Refund if paid in full?

[tjkraz]

Does paying the full fare for a Disney cruise before the 120 day mark (for 6+ day cruise) jeopardize the ability to get a refund? Still have every intention of going. But wondering if we’d have any problems getting money back if issue arises anytime before the actual due date. Thanks.

 

[auntlynne]

You should be fine. If you used any special credit or placeholder, just remember to Modify, not Cancel.

 

[lanejudy]

Penalties kick-in at 119 days. Paying off the balance early should not impact ability to get a refund should you find a need to cancel prior to that point.

 

[Mommb]

If you cancel before penalties begin, you will get a refund of any fare you have paid, refunded to the original method of payment. So, if you use gift cards for payment, be sure to keep those cards, and if you use a credit card, keep the credit card active. (I have heard it is possible to get a refund by check if you don’t have access to the original payment method, but that would add complexity and time.)

As auntlynne said, if you used a special offer attached to your booking, such as a placeholder booked onboard or an onboard credit from Disney because of issues with a previous cruise, you will lose that offer if you cancel. You can modify your booking by moving it (and some or all of the money you have paid) to a future date if you are fairly sure you will still cruise with Disney.

One more note: for Concierge, inaugural sailings, and Restricted fares (for which you must pay in full immediately), penalties begin as soon as you book. For a standard booking, you can cancel with a full refund prior to the penalty date no matter how much you have actually paid.

 

[shosh1530]

One consideration is if you are adding travel insurance (either through Disney or a third-party). I believe you usually need to add that at the time you pay in full and the cost of the insurance is usually not refundable.