Some of the best ways to enjoy a family vacation is on a cruise. A lot of people may think that a Disney Cruise is more pricey than other cruise lines. Sometimes this may be true, but you are getting a lot of value including unlimited sodas, lunch on Castaway Cay, unlimited Children Programming, Broadway style shows, first run movies, and even fireworks at sea! Most guests cruise on the Disney Ships for the exceptional Disney Service. When you are on board a Disney Cruise you will be emerged in all the Disney Magic! You can always save money on a vacation. Here are some ways to save money on a Disney Cruise.
- Birthdays, Holidays, and Family Parties. Instead of asking for gifts and money for these celebrations, you can request Disney Gift Cards. If your Cruise is already booked, you can have them just apply an On Board Credit to your current reservation by calling (800) 601-8455 and giving your confirmation number.
- Book your cruise as EARLY as possible. Then you can pay it off in time, which can always help. You will also have a great choice of staterooms.
- Take advantage of all the FREE Activities that are included in the cost of your cruise. You paid for it, so make sure to take advantage of all the ship has to offer. Free first run movies (like Brave), the pool, arcade, and Broadway style shows.
- Peak or Off Peak? Just remember when the kids are out of school it is Peak Season, If the kids are in school, that is Off Peak. If you can take advantage of those off peak times you can save money!
- If you are a larger family you can save money by staying in two Inside Cabins as instead to one Deluxe Family Stateroom with a Verandah. Remember Inside is the lowest price option.
- Ports of Call – Take advantage of FREE Stuff! No need to pay for expensive excursions. Check out the sites that are with in walking distance of the ship. You can plan that before you leave home. Another great way is to just relax on board the ship when it is in port. This is a more quiet time on the ship and is a perfect time to enjoy the pools and spa. The spas also offer some of the best deals while they are in port.
Planning a Disney Cruise vacation is unlike planning any other vacation. Let us help you find the best prices and cruise for your family. My name is Dawn Caitano and I am one of the agents with Destinations in Florida. You can call me at 917-494-5771 or request a cruise quote online. Be sure you mention Couponing to Disney. I am ready to help you plan your magical Disney Cruise vacation!
Do all of these tips apply to ALL of the cruise ships? I am taking my family on Disney Magic this May. These are all amazing tips and hope I am able to use them on Magin.
They should apply to all Disney Cruises..
Not everyone can book at the last minute, as some people have to put in for vacation time a year in advance. I have also heard of the last minute deals being cheaper than booking ahead. Some people cancel and rebook – coming out ahead even with losing the deposit. Also, if you are picky about your room location, waiting until the last minute doesn’t work. If you can go in late August/September/October, available to go at the last minute, and aren’t picky about your room location, you can get a great deal *if* you book in time. I’ve heard stories of rooms getting snatched up quickly. So – there are pros and cons to both booking early and waiting last minute. You have to figure out what works best in your situation.
My tip for saving on a Disney cruise – if you drink alcohol, bring your own! We brought a small bottle of rum and a container of boxed wine. Way way cheaper than buying drinks on the ship.
We also booked onboard and got the 10% discount and on board credit. Then I transferred my reservation to a TA and got their on board credit. If you pay with a Disney Visa, you get 6 months to pay, interest free, and you can also get an on board credit (I don’t think you get it with re-booking though, because you get the 10% off).
Do they still drain the pools when they are docked? I thought they used to not sure if they still did that. The two cruises I went on they drained them, but the last one we were on was 15 years ago for our honeymoon. I’m thinking a cruise is in order for our next big vacation!
No they do not drain the pools at any time during the cruise. The aquaduck also still runs every day, including the days they are in port. The only time it’s not is the day you get off the ship.
Sorry I will have to disagree on booking your cruise as EARLY as possible. We booked a Halloween cruise this year on the Fantasy. We had re-booked while on-board our last cruise to get a 10% discount & then booked our actual cruise dates the very day that they opened up to the public. Now the VGT rooms (Guaranteed Verandah Rooms, for those that don’t know) are being offered for $900. less than what we paid for our small verandah room almost 2 years ago, even WITH our 10% on-board booking discount. From now on I am not going to re-book while on-board & instead stalk the DCL website for VGT rooms. IF we decide to cruise Disney again for this slap in the face. To this I say: “Booooooo & Hissssssss” to Disney for sticking their loyal customers with higher prices than people that book last minute.
Have you tried calling them and seeing if they will apply the current discount to your booking?
I have not called them, but I doubt that I could change things. The current price is reflective of a VGT room & I am booked a regular room so long ago. Disney didn’t release the VGT rooms & rates until after my final payment was due. Now if I were to re-book I would have to pay a penalty for cancelling my initial booking & also lose all of my on-board bookings that are connected with my reservation. It might be worth a phone call sometime though but I doubt that it would help. Thanks anyway.
I have heard of alot of people saying the same thing that you are. I have been on both new ships and have always booked within two months of cruising to get the best deal…..
From now on I am going to wait until I see a good deal to book my next cruise.