For many travelers, the excitement of setting sail on a Disney Cruise Line voyage includes enjoying tropical cocktails, fine wines, and refreshing beverages while relaxing at sea. However, one question often arises before booking: Is it worth buying a drink package on Disney Cruise Line?
The answer depends on your drinking habits, preferences, and budget. Disney Cruise Line (DCL) offers a different beverage approach compared to other major cruise companies. Rather than a flat-rate all-you-can-drink plan, Disney focuses on flexibility, offering individual purchases, discounted programs, and complimentary soft drinks.
Unlike many cruise lines, Disney Cruise Line does not sell an unlimited drink package for alcohol or soda. Instead, guests can purchase drinks individually or take advantage of small beverage programs, like the Beer Mug Program or Wine Packages.
Disney’s philosophy focuses on offering quality over quantity. Families make up most of its passengers, so the cruise line emphasizes moderation and family-friendly experiences rather than encouraging heavy drinking.
Before buying any beverage plan, it’s important to know that DCL already includes plenty of complimentary drinks, such as:
Soft drinks (Coca-Cola products)
Coffee and tea
Milk and water
Hot chocolate
Juices (available during breakfast and meals)
These are available at buffet restaurants, dining rooms, and the 24-hour pool deck drink stations. Because soda and other non-alcoholic options are included, Disney automatically saves guests a noticeable amount compared to other cruise lines that charge extra for soft drinks.
While there isn’t a full Disney Cruise Line drink package, there are a few optional beverage programs that offer discounts or added convenience for adult guests.
Purchase a 22-ounce refillable mug for about $16.95 (plus gratuity).
Get refills at the 16-ounce price — roughly $6.50–$8.50 per refill.
Use the mug throughout your cruise for discounted refills.
Return the mug at the end for a token, redeemable on future sailings.
Ideal for: Beer drinkers who enjoy multiple pints daily.Value: Great for moderate drinkers — you’ll save around $1–$2 per beer.
Disney offers Classic and Premium wine packages, available in 3- or 7-bottle bundles.
Classic Package: Around $105–$150 (3 bottles)
Premium Package: Around $145–$200 (3 bottles)
Guests can enjoy these wines at dinner or bring bottles to their rooms.
Ideal for: Couples or groups who enjoy wine with meals.Value: Saves about 20–25% per bottle versus buying individually.
Guests can also buy individual beverages at any onboard bar or lounge.
Typical Prices:
Cocktails: $10–$14
Beer: $6.50–$8.50
Wine by the glass: $9–$16
Specialty coffee: $5–$7
This option is ideal for guests who enjoy drinks occasionally and don’t need a large beverage plan.
Every day, Disney features a “Drink of the Day” — a rotating cocktail priced at about $5.50–$6.50.
Value: Excellent for sampling drinks at a lower cost.Limit: None; guests can order multiple discounted drinks daily.
One of Disney’s most guest-friendly policies is allowing guests to bring a limited amount of alcohol onboard. Each adult (21+) may bring:
Up to two bottles of wine/champagne (750ml each), or
Six 12-ounce beers
This must be packed in carry-on luggage. Guests can enjoy them in their room or at dinner (a $26 corkage fee applies in dining rooms).
Value: This policy can save hundreds over a week-long cruise for wine enthusiasts.
To determine if it’s worth “buying” a drink plan or participating in a beverage program on Disney Cruise Line, consider these pros and cons:
Free soft drinks – You’ll save significantly compared to lines that charge for soda.
Flexible pricing – Pay only for what you drink; no fixed daily costs.
Discounted programs – The Beer Mug and Wine Packages offer solid savings.
Bring-your-own alcohol policy – A big money-saver for casual drinkers.
Daily specials – Affordable way to try new cocktails.
No unlimited alcohol package – Heavy drinkers might find costs add up.
Wine package limitations – Selection can be limited compared to onboard menus.
No bundled savings on cocktails – Drink prices are standard bar rates.
15% automatic gratuity – Added to every drink purchase.
For most guests, Disney’s pay-per-drink approach provides flexibility without forcing you to commit to an expensive, all-inclusive plan you might not use.
To figure out if Disney’s beverage options are worth it, calculate your typical daily consumption.
If you’re a light or moderate drinker, paying individually or using small programs like the Beer Mug or Wine Package is far more cost-effective than an unlimited plan would be.
For heavy drinkers, Disney may not be the most economical cruise line — other lines like Carnival or Royal Caribbean offer unlimited alcohol packages for around $70–$100 per day.
While there’s no official “Disney drink package,” the available programs can still be worth it — under the right circumstances.
Beer Mug Program: Worth it if you drink at least two beers daily.
Wine Package: Worth it if you enjoy a bottle at dinner each night.
Daily Specials: Always worth it — great drinks at lower prices.
Bring Your Own: Definitely worth it — the cheapest option overall.
If you’re looking for an all-inclusive drinking experience, Disney’s model might not be ideal. But if you prefer flexibility, quality beverages, and family-friendly policies, Disney’s approach offers strong value without unnecessary expense.
Take advantage of free sodas and coffee stations.
Share a wine package between friends or family.
Watch for Drink of the Day specials.
Bring your own bottles of wine or beer.
Skip room service sodas — get free drinks from the deck station instead.
Following these small tips can save you $100 or more on beverage costs during your sailing.
So, is the Disney Cruise Line drink package worth it?
Since Disney doesn’t offer a traditional all-you-can-drink option, the answer depends on how much you plan to drink. For most travelers — especially families or moderate drinkers — Disney’s flexible system offers better value than paying for an unlimited plan elsewhere.
You’ll enjoy free soft drinks, reasonable alcohol pricing, and the option to bring your own beverages, making Disney’s drink policy one of the most consumer-friendly at sea.
For guests who enjoy just a few drinks daily, the Beer Mug or Wine Package programs provide meaningful savings without locking you into high per-day fees.
If you’re looking for an alcohol-heavy experience, however, another cruise line with a true drink package may offer better value.
Ultimately, Disney Cruise Line’s beverage approach prioritizes quality, choice, and flexibility, allowing every guest to customize their cruise experience and budget their drinks wisely.
1. Does Disney Cruise Line have a drink package?
No, Disney does not offer a traditional unlimited drink package, but it provides beer and wine programs for savings.
2. Are soft drinks free on Disney cruises?
Yes, sodas, coffee, tea, and juices are included in your fare and available 24/7 on deck.
3. Is alcohol expensive on Disney Cruise Line?
Drink prices are similar to standard bars — expect $10–$14 for cocktails and $7–$9 for beers.
4. Can I bring my own alcohol on a Disney cruise?
Yes, adults can bring two bottles of wine or six beers onboard in carry-on luggage.
5. Is it cheaper to buy drinks individually on Disney Cruise Line?
For most guests, yes — paying per drink or using the Beer Mug/Wine Package is more cost-effective than an unlimited plan would be.
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