Disney Cruise Line is a top-rated cruise line for families due to its gorgeous ships, amazing ports of call, outstanding service, and kid's clubs. As with most things, popularity can also mean increased costs. It's not simple to save money on an Disney Cruise vacation. If you put in the effortand a bit of luck, you could save some real money. Here are some top tips to help you get started!
Book early/Rebook onboard
All Disney Cruise Line experts know that booking in advance (12-18 months ahead) will give you the best prices. Disney Cruise Line, like many other cruise lines utilizes a tiered pricing method. Tiered pricing is straightforward. As the cruise ship gets full, so does the cost of the cabin.
Use a travel agent
Contrary to public opinion, it does not cost additional to employ an agent to book travel. The majority of travel agents get their commissions from cruise lines. Agents for travel (like Dreams Unlimited Travel) will offer the same rate as booking direct through book a disney vacation and will also provide incentives, such as credit on the shipboard which Disney does not offer. Another reason to book through a travel agent is that they will watch for discounts and specials. This is their profession, and they are always aware of the latest developments.
Disney Chase Visa
Of course Disney will want you to have a lot of fun on their trips They really appreciate it when you use their credit card to fund the magical. I resisted this card for a while, but finally gave in and am glad I did. Rewards that I can utilize at the parks, in cruises or in hotels are appealing for me as a frequent Disney frequenter. I also appreciate the fact that special promotions are offered to Disney Chase Visa card members a few days before they are made available to the general public. The card gives you 2% on gas stations as well as at restaurants, supermarkets and all other purchases.
The gift card trick of Target
Target stores offer a discount of 5 percent on all purchases. The same applies to gift cards. It is convenient that Target offers Disney gift cards, so I bet you can see where this is going. Sign up at your local Target to receive the debit card. It will be attached to your bank account. Since it's a debit card, there are no fees for interest or finance. This is also compatible with the Target credit card, however, it's only sensible to apply for it when you intend to pay the card off in full, because the charges for finance will more than eliminate savings. There are numerous other fantastic ideas for getting discounts on gift cards (Disney other brands, etc.)) in the Disney Gift Card Deals thread.
Keep an eye on specials
It's simple - but the amount of people who haven't done their own research about this will shock you. Make sure you do your research and keep your eyes out for special rates. The discounts section is updated on the DIS frequently with the latest specials and offers. Specials for families who are active military or those who live in Florida are more frequent than the ones open to the general population. Discussion boards on DISboards.com are another excellent method to stay on top of what's going on with book a disney vacation. Disney regularly offers specials on sailings that are not sold out and these offers tend to come during the off season However, I've seen them offered on select itineraries throughout other seasons too.
Off Season/Flexibility
Prices can rise dramatically even when children aren't in school, as with any destination for family vacations. Christmas, summer, and spring break are at least 20%-30 percentage more costly than other times of the year. If you are able to travel outside of the season (i.e. you'll be able to save money on your cruise if you are traveling in the off-season (i.e.