Must Have Foods on a Disney Cruise

by KidTripster Staff
Animator’s Palate onboard the Disney Magic

8 Foods not to miss on your next Disney cruise

Think cruise food consists of uninspired buffets to feed the masses? Oh, you have clearly not dined with Disney Cruise Line!  In fact, on these amenity-packed ships, the cuisine itself is a highlight. And if you’re setting sail with pint-sized, picky eaters, don’t worry. They, too, will find their favorites. So go ahead, indulge. You’re on vacation!

Families enjoying a meal at Castaway Cay, Disney's private island
Photo: Matt Stroshane

1. Ice cream station

Each ship has a soft serve ice cream station with two flavors of ice cream (flavors change daily) and ice cream cones.  Located on the pool deck, it’s self-serve and included in your cruise fare. The same station is also available at Castaway Cay.  You’ll want to know about this treat on the first day of your cruise, not discover it on the last!

KidTripster Tip: If you prefer ice cream in a cup, grab one from the nearby beverage station and use it. You can also use the soda at the beverage station to make your own ice cream float!

A Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom on the Disney Dream
Photo: Matt Stroshane

2. Room service cheese platter

Available on the room service menu, the All Hands on Deck cheese platter is a favorite for my family. There is no extra charge, but a tip is always appreciated. It consists of several varieties of cheeses, crackers, and grapes. It makes a perfect afternoon snack or pre-dinner appetizer.

Palo’s signature Chocolate Soufflé is served with decadent Vanilla Bean and Chocolate Sauces aboard Disney Cruise Line ships
Photo: Ryan Wendler

3. Chocolate souffle

If you choose to spend an evening dining in Palo, the upcharge, adult-only restaurant, I highly recommend the decadent chocolate souffle with vanilla bean sauce for dessert. One of the most popular dishes aboard the Disney ships, it’s a must-have for chocolate lovers!  

Close-up of the chicken parmesan served at Palo aboard Disney Cruise Line ships

4. Chicken parmesan

Like the chocolate souffle, the chicken parmesan with risotto is available in Palo but as part of the popular brunch menu. I know this seems like a basic dish that you can get at any Italian restaurant, but there’s something about this version that makes it stand out as one of the best that I have ever tasted. It’s made to order, very fresh, and oh, so delicious!

KidTripster Tip:  You can make reservations for Palo online before your cruise; the restaurant also holds back some reservations for guests after boarding.

Close-up of a Mickey Mouse ice cream bar

5. Mickey Bars

Just like at the Disney parks, the beloved Mickey Bars are available on the ships. They may or may not be on the dessert menu in the main dining rooms, but your servers will always be happy to bring them to you upon request. You also can order them from room service, even though they aren’t on the menu.  

Cabanas buffet on the Disney Magic, part of Disney Cruise Line
Photo: Matt Stroshane

6. Shawarma Station

The Shawarma Station is currently only available on Disney Magic as a quick service counter on the pool deck.  Shawarma is similar to a gyro and not something you typically find on a cruise ship. It’s a nice change of pace from the pizza, burgers, and chicken tenders that are also available.  

Two boys having fun at the AquaLab water playground on the Disney Magic
Photo: Matt Stroshane

7. Pool deck chicken tenders

My kids are chicken tender connoisseurs, and they declare that the chicken tenders on Disney Cruise Line are the best that they have ever tasted! They are available at the quick service counter on the pool deck and make for the perfect snack while hanging out at the pools. We can’t quite put our finger on why they are so good, but we just can’t get enough of them while onboard.

Black Truffle Pasta Purseittes served at Animator's Palate aboard Disney Cruise Lines

8. Black Truffle Pasta Purseittes

These little stuffed pasta bites are available on the appetizer menu in Animator’s Palate, one of the main dining rooms on all four Disney ships. Stuffed with truffle and cheese and coated with a champagne sauce, Black Truffle Pasta Purseittes are one of the most popular dinner items on Disney Cruise Line.  =I enjoy them so much that I not only have them as my appetizer but as my main course as well.  =Yes, they’re that good!

Diana Smith is an expert cruiser.  She and her family, including her three Disney princesses, have set sail on seven Disney cruises.  For more, check out Disney Cruise Mom Blog

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