Ahoy there, Stephanie, and welcome to planDisney! Glad to see you alongside with your question about some of the nuances that exist on staterooms with restrictions! It's a complicated topic to be sure, but we've navigated these waters before, so not to worry!
Onward!
IGT, VGT, OGT...sounds like an incantation if I've ever heard one...But all joking aside, these "Guaranteed Staterooms With Restrictions" are one of the best ways to get a great value on a Disney Cruise Line vacation - especially if you missed out on opening-day pricing! Though the tradeoff (as you've likely read) is a much more restrictive booking process, including:
- Payment required in full at time of booking
- Non-refundable and non-transferrable
- No changes to stateroom Guest information
Now, if you are certain of your travel dates and travel party, these restrictions can be minor inconveniences, but throw a few little sailors into the mix, and things can get complicated really quickly! With this in mind, and since full payment is non‐refundable, i
t is highly recommended to purchase the Vacation Protection Plan. Currently, cancellations due to sickness are covered under the Vacation Protection Plan, and specific steps on how to file the claim in this event are listed in the plan terms and conditions. I should note, however, that it's stipulated that qualifying sicknesses are those that require the medical attention of a physician, so a simple illness may not qualify as a "covered event."
In that case, there's the "Cancel for Any Reason" benefit that usually comes as part of the Vacation Protection Plan: if you cancel your vacation for any reason not covered by the insurance plan, Disney Cruise Line will credit 75 percent of the non‐refundable cancellation fee toward a future Disney Cruise Line vacation. While 25 percent of your cruise investment can be difficult to part with, it's a lot less than 100 percent!
Can you tell I wasn't a math major?
Oh, and I nearly forgot, I noticed that you're from Minnesota! For Minnesota residents - as well as those in my state of Missouri - the "Cancel for Any Reason" benefit can be purchased separately from the Vacation Protection Plan! The first time I found that out, I felt like Flynn Rider, "frying pans...who knew, right?!" If you're interested in this option you can contact 1-888-722-2195 for details - but again, it's only valid for Minnesota, Missouri, and New York residents.
Whether you decide to purchase the full plan or inquire about the "Cancel for Any Reason" benefit, there's one VERY IMPORTANT fact when it comes to categories with restrictions: be sure to add it during checkout, because you MUST purchase the Vacation Protection Plan at the same time or before your cruise is paid in full - which, for these categories is the only time you check out!
While I've never had to use the Vacation Protection Plan, ever since my third Disney Cruise Line vacation I've purchased it and never looked back! Maybe I'm paranoid, but at this point, I'm fairly certain that the ONE time I DON'T get the Vacation Protection Plan is the time I'd need it most!
With everything there is to enjoy on a Disney Cruise Line vacation, there's just too much to risk missing out on and losing everything!
I hope that helps you weigh your options, Stephanie! Thank you so much for your question, and if any others arise as you continue planning, please drop me a line here at planDisney!
Here's to a protected cruise, one way or another!
Andrew