Disney Cruise Line Placeholders: What They Are and Why You Should Book One
If you are sailing with Disney Cruise Line and think there is even a chance you will cruise again in the next couple of years, this is something you want to know about before you get off the ship.
Disney Cruise Line offers something called an onboard booking offer, more commonly known as a placeholder. It is a discounted way to book a future Disney cruise that is only available while you are onboard. It is easy to miss if you do not know it exists, which is why we talk about it ahead of time.
A Disney Cruise Line placeholder is one of the very few consistent discounts Disney offers, and for most families, it is absolutely worth doing.
What Is a Disney Cruise Line Placeholder?
A placeholder is basically an open reservation for a future Disney cruise, saving you 10%
While you are onboard your cruise, you can pay a refundable deposit that locks in special pricing perks for a cruise you will take later. You do not have to choose your ship or sail date right away. You simply secure the offer and decide later.
The deposit is $250 per stateroom and can be applied to up to two staterooms on one future sailing. The future cruise must sail within 24 months of booking the placeholder.
If you change your mind and never book a cruise, the deposit is fully refundable.
What Are the Benefits of Booking a Placeholder?
The biggest benefit is savings.
When you use a placeholder to book an eligible future cruise, you receive 10 percent off the Disney Cruise Line rate for most stateroom categories, excluding concierge and suites. That discount alone can add up quickly, especially for longer sailings or family-sized staterooms.
You also receive a reduced deposit on sailings that are seven nights or longer, which makes booking feel much more manageable.
Beyond the financial perks, there is also something comforting about getting off the ship knowing another Disney cruise is already in motion. It turns the end of your vacation into something to look forward to instead of a hard stop.
How Do You Book a Placeholder?
Booking a placeholder is very simple.
Once onboard, you can book it directly through the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app. It only takes a few taps, and the deposit is charged to the card linked to your stateroom.
If you prefer talking to a person or have questions, Guest Services can help you as well.
You must book the placeholder before midnight on the last full day of your cruise. After that, the option disappears.
Can You Use a Travel Agent With a Placeholder?
Yes, and you absolutely should.
When you book a placeholder, you can list us as your travel planner right away, or you can transfer the placeholder to us within 30 days of booking it. Disney will email you a confirmation, and all you need to do is forward it to us.
From there, we handle everything. Monitoring prices, booking on opening day, sitting on hold with Disney, applying your discount correctly, and making sure your placeholder is used in the best possible way.
This is especially helpful because placeholder bookings must be finalized by phone. Let us be the ones on hold.
Is There a Catch? None that I can think of.
If you do not end up booking a cruise within the allowed timeframe, your deposit is refunded. The only potential downside is having $250 tied up for a while.
If you think you will cruise with Disney again within the next two years, booking a placeholder is one of the smartest and lowest risk moves you can make while onboard.
If you have questions about placeholders or want help deciding when to convert yours into a confirmed cruise, just reach out. That is exactly what I am here for.
Important Rules and Limitations to Know
Like most Disney offers, placeholders come with rules. They are straightforward, but important to understand.
You can book a maximum of two staterooms per household, and both staterooms must be used on the same future sailing.
At least one guest from your original cruise must sail on the future booking for the placeholder benefits to apply.
The future cruise must sail within 24 months of booking the placeholder. Not 24 months and a few extra days. Disney is strict about this timeline.
The 10 percent discount does not apply to concierge staterooms or suites. If you book concierge, you will receive a small onboard credit instead.
The placeholder discount cannot be combined with other special offers such as Florida resident rates, military rates, or restricted category rates.
Once you select your future sail date, standard Disney Cruise Line cancellation policies apply.
