Onboard discounts/perks (DVC, AP, Disney Visa, etc.)

[Livelovedance]

We have our first DCL trip coming up! I'm used to the planning and preparations for WDW, so it's been strange to have nothing to do but wait!

I've been reading different threads and I started wondering; are there are any discounts or perks available for being a DVC member, a WDW annual passholder, or having the Disney Visa card?

 

[pixiedustedme]

I can't speak for those, but since you're looking for discounts I'll mention that if you book via Costco Travel, you'll get about an 8% rebate off the base price of the cruise in the form of a Costco cash card after the cruise. Many Costco customer service departments will allow you to cash in the entire value of that card. If you're an Executive member, you'll get an extra 2% off of the base price back in the form of a check at the end of the year. So that's about 10% off just for booking via Costco.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

We have our first DCL trip coming up! I'm used to the planning and preparations for WDW, so it's been strange to have nothing to do but wait!

I've been reading different threads and I started wondering; are there are any discounts or perks available for being a DVC member, a WDW annual passholder, or having the Disney Visa card?

If you use your Disney VISA card to purchase the cruise (entire amount) and/or use it to back up you onboard account, there are sometimes perks associated with either scenario. But not always.

No discounts for annual pass holders.

 

[Livelovedance]

I can't speak for those, but since you're looking for discounts I'll mention that if you book via Costco Travel, you'll get about an 8% rebate off the base price of the cruise in the form of a Costco cash card after the cruise. Many Costco customer service departments will allow you to cash in the entire value of that card. If you're an Executive member, you'll get an extra 2% off of the base price back in the form of a check at the end of the year. So that's about 10% off just for booking via Costco.

It's funny you should mention that, because we actually did book through Costco Travel for the Cash Card! Good to know about cashing it in though - we might try it! If it doesn't work out we shop in Costco anyway, so the card will get used one way or another. Thanks!

If you use your Disney VISA card to purchase the cruise (entire amount) and/or use it to back up you onboard account, there are sometimes perks associated with either scenario. But not always.

No discounts for annual pass holders.

Interesting - we did use it for the initial deposit and the final payment, but then we used a different card to prepay the gratuities. Costco Travel adjusted the invoice as a "package" so I'm not sure if it will count now. I'm also not sure if it will matter that we booked through a TA. I'll use the card on the onboard account just in case. Thanks!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

It's funny you should mention that, because we actually did book through Costco Travel for the Cash Card! Good to know about cashing it in though - we might try it! If it doesn't work out we shop in Costco anyway, so the card will get used one way or another. Thanks!


Interesting - we did use it for the initial deposit and the final payment, but then we used a different card to prepay the gratuities. Costco Travel adjusted the invoice as a "package" so I'm not sure if it will count now. I'm also not sure if it will matter that we booked through a TA. I'll use the card on the onboard account just in case. Thanks!

It doesn't matter that you paid through a TA, only HOW you paid.

 

[Livelovedance]

It doesn't matter that you paid through a TA, only HOW you paid.

Good to know, thanks! If it turns out that there is a perk for it, I'll ask. Technically the entire cruise was paid for with the Disney Visa. The only things I paid for with a different card were the gratuities and transportation.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Good to know, thanks! If it turns out that there is a perk for it, I'll ask. Technically the entire cruise was paid for with the Disney Visa. The only things I paid for with a different card were the gratuities and transportation.

Well, then the ENTIRE cruise wasn't paid for by the VISA. The gratuities, at least, count as part of the cruise.

 

[bcwife76]

On board if you show your DVC card in the stores, you can save 10% on your purchase if you spend $50 or more. There will also be a members celebration where you can see a presentation on anything new and upcoming, get a free drink (both alcoholic and non), they usually have some deals on points for certain resorts and if you stop by the DVC desk you can get a hat and a lanyard.

 

[Livelovedance]

Well, then the ENTIRE cruise wasn't paid for by the VISA. The gratuities, at least, count as part of the cruise.

I see. That's an unfortunate technicality, especially considering I didn't have to prepay the gratuities. Oh well.

 

[Livelovedance]

On board if you show your DVC card in the stores, you can save 10% on your purchase if you spend $50 or more. There will also be a members celebration where you can see a presentation on anything new and upcoming, get a free drink (both alcoholic and non), they usually have some deals on points for certain resorts and if you stop by the DVC desk you can get a hat and a lanyard.

That's great information, thank you!

 

[Doingitagain]

I see. That's an unfortunate technicality, especially considering I didn't have to prepay the gratuities. Oh well.

I would call and talk to them about that. At a minimum maybe they can reverse the original charge and re-charge it on your Costco card.

 

[MichelleCanada]

We booked and paid for our cruise through Costco to get the cash back card. If we prepay our gratuities through Costco does that count towards our cash back card?

 

[quickcat]

If you have your Disney visa on file for your ship charges, they will give you 10% off in the gift shops on board.

 

[Dug720]

If you have your Disney visa on file for your ship charges, they will give you 10% off in the gift shops on board.

There is a minimum purchase...maybe $50?...required to get the discount.

 

[Livelovedance]

I would call and talk to them about that. At a minimum maybe they can reverse the original charge and re-charge it on your Costco card.

I looked up the Disney Visa perks (I didn't realize they're actually listed on a website!) and the perks there only say you have to have your card on your account, so I should be okay. If I find out there are additional perks for paying your cruise in full with the card I will definitely ask. Here's the information for anyone else interested:


When you check in online or at the embarkation terminal, enter your Disney Visa card as your form of payment for all onboard purchases.

On the ship, your "Key to the World" card will indicate that you're a Disney Visa Cardmember and eligible for the perks listed below. Perks cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts, including Cast Member, Annual Passholder, Disney Vacation Club or Florida resident.

Please mention these offers to ensure you receive the savings.

10% off the non-discounted price of 10-photo, 15-photo, 20-photo and all-inclusive Disney Cruise Line digital photo packages
10% off select merchandise purchases of $50 or more aboard Disney Cruise Line ships
10% off a Castaway Cay Getaway Package, and enjoy snorkeling, bicycle rental, float or inner-tube rental at Disney's private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay
20% off a non-discounted massage or facial service aboard Disney Cruise Line ships. Available on port days only.

 

[Livelovedance]

We booked and paid for our cruise through Costco to get the cash back card. If we prepay our gratuities through Costco does that count towards our cash back card?

This is our first time so I can't say for certain, but it didn't change the value of our cash back card when I prepaid our gratuities. The description on the invoice I received says "The value of the Costco Cash Card is determined by the base cruise fare for the stateroom category booked."

 

[lanejudy]

The old Disney Visa perk (OBC/drink credit) required full payment using the Visa card. The current perks are onboard discounts and only require that you set your onboard account to be paid by the Disney Visa.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[Livelovedance]

The old Disney Visa perk (OBC/drink credit) required full payment using the Visa card. The current perks are onboard discounts and only require that you set your onboard account to be paid by the Disney Visa.

Enjoy your cruise!

Perfect, thank you!

 

[pixiedustedme]

We booked and paid for our cruise through Costco to get the cash back card. If we prepay our gratuities through Costco does that count towards our cash back card?

No. It's only the base cruise cost that counts, before taxes & port fees.

 

[Bonnie1222]

Another Perk of the Disney Visa - the % back in Disney gift card value, plus you also get 6 months free financing of your cruise price, your prepaid gratuities AND if you put money on your account BEFORE they close the booking window you can finance that as well. DH and I always add at least $500 to our on board account before we leave. I can pay for the cruise and the spending money at one shot no problem, but when they offer to finance it for free why should I give them all my money at once? I let them carry the burden and I spread it out across the 6 months to keep my money in the bank. New charges to your card once the cruise starts will not get the free financing.

Have a great trip.