Disney Cruise Line (DCL) is known for creating unforgettable family vacations filled with magic, entertainment, and world-class service. However, when planning a cruise with kids, one of the most common questions parents ask is — does Disney Cruise Line charge for children? The answer is yes, but the pricing structure for kids is designed differently than for adults.
Unlike theme parks where children may sometimes enter for free, Disney Cruise Line does charge for children. However, the fare structure takes into account their age, stateroom category, and the number of guests sharing a room.
In general:
Children aged 3 to 12 pay a reduced fare when staying in the same stateroom as adults.
Infants and toddlers under 3 usually have a flat-rate fare per day, which is lower than the child rate.
Teens aged 13–17 are typically charged adult fares.
The pricing is based on Disney’s philosophy that every guest, regardless of age, enjoys meals, entertainment, and amenities onboard.
To understand Disney Cruise child fares, it helps to know how the cruise fare system operates overall. Disney calculates the total price based on the number of guests in a room, the itinerary, and the ship.
Here’s how it typically works:
The first two guests in a stateroom pay the full adult fare.
Any additional guests, including children, pay a reduced rate.
The reduced rate can vary depending on the cruise length, destination, and demand.
For example, on a 7-night Caribbean cruise, the third and fourth guests (often children) may pay only 50% or less of the base fare charged to the first two passengers.
This structure encourages families to cruise together while maintaining the premium quality of the Disney experience.
Disney Cruise Line welcomes guests as young as 6 months old (or 12 months for transatlantic and Panama Canal sailings). However, even the youngest passengers are subject to a fare.
Infants under 3 years of age are typically charged a nominal flat fee per day, depending on the sailing.
This fee covers access to dining, accommodations, and select amenities.
The infant fare is much lower than the standard child fare, but it’s not free.
Parents should also remember that Disney’s “It’s a Small World” Nursery, which offers supervised childcare for babies and toddlers, comes at an additional hourly cost.
Disney Cruise Line does not have a permanent “kids sail free” program, but it occasionally runs limited-time promotions offering discounted or free fares for children.
For instance, past offers have included:
Kids sail free with two paying adults in select stateroom categories.
Discounts for children under 12 on specific sailings or destinations.
These promotions are rare and usually apply to off-peak sailings or newly launched itineraries. Families should book early or watch for seasonal deals to take advantage of such offers.
Even though Disney charges for kids, the fare includes nearly everything needed for a magical experience. The Disney Cruise Line child pricing covers:
All meals and snacks, including themed dining experiences and buffets.
Access to youth clubs, such as the Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab.
Entertainment, including Broadway-style shows, deck parties, and movies.
Character meet-and-greets with Disney favorites.
Pools and splash zones, designed especially for younger cruisers.
Essentially, a child’s fare provides access to nearly all the same amenities adults enjoy — tailored to their age group.
Disney Cruise Line defines several age groups that determine fare calculations and onboard privileges
Understanding these categories helps families plan room configurations and budgets more effectively.
No, child discounts are not automatically applied to every booking. The Disney Cruise Line child pricing depends on:
The number of adults and children in the same stateroom.
The specific itinerary and ship capacity.
Seasonal demand and promotional offers.
For example, if two adults share a room with one child, that child’s fare may be reduced. However, if a child occupies a separate stateroom, they may be charged the full adult rate.
It’s always best to review fare details before confirming your reservation to see how Disney categorizes your travelers.
Meals are included in all fares, so Disney Cruise Line does not charge extra for children’s meals. Children can enjoy both kid-friendly and adult menu options in rotational dining restaurants, buffets, and quick-service spots.
Special notes:
Kids can dine with Disney characters during themed meals (included in fare).
Room service is complimentary for standard menu items.
Specialty beverages, smoothies, and snacks outside dining venues may cost extra.
Thus, once onboard, parents won’t face surprise dining charges for their children.
Disney’s youth programs are a highlight for families. The child fare includes access to:
Oceaneer Club & Lab (ages 3–12) with immersive themed spaces like Marvel, Star Wars, and Toy Story areas.
Edge (ages 11–14) for tweens.
Vibe (ages 14–17) for teens.
These activities are supervised by trained counselors and come at no extra cost. The only exception is nursery care for infants, which requires an hourly fee.
Disney’s fares are often higher than those of other cruise lines, but that’s due to the premium family experience they offer.
While competitors may advertise “kids sail free” promotions more frequently, Disney includes world-class entertainment, character interactions, and exceptional dining in the base price.
Families find that the DCL family cruise prices provide excellent value when considering what’s included — no need for extra spending on most onboard activities.
To make your Disney family cruise more affordable, consider these tips:
Book early – Prices increase as the sailing date approaches.
Sail during off-peak seasons – Early fall or January often has lower fares.
Look for shorter itineraries – 3- and 4-night cruises are more budget-friendly.
Watch for promotions – Disney occasionally releases regional or seasonal discounts.
Share a stateroom – Booking children as additional guests in the same cabin reduces costs.
With smart timing and planning, families can enjoy a Disney Cruise without overspending.
So, does Disney Cruise Line charge for children? Yes — every guest onboard, including infants, pays a fare. However, children’s rates are typically discounted when traveling with adults, and the fare includes access to dining, entertainment, and youth clubs.
The Disney Cruise Line child pricing reflects the value of the all-inclusive experience. While you pay for your little ones, what they get in return — character interactions, themed adventures, and Disney’s legendary service — makes it worth every penny.
By understanding fare structures, watching for deals, and choosing the right itinerary, families can make their Disney Cruise both magical and affordable.
1. Do children sail free on Disney Cruise Line?
Not usually. Disney sometimes offers limited-time “kids sail free” deals, but standard bookings include discounted child fares.
2. How much does Disney charge for infants?
Infants under 3 years old pay a small flat daily rate, which varies by sailing and itinerary.
3. Are meals for kids included in the cruise fare?
Yes. All meals, snacks, and dining experiences are included in a child’s cruise fare.
4. Are teens charged the same as adults on Disney Cruise Line?
Yes. Passengers aged 13 and above are generally charged adult fares.
5. Can children stay in a separate stateroom?
No, children under 18 must share a stateroom with an adult aged 21 or older or a connecting room with supervision.
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