Booking a Disney Cruise

[danajjj]

Should I book a disney cruise with a "disney-only" TA?

 

Here is why I ask. A few years ago when I booked our first vacation at Disneyworld, I used a local TA. She was not aware of any discounts. As a matter of fact, I was beating her price by looking online at the Disney website. I ended up paying full price rack room rates for the hotel and buying the priciest ticket option (which was more than what we needed). Now, several trips later, I have learned through research that there are many discounts available and have saved quite a bit of money booking my own vacation. The disney only TA's who post on the disney boards I frequent, always say to book Disney vacations with TA's who specialize in Disney (if you are using a TA) because they are more aware of the best deals out there.

 

I am wondering if this would apply to cruises as well. Do you think a TA specializing in Disney would be more aware or have access to disney cruise discounts that others would not? Or do TA's specializing in cruises have better rates?

[TheWog]

Disney does not normally discount their cruises. They sell on a tier system which means the earlier you book the better the rate. The disney cruise specialist TA may be able to give you certain perks or extras, such as shipboard credits, but as far as I know there are no real "discounts" to be had.

[GottaLuvCruising]

Disney does not discount their cruises. Promotional fares (only during slowest seasons) are for the lowest category staterooms and availability is very limited. Your best bet with Disney is to book FAR in advance.

 

Disney protects its revenue by not discounting theme park tickets, too. You won't be able to get more than a few dollars off a park hopper of $200 or more, no matter how hard you try or where you look.

[Guest juliae]

Hello,

 

Definitely book early to get the best prices on Disney Cruise Line. The ships usually sell out (because there are only 2 ships in the Disney fleet) and if there are a few remaining cabins, they are offered to Florida residents or travel agents. Most people book their Disney cruises about a year or more ahead of their sailing date! I have clients who booked in April 2004 for Thanksgiving 2005! Bookings for 2006 have been open for several months.

 

As for Disney World trips, be sure to work with a Disney specialist travel agent, who has not only completed the College of Disney Knowledge program, but has ALSO attended the on-site travel agent training programs at Disney World, Disneyland and Disney Cruise Line. They also need to visit Disney World and Disneyland every year or so because it changes so much. Also, don't hesitate to ask them if they watch for discounts and if they call and have discounts applied to your booking after payment has been made. The agent is working for you and should be taking good care of you!

 

Hope that helps!

 

Best Regards,

Julia

[MommyJamiex4]

I found that booking through www.southwest.com, in their travel section, I saved over $1000 from what Disney wanted for the same cruise in the same category. SHop around!

[dishealth11]

Wow, that is great! That goes against everything I've been reading on this board. I wanted to type my comment before going to that site right now!

 

 

 

I found that booking through www.southwest.com, in their travel section, I saved over $1000 from what Disney wanted for the same cruise in the same category. SHop around!

[TheWog]

I found that booking through www.southwest.com, in their travel section, I saved over $1000 from what Disney wanted for the same cruise in the same category. SHop around!

 

that's unusual.... great deal... good for you.

[MightyMom2]

We booked our Disney cruise thru the Costco TA. I don't remember how much we saved, but we did shop around, and I know that we did save quite a bit.

 

We had a snack basket in our room when we arrived. The only other passengers who we spoke with who received one also booked thru Costco.

 

Our dinner seating was in the far corner of the dining room in each of the 3 rooms. Our tablemates also booked thru Costco. We joked that we got the crummy table due to booking thru Costco. Don't know if it's true or not, it was just kind of a funny coincidence.

[Capt_BJ]

I've booked WAY in advance

 

and the week of sailing (think we can get on tomorrow?)

 

no doubt - living in FL has advantages....there are Fl deals offered 4 sure

 

but in 7 .... I paid 'book' price once (I was desperate!!!!)

 

(and I've had a cabin with a veranda 6 out of 7 times)

 

shop around .....

 

You can do it!

[danajjj]

Thanks for all of the replies. I'm looking at late 2006 or early 2007 (those rates have not been posted yet). I have checked southwest.com and even this far out they are cheaper than Disney. For the same cruise, they are about $200 cheaper per person.

[CathyCanada]

Hi Dana,

It really depends on what you need. If you are just looking for discounts, there are many agencies that can offer the best price, but not necessarily the best in knowledge or service.

 

If you are looking for an agent that has extensive Disney experience, shop around and don't be afraid to ask how much Disney Cruise experience the agents have. You will find that some agencies may have more agents with Disney cruise experience than a Disney-only agency. And they can possibly offer you better service than a discount agency.

 

Hope that helps.

Cathy