Best time to pull the trigger on a Disney Cruise?

[jaelae]

So we had planned a cruise for the family at the end of 2017 on Royal Caribbean, but after some additional research, decided going Disney might be the smarter option - albeit much costlier. Is there historically, any deals throughout the year that would make sense to wait for? I do have a Disney VISA card which has some discounts off credit purchases and a few other things, but aside from 0% financing for 6 months the price looks pretty set in stone. Our hesitation is mainly the fact that our RC Anthem of the Seas Balcony is $2900 and a Verandah on Disney Magic is $6000 for a similar trip.

However, our two kids will be almost 3 and 1 at the time of cruising so I think that age makes a lot of sense to pay extra in order to do a lot of the character meets - and likely knock our room down to an oceanview.

Should I wait for a potential discounts? Or are Disney cruises likely to get pricier the closer to cruise date?

 

[NHDisneyFan]

So we had planned a cruise for the family at the end of 2017 on Royal Caribbean, but after some additional research, decided going Disney might be the smarter option - albeit much costlier. Is there historically, any deals throughout the year that would make sense to wait for? I do have a Disney VISA card which has some discounts off credit purchases and a few other things, but aside from 0% financing for 6 months the price looks pretty set in stone. Our hesitation is mainly the fact that our RC Anthem of the Seas Balcony is $2900 and a Verandah on Disney Magic is $6000 for a similar trip.

However, our two kids will be almost 3 and 1 at the time of cruising so I think that age makes a lot of sense to pay extra in order to do a lot of the character meets - and likely knock our room down to an oceanview.

Should I wait for a potential discounts? Or are Disney cruises likely to get pricier the closer to cruise date?

$3000 for character meets for a 1 year old? Assuming you aren't teachers and the kids aren't locked into a school vacation for breaks I would start pricing based on time of year.

 

[Cackyschmackers]

Can you change your plans to go in January? Cheaper rates. Weather is still great for Caribbean and Bahamas destinations and now's the time to take your kids before you have to worry about their school schedule. Good luck!

 

[Quellman]

Both kids will require the paid nursery since they are under the age of 3. So if you want some adult time it will cost around $9 per hour. You can have a really nice Disney vacation for $6,000, in fact it would cost less. I mention this because you mentioned the cost difference.

My son has been on 2 Disney cruises so far and has 2 more booked for this year. He is currently 3.

We enjoy having the balcony because while the kid is sleeping you can still have an outside space to enjoy without waking up anyone. Disney has some nice programming for toddlers as well. But you still are essentially being a parent to a toddler without the comforts of home.

Disney doesn't really have sales on their pricing. It is usually the lowest once it is announced and typically only increases in price as rooms book up. You can also pay off your disney cruise with gift cards (often purchased at a discount) and with the Disney Vacation Account.

 

[NS8VN]

To answer your question, Disney cruises rarely drop in price and that is doubly so for holiday cruises. IMO, with children that young I agree with NHDisneyFan, it is a lot of money for what amounts to some character pictures. A few years down the line when they can go to the kids clubs and will have some memories of the trip my answer would be different, but at those ages it really wouldn't be worth doubling the price difference for me.

 

[HappilyEverAfter80]

We have paid less than opening day prices (on 5 and 7 night sailings) 4x now in the last 2 years by booking within 70 days of sailing.
Our travel agents could hardly believe what we paid, all were verandahs for less than inside room. In 2015 we paid $2900 for 7 nights on the fantasy, we got a 5a cabin that time. 3 people.

However.. these were GT rates so they are highly unlikely to appear during peak times.
You have to be flexible on time and cabin assignment.
For us booking 2 months in advance worked out just fine, better in fact than booking a year ahead. For one we are not patient

 

[Billinaz]

Typically it is less expensive on the day it opens. I try to book it right away and transfer it right to Costco for the cash card you get on your return home. It is worth 8 to 9 percent of your cruise cost. Better than any OBC out there.

 

[Laundress]

OP: Typically prices are the lowest when the dates are first released then it goes up. Hopefully you will be able to take advantage of the sail dates when everyone else is in school. We took our children when they were 3 and 1. They may not remember it but I sure do. I cherrish the memories made and all the wonderful photo opportunities. They are now 13 & 15. Spring Break will be our 5th cruise. We have a wonderful collection of Photo books to carry us over until the next trip. Enjoy your trip with your sweeties.