Book excursions through the Disney Cruise Line website before you sail, or wait and book them onboard during your first day
Disney offers two windows to book shore excursions: online through your Disney Cruise Line account before departure, or in person at the excursion desk on your first day at sea. The online route lets you lock in your choices early, especially useful for popular activities that fill quickly. Booking onboard works if you want to see what's available, talk to staff about what suits your group, or decide after you've settled in. Both methods charge the same price, so the choice comes down to whether you want certainty or flexibility.
Prices vary by port and activity type. A snorkeling trip in Cozumel might cost $60 to $100 per adult, while a private island cabana rental at Castaway Cay runs several hundred dollars. Disney takes payment at the time of booking, whether you book weeks ahead or the day you arrive. If you cancel more than a few days before the excursion date, you'll receive a refund; cancellations closer to the date may forfeit the full amount, though Disney sometimes offers onboard credit instead.
Key Takeaways
- Log into your Disney Cruise Line account online to see all available excursions for your ports and book them before departure.
- Popular excursions—especially water activities and private experiences—book up weeks in advance, so reserve early if you have specific activities in mind.
- You can also book excursions at the excursion desk on your first day onboard, though selection may be limited by then.
- Disney charges your onboard account at the time of booking, and refund policies depend on how close the cancellation is to the excursion date.
- Excursion prices are the same whether you book online or onboard, so choose based on whether you want to plan ahead or decide after boarding.
How to book excursions through your Disney Cruise Line account online
Visit the Disney Cruise Line website and log in with your Disney account. Navigate to "My Reservations" and select your cruise. You'll see a section labeled "Shore Excursions" or "Ports & Excursions" that displays every port on your itinerary. Click on each port to see what activities are offered—snorkeling, beach days, cultural tours, adventure activities, and private experiences are typical categories.
Each excursion listing shows the duration, meeting time, what's included, age or height restrictions, and the price per person. Read the description carefully, because some activities require swimming ability, physical fitness, or comfort with water. Once you've chosen an excursion, select the number of guests and add it to your cart. You can book multiple excursions across different ports in one session. Review your selections, confirm the total charge, and complete the purchase. Disney will send you a confirmation email with your booking details and a reference number.
Booking online typically opens 120 days before your sail date, though Disney sometimes opens earlier for longer cruises. Set a reminder for when bookings open if you have your heart set on a specific activity, because the most popular excursions—especially those with limited capacity or in high-demand ports like Cozumel or St. Thomas—can sell out within days.
What to do if your preferred excursion is already sold out
If an excursion shows as sold out online, you have two options: check back regularly in case Disney releases additional spots, or plan to book onboard. Disney sometimes adds extra time slots or increases capacity as the cruise date approaches, so the same excursion may reopen. You can also call Disney Cruise Line directly at 1-800-939-5277 to ask whether a waitlist exists for that activity.
Booking onboard gives you a real chance at sold-out excursions because some guests cancel after boarding, and the excursion desk can tell you when ready if spots have opened up. Walk to the excursion desk on your first day at sea—it's usually located in the atrium or near guest services—and ask staff to check availability. They can also suggest similar activities at the same port if your first choice is truly full.
Booking excursions onboard on your first day
If you didn't book online, head to the excursion desk during your first day at sea. Staff will have printed menus or tablets showing all available excursions for each port on your itinerary. You can ask questions about physical demands, what to bring, and what's included. This is especially helpful if you're unsure whether an activity suits your group or if you want to hear staff recommendations based on your interests.
Payment happens when ready—Disney charges your onboard account, which is linked to your room key. You'll receive a printed confirmation or a digital receipt. The desk is typically open during set hours in the afternoon and evening on your first day, and again on the day before each port visit. Arrive early if you're booking popular excursions, because selection shrinks as the day goes on.
Understanding cancellation policies and refunds
Disney's cancellation policy depends on how close you are to the excursion date. If you cancel more than 5 to 7 days before the activity (the exact window varies by excursion type), you'll receive a full refund to your onboard account or original payment method. Cancellations within a few days of the excursion usually forfeit the full price, though Disney may offer onboard credit equal to the cost instead.
To cancel an excursion booked online, log back into your Disney Cruise Line account, find the excursion under your reservation, and select the cancellation option. If you booked onboard, visit the excursion desk and ask staff to process the cancellation. They'll explain what refund or credit you're may have access to to based on the cancellation date. Keep your confirmation number handy so staff can look up your booking quickly.
What to bring and how to prepare for your excursion
Your confirmation will list what to bring—typically sunscreen, a towel, water shoes, and a change of clothes for water activities. Wear comfortable shoes if you're doing a walking tour, and bring cash or a card if the excursion includes meals or shopping. Disney recommends arriving at the meeting point 15 minutes early; staff will check you in and assign you to a group or boat.
If your excursion involves water, know that Disney does not provide life jackets unless the activity specifically requires them. Bring your own or ask staff whether they're available. For snorkeling trips, Disney usually provides equipment, but some guests prefer their own mask and fins. Check your confirmation email to see what's included and what you need to supply.
Excursions at Castaway Cay and private island experiences
Castaway Cay, Disney's private island in the Bahamas, is included free with most Disney cruises—you straightforward disembark and spend the day on the beach. However, Disney offers paid add-ons at Castaway Cay, such as cabana rentals, snorkeling excursions, paddleboarding, and parasailing. These book the same way as port excursions and can sell out quickly because they're exclusive to Disney guests.
Cabanas at Castaway Cay are the priciest excursion option, typically ranging from $400 to $600 for the day depending on size and amenities. They include a private beach area, lounge chairs, a dedicated attendant, and sometimes meals or drinks. If you're celebrating a special occasion or want a quieter beach experience, a cabana is worth considering—but book it early, as only a limited number are available per day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change the date or time of an excursion after I've booked it?
If you booked online, you can cancel and rebook a different time slot for the same excursion, provided spots are available. If you booked onboard, ask the excursion desk whether the time slot you want is open. Changes are subject to the same cancellation policy as a full cancellation, so you may lose money if you're close to the excursion date.
What happens if the ship is delayed and I miss my excursion meeting time?
If the ship is running late, Disney will hold the excursion departure or rebook you on a later group. Inform guest services or the excursion desk when ready if you're running behind. If you miss the excursion entirely due to your own delay, you forfeit the cost with no refund.
Are there excursions suitable for young children or guests with mobility issues?
Yes. Disney offers gentle beach days, short cultural tours, and accessible activities at most ports. Read each excursion's description for age and physical requirements. Call Disney Cruise Line at 1-800-939-5277 before booking if you have questions about accessibility or whether an activity suits your family's needs.
Can I book an excursion for only some people in my group?
Yes. When you book online or onboard, select only the number of guests participating in that excursion. Other members of your party can book different activities or stay onboard. Just make sure everyone in your group knows the meeting time and location so you reunite before the ship departs.
Do I need to book excursions in advance, or can I always book onboard?
You can book onboard, but popular excursions often sell out before your cruise date. Booking online guarantees your spot and gives you time to plan. If you prefer flexibility or want to see what's available in person, onboard booking works—just arrive at the excursion desk early on your first day.