Disney Cruise Tips on How to Save

Have you ever set sail on the Disney Cruise line? Do you want to go someday but not quite sure about the real cost?

I am going to share how to save on Disney Cruise prices. These tips will help you determine ALL of the costs associated with this type of vacation.  

What is the cheapest month to take a Disney Cruise?

I can’t say with complete certainty what the future of travel will be like, but based on my past experiences, when it comes to looking for Disney Cruise deals for our family, the least expensive times to go are mid-to-late January through February.

After the new year is when you usually see the price go down.

The most expensive times to take a Disney Cruise is around the holidays, and also summertime because that is when many schools have their summer break. 

We got lucky one year and found an incredible rate for a weeklong cruise on the Disney Magic in February only 6 weeks before sailing. 

Is it worth going on a Disney Cruise?

How much is a Disney Cruise and is it worth it? Let me start by honestly telling you that the Disney Cruise Line is very much on the expensive side.

Most of that can be explained in the high level of service and overall experience Disney delivers, which is why this type of trip should be included on your travel bucket list. 

When you book a Disney Cruise you know what the up-front costs are. Unfortunately, there may be unexpected charges on your bill that could potentially break your budget (unless you use some budget-friendly Disney World tips). 

We all know ending a Disney vacation is hard enough as it is, but who hasn’t looked at their bill on the last night of a trip to find surprises they hadn’t planned on? 

Not to worry though. As long as you take these five things into consideration before buying your Disney Cruise Line package, you can come in under budget and ease your transition back into reality. 

How to Save on A Disney Cruise 

These are the 5 things that will impact your budget the most. 

Follow my tips for each one and you’ll maximize your budget. 

1. Budget For The Cost of Travel

This may seem self-explanatory, however, it’s sometimes not so simple. You might count your airfare without giving it a second thought, but don’t forget about the other charges associated with it.

By the way, before you start packing up the best travel essentials for your cruise, do you know how to find the best airfare in minutes? 

Everything you pay for before and during the flight should be counted in your Disney Cruise budget. This includes the Starbucks run before a flight, meals between gates on a layover, in-flight entertainment and more. 

Bottles of water, snacks, books, and magazines all add up, so plan on it. 

Also, don’t forget the cost of Uber, gas, or long term parking either. 

You can search for flights, car rentals and services, keep track of travel expenses and more thanks to some amazing free travel apps. 

2. Plan for Tips in your Disney Cruise Budget

This is something that can surprise a lot of people, especially if they haven’t been on a cruise before. First, make sure you have cash on hand and a budget for tipping those who handle your carry on luggage (Disney themed suitcases of course). 

Be prepared to shell out at least a couple of dollars per bag for anyone who takes them off your hands. 

Aside from that, there is a whole team that is assigned to you during the cruise.

Disney automatically attaches the gratuity to your final bill, so be prepared to add it to your budget. You are free to pay more in the form of cash in envelopes supplied to you, or see customer service before your final day to alter the amount. 

The recommended gratuity as of September 2021 is approximately $13.50 per guest, per cruise. This example is for a 3-night Disney cruise. so make sure to check out the full gratuities amount list while planning and before you go. 

3. Prepare for Alcohol/Fine Dining Costs

The food (even 24-hour room service) is all inclusive on Disney Cruise Lines. However, alcohol is not included and costs more. Be sure to budget how much you intend to drink on the trip. 

Depending on what you order, drinks could cost around $10-$15, or they offer wine and beer packages for an additional cost. The top shelf stuff will be considerably higher of course. 

There is also an added charge for dining at Palo, which is absolutely worth it, considering the level of the food and customer service experience there.

Palo is included in my top 4 things to do on a Disney Cruise, along with a few other things you will want to know about.

4. Save On Souvenirs

One thing you may want to plan for is buying souvenirs to bring back. My kids love the Disney Cruise themed sweatshirts, crocs and more. 

You’ll want to figure out what type of souvenirs you want, how much room to leave in your luggage and how much you expect to pay on Disney themed gifts.

Of course, prices vary, depending on what you intend to purchase. For an idea of product pricing, you can shop comparable items at ShopDisney.com

5. Add Port Expenses to Your Budget

Finally, make sure you leave some room in your budget for things you plan to do while at port. 

Whatever you expect to buy would be included in your overall budget and factored into the amount you are prepared to spend on your room. 

It’s a really good idea to thoroughly study the ports your cruise will take you to, so you know what you want to do and how much additional money you will need.

Click here to see an overview of Disney Cruise Line Ports and things to do at each location.

Check the prices and book port adventures after you have reserved your Disney Cruise vacation. 

What To Buy For Your Next Disney Cruise

Now that you have an idea on how to save and have these budgeting tips, it’s time to start to planning, especially with new Disney Cruise ships being added to the fleet.

Here are a few items you might want to purchase for your first (or next) Disney Cruise 2022 vacation:

• Hidden Mickey’s Go To Sea
• Mickey and Friends Lanyard with Detachable Coin Purse
• Unofficial Guide to Disney Cruise Line 2020 
• Custom Personalized Door Magnets
• Collapsible Water Bottles