Set sail with exclusive savings on Disney Cruise Line, provided by Undercover Tourist! And for a limited time, book a Disney cruise and get a FREE bottle of French bubbly and a box of sweets as on onboard gift, on us. Ooh la la!
Disney cruises are one of our favorite ways to vacation. There's no denying that a Disney cruise is filled with incredible experiences, top-notch entertainment, delicious dining and exciting adventures. But let's be real here — no matter your budget, in today's age, everyone is thinking about the bottom line. The good news? With a little strategy and some thoughtful planning, you can sail away on the Disney cruise of your dreams at a discount. Here's how to save money on a Disney cruise, both when initially booking and once onboard. We've also included a few helpful pointers to consider throughout the planning process. With an open mind and calculator in hand, let's get down to it!
How to Save Money on a Disney Cruise
Book Early
Disney Cruise Line prices tend to work like airfare — the earlier you book, the better your chances of locking in a lower price. Disney cruises rarely get cheaper, unless you book very last minute. When new itineraries are announced (usually about 15 to 18 months in advance), that’s the sweet spot for booking. Early bookings not only help you save money on a Disney cruise, but they also give you the most options for your preferred stateroom. Want a verandah at a lower cost? Booking early is your best bet.
Of course, no matter the timeframe, you can save money on a Disney cruise when you book with your favorite frogs. Saving you some green is kind of our thing! You'll score exclusive Disney Cruise Line savings when you book with Undercover Tourist — meaning we can help you book a Disney cruise at a discount! While Undercover Tourist offers everyday savings, you'll find sometimes we have additional Disney cruise deals, which you can find here.
Secure Your Trip with Just 20% Down
One of the easiest ways to manage the cost of a Disney cruise is by taking advantage of the flexible payment option. You can secure your trip with just a 20% deposit at booking, then make payments at your own pace as long as the balance is paid off by the final payment deadline.
Final payment deadlines:
- 3-5 day cruises - 90 days prior
- 6+ day cruises - 120 days prior
- Concierge Level - 90 days for 1-5 day cruises, 120 days prior for 6+ day cruises
You'll see a payment schedule on Undercover Tourist's site as you book your cruise, but you can also check the Navigator app to see your balance and due dates.
Refund policies vary by stateroom type and length of cruise. See individual cruise details for more information.
Look for Last-Minute Deals
We know this is toadally opposite of what we just said, but if you've got the flexibility, consider booking a last-minute Disney cruise. When Disney wants to fill the remaining staterooms, these deals pop up closer to the sail date (think 30 days out). While stateroom availability may be limited, the prices can sometimes be significantly lower.
Keep in mind that you'll usually need to pay the full amount upfront for last-minute bookings. Don't froget to read and understand the fine print when it comes to refunds and cancellations.
Book an Inside Stateroom
Consider booking an interior stateroom — the most budget-friendly option on Disney Cruise Line. While these rooms don’t have an ocean view or verandah, they still include Disney’s exceptional service, comfortable accommodations and split-bathroom design (Deluxe Inside stateroom). An inside room is especially great for couples, families with younger children and shorter 3- or 4-day cruises since you’ll likely spend most of your time out enjoying the ship’s amenities, entertainment and dining.
Save With a Guaranteed Stateroom
A guaranteed stateroom is a great way to save money on a Disney cruise, especially if you don't have your heart set on a specific stateroom. Instead of picking your exact room, you'll select a category (Inside, Oceanview or Verandah) and Disney assigns your room closer to the sail date. Sometimes, you might even get pixie dusted with a complimentary upgrade if the ship isn't fully booked!
Yep, that means that you could potentially book a Guaranteed Stateroom for less than a standard verandah room and end up with a better location on the ship. A win is a win!
Similar to the tip above, this one comes with a few asterisks. Guaranteed Staterooms typically require full payment at the time of booking and are non-refundable.
Look Out for Specials and Promotions
Disney occasionally offers promotions, like discounts on select itineraries or reduced deposits. Disney Cruise Line also offers special discounted rates for military personnel and Florida residents on select sailings. These can be a lifesaver for families trying to stick to a budget. So keep a look out! Also, be sure to follow us on our social media channels on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok for Undercover Tourist's latest deals and promotions.
Travel During the Off-Season
If you've been here a while, you'll already know this next tip. We shout this from the rooftops (and on repeat) when it comes to planning your Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Univeral Orlando and Universal Hollywood vacations. If your schedule is flexible and you don't mind taking the kiddos out of school, it pays off to book during off-peak times like mid to late January, early February or mid-September.
The summer, holidays and the spring break window typically come with higher price tags and more crowds. Hey, we don't make the rules, but we want you to be aware. In this case, knowledge equals savings!
Book a Cruise Near You
This one may seem like a no-brainer, but considering the cost of airfare for an entire family justifies this point! Disney Cruise Line departs from multiple ports across the U.S. including Port Canaveral and Fort Lauderdale, FL; Galveston, TX; San Diego, CA; Honolulu, HI and neighboring San Juan, Puerto Rico and Vancouver, British Columbia. If you live within driving distance of one of these ports, you can save significantly by avoiding airfare, luggage fees, lodging and transportation.
If you do end up flying, we highly recommend arriving the day before to give yourself a little safety net. Flight delays and cancellations hoppen and we wouldn't want the ship to leave without you! We can help you save on your hotel and car rentals, too! Looking to explore the surrounding area once you're there? We have you covered with discounts on city attractions, as well.
Choose a 3- or 4-Night Sailing
Shorter itineraries, like 3- or 4-night sailings, are a great way to save money compared to longer cruises. But just think ... combine this with traveling during the off-season and snagging exclusive Disney Cruise Line pricing with Undercover Tourist, and it's a one-two punch for MAJOR savings!
How to Save Money on Your Disney Cruise Once Onboard
Bring Your Own Alcohol
Did you know that Disney Cruise Line allows you to BYOB? Each adult (21 and over) can bring two bottles of unopened wine or champagne or six beers at embarkation and at every port of call. Boujee on a budget, am I right? :)
You can store your libations in your in-room beverage cooler and your stateroom attendant will even deliver wine glasses and a bottle opener upon request. Alcohol brought onboard is intended to be enjoyed in your stateroom, however, you can bring an unopened bottle to drink with dinner in the dining rooms. A corking fee will apply to any unfinished bottles.
Be sure to read over DCL's alcohol policy before boarding and remember to pack any alcoholic beverages in your carry-on, not in your checked luggage.
Look for Drink Specials
- Disney Cruise Line doesn’t have all-inclusive drink packages, but they feature a discounted "Drink of the Day" instead. Each day, you’ll find one special alcoholic and one nonalcoholic drink at a reduced price. On a recent cruise, the Drink of the Day was $6.50 as compared to $10-$12. During themed cruises like Halloween on the High Seas, Very Merrytime Cruises or Marvel Day at Sea, the drinks match the theme. You can check the daily specials in the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app.
- Purchasing a souvenir cup can save you money on refills for the Drink of the Day. You’ll get more in the cup for the same price. There’s also a beer mug package available through Onboard Gifts, offering similar savings. For kids, there’s a souvenir smoothie cup, often sold during the Sail Away Celebration, with larger refills included. You can even use your cup at Disney Castaway Cay and Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.
- Look out for Happy Hour specials listed in the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app. These discounts pop up at different times and locations around the ship.
- You can pre-purchase wine and beer packages on the Disney Cruise Line website under Onboard Gifts. These packages save you money and are delivered straight to your stateroom.
- Don’t froget to ask about the Sommelier Bin, where you’ll get a “mystery” glass of wine or champagne. These are new but unfinished bottles that Disney Cruise Line does not want to go to waste. We received a $69 glass of Krug Grand Cuvée for just $13! The selection depends on what bottles are open, so it’s always a surprise.
- Love specialty coffee? Grab a punch card at any coffee bar on the ship. After buying five specialty coffees, your sixth one is free! Keep the card handy with your Key to the World card so you don’t forget it.
Check the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App for Deals
The Disney Cruise Line Navigator app will be your lifeline while onboard. This is where you'll find the daily activity schedule, character meet and greet locations, your Rotational Dining info, ship maps and more.
But the app will also be your best friend when it comes to finding onboard promotions. From spa treatments to jewelry discounts and even giveaways, the app keeps you informed about limited-time offers.
Set a Budget and Stick to It
There is so much included on a Disney cruise that technically once you're onboard, you really don't have to spend any more money if you don't want to!
Here's what's included in your cruise package that doesn't cost a dollar extra:
- Meals (all Rotational Dining restaurants and the ship's buffet)
- Beverages and snacks (nonalcoholic beverages including soft drinks, pool deck snacks, unlimited soft-serve)
- 24-hour room service (gratuities are not included)
- Onboard entertainment includes live Broadway-style shows, deck parties, fireworks at sea and more.
- Character meet-and-greets
- Adult-exclusive areas, themed bars and lounges
- Pools and recreation
- Youth clubs — Disney's Oceanner Club and Lab (ages 3-10), Edge (11-14) and Vibe (14-17)
- Umbrellas, loungers and towels at Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay
Notice, we said technically. Realistically speaking, you probably will spend a little extra for a few alcoholic beverages or special souvenirs throughout your trip. But with so much included, you don't have to go all out. Set a realistic budget and then stick to it!
So, what’s NOT included on a Disney cruise? Here are some of the optional, paid add-ons:
- Specialty dining options, including adults-only restaurants, cocktail seminars and more
- Spa services and select fitness classes
- Cafe goodies
- Ice cream shop novelties
- Laundry services
- Alcoholic beverages
- "it’s a small world" nursery
Before your trip, decide how much you’re comfortable spending on extras. Use the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app to track your folio balance, or check with Guest Services to get a detailed breakdown.
A trick that we haven't tried but have seen and read a lot about is purchasing discounted Disney Gift Cards at retailers like Sam’s Club or Costco. These cards are usually available for less than face value (typically 5% to 10% off the value of the card), which allows you to stretch your dollar.
Once onboard, head to Guest Services and apply your gift cards to your onboard account. This can cover expenses like automatic gratuities, alcoholic drinks, souvenirs or spa treatments. You can also use your Disney Gift Cards directly in the retail shops onboard the ship and at Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay.
Pack Smart
We know there's a lot to think about when packing the whole family up for a trip. But forgetting an essential like sunscreen, medicine or diapers can lead to pricey purchases onboard. Double-check your packing list, or better yet, use our ultimate Disney cruise packing list, to make sure you've got everything you'll need. Bring over-the-counter meds, chargers and toiletries to avoid the steep convenience markup at the onboard shops.
Use Your Discounts
Disney offers discounts to certain groups, so don’t forget to ask! Castaway Club members, Disney Vacation Club (DVC) members and Disney Visa cardholders often get perks like reduced prices on merchandise or spa services. Gold, Platinum and Pearl Castaway Club members are invited to a private reception on 8-night and longer sailings and experience special entertainment. Platinum and Pearl Members receive a complimentary dinner at Palo or Palo Steakhouse. Pearl Members are also entitled to a free digital photo package from Shutters Portrait Studio. If these benefits apply to you, then take advantage — every little bit adds up!
More Tips — How to Save Money on a Disney Cruise
Need more information? Hop to these posts for even more tips.
- When Should I Start Planning a Disney Cruise?
- Meet the Ships in the Disney Cruise Line Fleet
- Choosing the Right Stateroom for Your Family
- Disney Cruise Kids Clubs — Everything You Need to Know
- Our Posh Guide to Disney Cruise For Adults
Curious about other cruise lines? Want to compare? We've got all the details here — Let us help you plan the cruise of your dreams!
Savin' some green is our thing here at Undercover Tourist. We hope this post has given you some insights and resources to help you plan your dream Disney cruise vacation. If you've got any other money-saving tips, drop 'em in the comments below.
Related: Our Top 50+ Disney Cruise Tips You Need to Know
Hoppy planning!
