Book As Early As You Can
Booking early is the best way to save money on a Disney cruise. Unlike other cruise lines, waiting for last-minute bargains is not the way to go with Disney cruises. Early booking often means lower stateroom prices. This is one of the simplest ways to save money on a Disney cruise.
Disney Cruise Lines usually release cruise dates around 12 to 18 months ahead of time. Priority booking is given to Pearl Castaway Cay Members at least 4 days ahead, Platinum members 3 days prior to the general public, Gold members get 2 days of advance booking, and Silver members get 1 day.
This can be a big saving.
By being a Pearl or Platinum member of Disney Cruise’s Castaway Cay, you can enjoy substantial savings alongside access to the most sought-after itineraries and staterooms. Loyalty really does pay off with Disney Cruises! After these exclusive member bookings, Disney Cruise Lines opens up the dates to everyone. However, prices tend to increase and stateroom availability decreases rapidly from that point onwards.
Sail Smarter, Not Harder: How Flexible Travel Dates Can Enhance Your Disney Cruise Experience
When booking a Disney Cruise, it’s essential to be aware of the potential for last-minute discounts on Guaranteed Category Staterooms. These discounts are typically offered for specific itineraries, such as re-positioning cruises, around 21 to 75 days before sailing. Being flexible with your travel dates and stateroom choices can significantly increase your chances of securing a lower rate. It’s important to keep in mind that booking two Guaranteed Staterooms may not guarantee proximity to each other.
Once a Guaranteed Stateroom is booked, it’s a final decision, and changes cannot be made to take advantage of lower rates. Additionally, full payment is required at the time of booking, and there are no refunds if you book late. While it can be frustrating to think that others may have paid less, it’s crucial to consider the potential savings against the risk of not getting your desired stateroom or location.
Finding the Perfect Disney Cruise Stateroom for Your Family
Are you sure you really need that Verandah? Is it truly worth the extra expenditure for you and your family? Ultimately, the decision is yours. In general, the lowest prices start with an Inside Stateroom, followed by an Outside, and the most expensive option is a Verandah. Opting for the Concierge level, of course, takes expenses to a whole different level!
Disney Cruise Line Military Discounts
The most commonly offered discounts are for the military and their families. Discounts are usually available for last-minute bookings. To be eligible for the Disney Cruise Military Discount, rates are available to all retired and active US military personnel or their spouses. The active or retired military personnel does not have to travel if their spouse also has a valid military ID. Military personnel include US Army, Air Force, Marines, Navy, US Coast Guard, US National Guard, Army Reserve, and US Department of Defense Personnel. A valid military ID must be provided by all active or retired military personnel (or their spouses) at check-in. The offer is limited to one stateroom per military member or spouse.
Disney Cruise Florida Resident Discounts
Disney may offer discounts for Florida residents, typically closer to the sail date. Remaining open to flexibility can be advantageous when trying to take advantage of these offers. It’s crucial to adhere to Disney cruise lines’ strict rules regarding proof of residency. Failure to provide valid proof within 48 hours of booking may result in cancellation, along with potential cancellation fees. To qualify for a Florida Resident Disney cruise discount, one adult in each stateroom must present a valid ID at the time of sailing. Acceptable forms of ID include a Florida Driver’s License, Florida ID Card with a Florida address, Florida utility bill with the guest’s name and address, Florida voter’s card, and lease agreement. Note that a property deed is not considered valid proof of Florida residency for these discounts. It’s essential to have one of the other acceptable forms of ID to secure the discounted rates
On Disney cruises, guests are encouraged to book another cruise while on board by offering a generous 10% discount off prevailing rates. Additionally, guests receive a reduced deposit of 10% for sailings of 7 nights or more. This is a great way to save money on a Disney cruise.
One of the advantages of this offer is the flexibility it provides. Guests can book a cruise they are not certain they will sail on and later change the booking for a different cruise, ship, date, or stateroom while still retaining the incentives. Moreover, if guests think they will need two staterooms, they can book them on board and enjoy the benefits for both. If they change their minds, they can cancel one or both staterooms.
Another option available is booking a Placeholder Cruise. This means guests do not book a specific cruise but receive a reservation number. This allows them to decide on a cruise later on while still retaining the incentives. When booking a Placeholder, the deposit is only $200, but any increased deposit amount when booking an actual cruise will have to be paid.
It’s important to note that prices for Disney cruises tend to increase as the sailing date gets nearer. Therefore, waiting too long to book may result in prices rising more than 10%, negating the discount.
Overall, a Placeholder booking is one of the best ways to save money on a Disney Cruise. However, there are some conditions and blackout dates that are not eligible for this offer.
Disney Visa Card Discounts
As a Disney Visa Cardholder, you can enjoy a $50 onboard credit when you book your Disney cruise with your credit card. This credit can be used exclusively for beverages, and it’s an extra perk just for you. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to benefit from 6 months of interest-free credit for all Disney purchases and earn additional Disney Rewards Points. By registering your card to your stateroom, you’ll unlock exclusive discounts on board the cruise. It’s worth considering using your Visa Card to pay for the cruise to take advantage of the 6 months interest-free credit feature and maximize your benefits.
Here are the current Disney Visa Card discounts:
- 10% off selected merchandise when you spend $50 or more; some exclusions apply.
- 10% off the Castaway Cay Getaway Package, which includes rental of snorkeling gear, float or inner tube, and 2 hours of bicycle rental.
- 10% off most Disney Cruise Photo Packages.
- 20% off select spa treatments while the ship is in port, excluding massages on Castaway Cay and already discounted specials.
Target Red Card
If you have a Target RedCard, you will receive a 5% discount on most purchases in the store, including Disney Gift Cards. You can use Disney gift cards to pay for your Disney cruise, providing a great way to save an additional 5%. Please note that this offer is subject to the Target RedCard terms and conditions, and some readers have reported difficulty in obtaining the discount for gift cards.
Book with a Travel Agent
Booking with a Disney Cruise travel agent is a fantastic idea! Most travel agents don’t charge for their services, so you get a private travel guide, concierge, and Disney Cruise insider all for free. Plus, many travel agents offer onboard credit (OBC) to their clients. As a travel agent, I understand that family vacations can be pricey, especially a Disney trip. That’s why I like to offer my clients OBC based on the cost of their cruise. You can use this OBC for anything you buy on the ship. Happy sailing!
