Disney Cruise Line offers a wide range of stateroom options to suit different budgets and preferences, from luxurious concierge suites to cozy and affordable inside staterooms.
Having sailed on all the Disney ships and stayed in most types of staterooms—including inside rooms, oceanview, verandah, and concierge-level staterooms—I’ve gained a lot of experience for what each different category offers.
While oceanview and verandah staterooms often get the spotlight, inside staterooms have some truly unique features and advantages that make them a fantastic choice for many cruisers.
I have never found it to be true that “once you have sailed in with a balcony/sailed concierge you will never go back. I still sail in all stateroom options, including inside and, unless I win the lottery, always will!
If you’re planning your Disney Cruise and wondering if an inside stateroom is the right option for your trip, here are 7 reasons why this affordable choice is worth considering.
Related: Complete Guide to Inside Staterooms on Disney Treasure
1. Save Money Without Sacrificing Comfort
Disney Cruise Line is known for providing exceptional service and attention to detail, no matter which stateroom category you choose.
Here is a video of an Inside Stateroom on Disney Wonder (the staterooms on Disney Magic are identical to Disney Wonder).
Inside staterooms are the most budget-friendly option, making them ideal for travelers who want to experience the magic of a Disney Cruise without breaking the bank.
Having said that – always check the prices of all staterooms as sometimes you can find a lower price for an outside stateroom on the same sailing. Of course, if you are getting help from our friends at The Vacationeer they can do this for you.
- What You Get: Even though inside staterooms are the least expensive, they still offer high-quality amenities like comfortable beds, flat-screen TVs, and ample storage space. The amenities that you get in the space are the same as for the outside and verandah staterooms.
- Split Bathrooms: Most of the Disney Cruise ship staterooms have what is known as a split bathroom. This is where you have 2 bathroom spaces – one for the toilet and another for the tub/shower and additional sink. However, you need to know that only the Deluxe Inside staterooms have this feature.
- Be Aware: All Disney Wish, Disney Treasure and Disney Destiny inside staterooms are Standard Inside Staterooms – meaning that none of them have the split bathroom feature.
- Where to Spend the Savings: The money you save on your stateroom can be used to enhance your cruise experience by booking shore excursions, indulging in specialty dining, or purchasing exclusive Disney merchandise.
Remember too that on Disney Wish and Disney Treasure each stateroom has their own individual theme. If you want to find out what all of the themes are on each ship here are the guides for you:
Disney Treasure Stateroom Themes
2. Perfect for Travelers Who Spend Little Time in Their Room
Are you the type of traveler who wants to make the most of every moment onboard?
Inside staterooms are perfect for those who plan to spend their days exploring the ship, enjoying entertainment, and participating in activities rather than lounging in their room.
- Why It Works: Many Disney Cruise guests find that they only use their stateroom to sleep, shower, and change clothes. If you’re rarely in your room, there’s no need to pay extra for a view you won’t use often.
3. Disney’s Magical Portholes
One of the most popular features of Disney Cruise Line’s inside staterooms is the magical porthole.
- What It Is: A virtual “window” that displays real-time views of the ocean outside the ship, complete with surprise appearances by Disney characters like Mickey, Goofy, or Ariel.
- What to Know: This very popular feature is only available on Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy – currently none of the other ships have this. It was surprising, given how popular they are, that these were not featured on the Wish Class ships.
- Why It Matters: Having stayed in one of these staterooms I found it to be a really nice feature, particularly if you have younger children.
4. Cozy and Quiet for Restful Sleep
Inside staterooms are known for being some of the quietest and darkest rooms on the ship, making them ideal for restful nights.
- Cozy Atmosphere: With no natural light coming in, these rooms create a cave-like environment that’s perfect for sleeping. I always sleep well on a cruise, particularly a Disney Cruise with those amazingly comfortable beds, but an Inside Stateroom somehow gives an even better nights sleep!
- Great for Families: Parents with young children often appreciate the quiet and darkness of inside staterooms, as it helps their little ones settle down for naps or bedtime more easily.
5. Ideal for Budget-Conscious Families and Groups
Traveling with a larger group or family? Inside staterooms are a practical option that allows you to stretch your budget while still having enough space for everyone.
- Multiple Rooms for Less: Instead of splurging on one large suite, families can book multiple inside staterooms to give everyone more space and privacy. Or combine a Verandah Stateroom with an Inside Stateroom close by. This is often a better budget option for families of 5 and above. You have extra space and an additional bathroom!
- Flexible Layouts: Disney Cruise Line’s inside staterooms often include thoughtful touches like split bathrooms and pull-down beds, making them functional for families.
6. More Availability During Peak Seasons
Disney Cruises are incredibly popular, and staterooms often sell out quickly—especially during peak seasons like summer, holidays, and spring break. Inside staterooms tend to be more readily available, particularly on the Classic and Dream Class ships, making them a great option for last-minute bookings.
- Great for Shorter Cruises: For 3- or 4-night sailings, an inside stateroom provides everything you need without the expense of a higher-category room.
7. Encourages You to Focus on Experiences Outside the Room
One of the best parts of a Disney Cruise is the sheer variety of activities, entertainment, and dining options available to guests. Choosing an inside stateroom encourages you to take full advantage of everything the ship has to offer.
When I sail in an Inside Stateroom the experience is different – as you really do spend less time in your cabin. Honestly, it is a different experience and I know that an Inside Stateroom is not for everyone.
But it is a great option for many people.
- Explore the Ship: From Broadway-style shows and character meet-and-greets to pools and themed dining, there’s so much to do onboard that you won’t miss having a view from your room.
- Enjoy the Ports: With exciting shore excursions and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, your time will be filled with unforgettable experiences.
Bonus Tips for Making the Most of an Inside Stateroom
If you decide that an inside stateroom is the right choice for you, here are a few tips to make your stay even more enjoyable:
- Bring a Nightlight: The lack of natural light can make it pitch dark at night, so a small nightlight can be helpful, especially for families with kids.
- Request a Midship Location: Inside staterooms located midship tend to feel more stable, which can be beneficial if you’re prone to motion sickness.
Why an Inside Stateroom Isn’t For Everyone
The first very obvious point – if you have claustrophobia or a fear of the dark this is not for you.
Whilst the space is well designed, it doesn’t have any windows! So avoid this if you think you are going to be affected by this.
Families with children who need a bit more space to move around. The Inside Staterooms sleep either 3 or 4 guests – and it can be a little bit crowded, particularly as the children get older.
Here is another big question. Is an Inside Stateroom Worth It for Alaska Cruises?
If you’re planning an Alaska cruise, the type of stateroom you choose can make a big difference. Many travelers debate whether an inside stateroom is the right choice for this scenic itinerary.
The difference in price between an inside stateroom and a verandah stateroom on an Alaska cruise can be thousands of dollars. The law of supply and demand works against you here – most guests want those verandah staterooms so they are charged at even more of a premium than usual.
For Alaska, the outdoor scenery is a huge part of the experience, and some cruisers feel a verandah or oceanview stateroom is well worth the extra cost to enjoy the views from the comfort of their room.
However, if you plan to spend most of your time on deck or in public viewing areas, an inside stateroom could still be a smart, budget-friendly choice. You can save a considerable amount of money and still experience Alaska and the Disney ship.
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Alison Meacham is the founder of EverythingMouse Disney Blog. For over 15 years she has shared her love of Disney Parks, Disney Cruises and Universal Orlando. In over 30 years of Disney Travel she has spent countless months in Disney Parks and has sailed on over 45 cruises. A British native and now a United States resident she splits her time between California, Florida and the UK. And spends a serious amount of time sailing the seven seas. She helps over 200,000 people per month follow their Disney travel dreams.