Royal Gathering is a paid add-on you reserve through your Disney Cruise Line account or by phone
Royal Gathering is an exclusive dining experience on Disney cruise ships where you meet Disney characters in an intimate setting while enjoying a multi-course meal. You do not book it through a separate website or third-party vendor — you reserve it directly with Disney Cruise Line, either online through your cruise reservation or by calling Disney Cruise Line directly.
The experience is available on most Disney cruise ships, though availability depends on your specific ship and sailing date. Royal Gathering typically costs between $79 and $109 per person (prices vary by ship and date), and you pay this fee in addition to your cruise fare. Reservations open about 75 to 120 days before your sailing date, though the exact timing varies by sailing.
You must have an active Disney Cruise Line reservation to book Royal Gathering. If you have not yet booked your cruise, you cannot reserve this add-on until your cruise reservation is confirmed in the system.
Key Takeaways
- Royal Gathering opens for booking 75 to 120 days before your sailing date through your Disney Cruise Line account or by phone at 1-800-951-3532.
- You need an active cruise reservation and a valid Disney Cruise Line account to book; the experience costs $79 to $109 per person depending on the ship and date.
- Reservations fill quickly and are not may provide — you should book as soon as the window opens if you want to attend.
- Royal Gathering typically seats 12 to 16 guests per seating and includes a character meet-and-greet with a multi-course meal in a private or semi-private dining space.
- You can cancel up to 75 days before your cruise date without penalty, but cancellations closer to your sailing date may result in a charge.
Booking through your Disney Cruise Line online account
Log into your Disney Cruise Line account at disneycruiseline.com using your username and password. Navigate to "My Reservations" and select the cruise you want to add Royal Gathering to. Look for a section labeled "Onboard Experiences," "Add-Ons," or "Dining Experiences" — the exact label varies by when your reservation was made.
Click on Royal Gathering and select your preferred date and time. Disney typically offers one or two seatings per night, usually at 5:45 p.m. or 8:15 p.m., though this varies by ship. Choose the number of guests (you can book for some members of your party but not others). Review the price per person and the total charge, then complete the payment using the credit card on file for your cruise reservation.
You will receive a confirmation email within a few minutes. Save this email — it contains your confirmation number, which you will need to check in for the experience onboard. If you do not see Royal Gathering as an option in your account, either the booking window has not yet opened for your sailing date, or the experience is sold out.
Booking by phone with Disney Cruise Line
Call Disney Cruise Line at 1-800-951-3532 and tell the representative you want to book Royal Gathering for your cruise. Have your reservation number and the names of the guests who will attend ready. The representative will confirm availability, walk you through the menu options (if there are choices), and process your payment over the phone.
Phone lines are typically open 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern time, seven days a week. Wait times are longest in the morning and on weekends, especially during the first few days after the booking window opens. If you call and the experience is sold out, ask the representative to add you to a waitlist — cancellations do happen, and you may be contacted if a spot becomes available.
You will receive a confirmation number over the phone and a confirmation email within 24 hours. Write down the confirmation number when ready in case you need to reference it before the email arrives.
When the booking window opens and how to prepare
Disney Cruise Line announces the exact booking date for each sailing on their website and through email to guests with active reservations. The window typically opens at 8 a.m. Eastern time. If you want to book Royal Gathering, log into your account or call at or shortly after 8 a.m. on that date — popular sailings and dates fill within hours.
Before the booking window opens, log into your Disney Cruise Line account and verify that all guest names on your reservation are spelled correctly and match your identification. If there are errors, contact Disney Cruise Line to correct them before you try to book. Mismatched names can cause problems at check-in onboard.
Decide in advance which members of your party will attend and whether you have a seating time preference. If you are flexible on time, you may have better luck finding availability. Have your payment method ready and know your confirmation number for your cruise reservation.
What to expect on the day of Royal Gathering
On the day of your Royal Gathering experience, plan to arrive at the designated dining location 10 to 15 minutes before your seating time. Bring your confirmation number or the confirmation email on your phone. Cast Members will check you in and seat your group at a table with other guests (or at a private table if the ship's configuration allows).
The experience typically lasts 60 to 90 minutes. You will be served a multi-course meal while Disney characters visit your table for photos and conversation. The menu is usually fixed — you do not choose individual dishes — but Disney can accommodate most dietary restrictions if you notify them when you book or at check-in. Gratuity is not included in the Royal Gathering fee and is at your discretion.
Bring a camera or phone to take photos with the characters. Disney PhotoPass photographers are sometimes present, but you should not rely on this — bring your own device. Dress code is typically "cruise casual" (no swimwear, no tank tops for men), though specific requirements may vary by ship.
Cancellation and changes to your reservation
You can cancel Royal Gathering through your Disney Cruise Line account or by calling 1-800-951-3532. If you cancel more than 75 days before your cruise departure date, you receive a full refund. Cancellations made 75 days or fewer before departure may be subject to a cancellation fee equal to the full price of the experience.
To change your seating time or the number of guests, you must cancel your current reservation and rebook. Availability for alternate times is not may provide, especially if you are close to your sailing date. If you need to change your reservation, do so as soon as possible.
If you miss your Royal Gathering seating, you will not receive a refund. If you become ill or have an emergency, contact Guest Services onboard when ready — they may be able to help, though no refund is may provide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I book Royal Gathering if I have not booked my cruise yet?
No. You must have an active Disney Cruise Line reservation before you can add Royal Gathering. Once your cruise is confirmed in the system, you can book the add-on during the designated booking window.
What if Royal Gathering is sold out when I try to book?
Call Disney Cruise Line at 1-800-951-3532 and ask to be placed on a waitlist. Cancellations do occur, and you may be contacted if a spot opens up. You can also check your online account periodically in case a cancellation frees up availability.
Can I book Royal Gathering for only some members of my party?
Yes. When you book, you select which guests will attend. Other members of your cruise party do not have to participate. However, if you want to add more people later, you must rebook — you cannot modify an existing reservation to add guests.
Is Royal Gathering included in my cruise fare?
No. Royal Gathering is a paid add-on that costs extra beyond your cruise fare. The price ranges from $79 to $109 per person depending on the ship and sailing date.
What if I have dietary restrictions?
Notify Disney Cruise Line of your dietary needs when you book Royal Gathering, or inform Guest Services onboard at check-in. Disney can accommodate most common restrictions, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-related needs, though advance notice gives them more time to prepare.