Ways to Save

Disney Gift Cards

Paying for all (or part) of your Disney vacation with discount Disney gift cards is an easy and great way to save money.
***If you use gift cards and get a refund it goes back on that card ALWAYS save your card!!!
Always keep one card on file or in the room with a zero balance and if the card you are using is lost or hacked move the money on that card to the other card with zero balance so that no money is lost.
You can use Disney gift cards to pay for:
- Disney vacation package
- Disney resort hotel stays
- Disney Cruises
- Disney theme park tickets
- Food and drinks inside the parks
- Merchandise
Where To Buy Disney Gift Cards
- Typically save 4 - 5% with these options
- Sam's Club
  - Must be a member which is around $45 annually
  - Might be able to split a membership with other family members
  - $50 Disney gift card costs $47.98
  - $500 Disney gift card costs $484.98
  - $75 Disney gift card costs $71.98
  - Thanksgiving sale $200 Disney gift card costs $185
- BJ's Wholesale
  - Obtain a FREE one-day pass
  - Con is you only have 24 hours to purchase all the gift cards
  - $100 gift card costs $95.99
  - 4% savings is amazing
  - Can use any form of payment to save even more (Disney Visa or cash back card)
- Target
  - Use Target Redcard to save 5%
  - Target takes 5% off purchases when using the card to purchase gift cards
  - Can purchase both in store and online
  - Con is you have to obtain a new credit or debt card
Costco (does not sell gift cards but does sell Disney trips)
Be on the look out for Black Friday sales
If can purchase with Cash Back credit card to save even more
For me, the best method we’ve found is buying the $50 gift cards at Sam’s Club, because in addition to the 5% discount on them, we also have a Sam’s Club credit card, so as we buy the gift cards, we’ll be earning rewards points that we can put toward more gift cards. We’ve done the math and we’ll end up saving almost 20% on paying the cruise this way.
Disneygiftcard.com to combine gift cards

Disney Cruise Line’s pricing is dynamic, meaning that pricing increases as ships book up. Therefore, in order to get the lowest possible price for your trip, it is imperative that you book as far in advance as possible. It’s important to understand that for any itinerary, the price will continue to increase as time goes on, because the staterooms start to book up.

Can I Combine Disney Gift Cards?

https://www.disneygiftcard.com/
Keeping track of a bunch of gift cards can be difficult, but thankfully there is a solution.
I think this is one of the best features of Disney gift cards.
You can move balances between cards and only have to keep track of one card on your trip.
The most you can move onto one Disney gift card is $1,000 so if you have more than that you’ll need multiple cards.
Note that if you have more than five to combine, you will have to transfer the balance to the primary card, then delete cards from your collection of “My Cards” as you go.

Can I use gift cards on board?

You are welcome to bring Disney Gift Cards with you to use in the shops on your Disney Cruise Line ship!
Disney Gift Cards are also accepted in the shops at one of my favorite places, land or sea: the beautiful Castaway Cay.
You can use your cards directly in the shops, or you can stop by the Guest Services Desk and have your gift cards applied directly to your account if you don't want to have to carry them with you.

Top 5 Different Ways to Save Money on a Disney Cruise Line Sailing

Disney Visa card save 10% on items when on ship
- Must be on file to use and get stickers at guest services
- Must ask for the discount when paying
Disney Visa card pay for cruise with credit card and use the points to pay for on board items
Costco or travel agents that can provide onboard credits
Place holder purchased on future cruise
- $250 get 10% off on non-concierge rooms and must sail within 24 months
Target credit card gets 5% off Disney gift cards
Discounts/sales/offers listed on DCL web site
Book spas on port day for a discount typically

Guaranteed rooms/cabins information

Cabin offered at a lowered price by the cruise line
The fare and category are guaranteed but has will assign a particular room as you get closer to the sailing, you cannot select one
- Example of booking a hotel room
You cannot request adjoining cabins even if book 2 rooms
You typically cannot modify the people in the party at the time of booking
Category for DCL
- Inside (IGT), Oceanview (OGT) or Verandah (VGT)
- You will get at least what you pay for with the possibility of an upgraded room if available and some pixie dust
Typically, non-refundable
Must pay in full
Cannot transfer from current booking into a guaranteed room they have to cancel and re-book
- Disney is good and will move the money over
Why book these?
- Lower cost
- Not typically an upgrade
- Sometimes they sell out early and sometimes they are available last minute also
Why not book?
- Non-refundable no matter what story you have
- Travel insurance might not cover also
- If you cannot handle not knowing your room or where it is especially even if 3 days before sailing
- Under or over theater, kids club, laundry room, below pool deck
Balconies/verandahs might have different obstructed view percentages within each category
- Might not have a clear ocean view
Typically cannot upgrade category once booked but you can always ask at the port

First off, you will want to request your Disney Rewards Redemption Card from Chase Disney Visa at least three weeks in advance of your cruise so that it has time to arrive to you before you set sail. If you already have a Disney Rewards Redemption Card, you can load your Disney Reward Dollars to that card.
Once you are onboard the ship, head to the Guest Services Desk. The cast members there will be able to help you apply your Disney Rewards Dollars from your Disney Rewards Redemption Card to your charges on the ship. These will include your Port Adventures as well as any other onboard purchases, such as for massages and other relaxing services at Senses Spa & Salon or souvenir and other items at the amazing onboard shops.
Important Details on Inside Category with Restrictions, Oceanview Category with Restrictions and Verandah Category with Restrictions (Category IGT, OGT and VGT)
Valid for new bookings only
Full payment is required at the time of booking for all Guests and is non-refundable.
Full legal names of all Guests are required at time of booking and no name changes are allowed.
Specific stateroom will be assigned at a later time, based on availability.
Rate does not include gratuities or Port Adventures.
Not combinable with Disney Vacation Club Points.
The number of staterooms allocated for this offer is limited.
This offer cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts.
Rates are in U.S. dollars.
This past summer, I booked a European Disney Cruise and found a cheaper Guaranteed Rate. Since it was before my paid-in-full date, I called Disney Cruise Line, and they were able to cancel my current reservation and rebook my family for this discounted rate. Guaranteed Rates come with restrictions. You can’t pick your stateroom number or your location on the ship, but you can select a stateroom category. In my case, I was guaranteed a verandah stateroom. I received my stateroom number a few weeks before our sailing and was very happy with the location. These special rates are only offered on select sailings.
First off, you will want to request your Disney Rewards Redemption Card from Chase Disney Visa at least three weeks in advance of your cruise so that it has time to arrive to you before you set sail. If you already have a Disney Rewards Redemption Card, you can load your Disney Reward Dollars to that card.
Once you are onboard the ship, head to the Guest Services Desk. The cast members there will be able to help you apply your Disney Rewards Dollars from your Disney Rewards Redemption Card to your charges on the ship. These will include your Port Adventures as well as any other onboard purchases, such as for massages and other relaxing services at Senses Spa & Salon or souvenir and other items at the amazing onboard shops.
DCL is a ship destination for some and not where the ship is going
Evaluate the cost of the trip on a per person per day
You can cruise for base fare only (no extra activities)
Book as early as you can
Late February and early March and May release times
If you missed out on a cruise wait until final payment date and see if people cancel or more opens up
Special offers Can be cheaper if you are flexible and book VGT/IGT/OGT but
Valid for new bookings only
Full payment is required at the time of booking for all Guests and is non-refundable
Full legal names of all Guests are required at time of booking and no name changes are allowed
Specific stateroom will be assigned at a later time, based on availability.
Travel agents can give onboard credit typically around 5%
Rebook on board with place card holder and receive 10%
Does not include concierge and must sail within 24 months
Disney Visa (double points when purchasing cruise and then use those points for on board items
10% off on cruise ship on certain items
Target debit/credit card purchase gift cards & save 5%
What time of year you book Sept/Oct hurricane season cheapest

Ways to Save with Disney Cruise Line Perks using Disney Visa Card

Top Reasons to get Disney Premier Visa Credit Card

Receive bonus credit after using card for 3 first months
Ability to receive vacation financing
Earn 2% in Disney rewards dollars on everyday purchases
Earn 5% in Disney rewards for a Disney + subscription
Redeem Disney rewards for airline or cruise travel
Save 10% on dining, shopping & recreation at Disney Parks
Exclusive Disney Visa Card member photo Op locations
Access to limited time offers
Pay for the cruise with it and use rewards towards on-board activities
Many different designs for all the cards

Ways to save with Disney Cruise Line perks

Use your Disney® Visa® Credit Card to take advantage of special Disney Cruise Line perks, including savings on digital photo packages, merchandise, Castaway Cay packages and onboard spa treatments.

Please note that some experiences and offerings, including Disney Visa Cardmember perks, may be modified, limited in capacity and subject to availability or closure based on guidance from health authorities and applicable government agencies. Please check DisneyCruise.Disney.go.com/Guest-Services/Advisory for the latest information.

Here’s how to enjoy Disney Cruise Line perks

When you check in online or at the embarkation terminal, enter your Disney Visa Credit Card as your form of payment for all onboard purchases.
On the ship, your “Key to the World” card will indicate that you’re a Disney Visa Cardmember and eligible for the perks listed below. Perks cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts, including Cast Member, Annual Passholder, Disney Vacation Club® or Florida resident.
Please mention these offers to ensure you receive the savings.

Cardmembers can save on select Disney Cruise Line packages, merchandise and spa treatments with these perks

10% Off Non-discounted Disney Cruise Line Digital Photo Packages

Receive 10% off the non-discounted price of 10-photo, 15-photo, 20-photo and all-inclusive Disney Cruise Line digital photo packages when you use your Disney Visa Card.

10% Off Select Merchandise Purchases

Receive 10% off select merchandise purchases of $50 or more aboard Disney Cruise Line ships when you use your Disney Visa Card.

10% Off Castaway Cay Getaway Packages in the Bahamas

Receive 10% off a Castaway Cay Getaway Package, and enjoy snorkeling, bicycle rental, float or inner-tube rental at Disney’s private island in The Bahamas, Castaway Cay when you use your Disney Visa Card.

20% Off Select Onboard Spa Treatments

Receive 20% off a non-discounted massage or facial service aboard Disney Cruise Line ships. Available on port days only when you use your Disney Visa Card.

On Board PlaceHolder

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

10% discount off prevailing rates as quoted on Disneycruise.com
For $250, you can purchase a placeholder that entitles you to 10% off the cost of a future cruise if used within two years of the purchase date (subject to a limited number of blackout dates).
You can purchase up to two placeholders per cruise which is basically two staterooms on the same future cruise (not two different cruises)
Reduced deposit on 7-night or longer sailings
Ready to save on your next Disney cruise? Once on board, you can use the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app to book a placeholder reservation for a future sailing.
View Terms and Conditions below; some restrictions apply.
New policy as of Oct 11, 2023 Effective immediately, guests and travel agents selecting a sail date for a placeholder reservation will now have the standard 3-day hold period to pay any additional deposit amounts owed. If the full deposit amount is not met by the due date, the reservation will be canceled, and any onboard offer benefits received when the placeholder reservation was booked will be forfeited. Please note that if a reservation with an onboard offer applied is canceled due to non-payment, the reservation cannot be reinstated. Guests were previously asked to pay any remaining deposit upon choosing a sail date.
Placeholder reservations are non-specific arrangements for a future Disney Cruise Line voyage that guests can book while already embarked on a Disney Cruise. The reservations are open-ended and require guests to make a partial deposit; when they ultimately choose a specific cruise and sail date, they pay a discounted price for the entire trip.
The placeholder becomes your new reservation number that can simply be modified for your new cruise date and the $250 goes toward the cost of your next cruise and is fully refundable if never used.
Therefore there is no risk to purchasing the placeholder especially if you might want to cruise again.

Placeholder reservations don't really dock in the same system as your fully-booked reservations, so you won't see them on the Disney Cruise Line website under "My Reservations." This is why to convert a placeholder into a full reservation, you always need to call a crew member to select your sailing rather than to book online. That said, you should definitely search for the destinations, Port Adventures, onboard activities, and more that you would like to experience to help you select the perfect itinerary for your next cruise!

You should have received an email confirmation 24-72 hours after your last adventure ended. I always like to search for this email in my inbox by searching the term "onboard booking confirmation," since those words are usually in the subject line! Now, I have heard that some of these confirmation emails have been delayed recently, so if you cannot find your email, rest assured that a crew member can look up your placeholder by your name and other information when you call in - so no worries about it going overboard!

Onboard Offer Blackout Dates (see DCL website for up to date list)

Onboard Offer Terms and Conditions

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.

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.

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

Blackout dates apply; please contact Disney Cruise Line or your travel agent for specific blackout dates. Reservations for future cruises that fall on blackout 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.

Repost directly from Disney Cruise Line