7 Extremely Effective Ways to Save Money Booking a Disney Cruise (2024)

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Today, I welcome my friend and Disney Travel Expert Danielle who shares 7 extremely effective ways to save money booking a Disney Cruise below.

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The phrases “Disney Cruise” and “saving money” don’t typically go together!

As a seasoned Disney cruiser (I’ve done 7) and as a busy, active travel agent I have 7 incredible tips to help you and your family save money onbookinga Disney Cruise. After reading, do check back because I will post again about how to save while on the Disney Cruise.

  1. Book early.

    Prices rise as the ship fills, so booking the farthest out for your trip will ensure you the best availability and the lowest prices. TIP: The Disney Wonder tends to have the least expensive sailings and the Disney Fantasy has the most expensive.

  2. Book the right rooms for your family.

    Inside cabins are typically the least expensive. What many people do not realize is that the Disney cruises have an awesome inner cabin magical porthole with a real time view outside the ship. Kids especially love the real-time porthole window because Disney characters can be spotted seemingly flying through the air or swimming in the ocean.
    Is your family more than 4? Disney doesn’t have inside cabins that sleep more than 4. So you have to go with an expensive deluxe family oceanview (those sell out FAST) or a deluxe family verandah. Another option for your larger family is to get quotes for 2 inside cabins connecting! This way you have double the TV’s (so maybe your kids won’t fight over which Disney channel to watch), double the bathrooms, and a quiet cabin for those that go to bed earlier or need naps.

    Also, where you are located on the ship can be important. Want to be near the soda machines? Or a close walk to most dining areas? Make sure you know where your cabin is and what may be above or next to you for noise. I’ll always look those issues up for you! TIP: Obstructed views can be less expensive than rooms with unobstructed views. I can also recommend those as well.

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  3. Choose the Least Expensive Times to Travel.

    There are times/seasons/dates when it is cheaper to sail. The biggest tip is to book when the kids are IN school. If it’s during a school break, prices will be through the roof! (Not sure when to cruise? Fill out myformto chat!) TIP: Hurricane season is overall the cheapest time to travel. I can help narrow down the best yet still relatively safe time to sail.

  4. Use a Travel Agent.

    Using a travel agent is always the BEST way to save money—especially on a cruise. My services are FREE and I also send thank you gifts.Not only can I help you choose the least expensive dates, I can place you in the best cabin for your budget. Worried about a quiet cabin? Want the easiest access to dining, or the pool or the kid’s clubs? I can help you choose the perfect cabin. I can help with transportation, your hotel for the night before, excursion recommendations and so much more. TIP: As a Disney vacation planner, I get extra promotions, discounts, and packages that you would not be able to find online.

  5. Look for Discounts.

    Are you military or live in Florida? Or would you like to sail in a guarantee cabin (meaning, DCL chooses your cabin for you). There are special promotions offered randomly throughout the year for these parameters. There are even “children sail free” promotions, Canadian discounts, etc. These rates come out VERY last minute. So if you can swing a last minute trip and you’re looking to just get on a ship, then this may be a great option for you. TIP: If the price goes down after you’ve booked, you can always call in and adjust your rate and I’ll keep my eye open for those price drops. Keep in mind some promotions have to be new bookings, so you may have to cancel and rebook.

  6. Book a Future Trip before Disembarking

    Cruising Disney is addicting and once you’re on the ship, you’ll be anxious to go again!TIP: Once you’re on board you can save 10% off a future cruise, get discounts, PLUS get On Board Credit from Disney for doing so!

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  7. Make Payments

    When booking with me, you can pay the deposit and then make payments whenever you’d like. You can set up a monthly amount and date or just call when you have some extra funds to put toward your trip. TIP: Many clients do this to save by avoiding credit card interest.

I have many more tips and tricks up my sleeve! And I’d love to share them with you. If you’re interested in a free quote to see how a travel agent can help save you money, I’d love to help! Fill out this quick form and I’ll get right back to you.

-Danielle Wann Owner of Epic Escapes

**Danielle Wann is the owner of Epic Escapes. She was an annual pass holder for 2 years and brings lots of knowledge on Disney. She grew up in Florida, near Disney and lives with her husband and two children. She is a graduate of the College of Disney Knowledge and has attended specialized Agent Education Programs at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland. Danielle is a graduate of the Universal Parks & Resorts Specialist Program as well as a member of CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association). Besides Disney and Universal Studios; Danielle is also knowledgeable in Royal Caribbean, Princess and Norwegian cruise lines as well as Sandals, Beaches and Club Med. Danielle can be contacted by filling out this form or email directly at[emailprotected].

Danielle has actually helped my family research and book a cruise for 2015. She is very responsive, helpful and knowledgeable.Thanks Danielle!

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7 Extremely Effective Ways to Save Money Booking a Disney Cruise (2024)

FAQs

7 Extremely Effective Ways to Save Money Booking a Disney Cruise? ›

Restricted Guarantee fares, when offered, are a great way to save if you are flexible about your stateroom location and willing to book “last minute,” usually meaning 21-75 days prior to departure. The savings can be very large, but you won't know your exact stateroom at booking time.

What is the most cost effective way to book a Disney cruise? ›

Restricted Guarantee fares, when offered, are a great way to save if you are flexible about your stateroom location and willing to book “last minute,” usually meaning 21-75 days prior to departure. The savings can be very large, but you won't know your exact stateroom at booking time.

Do Disney cruises get cheaper closer to sail date? ›

Prices typically rise the closer you get to your sailing date, so I encourage you to make your decisions sooner rather than later. A deposit will be required when you select your stateroom, and then you can pay over time until the final payment is due.

How much money do you need to save for a Disney cruise? ›

The cost of a Disney cruise can vary dramatically based on your needs and sailing preferences. However, you should expect to spend at least $1,000 on a cruise for two passengers. The price goes up from there depending on your cabin selection, trip duration and destination choices, among other options.

How to save money on a Disney cruise with alcohol? ›

Happy Hour on Disney Cruise

Many of the bars on Disney Cruise ships have a happy hour that gets you discounts on drinks. The prevailing deal is 30% off of drinks at certain bars during the happy hour. Sometimes certain bars have happy hours multiple times a day.

Is it cheaper to use a travel agent for Disney Cruise? ›

Travel agents (like Dreams Unlimited Travel) will give you the same price as booking direct through Disney, but will also give incentives like shipboard credits that Disney does not offer. Another reason to book with a travel agent is that they will watch for discounts and specials.

Can a travel agent save you money on Disney Cruise? ›

In addition to all the knowledge they bring to the table, a travel agent can save you money. A good travel agent knows all of the points above and has a direct line of communication to Disney. They can guide you to the best prices and help you plan a vacation in your budget specific to your family.

Are last minute Disney cruises cheaper? ›

When available, these discounted fares can save you a lot of money if you are flexible about the location of your stateroom and have the ability to book a last-minute cruise, which typically means about 21-75 days prior to departure.

Which side of the ship is better on a Disney cruise? ›

The starboard side staterooms have the quintessential view of the full Guest side of Castaway Cay that you may have seen in photos on the Disney Cruise Line website or the image I selected for you at the top of this answer!

What is the cheapest month to go on a Disney cruise? ›

Overall, September is the cheapest month to book a Disney cruise. This is due to two factors: the schools are back in session after the summer recess, and hurricane season is underway. Because of these factors, the Bahamas and Caribbean are less popular during September, which results in lower fares.

What is not included in Disney Cruise fares? ›

What's Included/Not Included on Your Disney Cruise
WHAT'S INCLUDEDWHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
Rotational DiningGratuities
Onboard ActivitiesAlcohol Tastings and Mixology Classes
Quick Service RestaurantsPort Excursions
Soft Serve Ice CreamPhotos
7 more rows
Oct 22, 2020

How many bags per person on Disney Cruise? ›

With even more features while onboard, the app will unlock all the magic your Disney Cruise has in store! I'm happy to let you know that each Guest may board with a reasonable amount of clothing and personal effects, not to exceed two checked bags per person.

How much is a Disney Cruise per person on average? ›

The cost of booking a vacation on a Disney cruise can vary depending on various factors and whether you're traveling solo, with family, or with your partner. The cruise line is known for providing a premium experience with an average cost of $ 200 to $ 700 per person for a vacation.

Is there an unlimited drink package on Disney Cruise? ›

Disney Cruise Line does not offer drink packages in the way that you may think of them on other cruise lines, but there are several alternatives that, in my opinion, are great options. First, be on the lookout for the specially priced drink of the day offered on board.

Can I bring a gallon of water on Disney Cruise? ›

If you're planning to bring a gallon jug of purified water with you onboard for that little one, you can absolutely do so in your carry-on luggage. Just be sure that it's sealed and in its original container when you carry it onboard.

Is drinking water free on Disney Cruise? ›

Welcome to planDisney! I'm so glad you thought to sail our way with your question. It's about time for you to step onboard the ship! I'm happy to share that drinking water is free and available in many locations around the ship.

Which is the cheapest month to take a Disney Cruise? ›

Overall, September is the cheapest month to book a Disney cruise. This is due to two factors: the schools are back in session after the summer recess, and hurricane season is underway. Because of these factors, the Bahamas and Caribbean are less popular during September, which results in lower fares.

Do cruises get cheaper the closer you book? ›

Cruise lines often discount their prices a month or two before sailing to fill vacant cabins. However, it's worth noting that a last-minute cruise doesn't always offer the most savings to travelers. Those who plan far ahead may be able to save even more.

What are the benefits of booking a Disney Cruise with a travel agent? ›

You can also work with a travel agent. I like this option because my travel agent reminds me when I can book activities and check in for my cruise. As an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, she knows the questions to ask me to make my planning easy.

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