With its unparalleled level of entertainment, restaurants, and places to unwind, it is no surprise that Disney Cruise Line offers four cruise ships; the Disney Magic, Disney Dream, Disney Wonder and Disneyland Fantasy. All four of these cruise ships offer magical vacations filled with adventure and exceptional service as they travel to destinations around Europe, the Caribbean and the Bahamas -- leaving from ports in Miami, San Diego, New York, New Orleans or Port Canaveral. If you plan to visit any of these cities on your next vacation, this blog post will provide helpful ideas on how to save money while cruising with Disney!
Tips to save money on a Disney cruise
Although all Disney cruises have an all-expenses paid, inclusive sailing package, you must pay additional charges to make your vacation enjoyable. We have noted down certain tips you can follow to save money on a Disney cruise ship efficiently.
1. Book Early or Grab a Last-Minute Deal
The price of Disney Cruise Line tickets is guaranteed to be the lowest if you book early. Disney's itineraries are available for purchase 12-24 months in advance. The best rooms (suites and verandahs) tend to sell out fast (within hours) after becoming available to the general public. Booking early will often allow you to take advantage of Disney's launch fares or discounts that save you 10-25%* compared to booking at the last minute.
If you book your Disney Cruise Line tickets at least 12 months before your travel date, you are guaranteed the lowest price on available tickets and also have first choice of the available cabins.
Conversely, last-minute deals (generally 45-90 days before departure) may result in significant savings (30-50%*) from the brochure price (book) if you are flexible on your travel dates. Last-minute deals are typically available for less desirable sailings (shoulder seasons, repositioning cruises, or unpopular ports) and the downside is limited cabin selection and potentially higher costs for flying and/or hotel accommodations if you must fly in.
2. Travel During Off-Peak Seasons
Disney's cruise prices are consistent with price trends according to the time of year. The best months to cruise are the following:
The Shoulder Seasons: Late August – Mid October & January – Mid March (excluding holiday periods) are the best, as these time periods do not include summer family/vacation ocean cruise passengers and Spring Break as well as Christmas/New Year's peak season time which is hectic and crowded.
The Wave Season (January - March): During this period, Disney Cruise Line often offers various promotions, such as free onboard credits, lower deposits, or free child sailing.
Repositioning cruise (Panama Canal, Transatlantic and Europe to & from the U.S. Takes Place in the Fall): These longer durations typically run about 20% to 40%* below their price point by day than by 7-day Caribbean route.
Lowest rates are typically available from September to October (after Summer and before Holidays) as well as after the Holidays, January to February.
Peak sailings should be avoided: Summer (June - August), Spring Break (March - April), Thanksgiving and Christmas/New Year, where the fares can be double or triple the fare amounts on a budget.
3. Choose an Inside or Guaranteed Stateroom
To save money, you can either choose an interior cabin or a guaranteed (GTY) cabin.
Inside cabins: Interior cabins do not have an exterior view or balcony, but Disney's interior cabins provide good space that ranges from 185-204 sq. ft.** and have split bathrooms, virtual portholes on newer ships, and great bedding. Compared to a stateroom with a balcony, an interior cabin will usually save you 30 to 50%*.
GTY: A "Guaranteed Stateroom" is an option where you pay a rate that states the category of the stateroom you're guaranteed (for example, "Inside Guaranteed"), and Disney assigns you a stateroom that falls within that category when the sail date is closer to your dock date. If you are flexible, you can save up to 35% (or 15% at a minimum)* on a GTY and may receive an upgrade to a different stateroom.
At this time, the price for inside cabins on the Disney Wish, Disney Treasure, and Disney Destiny will range from approximately $1,200 to $1,800* per person (double occupancy) for a 7-night cruise, while staterooms with balconies will typically range from approximately $2,000* to more than $3,000* per person (double occupancy). GTY staterooms also receive a midship stateroom or an upgraded category when inventory allows for it.
4. Take Advantage of Discounts
Disney has different ways to save money on cruises.
Castaway Club: Loyalty discounts to past guests of Disney cruisers receive 10%* off select sailing rates when they have taken one cruise (20% off* once they reach Platinum castaway status). These discounts can be applied with other existing promotions.
Kids Sail Free or Reduced Rates: Children ages 3-12 frequently sail at or below the amount of taxes/fees* as the 3rd or 4th guest (the last guest in the same stateroom) on select sailings.
Military Personnel, First Responder, Teacher, and Healthcare Worker Discounts: If you are an eligible guest, you could receive up to 10-15% discount off* of full fare for the cruise.
Book onboard credit savings: Book your next cruise while onboard (on an existing Disney cruise) and receive a credit toward a future Disney cruise of $100-$1,000*.
Travel Agent Perks: Many travel agents offer onboard credit or go with a deposit amount not offered directly through Disney.
Disney usually has Wave Season (January-March) and Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales for cruises that offer free gratuities, onboard credit, or beverages at discounted rates.
5. Skip Extra Add-Ons
Everything is included with the price you pay to cruise with Disney, including dining, main dining (which has three dining styles), rotational dining (where guests rotate through three restaurants), kids' clubs, pools, Broadway-style productions, character experiences, and most onboard activities.
The biggest savings are found in optional extras:
Specialty dining (Palo, Remy, Enchante): Each person pays between $50 - $125*.
Beverage packages: Typically $60 - $90 per day*. Many families do fine with free soft drinks, coffee, tea, and milk.
Wi-Fi: $20-$35 per day*. Use texting via the Navigator app, or purchase limited packages.
Excursions at the ports where the ship stops: Excursions range from $50 to $500 per person*. Instead of using an excursion from a cruise line, many guests enjoy finding their own way to the beach or using local transportation and save hundreds.
Photo Packages: Photo packages range from $200 to $500*. Take pictures with your phone instead to save costs.
Pro Tip: Prepaying gratuities ($14.50 per adult and $5.50 per child per day*) avoids being surprised with a gratuity bill at the end of the cruise. Also, take reusable bottles and snacks into your cabin to save on additional costs while cruising.
6. Use a Travel Agent for Extra Perks
A good cruise travel agency specializing in Disney will also provide you with access to savings and perks that are not directly offered by Disney to their customers. For example, cruise travel agencies will provide:
- Onboard credits ($50–$1,000* based on sailing duration)
- Reduced deposits or payment plan
- Group pricing for families/reunions
- Access to certain exclusive onboard events or gifts
- Help with finding and maximizing Castaway Club benefits and stacking promotions
Cruise travel agencies keep track of available price drops and rebook you if cruise fare drops below what you paid after your deposit was made. Recently, cruise travel agencies are also providing assistance with new ship reservations (Disney Destiny and Disney Adventure) where early booking will be restricted.
FAQs
1. What is the best way to save money on a Disney Cruise?
You can save the most money on your Disney Cruise by booking well in advance (12-18 months out) to take advantage of the launch fare, traveling at off-peak times (January-March, September-October), selecting an inside or GTY cabin and avoiding purchasing any add-ons. Taking help from a Disney-centric travel agent can also help you book your cruise with the best options and receive additional onboard credits and perks.
2. What is the most affordable time to book a Disney Cruise?
The most affordable time to book a Disney cruise is during "Wave Season" (January-March), when you will find the best promotions, or you can book last minute (45-90 days prior to sailing) for unsold staterooms. Shore seasons (late summer, early fall, winter) will also provide lower rates to cruise with Disney.
3. Do you ever see discounts on Disney Cruises?
You may see early booking discounts, kids cruise free/reduced rates, military/first responder special offers, seasonal sales (Black Friday, Wave Season) as well as additional discounts for Castaway Club members; these all can result in a discount of 10-40% off* cruise fares.
4. What do you receive in the base cruise fare?
The base cruise fare includes the following: All main dining, multiple rotational dining options, access to kids' clubs and pools, access to Broadway-style shows and character encounters, activities onboard such as movies, most food and beverages including sodas/coffee/tea/milk, room service but with limited menu options. Anything you want to purchase like gratuities, specialty food items, alcoholic beverages and drinks, Internet and Wi-Fi usage, shore excursions, and spa treatments will have an additional charge to access these services while sailing with Disney Cruise Lines.
Note:
* All rates, discounts and deals are subject to change from time to time, as per Disney cruise line policies. Please refer to their latest prices on their website.
** Room specifications may vary. Please refer Disney cruise lines’ website.
