Ahoy there, Mary, and welcome aboard planDisney! I'm so glad you and your crew have decided to stow away last minute onto your first Disney Cruise Line vacation! Believe me, once you experience
everything that's included, you'll be a "castaway" for life and this first taste will have you ready to fill your sails over and over again!
I'm sorry to hear that the
Onboard Fun you may have been eyeing seems to be fully-booked at the moment. If there is one downside to a last-minute escape, you may have found it, but don't despair! I like to say any day on one of the
Disney Cruise Line ships is better than a day ashore, and every storm cloud at sea has a silver lining!
When opting for a last-minute getaway, you do miss the opportunity to book right at the beginning of your booking window, which for first-time cruisers is 75 days before embarkation. Though it can seem like everything is reserved, I have a few "planDrew-approved" tips to help you get the most out of openings that may arise, especially during what I like to call, "Fellow Castaway Decision Weeks."
- Depending on how last-minute you're talking, I always like to check for openings every day during the three weeks leading up to the cruise through the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app! That's the time I've noticed more activities becoming available due to fellow castaways making their final decisions as their plans become more concrete. Whether someone decides they don't want to parasail because of a new fear of heights, or backs out of a wine tasting because they decide they would rather spend that time in the pool, I've usually been able to snag a reservation for something during this time.
- Since all Port Adventures and Onboard Fun bookings must be finalized three days before your sail date to avoid cancellation penalties, the week of your sailing up to those three days is sometimes the best opportunity to jump on a recently-cancelled booking by a fellow castaway!
- If there is an activity you really want to book - like maybe a beverage tasting or adult-exclusive dining - there are usually a few seats bookable on embarkation day, so I like to swing by the lounges, Palo, Remy, or the Port Adventures desk to ask about which activities still have openings, you may be pleasantly surprised at what may have opened-up last-minute. Of course, there are no guarantees, but with a little faith, trust, and pixie dust your wish may just come true.
Finally, don't forget there's a wide range of scheduled activities that are included as part of your vacation! From cooking demonstrations, napkin and towel animal folding, and learn-to-draw sessions, to trivia, variety acts, poolside fun, and family game shows, there is a wide variety of activities that don't require a reservation or additional cost! These offerings vary from sailing to sailing and are subject to change, but once you embark, your Disney Cruise Line Navigator App will open up a whole new world of activities you can fill your days with!
I hope that helps you set a course for adventure on the high seas, Mary. Be sure to keep a weather eye on that horizon and you just might see some of those activities coming your way! Thank you so much for your question, and if any others arise, please drop me another line here at planDisney.
SEA ya real soon!
Andrew