5 Tips for Saving Money on Your Next Disney Cruise

AvatarByDale Richard Cruise/Cruising

How to Save Money on a Disney Cruise

A Disney cruise is a magical experience, but it can also be a pricey one. But don’t let that stop you from sailing away to your dream destination! With a little planning, you can save money on your Disney cruise without sacrificing any of the fun.

In this article, we’ll share some tips and tricks on how to save money on a Disney cruise, including:

  • Booking your cruise early
  • Using a travel agent
  • Considering a shorter cruise
  • Choosing an inside cabin
  • Bringing your own food and drinks
  • Taking advantage of onboard discounts

By following these tips, you can save money on your Disney cruise and still have a memorable vacation.

How To Save Money On A Disney Cruise?

| Category | Tips |
|—|—|
| Before You Book |
| Use a travel agent. Travel agents can often get you discounts on Disney cruises that you wouldn’t be able to find on your own.
| Book early. The earlier you book your cruise, the more likely you are to get a good deal.
| Consider a shorter cruise. Shorter cruises are usually cheaper than longer ones.
| Look for special offers. Disney often offers special discounts on cruises, such as military discounts or discounts for families with children.
| During Your Cruise** |
| Bring your own food and drinks. You can save a lot of money by bringing your own food and drinks on board the ship.
| Eat at the buffets. The buffets on Disney cruises are usually much cheaper than the sit-down restaurants.
| Go to the kids’ club. The kids’ club on Disney cruises is free, so you can leave your children there while you go exploring the ship or relax at the pool.
| After Your Cruise** |
| Sell your unused Disney Cruise Line gift cards. You can sell your unused Disney Cruise Line gift cards online for cash or trade them in for other merchandise.
| Donate your unused Disney Cruise Line merchandise. If you have any unused Disney Cruise Line merchandise, you can donate it to a local charity.
| General Tips** |
| Shop around. Compare prices from different travel agents and online booking sites before you book your cruise.
| Be flexible. If you’re flexible with your travel dates and destinations, you’re more likely to find a good deal on a Disney cruise.
| Don’t be afraid to negotiate. If you’re not happy with the price of a Disney cruise, don’t be afraid to ask the travel agent or cruise line for a better deal.

Book Early

One of the best ways to save money on a Disney cruise is to book early. The earlier you book, the more likely you are to get a good deal on your cruise fare. Disney cruises typically sell out quickly, so if you wait until the last minute, you’re going to pay a higher price.

When you book early, you’ll also have more time to choose the perfect cruise for your family. You can compare different itineraries, cabin types, and dining options. You can also take advantage of early booking discounts, which can save you hundreds of dollars on your cruise fare.

Here are a few tips for booking your Disney cruise early:

  • Set a budget. Before you start looking at cruises, decide how much you’re willing to spend. This will help you narrow down your options and avoid overspending.
  • Be flexible with your dates. If you’re flexible with your travel dates, you’ll be more likely to find a good deal on a Disney cruise.
  • Consider a less popular cruise ship. Disney cruises are typically more expensive during peak season (summer and holidays). If you’re willing to travel during the off-season, you can save a lot of money on your cruise fare.
  • Sign up for a Disney Cruise Line newsletter. Disney Cruise Line often sends out email newsletters with special offers and discounts. By signing up for the newsletter, you’ll be the first to know about the latest deals.

Consider a Less Popular Cruise Ship

Another way to save money on a Disney cruise is to consider a less popular cruise ship. Disney has four cruise ships: the Disney Magic, the Disney Wonder, the Disney Dream, and the Disney Fantasy. The Dream and the Fantasy are the newest and most popular ships, so they tend to be more expensive. The Magic and the Wonder are older ships, but they’re still great options for a Disney cruise. They’re typically less expensive than the Dream and the Fantasy, and they offer a similar experience.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a cruise ship:

  • The size of the ship. The Dream and the Fantasy are both large ships with over 2,700 passengers. The Magic and the Wonder are smaller ships with around 2,000 passengers. If you’re looking for a more intimate experience, you might want to consider one of the smaller ships.
  • The amenities on the ship. The Dream and the Fantasy have more amenities than the Magic and the Wonder. They have more restaurants, more pools, and more activities. If you’re looking for a ship with a lot to offer, you might want to consider one of the newer ships.
  • The itinerary. The Dream and the Fantasy typically sail to more exotic destinations than the Magic and the Wonder. If you’re looking for a cruise to the Caribbean, Alaska, or Europe, you might want to consider one of the newer ships.

Ultimately, the best way to choose a cruise ship is to decide what’s important to you. If you’re looking for a great value, a less popular cruise ship is a great option.

Bring Your Own Food and Drinks

One of the easiest ways to save money on a Disney cruise is to bring your own food and drinks. Here are a few tips for doing so:

  • Pack snacks. This is the easiest way to save money on food, as you can bring your own snacks to eat throughout the day. Some good options include fruits, vegetables, crackers, cheese, and nuts. You can also pack sandwiches or wraps for lunch.
  • Bring drinks. You can save a lot of money on drinks by bringing your own bottled water, soda, or juice. You can also bring alcoholic beverages, but be aware that there are limits on how much alcohol you can bring on board.
  • Refrigerate your food and drinks. If you’re bringing perishable items, make sure to pack them in a cooler or insulated bag. You can also freeze some of your food and drinks ahead of time to help keep them cold.
  • Eat at your cabin. One of the best ways to save money on food is to eat at your cabin. Most cruise ships have microwaves and refrigerators in the cabins, so you can easily heat up food or make snacks.
  • Take advantage of free food and drinks. There are a number of free food and drink options available on cruise ships. These include breakfast in the main dining room, snacks in the buffet, and coffee and tea in the lounges.

By following these tips, you can save a lot of money on food and drinks on your next Disney cruise.

Take Advantage of Free Activities

In addition to saving money on food and drinks, there are a number of other ways to save money on a Disney cruise. Here are a few tips:

  • Take advantage of the free activities. There are a number of free activities available on cruise ships, such as swimming, sunbathing, and playing games. You can also participate in free activities offered by the cruise line, such as trivia contests, dance classes, and karaoke.
  • Explore the ports of call on your own. One of the best ways to save money on a cruise is to explore the ports of call on your own. This means taking public transportation or walking to attractions, rather than taking expensive excursions offered by the cruise line.
  • Shop at the duty-free stores. If you’re looking to buy souvenirs, you can save money by shopping at the duty-free stores on the cruise ship or in the ports of call. These stores offer tax-free shopping, so you can get great deals on souvenirs.
  • Use your onboard credit wisely. Most cruise ships offer an onboard credit that you can use to pay for food, drinks, and activities. However, it’s important to use your onboard credit wisely, as you don’t want to end up spending more than you intended.

By following these tips, you can save a lot of money on your next Disney cruise.

How can I save money on a Disney Cruise?

  • Book early. The sooner you book your cruise, the more likely you are to get a good deal. Disney typically releases their new cruise itineraries and prices about 18 months in advance, so it’s worth planning ahead.
  • Consider a shorter cruise. Shorter cruises are typically less expensive than longer ones. If you’re on a tight budget, consider a 3- or 4-day cruise instead of a 7- or 8-day cruise.
  • Travel during the off-season. Disney cruises are typically more expensive during peak season (summer and holidays). If you’re flexible with your travel dates, consider cruising during the off-season (shoulder season or winter).
  • Stay in an inside cabin. Inside cabins are the least expensive type of cabin on a Disney cruise ship. If you’re not concerned about having a view, an inside cabin can save you a lot of money.
  • Bring your own food and drinks. You can save money on food and drinks by bringing your own snacks and drinks onboard. Disney allows you to bring a certain amount of food and drinks onboard, so take advantage of this!
  • Consider a cruise package. Disney often offers cruise packages that include airfare, hotel, and other extras. These packages can save you money if you’re planning on taking a Disney cruise and other non-Disney travel.
  • Use a travel agent. A travel agent can help you find the best deals on Disney cruises. They can also help you with planning your cruise and making the most of your vacation.

What are some other ways to save money on a Disney Cruise?

  • Consider a military discount. Active duty military members and their families can get discounts on Disney cruises.
  • Sign up for a Disney Cruise Line credit card. Disney Cruise Line credit cards offer special perks and discounts, including onboard credits and early booking access.
  • Be flexible with your itinerary. If you’re flexible with your travel dates and destinations, you can often find better deals on Disney cruises.
  • Consider a group cruise. Group cruises can save you money on the per-person cost of your cruise.
  • Look for discounts and promotions. Disney Cruise Line often offers discounts and promotions on their cruises. Keep an eye out for these deals and you could save a lot of money on your cruise.

What are some tips for saving money on food and drinks on a Disney Cruise?

  • Bring your own snacks and drinks. You can bring a certain amount of food and drinks onboard your Disney cruise ship, so take advantage of this! This will save you money on food and drinks in the ship’s restaurants and bars.
  • Eat at the buffet. The buffet is the most affordable place to eat on a Disney cruise ship. You can get a variety of food items at the buffet, so you’re sure to find something you like.
  • Use the drink package. If you plan on drinking a lot of alcohol on your cruise, consider getting the drink package. This can save you money on drinks in the ship’s bars and restaurants.
  • Ask for discounts. Some restaurants on a Disney cruise ship offer discounts to kids, seniors, and military members. Be sure to ask about these discounts when you’re making your reservations.

What are some other tips for saving money on a Disney Cruise?

  • Pack light. You’ll save money on baggage fees if you pack light. You can also save money on laundry by washing your clothes in your cabin’s sink.
  • Don’t rent a car. You don’t need a car on a Disney cruise ship. Everything you need is within walking distance of your cabin.
  • Use the free activities. There are a lot of free activities to enjoy on a Disney cruise ship, such as swimming, sunbathing, and playing games. Take advantage of these free activities to save money on your cruise.
  • Don’t overspend in the gift shops. The gift shops on a Disney cruise ship are expensive. If you’re looking for souvenirs, consider buying them before or after your cruise.

By following these tips, you can save money on your next Disney Cruise!

there are a number of ways to save money on a Disney cruise. By planning ahead, being flexible with your dates, and taking advantage of discounts and promotions, you can save hundreds of dollars on your next trip.

Here are a few key takeaways:

  • Book your cruise early to get the best prices.
  • Consider traveling during the off-season or shoulder seasons to save money.
  • Be flexible with your dates and ports of call.
  • Look for discounts and promotions from Disney and third-party vendors.
  • Bring your own food and drinks to save money on onboard purchases.
  • Stay in a stateroom with an ocean view to save money on excursions.

By following these tips, you can enjoy a magical Disney cruise without breaking the bank.

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.