Discounted Disney Cruises for Military Families
How Does the Disney Cruise Line Military Discount Work?
The Military Discount on Disney Cruise Line is a special offer that allows active or retired U.S. military personnel to book select sailings at a reduced rate. These discounts can be significant, sometimes bringing down the cost by several hundred dollars per person, depending on the cruise and stateroom type.
The purpose of these discounts is to fill rooms that haven’t been booked as the cruise date approaches. Because of this, these deals are often released within a shorter time frame—usually around 60 to 90 days before the sail date.
It’s important to note that Disney doesn’t always release Military Discounted rates for every sailing. They’re typically offered on select sailings, usually during off-peak times when there are more staterooms to fill. The savings can be well worth the wait if you're flexible with your dates.
When Are Disney Cruise Line Military Discounts Available?
Military Discounts on Disney Cruise Line are not available year-round or for every cruise. The discounts are most often available closer to the departure date as Disney tries to fill any unbooked rooms. Typically, you can expect to see discounted rates for cruises that are departing within the next two to three months.
While you might find deals for cruises during slower travel periods, such as fall and early spring, it’s essential to stay flexible with your travel plans. Disney Cruise Line often posts these military offers on a rolling basis, so it’s a good idea to frequently check their website or work with a travel agent who specializes in military discounts.
One important note: these discounts rarely, if ever, apply to the newest ships in the Disney fleet. So, if you're dreaming of sailing on the newest ship, you might need to keep that in mind when waiting for a deal.
Who Can Use the Disney Cruise Line Military Discount?
The Disney Cruise Line Military Discount is only available for immediate family members of the eligible military personnel. This means that the offer can only be used for the service member, their spouse, and dependent children. It cannot be extended to other family members or friends.
If you're booking under the Military Discount, the military member or spouse must be present on the cruise. You also cannot book multiple staterooms at the discounted rate and invite friends or extended family. The discount is specifically designed to benefit the immediate military family.
Restrictions and Things to Know
While Disney’s Military Discount on cruises can be an incredible savings opportunity, there are a few restrictions to keep in mind:
Limited Availability: These discounts aren’t always available for every sailing, and they tend to go quickly when they are released. If you find a discounted cruise that works for you, it’s best to book as soon as possible.
Not on New Ships: As mentioned earlier, Disney Cruise Line does not offer Military Discounts on their newest ships. If you’re eager to sail on the latest addition to the Disney fleet, you might need to pay full price.
No Friends or Extended Family: The discount is strictly for immediate family. If you’re planning to cruise with a larger group that includes people outside of your immediate family, only your spouse and children are eligible for the discounted rate.
Required Documentation: You will need to present valid military identification when checking in for your cruise. Disney reserves the right to deny boarding or cancel the discounted fare if proper ID is not presented.
How to Book a Disney Cruise with the Military Discount
To book a Disney Cruise using the Military Discount, you can visit Disney Cruise Line’s special offers page and look for the military deals, or you can call Disney Cruise Line directly to inquire about availability. Another great option is to work with a Disney travel agent who can keep track of upcoming military offers for you.
Be sure to have flexible dates in mind, as this will increase your chances of snagging a discounted sailing that works for your family.
Payment
When booking a Disney cruise, there are specific payment due dates based on the length of the cruise and the type of stateroom you’ve reserved. For regular cruises, final payment is typically due 120 days before the sail date for suites and concierge-level rooms. For standard staterooms on cruises lasting six or seven nights, final payment is due 120 days out as well. If your cruise is five nights or shorter, the final payment deadline is 90 days before departure.
These final payment windows are significant for military families hoping to take advantage of last-minute discounts. After the final payment deadline, unbooked rooms that are still available become eligible for Disney’s military discount offerings. This means that around 90-120 days before a cruise, military families should start watching for special rates, especially for those unbooked verandah or oceanview rooms.
If you're hoping to take advantage of these last-minute deals, be prepared to pay the full balance upfront. Since the military discount typically applies to cruises within 90 days of departure, once you find a discounted fare, you'll need to pay the entire amount at the time of booking to secure your spot.
Cancel and Rebooking Policy
If you book a Disney cruise and later a military discount becomes available for that sailing, you can call Disney Cruise Line to take advantage of the offer. However, Disney cannot simply apply the discount to your existing reservation. They will need to cancel your original booking, and you’ll incur a 10% cancellation penalty. After the cancellation, you can rebook the cruise at the discounted military rate, which can be up to 30% off. Even with the penalty, the savings can often outweigh the loss. It’s essential to contact Disney Cruise Line directly to manage this process instead of trying to handle it yourself.
Additionally, it's important to know that the rooms offered with military discounts are typically Verandah Oceanview staterooms, which sleep 3-4 people. If your family is larger and you need a room that sleeps 5, these rooms are rarely available under the military discount. In that case, you may need to book two separate rooms to accommodate everyone in your party.
Real Life Savings…
Let’s talk about how significant the savings can be when you book a Disney cruise with a military discount. I have a personal goal of taking my entire family on an Alaskan cruise—there are six of us, and due to room size limitations, we'd need two staterooms. The largest staterooms on Disney ships typically sleep five, so we’d likely need to book two verandah rooms that can accommodate 3-4 people each. While some families are comfortable booking interior or oceanview staterooms for long sailings, I know that for a trip as special as an Alaskan cruise, I’d prefer the extra space and views that come with a verandah room.
Curious about pricing, I called Disney Cruise Line to inquire about a trip in July or August of 2025, during prime whale-watching season. The quote I received for a seven-night Alaskan cruise on the Disney Wonder for my family of six, including taxes and port fees but not gratuities, was $21,655. That’s the price to go in peak season when booking well in advance. It got me thinking about the potential savings if a military discount were to become available closer to the sail date.
The Cast Member I spoke with then asked if there was any chance I could sail in July 2024. Keep in mind, this was June when I called—just about five and a half weeks before the sailing date. She explained that, because the cruise was so close and there were still rooms available, the military discounted rate for my family of six would be $11,349.66. Not only were there two verandah rooms left, but they were even able to connect the rooms for us! While the rooms were on a lower deck than I would have preferred, it was still a remarkable offer for such a last-minute booking. If I had been able to spend the $11,000 right then, I would have jumped on the opportunity without hesitation. It’s incredible to know that such savings are possible when booking closer to the departure date.
If I were planning a military-discounted cruise, here’s what I would do: I would start by saving up in a separate account to be ready for a deal. In the meantime, I might book a different cruise for later in the year—perhaps a Merrytime Cruise during the holiday season—while keeping my eyes on the Alaskan cruise, which is my real dream. After the 120-day mark (when final payments are due and discounted military rates start becoming available), I’d call Disney Cruise Line to check for military deals. If the discount is available and fits my schedule, I would book it immediately.
One thing I wouldn’t do, however, is tell my kids about the Alaskan cruise until I’ve confirmed the booking. As exciting as the possibility is, I wouldn’t want to get their hopes up only to find out that there are no discounted rooms available or that the military offer doesn’t apply to that particular sailing.
It’s Your Turn!
Disney’s military discounts are an incredible option for military families, and I’m so grateful for everything they do to make these magical vacations more accessible. The savings Disney offers truly make a difference, giving military families the chance to experience the magic in ways that might not otherwise be possible. It’s just one more reason why Disney is such a special company.
For those interested in sailing the seas, Disney Cruise Line’s military discount is a fantastic way for military families to enjoy a Disney cruise at a lower cost. While it requires some flexibility and planning, the savings can be significant. Keep in mind that the offer is limited to immediate family members and doesn’t apply to the newest ships. If you’re ready to set sail with Mickey and friends, watch for these discounts and be ready to book quickly when they become available!
Planning a trip to Walt Disney World? You're in the right place! At Well Hello Magic, we have tons of helpful resources to make your Disney vacation as magical and stress-free as possible. Whether you're looking for advice on the best time to visit Disney, tips on finding the perfect character meal, or learning how to skip the lines with Lightning Lane, we've got you covered.
As a therapist by trade and a mom of four, I use my expertise in understanding personalities to help you discover your "Disney Enneagram"—a fun way to tailor your Disney vacation planning to suit your family's needs or large group dynamics, ensuring everyone enjoys the magic in their own unique way. With my firsthand experience navigating Disney with babies and toddlers, I'll share all my best tips to make your trip smooth and fun for everyone. Plus, check out some of our family’s favorite rides at Magic Kingdom—there's something for everyone to enjoy!
Make sure to explore our blog for even more Disney planning guides and insider tips!
.
.
.
Thank you for visiting the Well Hello Magic Blog. If you have questions, please leave them in the comments, and I will be sure to answer them.
Planning a Disney vacation can be overwhelming, but you don't need to worry because we have got your back! Here are a few blogs to help you get organized!
Follow me on Instagram, YouTube and Check out my Podcast!
How to Use My Disney Experience: Your Hub For Your Disney Vacation
How to Use Standby Skipper: The App That Books Your Lighting Lanes
Disney Infants: Everything You Need to Know! : Children under 3 are FREE at Disney
Tips for Traveling with Family, Friends & Large Groups
What is Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass? : Learn to Skip The Lines at Dsiney
Everything You Need to Know about Strollers at Disney
What to do if you Get Sick at Disney
Baby Care Centers at Walt Disney World
The Differences between Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort
Who is the Mom behind Well Hello Magic?
I am so happy to be on this journey with you.
