When you’re setting sail with Disney Cruise Line, every detail of your vacation feels magical — from character meet-and-greets to Broadway-style shows and themed dining. But one question that often pops up among travelers is whether it’s worth buying a drink package on Disney Cruise Line. Unlike some other cruise lines that heavily promote all-inclusive beverage plans, Disney’s approach to drinks is slightly different, and that can lead to confusion among first-time cruisers.
In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore what’s included in your Disney Cruise fare, what drink options are available for purchase, the costs of various beverages, and whether the drink package truly adds value to your magical voyage. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of whether investing in Disney Cruise drink packages is a smart choice for you and your family.
Before diving into numbers and comparisons, it’s important to understand how Disney Cruise Line handles beverages in general. Unlike some other cruise companies that charge for almost every sip, Disney includes several non-alcoholic drinks in your cruise fare.
You can enjoy complimentary beverages such as water, coffee, tea, milk, and soft drinks at select locations throughout the ship. The key lies in knowing where and when these drinks are free and when they’re not.
At most of the casual dining locations and the beverage stations on the pool deck, guests can enjoy unlimited refills of soda, iced tea, and water at no extra cost. However, once you step into lounges, bars, or restaurants where drinks are served by waitstaff, even soft drinks will carry a small charge.
This dual setup often leads to the main question — if so many drinks are already free, is there really a need to purchase a drink package?
Interestingly, Disney Cruise Line does not offer an all-inclusive “unlimited” beverage package like many other cruise companies. Instead, it provides more focused options for specific types of drinks — particularly beer and wine.
Let’s take a closer look at what’s available:
The Disney Cruise Line beer package is fairly straightforward. It allows you to pre-purchase a set number of beers at a slightly discounted rate compared to buying them individually.
You can typically purchase beer in sets of six, with an option to mix and match from various brands available onboard. Depending on the cruise and the beer selection, the price per set generally offers a savings of around 10–15% over individual bottle purchases.
When you buy a beer package, you’ll receive coupons or tokens that can be redeemed at bars, lounges, or restaurants across the ship. The convenience is ideal for guests who plan to enjoy a beer or two daily without worrying about signing multiple receipts.
Wine enthusiasts can pre-purchase a wine package that includes a selection of bottles to enjoy during meals. The packages are typically available in two tiers — Classic and Premium, offering different price ranges and wine quality levels.
A standard Classic wine package might include mid-range wines suitable for casual dining, while the Premium tier offers more sophisticated and high-end options. Guests usually save around 25% compared to ordering individual bottles on the ship.
This package can be shared among dining companions, making it an appealing option for couples or groups who enjoy a glass of wine with dinner each night.
While there isn’t an official non-alcoholic drink package, Disney Cruise Line offers various smoothies, specialty coffees, and mocktails at extra cost. These drinks are not part of any pre-paid package, but some guests use onboard credit or gift cards to budget for them.
If you’re a coffee lover, for instance, the Cove Café Coffee Card is a small but popular option. When you buy five specialty coffees, your sixth one is free — a simple but useful mini-package for caffeine enthusiasts.
Before deciding on any package, it’s essential to know what you’ll already get for free. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
Soft drinks (soda, iced tea, lemonade, water) at the pool deck beverage station
Coffee and tea (regular and decaf) from the self-serve stations and restaurants
Juices (orange, apple, cranberry) during breakfast
Milk and chocolate milk for kids and adults alike
Hot chocolate at beverage stations
Tap water and ice
These free options are available nearly 24/7, especially from the beverage stations near the pool area on all Disney ships — including the Disney Dream, Fantasy, Magic, and Wish. This accessibility means that most guests won’t need to buy extra soft drinks at all.
Here’s where Disney Cruise Line starts to charge. You’ll pay extra for:
Alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, cocktails, champagne)
Specialty coffees (latte, cappuccino, espresso)
Smoothies and milkshakes at select venues
Bottled water
Mocktails and specialty non-alcoholic beverages
Soda ordered through room service or at bars/restaurants
So, while soda is free at the pool deck, it’s not free if you order it through room service or a bar. This distinction often confuses new cruisers, but understanding it can help you plan your beverage budget wisely.
To truly decide if a package is worth it, let’s look at typical drink prices onboard:
Beer: $6.00 – $8.50 per bottle
Wine (by the glass): $8.00 – $12.00
Wine (by the bottle): $35.00 – $80.00 (depending on tier)
Cocktails: $9.50 – $14.00
Frozen Drinks (like Piña Colada or Margarita): $10.00 – $12.00
Specialty Coffee: $4.00 – $6.00
Smoothies: $5.00 – $7.00
Bottled Water: $2.50 (small) – $4.00 (large)
If you plan to have two or three alcoholic drinks per day, plus a few specialty beverages, your drink expenses can easily reach $50–$70 per person per day.
That’s where people begin to compare — would a Disney drink package or pre-paid plan save money?
Let’s consider a simple example. Suppose you’re taking a 5-night Disney cruise.
If you buy 2 beers per day at $7 each, that’s $14 per day or $70 total.Add one specialty coffee each morning ($5 × 5 days = $25).Total estimated cost = $95 for the trip.
A 6-beer package might cost around $38–$42, depending on your selection. If you purchase two sets (12 beers), you’ll spend about $80–$85, potentially saving around $10–$15.
So, yes, the beer package offers a small discount and added convenience but not a massive savings.
For wine lovers, the package might save a bit more. A 3-bottle Classic Wine Package could cost about $90–$100, while buying the same bottles individually might cost $120–$130 — a more significant saving of $30 or so.
Ultimately, the worth of a drink package depends on how much you drink and what kind of beverages you prefer.
Many travelers compare Disney’s beverage policy with those of other cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, or Carnival. On these lines, drink packages often cost between $60–$100 per person, per day, and include unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
However, Disney’s approach is quite different — it emphasizes family-friendly inclusivity and value. Since soda and most basic drinks are free, Disney doesn’t need to bundle drinks into expensive packages. This keeps base fares simpler and ensures that families who don’t drink alcohol aren’t subsidizing those who do.
For light drinkers or families with children, this setup can actually save money overall. You pay for only what you use, instead of an all-inclusive rate that might not be fully utilized.
Another factor that makes Disney unique is its Bring Your Own Beverage (BYOB) policy. Unlike most cruise lines that ban outside alcohol, Disney allows guests to bring limited amounts onboard.
Here are the key points:
Each adult (21+) can bring up to two bottles of wine or champagne (750 ml each) or six beers (12 oz or less) onboard at the beginning of the cruise.
You can also bring the same allowance when returning from a port visit.
These beverages must be in your carry-on luggage, not checked bags.
If you bring your wine to the dining room, a $25 corkage fee per bottle applies.
This policy is generous compared to most other cruise lines and can save you a considerable amount if you enjoy a daily glass of wine or a beer without paying bar prices. Just remember that open containers are not allowed in public areas unless purchased from a bar.
Even if you decide not to buy a drink package, you can still enjoy beverages onboard while keeping costs low. Here are some tried-and-true tips:
Use the Free Beverage Station WiselyThe beverage stations on the pool deck are open most hours and include soda, tea, and water. Bring a reusable insulated cup or tumbler to fill up and take with you.
Bring Your Own Wine or BeerTake advantage of the BYOB policy for your favorite drinks. This alone can save $50–$100 depending on your consumption.
Buy a Wine Package Only if You Dine Every NightThe wine package makes sense mainly for guests who enjoy wine with every dinner. If you skip the main dining rooms or prefer cocktails, it might not be necessary.
Watch for Drink SpecialsBars occasionally offer happy-hour promotions or daily cocktail specials. Ask the bartender for any discounts before ordering.
Use Onboard CreditIf you receive onboard credit as part of your booking or promotion, use it toward drinks. It won’t reduce the price, but it helps manage your budget.
Share a PackageIf you and your partner both enjoy wine, sharing a wine package spreads out the cost. Since wine bottles can be brought from one dining room to another, this is an efficient option.
For most families sailing with Disney Cruise Line, a drink package isn’t necessary or particularly valuable. Children already have access to milk, juice, and soft drinks for free. Adults who prefer occasional alcoholic beverages can buy them individually or bring their own.
Since Disney’s overall cruise experience is already premium-priced, families often appreciate that soda and basic drinks are included — something that’s not true on many other cruise lines.
For parents who enjoy a glass of wine at dinner but don’t plan to drink heavily, a small wine package or BYOB is typically more than enough.
If you’re sailing on a Disney cruise without kids — perhaps on a special occasion or an adults-only voyage — the decision might be different.
Couples who enjoy a daily cocktail or multiple drinks during the day might find pre-purchasing beer or wine packages convenient. It simplifies billing and provides moderate savings.
However, Disney’s limited package selection means there’s no unlimited all-inclusive deal. So, if your goal is to enjoy endless cocktails by the pool, you might find better value on another cruise line.
Even if you decide not to purchase a package, Disney’s beverage experience still feels premium. Bartenders often go the extra mile with presentation — adding Mickey-shaped garnishes or themed glassware to cocktails.
On select nights, you’ll also find Mixology Classes and Wine Tastings onboard for an extra fee. These experiences are interactive, entertaining, and often more worthwhile than purchasing a package, especially if you enjoy learning about drinks rather than just consuming them.
Seasoned Disney cruisers often agree that drink packages are not necessary. In various travel reviews, guests highlight that they appreciate the flexibility of paying per drink. Since most basic drinks are free and alcohol prices are fair compared to land-based resorts, many find that their total beverage bill at the end of the cruise is quite reasonable.
Several repeat cruisers even mention that by using Disney’s BYOB policy and occasionally indulging in a cocktail, their total drink cost per couple rarely exceeds $150–$200 on a week-long sailing.
This feedback shows that for most travelers, a Disney Cruise Line beverage package doesn’t add much financial benefit — though it might provide convenience if you’re a daily drinker.
Discounted pricing on beer and wine
Convenience of prepayment
Option to share packages among adults in the same cabin
Keeps onboard spending predictable
High-quality drinks and wine selections
No true all-inclusive drink package
Limited to beer or wine only
Not ideal for cocktail lovers
Savings are relatively small
Free drinks make paid packages unnecessary for many
So, is it worth it? The answer depends entirely on your drinking habits and vacation goals.
If you’re someone who enjoys a glass of wine each evening or a cold beer on the deck daily, the beer or wine package can offer small savings and convenience. But if you drink minimally or are cruising with kids, you’ll find plenty of included beverages without spending extra.
Disney’s approach is family-focused and value-oriented. By including soda, coffee, and juices for free, it reduces the need for expensive beverage plans. For most guests, it’s better to buy drinks individually or bring your own rather than investing in a drink package.
In short:
Casual drinkers: Skip the package — free beverages are plenty.
Moderate drinkers: Consider the wine or beer package for dinner convenience.
Heavy drinkers: You may prefer another cruise line with true all-inclusive packages.
Ultimately, the Disney Cruise Line drink package is not essential, but it can be worth it for convenience and small savings if you enjoy daily drinks. The real value lies in understanding what’s included, planning ahead, and making choices that fit your style of relaxation.
A Disney Cruise Line vacation is magical no matter what’s in your glass. Whether you’re sipping free soda by the pool or enjoying a premium wine at dinner, you’ll find the experience to be relaxed, well-designed, and family-friendly. The lack of an all-inclusive beverage package shouldn’t deter you — if anything, it ensures that you only pay for what you truly enjoy.
So next time you’re preparing to embark on your Disney cruise, take a few minutes to plan your drink strategy. You might find that the best package is no package at all — just great memories, a little magic, and perhaps a toast to another perfect day at sea.
Recent Guide
Your ultimate guide to cruise adventures. Discover amazing destinations, find the perfect cruise, and create unforgettable memories on the high seas.
Quick Links
Cruise Types
© 2025 Cruisebookinghub.com. All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service