Disney cruiser shares genius money-saving hack any cruiser can use

Whether you choose to sail Disney, Royal Caribbean, or another cruise line, this trick can help you save.

Jun 1, 2025 - 13:36
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Disney cruiser shares genius money-saving hack any cruiser can use

Although cruises generally offer a greater value to travelers than land-based vacations because of all the amenities that they include, they aren’t inexpensive — especially on popular family cruise lines like Disney and Royal Caribbean.

And though pricing a Disney cruise often brings sticker shock, many vacationers insist that the magic Disney brings to the sea is well worth the cost.

Related: Savvy Disney vacationers use this service to save big on trips

I won’t argue with that — I’m no Disney fanatic, but the Disney cruise experience won me over recently. Disney Cruise Line really stands out in the cruise industry for its high standard of service, Broadway-caliber entertainment, and overall exceptional onboard experience.

But no matter which cruise line you choose to sail, you probably need to save and budget to be able to afford your cruise vacation these days.

Of course, the internet is full of tips for saving money, but I recently came across one unique, cruise-specific hack in the Disney Cruise Line community on Reddit. And this trick could easily be implemented by anyone hoping to save money faster for their next sailing.

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This brilliant trick uses a photo of your dream cruise vacation experience, such as a day at Disney's Castaway Cay in The Bahamas.

Image source: Alisha dos Santos/ComeCruiseWith.com

Disney Cruise Line passenger shares credit card trick for cruise savings

It almost works like a vision board. All you need to do is get a photo of the cruise vacation experience you’re dreaming of, and use it to customize your credit card.

“I had my credit card made with this picture I took from Castaway Cay on the Disney Wish,” rbutts1990 shared in the DCL Reddit community.

Now, every time the cruiser uses their credit card, they’re reminded not to overspend so they can save for their next cruise.

“This way every time I pull my card out, I get a reminder to save money for another cruise,” rbutts1990 explained. “This helps cut down on useless spending (useless being anything that isn't a cruise).”

Related: 3 Disney Cruise Line tips and tricks you probably don't know

More than 400 Reddit users upvoted the post to show their appreciation for this brilliant hack for saving money for a cruise vacation.

“Now that’s solid thinking,” LeaveMickeyOutOfThis commented.

“Well now I’m motivated,” Reaganonthemoon added.

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More tips to save money for Disney cruise vacations

If you’re feeling motivated, too, here are a few more ideas to consider that Disney cruisers use to save money for their vacations.

“I put money regularly into a savings account and over time, we accumulated a good amount. For the cruise, I have been occasionally buying $25-$100 gift cards whenever I go shopping at stores that sell Disney gift cards,” poopoobear17 wrote in another DCL Reddit thread. “Over time, it accumulated to $500 plus some which I put toward payment of the cruise. I barely even felt the difference whenever I added a $25-$50 gift card to my purchase.”

Disney gift cards can be redeemed through Disney Cruise Line, or at Walt Disney World or Disneyland.

Related: Disney Cruise Line quietly challenges Royal Caribbean, Carnival

Sometimes, you can even score discounted Disney gift cards at warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam’s Club. Target also offers its Target Circle Card holders the opportunity to purchase Disney gift cards for 5% off face value.

For many cruisers, prioritizing vacations requires tightening your belt. Look for ways to cut unnecessary expenses and put that money into your cruise vacation fund instead.

When you’re ready to book, it’s also helpful to use a travel agent to help you find the best deal on the cruise that’s right for your family.

(The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.)

Make a free appointment with Come Cruise With Me's Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at amypost@postcardtravelplanning.com or call or text her at 386-383-2472.