Unlike most other cruise lines, Disney Cruise Line (DCL) almost never gets cheaper as the sail date approaches. Disney utilizes a "demand-based" pricing model where the lowest fares are typically available the day the itineraries are first released. As the ship fills up, the prices steadily rise. In 2026, it is common for a cruise booked 18 months in advance to be $1,000 to $2,000 cheaper than the same cabin booked three months before sailing. The only rare exception is the "GT" (Guarantee) rates, such as IGT (Inside Guarantee), OGT (Oceanview Guarantee), or VGT (Verandah Guarantee). These are discounted "last-minute" fares released roughly 30 to 60 days before sailing if a ship has unexpected vacancies. However, these come with strict "no-cancellation" rules, and you cannot choose your specific stateroom. For the vast majority of travelers, the "gold standard" for saving money on a Disney cruise is to book as early as possible or sail during the "off-peak" months of September or January when demand is naturally lower.