How to Save Money Onboard a Disney Cruise

I'll also include getting to and from the port as a part of the budget, even though it's technically not an onboard activity.

If you're reading this and you haven't made your reservation yet, click here for the post with ways to save money while booking a cruise.

Getting to the port: Insert my fave travel credit card, the Chase Sapphire(affiliate link). I've booked several flights for free with my bonus points. The Southwest cc is also a great option, but you can transfer your sapphire points to Southwest, so it's not worth the $65 annual fee IMO. Once you've flown in, found a budget hotel on booking.com or expedia, you'll need to get to the port. You could use Disney transportation($$), a private transportation company, or GoPort for sailings out of Port Canaveral. I did a ton of research and found uber/lyft to be the cheapest option. I hate leaving details to the last minute and didn't love the idea of our ride not being secured in advance, but we made it to our hotel in Cocoa Beach, from the hotel to the port, and to the airport with no issues.

When you're choosing a hotel or Airbnb, it's a balancing act of cost and convenience. For example, in Vancouver, hotels near the port are expensive, but it enables you to walk directly to the port, and you're within walking distance of bus stops and metro stations if you'd like to spend some time sightseeing before or after your sailing. In Orlando, you can stay at the Hyatt Regency, which is connected to the airport, and then transportation of your choice from the airport to Port Canaveral on your sail date. It's a resort hotel and people love the convenience. Personally, I prefer to stay in Cocoa Beach, much closer to the port.

Now onto the cruise:

1. Book 3rd party excursions, Disney's prices are inflated. This will take a little extra planning and effort on your part, but is totally worth the savings.

2. There are so many opportunities to spend money on board. Souvenirs, alcoholic beverages, fancy coffee drinks, etc. Choose what's important to you (maybe you've been looking forward to a spa-level massage all year, or NEED your daily latte) and skip the rest. This includes the tastings, BBB, and royal tea party. Everyday my son and I would go to the pool deck, he'd grab and ice cream and I would make my own iced coffee from the beverage station, then we'd lounge on the deck, watching a movie and eating our snacks. I've even brought a bag of prepopped popcorn for the shows so we weren't paying for theatre snacks. Mama is on a budget.

3. Do not pay for the wifi package. You are on VACATION. The free onboard wifi covers the cruise app (with messenger), iMessage, and WhatsApp.

4. For some families the photo package may be a great investment, if you're getting lots of the backdrop photos with the professional photographers. If your children will only smile for character photos, the photographer cannot use your phone, but the crew member/character handler can! Hand them your phone and get in the photo, mama! I would prebook the unlimited package for the better price, ($50 difference) and then cancel onboard if you decide it's not worth it.

5. Utilize a travel agent, they often give onboard credit!

I don't pay for extra things onboard and don't feel deprived at all! There is more than enough already included in your cruise fare. You don't have to wait until you can afford every little extra thing to go on a cruise vacation.