It was only a matter of time… Today, Disney Cruise Line made a big announcement and not the one many were hoping to hear. Disney’s generous alcohol policy is changing. The revised alcohol policy will be effective for all new sailings embarking on or after September 30, 2015. The key change in the policy is the limiting of the qualities of wine or champagne and beer as well as prohibiting liquors and spirits. The first bullet point below indicates you can restock at each port of call as long as you board within the limits.
- Each Guest 21 years and older may bring two bottles of unopened wine or champagne (no larger than 750ml) or six beers (no larger than 12oz) onboard in carry-on luggage at the beginning of the voyage and at each port-of-call.
- All alcoholic beverages packed in checked luggage will be removed and stored until the completion of the cruise.
- Wine or champagne in excess of the two allowable bottles or beer in excess of the six beers will be stored and Guests may retrieve them at the end of the voyage.
- All liquors and spirits (including powdered alcohol) are prohibited and will be stored until the completion of the cruise.
- Guests must retrieve any stored alcohol at the end of the cruise. Uncollected alcohol will be destroyed and no compensation will be offered.
- Alcohol brought on board may not be consumed in any lounge or public area.
Disney Cruise Line Corkage Fee Increase
September 30th will also serve as the date for the new corkage fee charged to Guests who bring their own wine or champagne into one of our restaurants will be $25 per bottle, up from $20.
I’d like to thank TravelOnADream.com for passing along the policy change. Disney Cruise Line’s Terms & Conditions page and FAQ have already been updated to reflect the change.
The new guest alcohol policy will also impact guests Fish Extender (FE) gifts by prohibiting the mini liquor bottles which are frequently passed out in the exchange.
What are your thoughts? I really just have one issue I will take with this new policy is that it does not take inconsideration the duration of the itinerary. The policy is the same for a 3-Night Cruise as is a 15-Night cruise. I would prefer that it was a sliding scale based on duration of the itinerary. That being said, I also feel Disney Cruise Line needs to step up their craft beer offerings to appeal to those that are uninterested in the current beer selections. Publix offers more craft beer selections than the ships.
If I’m reading this correctly, they are allowing you to carry on alcohol at the beginning of the cruise AND at each port of call, correct? So on my upcoming 7 night cruise with 3 ports, I will be able to carry on at Port Canaveral PLUS every port. That seems very reasonable to me. I am bummed that you can no longer carry on liquor for mixing drinks in your room but too many folks were abusing this I guess. I guess I will be buying more drinks of the day. 😉
Yes but this also states that you now can not drink said liquor Will not be consumed in any lounge or public area. Which makes me believe that we have to drink it in our room?
This was always the case, but never enforced.
You were always supposed to consume it in your room. Almost certainly the fact that people were bringing it out of their rooms is what led to this policy change.
You can only bring wine or a 6pack of beer. No rum:( I’m not that surprised. Scott was right, it was only a matter of time. This policy is very similar to that of Royal Caribbean, minus the 6pack of beer. Drink prices on Royal are very expensive and they push drink packages. Thanks for sharing this info.
Maybe DCL will reduce their prices on drinks on the cruise in midst of the policy change… Ya alright who am I kidding. When was the last time they reduced prices on anything. Not going to change my mind, Disney is still the best cruise line out there.
We are on the Panama Canal cruise in May… this kind of sucks for us. We only have 4 ports of call for 14 nights, 2 ports are back to back. Do you happen to know if they will be instituting a drinks package for alcoholic drinks, like Royal Caribbean has? I wouldn’t mind not bringing liquor if I could pay in advance for a package.
Rachel, if there are two of you that is 6 bottles each, two on boarding and two at each port of call so that is 12 bottles.
10 bottles each isn’t it……2 on boarding plus 4 ports x 2 bottles ……10 bottles each, 20 bottles total
2 Each on boarding. 6×2=12.
Ok, I’m a moron. 🙂
Boarding plus 4 ports = 5 ports total before disembark. 10 bottles total for a 14 night cruise.
Besides the point, but I don’t like wine/champagne or beer. So I was hoping to bring on 1 bottle of liquor to last for after the kids are in bed and hubs and I could have a nice drink in our room.
So that means I can bring a 6 pick of 12 oz can beers, as well as my spouse? So w can bring total 12 cans boarding at port canaveral?
Correct.
Do you even know where to go buy it onshore? No, and if you ever looked before you would see that the prices in most ports have gone up a lot. Plus now you have to lug your purchase around. Been on 8 cruises. Never seen drinking issues. Kid issue yes. Disney just wants you to spend your money on the ship.
So much for buying Rum in the Carribean. According to this you can’t bring it on board at each port.
You will still be permitted to purchase liquor and spirits in the ports, but it will be held until the last night of the cruise just like any onboard duty free purchases.
What about people who have an allergy to sulfates (in wine) and/or a gluten intolerance or celiac disease? They can’t drink beer! How will they accomodate that? There are some people who can only drink liquor. I guess they won’t be going on Disney cruises.
They will still sell liquor on the ship…
There are a ridiculous amount of options that still fit into this category-Mikes hard drinks, woodchuck, bud-lite __-a-ritas. Get over it and enjoy yourself. You’re not a “victim” just because you have dietary restrictions
All of those options have artificial sweetener
They do make plenty of Gluten Free beers. At least here in California they are in every store I have gone to.
The beer selection on the ships is pathetic at best. Leaves me trying to get to a Micro-Brewery as soon as I get off the ship. They have good choices at all of their parks, why is it they can’t have good Micro-Brews on the ships.
You can bring it on you just have to check it and retrieve it when you disembark for home. Then you
Can put it in your checked luggage for your home flight.
Save your money… in most cases, it is cheaper at ABC or Publix with their sales. Our last trip to St. Thomas was a shocker when we saw the prices. We waited to go home to buy our rum. Mixed drinks on shore were more expensive than on the ship. You save on tax, and that isn’t much. These cruises are slowly becoming trips for the rich. It takes time to save for these vacations, so saving some money by bringing my own alcohol helps. I still end up with a bar bill, and Disney wins. We enjoy the quite cove because there are no obnoxious drunks or kids. The lesson for the mouse, don’t mess with what works…
I am so disappointed! I always brought my own bottle of Bailey’s Irish Cream to enjoy on my verandah. This sucks! Now people are going to resort to smuggling it on, just like they do on other cruise lines. So NOT fair! Beer and wine drinkers are ok, but those who drink spirits are prohibited! 🙁 Not good, Disney! Not good at all!!!
You can still get a drink from a lounge and bring it back to your room in the evening.
On our last cruise I wanted Baileys in my coffee the next morning in our room, the bartender placed one ounce in a glass and I stored it in the fridge over night.
We can all still enjoy our evening verandah cocktail, it just means we have to go get it first.
I so agree with you. I cant stand beer and wine. I always brought crown royal onboard. This was a perk for cruising with disney. Now that is taken away. So with higher cruise prices, the long travel time to get to the port and now not being able to bring my own bottle of liquor to enjoy a few drinks during the week and not break the bank. Guess I will have to start cruising closer to home and on cheaper cruise lines that have the same policies as disney now. I always have been respectful of others and never over indulged. Guess disney and my family both lose since i wont travel with them. Until i figure out how to sneak in my whiskey…..
We’ve always taken on board a box of wine and some gin to have in our room. This new rule seems very unfair. Never buy drinks at the bar or have the awful “pop” from the machine. We are booked on the Alaska cruise and I don’t think we’ve been officially told.
It’s in the Alcohol policy and when you get your email before you sail from DCL, it will be in it. It’s also on your cruise documents that will be mailed to you prior to sailing.
AS a father of 3, I felt this was coming. Bummed about the the prohibiting Liqour and spirits ( I would bring only 1 bottleon past cruises) not much of a wine or champagne drinker. I’m just curious the reason behind the change is it for safety or for financial gain. My bet is the later.
Just found out from security here at Disney that people were still trying to sneak more alcohol on board in there checked bags and they were getting broken alot leaving Disney flipping the bill for new luggage and anything that was in the other persons bags. It got really expensive so this is one reason. The other fact is those people who brought in there own alcohol were drinking to excess and causing alot of problems for the crew and other guest…A few bad apples ruined it for everyone else. Sound familiar..
Congrats! You have now become just another cruise line. You have taken the only competitive edge away and now I will cruise a cheaper line with better food. I’m very dissapointed in this change.
Agreed! We are two adults who love Disney, and sail for the extra price because we can bring our own alcohol. We love Carnival just as much, so they will get our money now. Bad move, Disney!
I agree. One of the reasons that we justified the much larger expense was that we could bring on our own alcohol. Looks like our first Disney cruise in Dec. will also be our last. Three carnival cruises seems much better than 1 Disney if they are going to take away the perks that makes them unique.
Please. We went on a Carnival cruise in 7/2014. You could only bring ONE bottle of wine or champagne – and there was an uncorking fee as well. The food on the Carnival cruise was disgusting. I actually lost weight.
Their “ice cream” was actually “ice milk”. It was worse then an elementary school cafeteria. Carnival was horrible !!!!!!
I agree as well. It is a policy that is comparable to other lines; however, Disney is not every other line and does not charge what every other line charges.
For example, we’re paying $7,800 for a family of 4 on a Thanksgiving cruise on Disney (veranda room). The exact same itinerary (minus Castaway Cay) for a Thanksgiving sailing would cost us $3,200 on Holland American for the same room category. We justify the extra cost by reminding ourselves of the quality of food and service on Disney cruises and of course, the perks like brining on our own alcohol. If they take away these perks are they going to reduce their prices to be more comparable with say, Celebrity, which is rated higher for food?
I recently heard they also took away the perk of leaving pillowcases at guest services to be signed by the characters, which was already an “unofficial perk” to begin with.
I’m not upset about the two bottle per adult requirement. By why limit to only wine and champagne? Giving adults the “perk” of taking two spirits onboard does not hurt Disney’s bottom line and in fact, I feel like I pay for that extra perk in the increased cost of sailing on Disney. If you’re going to become just another cruise line Disney, then you need to modify your prices accordingly? Don’t think so.
10 minutes of research produced enough negative reactions to the kids’ club on Holland America that, again, Disney reigns supreme. I’m sorry, but being able to turn into Iron Man alone for me is worth the money.
Lol! You want to run into Iron Man alone?? 😉 Me too!
If you can afford a $7800 cruise you can afford to pay for liquor. Most of the responses on this post are just disgusting. #firstworldproblems
Wow, 7800, I thought my cruise on the 7th of September was expensive @ $1300 for a four night on the dream? Guess I am getting a good deal then. lol
A cheaper line, like Carnival?? good luck I think the food is like any other ship. Granted I am disappointed about
the new rules because we always bring a bottle of rum and I do think it is all about money. That’s Disney, look at the new prices to go to the Parks!! That is where I won’t be going, but we will still do the cruise.
See ya! 🙂 Disney won’t feel the impact of your departure. Have fun.
Some of us really can’t have the sugars that are in wine or beer. I drink Scotch for this reason, and let’s face it – people are particular about their scotch choices, I know I am. So yes, this strikes me as absurd, especially on longer voyages. My trans-atlantic next year is a 14 day hike to Ireland… seems almost sacrilegious to do it without Jameson’s in tow.
Agreed, I hope DCL is stepping up it’s liquor,beer, wine game.
Jameson is Irish Whiskey not Scotch :/
You will this hurt more than help the cruise line , good luck
Perhaps the only people that will complain about this are the alcoholics. Seriously – You really need alcohol to have fun?
Wow. What a remark.
Perhaps the only people that would comment like this are the judgy ones. Seriously – you really need to complain about this for fun?
No. Just upset that they’ve taken away something that made their extreme prices easier to swallow. Holier-than-thou much, Judgey McJudgerson?
No, I need my cigar and scotch to have fun every night and twice on Sundays.
Bingo! I feel the same way. Disney isn’t for excessive drinking.
Please that is so offensive . Keep the negativism to yourself.
This new policy is awesome, this is the right way to think for the safety of our kids. Disney is Disney and there’s no comparison between others with Disney; Disney Cruise Line will never lose, everybody needs to accept what is, the rules and the reason for it.
You honestly think this was done for the safety of the kids! This might be the most naive thing I have read today. No this was financial pure and simple. Why allow people to bring it on and drink for free when they could be charging people for it like all other cruise lines. It’s just to bad that Disney cost so much more and looks like will continue to increase prices while cutting back on perks.
I would like to help put this matter to bed once and for all. The last time that I was on the Disney Fantasy in October ’15, I asked an employee about the new alcohol policy. Turns out::::: the real reason that the consumers are not allowed to bring alcohol on board is because crew members were sneaking out of their own rooms to grab up leftover beer bottles and liquor bottles, and the cruise line was actually finding liquor bottles in crewmembers’ State rooms. This violates their employment contract, and therefore, we are not allowed to bring alcohol on board anymore. Plain and simple. The crew ruined it for the passengers, because the passengers left it lying around.
This is the most ridiculous thing ever!
So are you saying that crew member are going to drink left overs, ohhh please crew bar is really cheap and fully stock!
Yes! I agree! Safety for the guests is first priority.
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but if this was about safety they wouldn’t allow you to drink in the various bars and clubs onboard and their private island. There will be just as much alcohol around as ever, we’ll just be drinking around the ship instead of our staterooms. 😉
They were having problems with teens getting drunk with parents or from stealing the parents alcohol. Drunk kids is a huge liability.
The new policy doesn’t affect me. The only thing we brought on was bottled water. We buy our drinks on the ship.
That makes sense! I can understand that being a huge concern! Personally, I don’t drink, but my husband enjoys a drink while on a cruise and we will just have to abide by the new rules. No matter what, we are going to have a blast!
EXCATLY 🙂
EXACTLY was meant for AquaDame 🙂
I don’t think the others are seeing your sarcasm.
Want to protect the kids? Keep them out of the Adult areas including the Quiet Cove. The Quiet Cove is the reason we sail on Disney, because we like Disney and we know we can be away from kids when we want to. My wife and I take one flask a piece that never leaves our rooms and we are not alcoholics. Not everyone that drinks does so to excess. If you really believe that they did this for the safety of the kids you really really don’t have a clue!
It has absolutely nothing to do with safety nor problems with people getting obnoxiously drunk. It’s purely financial.
If it was about “children safety”, they’d totally do away with all alcohol and make the ship dry. Have you seen the amount of alocol they give you during a mixology and tasting events. I’ve done both and I was simply amazed. I don’t care who you are, 6 drinks (mixology) or 7 1 1/z sniffers of Whisky in less than an hour will inebriate you.
🙂 purely financial…..
I did the tequila tasting on our last trip to Norway, Iceland, Denmark, Scotland and England (for those of you complaining about the “boring itineraries, this was fabulous). 3 shots of tequila, 2 margaritas (3 because one was made with chocolate and someone in our party doesn’t like chocolate). Walked out stone sober to pick my daughter up from Kids’ Club. i guess it’s just how much you can hold.
This perk was the balance to DCL’s high cruise prices. If wine allowed than other liquor should be allowed as well. Either they need to offer drink packages or they need to lower their cruise prices
The alchohol was cheap as anyway when I was on there and the bar staff generous. It’s no biggie
The problem is the lack of beer, liqueur and wine choices on DCL.
Now if they would put some decent microbrews on the ship I wouldn’t be so upset about the new alcohol policy. I don’t drink Bud Light or any of that crap that most people call Beer. This is the reason we always brought our own.
This would be the 1 thing I’ve enjoyed that I cannot say a bad word about. Nothing but praise for the Disney Cruise line company and staff. Cheers from the Aussie big drinker the bar staff looked after so well.
So so bummed, we missed this by 4 lousy days…..leaving Oct. 3……for 7 nights……this is not good for us!!
I think this is a very good idea. If you want to drink you can, but you have to buy it as in every other hotel and not bring it on yourself.
You don’t go to a restaurant and bring your own food.
There is sold to many alcohol anyway for people who can’t controle themeself.
If youre on a cruise for the alcohol than go with another company who sell alcohol enough.
Disney, you did good.
Your grammar and spelling suggest you have had a few too many yourself.
As in any hotel? What hotels have a policy against bringing a bottle to your room?
The problem is that the selection Disney offers is horrible. The beer selection is ridiculous. They are so far behind the times and trends. Get a clue Disney. At least offer a decent mircrobrew selection. There are plenty of us out here who would rather not drink anything if it means drinking your bud, corona and other domestic crap!
Precisely my point. I will go without beer on the cruise as a result of this change unless DCL expands the microbrew offerings. Granted, they do not make a bottle a ridiculous price.
I’m boycotting REMYs in March now, just to pay my bar tab…..
Yeah, you been on Princess lately! Budweiser Budweiser Budweiser. Our IPA-loving friend was practically frothing at the mouth when he disembarked after 14 days of Panama Canal hell, we had to rush him to a Yard House STAT.
you got your head up your [butt]
Will they keep check on what you bring back on board from a port – what if you chose to get on and off a couple times?
Only time will tell.
It doesn’t bother us and we wouldn’t abuse what they are now allowing – that’s plenty for us !
First they came for the liquor drinkers, and I did nothing because I drank no liquor.
Then they came for the beer drinkers, and I did nothing because I drank no beer.
When they came for us wine drinkers, there was no one left to help us…
Yes, if you bring back Spirits they will be confiscated and put in storage and delivered to your room on the last night of the cruise. If you buy wine or champagne in port you can bring back two bottles per person and can take it to your room. I would assume that means that you can also bring a six pack back to the ship per person as well.
That is how I interpret the policy.
This throws a curve ball for those of use whose PIF date has already passed. Oct 23 – Nov 6 East Bound Panama Canal cruise.
Tony, See you there. 🙂
The one reason I would choose Disney above the others was the oportunity to bring my one bottle of Baileys for coffee in the morning. Not a big issue but for me it was a selling feature for this cruise line which is now gone. Will I cancel my cruise, no. Will I book again, who knows but now they are the same as the others. Not pleased.
This was one of the great reasons that we continue to go on to Disney Cruise Line as adults with no children. It may be a reevaluation of cruises to go on now, we never abuse the policy we brought one thing of vodka one thing of Zing Zang to make bloody Mary’s. Yes we loved that freedom that it was our decision to bring them and now we’re not going to be able to do that, and even if we buy a port it says you cannot drink in public areas or in lounges which means you have to drink in your room what good is that.
The rules always disallowed drinking your carry-on drinks in public spaces. That is not new.
People who complain about this are just too cheap to buy drinks on board. If this really detours you from the Disney cruise line then you probably shouldn’t be looking to book anything disney. More rooms for people who don’t have a drinking problem. Here here!
I agree. Seriously, if you cannot fathom the thought of not bringing on board unlimited amounts of your own alcohol, perhaps you need to look at THAT problem first.
Wrong! I justify bringing on my own drinks as a cost saving measure to balance the ridiculously over priced Disney Cruises with horrible itineraries. I am not cheap. If I was, I would be on Carnival and if I had a drinking problem, I would spend all my money on liquor. You make fabulous assumptions tough. 😉
Wait…did I read this right? Or am I missing the sarcasm? Overpriced and bad itineraries? Please tell me you dont cruise Disney just for the alcohol policy?
They are typically 2-4x the cost and have very limited itineraries in comparison to other lines, yes.
Haha, thanks, Liza. I was just about to say the same thing but you beat me to it…but about 4 hours. “Ridiculously over priced”, “Horrible itineraries”, but the BYOB makes it worth it?
EXACTLY, CM. Man people are judge-y up in here.
So the cruises are over priced and the itineraries are horrible, but you sail with them because you can drink how you want? You can do that at home, for free.
Nope, I don’t sail with them anymore. We did seventeen times over five years before the prices increased and the service spiraled south. It was convenient as it was only an hour’s drive for us. Now other lines get our money, with better food, more interesting itineraries and for (no more than) half the price.
THANK YOU JODI!!! As someone who lives 45 minutes from Disneyland, I know very well that “Walt shakes your hand with one hand and your wallet with the other.” I just paraphrase Edna Mode to all these people “You complain and complain and complain ‘and yet here you are.'” Buy the ticket take the ride, I’m on that ship because I enjoy the Disney entertainment package as a whole, and I LOVE the fact that the kids are all happily self-corraled, unlike other lines. I too can drink at home for free, sheesh.
Ok, let’s price this out. We are booked on a 14 night cruise. I can buy 1 drink a night at 7 bucks a drink (I am guessing – feel free to correct me on pricing) for $98 plus another 14-15 bucks tip for the bartender. OR I can bring 1 bottle of liquor at 30-50 bucks, enjoy my drink in the calm of my room without having to schlep back to the bar to get it after the kids are in bed. Yes, I’m frugal but I also think the convenience outweighs the price difference as well.
Wrong. Been on 5 Disney cruises. 6th is in Nov. I had no idea of the original alcohol policy so I’ve never brought my own on board. But with 3 kids, youngest being 11 months, they go to bed early and you can’t leave them in the room alone. I was real excited to get them to bed and make a drink to enjoy on the quiet veranda while ‘stuck’ in my room. No drinking problem, just would like to relax during adult time when I can’t leave to go to the adult only sections of the boat. Its a bummer that I was not able to enjoy this convenience.
We travel sometimes with and sometimes without children. Like you we want to enjoy a drink in our room. We don’t go to bars so won’t be buying drinks there. I’ve been on quite a few Disney cruises and have only ever seen adults a bit too loud from too many beers. Never seen any problem with teenagers which some people are saying is why Disney have changed the rules.
This was definitely a perk considering the higher prices of DCL. Now will look at other cruise lines as I have only cruised DCL in the past.
I had the same thought Linda…moving on to another cruise line now.
Pretty pathetic reason. “Boo hoo, Mickey won’t let me bring unlimited quantities of alcohol on board anymore!” DCL is far and away better than the other lines. Good luck with your search for a Booze Cruise.
Have you actually ever sailed any other lines Linda? DCL may be better than some but it’s definitely not better that all other lines. If you have preferences based on experience for you, great. For others paying 2-4x the price for similar experiences and services is not worth it. The “Disney Difference” has been eroded significantly over the years and it’s no longer valuable for some of us.
AGREED!! just spent 7 days at Disney World and as a DVC member i was horrified at the condition of the Poly pool….dirty diapers, fruit and water bottles and kids snack wrappers left all around for hours (not an attendant in sight) as I took watch drinking my DEEP EDDY’s cocktail that I brought from my villa which in return I disposed of the cup in a trash container when i was finished
Have never seen trash laying out on the Wonder or the Magic. There are crew members everywhere, taking trash the second it becomes trash. I’ve never come across an abandoned table with trash on it, a pet peeve at the parks because there is never anywhere to sit in the restaurants. If you get up and leave your trash, you have lost your table. The crew member clears it and cleans it and it’s up for grabs.
Ditto about the Wonder. Not a hint of trash anywhere even during the day. Yeah have fun sailing Carnival (gross).
I’m also interested to know if you have cruised other lines…because I have, and they are equally comparable. To be honest, we’ve had better service on Carnival. For half the price.
Some people here need to seriously remove those Disney colored glasses. Disney’s prices are far more than even their closest competitor. Though the service has still remained top in in industry, and Castaway Cay is unmatched, they are slipping in all other aspects. We noticed the food quality was slipping in our last cruise (with the exception of Palo’s, though they have increase their price). There are other lines that have far more amenities on their ships and far more dining, and itinerary options, at a far less cost than Disney.
Bottom line, it’s not about the booze. It’s the removal of yet another perk that set Disney apart for “industry standard” and justified their inflated prices. Removing them just sets them closer to their competitors.
So Linda, it won’t be hard to find a better cruise.
(BTW, I’m both a DCL Castaway Club member (Gold), and a RCCL Crown and Anchor Member)
You have to wonder if they did this so that bookings would go down so they don’t have to build two more ships.
There was an unruly passenger on a Disney Fantasy cruise I took in January that security had to deal with — the passenger was screaming loudly and causing enough of a scene that people on the other ships in port were looking out their balconies to see what was going on. It seemed like it was alcohol induced… At the time we were surprised the bartenders didn’t cut him off, but in retrospect, he could have been drinking alcohol he brought on board. I could definitely see the new policy coming as a result of incidents like that.
I think as long as they keep the alcohol prices reasonable though it’s not too bad. We brought a 750 mL bottle of wine on board with us, and to save a few bucks I’m not sure was worth the hassle of the extra luggage, and we probably wouldn’t do it again. We really enjoyed the mixology course, drinks of the day, and had a few other drinks on the ship and at the ports that were all delicious and more unique anyway.
HMMM that was a leap of faith saying it was alcohol induced…ever heard of mental health issues and people being off medicine???
I’ve been on four Disney cruises, mainly hang out in the adult portions and drink. I’ve never seen anyone who I consider to be “sloppy drunk.” I get that some people seem to think anyone who drinks is an alcoholic. However, do not begrudge adults who want to imbibe during their vacation. Bringing on alcohol saved money. Period. I, for one, will not change the amount I’m drinking… just the amount I’m paying for the privilege. That being said, the alcohol policy was not the only reason I chose DCL; I’m just disappointed that perk is going away
As Scott mentioned, if Disney insists on this policy, there needs to be a sliding scale and they need to broaden their selection of beers (and different types of liquor has well).
Hopefully there won’t be as much of a freak out as DCL removing the character signing courtesy 🙂
Totally agree on the “more beer choices”….The selection of beers on board is really sad.
Sit at the bar for a while and watch people… unfortunately most guests demand Domestic Light. It’d be nice if they at least had some variety in bottles!
Two words……. Micro Brews!
Buy the little bottle of booze in port put them in you bags. They should go through just buy a little at first port too see if it works. Royal caribe an works
the free soda and ice cream will be the next thing on the chopping block ,
This was one of the things we liked because I felt like Disney was saying “we know you spent a lot of money on this cruise and we will let you save some money this way”. I wonder if they will offer a drink package like the other cruise lines.
They already had Beer, Wine and Water packages on board. Sadly it is always Domestic INBEV products that real beer drinkers don’t drink.
Scott,
Have you seen anybody do a price comparison of the wine package on board vs. bringing your own to dinner and paying the corkage fee? I’m trying to see if there’s a benefit to BYO at dinner.
It is on my to-do list.
If not, I just did a quick one. For a 3 night premium, it costs $136 + 19 % for a total of $161.84.
I chose the following three reds to compare: Conundrum ($18 online), Banfi Chianti Riserva ($21 online), and La Crema Pinot Noir ($22 online). The three bottles cost $61 together, plus the $75 for corkage fees equals….$136.
So, the costs are close, but you would save yourself the 19% gratuity, for a savings of $25.84
If I remember correctly, I think they charge 19% on top of the corking fee if you bring your own bottle to the dining room?
But the mouse did not get the $61? So the mouse is out the 161.84 – the $75 corkage. The real reason for this change. Upcharge party anyone?
My issue with a Wine Package is that some reds affect me better or worse than others….And I don’t care for some reds….I wonder if you can choose your wines on the cruise line? We are going on our first Disney Cruise this coming Sept 2017
My problem with the Spirits/Alcohol is that I can only drink a Corn or Potato made Vodka as I am allergic to Rye & Wheat. If they don’t have an option for Allergies this will certainly be a trip that is much less fun.
The biggest downside to this is I have celiac disease and can’t drink regular beer or some liquors that have gluten in them. If they sold gluten free beer I would be thrilled that I don’t have to carry my own beer! I don’t mind buying it I just want to be able to drink beer on my cruise.
I remember seeing Omission on at least a couple of cruises. I’d try contacting DCL – maybe even the special needs department – before your cruise and requesting that they stock it. It is a dietary request after all.
I have a similar issue but is an Allergy to Rye & Wheat
We travel in November. Though we didn’t plan on bringing much with us you have hurt our fish extender plans (which have already been bought and paid for). I also can’t drink beer or wine. Your service is supposed to be above and beyond. But this style of last min communication is unacceptable. Disney you are disappointing me left right and centre right now.
Kim, Just to be clear. We are not affiliated with Disney or DCL. I would suggest contacting them directly at https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/contact-us/
Wait, fish extenders? What changed with those? (I don’t see anything about them in the policy posted above).
Rhonda, Nothing, but travel bottles of booze were common gifts for adults participating. As it stands, anyone can walk by a FE and take something out. Think about what would happen if a kid walked by grabbed a travel bottle or rum and drank it.
so if someone purchases a bottle of remy martin Louis for $2500.00 in Jamaica, they have to hand it over to a cruise employee and get it at the end of the cruise? that would not be a good thing.
OMG! As opposed to the $2495 Wine Enthusiast is charging you NORMALLY to JUST BUY IT AT HOME and not have to lug it anywhere! Are you serious? And yes you have to turn it in and get it at the end. (And I would certainly not waste a $2500 bottle of anything by drinking it on a DCL cruise)
Where and in what form can we start a letter to the DCL voicing our opinions so they can hear us? Or what is the contact information? They tried this once before years ago and it failed.
Disney Cruise Vacations
Guest Communications
P.O. Box 10238
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-0238
They actually tried to implement this just two years ago and because of the outcry they backed off of it.
Not surprised. But in the grand scheme of things, my upcoming 7 night cruise on the Fantasy which was about $5,400 for all four of us, 2A2K, paying an extra $100 on a bar tab is no big deal to me.
This!
I don’t understand how a 100-200 dollars worth of booz can compensate for the 1000s of dollars a DCL cruise is more expensive than a Carnival last minute.
I will be happy on our next sailing to try some new stuff by the glass at the bar every day.
Not bothered a moment by this change.
Me either Marnix 🙂
I’ll help y’all out on the math. On a 7-night cruise let’s say my husband & I have a cocktail when we’re sitting on our verandah in the afternoon. Then maybe another later before heading out to dinner. And let’s say we decide to have another while enjoying the moonlight on our verandah before turning in. Neither of us drunk or disorderly. Having drinks throughout the day on vacation because we enjoy it. 3 drinks @ $9 each is $27 x 2 people is now $52. Add the 18% gratuity and we’re up to $61.36. Let’s say we consume 3 cocktails per day each for 5 of the 7 days. Using the same $9 drink (it’s actually more for hubby because he likes premium spirits) let’s add on another 3 drinks each over the other 2 days. That’s $368.16. It’s more than $100. Trust me.
Also there’s principle to be considered. If Disney is striving to follow the rest of the cruise industry then what exactly makes them unique? Mickey Mouse? Is that it?
Will they still allow cases of water, power aid, etc. to be checked in?? I’m hoping they don’t follow Carnival and ban that as well. Buying wine in the ports is not an easy thing. The selections are usually crappy & way overpriced. Complaining about not being allowed to carry on unlimited alcohol does not qualify you as someone with a drinking problem or make you an alcoholic. However, saying something like that makes YOU an idiot.
The policy has been that you must carry these items on. Any “checking” of these is by porters who are happy to break the rules for a tip. As far as I can tell there has been no change to bringing non-alcoholic beverages onboard, as long as you carry them on.
Cristy, that in incorrect information. You are allowed to check in water, soda, etc. and it’s not considered breaking any rules. If was breaking any rules my drinks would never have made it to our room. We always do this. You get free soda’s on the ship, but it tastes funky lol. Hopefully they don’t change this.
No, it’s not incorrect information. If you check Disney’s policies you are only allowed to carry them on, and are not allowed to have them in your checked luggage.
That is correct, no water, etc. in checked luggage. You don’t put a case of water, soda & power aid in your luggage, you check in the case . They put the luggage tag on the case & it’s checked baggage. I’ve been on plenty of Disney cruises & we do it every time.
Not knowing the correct rules and saying “I do it every time” will probably lead to another policy change…. DCL doesn’t permit beverages to be checked in because of issues with leaking. Have you seen how they stack the checked luggage? Have you ever had someone’s powerade spilled all over your checked bags?
As soon as they start catching people putting vodka in water bottles (etc.), expect to see them change this rule. Abuse of the rules is what leads to rule changes like this. If people would have just consumed what they brought in their rooms, they probably wouldn’t be changing their policy.
I agree with this completely. I’ve seen a lot of people complaining about the policy, others calling those complaining alcoholics, etc. I have brought along a bottle of rum and a bottle of champagne on most cruises. On longer two week cruises, we have brought a little bit more. This change won’t bother me, I can certainly buy a drink in the bars, we always did anyway. Does it cost me more? Absolutely! But that’s only because I will only have a certain number of drinks in a day and if one or two of them are in my cabin, they cost less. That said, I can’t tell you how many times I have read on Facebook discussions about the rules when people said “oh you can take your own alcohol anywhere on board, all you do is….” with answers like get a glass from your stateroom host, from a dining room, drink the same brand as what they have onboard, etc. The rule has always been that your personal alcohol must be consumed in your own cabin (with the exception of wine, which had a corkage fee if you brought that to a bar or restaurant). I know of very few people who 100% of the time followed this rule. Most didn’t. That’s why the change. I would have preferred that the rules before would have been enforced – I’ve seen a number of parties at the adult pool with personal alcohol that were allowed, witnessed people leaving the dining room between courses to get a “fresh one” in their cabin, etc. They didn’t police the problem so now they have to make a drastic policy change.
I can get a whole lot of Jack Daniels into a wine bottle. Just sayin…
Get the wine that has twist off tops, not the corked kind… 🙂
Scott, what about alcohol that you purchase by the bottle in the on-board shop? I don’t remember thinking the prices were crazy in there, but we never had to buy in there because we brought our own. Under this new policy, can you buy it on board and consume on board?
No, those are sold at reasonable duty free prices. When you buy the bottle it is taken back and delivered to your stateroom on the last night of the cruise. I am not sure about DCL bars selling a full bottle of liquor, but it would not likely be at the duty free rate.
So glad I ferment and bottle my own wine. I just had a new great idea…….
Actually thought DCL’s prices had improved for wine. Remember thinking they were ridiculous, for the low quality, on our first cruise. Still can’t get on with the quality though. Bought a rosé in a little shop in Nice last year and even with the corkage fee it was cheaper than the inferior stuff DCL had on offer. You don’t want to know (I’m sure DCL don’t) what the owner had to say about the quality of wines sold on all cruise ships! If you live in Germany, near France & get to go to Italy like we do,you have it too easy – sorry. As a Brit I have a problem with the scotch on offer too.
Anyway, in defence of DCL I happen to have checked what Oceania ask for their house beverage package today and it’s about 35$ per person per day. We’ll stick with a bottle from DCL every second day and let them bring it with them. I don’t need to drink too much, but that’s just me.
You also get a lot more included in other lines’ drink packages. They are rarely worth it if you only drink wine but with things like specialty coffee, fresh orange juice in the mornings, bottled sparkling water and mixed drinks it is easier to break down the cost to a reasonable level.
The bartenders make a stronger… better Capt. Mai Tai than I ever would. I pick Disney Cruise for the service and because they’re Disney. But PLEASE….more beer choices.
I don’t see what the big deal is. Every other cruise line is the same. You just save your empty Sprite bottles and fill with vodka. Or your Listerine bottle. Works just fine. I wouldn’t do it with water bottles, but the others work like gems. I brought 6 1 liter sprite bottles on the last Royal C cruise. Worked out fine.
Stinks you have to work around it, but much better than spending hundreds on board. Happy drinking!
Because that’s so classy.
On our Carnival cruise we saw them shaking soda bottles to make sure they fizzed up. And checking over flats of water, etc.
Doesn”t bother me. I took one Disney cruise, and it was one too many.
Why would you follow this blog if you don’t intend to cruise DCL again?
So I understand this right — If you purchase wine at the ports, do you have to turn this in when you get back on the boat or is it just hard alcohol?
Just hard alcohol based on the policy I’m reading.
This should have taken affect for those that have not already paid off their cruise, and there should have been more advance notice. It is not about safety. It is about profit for the cruise line.
if you drink in moderation, then you cannot be considered an alcoholic. I don’t drink alcohol and I never have. I don’t have anything against drinking, I just choose not to…..my own personal choice. So thankfully, this policy change won’t affect me. ?
So if my cruise is before September 30th can I still take a bottle of rum ?
Correct.
Almost made gold status, but now we might have to try Norwegian or Royal Carribbean. Disney is by far the most expensive cruise line. It’s getting too expensive. Now we can’t even bring a bottle on board? I don’t drink wine or beer. Not happy.
Welcome to the Nanny cruise line. So an American company limits the freedom of free citizens! What’s next? Showing only Fox News?
But in all honesty: every company in the gastronomy sector is making its biggest profits on alcohol. So why should Disney be different?
That’s all they show now is Fox news lol No ABC to be found
Put me in the “miffed” category. I don’t mind a limit but we don’t tend to drink wine or champagne although we did like bringing a little bottle of rum with us to have with OJ in our room in the evenings. I wish they didn’t ban liquor, thats all.
I hope they add better wine & beer to their menus. This is a big reason I bring my own. The wine I like is only offered in the dining room, not one of the bars carry it.
Dude, I just THOUGHT people were ticked over the pillow case thing. Sheesh!
NOT COOL DISNEY! NOT COOL!
Whether you agree with the new policy or not, the fact that Disney did NOT grandfather this change into cruises that are already paid in full is the biggest issue. I know its contract covers this type of change, but it is NOT a good precedent to set. What else could it change then after you are paid in full?
And yes, I also agree that it needs to improve its overall bar before implementing this policy. The beer, wine and spirits are nowhere near what the other cruise lines offer. It’s not about getting drunk; it’s about choices and Disney does not offer much selection.
Lucky me, I’m going on the last Dream cruise before refurbishment and have an added bonus of two new policies in the last few weeks!
It will be interesting to see how strict they actually are with this. Disney often talks tough on policies but typically is pretty relaxed on true enforcement unless you give them a reason to be tough. They like to have the book available to throw at you if they need to but rarely do they do it. When they do have to get tough, the person(s) usually overly deserves any punishment that they hand out. My guess is if you aren’t hanging from your balcony acting like an idiot they won’t care what you have in your mini fridge on September 29th or October 1st. Even during the old policy I would just put my favorite bottle of liquor in a plastic flask in a checked bag because I didn’t want to carry glass bottles while waiting for my room to be ready. Those plastic flasks don’t break and make a mess like glass can.
Being the parent of two young kids that go to bed early it was nice to be able to sit out on the verandah and have a cocktail with my wife since we are sometimes in for the night pretty early. I’m a huge DCL fan and we will still keep going but as some other folks have mentioned for anyone who touches alcohol in any way on a cruise it had the potential to give you a bit of true savings over other companies. If anything I would think the odds of us straying to other lines when our kids aren’t prime Disney age would increase.
I’m not a big drinker, because of work and my no driving after a drink rule. So one thing I look forward to on a cruise is a few cocktails, no work, someone else is driving. I know Disney cost twice as much as other cruises but its the little things like I can bring my own bottle of peach schnapps and oj for $12 which last me 4 or 5 days or pay $12 for one drink at 2 a day ($28 w/tip)that’s over $150.
Wow, I’m stunned!! I love to cruise Disney and since discovering the Disney Cruise Line, our travel party of 9 have sailed on 4 cruises in 4 years. I’ve never seen any alcohol abuse while on board so why the change? Disney cruises are quite pricey compared to other lines and the generous alcohol policy was quite honestly a big bonus but now I’ll be comparing other lines and itineraries. Sorry Disney, you just made yourself one of many other cruising choices!
We will be going on our second Transatlantic cruise from Barcelona next month before the new policy goes into effect. There is only one stop before CCay- Madeira. We generally get a bottle of wine each at stop along the way. On a shorter cruise we have previously bought the wine package, expensive but convenient. Once we bought some rum in St. Thomas. I am surprised that Disney never changed the policy before this.
Yep were on that cruise as well and we will do what we usually do … beer and wine from Barcelona … then re-stock in Madera … although I have to say we are spot on what the new policy allows … so a couple of quiet nights in the cabin with drinks and nibbles and a couple of nights out in the bars around the ship. I also agree with other people expand your range of beers … Sam Adams seasonal ?
We’re wine drinkers, and the worst part about this – and I posted it to the DCL Facebook page – is that the DCL wine selection is totally pathetic. The MDR wine is undrinkable swill, and you need to take out a second mortgage for the good wine in Palo and Remy. We live in California wine country, and the quality of wine available is really important to us – which is why we bring our own. If DCL would have even a decent selection of $50 – $80 wine, I’d actually be happy to buy it from them, which would save me flying across the country dragging a wine suitcase.
On our last cruise, I brought a few bottles of a really beautiful pinot noir that I bought at a local winery for around $75. In Palo and Remy, that same bottle was $200. The other alternative is the wine in the MDRs, which sells for about $12 retail – and apologies for sounding like a snob – which is totally undrinkable.
There’s no imagination to the wine list, nothing in the middle. There are a million, great little wine producers who make truly outstanding, affordable wines that DCL could sell for a normal profit. But what they have now is a wine program that sells either crap, or obscenely expensive bottles.
This change is clearly a bald-faced effort to boost profit margins (which are already healthy), and without any regard to guest satisfaction, let alone improvement in the overall on-board experience. The net-effect will be a decrease in customer satisfaction – and for me, that is directly tied to ability to drink good wine.
Guys, Disney is about to build two Star Wars lands and build a Marvel land in California. They paid four billion dollars in cash and stock to George Lucas. Do the math. One hand pays for the other. Fine by me, since I live close to Disneyland and we are all pretty much climbing into each other’s laps with joy.
Been on 3 Disney cruises and then discovered Royal. Cheaper going on Royal and even had lots of pixie dust on board. I think Disney made a huge mistake.
I have always enjoyed Disney’s Generous alcohol policy while still purchasing my fair share of drinks on board. Why I am disappointed is that I enjoy wine, good wine. That is why I choose to bring my own California Wine. It was such a great thing to be able to bring California Napa and Alexander Valley Reds along with some Loire Valley from France on my recent Norway Cruise. I shared all with my table mates and even had my waiter try them to see the difference. I brought 4 bottles on my 7 day cruise. Now I am limited to 2 because I am the only adult in my party. That is just disappointing. It won’t keep me from bringing 2 bottles on the next cruise .I guess I’ll be doing some wine tasting in port. 🙂
If you join a FB group before your cruise, you may find someone who is on your cruise who is able to carry on 2 more bottles for you. I might drink 1-2 glasses of wine during the whole cruise, so we never bring our own bottles. I carried on 2 bottles for someone once– very easy to coordinate!
Most people are on a Disney cruise with their children. I can see maybe 1 or 2 drinks with dinner, but do you really need to be sucking down bottles of liquor on your family vacation? We have gone on several Disney cruises and have seen way too many people drinking one right after the other while they are supposed to be watching their kid in the pool. If a few beers and a couple bottles of wine are not enough for you then maybe there is a problem there. You can say it is judgmental all you want but facts speak for themselves. And the person saying they needed alcohol for their morning coffee!! Seriously, no one thinks that’s a problem? Disney is pricier then other cruise lines for a variety of reason, bigger rooms, great shows, better food that you do not need to upcharge for. Not to mention you will be on the cleanest ship possible. I have cruised other lines and am disgusted by the filth. If not being able to bring unlimited quantities of alcohol on your family vacation is the reason why you will stop cruising with Disney then yes, you do have a problem.
I understand your concern with kids and the pool, but my children are teens, and because of that alone, I need more than a few drinks 🙂
What about those that are happily childfree, enjoy Disney, and like saving money?
Happily childfree,enjoy Disney and like saving money here. We don’t feel the need to bring our own.
Oh, joy. I’m booked on an October 1 departure. Really looking forward to the loud arguments and long lines arising from the many people who didn’t get the memo about the policy change.
Boo. This policy hardly goes far enough. Disney does it right by refusing to allow the in of gambling onboard and they could have used this opportunity to rid themselves of another sin. Alcohol. I’ll be sailing Carnival from here on out.
You’ll be sailing Carnival that has both…
Wow since when is Alcohol Drinking a Sin?
Carnival…sin-free? Have fun on the trapped-in-feces refugee camp line…
I think Disney should consider allowing 1 bottle of liquor on boarding day (maybe 2 based on length of cruise). This would eliminate the unlimited nature, but would allow people a small amount for the duration. If someone was a heavy drinker, then they could still buy on board. This would increase profits for Disney and keep them separated from other cruise lines. I think this would be a good compromise.
I understand this is commensurate with other cruise lines, but other cruise lines are not as expensive as Disney. This was always a justification for spending so much money, knowing we could save in alcohol. I’ve only been on two Disney cruises, but I never saw anyone “abusing” their original policy to the point where it would be noticeable or if guests got out-of-hand. This is purely to make more money despite the cost of their cruises. If you could bring liquor that would help, but beer drinkers will not be able to save much money given it’s $35 plus tip for 6 beers. If they offer packages or “free” drink packages like other cruise lines, that would help, but at this point, I say, “Boo hiss.” I wonder if I can go shopping at the port, come back on, and then go back out again a couple of times 🙂
It’s funny that people complain about the prices of drinks onboard the ships. They are no more expense (in fact sometimes cheaper) than Walt Disney World. Does everyone bring heir own bottle of rum to the parks too? Did I miss the boat on this one? [pun intended]
No. However, Disney does not prohibit guests from enjoying whatever they like in their resort rooms or limit the amount they can have in their room.
It is an apples to oranges comparison.
Wow! I thought that the outrage around the pillowcase and anchor signings was huge…
Honestly – you’ve paid the extra for a Disney trip, but was it really because you calculated a break-even on the alcohol? Really? Maybe $100 in savings makes up for the 20-50% Disney premium over other lines? Sorry, the math doesn’t work.
I’m shocked at how many folks apparently cruise Disney because of backroom character signings and personal alcohol caches. Amazing how 12 minutes in a line, or the three-deck walk to the Cove or the sports bar becomes the vacation-killer! Now that these extras have been removed, I’m hoping that we can look forward to the self-entitled taking their future vacations elsewhere!
So you have to pay a bit extra for your shot of Baileys or glass of wine – probably no different than your local Applebee’s or TGI Fridays! Have a genuine medical limitation? Call Guest Services beforehand, or simply skip the alcohol for a bit.
My family chooses Disney because of the family moments, the great service, and the Mouse!
Yeeesh people.
It’s a lot more than a $100 difference for those of us who enjoy liquor. Attacking people because they enjoy some perks now being taken away as prices continue to climb is rather mean spirited. Everyone is entitled to their opinions, obviously. But being disappointed or even angry over a sudden policy change based solely on greed as overall prices soar doesn’t make people self entitled. And in the end, aren’t you being just as self entitled with such a judgmental post?
I’ve no worries that you may enjoy liquor, but you have the same choices that I make when selecting a cruise. If the cost outweighs the benefit, perhaps there are other vacation options. That’s not mean-spirited, but simply the expression of one weary of the complaints on this forum that Disney owes its customers. Do you have inside information on why the change went into effect, or is your statement “based solely on greed” simply mean-spirited opinion?
First off Scott, thanks for this website. I check it often and obviously so do many others as this topic shows us.
I don’t think anyone is really saying that savings on alcohol make the cost of a Disney Cruise the same as lower cost companies, although I personally only cruise off season with a Florida resident rate or use my 10% future sailing discount so I have the luxury of only choosing their more affordable cruises. I think in some way everyone that does sail with them does so for the Disney experience (in whatever that means to each individual). I do however see that Disney Cruise customers have lost a benefit of sailing with them and also see an increase in a fee. Whether you agree with the drinking of alcohol or not, making a policy more restrictive isn’t a good thing for the 99% of responsible adults that go on a Disney Cruise, whether they take advantage of that benefit or not. That other 1% will still be on the cruise but we might see them at the bar more instead of in their room.
I don’t drink coffee. If Disney started charging $2 per cup of coffee in the dining rooms a ton of people would be outraged. It wouldn’t affect me one bit but I would still see it as a negative for the cruise line because it is a reduction of a benefit and an increase in a fee.
Disney isn’t alone by any stretch as it seems every cruise line is ratcheting up fees to nickel and dime you and they are making more restrictions. Big picture, I see that as unfortunate for an industry as part of cruising is all about kicking back, going places you otherwise would never see and doing what you like to do for fun. Most cruise lines are going further and further from being a sort of all-inclusive type vacation and that was something I liked about it.
Bottom line for me, I’m against any restriction or fee in any form that isn’t safety related.
Everyone is aware that Disney is a business, right? If the market bears the price, that’s the sweet spot for them – basic suply and demand. I’ve no doubt that their expense line has increased as well – anyone out there paying more at the grocery than even a year ago?
I don’t like increases in my vacation costs either, but it’s not just DCL, Disney overall, or other cruise lines. We all make the choice of where and with whom we travel. If DCL is no longer for you, complain to them to encourage change or make a different selection.
A few years ago, we shared a table with a family that demanded exceptions and argued with the staff at every dinner. These conversations are very similar – Disney owes us because they did it before. Everyone expects continuous “gives” but take something away…
Yes I agree can people not go 5 days without drinking ? Do you constantly have to walk around drunk ? Grow up people !
Hi Scott. Your table mate from the back to back Southern Caribbean here. Glad we use our “Mickey” card for most purchases. We will be cashing out more than we planned (for on board credit) for our Oct trip this year. Thanks for the heads up!
Andrea, where are you sailing in October?
Andrea, what is a “Mickey card”?
Sam, She may be referring to a Disney Visa card that earns cash back in the form of a special Disney gift card.
WOW ! Can’t believe all this over alcohol ? Really peeps ? It’s a fricken Disney Cruise 4 Gods sake . Go on shore & drink your hearts out …. ” Walt would B so happy about all this ” NOT !!!
I don’t have many Disney cruises booked at this time. For reasons beyond this policy change I’m feeling a big slow-down in our Disney cruising over the next few years. I assure you, however, that when I do sail Disney I will have my liquor with me somewhere. If they find it, good on ’em. I’ll concede that. Game on, Mickey. Game on.
🙂 Game on-I like the tone of that! Kelly vs. Mickey. Keep us posted!
PS: Gotta love the passion of all the folks on here. Personally I think the comments on not being allowed to get the items signed at guest services may be more heated! 🙂 happy sailing.
Offering less and charging more. They claim they are simply changing the policy to be in line with other cruise lines. Does this also mean they’ll be lowering their overall cruise prices to be on par with these other companies as well? (Particularly nasty for those of us who are already paid in full, but beyond the opt-out date for backing out of cruises without severe penalties). Not allowing any liquor at all is pure greed, for an already extremely expensive cruise line. Bad form, Disney. Bad form.
Hi, I just reread the new policy and it seems to say that liquor bought at ports of call CAN be consumed onboard. Is this true? It would soften the rough edges of the new policy, IMHO.
Sell DCL stock now.
In 4 – 5 years, buy it back.
Trust me.
All the comments about paying extra to cruise Disney because of their alcohol policy make no sense to me. If drinking is that major a part of your trip I’m sure a royal Caribbean cruise with a drink package is a much better bargain than paying a higher cruise fare and dragging on a suitcase of booze. Seems like people are just letting their emotions get the best of them. I’d like to see someone do the math but I know my mom pays way less to cruise RCL.
The point that is missed is that many of us have already paid in full for a cruise within 90 days. We don’t have an option. I still contend that Disney is wrong in not giving more advance notice on the change. If they had given notice ahead of time, those that don’t want to book have an option.
Not missed. I saw several make the argument. I just don’t personally agree it’s as big a deal as people think it is.
We are cruising with DCL for the first time in a few weeks. After 10 cruises on other lines I will say this change was bound to happen. We were shocked when we read the alcohol policy for DCL. And honestly they are still letting you bring quite a bit more wine than other lines. Carnival and Royal only let us bring on two bottles total. That being said, I certainly wouldn’t choose another line over Disney just to drink at a cheaper price…
OK Mr.Disney, I really think you have started this new policy effective Jan 1,2016….. Me being a first timer on a serious budget was looking forward to the old way, I live on a serious budget and it took me a yr to get the money together,now I gotta buy Liquor,REALLY ,SO I MIGHT AS WELL LOOK INTO ANOTHER CRUISE LINE NEXT YEAR….THX FOR MAKING MY FIRST EXPERIENCE A UNFORGETTABLE ONE….
Dear Michelle,
Of course, I’ve left you the option to not drink.
Enjoy your cruise.
Mr. Disney
I’m amazed at people being outraged at this.
Every market Disney is involved in, their offering is more expensive than their competitors. Just compare entrance fees at Disneyworld with Six Flags etc.. So to see their cruises are more expensive for the same amount of alcohol per guest than Carnival etc.. makes perfect sense.
Try telling your kid the Royal Carribean mascot (is there one?) is as good as Mickey and friends and see how that goes. You’re paying for the brand, period.
As for those who are so mad at this policy as to switch to another company (seriously?), they are probably the type of guests which the company is better off without.
I am amazed at the outrage as well. It is actually kind of comical to read the outrage.
I think DCL should make it fair for everyone. As the new policy stands, I am being discriminated against. I do not drink beer or wine. So, the one bottle of spirits I bring on board and take most of back off at the end of the cruise is causing them issues. If the change is going to be made (and it has), then why not say “NO” to everything. This makes it fair for everyone. Plus, they should implement a drink card like I have seen on Carnival. It’s been many years since I have been on a Carnival ship but I understand that they are still in effect. This policy change is not going to make me want to pay ship prices for my drinks. I will do without. Right now the policy is not equal for all 21+ on board the ship. The liberal alcohol policy helped make up for the cost differences in the past. I’m sure there are many people that will be thinking hard about their cruising companies now.
Tammy, I agree with you if they want to make a change, it should be “NO” to everything. My husband doesn’t drink beer or wine either, I feel it’s discrimination against certain people.
A cruise line’s alcohol policy is fairly low on my list of criteria when booking (and I tend to indulge quite a bit more when I’m on a cruise). No doubt a source of frustration and disappointment but as other cruise line’s begin to charge for room service, shrink cabin sizes, implement a la carte pricing in specialty restaurants and continue to charge for kids clubs during peek hours and after 10:00 p.m., the change in the alcohol policy is something I can live with.
All of which could be coming to your favorite Disney ship near you!
I have sailed on Norweigan and Disney multiple times each. Had a concierge room on Norweigan and it didn’t even compare to the “regular” room we had on Disney. We travel in a party of 6 with two daughters, 12 and 8. We come for the character meet and greets, the towel animals, the fact that our room was decorated on the first day, the entertainment that is better than anything we’ve even heard about on other cruise lines. Mostly, Disney goes out of their way to make memorable moments for our entire family. our youngest lost a tooth on our first Disney cruise. “Tinkerbell” figured out which bed was hers while we were at dinner, decorated it and left her a note and a stuffed animal (no, they didn’t charge us extra). This last cruise, the whole family got to become Iron Man in the kids club and have pictures taken of the process. You don’t get this on Norwegian. And the food? Please. Main dining room on Norwegian, after waiting 40 minutes for our food, it was inedible. Oldest daughter asked for some chicken noodle soup (off menu). They brought her back what was obviously Top Ramen, probably from a crew member. Disney brought food off menu every night for our picky eater and had it at her seat before we got to the table every night. They also had kids’ club employees pick her up halfway through dinner so we could enjoy the rest of the dinner in peace. Perks like this are exactly why I don’t mind spending 14 dollars a piece on the 2 margaritas I have per day on my vacations (don’t drink beer or wine). Couldn’t get my kids on other cruise lines anyway, after stories of being stranded at sea and fires in the engine room. We become Gold members next month and are thrilled. For those of you so angry about this policy you’re ready to leave Disney, fine with us. Leaves more rooms open for the kind of people we’d rather sail with.
This move by Disney is merely and extrapolation of what’s been going on at Club 33 for a few years now… seeing how much blood can be squeezed from a turnip.
Disney is constantly, and I mean CONSTANTLY, figuring out ways to make more money without spending any to do so. Limiting the amount of adult beverages that one can bring aboard is merely an attempt to separate guests from more of their money.
Meanwhile, the Disney Apologists creep out of the woodwork with their holier-than-thou attitude about how Disney cruises are somehow less sinful than other cruise lines because of this move. Take off the blinders people… you’re getting bent over by Disney! I bet you’d be howling at the moon if they told you that access to a character greeting was going to cost extra.
Oh, what’s the point? Disney has cast a spell on some folks.
Disney is a business designed to make money. I’d love to have a $100 cruise where I can do and ask for whatever I want. If you find that, let me know.
You’re right – Disney has cast a spell on some folks. I’m one of them. We travel Disney because the whole family enjoys it. Other lines are much more focused on adults (bars, casinos, etc). Charging for the characters would likely be fatal – that’s what makes it a Disney cruise. The liquor policy does not.
I agree with those who say if you have paid in full you should be grandfathered under the old policy . But I would go farther saying that all who are already booked should be grandfathered. My cruise is in February . I could back out but who is going to tell my wife and kids that we are no longer going on the Disney cruise?
I contacted Disney Cruise Line yesterday asking to grandfathered or otherwise compensated. Waiting for a reply. I’m sure there is a long line of cruisers waiting for the same.
I personally find it inconsiderate & rude for posters to assume those voicing their concerns over the policy change are “alcoholics”. Assuming someone has a substance abuse problem simply because they are upset over a change that took place without ample notice is just unfair.
I was equally upset when I heard they were doing away with the character signings. The changes that they are making are options that made Disney one of the more attractive cruise lines to cruise on…not just because of these options but they certainly added to it.
Also, as many others have mentioned, there were many people who were already in their PIF period which did not give them the option to cancel, should they have wanted to.
People need to remember that what might be important to some, is not always important to you…but that does not give you the right to label them an alcoholic. There are many that suffer from this disease…we should as adults be a little more sensitive & respectful.
This is however just my opinion.
Amy, you’re absolutely right. The word alcoholism should not be thrown around the way it is. I literally ONLY drink when I am on vacation, and I sometimes (depending on what’s going on in my life or with my kids) look forward to it like a man looking for water in a desert. What is completely mindboggling to me, though, are people who are saying that they would cancel a FAMILY vacation and disappoint their children over this issue and say it’s Disney’s fault. If I were told that Disney was closing all of the bars on the ship and I couldn’t have my 2 margaritas a day, I’d pout, sure, but I wouldn’t take away that time with my family. There is no other cruise line that can do for kids what Disney can do, and a bottle of Bailey’s is not worth making your kids cry.
The end result of all this will be that some people will buy drinks from the ship, others will forego hard liquor for beer and wine they bring from home, and still others will find ways to sneak hard liquor on the ship (take a look at Amazon.com and YouTube; this is a big thing with passengers on the other cruise lines!). I really hate skulking around like a high school student, and this is already an expensive vacation for my family, so it looks like wine from home and lots of soda for us. I have a deposit on a cruise for next summer and I’m just not happy about this. Hope there aren’t any more changes within the next nine months!
Does Disney actually check passenger bags upon check in? I’ve never been on a cruise before…C’mon people, sneak on a few Bailey’s minis : ) Hide them in a shoe or a make up bag
Whitney, I will be interested in hearing what other people report in the way of enforcement. I expect that they will be paying attention, at least when the policy is new. Maybe if they don’t find a lot of violations, who knows- it might be less of an issue and we can have our Bailey’s! I guess only time will tell 🙂
DCL customers, if you’re brave enough to try bringing contraband liquor on board, let us all know how it goes. I suppose all they will do is confiscate and destroy whatever you try to bring on board…
I was thinking the same thing. Not that we even bring booze on board, but who is going to know if you have a bottle of Baileys in your carry on anyway?
The only problem I have with the revised alcohol policy… Is what if you like to drink an alcohol that is not offered on the ship. Is it too much to ask to be able to bring 1 750ml of DALMORE KING ALEXANDER III !!!! (Personal Fav)
This goes for folks with a certain dietary restriction.. I’m sure Disney isn’t going to stock 4x the level of alcohol they are currently to make up for this…
It’s not about the money… It’s about the freedom and luxury to have what you like when you spend a pretty penny on a vacation…I’d buy a bottle on the ship at “their” price to enjoy in my room if they allowed it.
We sailed on the fantasy concierge level and it was great.. But they didn’t have upper end scotch options… Better yet… Many upper end options at all. We’re sailing the wonder around Christmas this year… And this is a little bit of a disappointment.
I’m very disappointed in DCL for springing this policy change on people so suddenly. My family has 18 people that will be traveling together in November and we all just paid-in-full, so no chance of changing plans and getting money back. This will be my family’s 4th cruise with Disney and we usually would justify the high cost with the fact that we could bring our own wine/beer/liquor on the ship. If Disney wants to have an alcohol policy that’s in line with others than they need to charge like others. Disney cruises are a monetary stretch for most people and Disney just made it worse. Needless to say, as long as this policy stays in effect, I will no longer be cruising with Disney!!!
This is just nuts to me. You get what you pay for with cruises. Disney charges more because you get more. Bigger/nicer rooms, better food, amazing entertainment, a clean and safe environment for your family. If you want a booze cruise, then go with Carnival and hope you don’t sink with the ship. I mean, how much alcohol are you drinking that you feel like you are “breaking even” with the higher cost of a Disney cruise compared to other cruise lines? We are talking about hundreds sometime thousands of dollars, you are drinking that much worth to make you want to go to a different cruise line because of the liquor policy? I can see being disappointed, I think they should allow at least 1 bottle of liquor in the policy. But drinking 2 bottles of wine and 6 beers a day(since they stop almost every day somewhere that you can pick up more) is a lot of alcohol to consume on a daily basis. Especially for those who do not drink on a regular basis, this amount would knock you on your behind if you drank all of that in one day. I think some adults use alcohol as entertainment and are unable to entertain themselves without it. Read a book.
I couldn’t disagree more.
First, with the removal of two popular perks, Disney is actually providing LESS than the other lines. The Only thing Disney now offers better than the others is the Mouse (and other characters), and their service. The food isn’t what it used to be and other lines have far more variety (Celebrity’s reviews often put them at the top). Ports of calls are stale. Other lines have far more choices. The entertainment is also old. They have the same shows from over 3 years ago! Amenities… have you seen what Royal Caribbean’s newest ships have to offer? You need 7 days to do it all. So actually, with these latest changes, you aren’t really getting much for what you paid for.
Secondly, it’s not about the drinking. This perk used to save many families quite a bit of money and was used to justify Disney’s high prices, not to mention the added convenience of being able to have a drink in the at the end of the day in the room while the kids sleep. Disney’s drink prices are high and even the lightest of drinker will rack up several hundreds of dollars on a 5 day cruise.
People keep talking about this “having a drink in the room while the kids sleep” thing. Because of the kids club and the fact that they allow the kids, after a certain age, to check themselves out of the Kids’ Clubs without us having to go get them, my kids (8 and 12) generally don’t come back to the room until 11 and 1, respectively. I’m usually not only done drinking, but sound asleep by the time they get back.
Not everyone’s children are 8 and 12. Mine is 2. When he goes to bed at 8 or 9 it is nice to be able to fill up a cup of soda, bring it to the room, and enjoy a couple cocktails with my wife. Not the end of the world or anything, was just nice to have the convenience.
On a 7 day cruise they don’t stop almost every day. On a 14 day cruise you are 4 days at sea. The choice of wine on the islands is terrible & way overpriced. I’m not so sure you should be telling people that 2 bottles of wine or 6 beers a day is to much to consume & it would knock you on your behind. I don’t go on a cruise to “read a book”. The one complaint I have is the people sitting in the chairs by the adult pool with all us drinkers taking up the chairs. Not a good mix of people, as you can clearly see from the posts.
How many other cruiselines have you sailed on? I sail on many lines and let me say, DCL is no where near the top for food. Entertainment is subjective – yes if you want a “Disney” show, its the only place for it but other lines have broadway shows, multiple comedians each night, aerial acts, karaoke with live bands, etc. We need an accessible cabin so from our perspective, there’s not a lot of difference in the cabins on DCL then on other lines (no split baths for us) and the fact that the big bed no longer splits apart is actually a negative for us. I can’t drink beer or red wine and much prefer liquor to white wine so this does impact me (along with the other changes Disney has recently made – shorter pool hours, no more mickey mail, needing to spend embarkation day obtaining tickets to character events). The value of DCL is rapidly diminishing for my family. I am cruising in November because plans are already set and other non-refundable travel purchased. I will not be doing a dummy booking on board for the first time (5 previous DCL cruises).
Just got a response from Disney Cruise Line to my request to either be grandfathered under the old policy or somehow compensated. Their response was to thank me for my concern and to then restate the new alcohol policy. Not what I was hoping for.
I have replied to Disney’s response to my request for compensation . Once again hoping for something . Anything
here we go… another disappointing announcement! We’ve only gotten to sail DCL once so far but are planning a return in 2017. While we enjoy having the drink of the day…and believe me we did :); it was nice to know that if we wanted a drink but wanted to save on cash that we could get from our own supply brought on board. I mean, Disney’s going to get the money one way or another (beings drinks, souvenirs, ect.) so why not let families just have a little piece of mind knowing that there bar tab may not end up being as much as the cruise.
This is the second time this month I have been disappointed by DCL news. Like I said we have only sailed once but by far DCL was our favorite and we make sure to let people know. And because of the little extras my husband and I didn’t mind paying more.
Spoke with dcl. From what I was told liquor can be brought on the ship at ports and not going to be withheld till end of the trip. So if you can make it to the first port you should be all set
Mike, thanks for sharing. I updated the post with this information.
I think you may have misunderstood . Policy states you can bring 2 bottles of wine or 6 beers at each port. No liquor.
I knew you could restock in port. I just went with what you said about liquor. Thanks for the quick clarification.
Scott you have two different Mike’s posting here.
that you do. this mike spoke with dcl and they said you can bring alochol on in port just not embakment
This is clearly stated in the new policy. However the limits are still imposed 2 bottles of wine or 6 beers per person.
My wife and I are Platinum members and have enjoyed Disney’s liberal alcohol policy for many years. This change is a money grab plain and simple. This will not streamline the boarding process at all and will more than likely take longer. There will now be a need to check and store all of the forbidden booze till the end of the cruise. Disney has always prided themselves on being the best cruise line in the business and charges accordingly. Now they just want to be “on par” with the rest of the cruise industry. So be it. I can now talk my wife into trying other cruise lines and tasting different foods, better premium restaurants and better ports of call.
AS of today, the policy states NO liqour per DCL website. You are not allowed to buy in ports. That’s how I read it. You judge for yourself.
ALCOHOL POLICY
Effective for cruises embarking on or after September 30, 2015, each Guest 21 years and older may bring two bottles of unopened wine or champagne (no larger than 750ml) or six beers (no larger than 12oz) onboard in carry-on luggage at the beginning of the voyage and at each port-of-call. All wine/champagne and beer brought onboard must be packed in the Guest’s carry-on luggage. Any alcohol packed in checked luggage will be removed and stored until the completion of the cruise. Guests are not allowed to bring liquors or spirits (including powdered alcohol) onboard.
So, I guess we’ll be boiling some old wine or champagne bottles and filling with rum. Just need to make it look “sealed.”
See I bottle my own wine, Can I bring my own Wine as long as the bottle is sealed? I seal them all with Wax. Then again, what stops me from putting Spirits in my wine bottles and sealing them? lol
Terry, you will still be permitted to purchase liquor in port. I will just be held til the end of the cruise, pending it rule is enforced.
Yup. That’s how it reads . I wonder if the DCL person who spoke with ( mike c ) assumes that this won’t be enforced at ports of call. I guess we won’t know for sure until after Sept 30.
Scott,
Do you or anyone else know the story behind the first time they changed their alcohol rule? Someone mentioned that they made a change before but then reverted back. If that is true I was curious how that all went down.
On another note I was wondering if Scott (or anyone else) had asked Disney about the beer policy. 12 oz is all well and good in the US of A but in the rest of the world 650ml or 750ml is quite common. What happens when I bring my Belgian beer onboard?
I was surprised they allowed people to bring alcohol on the ships at all, but it seemed like a nice perk. We never brought any alcohol and did not ever see anyone abusing this policy, so it is also surprising to us that they would take the perk away. I would suspect something major happened to get them to change their policy. Like maybe underage drinking, etc?
Wanted to add one more thought. This is a company that just fired hundreds of tech workers in Florida and replaced them with cheaper foreign labor. See http://www.orlandoweekly.com/Blogs/archives/2015/06/03/250-walt-disney-world-tech-employees-replaced-by-contract-workers-brought-in-from-other-countries. So I guess they probably are just trying to squeeze more money out of cruisers. I noticed that children’s fares are a lot higher next year when we booked for next summer. They used be about half, now they are about 3/4 of the adult fare. I guess it is whatever the market will bear.
It is funny that you mention the Tech Worker Layoff, Disney is now being sued specifically for that action. Should be interesting, an American Company that doesn’t want to hire american Tech People. There is another good article about that whole debacle. http://baretnewswire.org/disney-imports-foreign-workers-to-steal-our-jobs/
Sorry I will get back on topic. I did notice though that Disney Stock has dropped over $7 per share just this week. May be time to sell my stock if its on its way back down to $24 per share.
The recent decline is a result of the television market.
I’m late to the party in commenting and I haven’t read all of the comments. But this is clearly a money grab for DCL. An early comment that I read said, and I quote “…Almost certainly the fact that people were bringing it out of their rooms is what led to this policy change.”, is probably the most ridiculous things I have read all day.
Question: Has there been any other changes? For instance, can I still bring my own bottled water onto the ship?
No other changes have been announced.
I have sailed a couple of times on DCL, and feel that they are very expensive, but the “perks” have always made that cost easier to justify. The liberal alcohol policy was definitely a plus. Now that is gone. How long before they follow suit with other cruise lines and do away with included soda? Again, not necessary, and doesn’t make up the difference in the higher cost of DCL, but it is a “perk” that adds to the whole justification of sailing on DCL.
For my part, if they are allowing me to bring beer and/or wine, that is a very easy solution for me. I am a home brewer and have bags of bottle caps, a bottle capper, and loads of empty beer bottles. a 6-pack is 72 ounces, a handle of rum is 64. 20 minutes of work and I am covered for the week. Its just a shame that we now have to resort to the same “sneak tactics” that you would on any other cruise lines…
Mary explains it all for you:
1. Disney just announced building TWO Star Wars lands.
2. Disney just announced building more Marvel intense attractions in CA.
This is not to mention the recouping the four BILLION dollars in cash and stocks they paid George Lucas.
Why is anyone surprised by this? This is the easiest way for them to start raking in more money.
As someone who lives near and goes to DL often, I know very well that “Walt shakes your hand with one hand and your wallet with the other.” Of course this line is more expensive. And I agree with the commenter above that if you’re going to complain about $400 for a few days of bar service, after paying a huge amount for your Disney vacation on DCL, then perhaps Carnival or another line is for you, and more cabins will open up for us who are more like-minded.
To Change the alcohol policy after we have paid for out cruise is a low blow .
And Disney is supposed to be the best cruise line…hm
tell them how you feel at DCL.guest.communication@disneycruise.com
I wrote an email to
dcl.guest.communication@disneycruise.com
and I received a phone call the next day. This might not change the policy but defiantly just use some of my email and make it your own to express your displeasure. Change happens in numbers.
Hey DCL,
I have taken my family on many Disney Cruises (Platinum members), and they are always incredible experiences. As usual we booked again for this upcoming November for another 7 days.
I have just read where you updated your carry on liquor policy, and I have to say, We are very upset at the change. My family and I have always enjoyed cocktails on our private veranda – we do not usually drink the wine, beer, champagne that is now allowed. With the premium expense of these cruises, the allowable liquor was a ‘perk’ which helped me mentally offset the premium cost of the overall cruising experience (I bought the photo package, plus whatever drinks we did have at the bars). FYI, we brought 2 bottles of liquor with us for a 7 day sailing. Over the past few 2 years we have spent in excess of $20,000 on Disney Cruses counting booking, fees, tips, wifi, etc. Not including our shopping/etc.
Let alone the inconvenience of now having to get our drinks at the bar and bring them back to the room!
As an aside, I also read where you discontinued the ‘Mickey Mail’, which did also upset me but being that I brought a photo matte last time, we weren’t going to use the service this time. But now it seems that what I saw as a premium family cruise line is cutting multiple perks for their passengers, and I think it’s really unfortunate. These perks are part of the reason you stood apart. And now they’re gone.
My main gripe is that you changed this policy to affect cruises for which deposits have already been paid; many passengers on my sailing are also upset about this change. I belong to a FB group for our sailing week, and many are very upset with the sudden changes to the T&C, and can’t help but feel like a ‘bait-n-switch’ has been made after our money has been received.
We are planning on still paying the balance and going on the upcoming cruise, but this liquor change will now be a factor in future sailings where my family will be willing to forego the ‘Disney experience’ and choose a lesser expensive cruise line in future. We are very disappointed in DCL and the sudden termination of these perks. I know I am just one family and small potatoes but for what it’s worth I feel this change is without warning for myself and my fellow cruise mates.
Thanks for listening,
So as i am reading these posts, i still am assuming if you go before Sept.30th you can still take liquor onboard correct? If so how much im going this week and was wondering thanks for any help!
Yes, before 9/30 the old policy stands allowing you to carry on whatever you’d like.
Hah. This outrage is comical. “We’re not alcoholics but DON’T TELL US WHAT TO DO WITH OUR ALCOHOL.” No, you’re not alcoholics, you’re just ridiculous people who see an alcohol policy as the end of the world. If you really justified spending 3x more on a Disney cruise than any other cruise line just for the alcohol policy, you’re a moron. And yes, I’m judging you. You deserve to be judged. You’re probably the same type of guest who causes an hour long wait at Guest Relations with garbage complaints while other people have legitimate concerns they need taken care of. If you aren’t happy with the new policy, because you can’t LIVE without a craft beer or a cheap self-made cocktail for a week, by all means, go sail somewhere else. The rest of us will be happy to cruise DCL without the whiners. I’m a drinker. Not a heavy one, but I enjoy embibing. But good god, I’m not so hung up on alcohol that something like this would destroy my life. To some of you, it’s apparently apocalyptic, to which I say: reevaluate your priorities.
Bottom line, Disney is a business. You don’t have “rights” nor do you get to dictate their policy. They’re all about making money and if you think they’re going to lose money because of this, you’re sorely mistaken. Someone like me will abide by the new rules and buy extra drinks on the trip. An extra hundred bucks or so in the grand scheme of a couple thousand dollars isn’t worth crying over. And those of you claiming you can’t afford it probably need to examine why you’re on a cruise or drinking alcohol in the first place.
In addition to the beverage package program, Carnival also offers an option to pre-order a bottle of liquor to be delivered to your room. I wonder is Disney will also offer this option, at some point. The prices are not cheap, in the least, but cheaper than buying the beverage package OR drinks individually.
Our cruise leaves on 9/21/2015. Where can I find the current rules. I only see the future rules on the DCL website.
You can carry on whatever you want to enjoy in your stateroom. There is no limit to quantity or type of alcohol. I just must be carried on, not packed in checked luggage.
I’m not an alcoholic, but I do enjoy a few libations in the evening. And agree or not, but for the price of a Disney cruise balcony when for the same money you can get a suite on NCL, HAC, Princess or CCL with a liquor package included, the prior Disney liquor policy gave some justification for the added expense especially when you are traveling with only adults. And the perks for suites on the other cruise lines, early boarding, priority restuarant access, excursion availablity, additional cruise points, etc. will definietly put them higher on the list for future cruises. Actually, our November cruise will be the first and last on Disney because of this change. This will be our 31 cruise, so I do know something about cruising.
And I actually did book this cruise because of the liquor policy. I would not have done it if I had known that I would not save the $400 per person liquor package offered on other cruise lines. It would’ve been more fair if the policy was effective for cruises “Booked” after a date instead of changing current bookings.
I’m going to try to cancel for a full refund.
So this would be your first Disney cruise and you’re judging it before you’ve even been on it. Go ahead an cancel. You have no idea what you’ll be missing.
I was hoping to gift airplane size bottles of liquor to my fish extender families. Very disappointed.
After watching the older kids on this last cruise, I think that would have been a terrible idea anyway. Pretty sure their grubby little hands would have been digging in there for them.
The ONLY issue here is ‘mo money mo money’. The sad fact is that it will be the people who enjoy a cocktail who will be punished. Maybe next year they will take away coffee, or milk, or anything else you should reasonably expect a high dollar cruise line to have on hand. Oh they will have it on board, but now you will be charged an exorbitant price for it.
Maybe they will no longer provide ‘free’ childcare, or a host of other little perks. The politics of DCL are much like the politics of government, ‘once they start taking things away, not only do you never get them back, but soon it will be something that effects ‘you’, that will be taken away.
I laugh at the people who think that everyone that drinks is an alcoholic, this is no more true than to say that everyone who puts their child in a care facility on the cruise, is a bad parent for not spending every second of their vacation with their children!
We all have a need for a little ‘get away’, some ‘adult time’, and if I can’t have my choice of alcohol, you can’t have the choice of child care. And forget about your other ‘coping’ devices too, your anti depressants, tranquilizers, anti anxiety, or yoga. If I can’t have my affordable bottle of rum to cope, you can’t have whatever it is that makes you chill out.
The point is, let’s not throw stones because we ALL live in glass houses. Let’s ban together and fight for the right to bring our favorite bottle of liquor, and let’s keep the children activity centers free, and let’s maintain the right to bring our own bottled water or drinks of choice on the ship.
Not everyone drinks wine, or crappy beer, and not everyone has kids to try and entertain, but we all have one thing in common……we love our little Disney perks!!!!
Spot on… I 100% agree.
You really hit the nail on the head. However, I don’t think Disney really gives a damn. I’ve never understood why everyone thinks it’s the best. Years ago we did Cunard and that trip beat Disney any day.
Hey, Scott-
Curious – has Disney been listening AT ALL to the people that are clamoring (myself being one of them) for a better beer onboard? Honestly, I wouldn’t mind paying for beer in the bars if they had something decent to choose from!
Also, it really sucks that they put this policy into effect on 9/30/15 when there are SO many of us (like others have said here) that already booked our vacation, bought our plane tickets, etc.
These posts seem to be filled with alcoholics and teetotalers!! The Carrie Nation types on this board make me sick. First, I am going on a Disney cruise in two weeks. I believe they should have told me when booking of the new policy. They did not.
We like to relax on the veranda at twilight after a shower and before dinner. I like Grey Goose, my husband Charles likes Knob Creek. Despite our DINK status, we are far from rich (we saved 18 months for this trip). To order and have it delivered to the room is ridiculous and to go out and get a drink and bring it back is even more ludicrous! And at those prices!!
One of the reasons we took 4 Disney cruises is having the ability to take on what we liked. It certainly wasn’t the food. I’ve never understood those who rave about the food. Hamburgers, hot dogs, mac & cheese?? I’ve had better food on Princess or Celebrity. And with this new policy, I believe that is where we will go next. Though it is doubtful Disney gives a damn.
I would never RAVE about the food, but if you’re only eating hamburgers, hot dogs and mac & cheese, are you actually going into a restaurant? That sounds like the food you get at the poolside fast food place. We are SIWK (to borrow your acronym style), and as a result will always choose Disney when we have the kids, because nobody takes care of kids like Disney does. And while THEY are taking care of our kids, WE are sitting in the pub having margaritas and playing trivia, not a care in the world.
We were on a back-to-back that ended up being the LAST cruise of the old policy and the FIRST cruise of the new policy. I hate to say that the second cruise was full of drunken idiots, so obviously there are still people who are willing to pay for their alcohol. Disney’s not going to hurt at all by people “protesting” the change. Enjoy Princess or Celebrity, though I would caution against Carnival. We were docked next to them in Ensenada and they were just rude idiot.
Leaving aside for a moment the ethics of preserving the Disney booze perk, let’s talk enforcement:
Where will DCL actually check for contraband?
In the port security line where you put your carry-on luggage, it says “no alcohol”; these signs have been there for the two years I’ve cruised with DCL.
I don’t think this is where they’ll check it – you can take wine and beer, so are they going to open every suitcase that doesn’t have what looks like the max two wine bottles/six pack of beer on the xray machine? Maybe.
If so, then somehow bottling liquor in wine bottles would be a solution.
I also don’t see the staff (tip-dependent for survival) turning in guests who leave contraband liquor out in their staterooms.
Anyone else think of some enforcement point I’m missing here?
With all the vitriol coming from commenters, I’d think we’d get plenty of reports of successful smuggling operations.
Well that’s a load of crap! The fact that they allowed you to bring your own booze in your carry on was one of the biggest benefits to paying double the fare of the other cruise lines. We have a cruise booked in March on the Fantasy. Won’t be booking DCL again in the future. This policy change is a deal breaker.
I have a cruise booked in February 2016 on the Wonder and just heard about the policy change and it is a bummer. On my first DCL voyage 2 yrs ago my wife and I were able to bring on our various rums for mixing our own drinks, major perk, we found out about this perk after booking. Saved me money, who doesn’t like that. On that voyage I bought 2 bottles of wine for dinners and a 6 pack of beer on the ship, that its. This policy change for me is also a bummer because I told to my family (cruising with 16 family members in Feb, 8 adults) about this awesome perk and now it is gone, at least the rum is! DLC should at least offer a drink package to compensate for this policy change, I booked my cruise in late July prior to the policy change and now I will have to spend more money that I planned when I booked. I will now have to test out other cruise lines the next time I hit the seas, unless Disney gives us a drink package option.
Does Disney Cruise Line forsee having Magic Bands on the ships for use at the bars for alcohol consumption as well as all other purchases and uses.
They have long been in the works, but who knows when they will roll out other than Oceaneer Bands.
We leave on the Dream in two weeks. I have no problem with the policy of 2 bottles of wine (750 mL each) per person. My question is if they will allow me to bring on the 4 pack of mini-wine bottles which are plastic and the 4-pack is just under the 750 mL. These small bottles are plastic and have screw on lids so much lighter and no risk of breaking. Eight mini bottles would equal two normal wine bottles, but it does say TWO bottles only in the policy. Has anyone taken the 4-pack mini bottles in their carry-on?
We often buy a box of wine to take on. It fits in the fridge. I’m wondering how the baggage handlers are going to know what’s in the suitcases. They won’t have time to search them all! You can get gin in plastic bottles anyway.
Does anyone know if the new policy means that you can bring 2 bottles of wine/champagne OR 6 beers per person or can you bring BOTH 2 bottles of wine/champagne AND 6 beers per person? Has anyone tried this?
2 bottles of wine/champagne OR 6 beers per person
Hi Scott, we are going on the Dream next week. We love to sign up for Mixology on the Fantasy but have not been on the Dream yet. Usually Beverage Seminar sign up has been in La Piazza on embarkation day, is this something we can know in advance for the Dream or will we need to wait to find it in our navigator that day?
Lauren, Check your navigator when you get it in the terminal. From our experience, signups have been at the District Lounge Bar.
Thanks so much!!
I think the Adult Cove is an absolute Ship Hole.
So I am happy to leave that area to everyone else.
That being said, I love DCL, don’t really care about the change (although can I take my bottle of Martini Bianco? Same alcohol content?!) I was on the WBTA just before the change kicked in and we took 2 boxes of wine (3 bottles in each) and my Martini and we walked off with 1 box. (11nights)
With our stateroom credit we’ll enjoy the cocktail class one day and maybe a beer if we join in with craft/shows etc …….oooh or Palo – The lemoncello martini…..mmmm
The entertainment is unrivaled- except on WBTA when there are less Disney Shows / the food ridiculously amazing and the children’s clubs and services are just awesome (open house anyone!)
It’s a shame others might leave these glorious ships to find another, but bon voyage and get home safely. *hic*
With regards to sneaking on your liquor – we’ll know who the real alcoholics are – your breath will smell like listerine 😀
Disney charge more because offer better food, better entreteniment, better ship and about the licquor, just like every single other cruise ship that hires bartenders and barservers they want to have profit.
If everybody stars to bring there own alcohol them Disney will not only lose money, but control of who much the guests are drinking, if teenagers are getting drunk, can you imagine how many people bring there on glass drink by the pool to enjoy at night? What happen when kids/guets cut their feet?
There are so many reasons for this police, but one thing is for sure if you like to have just one drink at night in your cabine, this amount for money will really be the reason to change to another cruiseline or are you guys just complanning for nothing?
I agree abou the beer selection, but is just as simple, put in the comments at the end of teh cruise, send them a letter asking for better/different beers, it’s not gonna happend from day to night but Disney is very good in see opportunities to sell stuff.
I have been on 10 Disney Cruises and one of the main reasons I was able to get my husband on board was that he was able to take his own liquor (rum or vodka). This was one way to keep him happy since they don’t have a casino. A bit disappointed in this.
On the Disney Magic this September 2022, the cork fee is $28.
With the automatic 18% gratuity, it’s a total of $33.04