Deluxe Staterooms vs Deluxe Family Staterooms

Choosing the right stateroom for your Disney Cruise can significantly enhance your vacation experience. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or a family adventure, understanding the differences between Deluxe Staterooms and Deluxe Family Staterooms on Disney Cruise Line’s magnificent ships is crucial to ensuring your cruise is as magical as possible.

In this guide, we’ll explore the stateroom options available on the Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, along with the newest additions, the Disney Wish, Disney Treasure, and Disney Destiny. We’ll also touch on how these options compare to other cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Carnival to help you decide the best fit for your needs.

Understanding Disney Cruise Line Stateroom Categories

A giant porthole with padded cushion, found in some Family Staterooms | Image © Disney

Before we dive into the specifics of Deluxe and Deluxe Family Staterooms, let’s review the main stateroom categories on Disney Cruise Line:

1. Inside Staterooms: Budget-friendly rooms without windows, some featuring “magical portholes” with virtual ocean views. These are ideal for guests who plan to spend most of their time exploring the ship and ports of call. (Learn more in our Inside Stateroom vs. Oceanview Stateroom comparison)
2. Oceanview Staterooms: Rooms with a porthole or window, offering real ocean views. These staterooms are perfect for those who want natural light and a connection to the sea without the higher price tag of a verandah.
3. Verandah Staterooms: Rooms with a private balcony for fresh air and panoramic views. These are great for couples or families who enjoy having their own outdoor space to relax and take in the scenery. (For a detailed comparison, check out our Oceanview vs. Verandah Staterooms guide)
4. Concierge Staterooms: Disney Cruise Line’s luxurious Concierge accommodations come with premium services and amenities, which are perfect for those seeking the ultimate Disney Cruise experience.

Within the Oceanview and Verandah categories, you’ll find the Deluxe and Deluxe Family options we’re focusing on today.

Deluxe Staterooms vs. Deluxe Family Staterooms: The Basics

Deluxe Staterooms are designed to comfortably accommodate 3-4 guests, making them ideal for couples, small families, or groups of friends. They offer a cozy, well-appointed space with clever storage solutions and all the amenities you need for a comfortable cruise.

Key Features of Deluxe Staterooms:

• Queen-size bed
• Convertible sofa or pull-down bunk for additional guests
• Split bathroom design (on most ships)
• Ample storage space
• Flat-screen TV
• Mini-refrigerator
• In-room safe

Deluxe Family Staterooms are larger, typically accommodating up to 5 guests. They provide extra space, additional sleeping arrangements, and, in some cases, enhanced bathroom facilities. These rooms are perfect for larger families or those who simply prefer more living space during their cruise.

Additional Features of Deluxe Family Staterooms:

All the amenities of Deluxe Staterooms, plus:

• Extra square footage
• Additional sleeping options (e.g., pull-down beds, Murphy beds)
• Enhanced storage solutions
• Larger or additional bathroom facilities (varies by ship)
• More space for families to spread out and relax

Now, let’s break down the differences across each of Disney Cruise Line’s five ships:

Disney Magic and Disney Wonder: The Classic Ships

Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom:

• Size: 214 sq. ft.
• Sleeps: 3 to 4
• Features: One large porthole window or two small porthole windows
• Categories: 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D
• Best for: Couples or small families who want a view but don’t need extra space

These classic staterooms offer a cozy retreat with ocean views. The split bathroom feature (one room with a sink and toilet, another with a sink and shower/tub) is particularly convenient for families getting ready in the morning.

Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah:

• Size: 268 sq. ft., including verandah
• Sleeps: 3 to 4
• Features: Private verandah, split bathroom
• Categories: 5A, 5B, 5C, 6A, 7A
• Best for: Couples or small families who enjoy having their own outdoor space

The addition of a private verandah makes these rooms perfect for those who love to start their day with fresh sea air or end it with a peaceful sunset view. The extra space provided by the verandah can make the room feel much more spacious.

Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah:

• Size: 304 sq. ft., including verandah
• Sleeps: 5
• Features: Larger space, private verandah, split bathroom
• Categories: 4A, 4B, 4E
• Best for: Families of 5 or those who want maximum space and comfort

A fourth passenger is accommodated by a pull-down berth bed | Image © Disney

These rooms offer the most space and comfort for families on the classic ships. The additional square footage and sleeping capacity make them ideal for larger families or those embarking on Long Disney Cruises where extra space is appreciated.

Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy: The Newer Ships

Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom:

• Size: 204 sq. ft.
• Sleeps: 3 to 4
• Features: 1 or 2 porthole windows, some with obstructed views
• Categories: 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D
• Best for: Budget-conscious travelers who still want an ocean view

While slightly smaller than their counterparts on the classic ships, these rooms make efficient use of space and still offer the split bathroom feature.

Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom:

• Size: 241 sq. ft.
• Sleeps: 3 to 5
• Features: 1 or 2 giant porthole windows, unique bathroom tub
• Categories: 8A, 8B, 8C
• Best for: larger travel parties who want an ocean view

These include a unique tub/shower better designed to give kids baths in.

The unique tub/shower found in Family Staterooms on the Dream and Fantasy | Image © Disney

Another unique feature of these staterooms is a gigantic porthole window large enough to sit in.

Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah:

• Size: 246 sq. ft., including verandah
• Sleeps: 3 to 4
• Features: Private verandah, split bathroom
• Categories: 5A, 5B, 5C, 6A, 6B, 7A
• Best for: Couples or small families who value outdoor space

These rooms provide a perfect blend of indoor coziness and outdoor leisure. The veranda enhances the value, particularly on picturesque voyages like Alaskan and European cruises.

Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah:

• Size: 299 sq. ft., including verandah
• Sleeps: 4 to 5 (except Category 4E, which sleeps 3 to 4)
• Features: Larger space, private verandah, enhanced bathroom with unique tub
• Categories: 4A, 4B, 4C, 4E
• Best for: Larger families or those who want luxury and space

A standout feature here is the significantly upgraded bathroom facilities, which can be a game-changer for families with young children or anyone who appreciates a more luxurious bath experience.

Disney Wish, Disney Treasure, and Disney Destiny: The Modern Marvels

Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom:

• Size: 218 sq. ft
• Sleeps: 3 to 4
• Features: split bath, convertible sofa or pull-down sleeper for additional passengers
• Categories: 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D
• Best for: Couples or small families looking for a view of the water

See the line where the sky meets the sea from the comfort of your stateroom sofa with these fantastic staterooms.

Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom:

• Size: 237 sq. ft.
• Sleeps: 4 to 5
• Features: Larger space, enhanced split bath, large porthole window
• Categories: 8B, 8C
• Best for: Families seeking more space and convenience

These family rooms offer extra space and modern amenities, with a stunning large porthole view of the outside.

Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah:

• Size: 243 sq. ft., including verandah
• Sleeps: 3 to 4
• Features: Private verandah, split bath in most rooms
• Categories: 5A, 5B, 5C, 6A, 6B, 7A
• Best for: Couples or small families looking for a modern cruise experience

These rooms on Disney’s newest ships offer a fresh, contemporary design with all the comforts you’d expect. The addition of USB and USB-C ports is a welcome modern touch for tech-savvy cruisers.

Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah:

• Size: 284 sq. ft., including verandah
• Sleeps: 4 to 5
• Features: Larger space, private verandah (oversized in Category 4E), enhanced split bath
• Categories: 4A, 4B, 4C, 4E
• Best for: Families seeking the latest in cruise accommodations

A fifth passenger is accommodated in a murphy-style pull-down bed | Image © Disney

These family rooms offer the best of both worlds – the extra space families need with the modern amenities that make a cruise feel luxurious. The oversized verandahs in Category 4E are particularly appealing for families who love spending time outdoors.

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Comparing and Contrasting: What Can You Gain?

Space and Comfort

Deluxe Staterooms offer efficient use of space, suitable for couples or small families. Deluxe Family Staterooms provide additional square footage, which can be beneficial for larger families or those who prefer more living space, especially on longer Disney cruises.

Sleeping Arrangements

Both Deluxe and Deluxe Family Staterooms typically feature a queen-size bed. Deluxe Staterooms usually have a single sleeper sofa and an upper-berth pull-down bed (if sleeping 4). Deluxe Family Staterooms often include additional sleeping options like a single sleeper sofa, wall pull-down bed, and/or upper-berth pull-down bed, accommodating up to 5 guests in most cases.

Bathroom Facilities

On the Magic and Wonder, both room types feature split bathrooms. On the Dream and Fantasy, Deluxe Family Staterooms have a split bath with a bathroom featuring a vanity, sink, shower, and round tub, and a half bathroom with a vanity, sink, and toilet. The Wish, Treasure, and Destiny offer similar split bath arrangements in most Deluxe Oceanview Staterooms with Verandah, with subtle differences between Deluxe and Deluxe Family configurations.

Storage Space

Both Deluxe and Deluxe Family Staterooms offer storage solutions, including elevated bed frames for under-bed storage. The larger square footage in Deluxe Family Staterooms may provide some additional storage options.

Verandah Size

While both Deluxe and Deluxe Family Staterooms can come with verandahs, some Deluxe Family Staterooms offer larger outdoor spaces. This is particularly true for Category 4E rooms on the newer ships, which feature oversized verandahs.

Choosing the Right Stateroom: Factors to Consider

1. Family Size: Larger families will benefit from the extra space and sleeping capacity in Deluxe Family Staterooms.
2. Cruise Duration: On longer cruises, the extra space and storage in Family Staterooms can be invaluable, helping you feel less cramped over time.
3. Ship Choice: Consider the specific differences on each ship when making your decision. The newer ships generally offer more modern amenities and designs.
4. Budget: Deluxe Family Staterooms come at a premium, so weigh the benefits against the cost. (Learn more about the Cheapest Disney Cruises and How Much Disney Cruises Cost for a Family of Four)
5. Onboard Plans: If you plan to spend a lot of time in your room, perhaps for midday breaks or early evenings with young children, the extra space might be worth the investment.
6. Sailing Itinerary: For scenic cruises like those to Alaska or the Norwegian Fjords, a verandah can significantly enhance your experience, making Deluxe Oceanview Staterooms with Verandah a compelling choice.

Beyond Staterooms: Other Cruise Considerations

While choosing between Deluxe and Deluxe Family Staterooms is important, don’t forget to consider:

• Itinerary: From Caribbean beaches to Alaskan glaciers, choose a destination that excites your family. (Find out the Best Time to Go on a Disney Cruise)
• Dining Options: Disney Cruise Line offers rotational dining and adult-exclusive restaurants, ensuring a variety of culinary experiences throughout your voyage. (Explore Food on Disney Cruises)
• Onboard Activities: Each ship offers unique entertainment options and kids’ clubs, from Broadway-style shows to themed deck parties. (Discover the Best Disney Cruise Ship for Kids)
• Timing: Finding the optimal time to go on a Disney Cruise can impact price and experience. Consider cruising during off-peak seasons for potential savings on your Disney cruise.

Comparing Disney Cruise Line to Other Cruise Lines

While Disney Cruise Line offers a unique experience, it’s worth comparing it to other popular cruise lines to ensure you’re making the best choice for your family:

• Disney Cruise vs Royal Caribbean Cruise: Both offer family-friendly options, but Disney excels in theming and character experiences. Royal Caribbean might edge out in terms of onboard activities for teens and adults.
• Disney Cruise vs Norwegian Cruise: Norwegian’s “Freestyle Cruising” concept offers more flexibility in dining and entertainment, while Disney provides a more structured, themed experience that’s especially appealing to families with younger children.
• Disney Cruise vs Carnival Cruise: Carnival often offers more budget-friendly options and a lively atmosphere, while Disney specializes in premium family experiences with a touch of magic in every aspect of the cruise.

Understanding these differences can help you determine if Disney is the best cruise line for your kids and group or if another line might better suit your needs and preferences.

The Bottom Line

When deciding between a Deluxe Stateroom and a Deluxe Family Stateroom with Disney Cruise Line, it’s important to think about your family’s specific needs, the ship you’ll be on, the length of the trip, and your budget.

Deluxe Staterooms are typically cozy and efficient, perfect for couples or small families. On the other hand, Deluxe Family Staterooms offer extra space and amenities, which are great for larger families or those looking for more luxury. Each ship has different offerings, so it’s essential to consider factors like square footage and room amenities before making a decision.

Ultimately, the best stateroom for your Disney Cruise Line experience is one that makes your family comfortable and enhances your vacation. If you need help, don’t hesitate to reach out to a travel expert who can assist you in exploring the options and finding the perfect fit for your magical vacation at sea.