How Advance Booking Windows Work on a Disney Cruise
One of the benefits of going on a Disney Cruise is that so much is included, from entertainment and character meet and greets to dining experiences. However, there are also additional activities you can book for an extra cost, including port adventures, onboard experiences, and specialty dining.
Many of the most popular options like renting a Cabana on Castaway Cay or dining at Palo, can book up quickly. Because of this, it’s important to understand how advance booking windows work and when you’ll be able to reserve these experiences.
If you’re still in the early planning stages and want a better idea of what your overall experience might look like, including where you’ll be staying, you can also take a look at our Disney Cruise stateroom tour here.
Castaway Club Membership
Booking windows are determined by your Castaway Club membership level. The Castaway Club is Disney Cruise Line’s loyalty program, and you’ll automatically become a member after your first sailing. It’s completely free and comes with perks like earlier booking windows, earlier online check-in dates, and welcome back aboard gifts.
The different Castaway Club membership levels are listed below:
Silver Member: After completing 1 sailing
Gold Member: After completing 5 sailings
Platinum Member: After completing 10 sailings
Pearl Member: After completing 25 sailings
Disney Cruise Advance Booking Windows
Now that you’re more familiar with the Castaway Club, the next step is understanding how your membership level impacts your booking window. Based on the number of Disney Cruises you’ve taken, determine your Castaway Club status and corresponding booking window below.
It’s also important to note that your cruise must be paid in full before you’re able to make any reservations.
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 (by contacting the Shoreside Concierge Associate team). Online reservations open 123 days prior to sail date
Your booking window will open at 12:00 AM on your assigned day, and if there’s something specific you’re hoping to reserve, I highly recommend logging in right when it opens.
My family and I recently returned from our first Disney Cruise, so we were in the 75-day booking window. While I wasn’t planning to book many extras due to traveling with young kids, I did log in right when the window opened out of curiosity–and many of the most popular options were already sold out. This included cabanas at Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique & Pirates League, and the Virtual Sports Simulator at Goofy’s Sports Deck.
There were still plenty of reservations available for things like Beverage Tasting Seminars, the Royal Court Tea Party, and spa experiences.
One final note: if you’re traveling with a younger child and are interested in the “it’s a small world” nursery, this is the only youth club that currently requires a reservation due to limited space. The other kids’ clubs allow for pre-registration before embarkation, but reservations are not required.
Final Thoughts
Disney Cruise Line offers guests the option to book some truly wonderful experiences at an additional cost, and I can absolutely see the appeal of many of them. It’s something I’m looking forward to trying on future trips.
That said, don’t worry if you’re unable to secure reservations ahead of time. One of the biggest benefits of a Disney Cruise is everything that’s already included, from the dining to the shows and entertainment. Your family will still have an amazing experience.
If you are interested in booking extras, just be sure to pay close attention to your advance booking window so you don’t miss the opportunity. Either way, your family will still have a wonderful experience, there’s so much included to enjoy.