Disney Cruise Line has announced an important change that will affect guests sailing from Port Canaveral who were planning to add Walt Disney World Resort stays or theme park tickets to their cruise reservations. Beginning January 2, 2026, Disney Cruise Line will no longer offer pre- or post-night stays at Walt Disney World Resort or Walt Disney World theme park tickets as add-ons to Disney Cruise Line reservations.
From this date forward, guests will be required to book Walt Disney World resort stays and theme park tickets separately, rather than adding them directly to a cruise reservation. This update is designed to help ensure that guests receive the best available pricing and package options, which may not always be accessible through Disney Cruise Line add-ons.
What If You Already Have Pre- or Post-Nights Booked?
If you currently have a Disney Cruise Line reservation that includes pre- or post-nights at a Walt Disney World Resort, those reservations can still be serviced through Disney Cruise Line as originally booked.
However, it’s important to note an important limitation:
- If a guest wishes to change the resort hotel, room type, or number of nights, the existing add-on must be cancelled, and the resort stay will need to be re-booked separately through Disney Central or online by a Travel Professional.
In short, existing bookings remain intact, but any modifications require a new, separate reservation.
What Still Applies for Walt Disney World Reservations
Even with this change, several key options remain available for guests combining a Disney Cruise with a Walt Disney World vacation:
- Ground transfers between Walt Disney World Resort hotels and Port Canaveral can still be added directly to a Disney Cruise Line reservation.
- The Disney Cruise Line Vacation Protection Plan does not cover Walt Disney World pre- or post-nights booked through Disney Central. Guests who want coverage for their resort stay should purchase separate travel insurance when booking their Walt Disney World reservation.
Hotels That Can Still Be Added to Cruise Reservations
While Walt Disney World Resort hotels will no longer be available as add-ons, guests sailing from Port Canaveral can still add pre- or post-night stays at the following locations directly to their Disney Cruise Line reservation:
- Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport
- Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront
These options remain convenient choices for guests looking to stay near the airport or cruise port before or after their sailing.
This change gives guests more flexibility and access to better pricing when planning a land-and-sea Disney vacation, but it does require a bit more coordination. Working with a knowledgeable Academy Travel Agent can help ensure that all components of your trip are booked seamlessly, maximizing value and convenience.
If you’re planning a Disney Cruise paired with a Walt Disney World stay in 2026 or beyond, now is the perfect time to start planning strategically!
Are you ready to book your Disney vacation? Leave all the details to our friends at Academy Travel Agency & let one of their Disney experts take it from here! Just click here to select your Disney destination of choice, fill out the quick & easy questionnaire, and your personalized, free agent will be in touch soon! Take a look around our website in the meantime, and read all about resorts, cruises, dining, entertainment & more! Be sure to follow us @dclcruiseclub on Instagram & Disney Cruise Line Club on Facebook for updates & Insider info on what’s not to be missed! Get excited; the countdown to your vacation is ON!
