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Table Of Contents
Magical Cruise Planner
Want help planning your cruise in order to make the most of the magic? Either grab a pen and paper and make nites of everything said in there video, or check out my Magical Cruise Planners, available in digital (printable or to be filled out on a tablet), coil bound or perfect bound book versions.
Disney Cruise Stateroom Categories
The staterooms on Disney’s four original ships—the Magic, Wonder, Dream, and Fantasy—all have a similar style and layout. The newer ships, like the Wish and the upcoming Treasure, have some design differences, but in this post, I am focusing on the Fantasy and Dream as they are the ones coming to the UK.
The Dream and Fantasy are sister ships, meaning their layouts are identical, with only minor styling differences in some public areas. If you have been on one, you will feel right at home on the other.
Inside Staterooms (The Budget-Friendly Option)
If you are looking to save money, inside staterooms are the most affordable choice. These rooms do not have real windows, but they do have something special: magical portholes.
Disney’s secret porthole windows are actually screens displaying a live feed from the front of the ship, making it feel like you have a real window. Some Disney characters even make special appearances.
Pros of Inside Staterooms
- Most affordable option, great if you would rather spend your money elsewhere on the cruise
- Magical porthole adds an extra bit of Disney magic
- Plenty of storage under the bed and in wardrobes
- Ideal for those who will not spend much time in the room
Cons of Inside Staterooms
- No real natural light, although the magical porthole helps
- Only sleeps up to four guests, so not suitable for families of five
- Interconnecting inside rooms are hard to find, so booking early is essential
Inside staterooms are perfect if you are mainly using your room to sleep and shower. However, if you want natural light or a bit more space, you might want to consider an upgrade.
Oceanview Staterooms (A Window to the World)
Next up, oceanview staterooms. These rooms have a real porthole window with actual glass (unlike the inside rooms’ screens). The portholes are sealed shut, so they do not open, but they do let in natural light, which can make a big difference.
Pros of Oceanview Staterooms
- More natural light than inside staterooms
- Less expensive than veranda staterooms
- Great for families who do not need a balcony but want a view
Cons of Oceanview Staterooms
- Windows do not open, so no fresh air
- Not as much of a relaxing space as a veranda
If you like the idea of waking up to an ocean view but do not want to stretch to a balcony, this is a good middle ground.
Veranda Staterooms (My Favourite Option)
If you can stretch your budget, I highly recommend a veranda stateroom. These rooms have a private balcony, meaning you can wake up, step outside, and breathe in the sea air.
We have always booked veranda staterooms when sailing on the Magic, Dream, and Wish, and I think they are absolutely worth the extra cost.
Pros of Veranda Staterooms
- Private outdoor space, perfect for relaxing in the morning
- Fresh air, great for those who do not like feeling confined
- Feels more spacious than an inside or oceanview room
Cons of Veranda Staterooms
- More expensive than oceanview or inside rooms
- Not ideal if you are nervous about balconies, though they are very safe
If you are unsure, it is worth pricing up oceanview vs. veranda—sometimes, the price difference is not as big as you might expect.
Concierge Staterooms (Luxury at Sea)
If you want the most luxurious experience, concierge staterooms offer extra perks such as:
- Concierge lounge access
- Priority booking for activities and dining
- Exclusive character meets
- Special concierge-only events
I would love to sail concierge one day, but for now, I would rather take more cruises in a veranda stateroom than do fewer cruises in concierge. If you are celebrating a special occasion or want a VIP experience, it could be worth considering.
Which Stateroom Location is Best?
The ship is divided into three sections:
- Midship – The most stable part of the ship, ideal if you are worried about motion sickness
- Forward (front) – Quieter but may feel more movement in rough seas
- Aft (back) – Close to dining venues like Cabanas but can be a bit noisier
If motion sickness is a concern, I recommend midship on deck seven or above.
How to Get the Best Deal on a Stateroom
- Book as early as possible, as prices increase as the cruise fills up
- Consider a guaranteed stateroom, where you pay less but do not pick your exact room
- If you are flexible with dates, look for last-minute deals
If you are a Castaway Club member (previous Disney cruiser), you can book before the general public and get first pick of the best rooms.
Final Tips for Booking Your Disney Cruise Stateroom
- Travelling with a wheelchair? Disney offers accessible staterooms, but availability is limited, so book early
- Need interconnecting rooms? Not all adjacent rooms connect, so check the deck plan before booking
- Noise-sensitive? Avoid rooms above or below nightclubs, kids’ clubs, or busy restaurants
If you are planning your Disney Fantasy or Dream UK Cruise, my Magical Cruise Planner can help you stay organised and make the most of every moment.
You can get a printed copy or a digital download to use on a tablet or print at home.
Now that you know how to choose your stateroom, the next step is understanding Disney’s rotational dining system. I have put together a guide with must-know tips on how to get the best dining experience on your cruise.
Disney Dream 2024 Cruise Vlog Series
Disney Dream 2023 Cruise Vlog Series
Monzo Card For Spending Abroad & On The Ships Without Fees
All spending on board is in dollars, so by using a Monzo card we avoid currency conversion fees.
Use the link below to get your free Monzo account. Get £5 added to your account when you make your first purchase (and I’ll get £5 too).
AirTags & Straps
