Booking a Disney Cruise Line vacation is a magical experience, but sometimes plans change. Whether you need to shift your sailing date, modify your stateroom, or adjust the number of travelers in your party, understanding the Disney Cruise Line change fees can help you make smart decisions and avoid unnecessary costs.
Disney Cruise Line (DCL) allows guests to make modifications, but fees or penalties may apply depending on how close your request is to the sailing date and what kind of change you’re making. This article explains the Disney Cruise change policy, when you can make free changes, and when fees are charged for rebooking or modifying your reservation.
Disney Cruise Line offers some flexibility for guests who need to modify their bookings. However, the change policy depends on the type of fare, stateroom category, and timing of your request.
In general, Disney’s modification rules are designed to balance guest flexibility with operational planning. If you make changes early, you may pay little or no fee. But last-minute modifications often incur penalties similar to cancellation charges.
Here’s what you need to know about changing your Disney Cruise reservation without losing money.
For most standard bookings, Disney Cruise Line allows changes to your sailing date, stateroom category, or guest details with no fee — as long as you make them before the final payment deadline.
Disney defines the “final payment date” as the last day you can pay the full fare before the cruise. It’s also the cutoff for free changes or cancellations.
Before this deadline, you can modify your booking — such as changing the travel date, ship, or cabin — without a Disney change fee.
After the final payment date, any change is treated as a cancellation and rebooking, which may result in penalties.
Once the final payment period begins, Disney Cruise Line charges modification fees for most changes. These fees are based on how close you are to your departure date.
For example, if you’re within 45 days of your sailing and want to change to a different date, Disney considers that a cancellation and new booking — meaning you may lose most or all of your payment.
Changing your Disney Cruise sail date is one of the most common modifications. You can usually move your cruise to a later date if space is available, but fees depend on when you make the change.
Before final payment: You can reschedule your cruise with no fee.
After final payment: You’ll be subject to cancellation penalties unless Disney makes an exception.
Disney may occasionally allow date changes for a small administrative fee (typically $50–$100 per guest), especially if your new cruise costs the same or more.
However, if you rebook for a lower-priced cruise, you may still lose part of your original payment.
If a member of your travel party can’t make the trip, you can substitute another guest on your booking, but Disney name change rules depend on when you request the change.
More than 30 days before sailing: You can change a guest name at no charge.
Within 30 days of sailing: A small administrative fee may apply (usually $50).
Within 14 days of sailing: Name changes may not be allowed due to port security regulations.
If you completely remove a guest from the reservation, the fare for that person may not be refunded unless you’re still outside the penalty window.
Upgrading or downgrading your cabin is another type of modification that can come with costs.
Before final payment: You can freely switch to another stateroom or upgrade to a higher category by paying the price difference.
After final payment: If you change your stateroom, the booking may be canceled and rebooked, triggering standard penalties.
Guests looking to upgrade cabins after final payment can sometimes do so onboard through port upgrades, which are offered on a first-come, first-served basis at a discounted rate.
If you booked a restricted or guaranteed fare — such as an Inside, Oceanview, or Verandah Guarantee (IGT/OGT/VGT) — these fares are non-changeable and non-refundable.
That means you cannot:
Change sail dates.
Modify stateroom types.
Adjust guest details.
Any change under these fare types would result in a 100% loss of payment, so they’re best for travelers with firm plans.
Making a change is straightforward:
Log into your Disney Cruise Line account online.
Navigate to “My Reservations.”
Select the booking you want to change.
Choose “Modify Reservation.”
Update the details (date, room, or guests) and confirm.
If you booked through a travel agent, they must handle the modification on your behalf. Disney will not make changes directly for third-party bookings.
Always review the terms before confirming, as Disney will display any penalties or new balance due before finalizing your change.
The cost to modify a Disney Cruise is often lower than canceling altogether — especially if you act early.
However, once you pass the penalty date, modifications are treated as cancellations and may incur the same fees:
50% penalty between 56–89 days.
75% penalty between 30–55 days.
100% penalty within 29 days.
This means timing is everything. Make any necessary changes well before your final payment to avoid unnecessary costs.
Disney occasionally waives change or cancellation fees during extraordinary situations, such as:
Natural disasters or severe weather events.
Government-imposed travel restrictions.
Significant health or safety concerns.
Disney-initiated schedule changes or ship reassignments.
In such cases, guests are usually offered free rebooking or full refunds with no penalties.
Here are some helpful strategies to avoid or minimize Disney Cruise change fees:
Book Early but Flexibly – Choose standard fares, not restricted ones.
Track Deadlines – Note your final payment date and set reminders.
Buy Travel Insurance – Protects against unexpected schedule changes.
Communicate Quickly – Contact Disney or your agent as soon as you need a change.
Avoid Last-Minute Modifications – The closer to departure, the higher the penalty.
So, what are the change fees on Disney Cruise Line cruises?
In most cases, there’s no charge to modify your booking before the final payment deadline. After that, change requests can incur penalties ranging from a forfeited deposit to 100% of the cruise fare, depending on timing and fare type.
By understanding Disney’s modification rules and planning ahead, you can make adjustments without losing money — keeping your magical vacation flexible and stress-free.
1. Can I change my Disney Cruise date without a fee?
Yes, if you make the change before the final payment date. After that, penalties apply based on how close you are to sailing.
2. How much does Disney charge to modify a booking?
Before the final payment deadline, there’s no charge. Afterward, you may lose your deposit or face partial fare deductions.
3. Can I change guest names on a Disney Cruise reservation?
Yes, name changes are free up to 30 days before sailing. Closer to departure, a small fee or restriction may apply.
4. Are Disney promotional fares changeable?
No, restricted or guaranteed fares (IGT/OGT/VGT) cannot be modified or refunded.
5. Does Disney ever waive change fees?
Yes, in cases like severe weather, health advisories, or Disney-initiated changes, the cruise line may allow free modifications or credits.
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