Ahoy there, Jessica!
Welcome aboard planDisney! As a fellow service member, thank you for your dedication and service—it means the world. And what better way to recharge those batteries than with a Disney Cruise Line vacation? Trust me, there’s nothing like hearing that ship’s horn play “When You Wish Upon a Star” to kick leave off the right way!
Now let’s talk
military discounts—because who doesn’t love a little extra pixie-dusted savings? The short and happy answer is yes, members of the US Navy Reserves are eligible for military rates on Disney cruises. Just be sure to
bring your active-duty orders dated January 1st of the previous year to qualify. That little piece of paperwork is your golden ticket to unlocking some truly magical deals!
Now, here’s the inside scoop: military rates are typically released anywhere from 2 to 6 months before the sail date. While they're not offered on every itinerary, they’re most often found on cruises that still have a bit more room to fill—so flexibility is your fairy godmother when it comes to snagging those deals. My family and I have booked plenty of last-minute sailings using the military rate, and the savings always feel like treasure found in a hidden cove!
Of course, just like Tiana’s beignets, the best things tend to go fast. By the time you secure your stateroom under a military rate, some popular experiences—like
brunch at Palo,
Beverage Tasting Seminars, or even some
Port Adventures—might already be fully booked. But don’t let that send your plans overboard! One of my favorite tips is to log into the
Disney Cruise Line Navigator app as soon as you’re on the ship’s Wi-Fi. You’ll often see openings pop up on embarkation day. You can also head to Guest Services or swing by the Dining Reservations Changes (check the app once onboard for the time and location) to join a waitlist, modify dining times, or even score a last-minute table at Palo.
I hope this helps you set sail with confidence, knowing your magical military discount is within reach! If you’re anything like me, once you cruise with Disney, you’ll already be dreaming of your next voyage before your towel animal has even waved goodbye.
Sea ya real soon as May brings sunshine, magical ports, and maybe a Mickey bar or two,
Dustin