One of Disney Cruise Line's most popular perks may no longer be entirely free.
Cruise vacations have become increasingly expensive in recent years, with passengers facing higher fares, premium dining charges, and additional fees for specialty experiences.
Disney Cruise Line has largely avoided charging for many services that come with extra costs elsewhere. Among the most appreciated benefits is room service, which is available 24 hours a day on most sailings.
Guests can order everything from sandwiches and cookies to late-night snacks without paying an additional fee. Mickey Premium Bars have become a particularly popular room service order across much of the fleet.
Only a handful of items, such as alcoholic beverages and select specialty snacks, typically incur an extra charge.
That policy appears to be changing on one ship.
New Room Service Charge Reportedly Arriving Next Week
Passengers sailing aboard the Disney Adventure have reported that the ship will soon introduce a $5 charge for room service deliveries.
According to guest reports, the fee will apply to room service orders, but not breakfast orders placed using door hanger forms. Concierge guests are also reportedly exempt.
The changes are expected to begin next week and will reportedly be accompanied by an automatic 18% gratuity.
Disney has not directly confirmed the new delivery fee.
News of the change surfaced online after multiple guests discussed lengthy room service delays aboard the vessel.
One social media user wrote:
“This isn’t the first post I’ve seen about it but apparently the #disneyadventure is implementing a $5 charge for room service deliveries excluding breakfast. If this is true then I’m not surprised they went this route. Wait times for room service have reached well over an hour and there isn’t enough delivery crew members to meet demand. This is the most logical step imo. Hopefully it doesn’t translate to other ships but we already know the Adventure is a VERY different animal.”
Some passengers have reported waiting more than an hour for room service deliveries.
The reaction from Disney fans has been mixed. Some believe the fee could help reduce demand and improve service times. Others worry it could become a test case for future changes across the rest of the fleet.
“I'd hope they don't get any ideas to add a delivery fee to the other ships… and [an] auto 18% gratuity… so for a “free” item it's gonna be $5.90?” said one X user. “That $0.90 tip is even less than i leave them… but that $5 cuts into my tip fund…”
Disney Adventure Has Already Operated Differently From the Rest of the Fleet
The Disney Adventure is unlike any other Disney Cruise Line ship.
The vessel is Disney's largest cruise ship ever and serves as the company's first ship permanently based in Asia. It sails exclusively from Singapore and introduces several concepts not found elsewhere in the fleet.
Among its headline attractions is Marvel Landing, which features Ironcycle Test Run, Disney Cruise Line's first roller coaster and the longest roller coaster at sea.
The ship also offers unique entertainment and premium experiences, including The Lion King: Celebration in the Sky, a separately ticketed dessert party tied to the nightly fireworks show.
Room service has already worked differently aboard the vessel.
Unlike other Disney Cruise Line ships, Mickey Premium Bars are not available through room service and must instead be requested in restaurants.
The Disney Adventure has also faced several challenges since launching.
Guests have complained about mattress comfort (or lack thereof), while Disney quietly canceled a planned Captain Jack Sparrow stage show before it debuted.
A technical issue also forced the cancellation of an entire voyage.
Character meet-and-greets created additional problems when virtual queue reservations filled almost instantly. Disney later introduced its “Selfies at Sea” system before adding reservation-free character greetings.
The reported room service charge is the latest operational change aboard a ship that continues to evolve as Disney adjusts to demand.
What do you think of the reported room service fee?
