Dining on the High Sea

No matter if we are talking about Walt Disney World or the Disney Cruise Line, food is one of  my favorite topics!  Just like the Dining Plans at Walt Disney World, learning how everything works with your meals on board a Disney Cruise can be confusing for first timer's. Today I hope to give you a little insight on how it all works!!

The top 2 questions I get asked about the cruise are:

• How do I know where and when to eat?
• What is included in the cost of my cruise?

How do I know where and when to eat?

First the when!  If you book early enough, you'll have two options for your meal time; First and Second Dining.

On the Disney Wonder and the Disney Magic, the Main Seating is at approximately 6 p.m.; the Second seating is at approximately 8 p.m.

On the Disney Dream and the Disney Fantasy,the Main Seating is at approximately 6 p.m.; the Second seating is at approximately 8 p.m.

Main dining does book quickly  so you may not have the option to choose it when you book your trip. No worries though!  You can always get wait listed for Main Dining as well as checking if you can switch once you get on board.

Personally I love second dining...and here's why:

• It allows you more time to enjoy the various ports without rushing back for an early dinner!
• Play and Dine aboard the Magic and the Wonder!  This is a great program for kids aged 3-12.  Basically while you (the parents) are served your appetizers, the kids get their meals.  Once they are done the counselors from the clubs come and pick up them up while you enjoy the rest of your dinner! Win/Win for everyone!

Now the where...how do you know WHERE you are going to eat? Once you arrive at the port and check-in you'll be given your Key to the World Card.

Here you'll find your dining time, dinner rotation and table number.  Your dining time and table number will stay the same every night.    See those three letters ERA?  That's how you know which restaurant you'll visit each night (Don't worry, Disney also leaves something in your stateroom that explains it too!). Our dinner rotation was:

• Enchanted Garden
• Royal Table
• Animator's Palate

If you are on a cruise longer than 3 nights, you'll repeat the restaurants but rest assured the menu's will change! You'll get the restaurants "regular" menu once and then special menu's as well!

What is included in the cost of my cruise?

Included in the cost of your cruise is all your food! This includes:

• Breakfast- Choose from buffet's or sit down restaurant
• Lunch-Choose from buffet's or sit down restaurant
• Dinner-Your rotational dinner or you may opt for a buffet instead

During the day you'll also be able to chose from several counter service restaurants as well as the regular options. Depending on the ship you are sailing, you will have different options. 

You've also probably heard about the unlimited Ice Cream (or your kids have). Well it's true!!  All the ice cream you care to enjoy!

Non-alcoholic beverages are included in the cost of your cruise IF you order them at a meal or if you use the self-service beverage station.

If you order non-alcoholic beverages from the bar you WILL be charged!!

Also included in the cost of your cruise is ROOM SERVICE!  The majority of the items on the menu are included but just be aware that a few items are not:

• Snacks like pre-packaged candy, nuts and popcorn
• Beer and Wine
• Other beverages like bottled water and soda

Also remember to have some cash on hand to tip the Cast Member that delivers your food as that is NOT included in the gratuities you pay on board the ship.

If you are on a cruise that is visiting Castaway Cay, remember the same rules apply on the Island! Your food and non-alcoholic drinks are INCLUDED and alcohol is not.

So what's not included?

• Any Alcohol
• Beverages ordered at the bar (non-alcoholic)
• Adult dining at Palo and Remy (includes brunch and dinner)

Don't forget that while on board a Disney Cruise ship you'll be responsible for gratuities. You have the option of pre-paying these, otherwise the minimum amounts will be charged to your stateroom at the end of the cruise.

Per Guest per cruise                           3-Night           4-Night            7-Night
Dining Room Server                            $12.00            $16.00             $28.00
Dining Room Asst. Server                   $9.00               $12.00            $21.00
Dining Room Head Server                   $3.00              $4.00               $7.00
Stateroom Host/Hostess                      $12.00            $16.00             $28.00
Dining Manager                                   Your Discretion
Room Service                                     Your Discretion
Palo                                                    Gratuity included
Vista Spa & Salon                               Your Discretion
Babysitting                                          Gratuity not expected
Port Adventures                                  Optional; not included in port adventure price

I hope that's given you a little insight into dining aboard a Disney Cruise ship! Remember, if you book your Disney Cruise vacation with me I'll be able to provide you one-on-one assistance into planning the perfect vacation!