Ask any Walt Disney adult about Disney Cruise Line and they’ll rave about the amount of adults-only fun available. Disney cruises are not all about character meet and greets, sing-a-longs, and poolside Disney movies.
From stylish nightclubs and lounges and an adults-only pool area to adult-exclusive dining and spa experiences, Disney Cruise Line puts a significant emphasis on creating enjoyable spaces for adults.
Disney’s private island Castaway Cay even features a tranquil, adults-only area, Serenity Bay. Adult-exclusive shore excursions are also available through Disney Cruise Line’s Port Adventures.
While Disney cruises clearly aren’t just for kids, adults considering a Disney cruise should be aware of these three amenities you won’t find on a Disney cruise ship.
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1. An onboard casino
If your ideal cruise experience includes gambling at sea, Disney Cruise Line probably isn’t for you.
While Disney’s ESPN entered the gambling arena with the launch of ESPN Bet in November 2023, Disney wants families to continue to trust it to provide wholesome, family entertainment. Casinos on its cruise ships just don’t fit with the Disney brand image.
However, if a boisterous game of Bingo brings you joy, you could hit the jackpot and take home a magical cash prize on Disney cruise. Bingo is a popular and lively Disney cruise onboard activity.
Kids are welcome to join in the Bingo fun on Disney cruises with adult supervision. The supervising adult is required to claim any winnings.
Related: What Royal Caribbean passengers wish they knew before their cruise
2. Drink packages
Most cruise lines offer their guests the opportunity to save a percentage off bar menu prices with pre-purchased alcoholic drink packages. Disney Cruise Line is one of the few cruise lines that do not follow this cruise industry standard.
Yes, you can purchase alcoholic beverages on a Disney cruise but a package for bar drinks is not part of the magic.
That doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to save money on alcoholic beverages on a Disney cruise.
If you’re a wine lover, consider pre-purchasing a Disney cruise wine package offering wines to be paired with your dinner each night. These packages offer savings of up to 25%.
Beer drinkers can pre-purchase a Disney Cruise Line beer mug savings package and beer packages offering six-packs for the price of five.
Once on board, you’ll also find happy hour specials and a drink of the day deal.
You can also reduce your drink costs on a Disney cruise by bringing your own alcohol. The Disney Cruise Line alcohol policy states that:
“Disney Cruise Line Guests 21 years and older may bring a maximum of 2 bottles of unopened wine or champagne (no larger than 750 ml) or 6 beers (no larger than 12 ounces) on board at the beginning of the voyage and at each port of call. These beverages must be packed in carry-on (not checked) bags or luggage.”
Related: Princess Cruises makes unexpected adult beverage package change
3. Theme park thrills
You won’t find a Space Mountain-style rollercoaster or a speedway at sea on a Disney cruise ship. At least not yet.
Disney Cruise Line was the first cruise line to add a shipboard water coaster, a family waterslide called AquaDuck back in 2011. This flume ride on a 2-person raft is featured on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy ships.
Later, the cruise line added AquaDunk, a more thrilling, single-rider waterslide, to the Disney Magic cruise ship.
In 2022, Disney Cruise Line made a splash when it unveiled its first water attraction at sea, AquaMouse, on the Disney Wish. An immersive experience featuring “The Wonderful World of Mickey Mouse” animated shorts, the onboard water coaster blasts families through 760 feet of tubes that wind above the ship’s upper decks.
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When the new Disney Treasure ship sets sail for its maiden voyage in December 2024, AquaMouse: Curse of the Golden Egg will plunge riders into a misadventure with Mickey and Minnie in an ancient temple.
Will the Imagineers develop bigger thrills as Disney Cruise Line rapidly expands its fleet? We’re anxious to see.
Chairman of Disney Experiences Josh D’Amaro announced on Aug. 10 at D23 that four new ships will join the Disney Cruise Line fleet between 2027 and 2031. This expansion will bring the total fleet size to 13.
Related: Get the best cruise tips, deals, and news on the ships from our expert cruiser
