Why a Disney Cruise Placeholder is a Game-Changer
If you’re like me, you’re always looking for ways to make your next Disney Cruise even more magical.
But what if I told you there’s a game-changing secret that could save you money on future cruises?
Yep, you read that right! It’s called a Disney Cruise Placeholder, and trust me, you’re going to want to know all about it.
This simple yet powerful trick could be your golden ticket to incredible savings and even more Disney magic. So, let’s dive in and discover why a Disney Cruise Placeholder is a must-have for any savvy cruiser!
What is a Disney Cruise placeholder?
The placeholder starts as a piece of paper. Pick one up midship on Deck 4 at the Vacation Planning desk.
It works by telling Disney you want to sail again with them sometime within the next 24 months.
NOTE: You can only submit a placeholder while you are onboard a Disney cruise – not after your cruise ends.
Benefits of submitting a Disney Cruise placeholder
You may be wondering why you want to do this, especially if you are not sure you will be cruising within that timeframe.
There are two main benefits:
- Reduced Deposit – It only costs $250 per room to reserve (a 7-night cruise). This is less than the standard 20% that it normally costs.
- Onboard booking discount – You receive a 10% discount off the current price of your chosen stateroom, except Concierge bookings
The onboard booking bonus is a Disney Cruise hack for saving money on your next cruise.
How does the placeholder work?
On it, you fill out your name, email address, stateroom and a couple of questions regarding your current cruise.
One question asks if you want to continue to use your current travel agent. Check yes and your travel agent is sent an email with your placeholder confirmation code.
In addition, many travel agents continue to give you some type of onboard credit, although it is usually reduced (ours is by 50%) compared to the first Disney cruise you booked through them.
Reserve up to 2 rooms, listing the names and birthdates of each person traveling, or simply check the box noting it’s the same people you are currently sharing a stateroom with.
Reserving a cruise now
If you know the exact date you wish to travel for your next cruise, work with a Vacation Planner at the beginning of the cruise. Don’t wait until the end because they are a lot busier with more requests.
Once you have it set up, you are done.
Reserving a placeholder
However, if you are unsure about your next cruise date or if the dates you want to plan are not released yet, simply fill out the card.
If you are using your credit card on file to pay for the deposit, all you have to do is drop the card in the box at the vacation planning desk. However, if you would like to use a different payment method, you need to have a Vacation Planner process the payment for you.
You will get an email confirmation (and your travel agent will too if you noted you wanted to use them) to the address provided.
Travel must start within 24 months of when Disney receives your placeholder card.
Cancel at any time during these 24 months and Disney will refund your deposit. Likewise, if you do not convert your placeholder, your money will be refunded as well.
Therefore, you have nothing to lose by choosing this option.
How to convert your placeholder
If you already talked to a Disney Vacation Planner and picked your next cruise date, you are good to go.
However, if you dropped your card in the box, convert your placeholder by calling Disney Cruise Line at 800-951-3532 or by contacting your travel agent (assuming you checked the box saying you wanted to continue using this agent).
Isn’t that simple for a 10% savings on your next Disney Cruise?
Are you still unsure what cruise line to book? Compare the best cruise lines for families and get all the information you need to know!
For more Disney Cruise advice, check out the following:
- How to Organize Your Disney Cruise Stateroom
- Connect at Sea – How to Use Wifi on Your Disney Cruise
- 15 Disney Cruise Embarkation Day Tips You Need to Know
Have you reserved through a Disney Cruise placeholder card? We did, but we haven’t booked it yet. How far apart was your next cruise booked for? Please let me know in the comments!
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