what is a disney cruise placeholder

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Placeholder: 8 Questions and Answers

Updated January 21, 2024

What is a placeholder?

A placeholder is a special onboard discount offer on a future Disney cruise. You pay $250 to get a placeholder; the $250 goes towards the cost of the future cruise.

The Disney Cruise Line Onboard Booking Offer allows Guests to make a Placeholder Reservation for a future Disney cruise and enjoy 10% savings off prevailing rates as quoted on disneycruise.com, plus enjoy a reduced deposit on sailings 7 nights and longer . The offer is valid for up to 2 staterooms on one sail date per household on board, regardless of the number of adults in the household. This offer is valid for Categories 4 to 11 only. The cruise must commence within 24 months after the Placeholder Reservation was booked, or the reservation will automatically cancel.

Why should I book a Placeholder?

To save 10% off the prevailing cruise rate of your future cruise. Also, for cruises 7+ nights, the deposit is 10% of the cruise fare. Cruises under 7 nights require a 20% deposit of the cruise fare.

A Placeholder Reservation is an open-ended reservation that allows Guests to select their future sail date at a later time. A $250 deposit must be paid while on board and is fully refundable if the reservation is cancelled. Once a sail date is selected, standard cancellation fees apply.

How do you book a placeholder?

As I mentioned, you can only book your placeholder while aboard a Disney cruise. There are now two ways to book: the DCL Navigator app or going to the Future Cruise Sails desk and picking up a form.

Where do I go to book the placeholder?

Update March 2023 . The Future Cruise desk is not regularly open since Covid. Book your placeholder on the app. Go to the Future Cruise desk, complete the form and drop it into the box located on the desk. I always take a picture of the form after I fill it out, just in case it gets misplaced at the Future Cruise desk. Choose the save 10% off your next cruise on the app. You will be taken to the payment page. If you want to use a different card than the one you have on file, you can.

Your placeholder will be pending until the payment has cleared through the system. I would recommend taking a screenshot of the page in case you have any problems and don’t receive a confirmation of your placeholder.

When can I use my placeholder?

You must use it within 24 months of booking. Disney is strict with the deadline. If the next cruise you want to book is a day after the placeholder expires, you will not be able to use it.

Pro tip: book it as late on the cruise as you can. Don’t wait too late, though. The 10% off future cruise link disappears at midnight of the last full day. I waited too long and had to go to the Guest Services desk to request a form.

10% savings applies only to sailings that commence within 24 months after the Placeholder Reservation is booked on board.

Who can book a placeholder?

Anyone over the age of 18 can book up to two staterooms on one sail date per household onboard.

What is the catch?

You can not use a placeholder on blackout dates or for concierge-level bookings. Also, you currently need to call Disney to apply the placeholder to your chosen cruise. Therefore, if you are booking on opening day, you could be on the phone, on hold for hours.

Blockout dates apply; please contact Disney Cruise Line or your travel agent for specific block out dates. Reservations for future cruises that fall on block out dates are not eligible for the 10% savings offer. The offer cannot be combined with Florida Resident Rates, U.S. Military Rates or with any other special Rates.

Can I transfer it to my travel agent or Costco?

Yes, you have 30 days from purchasing the placeholder on the ship to transfer it to the TA of your choice if you did not name one when you purchased it.

What if I forget to book a placeholder?

I know this is the answer to question number nine, but recently Disney started a new offer for first-time cruisers. Once you disembark your first cruise, you can save up to $350 on your next one with the Castaway Club Welcome Offer . You can save up to $50 a night on the first 7 nights of your second cruise if you book it within 60 days of disembarking.

I hope that I answered many of the questions about placeholders for booking a future Disney cruise. Make sure you check my post about joining a fish extender exchange. Sign up for the newsletter to keep up to date with the latest Disney news and discounts . Check out some of our other tips and tricks for your next Disney Cruise.

This post may contain affiliate links. Meaning, that if you make a purchase through my links, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support of this site.

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28 thoughts on “ placeholder: 8 questions and answers ”.

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We last cruised in February 2020 before the COVID shutdown. We secured a placeholder while on board. Do you know if placeholder deadlines have been extended since cruising has not yet resumed?

As far as I know, if you book a cruise with a placeholder before it expires you can use it to book a cruise up to Fall 2022. If you have not used your placeholder and the expiry date passes DCL will refund your money.

In my Castaway Club account, my pre-COVID placeholder is listed as one of my cruises with a Jan 1, 2034 date in a GTY room.

With the placeholder to I need to cruise within 24 months or do I need to book within 24 months?

Your cruise needs to begin within 24 months.

Hi, as a very lucky cruiser in the UK we did a 3 day cruise based in the UK, whilst onboard we booked a placeholder an received a confirmation email. I have just tried to use but was informed this couldn’t be used as the option was not taken? I booked the original through a T/A and they are confused also. Disney cruise not that helpful when called, any ideas what I can do? I have checked my credit card and they have not taken payment

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Hi – one additional point with the new way of booking On-Board Booking placeholders – if you use the app it will default to your credit card on file. We like to purchase ours with Disney Gift Cards (since we get those at a 5% discount from Target) and there’s no way to do that via the app. You have to go to Guest Services while on the cruise, tell them you want to purchase a placeholder with a Gift Card, and they will set up the order for Disney to follow up with you when you are back home to take the payment and give you your reservation number. It’s a very inefficient system – some folks have had to wait a considerable period of time before getting that call. I ended up calling DCL and getting it arranged when I returned home by calling them instead of waiting for them to call me. Just wanted to share my experience on this specific item. Thank you for all this wonderful info!

How do we actually apply the placeholder credit when booking? I can’t figure it out.

You need to call DCL to apply the placeholder for your booking. The $250 you paid for the placeholder will go towards your deposit.

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Does the 10% discount apply to a cruise booked in the 24 months or is that only for booked cruises while on the current cruise ? Thanks, I can’t seem to figure that part out !

I am not sure what you are asking? The 10% is for any regularly priced cruise fare. The cruise must begin within 24 months of when you booked the placeholder. If your cruise starts on the July 17, 2022 and you book the placeholder on July 21, 2022. You can get the discount on ant cruise that begins by July 21, 2024. It is always a good idea to book your placeholder near the end of your trip. I hope that answers your question 🙂

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Re: the Costco transfer: The 30-day countdown begins on THE DAY YOU PURCHASE THE PLACEHOLDER. You need to purchase a cruise AND transfer it to Costco within that window. If you buy the placeholder and then purchase a cruise with it more than a month later, you are SOL.

My wife and I bought a placeholder onboard the Vancouver-Hawaii cruise last April, and then later that summer, used it to buy a Northern Europe cruise for this September. The next day I called Costco to transfer it, and they couldn’t do it because the purchase date of the cruise gets listed as the purchase date of the placeholder!

Yes, you must transfer the placeholder within 30 days of purchasing it.

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One placeholder ($250) will give you a 10% discount on up to two rooms on a future cruise? Or is it purchase two placeholders ($500) for use on a 10% discount on two rooms on a future cruise? 1 placeholder=1 discounted room or 1 placeholder=2 discounted rooms? Also, if two placeholders purchased they have to be used on SAME future cruise? I’m reading conflicting answers throughout various posts and not sure what is true/false

You need 1 placeholder for 1 discounted room. If you purchase two placeholders on a cruise they must be used on the same cruise. I hope that helps 🙂

Hi! My husband and I are taking our second Disney cruise in February (we got a placeholder last year). On this cruise, can we get placeholders for two cabins with one being for us and the other for my daughter and her family?

Yes you can. Each cabin can book up to two placeholders to be used on one future cruise.

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If we use our placeholder for back to back shorter cruises do we get 10% discount on both cruises? Or would it just be on the first one?

No, sadly you only get the discount on one cruise.

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What Is A Disney Cruise Placeholder? Plus 3 Perks To Placing One

• Cruises and Sailing
• Disney Cruises
• Types of Travel

A Disney Cruise placeholder is an incentive to book future cruises only available to passengers while they’re on a Disney Cruise. 

If sailing with Disney Cruise Line is in your future, you’ll want to be savvy about Disney Cruise placeholders (referred to by Disney as “onboard booking offers”) before setting sail. There are so many fun things to do on Disney ships that, while they’re not a secret, it’s easy to miss booking that cruise placeholder if you don’t know the opportunity exists. This guide to placeholders and the perks (and limitations) of booking one will give you all the information to help you decide whether signing up for this discount is right for you. Spoiler alert: It probably is.

If you’ve enjoyed your time aboard one of Disney Cruise Line’s five ships and can reasonably foresee another cruise within the next 2 years, booking a placeholder makes sense and gives you something to look forward to between vacations.

What’s A Disney Cruise Placeholder?

Pretty much what it sounds like. While you don’t actually book your future cruise while you’re on a Disney Cruise, you pay a deposit that sets you up for a future discount that can be used within the next 24 months. You’ll get an overall 10 percent discount on your cruise when you book it.

The deposit is $250 per stateroom, which will go toward the cost of your future cruise. If you work with a travel planner, you’ll have 30 days to transfer the booking. Disney Cruise Line will send you a confirmation email, so just forward that to your planner/agent if you use one.

Here are some perks of booking a Disney Cruise placeholder.

1. It’s Super Easy

Here’s how to do it. If you want to take advantage of the cruise placeholder, you can do it on the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app (available on Google Play and the App Store ). A couple of taps is all it takes, and the credit card associated with your stateroom will be charged. You’ll be able to see the charge in your folio, along with anything else you might have charged to your stateroom while on board (like alcohol, souvenirs, spa treatments, and so on.)

If you’re tech challenged, you can look for the Future Cruise Desk on board. Disney Cruise Line has gone increasingly digital (one recent unpopular decision was to eliminate the paper Navigator that listed daily activities), and you might have a difficult time finding the Future Cruise Desk manned. We’ve seen the Future Cruise Desk on our last two Disney Cruises (both in 2022) but haven’t seen humans at that desk once. If you want to talk to a live person before booking a cruise placeholder, or just need help, go to guest services.

You can book up to two staterooms (one sail date) per household on board.

2. It Saves You Money

Disney Cruise Line’s prices are at the high end of the cruise pricing spectrum. If you’re looking for discount prices on cruises, Disney isn’t typically going to be where you look. The cruise placeholder discount is one of the few that Disney Cruise Line consistently offers.

Ten percent off your cruise might not seem like a ton, but it’s about as good of a discount as you’re going to get with Disney. The initial deposit also goes toward the cost of your future cruise. You may be required to pay an additional deposit when you actually go to book your cruise, but your cost will be reduced by $250, so the amount may not seem as daunting.

3. It Mitigates The ‘Sad Trombone’ Of Getting Off The Ship

Cruise time always seems to be at warp speed for me. I look forward to my cruise for what seems like ages, and it’s over all too quickly. Our family is always a little mopey on that last day because we don’t want our good times to come to an end. Booking the cruise placeholder gives you that little treat to look forward to and turns a goodbye into a “See you real soon.”

Guardrails And Limitations To Be Aware Of

While booking a cruise placeholder is a good deal, there are some limitations passengers need to be aware of before they start pushing buttons in the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app.

Don’t wait too long. The link to the placeholder in the app goes away at midnight on the last full day of the cruise, although you can check with guest services if you miss the booking window in the app.

Disney is strict with the dates. The placeholder is good for 24 months, not 24 months and 1 day. Reserve your placeholder as late in the cruise as possible (so as little as possible of your 24-month clock is ticking while you’re still on board), but don’t leave the actual booking until the last minute.

The Disney Cruise placeholder discount cannot be used in conjunction with other discounts. “The onboard booking offer (AKA placeholder) can be a great value to save on a Disney Cruise,” says Disney Cruise Travel Planner Karen Shelton . “Sadly, all concierge staterooms and suites are excluded from the discount.” If you’ve got your heart set on concierge, this discount won’t be any good to you. 

The biggest drawback to booking a cruise when you’ve reserved a placeholder is that you must call and book your cruise versus reserving online. Traditionally, travelers have experienced long hold times on opening day (the first day new cruises/routes are available to book), but cruisers have reported ordinary calls to the Disney Cruise Line call center to be extra long in 2022. You can eliminate the wait time by giving the cruise over to a travel agent (they’ll be the ones waiting on hold, not you), but you’ve only got a 30-day window to do that.

What’s The Catch?

There really isn’t one. Booking a placeholder is about as zero risk as it gets. If you don’t book a cruise within the allotted time, your deposit will be returned to you. You’ve got 2 years to find a cruise, book it, and sail, but if that doesn’t happen, you’ll get your full deposit back. Other than having $250 tied up for 2 years, there’s no risk to booking a cruise placeholder, so if you think you’re going to want to be a repeated Disney cruiser within the allotted time, booking that placeholder is probably a smart decision.

Related Reading:

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Although Jill is an expert in Texas travel and theme park travel, she'll jump at the opportunity to go just about anywhere. From multigenerational trips to couples getaways, Jill never met an adventure she didn't like. Her most memorable travel experience was when her adult daughter took her to Morocco for her 52nd birthday, affirming that the travel bug has been successfully passed to a new generation.

Dale, Let's Travel!

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Disney cruise line placeholder: what is it and why get it, if you are considering a disney cruise line adventure, you might have come across the term "placeholder reservation." but what exactly is it, and why should you consider making one let's delve into the details..

1. What is a Placeholder Reservation?

A Placeholder Reservation is essentially an open-ended reservation made exclusively onboard a Disney Cruise Line ship for a future sailing date within 24 months. It is a way to secure a spot for your next cruise without committing to a specific date or itinerary.

2. How much is a Placeholder Reservation?

To create a Placeholder Reservation, you must place a $250 deposit. 

3. Why should I book a Placeholder?

The primary incentive for reserving a placeholder is the 10% discount available on prevailing rates, as quoted on the Disney Cruise Line website, coupled with the advantage of a reduced deposit for sailings lasting 7 nights or more.

4. What if I change my mind?

Yet another compelling reason for securing a placeholder is that if you decide to cancel your placeholder or do not pick a specific sailing date by the end of the 24 months, it is fully refundable! This is game-changing in the cruise industry, as most cruise lines typically do not offer refunds for future voyage deposits if they are not utilized. However, it is essential to note that standard cancellation fees will apply once specific travel dates are chosen.

5. Can I still use my Travel Agent with a Placeholder?

Absolutely! If you wish to use your Travel Agent with your Disney Cruise Placeholder, you can request your reservation to be linked to your current agent as you create the reservation. If you do not have a travel agent, want to change your agent, or did not get the chance to link him/her previously, you have 30 days after you place your reservation to do so. Also, if you prefer utilizing Costco, you can still enlist their services seamlessly alongside your Placeholder Reservation - make sure you do this within 30 days.

6. What are the restrictions?

When considering Placeholder Reservations, it is important to note that the offer extends to a maximum of two staterooms per household for a single sail date, irrespective of the household's adult count.

Furthermore, this offer applies solely to categories 4 to 11. this means that suites and disney cruise concierge staterooms are excluded from the offer. therefore, to benefit from the placeholder reservation offer, you must opt for an inside, ocean view, or verandah cabin..

Furthermore, the cruise must commence within 24 months of booking; otherwise, the reservation will automatically be canceled. For instance, if you placed your reservation on January 22, 2024, you have until January 21, 2026, to commence your new sailing. Failure to do so will result in automatic cancellation of the reservation, and the deposit will be refunded.

This offer cannot be combined with discounts such as florida resident rates, u.s. military rates, or any other special offers. moreover, it does not extend to categories like vgt, ogt, or igt with restrictions (which are guaranteed staterooms). it is also not applicable for 2-night sailings. additionally, it is crucial to note any blackout dates, which are listed below for reference..

Onboard Offer Blackout Dates:

Disney Dream - 11/20/2023, 12/23/2023, 12/28/2023, 03/31/2024, 11/23/2024, 11/27/2024, 12/21/2024, 12/26/2024, 12/30/2024    

Disney fantasy - 11/18/2023, 12/23/2023, 12/30/2023, 03/23/2024, 03/30/2024, 06/08/2024, 11/23/2024, 12/22/2024, 12/26/2024, 12/29/2024, disney magic - 11/18/2023, 06/06/2024, 11/25/2024, 12/29/2024, disney wonder - none, disney wish - 11/20/2023, 12/22/2023, 12/26/2023, 12/29/2023, 03/25/2024, 03/29/2024, 04/01/2024, 11/25/2024, 12/23/2024, 12/27/2024, 12/30/2024, 04/14/2025, 04/18/2025, 04/21/2025, disney treasure - 12/21/2024, 12/28/2024.

7. How to book your Placeholder Reservation?

To secure your placeholder, access the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app while onboard and find the option labeled "10% off a future cruise." Then, indicate whether you wish to place deposits on 1 or 2 staterooms. After that, you will be on a payment page.

Should you prefer to use a different credit card than the original form of payment on file for your deposit, you can easily update your payment information within the app. in case of any difficulties, you can seek assistance from guest services, as the future cruise sales desk has been closed post-covid, and they are available to provide support., when you make a placeholder reservation, you will receive a confirmation email containing your reservation number and other pertinent details. this email serves as proof of your reservation and includes instructions on how to proceed with finalizing your booking at a later time..

Example of Savings

Let's say you just got off a Disney Cruise Ship and made a Disney Cruise Placeholder booking! Now, you want to go on the Disney Treasure, the brand-new ship that launches in December 2024, for your next Disney Cruise Line Vacation. 

Specifically, you are considering their 7-night western caribbean cruise from port canaveral itinerary sailing out in february 2025. the cost for a family of four (2 adults and 2 children) to stay in an oceanview room will be around $7,831.12 with taxes and fees of $691.12. the 10% off from your placeholder will save you $714 on your sailing , plus, the $250 deposit you made onboard will go directly toward paying a portion of your total amount due. the best part about this sailing option is that it will also provide you with a reduced deposit since it is a sailing lasting 7 nights or more..

Disney Cruise Line offers Placeholder Reservations for your future Disney Cruise, and the only way to book this special offer is while onboard your current cruise. The placeholder deposit is only $250 and gives you two fantastic incentives of 10% off your next magical Disney Cruise and a reduced deposit for sailings 7-nights or longer - all without having to book your specific cruise right then and there. If you enjoyed your time on your cruise, make sure you take advantage of this offer and book your Disney Cruise Line Placeholder!

8. I am ready to pick my sailing, now what?

If you linked a travel agent to your placeholder, you will contact them with your preferred sailing information, and they will figure it out for you. If you did not link a travel agent, once you are ready to select your cruise, you will call 1-800-939-2784 for further assistance!

Important Note to Reiterate

A Placeholder Reservation is a Disney Cruise Line Onboard Booking Offer ONLY. You cannot book a placeholder once you get back home.

​Happy Sailing!

A Placeholder Reservation with Disney Cruise Line is a fantastic opportunity to secure future voyages at sea with great savings and flexibility. With no catch, thanks to the refundable deposit, no cruise enthusiast should miss out on this chance to save on their next magical cruise adventure. Do not hesitate to seize this opportunity for an unforgettable journey on the high seas!

Check out my other Disney Cruise Line blog posts below:

How much does a Disney Cruise cost? Pricing and More  - Have you wanted to go on a Disney cruise, but have always heard they are expensive? Check out this post for information on the cost & more!

What's Included and Not Included in your Disney Cruise Fare  - Going on or thinking about going on a Disney Cruise & wanting to know more about what is and is not included? Check out this ultimate guide!

Things to Do on the Disney Wish: Onboard Activities - The Disney Wish is the largest Disney cruise ship & with that, it has a ton of onboard activities for everyone to enjoy! Click to learn more

Disney Cruise Line Port Canaveral: Terminal Info and More  - Everything you need to know for getting to and parking at Disney Cruise Line's Terminal at Port Canaveral, Florida! Check it out!

Menus for Disney Wish Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure  - Dining at Arendelle on the Disney Wish is an experience like no other! Check out this post for more details on what you can expect to enjoy!

Disney Castaway Cay 5K: Details on How to Participate  - Disney Castaway Cay 5K is a fun run for all ages on Disney's private island, Castaway Cay! The best part? It is free and at your own pace!

Your Guide to Disney Cruise Line's Drink Packages  - Discover Disney Cruise Line's unique drink options – from beer and wine packages to onboard beverage tastings. Cheers to a magical voyage!

Have you ever used a disney cruise line placeholder reservation did you think it was worth it let me know in the comments below share this article with the person or people you want to go on your next adventure with also, be sure to subscribe below to learn about other places you should add to your "to visit" list ready okay, vamos. time to have fun.

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*This article is not sponsored by Disney Cruise Line, any of the above mentioned locations, or their affiliates.*

** all the prices above are subject to change without notice by the respective owner(s). for up-to-date pricing, check the disney cruise line website. **, recent posts.

What's Included and Not Included in your Disney Cruise Fare

How much does a Disney Cruise cost? Pricing and More

Disney Cruise Line Information

DCL Fan is your source for Disney Cruise Line Information, News, and Discounts

What Is a Disney Cruise Line Placeholder & Are There Benefits To Booking One?

Disney Cruise Line has an Onboard Booking Offer that allows guests who are aboard a Disney cruise to make a Placeholder Reservation for a future Disney cruise. You may be more familiar with the term “placeholder” which refers to the Disney Cruise Line Onboard Booking Offer .

A placeholder reservation is an open-ended reservation that allows guests to select their future sail date at a later time. A deposit must be paid while onboard and is fully refundable if the reservation is canceled. Once a sail date is selected, standard cancellation fees apply.

Booking your next Disney cruise vacation while still aboard the ship allows you to take advantage of paying a reduced deposit amount on sailings 7-nights and longer (currently $250), plus you’ll receive a 10% discount off prevailing rates.

The offer can be used to book a maximum of 2 staterooms on one sail date per household onboard, regardless of the number of adults in the household. Staterooms are available to sleep a variety of a number of guests, so be sure to check with your Dreams Unlimited Travel agent for larger parties.

The cruise must commence within 24 months after the Placeholder Reservation was booked, or the reservation will automatically cancel.

Once on board, you can use the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app to book a placeholder reservation for a future sailing.

Onboard booking blockout dates are listed in the chart below.

The offer cannot be combined with Florida Resident Rates , U.S. Military Rates or with any other special offer or discount. Not valid on VGT, OGT, or IGT Categories with Restrictions or 2-night sailings.

About Post Author

Jackie Gailey

Senior Editor at The DIS and DCL Fan | Disney Vacation Club Member | Thrilled to have been a ’13/’14 Disney Parks Moms Panelist (now planDisney) | Lover of all things Disney; the Magic of Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and Disney Cruise Line | ºoº

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Why a Disney Cruise Placeholder is a Game-Changer

If you’re like me, you’re always looking for ways to make your next Disney Cruise even more magical.

But what if I told you there’s a game-changing secret that could save you money on future cruises?

Yep, you read that right! It’s called a Disney Cruise Placeholder, and trust me, you’re going to want to know all about it.

This simple yet powerful trick could be your golden ticket to incredible savings and even more Disney magic. So, let’s dive in and discover why a Disney Cruise Placeholder is a must-have for any savvy cruiser!

What is a Disney Cruise placeholder?

The placeholder starts as a piece of paper. Pick one up midship on Deck 4 at the Vacation Planning desk .

It works by telling Disney you want to sail again with them sometime within the next 24 months.

NOTE: You can only submit a placeholder while you are onboard a Disney cruise – not after your cruise ends.

Benefits of submitting a Disney Cruise placeholder

You may be wondering why you want to do this, especially if you are not sure you will be cruising within that timeframe.

There are two main benefits:

• Reduced Deposit – It only costs $250 per room to reserve (a 7-night cruise). This is less than the standard 20% that it normally costs.
• Onboard booking discount – You receive a 10% discount off the current price of your chosen stateroom, except Concierge bookings

The onboard booking bonus is a Disney Cruise hack for saving money on your next cruise.

How does the placeholder work?

On it, you fill out your name, email address, stateroom and a couple of questions regarding your current cruise.

One question asks if you want to continue to use your current travel agent. Check yes and your travel agent is sent an email with your placeholder confirmation code.

In addition, many travel agents continue to give you some type of onboard credit, although it is usually reduced (ours is by 50%) compared to the first Disney cruise you booked through them.

Reserve up to 2 rooms, listing the names and birthdates of each person traveling, or simply check the box noting it’s the same people you are currently sharing a stateroom with.

Reserving a cruise now

If you know the exact date you wish to travel for your next cruise, work with a Vacation Planner at the beginning of the cruise. Don’t wait until the end because they are a lot busier with more requests.

Once you have it set up, you are done.

Reserving a placeholder

However, if you are unsure about your next cruise date or if the dates you want to plan are not released yet, simply fill out the card.

If you are using your credit card on file to pay for the deposit, all you have to do is drop the card in the box at the vacation planning desk. However, if you would like to use a different payment method, you need to have a Vacation Planner process the payment for you.

You will get an email confirmation (and your travel agent will too if you noted you wanted to use them) to the address provided.

Travel must start within 24 months of when Disney receives your placeholder card.

Cancel at any time during these 24 months and Disney will refund your deposit. Likewise, if you do not convert your placeholder, your money will be refunded as well.

Therefore, you have nothing to lose by choosing this option.

How to convert your placeholder

If you already talked to a Disney Vacation Planner and picked your next cruise date, you are good to go.

However, if you dropped your card in the box, convert your placeholder by calling Disney Cruise Line at 800-951-3532 or by contacting your travel agent (assuming you checked the box saying you wanted to continue using this agent).

Isn’t that simple for a 10% savings on your next Disney Cruise?

Are you still unsure what cruise line to book? Compare the best cruise lines for families and get all the information you need to know!

For more Disney Cruise advice, check out the following:

• How to Organize Your Disney Cruise Stateroom
• Connect at Sea – How to Use Wifi on Your Disney Cruise
• 15 Disney Cruise Embarkation Day Tips You Need to Know

Have you reserved through a Disney Cruise placeholder card? We did, but we haven’t booked it yet. How far apart was your next cruise booked for? Please let me know in the comments!

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Christine is a Disney World annual pass holder and overall Disney expert and fanatic. She often visits the Disneylands around the world naming Disneyland Paris her favorite. To continue reading, click more about me .

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Disney Cruise Placeholder – How to Save Money Updated 2024

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What is a Disney Cruise Placeholder? It is one of the best ways of saving money on a Disney cruise!

Here we show you how you can use a Disney cruise placeholder booking to save money on your next Disney cruise.

Disney Cruise Placeholder – How Will it Save You Money?

A Disney Cruise Placeholder is sometimes known as a Disney Cruise dummy booking.

This way of booking is only available to you when you are actually sailing on a Disney cruise .

There is no other way to book a Placeholder. You have to be onboard a Disney ship. Once you leave the ship it is too late.

If you book onboard a Disney cruise and book specific dates you can also get discounts and perks.

If you know when you are going to sail with Disney cruises again and you know exactly when it is a good idea to book the exact sailing that you want.

Join my Disney Cruise Group for Tips and Free Giveaways!

However, if you do not know which dates you want to book a Placeholder Disney cruise booking is something that you really need to think about.

If you book a Disney Cruise Placeholder or book the actual dates you will get a 10% discount on the current rate of the cruise.

This is obviously a big saving that can easily run into hundreds of dollars.

If you book a Placeholder you will get a reference number to prove that you have paid your $250 Placeholder deposit

In the past, you also got an Onboard Credit. You got a $200 OBC if you book 7 nights or more, and $100 OBC for 3 to 6 nights. This OBC was per stateroom.

However, Disney has now taken away that benefit.

You do not get onboard credit anymore.

How Does a Disney Cruise Placeholder Work?

You cannot use a Placeholder for a 1 or 2-night Disney Cruise.

There really aren’t many 2-night Disney cruises so this is unlikely to matter to you.

It is also not valid for Guaranteed stateroom bookings of IGT, OGT, and VGT. Those are the codes for Inside, Outside, and Verandah Guarantee staterooms.

A Guaranteed Stateroom is where you make a booking for a select category of the stateroom.

You do not pick the stateroom.

Disney will allocate you a stateroom in at least that category. And there is a small chance you may get upgraded.

The discount and reduced deposit are not valid for Concierge staterooms either.

The Placeholder also has the advantage of a reduced deposit on sailings 7 nights and longer.

The snag with a Disney Cruise Placeholder?

It can only be booked when you are onboard a Disney cruise. It is easy though.

You can easily use the Navigator App to make the Placeholder booking.

It used to be that you had to either visit the Future Cruise desk to book or fill out a form and drop it at the desk. However, since sailing restarted the Future Cruise Desk has not been offered.

Right now, due to current changes, the Future Cruise desk is closed. BUT is is very simple to book on the Navigator App when you are onboard.

Can a Disney Cruise First Timer Book a Placeholder?

This is not a benefit that you can book unless you are on the ship.

Therefore it’s not available unless you are already sailing on your first cruise.

There are other ways that everyone can get discounts on a Disney cruise.

See our guide at How To Save Money on a Disney Cruise for more ideas.

Disney Cruise Placeholder FAQ

The Disney Cruise Placeholder is valid for 2 years from the date that you booked.

So you have a good amount of time to decide on which Disney cruise you would like to sail on next.

This really is a no-risk way to get a discount on a Disney cruise. Of course, you have to pay a $250 upfront deposit, but if you change your mind within the 2-year window you get all your money back.

There are some block-out dates that cannot be used for the Placeholder 10% discount. You will still get the Onboard Credit and reduced deposit, but you will not get the Disney Cruise discount.

The block-out dates for all Placeholder and Onboard Disney Cruise booking discounts are:

Disney Wish Sailings

4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral – 11/20/2023

4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral – 11/22/2023

3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral – 12/26/2023

4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral – 12/29/2023

Disney Fantasy Sailings

7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral – 11/18/2023

7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral – 12/23/2023

7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral – 12/30/2023

Disney Magic Sailings

7-Night Mexican Riviera Cruise from San Diego – 7/18/2023

Disney Dream Sailings

5-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Fort Lauderdale – 11/20/2023

5-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Fort Lauderdale – 12/23/2023

5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale with 2 stops at Disney Castaway Cay – 12/28/2023

You can still use a Placeholder for these but it is of no value as you forfeit the 10% discount.

You can make two Disney Cruise Placeholder bookings per stateroom.

This is in contrast to booking a specific date onboard a Disney cruise.

Then you can only book one cruise per household.

A Disney Cruise Placeholder cannot be used for Concierge staterooms or Guaranteed Stateroom bookings.

When you book a Disney Placeholder Cruise you will specify the guests who are on the booking.

However, as long as the person who made the Placeholder booking is in the finally booked stateroom, then you will still keep your discounts and onboard credit.

A Placeholder is not transferable to anyone else. The person who booked the Placeholder has to be on the final booking.

If you want to use a Travel Agent with a Disney Cruise Placeholder then you can request this on your booking when you are onboard.

If you have already used a Travel agent you can request that the same one is linked to your Placeholder.

If you have not specified a Travel Agent you can do so up to 30 days after you have booked your Placeholder.

The Disney Cruise Placeholder is one of the easiest ways to save money on a Disney cruise. You don’t need to decide which cruise you want to book yet. You have a whole 24 months to book and sail.

The savings are considerable and Onboard Credit will help in paying for gratuities, activities, or anything else that you want to purchase onboard your next Disney cruise.

If you are sailing on a Disney cruise and love it you have to book a Placeholder!

Join my Disney Cruise Group for exclusive Tips and Free Giveaways!

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Alison Meacham is the founder of EverythingMouse Disney Blog. For over 15 years she has shared her love of Disney Parks, Disney Cruises and Universal Orlando.  In over 30 years of Disney Travel she has spent countless months in Disney Parks and has sailed on over 45 cruises. A British native and now a United States resident she splits her time between California, Florida and the UK. And spends a serious amount of time sailing the seven seas. She helps over 200,000 people per month follow their Disney travel dreams.

Disney Cruise Placeholder Changes - EverythingMouse Guide To Disney

Sunday 9th of February 2020

[…] the past, if you booked a future cruise onboard a Disney ship, or simply booked a Placeholder where you could decide dates later to be taken within 2 years you got various […]

Wednesday 2nd of January 2019

If I take a Disney cruise and want to book a placeholder for myself in addition to 3 other cabins for my sister, brother and parents, can this be done? If I have all of their information and put their names on the reservations?

Thanks Kelly W.

Friday 16th of November 2018

You said you cant use a place holder on a 3 night cruise. I cant verify this. Is this true?

Sunday 18th of November 2018

Thank you for pointing this out. The Placeholder can in fact be used on a 3 night cruise - I apologize as this was an error.

You can't use it for 1 or 2 night bookings. You can also use it for Concierge but you would only get the On Board Credit, not the reduced deposit or the discount.

Disney Cruise San Diego 2019Disney Cruise San Diego 2019 - EverythingMouse Guide To Disney

Sunday 5th of August 2018

[…] dates are block out dates for the onboard booking offer. In other words, if you already have a place holder booking held for a future Disney cruise, you cannot use it for these 2 night San Diego cruises. These […]

Disney Cruise Tips107 Disney Cruise Tips and Hacks You Have to Know Before You Sail 2018 - EverythingMouse Guide To Disney

Wednesday 18th of July 2018

[…] $200. Don’t know which Disney cruise you want to sail on next? You can book what is called a Disney Cruise Place Holder and decide at a later date which one you want to sail on. You have two years to sail on a Disney […]

Trust In Castle Coaches Travel To Plan Your Next Vacation! Request A Quote Today! 

469-777-6371.

• Apr 13, 2023

Disney Cruise Line Placeholder Explained!

You are half way through your Disney Cruise and as expected, you are having an amazing time and don't want to leave. You are already planning in your heard when you can return and how quickly you can get back. If you’ve enjoyed your time aboard one of Disney Cruise Line’s five ships and can foresee another cruise within the next 2 years, booking a placeholder (referred to by Disney as “onboard booking offers”) makes sense and gives you something to look forward to between vacations. There are so many fun things to do on Disney ships that, while they’re not a secret, it’s easy to miss booking a cruise placeholder if you don’t know the opportunity exists. This guide to placeholders and the perks (and limitations) of booking one will give you all the information to help you decide whether signing up for this discount is right for you. Spoiler alert: It is!

What is a Placeholder?

A Disney Cruise placeholder is an incentive to book future cruises only available to passengers while they’re on a Disney Cruise. A placeholder is a special onboard discount offered to anyone over the age of 18. You pay $250 to get a placeholder; the $250 goes towards the cost of the future cruise. The Disney Cruise Line Onboard Booking Offer allows Guests to make a Placeholder Reservation for a future Disney cruise and enjoy 10% savings off prevailing rates as quoted on disneycruise.com, plus enjoy a reduced deposit on sailings 7 nights and longer . The offer is valid for up to 2 staterooms on one sail date per household on board, regardless of the number of adults in the household. This offer is valid for Categories 4 to 11 only.

Why should I book a Placeholder?

More like, why not!?! Booking a placeholder is about as zero risk as it gets. If you don’t book a cruise within the allotted time, your deposit will be returned to you. You’ve got 2 years to find a cruise, book it, and sail, but if that doesn’t happen, you’ll get your full deposit back. Other than having $250 tied up for 2 years, there’s no risk to booking a cruise placeholder, so if you think you’re going to want to be a repeated Disney cruiser within the allotted time, booking that placeholder is probably a smart decision.Here are our top three reasons.

1. It’s Super Easy

A couple of taps is all it takes, and the credit card associated with your stateroom, you can also add a different one, will be charged. More on how to book later.

2. It Saves You Money

This is a great opportunity to save. Disney Cruise Line rarely has any type of promos, and the cruise placeholder discount is one of the few that Disney Cruise Line consistently offers. 10% off your cruise might not seem like a ton, but it’s about as good of a discount as you’re going to get with Disney. The initial deposit also goes toward the cost of your future cruise. You may be required to pay an additional deposit when you actually go to book your cruise, but your cost will be reduced by $250, so the amount may not seem as daunting. PLUS, the deposit is fully refundable should plans change so there is nothing to loose.

3. It keeps the tears away on disembarkation less

We can't be the only ones who cry at the end of a Disney Cruise Vacation? A placeholder gives you something to look forward to and plan for. Let the countdown begin! Plus, booking earlier usually gives you the best price and also lets you have a better choice of staterooms available.

How do you book a Placeholder?

If you want to take advantage of the cruise placeholder, you can do it on the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app (available on Google Play and the App Store ). A couple of taps is all it takes, and the credit card associated with your stateroom, you can also add a different one, will be charged. You’ll be able to see the charge in your folio, along with anything else you might have charged to your stateroom while on board If you want to talk to a live person before booking a cruise placeholder, or just need help, go to guest services.

and just like that, you are all booked and confirmed!

Can I transfer my Placeholder to Castle Coaches Travel?

Absolutely! You have 30 days from purchasing the placeholder on the ship to submit a transfer form . Then, you can work with the Castle Coach of your choice if you did not name one when you purchased it. If you are currently booked with a travel agent, you can request that the new booking remain with that travel agent.

Not only are we at Castle Coaches Travel Disney Cruise Line addicts with tons of first hand experience to share on every single ship, we will also save you tons of time. While you do book a Placeholder onboard, you will still actually need to call Disney to apply the placeholder to your chosen cruise. Sometimes this means waiting on hold for hours at a time. This especially holds true if you are booking on opening day for new itineraries/dates.

Limitations To Be Aware Of

Don’t wait too long! The link to the placeholder in the app goes away at midnight on the last full day of the cruise, although we have personally still be able to book on disembarkation day. You can always check with guest services if you miss the booking window in the app. Disney is strict with the dates. The placeholder is good for 24 months, not 24 months and 1 day so it is best to reserve your placeholder for the last day of your cruise. Set an alert so you don't forget!

A placeholder can not be combined with Florida Resident Rates, U.S. Military Rates or with any other special rates. Not valid on VGT, OGT, or IGT Categories with Restrictions or 2-night sailings.One can also not use a placeholder on blackout dates or for concierge-level bookings.

CURRENT Onboard booking blockout dates are listed in the chart below.

Disney Dream: 11/20/2023, 12/23/2023, 12/28/2023, 03/31/2024 Disney Fantasy: 11/18/2023, 12/23/2023, 12/30/2023, 03/23/2024, 03/30/2024, 06/08/2024 Disney Magic: 11/18/2023, 06/06/2024 Disney Wish: 04/03/2023, 04/07/2023, 11/20/2023, 12/22/2023, 12/26/2023, 12/29/2023, 03/25/2024, 03/29/2024, 04/01/2024, Disney Wonder: No Current Dates

What if I forget to book a placeholder?

It happens to the best of us, don't stress. Disney also has an offer for first-time cruisers. Once you disembark your first cruise, you can save up to $350 on your next one with the Castaway Club Welcome Offer. You can save up to $50 a night on the first 7 nights of your second cruise if you book it within 60 days of disembarking. Savings is dependent on the room category booked. Cruise must commence within 22 months from time of booking and cannot be combined with any other special offers or discounts. Excludes Suites and Concierge, Categories with Restrictions (VGT, OGT and IGT) and 2-night sailings. Block out dates apply. For dates and for more information, contact Castle Coaches Travel.

Ready to start planning your next sailing with Disney Cruise Line? Castle Coaches Travel would love to help you with every detail! When you book a cruise vacation with a Castle Coach all of our planning services are complimentary to you. Let's get started today!

Follow castle coaches travel for disney news, the latest info, special offers, tips/tricks and more. facebook, pinterest , instagram and tiktok.

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How to Use Disney Cruise Line’s Placeholder System

Are you planning a magical vacation aboard a Disney Cruise? If so, then you’ll want to learn about Disney Cruise Line’s Placeholder System. This handy feature allows you to secure your future cruise booking while still on board your current voyage. By utilizing this system, you can take advantage of special offers and discounts that may be available only to current passengers. In this article, we’ll guide you through the easy steps of using Disney Cruise Line’s Placeholder System, ensuring that you have a seamless and stress-free experience during your next Disney Cruise adventure. So, let’s get started!

Table of Contents

Overview of the Disney Cruise Line Placeholder System

The Disney Cruise Line Placeholder System is a flexible and convenient way for guests to reserve future cruises while onboard a Disney cruise ship. This system allows you to secure a reservation for a future cruise without having to make all the specific decisions and details right away. With the Placeholder System, you can take advantage of onboard booking benefits and discounts, while giving yourself the flexibility to finalize your cruise at a later time.

Understanding the Disney Cruise Line Placeholder System

What is the placeholder system.

The Disney Cruise Line Placeholder System is a program that allows guests to reserve a future Disney cruise while onboard a Disney cruise ship. It allows you to secure a placeholder reservation without having to select a specific cruise date, ship, or itinerary. This gives you the opportunity to take advantage of onboard discounts and benefits, and gives you the flexibility to choose the specific details of your cruise at a later date.

Benefits of the Placeholder System

The Placeholder System offers several benefits for guests. First and foremost, it allows you to secure a future cruise reservation while onboard, taking advantage of exclusive discounts and promotions available only to those booking onboard. Additionally, it provides flexibility, as you have the freedom to modify or transfer your placeholder reservation as needed. The Placeholder System also guarantees that you will have the opportunity to book a cruise in the future, even if you’re unsure of the specific details at the time.

Booking with the Placeholder System

Making an initial reservation.

To make an initial reservation with the Placeholder System, simply visit the Disney Cruise Line desk while onboard a Disney cruise ship. The friendly and knowledgeable crew members will assist you in securing a placeholder reservation. At this stage, you do not need to select a specific cruise date, ship, or itinerary. The important thing is to secure your reservation and take advantage of the onboard benefits.

Paying the Placeholder Deposit

At the time of making the initial reservation, you will be required to pay a deposit known as the Placeholder Deposit. The Placeholder Deposit is a minimal amount that holds your reservation and allows you to take advantage of the onboard benefits. The deposit amount may vary, so it’s important to check with the crew members at the Disney Cruise Line desk for the current Placeholder Deposit amount. Rest assured, this deposit will be applied towards the cost of your future cruise.

Modifying and Transferring Placeholder Reservations

Modifying an existing reservation.

If you need to modify your placeholder reservation, such as changing the cruise date, ship, or itinerary, you have the flexibility to do so. Simply contact Disney Cruise Line or your travel agent and they will assist you in making the necessary changes. Keep in mind that modifying your reservation is subject to availability and any applicable fees or pricing adjustments may apply.

Transferring a Placeholder Reservation

If you are unable to use your placeholder reservation and would like to transfer it to someone else, Disney Cruise Line allows you to do so. You can transfer your placeholder reservation to another guest as long as they are eligible to book a Disney cruise. Contact Disney Cruise Line or your travel agent for further details and assistance in transferring your reservation.

Expiration and Refunds

Understanding placeholder expiration.

Placeholder reservations have an expiration date, and it’s important to be aware of this to ensure you don’t lose the benefits of your reservation. The expiration date can vary, so it’s crucial to check the terms and conditions specific to your reservation. Typically, you have a certain timeframe, usually around 24 months, to book and sail on your future cruise before your placeholder reservation expires.

Refunds and Cancellations

If you decide not to use your placeholder reservation or are unable to book a future cruise within the allotted timeframe, you may be eligible for a refund. However, it’s important to note that cancellation policies and refund eligibility can vary, so it’s best to review the terms and conditions of your reservation or contact Disney Cruise Line directly for specific details regarding refunds and cancellations.

Using a Placeholder for Future Cruises

Applying the placeholder deposit to a future cruise.

When you’re ready to book a specific cruise, you can apply the Placeholder Deposit you paid towards the cost of your future cruise. This deposit will be deducted from the total cruise fare, making it a valuable discount. Be sure to inform the Disney Cruise Line representative or your travel agent about your placeholder reservation when making your booking to ensure the deposit is properly applied.

Booking Onboard with a Placeholder

One of the biggest advantages of the Placeholder System is the ability to book onboard and take advantage of exclusive discounts and promotions. When you’re ready to book your future cruise while onboard, simply visit the Disney Cruise Line desk or contact them via phone or email. The crew members will assist you in finalizing your booking, ensuring you receive all the benefits associated with your placeholder reservation.

Finalizing the Booking

Once you have chosen your specific cruise details, such as the cruise date, ship, and itinerary, it’s time to finalize your booking. Provide all the necessary information and complete the booking process with Disney Cruise Line. Make sure to review all the terms and conditions, including cancellation policies and payment deadlines, so you are well-informed about your reservation.

Combining Placeholder and Regular Reservations

Booking multiple cruises with a placeholder.

If you are a frequent cruiser or have multiple future cruise plans in mind, the Placeholder System allows you to book multiple cruises at once. You can secure multiple placeholder reservations and then choose the specific details for each cruise later. This gives you the flexibility to plan ahead and take advantage of onboard discounts and promotions for all your future cruises.

Managing Multiple Reservations

Managing multiple reservations can be made easier by keeping track of important dates and details. Keep a record of the expiration date, booking deadlines, and payment schedules for each reservation. Additionally, stay in touch with Disney Cruise Line or your travel agent to ensure any modifications or changes required for each reservation are taken care of.

Tips and Tricks for Using the Placeholder System

Planning ahead.

To make the most of the Placeholder System, it’s advisable to plan ahead. Research different cruise itineraries, ships, and dates that interest you, so you have an idea of what you’re looking for when you book your future cruise. This will make the process smoother and ensure you don’t miss out on any limited-time offers or promotions.

Being Flexible with Cruise Selection

While it’s important to have an idea of what you want in a future cruise, it’s also helpful to be flexible when it comes to selecting the specific details. By remaining open to different cruise dates, ships, and itineraries, you will have a higher chance of finding the best deals and availability. This flexibility allows you to take advantage of any flash sales or last-minute discounts that may arise.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the cost of a placeholder deposit.

The cost of the Placeholder Deposit can vary, so it’s important to check with the Disney Cruise Line representative or your travel agent for the current amount. Typically, the deposit is a minimal amount that secures your reservation and is applied towards the cost of your future cruise.

Is a Placeholder Deposit refundable?

In most cases, the Placeholder Deposit is refundable if you are unable to use it or book a future cruise within the specified timeframe. However, it’s important to review the terms and conditions of your reservation or contact Disney Cruise Line directly for specific details regarding refunds.

Can I transfer a Placeholder to someone else?

Yes, you can transfer your placeholder reservation to another guest. However, they must be eligible to book a Disney cruise. Contact Disney Cruise Line or your travel agent for more information and assistance in transferring your reservation.

How long can I hold a Placeholder for?

The duration of holding a placeholder reservation can vary. Generally, you have around 24 months to book and sail on your future cruise before your reservation expires. It’s crucial to check the specific expiration date and terms and conditions of your reservation to ensure you don’t lose the benefits.

Can I combine a Placeholder with other discounts or promotions?

The ability to combine a Placeholder with other discounts or promotions depends on the specific terms and conditions of each offer. It’s recommended to review the details of each discount or promotion, and if in doubt, contact Disney Cruise Line or your travel agent for clarification.

The Disney Cruise Line Placeholder System is a valuable tool for guests looking to secure future cruise reservations while onboard a Disney cruise ship. It offers flexibility, exclusive discounts, and the opportunity to plan ahead. By understanding the ins and outs of the Placeholder System, you can take advantage of its benefits and make the most of your Disney cruise experience. Happy cruising!

Hi, I'm Mike, the author of Ocean Bliss Journeys. As the captain of this incredible website, my mission is to provide you with the ultimate sailing experience. Set sail on a journey of discovery with us and indulge in the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. Our handpicked cruises offer unparalleled luxury and unforgettable destinations. From romantic getaways to family vacations and hidden gem exploration, I've carefully curated tailored packages to ensure every moment is cherished. So, join me and embark on your dream cruise today. Let's create memories that will last a lifetime.

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Onboard Offer Terms and Conditions

• A Placeholder Reservation is an open-ended reservation that allows Guests to select their future sail date at a later time. A $250 deposit must be paid while on board and is fully refundable if the reservation is canceled. Once a sail date is selected, standard cancellation fees apply.
• If a future sail date is selected on board, standard deposit and cancellation policies apply.
• 10% savings applies only to sailings that commence within 24 months after the future cruise reservation or Placeholder Reservation is booked on board.
• Gift Cards can be used for deposits, but must be presented to a Crew Member at the Disney Vacation Planning Desk on board to process payment.
• Blockout dates apply; please inquire when booking or contact Disney Cruise Line or your travel agent for specific blockout dates. Reservations for future cruises that fall on blockout dates are not eligible for the 10% savings offer.
• The offer cannot be combined with Florida Resident Rates, U.S. Military Rates or with any other special offer or discount. Not valid on VGT, OGT, or IGT Categories with Restrictions or 2-night sailings.

Do You Need to Book a Disney Cruise Placeholder?

By: Author Patty Granger

Posted on Last updated: December 23, 2019

If you have ever been on a Disney Cruise you may have heard of something called a Disney Cruise Placeholder as a great way to save money. I am going to take you on a deep dive into what a Disney Cruise Placeholder is and if it something you want to consider doing on your next sail with the Disney Cruiseline. 

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What is a disney cruise placeholder.

First off let us start with what exactly is a Disney Cruise placeholder. This is something you can do while you are sailing on your vacation with Disney Cruiseline. It is essentially booking a “dummy cruise” spot to come back on another cruise within 24 months with special discounts and perks. By booking a Disney placeholder cruise you save at 10% off the prevailing rates. By getting a placeholder on sailings of 7-nights or longer you will also get your deposit reduced. 

This is helpful since the earlier you book the cheaper the sailing rates are, the rates do go up as the sailing gets closer. 

Note : As of September 28, 2019, Disney Cruiseline is no longer giving out up to $200 stateroom credits for Placeholder Cruises.

What Does a Placeholder Cruise Cost?

For each cabin, the placeholder requires a deposit of $250. The plus is that your deposit is fully refundable at any time. So if you have an inkling you would like to sail again I would jump on this special discount. 

How to Book a Disney Placeholder Cruise

When onboard your sailing lookout for the Disney Planning location. Here they will have the paperwork you need to fill out to reserve your placeholder cruise. If waiting in line at the planning center doesn’t sound appealing how about booking on your phone? The Disney Cruiseline app has updated to now allow you to book your placeholder right from the app while on the ship. 

Remember, the rules are very strict with this discount. It must be done onboard the ship. You can not book a placeholder cruise once you have returned home from your vacation. 

Why Book a Disney Cruiseline Placeholder?

The real main advantage of booking this is to save money. Plus there is no drawback to you since the deposit is 100% refundable. 

Blockout Dates for Disney Cruise Placeholders in 2020 

Of course with all good things comes the exceptions to the rule. There are select sailing through the year to you will not  receive the 10% discount. If you decide to move your existing onboard booking to a blocked out date, you keep the onboard credit but will lose the discount.

Disney Magic Sailings

• November 21, 2020  – 7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Miami
• December 21, 2020  – 5-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Miami
• December 26, 2020  – 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Miami
• December 30, 2020  – 5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Miami
• March 29, 2021  – 5-Night Bahamian Cruise from Miami
• April 3, 2021  – 5-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Miami

Disney Wonder Sailings

• April 10, 2020  – 2-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego
• October 16, 2020  – 2-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego
• November 20, 2020  – 7-Night Bahamian Cruise from Galveston
• December 24, 2020  – 6-Night Bahamian Cruise from Galveston
• December 30, 2020  – 6-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Galveston
• March 28, 2021  – 5-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego
• April 2, 2021  – 5-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego

Disney Dream Sailings

• November 23, 2020  – 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral
• December 24, 2020  – 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral
• December 28, 2020  – 3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral
• December 31, 2020  – 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral
• April 2, 2021  – 3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral
• April 5, 2021  – 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

Disney Fantasy Sailings

• November 21, 2020  – 7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral
• December 19, 2020  – 7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral
• December 26, 2020  – 7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral
• March 27, 2021  – 7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral
• April 3, 2021  – 7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral

Can You Combine the Placeholder Discounts with Other Discounts?

Unfortunately, this deal cannot be stacked with other deals that Disney Cruiseline offers. This includes Florida resident discounts, military rates, inside guarantee, oceanview guarantee, and verandah guarantee. If you book a placeholder and end up wanting to take one of the previously mentioned discounts don’t worry you can still get the deposit refunded back to you. 

Have you booked a placeholder cruise before? Let us know if you thought it was worth it in the comment section below! Also, let us know if you have any other questions about booking your next Disney Cruise sailing. 

I have been visiting the parks annually since my parents first brought me at just a year old. Recently I was able to fulfill my life long dream of being a Florida local and moved from the wintery Northeast to the sunshine and fun of central Florida. Now I am hoping to share my Disney knowledge with you so you can have the best vacation possible!

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Updated Disney Cruise Navigator App Adds in-App Onboard Placeholder Booking

The latest version of the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app added the ability to reserve a placeholder for a future Disney cruise on the ship and take advantage of special savings.

The new feature in the navigator app will surely help to reduce the line (and the Cast Member workload) at the rebooking desk, as guests simply looking to purchase a placeholder voucher for a future cruise can now skip the line altogether and purchase via the app. Details on the actual process are not included in the update’s notes. At this time it is unclear what the process would be if you want to use a gift card, or another credit card from the one you have associated with your onboard account. We’d love to hear how the process works in the comments below since we will not have a chance to try it until early next year.

The updated Disney Cruise Navigator app version 3.3.0 is available from the Apple’s App Store and Google Play store .

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9 Replies to “Updated Disney Cruise Navigator App Adds in-App Onboard Placeholder Booking”

This was announced by staff on board previously. It should work for the simple case “card on file + simple placeholder” I was told.

Hopefully it copies over all the TA info from your current booking…

I doubt it will. You most likely will have to get a form from your TA, sign it and send it back in 30 days or less after booking to have it transferred.

Just learned today from a client who booked 2 placeholds that they were able to check off “stay with current travel professional”.

Not working on the fantasy today. Just a “join the queue” function.

Disney Wonder future cruise desk said last night that won’t be active on Wonder until the 29th. He also said it would have option to add TA.

Its sucks they took away the onboard credit.

I saw the line get up to 40 people. I heard it gets higher. This might help if it works. However a lot of people don’t like the app.

App is not compatible with LASTPASS. Won’t allow username/password to be filled in automatically.

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Placeholders & Onboard Bookings

Disney cruising onboard booking and placeholder tips.

Is there much worse than having to leave such a magical ship? Many who neglect or simply forget to take advantage of an On-Board Booking or Placeholder typically find their way to the Disney Cruising Group Facebook page soon after debarkation and share their regrets. Don’t be that person – read up!

Do your research at home so that you are ready to choose specific dates and itineraries when you book onboard. If you are unsure of your future sail date, just book a placeholder cruise. The onboard booking agents are very familiar with this process. Also contact your travel agent if you have questions.

Go to the Future Cruise Desk on Deck Four on the first night of your cruise. The line for onboard booking can get long toward the end of the sailing and if you make any changes to your reservation, it is easier to do on the ship. Bring something to read while you wait, or use the drop box to request your booking (more on this below).

Get a written reservation confirmation showing that your deposit has been paid before you disembark. If you use a travel agent, make sure they are listed on the reservation.

Use the drop box for onboard booking forms at the Future Cruise Desk and skip waiting in line.

Onboard booking allows you to book up to 2 staterooms on ONE future sail date. Name changes to the reservation may be made so long as one adult on the original booking remains on the reservation. Even if you intend to sail concierge, use onboard booking. While you don’t receive the discount on concierge level rooms, you do receive the onboard credit. Plus, if you have to downgrade when you return home to a non-concierge category the 10% onboard discount would then apply to your non-concierge category. Your concierge deposit is non-refundable.

Why is this important? Booking on ship comes with more than just beautiful surroundings. The perks are big!

Cruises of 7 nights or longer receive a 10% discount, a 10% deposit Cruises less than 7 nights receive a 10% discount, 20% deposit

Book On Board and Save!

Save on a future Disney Cruise Line vacation by taking advantage of our special onboard-only booking offer. When you do, you’ll enjoy the following:

• 10% Discount off Prevailing Rates
• Reduced Deposit on 7-Night or Longer Sailings

Visit the Disney Vacation Planning Desk—located on Deck 4, Midship—to speak with a Crew Member and to book your next Disney cruise. Unsure of which cruise to take? No problem! You can even reserve a placeholder on a future sailing and decide later.

Onboard Offer Blockout Dates

Onboard offer terms and conditions.

The Disney Cruise Line Onboard Booking Offer allows Guests to reserve a future Disney cruise or make a Placeholder Reservation for a future Disney cruise and enjoy 10% savings off prevailing rates as quoted on disneycruise.com, plus enjoy a reduced deposit on sailings 7-nights and longer. The offer is valid for up to 2 staterooms on one sail date per household on board regardless of the number of adults in the household. This offer is valid for Categories 4 to 11 only. The cruise must commence within 24 months after the future cruise reservation or Placeholder Reservation was booked or the reservation will automatically cancel.

• A Placeholder Reservation is an open-ended reservation that allows Guests to select their future sail date at a later time. A $250 deposit must be paid while on board and is fully refundable if the reservation is canceled. Once a sail date is selected, standard cancellation fees apply.
• If a future sail date is selected on board, standard deposit and cancellation policies apply.
• 10% savings applies only to sailings that commence within 24 months after the future cruise reservation or Placeholder Reservation is booked on board.
• Gift Cards can be used for deposits, but must be presented to a Crew Member at the Disney Vacation Planning Desk on board to process payment.
• Blockout dates apply; please inquire when booking or contact Disney Cruise Line or your travel agent for specific blockout dates. Reservations for future cruises that fall on blockout dates are not eligible for the 10% savings offer.
• The offer cannot be combined with Florida Resident Rates, U.S. Military Rates or with any other special offer or discount. Not valid on VGT, OGT, or IGT Categories with Restrictions or 2-night sailings.

Ready, set, go! Placeholder Form

Form Link here

Mark Kechula, Cruising Specialist [email protected]  or  [email protected] (757) 777-8245

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Disney Cruise Line Onboard Booking Benefits

Last Updated on July 18, 2020

Did you know that you can save money, and put down a smaller deposit, by booking your next Disney Cruise while on your current Disney Cruise.

What are the Benefits to Rebooking Onboard

There are two benefits of rebooking while onboard a Disney Cruise. While 2 may not sound like a lot, they make up for in quality where they lack in quantity.

• 10% off of the current cruise far.
• You will only have to put down a 10% deposit, instead of the normal 20%, on cruises of 7 nights or longer

These two benefits alone can save you hundreds of dollars on your next cruise. And you aren’t even locked into anything.

How does the Disney Cruise placeholder work?

Disney allows their guests to make a specific cruise rebooking, or a placeholder booking, which means you save your discount, pay a fee and pick a date when you have more time to think about your options.

If I Don’t Know What I Want to Book, Can I Rebook Onboard? 

Absolutely! That’s the beauty of the Placeholder program . If you don’t have a date in mind, or if Disney hasn’t released your preferred sail date yet, you can book what’s called a Placeholder. A Placeholder is a flat $250 and basically reserves your discount. Once you decide what sail date you want to use it for, you’ll move the Placeholder to the correct date and pay the additional deposit, if any, that is due.

Does this promotion expire?

Your new sailing must begin within 24 months of the exact day it is booked. No exceptions. If you do not use it, 24 months after your Placeholder is booked, your $250 deposit will automatically be refunded to the original form of payment.

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If you have a specific date booked and you change it to a date outside of that 24-month window, it will not automatically cancel, but you will not receive the 10% fare discount.

Must be booked onboard

Disney is very strict about this benefit being an onboard-benefit only . We suggest deciding if you want to book a placeholder before you leave the house, and actually do it early on in your vacation. You can also grab one of the rebooking cards from the rebooking desk, fill it out, and then drop it in the box at the rebooking desk.

Newly updated Disney Cruise Navigator App

The latest version of the Disney Cruise Navigator app added the ability to reserve a placeholder for a future Disney Cruise on the ship and take advantage of special savings.

There is a box to click with “Link to your current Travel Professional”. Don’t forget to hit that.

Can I Still Use My Travel Agent With An Onboard Booking?

Absolutely you can. Since Disney no longer provides On Board Credit with their bookings, it is in your best interest to book with a Travel Agent and receive their travel incentives.

If you are currently booked with a travel agent, you can request that the new booking remain with that travel agent.

How much onboard credit you receive is between you and your agent.

Can you switch Disney Travel Agents?

If you already have a reservation, give your travel agent a call with the details to see if they can transfer the reservation. As long as the reservation hasn’t yet been paid in full, and if it was made through Disney Cruise Line, or made on board one of their ships within the last 30 days, it should be transferable. Since the way to do this varies by travel agency, you’ll need to contact yours to get specifics

If you would like to change agents or didn’t use one the first time, you can transfer the onboard booking to a travel agent within 30 days of booking. Your travel agent will have a form for you to fill out.

Enjoy the extra onboard credits that travel agents offer. It can really be a win-win! You can then use that credit toward Port Adventures, purchases in the gift shops, gratuities, or Adult Exclusive dining, etc.

Rebooking “hack”

I shy from calling this a hack, as it is more like strategic planning. When it comes to Disney Cruises, always book when the itinerary first appears. Prices tend to increase the closer it gets to departure time and exclusive discounts like Canadian Resident nearer to the date are more in line with initial prices than any real “discount”.

If a sale does come along, then yay. If it doesn’t increase, book with a placeholder and cancel the original booking.

If it does increase, from the initial release and you’ve waited until getting access to a Placeholder discount before booking, you’ve wasted your 10% savings and it is no longer worth it.

Cheapest months to cruise

Generally speaking, the least expensive time to take a Disney cruise is in mid- to late January, early February or early May.

Some weeks in March and April also have lower-than-average prices. Later in the year, September, early November and early December are also good options, but you will want to have insurance in case of bad weather conditions.

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Placeholder deposit question

• Thread starter Kstatefan
• Start date Sep 13, 2023
• Tags placeholder

Earning My Ears

• Sep 13, 2023

It’s been awhile since I’ve used a placeholder. I know for non-blackout cruises there is a 10% discount on the list price but what is the “reduced deposit” amount? I was thinking it used to be 10% instead of 20% down. Somewhere I read that it’s $250 but wasn’t sure if that’s just the $250 I’ve already paid for the placeholder itself. So is the “reduced deposit” $250 off the deposit amount, or really just a $250 total deposit…or something else entirely? (I’d be using this on a 7 night sailing) Thanks  

disneyfaninaz

It takes faith, trust & pixie dust.

I just used mine today. The deposit is 10% of the list price and they subtract the $250 for the placeholder from the deposit amount for the amount due at booking or hold period.  

disneyfaninaz said: I just used mine today. The deposit is 10% of the list price and they subtract the $250 for the placeholder from the deposit amount for the amount due at booking or hold period. Click to expand...

DIS Veteran

Kstatefan said: It’s been awhile since I’ve used a placeholder. I know for non-blackout cruises there is a 10% discount on the list price but what is the “reduced deposit” amount? I was thinking it used to be 10% instead of 20% down. Somewhere I read that it’s $250 but wasn’t sure if that’s just the $250 I’ve already paid for the placeholder itself. So is the “reduced deposit” $250 off the deposit amount, or really just a $250 total deposit…or something else entirely? (I’d be using this on a 7 night sailing) Thanks Click to expand...

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Back to the Mouse

Disney cruise placeholder.

Once you are onboard and enjoying a Disney cruise, you might want to find a way to get right back on board.  Disney has an onboard bookings desk right there on the ship.  If you book onboard, they will offer you a few perks.  The first is an onboard credit to be used next time you sail ($100 for cruises less than 7 days, $200 for cruises 7 days or longer) . ( UPDATED – As on 10/1/2019, any placeholders booked on board will no longer receive this on board credit ) The second incentive is a reduced deposit for cruises 7 days or longer (requiring only a 10% deposit instead of the usual 20%).  The last discount is a 10% reduction in price for *MOST* cruises.  Disney has started to black out that 10% discount on a lot of the popular cruises (for example, Spring Break, Christmas Break, and special itineraries).  Also, the discounts do not apply to concierge bookings.

If you don’t know which cruise you want to take, you can book a placeholder cruise.  A placeholder cruise is a “hold” to use your onboard booking discounts for a future cruise.  For a $250 deposit, you get a placeholder reservation that can be turned into a real cruise reservation once you figure out which one you want to book.  Once you are ready to book, you will receive all the advantages of an onboard booking.   You have two years from the day you requested the placeholder to sail and take advantage of the discounts.  If you cancel the placeholder cruise, you will get your money returned to you.  All of the rules for the placeholder were posted on a recent cruise we took in April 2019:

If you have enjoyed this article, please be sure to check out our Disney Cruise Line information page , which has useful hints in addition to our cruise trip reports!

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Related posts, 10 cheapest disney cruise line concierge stateroom cruises – 05-01-2024, 10 cheapest disney cruise line verandah stateroom cruises – 05-01-2024, 10 cheapest disney cruise line oceanview stateroom cruises – 05-01-2024, leave a reply cancel reply.

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How Much Does A Disney Cruise Cost? - 2024

I ’ve been on twelve Disney cruises, so I obviously think that the Disney Cruise line is worth the money. But when you are booking your family cruise, you may look at other family-friendly cruise lines as well. Disney Cruise Line cruises can often be more expensive, and without really knowing about the experience, it can be hard to justify the extra expense.

If you are considering taking a Disney cruise for your next family vacation, you’re probably wondering, “How much does a Disney Cruise cost” ? It’s important to understand, whether you are evaluating different cruise options or budgeting for a future trip. You’ll probably also wonder what’s included and whether it’s worth the cost.

The price of a Disney cruise depends on many factors. Here’s an overview of Disney Cruise prices as well as what’s included and what factors influence the price. 

Disclosure I’ve been on one complimentary media preview cruise and two cruises as part of Disney Social Media Moms. The remainder of my trips have been at full cost. All opinions are my own.

This post contains affiliate links. A purchase through one of these links may result in a commission paid to us at no additional cost to you.

If you want to take a cruise on the Disney Cruise Line, consider booking with Get Away Today. When you mention Family Travel Magazine, you get an extra $25 onboard credit! Give their agents a call at 877-510-2929.

How Much Is A Disney Cruise? Is It Worth the Cost?

Factors that affect the price of a disney cruise.

When looking at the price of a Disney cruise, many factors affect the price. The time of year of the cruise can often influence the price. Like other travel products like airfare and hotels, demand significantly influences the price.

With a limited supply of staterooms and only four ships (with more on the way), the price is impacted by the current demand for staterooms.

You’ll often find that Disney Cruises that take place during peak times of year (like school vacations) will be more expensive than other weeks. You’ll want to book those early to get the most stateroom options and the best Disney Cruise prices.

If you are thinking of doing a Caribbean cruise, January can be a great option and is often the cheapest month. Typically all four ships (the Disney Magic , Disney Fantasy , Disney Dream , and Disney Wonder ) are sailing in the Caribbean, so there are lots of sailings to choose from, with many Caribbean itineraries.

In addition, because the Caribbean can sometimes be chilly in January, it’s not as busy.  I’ve been on several January cruises, and while sometimes the weather has been a little cool, we’ve also been very lucky with perfect weather. 

Of course, most schools are in session for most of January, so it can be more difficult to sail than if your kids are in school. Martin Luther King weekend typically is more expensive than the rest of the month.

As you’d expect, the duration of the cruise also affects the prices. A longer cruise is more expensive than a shorter cruise. I usually recommend that travelers start with a 3 or 4-day cruise to see if it’s something they enjoy before committing to a longer cruise. 

Some families like to do a Disney Land and Sea vacation where they combine their cruise with some time at Walt Disney World. That can be a great way to take your first cruise and make sure it’s something your family enjoys.

Unlike hotels, where you’ll pay per room, on the Disney Cruise Line, the cost increases per person in a stateroom. This is because the cost of a Disney cruise includes all of your meals in the regular dining rooms as well as activities.

Of course, the incremental amount of an additional person in the room is lower. When I travel with my friends on the Disney Cruise Line, we like to have two to three people in the room. We don’t usually spend too much time in the room, and it never feels crowded, even though it is a small room.

The type of stateroom you book is also a factor in the cost. We typically book a deluxe family stateroom with a verandah, although you can save money by getting a room without the verandah. Interior rooms are less expensive.

Think about how much time you plan to spend in the room, and whether or not you’ll use the verandah. I love sitting outside sipping coffee in the morning, and I find the verandah is worth the extra cost. But that may not be the case for everyone.

Special cruises, like the Very Merrytime Cruises and the Marvel Day at Sea, may also cost a bit more than a standard cruise. Often discounts (like the discount for booking onboard) aren’t available on these cruises. 

Getting a Disney Cruise Line Discount

The best way for a return guest to get a discount on the Disney Cruise Line is to book while you are already on a sailing. You’ll have two options.

You can book the dates that you want to sail and can choose your exact dates and room. For this, you’ll need to make a deposit.

Alternatively, you can book a placeholder for a $250 fee. This can be applied to a cruise booked within the next two years. I typically book a placeholder, even if I don’t have another cruise planned because it’s valid for a while.

Depending on the sailing, you’ll get a discount as well as stateroom credit. To make an onboard booking, you’ll want to visit the desk on the ship as soon as possible. It can be very busy by the end of your sailing and there is typically a line to talk to a cast member.

Other discounts can sometimes be available for Canadian residents, Florida residents, and members of the military. The Disney Cruise Line special offers page has more specific information on this. They aren’t always available so you’ll have to check for details and eligible sailings.

What’s Included in a Disney Cruise?

When assessing the cost of a Disney cruise, you’ll also want to know what’s included and what isn’t included in the price of the cruise. It’s important to calculate the total cost that you’ll expect to spend.

Things included in your Disney Cruise cost include Disney character interactions, shows on the Disney cruise ships, the kids’ clubs, meals in the main dining rooms, unlimited ice cream, many snacks, most room service, soda, standard coffee, and iced tea. 

While many cruise lines do include these items (soda is typically not included with most cruise brands, however), it’s important to look at how your family will use these inclusions.

My kids love the kids’ clubs and the shows, so we usually do that daily. It’s completely worth it for us. On the other hand, we don’t drink soda, so we don’t care if it’s included.

What’s Not Included in a Disney Cruise

As you do your price comparisons and start to budget for your trip, you’ll also need to know what’s not included in a Disney Cruise.

Once you arrive at the airport, you’ll need to get to the port. Depending on the port you are leaving from (for instance, Port Canaveral ), Disney transportation may be offered. However, this is an extra cost and isn’t included in your cruise.

If you are leaving from Port Canaveral, Florida, you may want to start (or end with) a Walt Disney World vacation as part of a Disney land and sea adventure. In that case, transportation is offered from the parks to the port, but again, that is an extra fee that you’ll need to include in your budget. 

Where available, I find it convenient to take Disney transportation because they will tell you exactly where you need to go. It’s worth the extra peace of mind for me to pay for it rather than worry about transportation on my own. But, rental cars, ride-sharing, and private transportation are also an option. Compare rental car prices here .

Shore excursions are another cost that is separate from the standard cruise cost. These are something that you’ll want to research before committing to your cruise because they can be expensive.

This is especially the case in Europe and Alaska, where you may pay around $700+ per person for a single excursion. That can add up, especially for longer cruises when you’ll want to take multiple excursions!

Sometimes you’ll find that excursions booked outside the cruise line might be a little less expensive. Just keep in mind that there is a risk associated with this. These excursions and companies may not be vetted by the cruise line.

You will also be responsible for making sure you get back on board with plenty of time. If for some reason, the cruise doesn’t dock at a specific port, you probably won’t get a refund. This can sometimes happen because of weather or other unpredictable reasons.

Alcohol is not included on the Disney Cruise Line. You can purchase beer and wine packages that do help bring the cost down. If you typically get a couple of drinks per day, it’s a good idea to keep looking at your bill on the Disney Cruise Line app so you aren’t surprised on the last day.

Some snacks (like popcorn at the theater), premium desserts (at Vanellope’s on the Disney Dream and the Sweet on You Ice Cream shop on the Disney Fantasy), premium coffee (at the Cove cafe), and meals at the adult-only  Palo and Remy also cost extra. 

Gratuities are also not included in the cost of a Disney cruise. You can usually prepay the gratuities, or they’ll be automatically added to your bill. You can, however, change these by going to guest services.

You’ll also want to tip anytime you pay for something out of pocket and for room service. You can just write these tips on the slip you sign and add them to your bill. They’ll be added to your stateroom account.

Other things cost additional on a cruise, including WiFi and Bingo. 

What Does a Disney Cruise Cost?

These prices are accurate from the date we wrote this post and are always subject to change. As mentioned above, many factors affect these prices.

You’ll pay anywhere from about $1,500 to $8,000 for a three-night cruise on the Disney Wish for a stateroom with 4 people. This cruise goes to Nassau and Disney’s Castaway Cay . This is a great option as a first cruise because it’s less expensive than the others and is a short commitment. 

You can book a four-night Bahamian cruise out of the Fort Lauderdale cruise port for about $1,900 to $6,700 for four people. This excludes Christmas week when the price is significantly higher. 

Alaskan Cruises are about $6,700 to $20,000 for a seven-night cruise. Concierge rooms are higher, however. Although it’s a lot more expensive for a verandah, you’ll probably use it quite a bit in Alaska so it may be worth the splurge. Keep in mind that the excursions and airfare may add quite a bit to this price.

European cruises can vary quite a bit. You can get a 5-night European cruise out of Barcelona starting at about $7,700 , but rates can go up to over $16,000 for a verandah room on a 12-Night Norwegian Fjords and Iceland Cruise. Don’t forget to factor in airfare and shore excursions, which can increase the price of your vacation.

Have you been on a Disney Cruise? You can also compare prices on your Disney Cruise here .

The post How Much Does A Disney Cruise Cost? – 2024 appeared first on Family Travel Magazine .

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Disney Cast Life

Tips for Beginning a Disney Career

by Ashley Jones , Communications Manager, Walt Disney World Resort

With the May 3 deadline for applying to work at Walt Disney World through the  Fall 2024 Disney College Program  quickly approaching, we thought it’d be a perfect time to share a few secrets of success from seven of the thousands of Disney executives and leaders who have their dream careers after starting as interns.

Disney Programs like the Disney College Program have led cast members to career opportunities throughout all areas of Disney, from theme parks to entertainment to sports and beyond, and it could be the start of your dream career, too!

Debbie Hart,  Vice President, Food & Beverage and Merchandise Lines of Business, Walt Disney World

Years at Disney:  33

First role:  Merchandise Hostess in Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park

Favorite part of her internship: “I have so many favorites, including:

• Meeting people and making friends from all over the world – literally!
• Learning guest service and  delivering hospitality that is above and beyond .
• Embracing the power of our Disney brand and ensuring we deliver magical and memorable experiences.
• Having FUN and discovering that work can be joyful  when you are able to do what you LOVE!”

Why she loves working at Disney:  “It really is the Disney Difference. There are so many benefits to being a cast member, including career opportunities, cast discounts, wellness offerings and of course the lifelong friendships we make along the way.”

Advice to future interns:  “Enjoy every moment. Adventure is in front of you and Disney is full of opportunity,  you are the author of your Disney story  – your story can be more than you ever dreamed. Dream BIG!”

Audrey Hauser,  Controls Software Development Principal, Walt Disney Imagineering

Years at Disney:  7

First role:  Fairy Godmother in Training at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

Favorite part of her internships:  “I learned how our frontline operations work, which helps me now when I’m developing software for new attractions. I also had access to intern programs that broadened my network and introduced me to areas of engineering within Disney that I never would’ve known about.”

Why she loves working at Disney:  “I’ve always been interested in technology and engineering as well as art, and  at Disney I can do both . Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway was the first big new attraction that I worked on; I’d always dreamed of working with our Audio-Animatronics figures, and helping bring Mickey’s first ride to life was a dream come true.”

Advice to future interns:  “Once you have your foot in the door, you’ll have so many opportunities to network and learn about other roles.  Reach out to people, because nine times out of ten, they’re going to be willing to talk to you .”

Ketan Sardeshmukh,  Director, Transportation Operations, Walt Disney World

Years at Disney:  18

First role:  Industrial Engineering Intern

Favorite part of his internship:  “I spent so much time getting to know others and learning how important this company is to so many people. Living in the program housing felt a lot like dorm life, too, which I loved.”

Why he loves working at Disney:  “I love being on teams and working together to figure out how we can solve problems — we get to do that all the time and that’s why I’ve stayed here for over 20 years.”

Advice to future interns:  “Understand what a good job is and try your best to do it.  If I had just gone through the motions instead of fully embracing the thing I was being asked to do and everything around me, I don’t think I would’ve learned the things that I was supposed to learn.”

Ronke Olatunji, Senior Manager, Groups Events and Services, Disney Cruise Line

Years at Disney:  20

First role:  Front Desk Hostess at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Favorite part of her internship:  “I love the College Program! It gave me a career I didn’t even know was possible and experiences I didn’t know I could have. I’ve had a lot of only-at-Disney moments. I even took classes and earned my ‘ducktorate’.”

Why she loves working at Disney:  “I get to show up in a space with people that want to be around me and each other.  Disney has allowed me to just be my true self, and I’m appreciated for it.”

Advice to future interns:  “I learned very quickly to not put any limitations on yourself, because you don’t know what you don’t know. The great thing about our organization is  if you are inquisitive and you ask questions, people will help you. ”

Punam Dayabhai-Jairambhai,  Director, Premium Services, Walt Disney World

Years with Disney:  25

First role:  Merchandise and Outdoor Vending Hostess in the United Kingdom Pavilion at EPCOT

Favorite part of her internship:  “Living and working together with people from all over the world! I can honestly say those connections will last you a lifetime. You create deep-rooted friendships. And on your days off,  you get to experience the theme parks yourself , and then you get to tell people about that. You’re learning about the product and having fun at the same time.”

Why she loves working at Disney:  “I’ve been able to raise my hand for things. This is an amazing company where you can learn to do different things and not be boxed into one specific type of role. You just have to  put in the effort and show the curiosity and courage to say ‘I want to learn and do more.’ ”

Advice to future interns:  “Learn as much as you can. Grow. Embrace every experience and build those great relationships. The brand you start creating for yourself now will follow you wherever you go, whether you stay with this company or go elsewhere.”

Sarah Riles,  Vice President, Magic Kingdom Park

Years at Disney:  25

Favorite part of her internship:  “When I came to Disney to do my internship, I didn’t know anyone, I had never been to Orlando and I had never been to Disney, so I felt completely overwhelmed. Thankfully, I quickly realized what an incredible opportunity I had and loved it so much I made the decision to extend my internship. I met so many people who I’m still friends with today and best of all, I realized I could do what I love for a company that I love.”

Why she loves working at Disney:  “Disney is a big company with endless opportunities. It’s a company with  a welcoming culture that allows you to find your passion, gain new experiences and meet inspiring people along the way .”

Advice for future interns:  “You all bring a fresh perspective, excitement for learning and a passion for our brand. No matter what role you are in,  you’ll learn how to serve others, solve problems, be a leader amongst your peers and provide the best guest service . Work hard, have fun, and make memories and connections. No matter whether you continue to work here or go on to do other things, the lessons you learn will influence you far beyond today.”

John Dent,  Director, Worldwide Auditing Publications and Projects, Worldwide Safety Assurance

Years with Disney:  34

First role:  Attractions Host in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom Park

Favorite part of his internship:  “I still say that my Disney internship was probably one of the best jobs I’ve ever had. It may seem simple, but it involved teamwork, managing success and failure, problem solving and learning the business.  One of the big rewards for me was exposure to our senior leadership and the lessons they took time to share.  They were approachable and genuine and understood the business … and now I’m proud to be the one that passes on those lessons to future leaders.”

Why he loves working at Disney:  “The people I meet and the passion we all have are the differentiator. The connections you make through the College Program and within Disney can lead to a lot of other places. The company has grown so much over the past 34 years, and  there are hundreds of paths you can take advantage of. ”

Advice to future interns:  “The Disney College Program is a great catalyst to figure out what you really want. Don’t hold back. Take full advantage of the time you’re given and realize that the company is equally — if not more — interested in seeing you succeed.”

Topics: Disney Cast Life

Hi! My name is Kayla and I completely agree with Brad in the above comment about how to get your foot in the door if you are already in your career and can’t do an internship anymore. I graduated in the fall of 2022 and have been networking via LinkedIn and checking the Disney careers site daily to find opportunities. I am in the marketing/advertising field and because I graduated in 2022, and 24 years old, I am early in my career. I have a little over a year of marketing experience but am not sure what the correct path is to try to get my foot in the door for an entry level position with Disney. I have gotten on zoom with multiple senior/department heads and they have told me that I’m doing the right things by networking, but I have also applied for almost 30 jobs on the Disney careers website and always get denied. I’m not sure what to do differently and would just love some guidance!

To whom it May concern, Good morning, I’m a big Disney fan. I lived in Quebec for 54 years and now I live in British Columbia, Canada’ and I’ve been visiting you for at least a dozen times. I am at the stage of putting into practice the motto “if you can dream it, you can do it” and realizing My biggest dream of working for you this summer. I am 55 years old and I am a teacher. I’m getting older, I told myself that it’s time that I dared to live my dream. As I am on summer leave, I am available to work 6 to 7 weeks. I wish I was in the parks. I speak French and that is an asset because many Quebecers will visit you in the summer and we have difficulty with their English. I’m doing well in English. I can sell popcorn, cashier in stores, usher for shows or restaurants, be at the entrance to households or parks… I am not looking for a specific job. I am open and I adapt very well. For me this magical experience is very important. If it is not possible to work for you, I am available to volunteer. Please forward my message to the correct department and follow up on my request. Good to you! « If you can dream it, you can do it! » Quote of Walter Disney

Great piece! I wish I could redo my college program experience with the wisdom I have now! Content idea for you: How about a piece on how mid-career professionals can get their foot in the door? And another piece on people wanting a late-career opportunity or second-career opportunity?

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