Booking your Disney cruise well in advance will insure your choice of staterooms on high-occupancy cruises such as those sailing over holidays. If any deals are released, DCL will adjust your reservation accordingly. It’s true that rates for these popular cruises will only go up as the sailing date gets closer.
Booking a cruise “last minute” often means making your plans 2-6 months in advance. Remember that with only two ships, many cruises aboard the Disney Cruise Line sell-out. DCL also has a high level of repeat cruisers who often book their next cruise while on-board!
Your best strategy for finding good deals are to monitor MouseSavers.com as well as to team up with a great travel agent. Some travel agencies offer an On Board credit (OBC) for booking with them. An OBC can be used towards souvenir purchases on the ship, spa treatments and shore excursions. An Authorized Disney Travel planner will be sure to find the best deals for your family.
If you wish to book a higher category stateroom and a value resort at Walt Disney World, you will need to book the components of your trip separately. Packages are usually for convenience not savings. Booking separately, you’ll also be able to utilize any deals that are released for your time at WDW such as free dining, room only discount rates, etc. Therefore, you can find the best deal available for the cruise portion of your trip as well as the best discounts for your time at WDW. I frequently book my vacations using this cost-saving method!
You’ll also want to monitor the
Special Offers with DCL.
If you need airfare, book it on your own. You’ll get better pricing and more convenient flight times.