Disney Cruise dining is included in your ticket, with assigned seating at dinner and open seating at breakfast and lunch
When you board a Disney cruise ship, your dining plan is already part of your fare. You get three meals a day in the main dining room, plus access to buffets and quick-service spots around the ship. At dinner, you sit at an assigned table with the same server and tablemates each night — this is called rotational dining. At breakfast and lunch, you can sit anywhere in the dining room or grab food from the buffet without a reservation.
The main dining room rotates you through three different themed restaurants over the course of your cruise. On a three-night sailing, you visit each restaurant once. On a seven-night sailing, you cycle through them twice. Each restaurant has its own menu and décor, but the same server follows your group to each location, so you build a relationship with them over the week.
Beyond the main dining room, the ship has a buffet (called Cabanas on most ships), a poolside grill, a pizza counter, and a coffee bar. These are all included. You can also order room service to your cabin at no extra charge, though there is a limited menu compared to the dining rooms.
Key Takeaways
- Dinner in the main dining room is assigned seating with the same table and server each night, while breakfast and lunch are open seating anywhere in the dining room.
- You rotate through three different themed restaurants at dinner, with each restaurant included in your cruise fare.
- Buffet, poolside grill, pizza, and coffee are all included, and you can order room service without extra charge.
- Special dining venues like Remy (French) or Palo (Italian) cost extra but can be reserved in advance or onboard.
- Dietary restrictions and preferences are noted when you book, and the kitchen will prepare modified meals at no extra cost.
How rotational dining works at dinner
When you check in at the port, you receive a dining assignment card that tells you which restaurant you are assigned to each night and what time your seating is (usually 5:45 p.m. or 8:15 p.m., though times vary by ship and sailing length). You go to that restaurant at your assigned time, and a host seats you at a table with other guests — typically a table of six to eight people.
Your server, assistant server, and busser stay with your table for the entire cruise. They learn your drink preferences, dietary needs, and how you like your food prepared. This continuity is one of the signature features of Disney dining. On the last night, many tables exchange contact information or take photos together.
The menu changes each night, and you order from it at your table. Appetizers, entrées, and desserts are all included. You can order multiple items if you want to try several dishes, and the kitchen will prepare them all. If you do not see something you like on the menu, you can ask your server for an alternative — Disney kitchens are known for accommodating requests beyond what is printed.
Breakfast and lunch are open seating
At breakfast and lunch, you do not have an assigned table or time. You walk into the dining room whenever you want during the service window (usually 6:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. for breakfast, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for lunch) and sit at any available table. A server will come take your order, and you eat at your own pace.
Alternatively, you can skip the dining room and eat at Cabanas, the buffet. The buffet has hot entrées, salads, fruit, bread, and desserts. You serve yourself and can go back as many times as you want. On sea days, the buffet is often less crowded than the dining room, and on port days, many guests eat ashore, so both venues are quieter.
If you are in a hurry or want to eat alone, the poolside grill and pizza counter are always open during the day. You order at the counter, pay nothing, and eat at a nearby table or take the food back to your cabin.
Special dining venues cost extra but offer different menus
Disney ships have one or two upscale restaurants that are not included in your cruise fare. On most ships, Palo is an Italian restaurant with a $15 per person cover charge, and Remy (the French restaurant) costs $95 per person. These are smaller, quieter venues with a different menu and wine pairings available.
You can reserve Palo or Remy when you book your cruise online, or you can try to book onboard at the dining desk. Reservations fill up quickly, especially for Remy, so booking early is wise. If you have a special occasion (anniversary, birthday, celebration), mention it when you reserve — the restaurants often add a special touch.
Some ships also have a steakhouse or other specialty venue. Check your ship's dining guide when you receive your cruise documents to see what is available on your sailing.
How to tell Disney about dietary restrictions and preferences
When you book your cruise, you can note dietary restrictions in your reservation (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, kosher, halal, allergies, and others). Disney's kitchen will prepare modified meals for you at no extra charge. You do not need to order ahead or request it each night — your server will know your restriction and the kitchen will have options ready.
If you have a severe allergy, you should also speak to the dining room manager on your first night. They can walk you through how the kitchen handles cross-contamination and answer specific questions about ingredients. This conversation is especially important for nut allergies or shellfish allergies, which require extra care.
If you decide during the cruise that you want to change your preference (for example, you want to try vegetarian meals after eating meat the first night), ask your server. The kitchen can adjust for the rest of your cruise.
Beverage packages and what drinks cost
Water, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate are free at all meals and throughout the day. Soft drinks, juice, and alcoholic beverages are not included in your cruise fare. You can order them at meals and pay per drink, or you can purchase a beverage package before or during your cruise.
Disney offers a non-alcoholic beverage package (soft drinks, juice, specialty coffee drinks) and an alcoholic beverage package (beer, wine, spirits, plus non-alcoholic drinks). Both are priced per person per day and are cheaper if you buy them for your whole cruise upfront rather than ordering drinks individually. Prices vary by ship and sailing length.
If you do not buy a package, a soda costs around $3 to $4, a beer or glass of wine around $6 to $10, and a cocktail around $10 to $15. These prices are typical for cruise ships and are charged to your onboard account.
Room service and late-night snacks
You can order room service to your cabin at any time, and there is no charge. The menu is limited compared to the dining rooms — usually sandwiches, salads, fruit, pastries, and straightforward hot dishes — but it is convenient if you want to eat in your cabin or if you miss a meal service.
Late at night, the ship offers complimentary snacks in public areas: cookies and milk, popcorn, ice cream, and other treats. These are available in the lobby, near the theater, and at other spots around the ship. Many guests grab a snack after dinner or before bed.
How to make the most of Disney dining
Arrive at your assigned dinner time a few minutes early on the first night so you are not rushed. Your server will take good care of you if you are on time, and you will have a more relaxed meal. If you are running late, call the dining room from your cabin or stop by the host stand to let them know.
On formal or semi-formal nights (Disney calls these "elegant" nights), many guests dress up, but it is not required. Shorts and t-shirts are fine. If you want to dress up, it is a fun way to mark the occasion.
If you have young children, ask your server for the kids' menu. It has simpler options, and the kitchen will prepare them quickly. Many servers also bring crayons and paper to keep children entertained while you wait for food.
Try something new each night. The menus are designed by Disney chefs, and even if a dish sounds unfamiliar, the kitchen usually executes it well. If you do not like it, ask for an alternative — there is no penalty for sending something back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my dinner seating time or restaurant assignment?
Yes. Contact Disney before your cruise, or visit the dining desk onboard on your first day. They will move you if space is available. Early seating (5:45 p.m.) is usually easier to change into than late seating (8:15 p.m.), especially if you are asking onboard.
What if I want to eat with friends who are assigned to a different table?
You can request to be seated together when you book, or ask the host on your first night. If tables are available, they will combine them. If not, you can still visit friends at their table between courses or after dinner.
Do I have to eat at the main dining room every night?
No. You can eat at the buffet, quick-service venues, or order room service instead. Your dining assignment is there if you want it, but you are not required to use it. Many guests skip one or two nights to try different venues.
Are there any foods I should avoid because of the ship's motion?
Heavy, greasy, or very rich foods can upset your stomach if the ship is moving. Ginger ale, crackers, and light meals help if you feel queasy. The dining room staff can suggest lighter options if you ask.
Can I bring my own snacks or food onto the ship?
Disney allows you to bring your own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages in your carry-on luggage. This is helpful if you have dietary restrictions that are hard to meet onboard, or if you want to save money on drinks and snacks.