Disney cruise drink package explained: What you need to know

DCL Scat Cat Lounge

Curious about drinks on Disney Cruise Line? Whether you’re craving a glass of wine at dinner, a frosty beer by the pool, or a signature cocktail during an adults-only evening, Disney offers a wide variety of beverages to suit every taste.

Unlike other cruise lines, Disney Cruise Line doesn’t offer unlimited cocktail packages. While Disney doesn’t have a traditional drink package, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy your favorite drinks and save money along the way.

Here’s how drinks work on Disney, what they cost, and smart ways to save money during your vacation.

What drinks are free on Disney Cruise Line?

Disney Cruise Line Coffee

Disney includes far more complimentary drinks than most cruise lines. You can enjoy unlimited access to these beverages during your sailing:

  • Soda
  • Coffee, tea, hot chocolate
  • Water
  • Juice, milk, lemonade

Mocktails, smoothies, specialty coffee, and alcoholic beverages cost extra, but you only pay when you indulge. Also, according to Disney Cruise Line, “beer, wine, cocktails, bottled water, and non-alcoholic beverages served in lounge areas” will cost extra.

Basically, if you make it yourself, then it’s free; if someone makes it for you, it’s paid.

Tip: The Cove Cafe has a punch card for a free drink after you get so many teas/coffees

No unlimited drink packages

DCL Souvenir Beer Mug

Rather than a flat-fee beverage package, Disney Cruise Line offers alcohol packages focused on beer or wine, not cocktails. There’s no unlimited drink plan like you might find on Carnival Cruise Line or Royal Caribbean.

The two most popular options include the Beer Bucket Package and Wine Bottle Packages.

Beer Bucket Package

  • Purchase a six-pack for the price of five, around $36.25, depending on beer brands like Blue Moon, Corona, Budweiser, or Truly
  • Delivered to your cabin, these provide excellent on-ship fridge pantry value
  • Each adult 21+ may bring six beers onboard per embarkation or port call
  • There’s a mug you can buy where beer refills for the 21-oz mug are priced for a 16-oz beer, and refills are up to $5

Wine Bottle Packages

  • Choose between Classic and Premium packages, available in 3–7 bottles
  • Prices range from $105–$220 (Classic) and $155–$330 (Premium), depending on selection and cruise length
  • You’re not bound to drinks per night, meaning you can take unfinished bottles back to your cabin or reserve them for the next evening

À la carte pricing: When you only want one drink

DCL DestinyDeVils Drink

Unless you’re a heavy drinker, buying drinks individually may cost less than a full package for beer or wine. Here’s what you can expect for drink costs while sailing with Disney Cruise Line:

  • Cocktails & mocktails: $6.50–$8.00 (drink of the day); specialty cocktails around $10–$14
  • Beers: $6–$9, depending on draft or bottled brand
  • Wine by the glass: $8–$18, varying by quality
  • Specialty coffees/desserts: $3–$6 each, depending on venue

Smart savings tips for a Disney cruise

Disney Wish Cruise Ship

Bring your own alcohol: Each adult 21+ may bring two bottles of wine or six beers onboard and at each port. A corkage fee of ~$29 applies in dining rooms if consumed at dinner.

Use beverage specials and happy hours: Check your daily DCL Navigator app for drink-of-the-day promotions, bar specials, and lounges offering theme events like on Dream or Fantasy. Happy Hour promotions can be a great way to save money each evening!

Skip the full package if you’re unsure: Reddit users note wine and beer packages often aren’t worth it unless you’ll use most of them. One guest reported drinking just four bottles and paid less by ordering à la carte rather than a 7‑day package.

Buy packaged drinks early: Order your beer bucket or wine package before sailing to lock in price and have the drinks waiting in your cabin on embarkation day

Tip from Reddit: Order drinks from the adult-only areas because they are often served in larger glasses.

Disney Cruise Line beer mug

    Another unique way to save money on a Disney cruise is pre-purchasing the Disney Cruise Line beer mug. With this Disney Cruise Line-branded beer mug, you can get a 23-oz refill of beer for the price of a 16-oz size.

    This is perfect for those wanting a poolside drink or beer during one of the evening shows. If you don’t feel like carrying around the heavy mug during your cruise, you can also take advantage of a “beer mug token,” which entitles you to all of the traditional benefits of the mug without actually having to carry it around.

    Is Disney’s drink style right for you?

    DCL The Turkish Tea Experience

    Disney Cruise Line’s beverage model works best if:

    • You enjoy casual or occasional drinks, not multiple cocktails per day.
    • You appreciate free soft drinks, making it a great value for families or budget travelers.
    • You want flexible alcohol options—purchase only what you’ll use, or bring your own favorites.
    • You prefer not to be forced into a package, since Disney lets adults decide per person.

    If you’re a heavy drinker looking to sip unlimited drinks daily, a Disney cruise might not offer the best value. But if you’re traveling with kids, want flexibility, and enjoy themed drinks or special pours, Disney cruises may save you money while keeping things easy and enjoyable.

    About Author

    Beda Pavek is a seasoned cruiser, logging her first cruise in 1992 with Monarch of the Seas. That cruise was impactful and started a love of cruising ever since. Living in Florida helps to add to that love as several ports are a short drive away. Beda brings a unique aspect to Candid Cruise and Travel, as she's living life in her retirement years and loving every minute of it!