Disney cruises can be EXPENSIVE, which means you’ll want to get the most out of your vacation.

There are a lot of different activities, excursions, dining options, and so much more, so how can you get the most out of what you paid for while still being able to relax, save time and money, and not be stressed on your Disney cruise? We’ve tested three alleged loopholes to see if they helped our vacation at all, and here’s what we found out.

 

Use the Transfer Shuttle from Disney Resorts for Better Boarding Time

You’re going to need to get to the cruise port somehow, right? Why not take a Disney Cruise Line transfer shuttle! This service takes care of your luggage and (possibly) your port arrival time, so you don’t have to stress about it, and you can fully enjoy the experience.

This isn’t an ordinary shuttle; this is a grand motorcoach with cushioned seats, luggage service, and even TVs that play Disney shows. This shuttle runs from any Disney-owned resort, so if you’re planning on taking the shuttle from the Swan or Dolphin Resorts, you won’t be able to. It also comes at an additional cost of $45 per person, per way, but we think it’s absolutely worth it! Children under the age of three will be able to board for free.

You don’t have to worry too much about picking a port arrival time because guests using the Disney Cruise Line Transfer Shuttle have more flexibility and may have the opportunity to board earlier! One of our team members actually put this to the test, and it worked — she was able to board so much earlier than the other guests! Note that this is not guaranteed, but it is a possibility.

To add this service to your vacation, simply add it to your cart when you book, or call Disney Cruise Line and add it in later. You do have to book this service at least 72 hours in advance. Didn’t book the transfer shuttle on the day in, but want to book it when you disembark? No worries — you can book it onboard with guest services!

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Connect to the Ship’s Wi-Fi from Outside the Terminal

Not only can you save so much time by doing this, but you can also start booking activities before everyone else. One of our team members has had success when trying to connect to the ship’s Wi-Fi from outside the ship, and, of course, she used it to her advantage!

While waiting for her boarding group to be called, she was able to connect to the ship’s Wi-Fi and start looking at the schedule! Not only was she able to plan ahead without wasting any vacation time, but she was also able to reserve various activities, like beverage seminars, a few times.

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Make Some Dining Reservations Onboard

Like Disney World restaurants, some reservations can be extremely difficult to get, especially when there are only so many days in your vacation and a lot of signature dining locations to choose from. Well, there’s a possibility you could snag them after they show that they’re sold out online!

When you’re booking online, these are the timeframes guests are able to book their dining reservations and activities:

• First-Time Guests: 75 days prior to sail date
• Silver Castaway Club Member: 90 days prior to sail date
• Gold Castaway Club Member: 105 days prior to sail date
• Platinum Castaway Club Member: 120 days prior to sail date
• Pearl Castaway Club Member: 123 days prior to sail date
• Concierge Guests: 130 days prior to sail date*

For those first-time guests, it can be hard to secure those hard-to-get dining reservations. That’s why when you get on board, head straight to the “dining change desks” — you may be able to secure a last-minute reservation! One of our team members was able to get a Palo dinner reservation by bypassing everything else and going straight to stand in line for dining reservations! She’s also been able to switch her table to a private table, which makes for a relaxing and more comfortable meal.

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Booking a Disney Cruise can be stressful, especially if it’s your first one! But there’s no need to stress — our friends at Small World Vacations can help! With over 25 years of experience, their agents know the best spots and can help you create the perfect cruise itinerary, and at the perfect price — they’ve helped families save millions of dollars on their Disney vacations! Click HERE to get a Disney Cruise Line quote, and an agent will get back to you in 24 hours or less!

We’re always on the lookout for new tips and tricks for your Disney vacations! Stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog, so you don’t miss anything!

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Do you have any Disney Cruise Line loopholes? Let us know in the comments below!