Captain Minnie and Captain Mickey on stage in the Disney Wish with text on the image that says: Disney Cruise Line Placeholder: What is it and Why Get it

Disney Cruise Line Placeholder: What is it and Why Get it

If you are considering a Disney Cruise Line adventure, you might have come across the term “Placeholder Reservation.” But what exactly is it, and why should you consider making one? Let’s delve into the details.

Disney Wish from Snorkeling Lagoon in Castaway Cay

1. What is a Placeholder Reservation?

A Placeholder Reservation is essentially an open-ended reservation made exclusively onboard a Disney Cruise Line ship for a future sailing date within 24 months.

It is a way to secure a spot for your next cruise without committing to a specific date or itinerary.

2. How much is a Placeholder Reservation?

To create a Placeholder Reservation, you must place a $250 deposit. 

3. Why should I book a Placeholder?

The primary incentive for reserving a placeholder is the 10% discount available on prevailing rates, as quoted on the Disney Cruise Line website, coupled with the advantage of a reduced deposit for sailings lasting 7 nights or more.

Captain Minnie and Captain Mickey on stage in the Disney Wish

4. What if I change my mind?

Yet another compelling reason for securing a placeholder is that if you decide to cancel your placeholder or do not pick a specific sailing date by the end of the 24 months, it is fully refundable!

This is game-changing in the cruise industry, as most cruise lines typically do not offer refunds for future voyage deposits if they are not utilized.

However, it is essential to note that standard cancellation fees will apply once specific travel dates are chosen.

Disney cruise ship in Alaska

5. Can I still use my Travel Agent with a Placeholder?

Absolutely! If you wish to use your Travel Agent with your Disney Cruise Placeholder, you can request your reservation to be linked to your current agent as you create the reservation.

If you do not have a travel agent, want to change your agent, or did not get the chance to link him/her previously, you have 30 days after you place your reservation to do so.

Also, if you prefer utilizing Costco, you can still enlist their services seamlessly alongside your Placeholder Reservation – make sure you do this within 30 days.

Pool deck - you can see funnel vision, part of the Aqua Mouse, the other water slide, pool chairs, and a little bit of a pool

6. What are the restrictions?

When considering Placeholder Reservations, it is important to note that the offer extends to a maximum of two staterooms per household for a single sail date, irrespective of the household’s adult count.

Furthermore, this offer applies solely to Categories 4 to 11. This means that suites and Disney Cruise concierge staterooms are excluded from the offer.

Therefore, to benefit from the placeholder reservation offer, you must opt for an inside, ocean view, or verandah cabin.

Princess and the Frog inspired inside stateroom on the Disney Wish

Furthermore, the cruise must commence within 24 months of booking; otherwise, the reservation will automatically be canceled.

For instance, if you placed your reservation on January 22, 2024, you have until January 21, 2026, to commence your new sailing. Failure to do so will result in automatic cancellation of the reservation, and the deposit will be refunded.

This offer cannot be combined with discounts such as Florida Resident Rates, U.S. Military Rates, or any other special offers.

Moreover, it does not extend to categories like VGT, OGT, or IGT with restrictions (which are guaranteed staterooms). It is also not applicable for 2-night sailings. Additionally, it is crucial to note any blackout dates, which are listed below for reference.

Disney Castaway Cay balls with Mickey, Pluto, Donald, and Goofy's faces on it

Onboard Offer Blackout Dates:

Disney Dream – 11/20/2023, 12/23/2023, 12/28/2023, 03/31/2024, 11/23/2024, 11/27/2024, 12/21/2024, 12/26/2024, 12/30/2024    

Disney Fantasy – 11/18/2023, 12/23/2023, 12/30/2023, 03/23/2024, 03/30/2024, 06/08/2024, 11/23/2024, 12/22/2024, 12/26/2024, 12/29/2024

Disney Magic – 11/18/2023, 06/06/2024, 11/25/2024, 12/29/2024

Disney Wonder – None

Disney Wish – 11/20/2023, 12/22/2023, 12/26/2023, 12/29/2023, 03/25/2024, 03/29/2024, 04/01/2024, 11/25/2024, 12/23/2024, 12/27/2024, 12/30/2024, 04/14/2025, 04/18/2025, 04/21/2025

Disney Treasure – 12/21/2024, 12/28/2024

Serenity Bay, adults-only area at Disney's Castaway Cay

7. How to book your Placeholder Reservation?

To secure your placeholder, access the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app while onboard and find the option labeled “10% off a future cruise.”

Then, indicate whether you wish to place deposits on 1 or 2 staterooms. After that, you will be on a payment page.

Should you prefer to use a different credit card than the original form of payment on file for your deposit, you can easily update your payment information within the app.

In case of any difficulties, you can seek assistance from Guest Services, as the Future Cruise Sales Desk has been closed post-COVID, and they are available to provide support.

When you make a Placeholder Reservation, you will receive a confirmation email containing your reservation number and other pertinent details.

This email serves as proof of your reservation and includes instructions on how to proceed with finalizing your booking at a later time.

Example of Savings

7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral for $7,831 on the Disney Treasure

Let’s say you just got off a Disney Cruise Ship and made a Disney Cruise Placeholder booking! Now, you want to go on the Disney Treasure, the brand-new ship that launches in December 2024, for your next Disney Cruise Line Vacation. 

Specifically, you are considering their 7-night Western Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral itinerary sailing out in February 2025.

The cost for a family of four (2 adults and 2 children) to stay in an Oceanview room will be around $7,831.12 with taxes and fees of $691.12. The 10% off from your Placeholder will save you $714 on your sailing! 

Plus, the $250 deposit you made onboard will go directly toward paying a portion of your total amount due.

The best part about this sailing option is that it will also provide you with a reduced deposit since it is a sailing lasting 7 nights or more.

Recap

DLT! with Rapunzel and a paper made shoulder pal, Pascal

Disney Cruise Line offers Placeholder Reservations for your future Disney Cruise, and the only way to book this special offer is while onboard your current cruise.

The placeholder deposit is only $250 and gives you two fantastic incentives of 10% off your next magical Disney Cruise and a reduced deposit for sailings 7-nights or longer – all without having to book your specific cruise right then and there.

If you enjoyed your time on your cruise, make sure you take advantage of this offer and book your Disney Cruise Line Placeholder!

8. I am ready to pick my sailing, now what?

If you linked a travel agent to your placeholder, you will contact them with your preferred sailing information, and they will figure it out for you.

If you did not link a travel agent, once you are ready to select your cruise, you will call 1-800-939-2784 for further assistance!

Important Note to Reiterate

Exclamation points in purple, red, and yellow

A Placeholder Reservation is a Disney Cruise Line Onboard Booking Offer ONLY. You cannot book a placeholder once you get back home.

Not sure what to pack for a Disney cruise?

Gif with a lady looking confused with 3 questions marks over her head. On her right and left you will find luggage

Check out my blog post, Disney Cruise Line Packing List with Printable. The article breaks down what you need for a Disney Cruise and why. You will also find Amazon links to purchase most of the items and a downloadable checklist.

Do you just want the checklist emailed to you?

Preview of the Free Printable Packing List for a Disney Cruise created by Dale, Let's Travel! LLC

Fill out this form with your first name and email address below to receive the link for a downloadable PDF version of this listing that you can print out and treat as a checklist.

    ​Happy Sailing!

    A Mural of the Disney Wish with intricate rooms painted on depicting what is found on each deck

    A Placeholder Reservation with Disney Cruise Line is a fantastic opportunity to secure future voyages at sea with great savings and flexibility.

    With no catch, thanks to the refundable deposit, no cruise enthusiast should miss out on this chance to save on their next magical cruise adventure.

    Do not hesitate to seize this opportunity for an unforgettable journey on the high seas!

    Have you ever used a Disney Cruise Line Placeholder Reservation? Did you think it was worth it? Let me know in the comments below!

    Share this article with the person or people you want to go on your next adventure with! Also, be sure to SUBSCRIBE below to learn about other places you should add to your “To Visit” List! Ready? Okay, vamos. Time to have fun!

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    Disney Wish from Snorkeling Lagoon in Castaway Cay

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    * This article is not sponsored by Disney Cruise Line, any of the above mentioned locations, or their affiliates. *

    ** All the prices above are subject to change without notice by the respective owner(s). For up-to-date pricing, check the Disney Cruise Line website. **

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