When does Disney typically release Kids Sail Free rates? Any guesses for 2014?

[jenhelgren]

When does Disney usually release the Kids Sail Free rates for the following year? Can anyone take a guess on 2014 offers? We have never sailed with DCL and are just starting to look into it. Do the Kids Sail Free promotions generally save money or does Disney just raise the adult prices for the promotion dates? Looking for any advice I can get for 2 adults and 2 children most likely early 2014. Thank you!

[neg58]

Free is free. In fact, the adult fares are often lower than usual since KSF are usually offered at off-peak times.

The fare is the same for that cabin whether you have kids or not.

Nancy

[lbgraves]

The prices will be higher for the 1st & 2nd passenger than they were opening day. The discounted rates are only released for cruises that are not selling well around the PIF date [usually 75 days for closed-loop cruises from the US]. Some categories may have sold more rooms than others, however, so are priced at a higher tier than others.

[jenhelgren]

Thank you for that very helpful information!!

So-generally the Kids Sail Free and other promotions are introduced 2-3 months in advance of the sailing date? If we chose a early 2014 cruise and then Disney offers a promotion before the sailing date-so we receive a credit for the difference?

[su_A_ve]

It doesn't work the way WDW works - DCL will move the ships around to different ports if needed. Exception is the Dream and Fantasy which are doing very well.

There's no guarantee for the future that these will be released. These (as well as MIL, FLR, *GT) only come out for sailings that are not doing well.

MIL, FLR and *GT have been out for all sailings, however this year for example KSF only was made available to Galvestone and Miami sailings.

Galvestone was cut short already - Miami might be getting cut as well, so it's hard to say what would happen.

In any case, they will typically come out after the PIF date. Therefore, if you book ahead of time you might need to cancel after PIF date, and incur a penalty. For some, the penalty is less than the savings, so they will do it.

[lanejudy]

Originally Posted by jenhelgren

Thank you for that very helpful information!!

So-generally the Kids Sail Free and other promotions are introduced 2-3 months in advance of the sailing date? If we chose a early 2014 cruise and then Disney offers a promotion before the sailing date-so we receive a credit for the difference?

The most recent Kids Sail Free promotion was allowed to be added to a currently PIF booking, providing a refund and no penalty. However, some other promotions that come out after the PIF date do require a cancellation and re-book, incurring whatever penalty is applicable. It's hard to say what DCL "might" do for "potential" discounts next year -- based on history, yes you could apply the KSF promo and receive a credit. But that's not necessarily guaranteed as they could change the requirements of the promo if offered next year.

Enjoy your cruise!