do disney cruise prices fluctuate

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How Much Does a Disney Cruise Cost?

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Table of Contents

Where does Disney sail?

Disney's fleet of cruise ships, disney cruise costs, what's the cheapest (and most expensive) disney cruise, how to save money on a disney cruise, disney cruise costs, recapped.

If you’ve caught yourself researching Disney cruises lately, we don’t blame you — with waterslides galore and a reputation for luxury, Disney cruises can be a lot of fun. But they can also be pricey, and those costs can add up if you’re sailing with multiple people.

If you’ve been asking, “How much is a Disney cruise?,” we have the answer for you. Let’s look at the options for cruises, how much they cost and ways you can make them more affordable.

No matter where you’re looking to go, Disney likely has a cruise for you. Sure, you won’t find ships heading to Antarctica, but there are still plenty of destinations from which to choose, including:

New Zealand.

Pacific Coast.

Panama Canal.

South Pacific.

Trans-Atlantic.

Many of these destinations are oriented toward North American travelers, but you’ll find options scattered all over the world.

» Learn more: Is cruise travel insurance worth the cost?

Despite its wide variety of destinations, Disney operates only six ships. Its newest ship, the Disney Treasure, is set to launch in December 2024.

Along with the Disney Treasure, you can opt to sail with:

Disney Dream.

Disney Fantasy.

Disney Magic.

Disney Wonder.

Disney Wish.

» Learn more: The best Disney credit card might surprise you

So, how much should you save to cover Disney cruise costs? The short answer: It depends.

No, that’s probably not what you want to hear, but it’s the truth. The price of a Disney cruise is going to be influenced by a variety of factors, including:

Where you’re going.

The trip’s duration.

Which Disney ship you’re on.

How many people you’re traveling with.

The type of stateroom you book.

Any add-ons or specialty bookings you choose.

If you’re looking for an all-out experience, it’s pretty easy to rack up a big bill.

Disney cruises are well known as an expensive option, but tacking on high-end touches such as a concierge room and spa visits will really drive up the price.

Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge. (Photo courtesy of Disney Cruise Line)

It can also be tempting to go for smaller add-ons, like specialty drinks. While some basic drinks like coffee and soda are free, fancier drinks (including alcohol) cost extra. If you're sticking to a budget, ditch the bars — as there's plenty of other stuff to do on a Disney cruise. Then again, treating yourself can be worth it, especially if you're indulging in a drink at one of Disney's one-of-a-kind cruise line bars such as the Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge .

The cheapest cruises you’ll find tend to sail from San Diego, and they’re the shortest trips as well. We searched for sailings across the calendar and found the cheapest rates rang in at $1,326 for two guests in an inside room on a three-night trip from San Diego.

In contrast, the most expensive cruise we found was a 10-night option that travels through Iceland, Norway, France and Denmark. The price tag came in at $6,489 for two guests in an inside cabin and rose to $28,089 for a concierge-level room.

» Learn more: How I did a 5-day, $4,000 Disney trip for just $1,600

There’s no denying that Disney cruises can be expensive. However, there are ways you can save money on your booking.

Find discounted sailings

This first option seems obvious, but you’ll want to specifically search for discounted sailings. Although Disney doesn’t always offer sales, if they are available, you'll find them on the Disney cruise line page — just click “Show special offer filters” when searching.

The special offers filter will let you know what types of discounts are available, like the example above promoting up to 35% off on select sailings.

Skip the add-ons

The base fare for these trips includes almost everything, so if you’re looking to drop the cost of a Disney cruise, consider avoiding add-ons. This means skipping out on things like wine tastings and specialty drinks as well as forgoing dinner at Palo, the adults-only Italian restaurant that comes with additional costs.

Instead, enjoy the plethora of complimentary activities, such as pools, movies, shows, karaoke, dancing and more. And when it comes to food and beverage, simply sip the included soda and coffee, eat the (already amazing) free food and don’t forget to order a Mickey ice cream bar with your complimentary room service.

Disney is notable in that it also allows you to bring your own alcohol on board. Each guest older than 21 can bring up to two bottles of wine or six cans of beer when they first board and at every port of call. Considering that alcohol on the ship can be pretty expensive, this is a good way to save money.

Use a promotion

Do you live in Florida or Southern California? Or perhaps you’re a member of the U.S. military ? If any of these apply to you, you may have special access to discounted Disney cruise prices.

You’ll be able to find these deals via that special offers filter shown above. For example, that three-night San Diego sailing mentioned above dropped from $1,326 to $1,164 once we selected the U.S. military filter.

Redeem points

Last, but certainly not least, is the option to redeem your points for a Disney cruise. While there’s no good way to transfer points directly, there are still ways you can use points toward your booking.

The most convenient way is by using a credit card that’ll wipe away your travel costs. Plenty of cards have this feature, but two fairly decent ones are the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card and the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card . Both cards will allow you to redeem your points toward purchases at a rate of 1 cent per point.

Even better, these redemptions can be stacked with other discounts, allowing you to drop your costs even more. For example, a member of the U.S. military can redeem 116,400 Capital One Miles to pay for their entire cruise, an excellent double dip that saves money and miles.

» Learn more: 7 tips for getting the best deal on your next 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.

If you’re looking to save money on a Disney cruise, consider waiting for a sale, checking relevant discounts or redeeming points to help keep your out-of-pocket costs low. And if you like to enjoy an alcoholic beverage every once in a while, we recommend bringing your preferred drink with you on board.

(Top photo courtesy of Disney Cruise Line)

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The Cheapest Months to Book a Disney Cruise

by Heather Adams | Oct 29, 2024 | Disney Cruise Line

If you’re looking to book a Disney Cruise Line vacation for less, this is when you’ll want to set sail.

Cruising on one of Disney Cruise Line’s ships offers a whole new way to engage with the characters and that extra-special Disney magic – but it does come at a cost. While there are sailing itineraries and staterooms suited to just about every budget, on average Disney cruises start at about $700 per person.

If you’re hoping to save money and book the cheapest possible Disney cruise, timing your sailing just right can make a big difference. Certain months of the year are more expensive than others, and you can often find lower-priced Disney cruises during key months.

Which Month is the Cheapest for a Disney Cruise?

When it comes to Disney cruises, one month of the year is notably cheaper than all of the others: September.

Each year, September is the cheapest month to book a Disney Cruise Line vacation.

Why is September priced lower than every other month? Well, there are two reasons: back to school season and weather-related changes.

Back to school season is in full force come September. Whether schools start in mid-August or early September, this month means far fewer families are looking to take a vacation, which means demand for Disney cruises is low. That lower demand means Disney is looking for more guests to set sail – and prices can fall as a result.

Additionally, September brings some serious weather changes to most of Disney Cruise Line’s sailing destinations. Hurricane season is underway in Florida, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean, which is where the majority of Disney Cruise Line’s ships sail. 

The weather can, when hurricanes intensify throughout September, can alter cruise itineraries in some cases. And as a result, fewer guests are looking to sail – and destinations like the Bahamas and the Caribbean aren’t as in-demand.

Together, these two significant factors lead to lower prices and the cheapest Disney cruises of the year in September.

Disney Cruises Are Also Cheap During These Months

While September is the cheapest month to book a Disney cruise, it’s not the only time of the year that offers lower-than-typical fares. The following months and seasons are other cheap times you can book and save some money (or find a great deal).

January and February

Few people are traveling in January and February. With the holidays wrapped up, school back in session, and PTO resetting for many workers – plus very cold weather in most of North America – demand for Disney cruises is low.

However, the weather is still quite pleasant in the Bahamas and the Caribbean, two of Disney Cruise Line’s most popular destinations. As a result, it’s a great time to take advantage of the low demand and score a cheaper Disney cruise vacation of any number of nights.

In May, school is winding down – but it’s not yet peak summer vacation season. The weather is warming up in most places, but few people are ready to put their vacation days to use at this point in the year. 

So, Disney cruise demand is low during the month of May, and cruises can be noticeably cheaper as a result. Prices may be slightly higher than September, January, and February, but it’s a great time to take advantage of warm weather, relatively smooth seas, and lower cruise package pricing.

Shoulder Season

Shoulder season is the “slow season” for cruises worldwide. During these months, the weather at certain destinations is less pleasant and guest demand simply isn’t as high. As a result, these months are usually some of the cheapest of the year.

Shoulder season can vary depending on where you’re looking to sail. For example, in the Mediterranean, shoulder season falls in March, April, and November. In Northern Europe, shoulder season is May and October.

In the U.S., the Bahamas, and the Caribbean, shoulder season falls in November and December. While holiday cruises over Thanksgiving and Christmas can be somewhat popular, the rest of November and December tend to see very low demand (and cheaper Disney cruise prices, as a result).

Just keep in mind that if you’re sailing on a Disney cruise during shoulder season, you may want to consider travel insurance. Bad weather can wreck your plans, whether it’s a hurricane, a snowstorm, or other unanticipated storms, and insurance can protect your investment (no matter how cheap the cruise might’ve been!).

How to Find the Cheapest Disney Cruise Prices

If you’re hoping to find the cheapest months to book a Disney cruise, you’ll want to think about when the cruise will set sail. Sailings during September – and all of the other months mentioned above – often see the lowest prices.

But you’ll want to book your cruise in advance so you can take advantage of the best deals, discounts, and lowest prices. Not sure where to find all of these money-saving options as you search for the perfect cruise? Let an expert help!

Our travel agent partner can offer all of the insight, expertise, and discounts available to help you save as much as possible on a Disney cruise. Fill out this form to get started – and enlist their help for free. 

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Authored by Heather Adams

How much does a Disney cruise really cost?

Editor's Note

Disney Cruise Line is known for its family-friendly cruises complete with all of your favorite Disney characters, impeccable dining, exciting entertainment and thrilling ports of call. With everything that's included on the sailings, you might be wondering how much a Disney cruise costs — and if you can afford one.

Cruises with Mickey Mouse and his pals range in price depending on many factors such as the embarkation port and destination, departure date, length of the cruise and cabin type you book. No matter which cruise you book, it will be pricey, like any Disney vacation. You'll have to determine what value you put on experiencing the "magic" of Disney.

To me, it's worth a lot. I've experienced all five ships in the Disney fleet and have sailed seven times to destinations around the Caribbean and the Mediterranean .

Here, I'm sharing how much a Disney cruise costs per ship and itinerary, any extras that are worth the additional fees and how to save money on a Disney cruise.

How much does it cost to go on a Disney cruise?

Let's be honest: A cruise on any Disney ship isn't cheap. Factors like cabin type and category, sail date, destination, length of cruise, traveling party size and if you're on a themed cruise can impact the overall cost. If you're trying to keep your costs lower, your best option is to pick a cruise on an older ship (Disney Wonder, Disney Magic, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy) or pick a shorter cruise length.

The cheapest Disney cruise we found cost $1,000 for an inside cabin for two people on a two-night sailing on Disney Wonder in Australia. That's $250 per person per night.

If you're looking for a cheap Caribbean or Bahamian sailing, consider a three-night Bahamas cruise on Disney Magic starting at $1,500 for an inside cabin for two people. This also equates to $250 per person per day. Add in drinks, specialty dining, souvenirs and other expenses, and you can expect to spend around $2,500 in total.

On a recent sailing on the Disney Dream , my family of three and I spent five nights at sea in a balcony room and paid a grand total of $4,514.06. This total included everything from the cruise fare and pre-night hotel stay to parking and spa services.

Some examples of starting prices for each ship and its major itineraries for an inside cabin or a balcony cabin are listed below so you can get a sense of pricing across the fleet. Prices are based on double occupancy.

Disney Magic

One- to three-night Bahamas: inside cabins, $1,500 to $2,500; balcony cabins, $1,900 to $3,300 Four-night Caribbean and Bahamas: inside cabins, $1,800 to $3,200; balcony cabins, $2,300 to $4,000 Five- to six-night Caribbean and Bahamas: inside cabins, $2,200 to $4,400; balcony cabins, $3,000 to $6,600 Seven-night Caribbean: inside cabins, $2,700 to $3,300; balcony cabins, $3,800 to $4,900

Disney Wonder

Two- to three-night Australia: inside cabins, $1,000 to $2,100; balcony cabins, $1,200 to $2,800 Four-night Australia: inside cabins, $1,700 to $3,000; balcony cabins, $2,200 to $4,000 Seven-night Alaska: inside cabins, $3,300 to $5,000; balcony cabins, $5,900 to $10,500

Disney Dream

Three-night Bahamas: inside cabins, $1,700 to $2,300; balcony cabins, $2,000 to $2,600 Four-night Bahamas: inside cabins, $2,100 to $3,500; balcony cabins, $2,500 to $4,000 Five-night Caribbean: inside cabins, $2,800 to $4,400; balcony cabins, $3,100 to $5,000 Five-night Bahamas: inside cabins, $2,700 to $4,000; balcony cabins, $3,200 to $4,600 Seven-night Europe and Mediterranean: inside cabins $4,400 to $6,800; balcony cabins, $5,200 to $9,500

Disney Fantasy

Four-night Bahamas: inside cabins, $2,100 to $3,000; balcony cabins, $2,400 to $3,400 Five- to six-night Bahamas: inside cabins, $2,700 to $4,400; balcony cabins, $3,200 to $4,900 Seven-night Caribbean: inside cabins, $3,300 to $5,700; balcony cabins, $3,900 to $7,000

Disney Wish

Three-night Bahamas: inside cabins, $2,000 to $3,000; balcony cabins, $2,500 to $3,500 Four-night Bahamas: inside cabins, $2,600 to $4,600; balcony cabins, $3,000 to $5,600

Disney Treasure

The maiden voyage is set for Dec. 21, 2024.

Seven-night Caribbean: inside cabins, $4,200 to $5,800; balcony cabins, $5,200 to $7,000

Related: The 3 types of Disney Cruise Line ships, explained

Where do Disney cruises sail from?

Disney Cruises depart from 15 different ports around the world, but the major ones to think about from the U.S. include:

• Fort Lauderdale
• Port Canaveral, Florida
• Galveston, Texas
• New Orleans

The major international ports Disney Cruise Line sets sail from include:

• Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy
• Melbourne, Australia
• Southampton, England
• Brisbane, Australia
• Vancouver (British Columbia), Canada

Depending on the cruise you pick, getting to and from the home port can be easy or take a little longer — and that can impact the total cost of your Disney cruise.

For instance, many people drive to Fort Lauderdale or Port Canaveral if they already live in the southern U.S. Driving can save money versus flying, and you might not have to stay in a pre-cruise hotel if you can drive right to the port.

You will have to pay to park at the port or at a third-party parking lot. While the off-site parking lots are often cheaper, you will need to think about how to get to and from the ship, tipping the porter or driver, plus the added time to get from your car to the ship.

On the other hand, if you are taking a cruise from an international destination or flying to a domestic home port, your costs automatically go up because of flights for your family, a pre-cruise hotel, meals before the sailing, and transportation to the ship and back to the airport.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Disney Cruise Line ship

What's included in the price of a Disney cruise?

You might pay a lot for a Disney cruise, but you get a lot for your money. The cost of a Disney cruise covers your onboard dining and most nonalcoholic drinks, an abundance of entertainment for kids and adults, onboard activities and transportation between cruise ports. Even most entertainment and food on Disney's private island Castaway Cay (and upcoming private island destination Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point) is part of the fare.

Entertainment

Most of the entertainment on board is included in the overall cost of your sailing. On your cruise, you can experience Broadway-quality shows inside the Walt Disney Theater, watch first-run movies from Disney's production companies (like Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars), listen to live music and participate in game shows in the adults-only lounges. Most itineraries feature a deck party with a fireworks show.

Kids can meet and play with their favorite Disney characters and participate in activities like karaoke. Family-friendly sun decks with pools, waterslides, splash zones and wading pools are also included in the cost.

Disney Cruise Line is known for its rotational dining evening dinner service. Families rotate through three onboard restaurants throughout the sailing, and your service team moves with you. Each of the rotational dining options is included in your cruise fare. One of the restaurants will be open for drop-in, sit-down meals during breakfast and lunch as well. Complimentary room service is available 24 hours a day.

On the upper decks, quick-service food stations, soft-serve ice cream and a buffet are available. Every Disney cruise also includes unlimited coffee, tea and soda.

Accommodations

Almost every cabin across the Disney fleet features Disney's distinctive split bathroom concept. One of the bathrooms has a vanity, sink and tub-shower, plus another bathroom with a vanity, sink and toilet. Each room also has a small refrigerator, safe and hair dryer.

Every child ages 3 to 17 will have access to Disney's kids clubs on board. Youngsters ages 3-10 can enjoy Disney's Oceaneer Club and Disney's Oceaneer Lab . Tweens ages 11-14 have access to Edge, and teens ages 14-17 can chill out in Vibe.

Each kids club has dedicated counselors and a host of activities every day. The best way to see the list of activities is to download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app and scroll through the daily agenda. You can flag activities your kids want to attend, so you can get to the kids clubs before they start.

Adult-exclusive activities

Disney cruises are packed with family-friendly programming, but adults can find spaces and events geared just for them in the adult-only nightclubs and lounges on board. Live music, interactive games and shows are only some of the nightly activities.

Additionally, adults have a dedicated pool and hot tub area that includes a bar and coffee shop. (Drinks cost extra, but access is free). For those looking to stay fit while onboard, access to the fitness center is also included.

Castaway Cay

On most Bahamas and Caribbean sailings, you'll stop at Disney's private island, Castaway Cay . At the island, your family can enjoy the family beach or adult-exclusive beach (for those 18 and older).

Use of towels, beach chairs and shade umbrellas are complimentary, as are waterslides and splash zones. Live music and character appearances take place around the island. Kids and teen club activities are available on Castaway Cay — again, at no extra charge. Runners can participate in the Castaway Cay 5K and get a finisher medal.

When it's time to eat, three spots serve an included barbecue lunch, complete with soft-serve ice cream. Coffee, tea and fountain drinks are also included at Castaway Cay.

To get around the island, you can walk or use the complimentary trams.

Related: Are cruises all-inclusive? What's actually included in your cruise fare

Are there any extra Disney costs?

Even though many activities, dining options and entertainment are included in the cost of your cruise, you will find things to pay extra for on a Disney cruise. These may or may not be worth it for your family, depending on your budget and interests. Below is a list of things not included in your overall cruise fare.

Some of the cutest Disney activities are also ones that cost extra. Kids who want more time with the Disney characters might be interested in the Royal Court Royal Tea — a tea party with characters for kids ages 3 to 12. According to planDisney (Disney's online resource for vacation-planning tips) , the cost is $220 per child and $69 for anyone 13 and up. Each tea party includes a selection of tea and a two-course meal; every child gets an assortment of gifts.

Kids can also play dress-up and get a full regal or pirate (only available on Pirate Party Nights) makeover at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, found on every Disney ship. Depending on the package you booked for your child, expect to pay $100 to $450 for each makeover.

Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy both have a virtual sports simulator that requires a reservation and a fee. You can play various sports, from football to golf, for either 30- or 60-minute time blocks. Cost varies based on time, sport and number of people playing.

Specialty dining and cocktails

Four specialty dining restaurants are offered across the Disney Cruise Line fleet. Exclusive to Disney Wish (and coming soon to Disney Treasure ) are Enchante and Palo Steakhouse. Expect to pay $60 to $205 plus an 18% auto-gratuity for a meal at Enchante; Palo Steakhouse is $50 for a prix-fixe meal, but an a la carte menu is also available.

On the four other Disney Cruise Line ships, Palo is also $50 for prix-fixe and offers an a la carte menu. An 18% auto-gratuity is also tacked onto your bill.

On Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, Remy is also available, with the dessert experience starting at $65 without the 18% auto-gratuity, while brunch and dinner are $80 and $135 respectively, plus an additional 18% auto-gratuity.

On all ships, themed bars and lounges sling drinks. Because there's no drink package available through Disney Cruise Line, you will have to pay for each drink individually. The planDisney panel says the average drink can range from $6 to $20.

If you're looking for specialty coffee, tea or hot chocolate drinks, look for the Cove Cafe on all ships; there are also specialty counters off of the atrium on Disney Dream, Fantasy and Wish. These drinks cost anywhere from $5 to $8, depending on your order. You can also order alcoholic drinks from the coffee bars, which run the typical cocktail prices.

Outside the Walt Disney Theater or near the movie theaters on board each ship, you'll also smell the buttery goodness of freshly popped popcorn. You can buy the popcorn for an added fee to take into the shows with you. Additionally, there are some specialty popcorn buckets available for purchase on each ship; you can refill them for a discounted price every time you want to munch on the salty snack. (Specialty buckets purchased off the ships at a Disney resort or theme park are not eligible for a discounted popcorn refill.)

Additionally, each ship offers beverage-tasting seminars where you can learn how to make and taste a variety of cocktails in a given category. Seminars can range from $40 to $70 and last about an hour.

While crew gratuities on Disney Cruise Line are not included in the overall cost, some can be prepaid before you step onboard. These include gratuities to your dining room server, assistant server and head server, plus your cabin host. Disney recommends a gratuity of $14.50 per night per person, including infants and children in regular cabins. It's recommended that those in concierge cabins and suites pay $15.50, with the extra going to your cabin assistant host.

Gratuities that are not included can be paid on board. Such gratuities include anything extra you would like to give to your service team, tips on alcoholic beverages in the dining room, adult dining locations, room service and the spa. The concierge lounge team is also not included in prepaid gratuities for concierge guests, and Disney recommends $8 per night per guest.

Keep in mind that an 18% gratuity is automatically added to bar tabs across the ship and for spa services. To make it easy while on the ship, you can charge all your gratuities to your onboard account.

If you want to bring something home from your trip — whether from a port of call or from the onboard shops — you'll want to budget for that extra cost. Souvenirs off the ship can range from a few dollars to a few hundred dollars, depending on what you buy. Be prepared that some shops will only take local currency; purchases at Castaway Cay shops will be charged to your onboard account.

On the ship, easy-to-transport souvenirs included trading pins, magnets and apparel. These can range anywhere from $20 to $75. Other more expensive onboard souvenirs include jewelry, luxury brand purses and wallets, and art.

Related: 26 Disney cruise tips, tricks, secrets and extra magic to unlock

How do I save money on a Disney cruise?

If you're reeling from sticker shock, know you can find many ways to save money on a Disney cruise. Here are a few of my favorite money-saving tips.

Letting Disney choose your cabin can be a great way to get a deal on the cruise. These are known as guaranteed rates, and they are the cheapest fares in each category. All you have to do is pick your room type, such as inside, ocean view or balcony, and Disney picks which specific room number you get. This works best if you don't care where your room is on the ship.

If you're looking for a room upgrade , but that's not a make-it-or-break-it deal for your family, consider waiting to upgrade your room until you get to the port. If your cruise still has rooms available, you can ask at check-in about a room upgrade for a discount. The cost will be relative to the room type you originally booked and the room type you want to upgrade to. Sometimes, you can even upgrade to a concierge room or a suite, but you will need to get an early port arrival time to potentially score one of those upgrades.

Disney Cruise Line has one of the most generous alcohol policies of any big-ship cruise brand. At the start of your cruise, you can bring up to six cans of beer or two bottles of wine per person over 21 years old. Then, at each port, you can restock and bring the same alcohol allotment per person over 21 onto the ship to store in your room and enjoy. You might find that beer and wine are cheaper in port than on board — a smart way to save on your drinking expenses.

Related: Best Disney cruise ships for everyone — even Disney adults

Are Disney cruises cheaper or more expensive than other cruise lines?

Other family-friendly cruise brands include Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line and MSC Cruises. While all of the family-friendly brands have pros and cons, picking the right one for your family can come down to a matter of cost. Disney is almost always the most expensive.

For example, we priced out a three-night weekend cruise departing on the same dates for Disney Wish and Royal Caribbean 's soon-to-debut Utopia of the Seas. We found that Disney was almost $500 more expensive for the same weekend, cabin type and length of sailing. Utopia of the Seas came out to $2,850.10 for two people staying in a balcony cabin, while the Disney Wish cruise, also in a balcony room, cost $3,337.20.

What Disney does best — and why many people choose to cruise with the brand — is it provides a high level of service to families, even those in the least expensive cabins. The crew on Disney ships goes above and beyond to make your vacation easy. I've seen everything from dining staff cutting kids' food and taking children to the bathroom to room hosts ensuring parents know about the parental locks on balcony doors (so kids can't just wander outside without an adult).

The extra amenities that Disney offers — such as Broadway-quality shows, character experiences and larger standard cabins — all bring the overall cruise cost up.

Disney also has a smaller fleet than all its family-friendly competitors, meaning there is less cabin inventory to sell. Plus, its ships generally carry fewer passengers. For example, Disney Wish, Disney's biggest ship, carries 4,000 people at full capacity; Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas can carry 7,600 guests at capacity. The low inventory combined with the high demand for Disney cruises means that Disney can charge higher fares and still fill ships.

Bottom line

Cruise fares with Disney can change based on factors like room type, travel party size and sailing date. The minimum price you can expect to pay for a cruise to the Caribbean or Bahamas starts at $1,500 for an inside cabin for two people on Disney Magic.

Disney Cruise Line includes a variety of dining experiences (including room service), soda, character meet-and-greets and Broadway-caliber entertainment in its fares; it also allows passengers to bring alcohol on board in every port of call. For these reasons, you don't necessarily have to spend much on board to have a fantastic vacation. The cruise can be a good value depending on the extras you choose to add.

The real question is whether you want to spend more on the base cruise fare to immerse yourself in the world of Disney versus paying less for another family-friendly cruise line.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Cheapest Month to Book a Disney Cruise

When you book a Disney cruise during a cheaper time of the year, you can experience a magical vacation for an affordable price. How else can you lower the cost? Here’s a look at the cheapest month to book a Disney cruise so you won’t break the bank!

Which Month is Cheapest for A Disney Cruise?

Cruises are less expensive several times of the year, but one month stands out as the cheapest.

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.

When it comes to European sailings, the shoulder season has the lowest fares. The Mediterranean’s least expensive months are March, April, and November. May and October are the most affordable for Northern European cruises.

Some places are not at risk from hurricanes (such as Europe and Alaska ), but if you intend to sail to the Bahamas or the Caribbean , you should be aware of the hurricane threat. While this is a risk, it could be worth it because the rates are less expensive, and the weather is pleasant despite the possibility of storms.  Travel insurance may be wise if you plan to take a Disney Cruise during hurricane season .

In addition, September isn’t a popular month to go on vacation because children are back in school after Labor Day, and parents are usually back at work.

Other Months When Disney Cruises are Cheaper

January and early february.

January (except around New Year’s) and early February are cheaper than average. The weather is still pleasant in the Bahamas and the Caribbean, so you can take advantage of lower prices and escape the cold winters back home.

May is another cheaper month to travel. The weather is starting to heat up in many destinations, but you can find good deals on airfare and accommodations. Students are still in classes during May, so families usually don’t take summer vacations until June, July, and August. For these reasons, May is another great month to take a Disney cruise.

September is usually the cheapest month to take a Disney Cruise, but October can also be affordable.

Since the weather is cooler, you will not have to worry about the heat. Since it’s not peak season, you will find cheaper airfares. You can also take part in Halloween-themed cruises during October.

Early November and Early December

Early November and early December are also typically cheaper months to book a Disney cruise.

This is the shoulder season in many places, so you can find great deals if you’re flexible with your travel dates. Just steer clear of Thanksgiving week/weekends and the weeks around Christmas and New Year’s because they are very popular (and expensive) weeks to book a Disney cruise.

May and September Alaska cruises have lower prices | Image © Disney

What Months are Expensive for Disney Cruises?

Disney cruises are most expensive during holiday weeks and summer . The higher prices are due to higher demand, as kids are on school break and families have more time to go on vacation. In other words, the best time for prices isn’t necessarily the best time for your schedule.

The most expensive time to take a Disney Cruise is during the summer months. The reason for higher prices is a higher demand: when kids are on school break, families have more time to spend on vacation — and Disney tops the list of best cruise lines for kids .  If you’re looking for the cheapest month to take a Disney Cruise, avoid June, July, and August .

The holiday season and increased demand make mid-December through New Year’s week an expensive time to travel. Thanksgiving week also tends to be a costly week for cruises since very few schools are in session.

Other times to avoid February vacation, Spring Break, and April vacation .  Disney cruises with special themes may also be more expensive. Examples include Pixar Day at Sea, Halloween on the High Seas, and Very Merrytime Cruises.

If possible, it’s best to avoid these dates altogether and wait until an off-peak time. You’ll experience lighter crowds and cheaper fares on Disney cruise ships .

Tips for Finding the Cheapest Time to Book a Disney Cruise

Off-peak / off-season times to go on a disney cruise.

If you want to save money on your Disney Cruise, try to travel during the off-peak season. Off-peak cruises occur during the weeks and months when families are less likely to travel. Most of the time, off-peak coincides with the school year, especially during the summers and holidays or long weekends.

As outlined in the previous section, notable off-peak times include January through early February, May, September, October, and Early November and Early December. You’ll be able to find lower Disney cruises fares and lower airfare when fewer people are traveling.

Weekdays vs. Weekends

When booking your Disney Cruise, consider whether it’s cheaper to travel during the week or on the weekends (if the itinerary you’ve chosen sails on different days of the week throughout the year).

It’s often cheaper to travel during the week because fewer people are vacationing at this time. However, some weekends may have special deals, so check both options before booking. The more you’re flexible with your travel dates, the more chances you’ll have for finding the cheapest dates to book a Disney cruise.

How to Make your Disney Cruise Cheaper

You should consider these factors when trying to find the best Disney cruise fares.

Book Early for Cheaper Cruise Fares

You should plan and book a Disney cruise as early as possible for several reasons.

First, you’ll get the best price when you book early. Unless you luck out on a last-minute deal, Disney cruise prices are cheapest the day they go on sale and increase in costs as the ship fills up.

Secondly, you’ll have the best selection of cabin types. If you wait too long, you may only have a few options, and they may not be the ideal stateroom for you and your family.  Higher-priced stateroom categories may be the only choices remaining because staterooms with the lowest prices sold out earlier.

Finally, booking your cruise a year in advance gives you more time to plan your trip and ensure everything is in order before leaving. By doing this, you can avoid any last-minute surprises or changes. It also gives you more time to pay down your trip if you have set up a payment plan with your travel agency.

So don’t wait – book your Disney cruise today!

Book with a Disney Travel Agent

There are a few different ways that a Disney travel agent can find you the cheapest Disney cruise ship departure. They will search through all the available sailings to find one that meets your needs and budget.

They can create a custom package for you that includes all your activities and help create a payment plan so you don’t have to pay it all at once.

Travel agents also have access to special rates and discounts that you may not be able to find on your own. So, if you’re looking for the cheapest Disney cruise ship departure, be sure to talk to a travel agent. They’ll be able to help you find the best deal for your family.

If you need help navigating your Disney Cruise Line vacation plans, we highly recommend contacting The Vacationeer .

Their team of experienced Disney travel agents will help you find the lowest price and the best itineraries , and there’s never an additional charge for their services!

Click HERE for a free, no-obligation price quote .

Look for Onboard Credit

Onboard credit is a type of credit (or free money) used towards expenses on a Disney cruise ship. Guests can use it to pay for excursions, alcohol, souvenirs, or tip crew members .

Disney travel agents typically give onboard credit to guests who book their cruise through them (as a booking incentive). The onboard credit amount varies depending on the book method and the cruise cost. For example, guests who book an $8,000 cruise through a travel agent may receive $400 in onboard credit (or $200 if it’s an onboard bookings/transfers). It’s a great perk!

We again recommend The Vacationeer because they offer some of the highest onboard credit rates in the industry.

Onboard credits go towards your on-ship purchases through your onboard account. Not familiar with the onboard account?  Here’s an overview:

Check for Special Offers, Deals, and Promotions 

If you plan a Disney Cruise trip, you must be aware of Disney’s special promotions. These deals can make your Disney cruise less expensive no matter which month you book.

It is common for Disney Cruise Line to run limited-time promotions for specific sailing dates, departure ports, cabin types, or even residents of particular states or countries. While there may not be a lot of Disney cruise deals to choose from, you may be able to find one that meets your needs and budget.

Disney Cruise Line frequently offers special discounts on cruises for Florida residents, US military members, Castaway Club members , and Disney Vacation Club members.

It is essential to read the fine print on the promotions page, as some deals may be for guaranteed fares with many restrictions. You can also ask your travel agent to check for any discounts you may qualify for. In some cases, they can ask Disney Cruise Customer Service to add a newly-announced discount to your existing booking.

The best way to save money on Disney cruises while still receiving the magical cruise of your dreams is by taking advantage of Disney’s special promotions and sailing during the months when Disney cruises are cheaper.

Last Minute Restricted Guarantee Staterooms May Be Available

If you’re flexible with your travel dates and stateroom type, you can save money on your Disney cruise by booking a Restricted Guarantee stateroom.

With this type of stateroom, you won’t know your exact room assignment until about two weeks before your cruise, but you’re guaranteed to get at least the stateroom type you booked. So if you’re willing to take a chance on your stateroom assignment, you could save money on your Disney cruise.

While we like the idea of the Restricted Guarantee stateroom in principle, we still recommend booking well in advance to get the best fare and room of your choice.

Shorter Cruises Are More Affordable

If you want to take a Disney cruise but are worried about the cost, booking a shorter one might be the best option. Disney’s shorter cruises are less expensive than a longer Disney cruise , so you can save money while still getting the whole Disney cruise experience.

Disney offers three- and four-night cruises to Baja, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean. If you have never been on a Disney cruise before or are worried about seasickness, these shorter cruises are the perfect way to try them out. You’ll get all the benefits of a Disney cruise without breaking the bank.

Inside Cabins Are Cheaper

Consider booking an inside cabin if you want the lowest fare on your next Disney cruise. Inside cabins are without a porthole window or a veranda/balcony, making them the most affordable option on any cruise line. On Disney ships, inside cabins have a few added features that make them feel less dark and enclosed.

For example, Disney Wish has a giant piece of artwork on the wall of its inside staterooms. Disney Magic and Disney Wonder have inside staterooms with a porthole-shaped mirror on the wall. The Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy take it one step further with magical portholes – round video screens that show a real-time view of the outside, along with a bit of additional character from time to time.

So if you’re looking to save money on your next cruise, consider booking an inside cabin on a Disney ship. You may be surprised at how comfortable and spacious they are.

What is the cheapest time of year to take a Disney cruise?

Let’s sum up this article, shall we?

• September is the cheapest month to book a Disney Cruise Line vacation, but some off-peak weeks and months are also more affordable. If you want the lowest fares, avoid holidays, school vacation weeks, and the summer.
• There are often discounts for Florida residents, military members, Castaway Club members, and Disney Vacation Club members, as well as other limited-time promotions. Check to see which one you may be eligible for before booking your Disney cruise.
• We recommend working with a knowledgeable Disney travel agent. They will help you plan and book your trip, apply applicable discounts to your package, and set up a payment plan if you wish. They can also give you valuable onboard credits to apply to your stateroom account.
• If you want to save more money, consider shorter cruises, inside cabins, or booking a Restricted Guarantee Stateroom. However, your best bet for the lowest fares and best selection of staterooms is to book as early as possible.

When you combine these ways to save on a Disney cruise with an off-peak time to sail, you have the best chance of getting the lowest possible fares.

We hope our Cheapest Month to Book a Disney Cruise article has been helpful. Enjoy your magical cruise!

Book your Disney Cruise Now, and Save!

Working with an experienced travel agent is the best way to ensure smooth sailing, and The Vacationeer is ready to help you find the cheapest month to go on a Disney cruise in 2024 or 2025.

Their team of Disney travel agents can arrange every part of your cruise and provide a generous onboard credit you can use towards purchases and activities while you’re on the ship.

There’s never any obligation to book, and there’s no additional charge to use their planning services! Click HERE to get a free quote today.

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About the author: joshua powell.

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We went last September. The weather was fantastic, and luckily, we avoided hurricanes! We found that the Disney Cruise Line was more affordable during that time of year.

That’s great to hear, Virginia! My wife and I love that time of year. Thanks for your feedback!

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10 Do’s and Don’ts When Booking a Disney Cruise

Are you going to book a Disney cruise ? Same! It’s actually my constant state of being. I’m always on the lookout for the next itinerary, next gap in my calendar, next good deal, whatever! I’m in. It doesn’t take much. When I am booking, there are always some things I keep in mind, so I’m sharing my list with you. Whether you are booking your first or fifteenth Disney cruise, these do’s and don’ts may help!

2. Don’t Give Up if Your Cruise is Sold Out – Some sailings do sell out quickly. When Hawaii for 2020 was announced, it sold out unbelievably quickly. But for anyone who kept watching, some staterooms opened up here and there, and will probably continue to as we get closer to the sailing. Holds drop, plans change, so keep watching. If you are looking for a particular category or stateroom, same thing. Keep watching. If you’re looking for concierge, DCL will help you out and put you on a waitlist. FYI, I’ve had a lot of good luck with concierge waitlists.  They’ve come through more often than not for me!

4. Do Sleep With Friends – Okay, that sounds bad, but this is a pro tip, so let’s walk through this. If you are booking more than one stateroom, how you divide your group into those staterooms during the reservation process may matter. First up, when reserving the stateroom, put the oldest guests in the first and second slots in the room. Ages do not matter for the first and second slot pricing.  Ages do matter in the additional slots. Younger children cost (slightly) less than older children. If you have a single traveler, put someone else in their stateroom when making the reservation even if they won’t actually sleep there once the cruise begins. That single traveler is going to pay for double occupancy on that room, so there’s no reason to pay for a third or fourth guest in your room if they would essentially be free in Grandmom’s room! Similarly, if a family of five is traveling with a family of three, and the family of three is agreeable, put a child in with them when making the reservations and get two rooms of four. That will open up more stateroom category options and may also save you money!  Finally, if you have some friends that have sailed before, you may want to mix them into other staterooms to spread out their Castaway Club benefits.

6. Do Book Everyone in the Room Who May Go – When you’re booking, book all the kids, all the grandparents, all the friends, whoever may go! You can change the names later if you need. As long as you are outside of the final payment date (and not booking concierge) you can also take people out of a stateroom easily. What you may not be able to do is add someone into a stateroom. Once a category reaches a certain capacity level, you cannot add someone into a stateroom, even if there is a space for them to sleep. Even if there is space to add someone, they’re going to pay the current price for that spot. That means if the sailing price has gone up, they’re paying more than they would have if you had added them when you booked. Nobody wants that.

7. Do Get Insurance – Get the insurance!! The good news is that you may not have to get it at time of booking, or pay for it at time of booking. Pre-existing conditions require you to get insurance quickly after booking, but if you are not worried about pre-existing conditions, then you don’t have to be in a particular hurry.  If you decide to get insurance from DCL, you don’t have to pay for it until final payment, and you can add and remove it up until that point. I wrote a blog post on the ins and outs of trip insurance that may help!

9. Do Watch for Last-Minute Discounts – If you didn’t get in on early booking prices, watch for last-minute discounts like military rates, Florida resident rates, or IGT, OGT, and VGT rates . They do happen! They don’t usually happen until after penalty period starts, so if the cruise you are watching is pretty empty, it may be worth it to wait.  Florida resident discounts are the one discount that can be applied after final payment date with no cancellation penalty, so if you are hoping for that and will go even if it doesn’t come out, go ahead and book!

10. Do Find a Good Travel Agent – While this last tip seems self serving, it’s true. A good travel agent who understands DCL can be your best friend when you’re booking. Good ones already know all these tips, they can help you find the perfect stateroom, they’re in your corner if something goes wrong, they save you time, and some of them will even save you money in the form of onboard credits. Give them a try!

Do you have any Do’s and Don’ts to share?  Let us hear them!

Tammy Whiting  is the owner of  Storybook Destinations . Did you know Storybook Destinations offers a  complimentary subscription to TouringPlans  with qualified Disney and Universal bookings? Click  here for a no-obligation quote on your next vacation!

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Tammy Whiting

Tammy has been a lover of all things Disney for most of her life. There’s nowhere on this Earth she’d rather be than on a Disney cruise with her family. She’s a Space Force wife and proud mom of two wonderful children and one beautiful daughter-in-law . She fulfilled a lifelong dream in 2008 and became a travel agent specializing in Disney vacations. She now owns her own travel agency - Storybook Destinations. You can reach Tammy at [email protected].

6 thoughts on “ 10 Do’s and Don’ts When Booking a Disney Cruise ”

Thanks for sharing this nice article. I read it completely and get some interesting knowledge from this. @Cruisebay

Hi, I’m new here and this might be a silly question…..but, do you know when they will start accepting bookings for the newest cruise ship coming in 2021? I want to be along the first to book 🙂 Thanks!

Hi June! We don’t know yet! Based on previous years, we can guess when the regular itineraries for certain times of year will be released. The new ships, however, probably will be announced for booking all by themselves, so they are impossible to predict! If I had to guess, I’d expect the first one to be released for booking later this year. We will definitely post here as soon as we know!

I think this article does a disservice to those that don’t cruise often, and particular to those that haven’t cruised on Disney Cruise Line. It uses terms that are not defined anywhere in the article, and most probably would not be known to new DCL cruisers. For example, most newcomers have no idea what “opening day” is, and therefore, wouldn’t know when the most desirable day to book actually is. Also what is “main dining”? A newcomer would think that if they don’t get “main dining”, they won ‘t be able to eat in the main dining room(s) when I think the author is referring to early vs. late dining time in the main dining rooms. I wanted to point this out to help you communicate better.

Thanks for the feedback, Mary! Interestingly enough, my next post is directed at new cruisers. I’ll try to link any confusing terms. 🙂

Thanks…I figured out what you were implying but I have cruised twice on DCL and 8 times on other lines. Just wanted to help those scratching their heads…lol

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Cut The Cost of Your Disney Cruise – 6 Budget Booking Tips

For many cruise lines , the best deals can often be found the closer you get to sailing.  As cabins go unsold, cruise lines will offer them at a deep discount to sail with full ships. 

If you’re interested in booking a cruise on Disney Cruise Line you may be wondering if the prices are going to decrease as time goes on.

Do Disney Cruises Get Cheaper Closer To The Sail Date?

Disney Cruises do not get cheaper closer to the sailing date.

Demand for Disney cruises far outweighs supply. The best time to book a Disney cruise is when new itineraries are launched, after this date, the price only increases.

Disney Cruise Line (or DCL) only has five ships currently:

• Disney Magic
• Disney Wonder
• Disney Dream
• Disney Fantasy
• Disney Wish

If you’re a first-time cruiser, this means you’ll either want to pay close attention to when Disney will release its cruise itineraries for the season you’re planning to sail, or engage the services of a Disney travel specialist.

They will know when those itineraries are due to be released (they don’t call themselves travel agents, because Disney has their internal travel agents for guest bookings).  

Use a Travel Agent

Using a travel agent, especially for your first time on DCL, is not a bad option – and can even “save” you a bit of money in the form of onboard credit for your cruise. 

Not many know that Disney builds travel agent commissions into its pricing, even if you book directly with Disney. 

a result, you typically don’t have to pay for the services of a Disney travel specialist, as they are paid by Disney once you take your vacation.

In the case of the cruise line, using a travel specialist might also mean you’ll get some onboard credit as a “thank you” for using their services, essentially a bit of their commission going back to you. 

Not all agents do this, but you can generally research and find agents that do.  Some even publish schedules of what your onboard credit will be based on your cruise fare.

When Do Disney Cruise Line Release New Itineraries?

If you want to book on your own, Disney traditionally releases itineraries three times each year. 

While Disney Cruise Line doesn’t stick to an exact schedule with these announcements, you can expect that itineraries will be released approximately 15-18 months before the sail dates.   Plan Disney

Book as Soon as Possible

So, when the itineraries come out, when should you book?  As soon as possible. 

And not simply because there will be high demand, but also because Disney opens booking in tiers to different populations of loyal Disney and Disney Cruise Line fans.

Platinum DCL Castaway Club members (those who have sailed on 10+ Disney cruises) and Disney Golden Oak Club Members (residents of Disney’s exclusive on-property luxury home development) get the first crack at booking.

Gold Castaway Club members (those who have sailed on 5+ Disney cruises) are next up, a day after Platinum.  Silver Castaway Club members (those who have sailed on Disney at least once prior) and Disney Vacation Club members (Disney’s timeshare product) get advance booking a day after Gold Castaways.

Following all those groups, Disney opens booking to the public.  When Disney has special sailings (like their recent planned return to Hawaii) they have sometimes sold out to Platinum and Gold Castaway members before even opening to the general public. 

So, the earlier you book the more you save, and the better chance you’ll have of booking unique Disney sailings.

Sales are just one thing that Disney Cruise doesn’t really do.

To find out which other things you won’t find on a Disney cruise, including many that are common on other lines, check out this post:

You Won’t Find These 9 Things on a Disney Cruise

Do Disney Offer Military Discounts?

If you’re not a DCL regular, you can still find other ways to save money on a Disney Cruise. 

Disney frequently offers special fares to Florida residents or active duty military and their families for unfilled room inventory. 

These fares are typically published up to a few months in advance of the cruise and are also typically for off-season cruises.

Cruise in The Off-Season

Speaking of the off-season, it’s a great time to sail at rates that are reduced as compared to peak-season cruises. 

Disney targets families, so sailings that are tied to when school is out of session (summer, spring break, winter break, etc.) are typically priced higher than cruises when schools are in session.

You can save hundreds on an Alaska cruise, for example, by going early in the season before schools let out in the U.S. 

Booking during the Atlantic hurricane season can also lead to deals but definitely get travel insurance if you decide to take this gamble.

Cabin Categories – Consider a Guaranteed Category

In addition to off-season deals, pay attention to stateroom categories. 

On some sailings, Disney offers inside, ocean view and verandah “Guaranteed” cabins – designated as IGT, OGT, or VGT. 

These cabins are typically made available only after the final payment deadline is passed for a particular cruise, which means when you book, you’re paying in full, and cannot cancel.

Essentially, you are guaranteed a room onboard in the category you booked or higher.  Upgrades do happen, but they happen rarely, so make sure you’re truly OK with an inside stateroom if you book IGT. 

The upside, these staterooms can for 10-20% below the regular cruise fare.  These rooms are not available on every sailing and are of limited inventory, so you’ll need to keep your eyes peeled if you want to snag one of these deals.

Do note, that these are different from other “GTY” guarantee cabins you can book ahead of the pay-in-full date.  GTY rooms are not discounted.  They are essentially the same as booking a regular cabin, you just don’t choose your cabin in advance.

For more information about guaranteed cabins read this article next:

I Always Book Guaranteed Cabins on Cruise Ships – (Photo Examples, Regrets & More)

Book Onboard

Another way to save some significant money on your next cruise is to book your next Disney cruise onboard.  Onboard bookings offer 10% off current cruise fares on most sailings, with some limitations. 

You can also book a “placeholder” on board by paying a $200 deposit, which will be applied to a future cruise fare. 

placeholder gives you 10% off a future cruise if you use it on a sailing that departs within two years of when you purchase the placeholder.  It’s a great option if you don’t know which cruise you want to book onboard, or if you’re planning to sail an itinerary that hasn’t been released yet. 

If you end up not using the placeholder, the $200 deposit is simply refunded back to you automatically by Disney.  You can also cancel the placeholder at any time and have your deposit refunded.

Disney Rewards Credit Card

If you’re planning to sail DCL often, look at the Disney-branded Visa rewards credit card.  It offers “Disney Rewards” back on purchases, with more points for Disney purchases, making it another way to save money on a DCL vacation, in a roundabout way.

Disney Rewards earned with the card can be put on a Disney gift card and used like cash to pay for Disney vacations or spent on board or at the parks. 

The card also currently offers zero-interest financing for up to six months for Disney-related purchases.  Disney fans love the card for these, and other Disney benefits it offers.

Disney Gift Cards

In addition to the Disney rewards card, “warehouse” stores like BJ’s, Costco or Sam’s Club in the U.S. sometimes offer discounted Disney gift cards.  You might be able to get a $50 gift card for around $47-$48, or a $500 gift card for a similar discount. 

You can typically purchase enough of these cards to pay for your entire cruise fare, taking another 2-3% off the price.  You can even buy extra cards to use for onboard charges to continue the savings.

You can also couple this strategy by using a Disney Visa card which will give you rewards dollars on the purchase, or other store credit cards like a Target card, that offers cashback.  This can push the savings into the 3-5% range at times. 

If you go this route, be sure to leave a little bit of money on the last gift card you use to pay for your cruise or pay for the last bit of your fare with a credit card. 

If for any reason Disney needs to issue you a refund (like reduced port fees, for instance), it will go back to that card.  You’ll be out of luck if you threw it away or the card has been de-activated.  

Other Tips and Tricks

There are other tips and tricks that can save you money here and there on a cruise – like bringing on your own beer and wine or looking for third-party shore-excursion providers. 

As you think about “saving money” also consider the overall value of a Disney cruise as against other offerings.  You may be paying more, but a lot of things that might not be included on other cruise lines are included on a Disney cruise. 

For more on that, you can check out our recent article on what’s included in a Disney Cruise Line fare:

What’s Included On A Disney Cruise? – Food, Activities, Entertainment – And Things That Cost Extra

Post-Author:

Brian and Sam are the co-hosts of the DCLDuo Podcast, a weekly Disney Cruise Line focused podcast that also detours into their general love for cruising and all things Disney. 

Brian and Sam are also Disney Vacation Club members, annual pass holders at Disneyland and Walt Disney World, Gold Castaway Club members with Disney Cruise Line, and frequent participants at RunDisney events.

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