Disney Guests Hit With New Cancellation Fees, Changing Payment Deadlines and Policies

Select Disney guests now face new policy changes concerning cancellation fee schedules and final payment dates. Here’s the latest information we were able to obtain.

Two characters in sailor costumes pose in front of a large red ship funnel. The funnel has a white silhouette of a mouse head. The characters, one in blue and one in red, both wear captain's hats and white gloves. The sky is clear and blue in the background. — Credit: Inside the Magic

Disney Cruise Line Through the Years

Disney Cruise Line continues to enchant families and travelers with its unique blend of adventure, relaxation, and Disney magic on the high seas. With a fleet of five ships designed with families in mind, Disney offers an immersive experience that caters to guests of all ages.

The Disney Wish, the newest addition to the fleet, launched in 2022 and features various activities, from interactive dining experiences to themed entertainment.

Families can explore the ship’s vast amenities, including a water park, pools, and dedicated spaces for children and teens. Guests can also enjoy Broadway-style shows and character meet-and-greets, creating unforgettable memories. Cruising with Disney is not just about the ships but also the destinations.

The cruise line offers itineraries with popular locations such as the Bahamas and Caribbean, with stops at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. This exclusive paradise provides pristine beaches and a variety of water sports, ensuring a day of relaxation and fun for every family member.

Disney Cruise Line is also committed to sustainability, implementing practices to reduce waste and protect marine environments.

An image split into two sections; on the left, an envelope with a red exclamation mark, suggesting alert or caution. On the right, a Disney Cruise Line ship at sea during a sunset. — Credit: Inside The Magic

The New Cruise Line Updates

This initiative aligns with a growing trend among travelers seeking eco-friendly vacation options. With its exceptional service, themed experiences, and attention to detail, Disney Cruise Line remains a leader in the cruise industry. As families look for ways to reconnect and create lasting memories, Disney continues to provide magical voyages that cater to every age group.

Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or new to the experience, Disney Cruise Line promises a voyage filled with adventure, enchantment, and a touch of nostalgia, making it a top choice for family vacations. However, that top choice is scrutinized as new policy changes may affect future vacations.

Disney Cruise Line has announced significant changes to its cruise cancellation fee schedules and final payment deadlines, effective September 24, 2024. These updates aim to streamline the booking process for guests while maintaining flexibility in planning. For Concierge guests, the final payment due date will now be 90 days before the departure date for sailings lasting 1 to 5 nights.

Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse are dressed in captain uniforms, Mickey in blue and Minnie in red, shaking hands and smiling in front of a ship's large yellow and red funnel featuring Mickey Mouse ears. The sky is clear and bright in the background. — Credit: Disney

For cruises of 6 nights or more, the final payment will be due 120 days prior. This marks a reduction from the previous deadlines of 120 and 150 days, respectively. In conjunction with the payment schedule changes, Disney will implement a revised cruise cancellation fee schedule that varies based on the type of stateroom booked.

Cancellation Fee Schedule:

For 1 to 5-Night Sailings:

Suites and Concierge Staterooms:
- 45 days or more: Deposit per guest
- 44 to 30 days: 50% of the vacation price per guest
- 29 to 15 days: 75% of the vacation price per guest
- 14 days or less: 100% of the vacation price per guest
All Other Staterooms:
- 90 days or more: No fee
- 89 to 45 days: Deposit per guest
- 44 to 30 days: 50% of the vacation price per guest
- 29 to 15 days: 75% of the vacation price per guest
- 14 days or less: 100% of the vacation price per guest

For 6-Night or Longer Sailings:

Suites and Concierge Staterooms:
- 56 days or more: Deposit per guest
- 55 to 30 days: 50% of the vacation price per guest
- 29 to 15 days: 75% of the vacation price per guest
- 14 days or less: 100% of the vacation price per guest

Disney Dream ship, adorned with elegant golden designs, sails on the open ocean under a clear sky, showcasing its vast scale and modern structure. — Credit: Disney Cruise

All Other Staterooms:
- 120 days or more: No fee
- 119 to 56 days: Deposit per guest
- 55 to 30 days: 50% of the vacation price per guest
- 29 to 15 days: 75% of the vacation price per guest
- 14 days or less: 100% of the vacation price per guest

These adjustments reflect Disney Cruise Line’s commitment to enhancing guest experience while providing precise and fair cancellation policies. The Walt Disney Company always ensures that each new policy will be best for all guests, whether utilizing the cruise line or heading to Walt Disney World Resort or any other Disney park around the globe.