Anything to Do Until Final Payment Date?

[CinderellaDream]

We reserved and paid the deposit for our 7 night Fantasy cruise for next June back in February of this year (first cruise with DCL but 4th total). Are there any important dates I should be aware of prior to payment in full? Is there anything to sign up for or does that all begin after the final payment date?

 

[PrincessShmoo]

We reserved and paid the deposit for our 7 night Fantasy cruise for next June back in February of this year (first cruise with DCL but 4th total). Are there any important dates I should be aware of prior to payment in full? Is there anything to sign up for or does that all begin after the final payment date?

As a first time cruisers, your online checkin window, and excursion booking window open at 75 days out from the cruise. Unless you're booked in a Concierge room.

All you can do now is just do research (here and on the DCL website) for information about what excursions might be of interest. Or any other onboard activities.

 

[CinderellaDream]

As a first time cruisers, your online checkin window, and excursion booking window open at 75 days out from the cruise. Unless you're booked in a Concierge room.

All you can do now is just do research (here and on the DCL website) for information about what excursions might be of interest. Or any other onboard activities.

Thank you! I'm used to planning WDW vacations but DCL is all new to me. I will just try to wait patiently until my 75 days out date begins!

 

[belac]

I would definitely research the port adventures now so you know your top 3 choices per port, read a bit on the places you will be stopping. It may be what you wanted isn't available so that is why I said top 3. Look at what to do on the ship what you may be interested in, look up prior Navigators (Daily schedules) on Disney cruise line blog to get a feel, and menus of the ships and restaurants. Pretty much the research you would do for WDW but now DCL.
Oh check your documentations, passports etc...

 

[FigmentSpark]

You might be interested in joining an FE group, in which case, you should hook up with others on your cruise. You also might be interested in decorating your door, so you can start planning and making anything you want for that. Finally, if you plan on dressing up for any of the events on the ship (Star Wars, Marvel, Pirates or princesses), start working on your costumes.

 

[BruinEd03]

As others have said, I would recommend researching the excursions. With the excursions, I would also see if you can book directly with a third party. A lot of times you can book directly with the third party for the exact same excursion (e.g., you will be on the same excursion as those who booked with Disney). Of course it would be cheaper if you booked directly with the third party. I would also research Palo and Remy and determine if any of those fine dining options interest you.

Finally, before the PIF date, I would consider how you want to pay off your cruise. E.g., what CC to use to maximize your points. Alternatively, research if buying discounted GC is appropriate for you. Check to make sure your Travel Agent accepts Disney GC for payments. Also you can look at the Budget Forum and look for the Discount Gift Card Thread (https://www.disboards.com/threads/disney-gift-card-deals.2941964/) (Go to the last page) and be on the lookout for any discounts that would maximize your value. Alternatively, you can also find out which stores in the same thread that sell discount GC up front (e.g., BJ's, Sam's Club, etc.) With some time, you can be a little patient to find the best deals. You may think it's not worth it, but even with a straight 5% discount from BJ's, a $4000 cruise would be discounted to $3800 (that's $200 extra for souvenirs, excursions, etc.). Of course if you have to cancel, then you would get your refund back to the GC that you purchased. If you've researched what excursions you want to book with Disney, you can also figure out what additional GC you want to buy to bring with you on the trip and put on your on board account - this is how you will be charged (although you can clearly buy after the PIF date to put in your on board account).

You probably already know about both of these (as these are generic to most cruises):

If you haven't purchased travel insurance, you should look for it now. Some of the key dates are initial deposit, and paid in full date. Initial deposit has already passed, but the paid in full date hasn't. E.g., some benefits will be available if you book before the paid in full date.

Also, you should begin looking at flights in the next couple of months (if applicable). I would also book your hotels now provided that they have reasonable cancellation policies. You can then shop for better deals as you get closer.

 

[hcox31]

Sit and watch the countdown app on your phone that doesn't seem to change.

 

[CinderellaDream]

Thanks everyone! I have already purchased travel insurance and we will be driving to PC so no worries there. I started researching excursions and am thinking of the following for DH, DD9, DD6 and myself. I realize all of these would be third party providers but the Disney excursions either don't really interest me or they are more expensive than I can get through a third party. I am comfortable with the risk vs benefit of booking with someone other than Disney.

1. Cozumel - Playa Mia or Nachi Cocum. We did Chankanaab Park on our Royal cruise but thought we might try something different this time.
2. Grand Cayman - Definitely interested in Captain Marvin's Stingray City but we're only in port 7 hours and I need to factor in tendering time.
3. Falmouth - considering Dunn's River or maybe Resort for a Day (Jewel Runaway Bay) or maybe just staying on the ship in this port.

Any thoughts on those excursions?

I will definitely check into gift cards and other savings options. We have the Disney Visa so I know they offer 6 months financing on Disney vacations. I'm not a fan of financing vacations but if they will give me 0% for six months, why not?

 

[MouseOfCards]

As others have said, I would recommend researching the excursions. With the excursions, I would also see if you can book directly with a third party. A lot of times you can book directly with the third party for the exact same excursion (e.g., you will be on the same excursion as those who booked with Disney). Of course it would be cheaper if you booked directly with the third party. I would also research Palo and Remy and determine if any of those fine dining options interest you.

Finally, before the PIF date, I would consider how you want to pay off your cruise. E.g., what CC to use to maximize your points. Alternatively, research if buying discounted GC is appropriate for you. Check to make sure your Travel Agent accepts Disney GC for payments. Also you can look at the Budget Forum and look for the Discount Gift Card Thread (https://www.disboards.com/threads/disney-gift-card-deals.2941964/) (Go to the last page) and be on the lookout for any discounts that would maximize your value. Alternatively, you can also find out which stores in the same thread that sell discount GC up front (e.g., BJ's, Sam's Club, etc.) With some time, you can be a little patient to find the best deals. You may think it's not worth it, but even with a straight 5% discount from BJ's, a $4000 cruise would be discounted to $3800 (that's $200 extra for souvenirs, excursions, etc.). Of course if you have to cancel, then you would get your refund back to the GC that you purchased. If you've researched what excursions you want to book with Disney, you can also figure out what additional GC you want to buy to bring with you on the trip and put on your on board account - this is how you will be charged (although you can clearly buy after the PIF date to put in your on board account).

You probably already know about both of these (as these are generic to most cruises):

If you haven't purchased travel insurance, you should look for it now. Some of the key dates are initial deposit, and paid in full date. Initial deposit has already passed, but the paid in full date hasn't. E.g., some benefits will be available if you book before the paid in full date.

Also, you should begin looking at flights in the next couple of months (if applicable). I would also book your hotels now provided that they have reasonable cancellation policies. You can then shop for better deals as you get closer.

Good list. We also booked a cancellable hotel room early for our upcoming cruise. Hopefully, prices will come down as we get closer.