the signs to the bus and it takes you where you need to be. That said, it’s not faster, it usually involves more waiting, not less, and it’s not flexible. If you want to get where you are going as fast as possible, either a taxi, car service (Lyft) or pre-booked private car is always going to beat the buses.

Disney’s transfers must be booked a minimum of 3 days before the start of the trip through your travel agent (or Disney if you booked direct). At the airports, a Disney rep will be at the baggage claim area to help direct guests to the bus. Your luggage will go directly to your stateroom; you just need take your day bag with you to the cruise terminal.

One down side of using the Disney bus system is that you will arrive at the port with a big group of people and at a time dictated by Disney. The result is often a long wait in the check-in lines. You may also miss lunch on the ship, since the buses tend to arrive in the afternoon.

Below are alternate options that may be cheaper and/or more convenient.

  • Port Canaveral – Shuttle by Happy Limo

Port Canaveral – Rental Car

Port canaveral – luxury sedan, limo or private van/suv service, port canaveral – cruise port parking.

  • Port of San Diego – Rental Car
  • Port of San Diego – Luxury Sedan, Limo or Private Van/SUV Service

Port of San Diego – Shuttle

  • Port of San Diego – Parking
  • Port of Vancouver – Transportation

Port of Vancouver – Parking

Port canaveral – shuttle by happy limo.

Happy Limo , a private car and limo service we have recommended for years, offers a great shared-shuttle option for trips between Orlando International Airport and the Disney Cruise Line terminal at Port Canaveral. The base price per person is $30/person each way ($60 round trip), plus a $20 port fee (each way, per booking, not per person). The minimum booking is 4 people. Tips are at customer’s discretion (conventional tips these days for shuttle drivers seem to be about 15%-20%, or about $4.50-$6/person each way). For shared service for a family of 4+ to Port Canaveral, this is a better deal than Disney, and gives you more control over when you want to travel.

Airport to Port Canaveral

Shuttles leave Orlando International from Terminal B, level 1 (ground transportation), shuttle spaces B-5 through B-9. You must reserve a spot in advance for one of the available times: 9:00 am, 10:00 am or 11:00 am. Your party must have a minimum of 4 passengers to book a shuttle. When you arrive at the shuttle spaces, you will need to check in via phone at (407) 856-1280 . Expect arrival at the cruise terminal roughly 45-60 minutes from the shuttle departure time, depending on traffic.

Port Canaveral to Airport

Shuttles leave Port Canaveral from shuttle space #4, right in front of the terminal. You must reserve a spot in advance for one of the available times: 8:00 am, 9:00 am or 10:00 am. When you arrive at the shuttle space, you will need to check in via phone at (407) 856-1280 . Expect arrival at the airport roughly 45-60 minutes from the shuttle departure time, depending on traffic.

  • To reserve your shuttle time , you can book online here: Happy Limo Rates & Reservations , or call Happy Limo at (877) 642-7791 or (407) 856-1280 .
  • MouseSavers readers get $10 off per booking each way! That’s $20 off a round-trip booking. Just mention MouseSavers when booking over the phone, or put “referred by MouseSavers” in the comments section when booking online.
  • Note: To book a shuttle, your party must have a minimum of 4 passengers. If there are less than 4 passengers, a towncar, limo or van  must be booked.
  • Note : when booking online, for one-way trips from the airport or round-trips, use one of the three pickup times listed above as your pickup time, select “Airport Pickup” as your trip type, “Orlando International Airport” as your pickup location, “Port Canaveral” as your dropoff location and select “Shuttle” as your vehicle type (it’s the last one in the vehicle list). For one-way trips from Port Canaveral, reverse the pickup and dropoff locations and pick one of the Port Canaveral pickup times listed above.

Your most economical option may be to rent a car one-way between the airport and Port Canaveral. None of the rental car companies listed below have a one-way or drop-off charge except as noted. Depending on the rental car company, you can either take a shuttle or a cab to the port.

Renting a car gives you the flexibility to stop and grab some groceries or last-minute items, and you can arrive at the ship earlier than the bus passengers, which allows you to board ahead of the crowd and get yourself settled, make Palo and spa reservations, etc.

  • See our Rental Car Discounts page for many discount codes, coupons and tricks to help you save on your rental car!

All the  major rental car companies have offices near Port Canaveral. When searching for a location, use “Cape Canaveral, FL” as the location. Alamo, National, Enterprise and Budget are very close to the Port Canaveral cruise terminal (but not close enough to walk). The others aren’t too far away. Keep in mind that between about 11 am and 3 pm on days when a cruise is leaving, all of these locations will be busy, and check-in may be slow. The shuttles to the cruise terminal will fill up fast, so it might take several shuttles before you can get one. Taxis and Lyft will also be super busy, so it may take some time to get one to the rental location. Allow plenty of time to get back to the ship, or get there before 11 am.

  • Budget is usually the best bet for transfers to and from the port. For one thing, Budget often has the best prices on one-day rentals. It also has on-site facilities at the Orlando International (MCO) and its office in Cape Canaveral (location code ZC5) is fairly close to the cruise terminal. Budget offers free shuttle service between its office and the port, though several people have reported that they find it easier and faster to take a taxi or Lyft to and from the terminal instead, which costs about $6-$8 each way.
  • Avis has a location on-site at MCO and an office in Cape Canaveral (location code P3F), a bit further away than Budget. Avis has free shuttle service between its office and the cruise terminal, or you can take a cab for around $7-$10 each way.
  • Alamo , National and Enterprise (all owned by the same company) share the Enterprise office in Cape Canaveral very near the port. They offer a free shuttle from their office to the port, or you can take a cab for $5-$6 each way.

If you want to gas up your rental car on the way back to the airport , exit Florida 528 at Narcoosee Road, which is two exits before the airport exit, and turn right. There is a BP station about a block up on the right, with normal gas prices. Note that this exit is tolled, so you’ll want to bring your own windshield toll pass to avoid exhorbitant rental car toll fees.

The nearest gas station to the airport (“Landing Strip” aka “Suncoast Energy” on Semoran Boulevard, just north of the airport) is a complete rip-off . This station habitually charges nearly TWICE the normal price for gas and does not have signs to let people know the prices before they pull in. You won’t realize you’re paying a ridiculous price unless you look closely at the pump!

A fun, relaxing (and surprisingly economical) way to get from Walt Disney World or the Orlando Airport to the cruise terminal at Port Canaveral is to use luxury sedan, limo or private van/SUV service.

The great thing is, you can schedule the vehicle to get you to the ship earlier than the bus passengers, which allows you to board ahead of the crowd and get yourself settled, make Palo and spa reservations, etc.

A luxury sedan is generally cheaper than Disney’s bus transfers if you are transporting a family. For larger groups, a private van, SUV or limo is definitely the way to go. You’ll save money and time.

  • Learn more about towncar, limo or private van service to/from Port Canaveral and a discount code that will help you save money!

Parking at the port is $17 per day (not per night). You are charged for your arrival and departure days, even though they are partial days. The upshot is, this is what you’ll pay:

  • 3-night cruise – $68 ($17 x 4 days)
  • 4-night cruise – $85 ($17 x 5 days)
  • 5-night cruise – $102 ($17 x 6 days)
  • 7-night cruise – $136 ($17 x 8 days)

Check the Port Canaveral website for more information about parking and directions.

Be sure to check on deals at the hotels near the port . You can usually pay for one night and get a week of free parking in the hotel lot and often a complimentary shuttle ride to/from the cruise terminal. Usually there’s a special cruise hotel package you need to book to get the “free” parking, which will cost somewhat more than booking their lowest rate, but it’s nearly always going to be cheaper than parking at the port. Some hotels include the parking in the package cost, but charge extra for the shuttle. Even if the shuttle fee is included, the shuttle drivers are not shy about asking for tips, and the wait for the shuttle can be long, so we usually take a taxi or Lyft even if there’s an ostensibly “free” shuttle. From most of the Canaveral hotels to the cruise terminal is about a $5-7 taxi fare.

Port of San Diego – Rental Car

If you will be taking a West Coast Disney cruise and you are also planning to make a “grand tour” of Southern California, with a visit to Disneyland as well as other Southern California tourist destinations , a rental car is definitely your best bet. Taking taxis, limos or shuttles between the major attractions would cost a fortune because the distances are significant. For instance, it’s a 1.5 hour drive between SeaWorld San Diego and Disneyland. Southern California is a very car-oriented culture, with relatively poor public transportation. Trying to get between a number of different attractions without a car can be an exercise in frustration.

If you are flying in or out of San Diego International Airport (SAN) , all of the major rental car companies have locations there. See the Rental Cars page and check the company that interests you for more information.

It is never cost-effective to rent a car at SAN and leave it at the port during your cruise. Parking near the port is expensive. The airport is very close to the cruise port, so it’s better to rent the car at the airport either pre- or post-cruise and return it to the airport so you’re not accruing both rental fees and parking charges during the cruise.

Port of San Diego – Lyft, Taxi, Luxury Sedan, Limo or Private Van/SUV Service

The cruise terminal is very close to the airport as the crow flies, but because of the road layout and potential traffic, it’s about a 5 mile trip and takes about 15-20 minutes. Disney offers bus service, but the quickest and sometimes the least expensive way to accomplish your transfer will be Lyft , a taxi or a private limo service.

  • Learn more about towncar, limo or private van service to/from the Port of San Diego .

If you need to transfer between the San Diego Airport (SAN) and the Port of San Diego, your least expensive option is usually  a shared van service . The shuttle will make multiple stops, so allow plenty of time.

However, for the ultimate in convenience and luxury, consider using a private towncar or limo transfer . It may cost a bit more than a shuttle, but it is much more comfortable and efficient.

Port of San Diego – Parking

Parking for a San Diego cruise, is, in a word, messy. There is no official parking lot, just a lot of independent lots nearby that also handle other parking business and can fill up. If you can get a reservation, the parking at the Wyndham across the street  from the cruise terminal is convenient. If not, most of the long-term parking in the area (including many of the airport long-term lots) offer a shuttle to the cruise terminal, or you can get a cab from the parking lot.

Port of Vancouver – Transportation

The simplest way to get to Vancouver, BC is to fly to Vancouver International Airport (YVR). However, there are more flight options available to Seattle-Tacoma Airport (SEA), which is just 3-4 hours away from Vancouver by train or bus. Airfares to Seattle are often much cheaper, even when you factor in the cost of the extra train or bus ticket and other costs, and the trip from Seattle to Vancouver is quite scenic. Traveling via Seattle can add 5-6 hours to your trip, however. To make the Seattle option work well, it’s really best to stay in Seattle at least overnight, then take the train or bus up on another date. It is possible to fly into Seattle and get onto a ship in Vancouver the same day, but the connections are super tight — there’s not a lot of room for error and we wouldn’t recommend it.

Flying To Vancouver Directly

The closest airport is Vancouver International (YVR). You can get a taxi to the Canada Place cruise terminal for about $45-$60 CAD (plus tip), which takes 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic. Vancouver now has Lyft service, and that’s going to run $30-40 CAD.

You can also book a limo or town car. The official town car company for the airport is Aerocar , which charges a flat $64 CAD (plus tip) for a sedan from YVR to the cruise terminal.

The cheapest and usually easiest way to go is the SkyTrain Canada Line , a light rail train that goes directly from the airport to Waterfront Station. The SkyTrain station is right across from the airport entrance – ask someone to direct you if needed; the signs are not as clear as one would like. Get on any train; the track begins at the airport and all trains head to Waterfront, so you can’t get on the wrong train or the wrong direction. When you reach Waterfront station, take the Cordova Street exit from the station, turn right and walk down about a block and a half to Howe. Turn right and the cruise terminal and Pan Pacific hotel is right there. The cash fare is only $7-9 CAD per person (depending on whether you’re going peak or off-peak). You do not need cash; the ticket kiosks take credit cards. It takes about 25-35 minutes. Keep in mind that the trains don’t have any luggage racks, so if you have a lot of luggage, SkyTrain may be a bit of a hassle.

Flying to Seattle Then Train To Vancouver

You’ll want to fly to Seattle-Tacoma airport (SEA). If you want to make it on your cruise ship that same day, you’ll need to arrive very early, probably before 6:15 am, as the morning train leaves at 7:45 am and there isn’t another until 7:00 pm. If you plan to arrive a day or more early, obviously you can take the later train or the early one the next day.

There are two Amtrak trains per day from Seattle to Vancouver, which you can book in advance on the Amtrak website . Prices start at $34 per person, each way, and the trip takes 4 hours (though allow extra time, as it often takes longer). As seats sell out, only the higher fares remain available, and they go as high as $86, so book early. Be sure you book the Amtrak Cascades  train trip ; Amtrak also books their own “Thruway” bus service which is not usually the best bus option.

You will also need to get from the SeaTac airport to the King Street train station in downtown Seattle, and from the Vancouver Pacific Central train station to the Canada Place cruise terminal.

In Seattle, the taxi ride is $40 (flat rate, plus tip) from the airport to anywhere in downtown Seattle, including the train station. Allow 30 minutes for the trip, longer on weekdays at rush hour. You can also take the Link light rail for $3/person from the airport to the International District station, which is 3 blocks from the King Street Station, but there are no luggage racks, so it can be a hassle if you have multiple bags. Seattle also has Lyft service available.

In Vancouver, a taxi from the train station to the cruise terminal is about $12-$15 CAD (plus tip) and takes about 15 minutes, or you can walk a couple blocks from the train station and take the Expo Line from SkyTrain Main Street station to the Waterfront station for around $2.75 CAD. When you reach Waterfront Station, use the Howe Street exit and you come out right in front of the cruise terminal. Again, there are no luggage racks on SkyTrain, so not a great option for those with many big or unwieldy bags. Vancouver also has Lyft service available.

Flying to Seattle Then Bus To Vancouver

The closest airport is Seattle-Tacoma airport (SEA). To make it onto your cruise that same day, you’ll want to get in before 9:00 am in order to make it on a 10:00 am bus. If you plan to arrive a day or more early, obviously you can take a later bus.

The Quick Coach bus service is the most convenient, since it drops off directly at the Canada Place cruise terminal in Vancouver. If you book at least 24 hours in advance, you can have them drop you directly at any downtown Vancouver hotel. Fares start at $50 one way or $95 round trip for adults, with discounts available for children and seniors. There are significant charges for baggage over and above one purse-sized personal item. The trip takes about 4.5 hours.

The Seattle-Vancouver FlixBus (owned by Greyhound) goes from several Seattle locations (including SeaTac Airport) to the Vancouver Pacific Central train station, with advance fares as low as $30 each way, including one large bag and one personal item (purse-sized). The trip takes about 4.5 hours from SeaTac or 4 hours from downtown Seattle. You still need to get from the Vancouver train station to the cruise terminal or your hotel. See the section above on train travel to see the various options on each end.

Flying to Bellingham Then Bus or Train to Vancouver

An often-overlooked option that can work for some people is to fly to Bellingham, WA which is the closest major city in Washington to Vancouver, BC. Sometimes it’s only a little more expensive to fly to Bellingham than to Seattle, and a bus or train from Bellingham takes less than half the time (just under two hours) and has a much lower fare than the same bus or train from Seattle. The connections aren’t as tight, and it’s more reasonable to try to fly into Bellingham and get on your cruise ship the same day, though given the vagaries of modern air travel, we still suggest getting in a day early if you can. All of the options from Seattle, including Quick Coach , FlixBus and Amtrak can also be taken from Bellingham. For Amtrak you have to get to the Bellingham train station, and FlixBus picks up at Western Washington University or near the ferry terminal, but Bellingham is so small that the cab to any location is unlikely to be more than 5 minutes and about $10.

If you end up staying in Bellingham, or driving through at lunch time, our favorite fish & chips joint there is the Web Locker ( map link ). Whether it’s a good idea to have a lot of fried fish before getting on a cruise is a judgment call you’ll have to make for yourself. We can never seem to skip it. We also are very fond of the Boundary Bay Brewery & Bistro  ( map link ), which is closer to the freeway. It has a bit of a brewpub feeling, but is family-friendly and serves a lot of comfort food like burgers and sandwiches.

Not all cities have good, reasonably-priced flights to Bellingham, but it can be worth checking out. The primary airlines that service Bellingham are Allegiant, Alaska and Horizon.

Parking is available for roughly $27 CAD per day (tax included) at the Port of Vancouver Cruise Terminal (Canada Place). Indigo Neo operates the parking garage, and requires guests parking at Canada Place Parking Garage for anything longer than one day to make a reservation online via their website , or by calling them at (800) 469-4169 . The garage is right there in the cruise terminal; to get to the ship you just take an elevator to the embarkation level and walk a few hundred feet.

The Disney Cruise Line Blog

An unofficial disney cruise line news, information, weather, and photo blog..

The Disney Cruise Line Blog

Disney Wish Stateroom 14000 Tour – Wish Tower Suite

The Disney Wish 1,966 sq. ft. Concierge Wish Tower Suite offers accommodations for up to 8 guests with it’s own grand spiral staircase, an open dining salon, pantry with wet bar stocked with water and soda. The unique concierge suite was designed with artwork, iconography and materials that evoke the Oceania-inspired world of “Moana.”

Wish Tower Suite Entrance

For Disney Cruise Line, stateroom 14000 is a first-of-its-kind accommodation, located high in the forward funnel above the upper decks, guests enter via a special entry accessible via a private elevator from Deck 10 and 12 to deck 14. Additionally, there is a nondescript door to a stairwell is located on deck 12, just off the upper deck.

Disney Wish Concierge Wish Tower Suite 14000

The main living room will be flanked by an open dining area, a large pantry and a bar, all offering views across the upper decks to the horizon through an expansive two-story window wall.

Wish Tower Suite

Just off the main area on the port side is a library which can be converted into a bedroom with queen size wall bed.

Wish Tower Suite

Also on the first level, is a bedroom with built in bunk beds with illuminated Moana inspired ceiling constellations.

Wish Tower Suite

Located on the upper-level loft, the main bedrooms will be lavish and serene with king beds, walk-in closets and floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over the living area below to the views beyond. The main bathrooms will each have double vanities, soaking tubs and rain showers. Below is a look at the bedroom and bath on the starboard side.

Wish Tower Suite

Moving across the loft, is the other bedroom on the port side.

Wish Tower Suite

No privacy at all around this place! Cousin Orville took over the coolest stateroom on the ship, and rigged up something pretty clever, he calls it automatic blinds.

Wish Tower Suite View At Night

In contrast, this is the view from the starboard bedroom window.

Wish Tower Suite

There is no argument that this is a unique stateroom, but it does lack a private verandah and guests around the upper decks can look right into your stateroom.

Have you stayed in the Wish Tower Suite, what did you think about it? Do you have a stateroom review to share? You can submit your own stateroom review. Start by searching for your stateroom on  this page , then look for the link titled  Submit your own stateroom review .

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5 Replies to “Disney Wish Stateroom 14000 Tour – Wish Tower Suite”

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Ahh so it’s like a human terrarium. Got it. No outside verandah means this is a glorified ocean view room that actually looks out onto the lido deck of the Axiom. Thanks but no thanks.

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Feel bad for the people dropping $$$$$ to stay in this tower not realizing that even with their blinds closed they are on full display! They should have done one-way windows.

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Lisa, you read my mind. We always get a Verandah and we get more privacy than that suite will ever get.

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The more I read about the Wish, I wish it weren’t so. When we sail again, I think we’re going to avoid this ship. Sounds like they went backwards in more ways than not. We’ll stick with the Dream or Fantasy.

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No balcony no ty! Dumb design of that room..no privacy! One of many design flaws on the wish!

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suites on disney cruises

Suite Life: Inside The Walt Suite

  • By Lauren Mack
  • October 18, 2020

A glimpse into the VIP life of Disney Cruises.

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Disney Magic Cruise Ship: Image Courtesy of Disney Cruises

We spent five nights in the Disney Magic’s Walter E. Disney Suite , the most magical place on Disney Cruise Line, to give you the inside scoop.

Located mid-ship on Deck 8 in stateroom 8030 on Disney Magic , the cruise line’s first ship, and the Disney Wonder , the palatial two-bedroom, two-and-a-half bathroom suite, is on the ship’s port (left) side across from the comparable Roy O. Disney Suite (stateroom 8530) and around the corner from the midship elevator banks. The 1,029-square-foot suite sleeps seven. It’s location is perfect—midship and high enough, so we didn’t feel the ship move when the seas became a little rocky. 

On the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy , the two, 1,781-square feet Concierge Royal Suite with Verandah, as these suites are classified, are located on deck 12 forward in staterooms 12002 and 12502. Each only sleeps five people but boast a private Jacuzzi on the verandah. Prior to sailing in the Walt Suite, I had only been on the Disney Magic. Since then, I’ve been on the Disney Dream. If I could make the decision again, I would have chosen the Walt Suite on the Disney Dream solely for the private Jacuzzi, but we managed to enjoy a nearly private Jacuzzi on the Disney Magic by purchasing a pass to the Rainforest inside the Senses Spa, which has two Jacuzzis with panoramic views. We soaked in these Jacuzzis daily and almost always had them all to ourselves. 

Guests are welcomed into a brief foyer with carved wood credenza, a vase with fresh flowers, and a framed photo of the suite’s namesake. There’s a powder room and an adjacent butler pantry stocked with water and soft drinks. The hallway opens up to a large media room, which includes a couch, coffee table, desk, flatscreen LCD television, wet bar, and floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic views. 

Amber-lit floor-to-ceiling shelves with artsy vases and a dozen or so Disney books, flank the entry-way to a living room appointed with a full-size pull-down murphy bed, flatscreen LCD television, and enviable ocean views. Adjacent is the master bedroom with queen size bed made up with luxurious 300-thread-count, 100% cotton Frette  linens topped with a plush down duvet, two wooden side tables, another LCD television, and a vanity. The marble and granite master bath features a whirlpool tub and two sinks, a separate walk-in shower, and toilet. 

To the left of the living room is a sea-side dining salon with seating for six that leads to the second bedroom that features two twin beds, two pull-down upper berths, an LCD television, a walk-in closet, and an ensuite bathroom with tub/shower and plush Frette bath towels. Throughout the Art Deco-style suite, each room is adorned with original Disney artwork. We appreciated having two separate bedrooms in the Walt Suite, which provided ample privacy. Having three bathrooms is really handy when everyone is in a rush to get dressed in the morning to go ashore. It’s also helpful when traveling with little ones as they never have to wait to use the restroom.

These special Royal Suites (category R) are all part of the Concierge-level accommodations, which include perks like a Concierge Lounge with complimentary food and nonalcoholic beverages, staterooms stocked with Elemis® Body Exotics products and Spongelle, a flower-shaped ginger bergamot body wash infused buffer, robes and slippers, the Pillow Talk Program (guests can select from a pillow menu that includes hypoallergenic, feather and therapeutic memory foam), and complimentary Wi-Fi. Up to 125 days prior to sailing, concierge guests can submit their requests to the Concierge Team, who can book spa treatments, dining reservations, Castaway Cay cabanas, and Port Adventures on their behalf when the 120-day window opens.

We really made use of the dedicated Concierge service. The crew cheerfully fulfilled all our requests, including stocking the pantry with Mickey Bars and Evian and providing extra Spongelles (they are amazing, and I totally stashed extras in my suitcase). The downside to Concierge is once you sail at the Concierge level, it’s hard to “downgrade” and sail non-Concierge. After our Walt Suite experience, we didn’t book a Concierge stateroom for our next cruise and we really regretted it. 

Walt and Roy Suite Only Perks

As guests of the Walt Suite, we were the first to board after the Family of the Day and we didn’t have to wait to access our palatial stateroom (the Family of the Day is chosen at random by a Disney Cast Member in the cruise ship terminal). Boarding first means we got a few extra hours to enjoy the ship’s amenities and could drop off our day bags before heading to lunch at Cabanas. It was so convenient to not have to lug around bags and we bypassed long bathroom lines by the pool. 

Another delicious perk was the complimentary fresh fruit platter, which included a coconut stuffed with fresh berries.

The Walt Suite and Roy Suite are the only staterooms that offer in-room dining from Palo’s , the chic adults-only fine dining restaurant. Staying in these suites is the only way guests under 18-years-old can dine on the restaurant’s Northern Italian fare like piquant Dover sole garnished with nut brown butter and chopped capers. Guests don’t have to adhere to the upscale dress code that is required when enjoying brunch or dinner in Palo’s dining room. The in-room dining experience was identical to that at Palo’s: a waiter took orders and attended to every detail and a sommelier made suggestions of European wines to pair with our multi-course meal. 

This meal was a highlight of our trip. We kept the verandah door open during dinner, enjoying the ambiance of the sound of the ocean couples with gentle sea breeze. When it came to selecting our appetizers and entrees, we definitely over-ordered. We were accustomed to ordering two or three appetizers each at dinner as the portion size for those tends to be much smaller, but at Palo’s the portions are generous. We ended up ordering so much food that we were unable to finish it all. 

How to book

With only four ships (three more are on the way, including Disney Wish in 2022), there are limited chances to sail in the Walt Suite. The price varies depending on the number of travelers, ship, cruise length, and ports of call. We sailed with seven adults and one toddler on the four-night, five-day cruise from Miami with stops at Key West, Nassau, Bahamas, and Castaway Cay in January 2018 for $13,000, but we have seen the rate for these suites as low as $10,500 for a three-night Bahamian cruise sailing from Port Canaveral, Fla. One way to potentially score a discount is to check in early at the port and ask if an upgrade to the Walt Suite is available. If so, upgrading can be done with significant discounts. Having sailed on three-night, four-night, and five-night Disney cruises, I recommend at least a four-night cruise. Three nights is too rushed and not enough time to enjoy the suite life!

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Lauren Mack

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Please note: Perfecting The Magic does not represent the  Walt Disney Company  in any way and is not employed by or affiliated with  The Walt Disney Company . 

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Disney Cruise Line Stateroom Considerations for Larger Families

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

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

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

suites on disney cruises

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

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

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

suites on disney cruises

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

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

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

Splitting Your Party Into Two Staterooms May Save Your Sanity

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

suites on disney cruises

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

suites on disney cruises

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

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

You Can Make Two Staterooms Feel Like One Room

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

suites on disney cruises

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

Connecting Rooms are Not All Alike

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

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

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

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

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

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

suites on disney cruises

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

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

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

suites on disney cruises

Not All Age Combinations Will Work When Booking Staterooms

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

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

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

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

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

Think About Your Castaway Club Status

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

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

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

Additional Ways to Save Money on DCL for Larger Families

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

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

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

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Erin Foster

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

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

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

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

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

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

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MSC Seaside Cruise Review

I f you are looking for a good value for your money (and who isn’t these day?), then I’d recommend taking a look at MSC. On our recent fall cruise on the MSC Seaside, we found the Seaside to be clean, with nice open public spaces, and a gracious crew. The value of the cruise to the money we spent was fantastic, and this was the weighty factor in our choosing this ship and line.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you.

Table of Contents

How to get to port canaveral cruise port, hilton orlando buena vista palace – disney springs area, wyndham grand orlando resort bonnet creek, cabana bay resort, booking your cruise on msc seaside.

Bella, Fantastica and Aurea Experiences: What are the Differences & Perks

Stateroom Perks and Features

All suites on msc seaside come with aurea experience perks, pre/post cruise option orlando theme parks.

The ship is home-ported in Port Canaveral, Florida. Port Canaveral is easily reached by flights into Orlando International airport, Orlando Sanford International, and even Jacksonville International airport. However, out of the three, Orlando is the easiest, both in terms of the number of daily flights, and ease of airport navigation.

My suggestion, especially if arriving through either Orlando International or Orlando Sanford International is to add a day to the front end and a day to the back end of your MSC Seaside cruise and explore the area. There is so much to do in Orlando, and certainly don’t discount Port Canaveral – it has a lot as well, including Kennnedy Space Center. Once you’ve arrived, you can either rent a car , or hire a car service to take you to the port on the day of embarkation.

Where to Stay If I Arrive Early

There are so many options here! You can stay in Orlando, and there are several hotels we like in this area. If you want to arrive a few days prior to your cruise and visit the theme parks – Disney or Universal, you can stay at one of the park-affiliated hotels. If visiting Disney, and staying in one of the affiliated hotels, you will get complimentary transportation to and from the resort and the park.

Hotel Options for Pre/Post MSC Seaside Cruise Stay for Disney World

I don’t know about you, but I hate having to pay for parking….especially at theme parks! So whenever we visit Disney or Universal, we try to stay at one of the theme park recommended hotels that offer shuttle service.

The Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace is located within the Disney World Resort and provides FREE theme park transfer service, making it one of our top choices for a theme park resort stay. Another plus is that it is connected to the Disney Springs dining and entertainment complex, which is one of my favorite places to visit.

The guest rooms have flat-screen TVs, small refrigerators (a nice perk!) and good bed linens. It is part of the Hilton brand, so if you are a frequent traveler and part of their reward program, you may get better pricing and/or perks. Amenities include on-site parking, breakfast, two pools, 4 restaurants, wifi throughout, fitness center, bar, and a golf course nearby.

The Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek is another hotel within the Disney resort group, and offers a FREE shuttle to the Disney parks. This hotel offers five swimming pools, they are pet friendly (Zach loves staying at the Wyndham!), two restaurants, and a spa. Perched on Lake Buena Vista with gorgeous tropical foliage, this hotel is amazing!

The rooms have flat-screen TVs, iPod docking stations, refrigerators, robes and spa amenities in each room. The spa is perfect for getting relaxed from all the park activities before you leave for your cruise. It offers both inside and outside treatment rooms, and a nail salon. There is also a fitness room and lagoon style resort pool. We’ve stayed at the Wyndham, though it has been several years, and one of our top reasons for choosing this hotel is that they are pet friendly, IF you are not visiting prior to a cruise departure, you’ll be really pleased with the dog-friendly option .

Hotel Options for Pre/Post MSC Seaside Cruise Stay for Universal Orlando

At Cabana Bay Resort not only do you get COMPLIMENTARY shuttle service to the parks, you also get EARLY PARK ADMISSION to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter & Volcano Bay water park an hour before the park officially opens, making this resort one of the best choices for a pre-cruise stay. All the rooms at the resort feature flat-screen TVs, and other amenities include on-site parking, six restaurants, two pools, coffee shop (I love hotels and resorts that offer this – I don’t function without my early morning cup of coffee!) and wifi throughout the resort.

10 Quick Facts About the MSC Seaside

  • The Seaside debuted in 2017, and was considered the 14th largest ship in the world
  • The Yacht Club provides more than other ship’s VIP sections. On the Seaside, the exclusive Yacht Club area is extremely large, covering 5 decks! In addition to the perks listed above, the private Yacht Club offers a themed restaurant, private theater, private pool and a private bowling alley!
  • The ship does not offer a quantity of dining experiences; however they are laser focused on the quality of the food that they serve.
  • The entertainment is high quality; one of the things we love about this ship is that the shows were all broadway quality.
  • There are nine bars and lounges onboard the Seaside, so there are plenty of options for sipping.
  • There are four pool, four water slides, three hot tubs.
  • The spa is phenomenal, and I loved the hydro therapy pool and heated ceramic beds
  • MSC puts a high priority on kids , so there are kids clubs for all ages, including teens, and a fun waterpark that will keep them entertained.
  • Dress onboard is casual during the day and business casual in the evenings.
  • They designed the ship for maximum passenger flow, meaning that there are shorter wait times for the elevators, even during the high traffic times.

What To Not to Take on a Cruise

First time cruisers, and even some seasoned travelers struggle with what to take on a cruise. Here is a list of things you don’t need to take on your MSC cruise:

  • Coffee maker/electric kettle
  • Beach towels
  • Candles / Incense
  • Expensive jewelry
  • Too many clothes/shoes
  • Power strip / Extension cord

What should you bring with you on your cruise:

  • A lanyard to keep your cruise card
  • Backpack / Beach bag
  • Cash for tips (PRO TIP: Prepay for your gratuities)
  • Cross body purse (women)
  • Waterproof phone case
  • Rain poncho

Cruising on MSC Seaside – What to Know & How to Plan

We were pleasantly surprised by our MSC cruise , especially the cost to value. MSC is a relative newcomer to the North American cruising market, having entered into the US market in 2017. It has undergone many changes during this time, and now, in my humble opinion, with the options it brings it is quickly becoming a major competitor for Carnival, Royal Caribbean and even Celebrity.

Prior to my booking our MSC cruise on the Seaside , I did extensive research, reading countless reviews across a myriad number of publications. The reviews were mixed, but there was one strand running through them all – MSC has a few quirks and snags that are still being worked through in the North American market. That said, in our experience, having taken two MSC cruises in 2023 they are working out their quirks.

The booking process is a multi-step and multi-stage process. First you choose where you want to cruise to; then your departure port option(s); in the US these departure ports are New York, Miami, Port Canaveral (Orlando), and debuting in 2025 will be Galveston. Once you choose your departure port, then you will choose your departure date, a selection of all the ports that encompass the destination will show, click on the port you want, and then a selection of dates will show, along with the length of the cruise, and the beginning price, along with the ship.

The next stage is to select the cruise you want, with the itinerary you want. Once you do that, a screen pops up that reads “Choose Your Cruise Offer.” We choose the Best Value because it includes a drink package, and it is still quite affordable. Once you’ve chosen your cruise offer, the window brings you the total cost of the cruise, without any upgrades. When you click “Next” you’ll be taken to a screen that reads “Select Your Stateroom Category.”

Choose your category, you’ll see the new total for the cruise, click “Next.” Now you choose your cruise experience – Bella, Fantastic, or Aurea. We prefer the Aurea experience, because of some of the perks like Anytime Dining that are included. Then you get to choose your stateroom (in both the Bella and Fantasia experiences, you will be assigned a stateroom). Finally the last few steps involve inputting your personal information, and voilá you’ve booked your cruise! The booking process is not hard nor complicated, but there are a lot of steps to the final “I’ve booked my cruise stage.”

Bella, Fantastica and Aurea Experiences : What are the Differences & Perks

MSC’s cabins are attached to bookable “experiences,” which are Bella, Fantastica, Aurea and MSC Yacht Club. Each of these experiences offers a list of amenities and multiple cabin types.

The Bella Experience is the most basic of all and includes all the standard amenities, including line-branded toiletries, free buffet and main dining room meals, and most entertainment. Fantastica adds a few perks, such as free breakfast delivery to the cabin and the chance to request preferred dinner sitting in the main dining room.

Passengers who book the MSC Seaside Aurea Experience will get the most spacious cabins, along with privileges such as priority embarkation and disembarkation; prosecco and chocolate on arrival; free 24-hour room service, and free access to the Top Exclusive Solarium, anytime dining, and other perks.

The MSC Yacht Club is the highest cabin category, and it really is an all-inclusive luxury experience! This experience offers access to the accommodations via key card. The experience also includes dining in a private restaurant just for the Yacht Club, a private sundeck and pool, and an exclusive lounge with food and drinks, 24-hour butler service, free access to the spa’s thermal suite, and luggage packing/unpacking services.

Now that your cruise day is finally here, and you are set to depart, so what can you expect onboard your MSC Seaside cruise?

MSC Seaside Cabins

The standard cabin sizes on the MSC Seaside are, by industry standards, average. They all have two twin beds that can be pushed together for a king. Every cabin includes a couch, small nightstands, hair dryer, desk with chair, and a minibar (you will pay for these items), a spacious closet with sliding doors, flat-screen TV that is interactive with the MSC for Me app, on-demand movies (again for a fee), news channels, and cruise information channel.

The lights are turned on with your cruise card, and near the door are two switches to let your cabin steward know the room needed to be made up – this was confusing, because the lights are outside your door in the hall, so we had to double check we had hit the correct button.

A major plus for us was the number of outlets, including USB outlets. We each had six individual electronics – our phones, smart watches, and kindles, and we were able to plug all of them in.

The bathrooms are small compared to other cruise lines that we cruised on. The counter area is small, but there is a lot of shelf space. The toiletries are shampoo and shower gel. We were disappointed there was no body lotion; especially on a Bahamas cruise where you want the lotion after a day in the ocean.

Interior:  MSC Seaside interior cabins come in two different categories – Deluxe and Premium. All sleep up to five guests and range from 151 to 301 square feet. Instead of a sofa, these rooms have a chair.

Ocean View:  The ship’s outside cabins are all located on Deck 5 and come in at 183 square feet each.

Balcony:  Non-suite balcony staterooms on MSC Seaside range in size between 172 and 183 square feet (not including balconies). Deluxe balcony cabins have a 54-square-foot balcony with two upright chairs and a small drinks table; Deluxe Balcony Aurea rooms are all on Deck 9 and feature 97-square-foot balconies, two loungers, and a chair and table. Some cabins in this category also have showers with bathtubs.

Junior Suite:  These units offer 183 square feet of indoor space plus a 172-square-foot balcony that has two loungers and a drinks table. Junior Suites can only be booked with the Aurea experience.

Deluxe Suite Aurea:  Located on decks 9 to 15, these entry-level suites offer 215 square feet of indoor space, plus 86 square feet of outdoor space.

Premium Suite Aurea:  The most basic Premium Suite on MSC Seaside comes in between 280 and 344 square feet and features large balconies ranging in size from 97 to 151 square feet. Units with terraces are slightly larger at 301 square feet; the highlight is the massive 409-square-foot outdoor space.

Premium Suites with private on-balcony whirlpools are 301 square feet apiece. In addition to large balconies (75 square feet) with upright seating and a small drinks table, they also include a sitting area with sofa, a small glass table and a walk-in closet.

Grand Suites:  They range from 377 to 527 square feet with up to 183-square-foot balconies that hold several upright chairs and a couple of drinks tables. Each also offers an indoor dining table with chairs, a sofa and small glass table, and a walk-in closet.

These suites feature either one or two bedrooms, plus two bathrooms, including one with a tub.

Dining Onboard the Seaside

There are two main dining rooms on MSC’s Seaside, Seashore and Ipanema, and they are identical. You will be assigned to one of these two dining rooms. If you book in the Aurea experience, then you will be assigned a dining room, but you can dine anytime at the assigned restaurant during the open hours. Our first night onboard we were seated in a very private and intimate table by a window, and that is where we dined each evening. It was pleasant, and we felt as if we were on a date every night! You were not rushed to finish dinner, so we lingered and savored our meals and wine.

The food was tasty and well prepared, however the menu is not large. If red meat is not on the menu and you would like a steak, they will offer it, but it will be with an uncharge for the Linz heritage beef. The portions were not large, which appealed to Jim and I as we don’t like large portions, we prefer to order an appetizer, a salad or soup, our entree, and finish with dessert. The waitstaff was always smiling, pleasant and knowledgeable about the dishes.

The other dining venues on the Seaside included two buffet options, The Marketplace Buffet on Deck 8 (open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and the Biscayne Bay Buffet on Deck 16 (open for Breakfast & lunch), and both offer almost the same cuisine. We found that Biscayne Bay was noisy, because of so many families. We preferred the Marketplace. One standout item that MSC does well is their pizza. It is, in my opinion, the very best pizza I have eaten on any ship. Do not miss trying this stellar dish!

MSC does offer four speciality restaurants, the Asian Market, Ocean Cay, Butcher’s Cut, and Venichi 1878; however we opted out of these. We find speciality restaurants can be a niche change up on a longer cruise, but for a short 3 night Bahamas cruise, we did not try them.

Overall I believe that MSC is a great value for the money, and a cruise line that is a good choice for families. We’ve taken two cruises on MSC, one for my husband and I and one with our family. Both cruises were fun, relaxing, and best of all, a good value for the money.

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If you are looking for a good value for your money (and who isn’t these day?), then I’d recommend taking a look at MSC. On our recent fall cruise on the MSC Seaside, we found the Seaside to be clean, with nice open public spaces, and a gracious crew. The value of the cruise to...

Guests staying at Disney World’s resort hotels to get free water park entry

suites on disney cruises

Walt Disney World is introducing a huge new perk for guests of its owned and operated resort hotels. 

Starting next year, guests staying within the Disney Resorts Collection will be able to visit a Disney water park for free on their check-in date. 

There are two water parks on the Florida property, Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach, though only one has operated at a time in recent years. One-day tickets usually start at $64 for guests over age 10 and $58 for kids ages 3 to 9. 

The free-entry perk will only apply to guests staying at Disney’s owned and operated resort hotels, which range from the value-level All-Star resorts all the way to the deluxe Grand Floridian. 

It will not apply to other hotels on Disney property that are owned or operated by third parties like Marriott’s Swan and Dolphin, the military-affiliated Shades of Green, or the various Good Neighbor hotels located near Disney Springs. 

Disney bubble: Disney fans love staying on-site to keep the magic going, but are Disney hotels worth their cost?

The announcement comes on the eve of reservations opening Tuesday for most 2025 Disney World resort hotel stays.

On Monday, Disney World also confirmed that early theme park entry and extended evening theme park hours will continue to be available to its resort hotel guests next year. Extended evening hours are only available to guests of Disney’s deluxe resorts and other select hotels.

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Disney Fantasy Staterooms

Concierge family oceanview stateroom with verandah, concierge 1-bedroom suite with verandah – accessible, concierge 1-bedroom suite with verandah, concierge royal suite with verandah, concierge family oceanview stateroom with verandah – accessible.

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  6. Disney Dream Concierge Staterooms

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COMMENTS

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    Concierge Royal Suite with VerandahCategory R. Stateroom layout provided by Dreams Unlimited Travel. Sleeps: 7. Size: 1,029 sq. ft. including verandah. Room: 2 bedrooms (one with queen-size bed; one with 2 twin beds and 2 pull-down upper berths), 2.5 bathrooms including whirlpool tubs, living room, media library with wall pull-down bed, dining ...

  2. Best Staterooms on a Disney Cruise

    Category 1A - Concierge Wish Tower Suite (Disney Wish cruise ship only) The Wish Tower Suite on Deck 14 and 15 is the Disney Cruise Line's most luxurious room. It has two bedrooms, a space for children with two bunk beds, and a library that can convert into two more rooms. Aside from the four full bathrooms and the half-bath off the living ...

  3. Disney Magic Concierge Staterooms

    View Prices. Learn about the layout, amenities and services of Concierge Royal Suites and 2-Bedroom and 1-Bedroom Suites with Verandahs on the Disney Magic cruise ship.

  4. What types of staterooms and suites are available on Disney Cruise

    Concierge Suites. The Concierge Suites on Disney Cruise Line are the epitome of luxury for travelers looking for the best onboard accommodations. These lavish apartments come in a variety of sizes to accommodate groups of five to seven people. The suites are intended to offer a luxurious and private experience, replete with individualized care ...

  5. Disney Dream Staterooms Overview

    Concierge. Designed with families in mind, Disney Cruise Line staterooms aboard the Disney Dream are among the foremost in the industry. Each stateroom is equipped with innovations that ensure the ultimate in comfort and relaxation for Guests of all ages. From an imaginative inside retreat to an abundantly appointed suite, our world-class ...

  6. Suite Dreams! Get a First Look at the First-Ever Disney Cruise Line

    With nearly 2,000 square feet of living space, including a spacious upper-level loft, the Wish Tower Suite will sleep up to eight guests with two main bedrooms, a children's room, a library that converts to a bedroom and four-and-a-half bathrooms. The magnificent living room will be flanked by an open dining area, a large pantry and a bar ...

  7. Disney Dream Cabins & Staterooms on Cruise Critic

    Interior: Inside cabins on the Disney Dream cruise ship are divided into two main sub-categories based on size. Standard insides start at 169 square feet, while deluxe insides are 204 square feet ...

  8. Disney Cruise Line Staterooms |Cabin Descriptions

    Disney Cruise Lines Suites. Disney Cruise Line staterooms are designed for the whole family. Enjoy staterooms that combine the classic elegance of a bygone era with the amenities and conveniences to make your stay unforgettable. Everyone will appreciate the beauty of the stateroom that is always mingled with a bit of magic.

  9. Disney Cruise Line Staterooms & Suites for Big Families (Sleeping 5, 6

    On a Disney Cruise, the number of guests a stateroom can sleep varies by ship and cabin type. For larger families, the Concierge Royal Suite on the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder ships can accommodate up to 7 guests. However, on the Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Wish and Disney Treasure ships, the maximum occupancy ranges from 5 to 6 ...

  10. What's it like to sail in a concierge suite on the new Disney Wish

    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.

  11. Disney Magic cabins and suites

    Disney Magic cabins review. Of all Disney Magic cruise ship cabins, 71% are outside (including 22 Suites, 332 Balcony rooms, 237 Oceanview), and 256 are Inside (of which 96 are Deluxe). The number of all cabin categories is 25, including the "Guaranteed" categories VGT-Balcony, OGT-Oceanview, and IGT-Inside.

  12. Inside Our $10,000 Concierge Suite on Disney Cruise

    News. 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. Jill Robbins. Jan 21, 2023, 6:42 AM PST. I ...

  13. Disney Treasure Concierge Staterooms

    Learn about the layout and amenities of Concierge Royal Suites, 1-Bedroom Suites and Family Oceanview Staterooms with Verandahs on the Disney Treasure cruise ship. Visit Disney.com. Skip Navigation. ... For assistance with your Disney Cruise, please call (800) 951-3532. Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM Eastern time; Saturday and ...

  14. Princess Aurora Royal Suite

    Disney Wish Stateroom 13000 Tour - Princess Aurora Royal Suite. The Disney Wish features a pair of 2-story concierge Royal Suites on deck 13 forward. Each of the 1,759 sq. ft suites can accommodate up to 6 guests, and feature a private verandah with whirlpool hot tub. In this article, we are going to take a closer look at the Princess Aurora ...

  15. Disney Cruise Hotels and Ground Transportation

    Port Canaveral Hotel Options. For those who want to spend the night at Cape Canaveral before their Disney Cruise, there are four hotels very close (5 miles or less) to the port: Homewood Suites by Hilton Cape Canaveral , Residence Inn Cape Canaveral Cocoa Beach, Country Inn & Suites Cape Canaveral and the Radisson Resort at the Port.

  16. Disney Wish Stateroom 14000 Tour

    For Disney Cruise Line, stateroom 14000 is a first-of-its-kind accommodation, located high in the forward funnel above the upper decks, guests enter via a special entry accessible via a private elevator from Deck 10 and 12 to deck 14. Additionally, there is a nondescript door to a stairwell is located on deck 12, just off the upper deck.

  17. Suite Life: Inside The Walt Suite

    We spent five nights in the Disney Magic's Walter E. Disney Suite, the most magical place on Disney Cruise Line, to give you the inside scoop.. Location. Located mid-ship on Deck 8 in stateroom 8030 on Disney Magic, the cruise line's first ship, and the Disney Wonder, the palatial two-bedroom, two-and-a-half bathroom suite, is on the ship's port (left) side across from the comparable Roy ...

  18. Disney Dream Concierge Staterooms

    Learn about the layout and amenities of Concierge Royal Suites, 1-Bedroom Suites and Family Oceanview Staterooms with Verandahs on the Disney Dream cruise ship. Visit Disney.com. Skip Navigation. ... For assistance with your Disney Cruise, please call (800) 951-3532. Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM Eastern time; Saturday and Sunday ...

  19. 10 Wonderful Things About the Royal Suites on Disney Cruise Line

    The Roy O. Disney and Walter E. Disney suites on Disney Cruise Line are absolutely incredible. I was lucky enough to celebrate a milestone birthday in the Walt suite on the Disney Dream a couple of weekends ago, and it was a cruise like none I've had before. I knew that big birthday was coming, and I wanted a once in a lifetime experience!

  20. Disney Cruise Line Stateroom Considerations for Larger Families

    Disney Cruise Line requires that at least one guest age 18 or over be booked into every stateroom. Additionally, all guests ages 17 and younger must be booked into a stateroom with someone 21 or older. This is no problem if, for example, two adults are traveling with three kids. Two get two rooms, you would book an adult with one child into one ...

  21. MSC Seaside Cruise Review

    Premium Suite Aurea: The most basic Premium Suite on MSC Seaside comes in between 280 and 344 square feet and features large balconies ranging in size from 97 to 151 square feet. Units with ...

  22. Disney Wish Staterooms Overview

    Concierge. Designed with families in mind, Disney Cruise Line staterooms aboard the Disney Wish are among the foremost in the industry. Each stateroom is equipped with innovations that ensure the ultimate in comfort and relaxation for Guests of all ages. From an imaginative inside retreat to an abundantly appointed suite, all of our world-class ...

  23. Disney World is introducing major perk for guests of its resort hotels

    The free-entry perk will only apply to guests staying at Disney's owned and operated resort hotels, which range from the value-level All-Star resorts all the way to the deluxe Grand Floridian.

  24. Cruises, Family Cruises & Disney Vacations

    Discover what sets Disney Cruise Line apart. Explore award-winning family cruises featuring world-class entertainment, modern amenities and legendary service to worldwide ports of call in The Bahamas, the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, Mexico, Canada and more.

  25. Disney Fantasy Concierge Staterooms

    Learn about the layout and amenities of Concierge Royal Suites, 1-Bedroom Suites and Family Oceanview Staterooms with Verandahs on the Disney Fantasy cruise ship. Visit Disney.com. Skip Navigation. ... For assistance with your Disney Cruise, please call (800) 951-3532. Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM Eastern time; Saturday and Sunday ...