Planning a Disney Wish cruise and wondering if Olaf’s Royal Picnic is worth $220 per child? After experiencing this firsthand with my kids, ages 3 and 12, I’m sharing the truth.

Only 20-30 guests out of 4,000+ passengers receive this exclusive, hour-long experience that combines a live show, character dining, and a meet-and-greet.

Designed for ages 4-10, families of four pay $578. I’ll break down whether it’s truly worth the premium cost.

The Complete Experience Breakdown

Let me walk you through exactly what happens during your hour at Olaf’s Royal Picnic. I want you to know every detail before you spend your money.

What’s Included in Your Ticket?

You get a full 60 minutes of non-stop entertainment and activities. No rushing. No feeling shortchanged.

Three things happen during your visit. Food service with finger foods and desserts. A live entertainment show with all your favorite Frozen characters. Personal character meet-and-greets where they come to your table.

Professional photographers capture moments throughout the event. These photos get delivered to your stateroom for free. No extra charges.

Each child receives seven exclusive items in a special gift bag. You cannot find these anywhere else at Disney.

The Live Entertainment Show

The show tells a complete story with characters appearing in a specific order. Dagmar Birgir hosts first, followed by Anna and Kristoff together.

Olaf appears as a costumed character with a recorded voice. Elsa makes the grand finale entrance singing “Let It Go.”

All favorite songs are performed: “In Summer,” “Fixer Upper,” and “Do You Want to Build a Snowman.” Restaurant staff join in, creating an energetic atmosphere throughout the experience.

Character Meet and Greet Experience

Here’s where the magic happens. Every character visits your table personally. Not just a wave from across the room. They come to you for individual conversations and photos.

You can take as many photos as you want. Professional and personal photos are both encouraged. Bring something for autographs because the characters will sign anything you have.

These actors are incredibly talented. They stay in character the entire time. My 3-year-old truly believed she was talking to the real Elsa. The conversations feel natural and personalized for each family.

But here’s the thing. Not all tables get equal treatment. Some are closer to the stage. Some are in the back. It’s completely random.

Food and Dining Experience

Let’s be honest about the food. It’s not why you’re paying $220 per child.

First Course – Finger Foods

You’ll get three types of sandwiches during the first course. Usually, fish, meat, and vegetarian options. They’re cut into small pieces that kids can easily handle.

Dietary restrictions are handled well. I requested vegan options, and they made special sandwiches just for me. The staff takes allergies seriously.

The presentation is kid-friendly. Simple flavors. Nothing too complex or fancy.

Quality-wise? They’re fine. Not amazing, not terrible. Just fine. My 12-year-old refused to eat hers. My husband thought they were decent. Your experience may vary.

Dessert Course – The Highlight

This is where the kitchen truly shines. You’ll get multiple treats. Carrot cake bars, cookie sandwiches, small tarts, and themed ice cupcakes.

Everyone raves about the desserts. Even picky eaters clean their plates. The carrot cake bars became my family’s absolute favorite.

They accommodate dietary restrictions here, too, creating special vegan versions that were genuinely delicious.

There’s more food than you can eat. Seriously. Come hungry for dessert, not the sandwiches. The generous portions often leave families taking treats back to their staterooms.

Exclusive Merchandise and Keepsakes

Each child gets seven items. Not cheap plastic stuff either. These are quality keepsakes that serve purposes.

Seven-Item Gift Package (Per Child)

The practical items you’ll use include a sturdy picnic blanket that we still use months later. The themed cup with a straw works perfectly for car rides and home use.

The drawstring bag makes great storage for school supplies. The Olaf winter hat is warm and well-made. The entertainment items bring ongoing joy.

The small mandolin makes music, and kids love strumming it. The activity book works best for ages 6-8.

The troll plush toy is soft and cuddly. Both my daughters sleep with theirs every night. The themed necklace adds a simple but cute accessory.

Long-Term Value of Items

Four items get regular use after the cruise: blanket, hat, cup, and bag. The others eventually end up in toy bins, but they provide entertainment value during the trip.

Pack extra luggage space. These items take up serious space in your suitcase.

You cannot buy these items anywhere else. They’re truly exclusive to this event, which adds special value for collectors and Frozen fans.

Pricing Structure and Value Analysis

Time for the numbers. This is where it gets expensive.

Current Pricing Breakdown

Children ages 3-12: $220 each. Adults 13 and up: $69 each. Real family costs add up quickly. A family of three pays $358 plus tax.

A family of four pays $578 plus tax. Multiple kids get expensive fast. Each additional child adds another $220 to your bill.

Value Proposition Assessment

What justifies these prices? You’re paying for exclusivity with only 20-30 people per sailing experiencing this. Professional, talented actors, quality seven-item merchandise per child, and intimate memory-making justify costs.

Compared to Disney World character dining at $60-80 per person without merchandise or photos. Think of this as a memory investment, not just a meal.

Premium pricing reflects limited availability and a comprehensive experience combining entertainment, dining, and keepsakes.

Booking and Logistics

Getting tickets requires strategy. This isn’t a walk-up experience.

Reservation Process

Booking opens based on your Castaway Club status. Silver members can book 90 days before sailing. First-time cruisers wait until 75 days out.

Reservations open at midnight Eastern Time on your eligible date. Set an alarm because popular sailings sell out within hours.

Most cruises only offer one time slot, usually during a port day around 2:30 PM. Popular sailings sell out quickly. Book immediately when your window opens.

Seating and Arrival

Show up 15 minutes early as instructed. They won’t let you in before the official start time, but you should be waiting outside.

Seating gets assigned randomly when you arrive. You cannot request specific tables, though it never hurts to ask nicely.

Some tables are much better than others. Front row versus back row makes a real difference in your experience. Arriving early might help with a better table assignment. Maybe. It’s still random, but worth trying.

Conclusion

Olaf’s Royal Picnic delivers on its promise of being a truly unique Disney experience. Yes, the $220 per child price tag stings. But you’re getting exclusive entertainment, quality merchandise, and intimate character interactions you cannot find anywhere else.

Is it worth it? For Frozen-loving families with kids ages 4-10, absolutely. The memories and keepsakes justify the cost when you consider the complete package.

Your decision comes down to budget and priorities. If this stretches your cruise finances too thin, skip it. The standard Arendelle dinner still offers Frozen characters at no extra cost.

Have you experienced Olaf’s Royal Picnic? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Your insights help other families make informed decisions about this premium Disney experience.

Ready to book your Disney Wish cruise? Start planning early – those 90-day booking windows fill up fast.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Olaf’s Royal Picnic?

Olaf’s Royal Picnic is an exclusive paid experience on the Disney Wish cruise ship. It’s a one-hour event combining live Frozen character entertainment, character dining, meet-and-greets, and exclusive merchandise. Only 20-30 guests can attend per sailing, making it one of Disney’s most intimate character experiences.

How much does Olaf’s Royal Picnic cost?

Children ages 3-12 cost $220 each, while adults pay $69 each. A typical family of four (two adults, two children) pays $578 plus tax. The high child pricing reflects that kids receive seven exclusive gift items, while adults don’t get merchandise.

What food is served at Olaf’s Royal Picnic?

The meal includes finger food sandwiches (fish, meat, and vegetarian options) and desserts like carrot cake bars, cookie sandwiches, and themed cupcakes. While desserts receive praise, the sandwiches get mixed reviews. Dietary restrictions and allergies are accommodated with advance notice.

What merchandise do kids receive at Olaf’s Royal Picnic?

Each child gets seven exclusive items: picnic blanket, themed cup, drawstring bag, Olaf hat, small mandolin, activity book, troll plush toy, and necklace. These items are unavailable elsewhere at Disney and offer good long-term value, with families regularly using the blanket, cup, hat, and bag.

How do I book Olaf’s Royal Picnic?

Booking opens based on Castaway Club status: Silver members at 90 days, first-time cruisers at 75 days before sailing. Reservations open at midnight Eastern Time and sell out quickly. Most cruises offer only one time slot, typically during port days around 2:30 PM.