The $600 Upgrade I MUST Pay for Every Time I Go on a Disney Cruise

Anyone who has ever taken a Disney Cruise knows just how much is included in your voyage, from rotational dining and Broadway-quality shows to a day at Castaway Cay or Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.

However, there are also upgrade options that are DEFINITELY worth going above and beyond for.

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Verandah Room

So, in our opinion, the number one Disney Cruise upgrade is to go for a cabin with a verandah.

Having a Verandah opens up one’s cabin with much more space, fresh air, and provides beautiful views both while a ship is sailing and at port. These rooms can be especially beneficial to those who may fear feeling claustrophobic while on a cruise ship.

These Verandah cabins are more expensive than Inside (featuring no view) or Ocean View (featuring a porthole-style window) rooms. While prices can fluctuate depending on ship time of year, demand, and itinerary…

…the difference is generally less than $1000 for the overall package as shown in these example package prices. While certainly not a small amount of money, we would definitely argue it’s worth it, especially given the overall price of a Disney Cruise Line vacation.

While the Verandah Room gets our pick for the best Disney Cruise upgrade, there are plenty of other beneficial upgrade options as well, including:

Palo

While the included rotational dining options on Disney’s ships are often quite good, those looking to step up from a culinary standpoint can enjoy signature dining for an up-charge. On the Wonder, Fantasy, Dream, and Magic, passengers can dine at Palo, an “adult-exclusive restaurant serving Italian fare in an intimate setting” which features “Italian-inspired décor, live music and spectacular sea views.”

Meanwhile, the Disney Wish and Disney Treasure offer an “evolution” of the acclaimed restaurant “Disney cruisers know and love” known as Palo Steakhouse. These locations offer a selection of “exquisite Italian dishes and the world’s finest steaks—from the most elite American prime cuts and melt-in-your-mouth Australian wagyu to succulent Japanese Kobe and Miyazaki beef.”

Port Adventures

The Disney Cruise Line offers guests “with the very best each destination has to offer. Whether flightseeing over vast canyons, exploring undersea worlds or discovering another culture’s traditions, make the most of your cruise with memorable experiences for everyone in your family in exotic ports of call.”

Snacks & Treats

Each Disney Cruise Line ship offers various snack options, including themed candy and ice cream shops (we particularly enjoy the Inside Out-themed shop on the Wish) as well as various coffee options (try the Salted Caramel Coconut Iced Latte).

Oh, and for you Disney popcorn bucket fans out there, occasionally the movie theaters on the cruise line have popcorn buckets available BEFORE the parks. For example, the Star Wars Death Star popcorn bucket – – complete with lights and sounds – – was available for $22 on the Disney Wish months before it became available at Disneyland.

Rainforest Pass

The Disney Cruise Line offers Rainforest Passes to allow access to the Rainforest Room, which part of the ships’ spa complexes. According to PlanDisney, a “Rainforest Room Length of Sailing Pass may be purchased prior to sailing once your cruise is paid in full and your onboard activities booking window opens. Just select Book / Manage Cruise Activities under the Already Booked tab on the website. You can also purchase the Length of Sailing Pass once onboard. If you are interested in a Rainforest 1-Day Pass, check with Senses Spa once you  board to see if they are available (it varies and is not guaranteed).”

Concierge Level

Sailing on the Concierge Level of a Disney Cruise Line ship is a massive splurge, with prices nearly double the next most-expensive option for most itineraries. For this splurge, passengers receive:

• Private quarters fitted with “warm wood finishes, custom fabrics and carpeting, original artwork, crown moldings, genuine teak accents and a private verandah for magnificent views of the sea.”
• Pre-Arrival services include early reservations for Port Adventures, Palo or Remy, spa treatments, nursery stays, dining room seating requests, special occasions and celebrations.
• Shipboard services include reservations (Port Adventures, Palo and Remy dining, spa treatments and nursery stays), dining reservation confirmations and changes, priority tendering in ports of call, updates to personal itineraries, and celebration planning.
• In addition, Concierge passengers can “enjoy exclusive access to dedicated areas on the ship, including the Concierge Lounge. Located amid the Concierge Suites on Deck 12, this stylish, modern retreat allows Guests to relax in quiet comfort, sip a cocktail (during select hours), access the Internet (fees may apply), watch news on a large-screen TV, and enjoy complimentary food and nonalcoholic beverages offered throughout the day.
  From the Lounge, Concierge Guests can access a sun deck via a private entrance. Soak up the sun at this VIP onboard oasis and savor tranquil breezes, cooling water misters, cushioned lounge chairs, and a bar stocked with water and refreshments.”

One note in our experience: The Concierge level is only “worth” the expense on Wish Class Disney Cruise Line vessels (currently the Wish and the Treasure) due to the increased size of the cabins and exclusive areas onboard.

If you’re planning a Disney Cruise soon, you should definitely keep these upgrades in mind to get the most of your voyage. Stay tuned to AllEars for more on Disney Cruise Line must-do’s!

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