Planning timeline?

[kj2mom]

Hi all! I have been trying to learn a little something each day making our way to an eventual cruise in 2020 for my twins high school graduation. I love planning Disney trips, seriously planning is half the fun of going for me. Learning all of the ins and outs is something I enjoy doing. That said, I have been trying to wrap my head around cruising in order to make our trip the best I can (even though it will be short, we are thinking a 3 or 4 night with the rest of the week at Disney World). Anyway, I was just reading the today is the day thread and I realized I don't really know much about the timing of things for cruising compared to parks (180 days dining reservations, 60 or 30 days FP depending on where we stay etc etc). So, I looked fairly quickly to see if I could find something for cruising (I know the 2020 dates aren't out yet) so I have the proper time frame in mind but I didn't see anything. Would someone be willing to point me in the right direction if my search abilities are missing the mark or just be willing to share the key aspects of timing in order to not miss the boat (so to speak)?

I am learning soo much since I started frequenting the cruise forum and I can not thank you all enough! I have already adjusted some of my preparations (we are starting to save and I was putting our $$ in CD's to get the most interest but realized I needed to have 20% down when I book so now I am making sure to have enough accessible cash to make that happen), planning on using a TA to maybe receive some on board credit, going to use my Disney Visa to be able to take advantage of the 6 months no interest option (even though we are hoping to have saved enough it will be nice to have this extra cushion).... the list is literally increasing every day!

Anyway, if there is a place where I can see things like book your cruise (my boyfriend has gone on one cruise previously so I know he can typically book a day before the general public, we will definitely be watching the dates when the 2020 info comes out) and put down 20%, pay it in full by ______________, book your excursions by _______, and any other key dates that would be helpful I would greatly appreciate all of your insight! Thanks!

 

[lilsonicfan]

I would suggest starting here. So much great information. If your boyfriend is Silver status (cruised at least once) then you will want to make sure he has a hold of his Castaway Club # (he can call DCL / set up an account online). Generally it's 20% deposit as you said, but paid in full date depends on the length of cruise and whether you are sailing concierge. Typically the paid in full (PIF) date is 90 days out but it's longer if the cruise is 10 days or more. Activity/shore excursion booking dates depend on Castaway Club status level; silver status gets to book at 90 days out (assuming you are PIF).