How to watch Football on Disney Cruise Line

So, you’re heading on a Disney Cruise and want to watch the game. In my experience, asking if this is possible might be the most dangerous question in a Disney Cruise forum. Therefore, you can read this anonymously and not have to worry about all the people who think you have moral imperative to enjoy trivia or Bingo instead of watching your favorite team play. Relaxation is relaxation, just don’t throw any deck chairs overboard because of a bad call.

Can You Watch Live Sports on a Disney Cruise?

The short answer is this: if the game you want to watch is important to a large segment of the guests or to the world at large, you have a chance. If the game is televised by one of the Disney-owned entities (ABC or ESPN), then you have an even better chance. Most guests report positive results on watching the game they wanted.

I’ll confess that results may vary both in your ability to watch the game and the outcome of a game. However, I can give you the best information from Disney and from past guests as to how many opportunities you have for watching sports from the states as well as around the world.

If you’re wondering if you can watch NFL football NCAA football or basketball, the World Cup, the NBA, the World Series, or any other highly televised sporting event, keep reading.

Where to watch Sports on Disney Cruise Line

There are several places that broadcast sports on the Disney Cruise Line ships. Here are the best places to head for spectatorship.

Watching Sports in Your Stateroom

The TV in your stateroom will broadcast various ESPN broadcasts (sometimes based on where your ship is located), and it will broadcast ABC sports. If the game you want to watch is on one of these channels (e.g., Monday Night Football), you’ll probably get to watch your game.

Be aware that if something athletically important is happening in the area you are (rugby in Australia or CONCAF futbol in Latin America), these might take broadcast primacy. Also, you are using satellite for TV. If you’re in a dead zone in the middle of the Pacific or Atlantic, there might be a lot of interference.

Watching Sports in the Disney Cruise Pubs

You’ll have the most options for viewing sports at the pubs, which function as sports bars. In the original 4 ships, that means O’Gills or Currents Bars (adults only pool bar). On the Wish, replace O’Gills for Keg and Compass.

I’ve watched many games at Currents, from the MLB playoffs, to World Cup elimination matches, to NFL and NCAA football games. If they can find it, they’ll turn it on for you. This includes games that aren’t on Disney-owned ABC and ESPN. Plenty of people have watched sports on FOX, NBC, and other stations.

The only problem with this is if you want to watch the game with your kids. O’Gills and Keg and Compass are closed to those under 18 after 9, and Currents is always adult only. You’ll just have to report back to your family during time outs and halftime to give them the score.

Watching Sports on the Funnel Vision

Sometimes, the game is really important. We’re talking Super Bowl, World Series, NCAA finals, and World Cup finals. If one of these games is on, they’ll likely broadcast it on the Funnel Vison, the giant TV on the pool deck (especially at night).

Some guests report TNF (Thursday Night Football) being played on the Funnel Vision. It really depends on whether Disney deems that the collective desire to watch a specific sporting event is greater than the collective desire to watch Descendants 2 for the 8th time.

Watching Live Sports on Disney Cruise Internet

Of course, if you’re a subscriber to streaming services that are going to play the game you want to watch, you can stream it through the highest internet package. This is pretty expensive and results aren’t great when you’re out to sea. So don’t get your hopes up for a great viewing experience.

Conclusion and Further Reading

If you’re heading on a Disney Cruise but need to watch that game, unless it’s a D2 school playing polo, there’s a chance you’ll get to cheer from the most magical boats on earth. If your like me and need to watch UGA (my alma mater) run over everybody, that’s good news. Get some wings from room service and go watch it wherever it’s playing.

For further reading about Disney Cruise Lines, check out my tips for first-timers on Disney Cruise Lines, my Disney Cruise packing list, and my guide to Castaway Cay.

In the comments, let me know who you’re rooting for, and if you’ve been able to watch the game or watch you want in the past aboard Disney Cruise Line.