One of the first big decisions when booking a Disney Cruise is choosing your stateroom type. With options ranging from cozy inside rooms to luxurious concierge suites, the choices can feel overwhelming. Having stayed in almost every room type myself—including guaranteed staterooms—I’m breaking down the differences so you can decide which one is the best fit for your crew (and your budget).

🚪 Inside Staterooms

• What They Are: Inside staterooms are the most affordable staterooms on a Disney cruise. These rooms do not have windows and are typically the smallest. Inside rooms on the Dream and the Fantasy feature Disney’s famous “magical porthole,” which shows real-time views of the ocean with surprise Disney characters popping in. We loved this feature!
• Best For: These will be best for those budget-conscious travelers who don’t mind a windowless space.
• My Take: We enjoyed our inside staterooms more than I thought we would. There’s so much to do on a Disney cruise that we usually don’t end up spending much time in the room. These rooms are cozy and surprisingly comfortable.

🌊 Oceanview Staterooms

• What They Are: Oceanview rooms can be slightly larger than inside rooms and will have a real porthole window.
• Best For: These rooms are great if you want a view of the ocean but either don’t feel safe with a balcony and little ones or want the view without the cost of a verandah room.
• My Take: While I haven’t personally stayed in one, many clients love waking up to a view and also love the natural light that comes into the room. It’s a great middle ground between inside and verandah.
• Looking for personalized help finding your perfect stateroom? As a Disney travel planner, my job is to take what your family needs and find the right Disney fit for you. Did you know that booking with me will actually save you more money because of the on board credit you’ll receive? Reach out today to get your vacation planning started!

🌴 Verandah Staterooms

• What They Are: Verandah rooms have a private balcony, giving you fresh air and ocean views right outside your door. You’ll have your own private space to relax!
• Best For: These rooms are great for families who like extra space, fresh air, or enjoying a quiet coffee while watching the sunrise. These will also be the largest standard rooms in the ships so if space is important, this may be the right choice for you.
• My Take: This is my favorite category! The verandah makes the room feel bigger, and I love quiet space to relax and enjoy a private ocean view.

✨ Concierge Staterooms & Suites

• What They Are: Concierge rooms are the most premium accommodations on a Disney cruise. These will be the largest rooms with upgraded décor, exclusive lounges, a private sundeck, and priority services.
• Best For: Concierge accommodations are best for guests who want the VIP experience or are celebrating a special occasion.
• My Take: For most families these will be a splurge, but the extra service and amenities really stand out and will give you your most luxurious experience.

🎲 Guaranteed Staterooms

• What They Are: “Guaranteed” rooms are rooms that are offered at a discount but you don’t get to choose your room. For these, you choose your room category (inside, verandah, etc.), but Disney chooses your exact room. You can’t pick the location, but you’ll pay less.
• Best For: These are best for travelers who are flexible and want to save money. We chose not to do this option for our first sailing because we wanted a certain floor and to be midship. Once we were more comfortable on the ships this was an option we used.
• My Take: I’ve booked guaranteed multiple times and saved up to $2,000. We’ve had rooms in more remote areas of the ship, which wouldn’t have been our first choice—but the savings were worth it and again, you don’t spend a ton of time in the rooms.

⚖️ Which Room Type Is Worth It?

• On a budget? Go with an inside room—you’ll still enjoy all the Disney magic.
• Want views without breaking the bank? Oceanview is a solid middle choice.
• For comfort and flexibility? Verandah staterooms are the sweet spot for most families.
• Celebrating big or want ultimate service? Concierge is the splurge.
• Flexible on location? Guaranteed can save you hundreds—or even thousands.

No matter which stateroom you choose, you’ll get the same Disney magic, world-class service, and entertainment. The key is picking what’s right for your crew’s budget and style. If you’d like personalized help selecting the perfect room for your next Disney Cruise, I’d love to be your travel planner.