First Timer-when can excursions be booked?

[cchron]

Long time DVC members and WDW fans planning our first ever cruise. I'm confused as to when shore excursions can be booked, some info indicates 75 days out but I've seen others that say you can book once your cruise is paid in full. Also can cabanas be rented at Castaway Cay? I thought that was available but don't see it on the DCL site. Thanks!

 

[clten]

You have to have meet 2 criteria to book shore excursions with DCL. First your booking window has to be open (for first time cruisers that is 75 days before sailing -- past guests get more time) and second you must be paid in full. If your booking window opens and you are not paid in full, you can't book excursions. Also if you are paid in full but your booking window is not open (it's more than 75 days before sailing), you can't book excursions.

Cabanas can be rented on Castaway Cay. They are very hard to come by. Concierge guests can request cabanas at 125 days before sailing (they actually get booked at midnight 120 days before sailing) and platinum guests can book 120 days before sailing. These two groups usually take up most of the cabana rentals. But there is always a chance that one might be available at any time before sailing (if someone cancels, it would put their cabana back as available). You wouldn't see Cabanas listed anywhere on DCLs website except in the shore excursion listing when it opens for booking for you. Each cabana is listed as a separate excursion in the Castaway Cay listing.