Hey Travellers,
Have you heard the term “Rotational Dining” and are curious about how Disney Cruise dining rotation works?
Even if you are a seasoned cruiser, the rotational dining experience that Disney Cruise Line utilizes at their restaurants may seem confusing at first. We thoroughly enjoy the way Disney Cruise Line allows you to rotate between the main dining rooms throughout your cruise. Each dining space is themed differently with a different menu, and it is fun to spend time in each one!
So what food/drinks are included in a Disney Cruise?
If you are new to cruising with Disney Cruise Line or just cruising in general, you may be wondering if the restaurants onboard the ship are included in your cruise fare. Although each ship does have fine dining options for an additional cost, most of the food onboard is already covered in the cost of your cruise!
In addition to having access to complimentary food, guests will also receive some beverages for “free” as well. Drinks such as water, soda, juice, tea, coffee, and milk are at no additional charge. There are self-service drink stations on the pool deck and inside the buffet restaurant which provide the beverages listed above.
What is Rotational Dining?
Each Disney Cruise Ship has three main dining rooms. The point of rotational dining is so that you can experience each one throughout your cruise. When you embark on your sailing, you will be provided a stateroom key, also known as a “Key to the World” card and on there will be letters which tell you your rotational dining schedule. Additionally, once you board the ship, you can open up the “Disney Cruise Line Navigator App” and view your dining schedule and the menu for each night on there. If you’re on a longer length cruise, you will be scheduled each dining room more than once. For example, if you’re on a seven-night cruise you will dine at two restaurants twice and one restaurant three times, but the menu will change each night!
Here is a list of each Disney Cruise Line Ship and the themed dining rooms they have:
Disney Magic: Rapunzel’s Royal Table, Lumiere’s, and Animator’s Palate.
Disney Wonder: Triton’s, Tiana’s Place, and Animator’s Palate.
Disney Dream: Enchanted Garden, Royal Palace, and Animator’s Palate.
Disney Fantasy: Enchanted Garden, Royal Palace, and Animator’s Palate.
Disney Wish: World of Marvel, Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure, and 1923.
Servers and Wait Staff:
Possibly one of our favorite parts about sailing on a Disney Cruise are the incredible Disney Cast Members you’ll meet throughout your sailing. On Night 1 of your Disney Cruise, you’ll meet your head server, server and assistant server in your first assigned main dining room. They will then rotate with you into each main dining room and stay as your servers for the duration of your cruise. We think this makes your experience so much more personalised and fun!
Dining Times:
When you book your Disney Cruise Line Sailing, you will select one of two dining times. The early dining time is usually between 5:45-6:00pm and the later dining time is usually between 8:00-8:15pm. Each dining time is set up so that you can see the entertainment for each evening. If you have the early dining time, you will see the show after dinner, and if you have the late dining time, you will see the show before dinner!
We hope this helps you with your Disney Cruise Line planning! If you’re ready to set sail, click here for your no-obligation Disney Cruise Line quotes!
