Why We Chose a GTY Rate for Our Disney Cruise (and Who It’s Not For)
My family has truly come to love Disney cruises. They’ve become a special way for us to slow down, reconnect, and celebrate life’s big moments together.
December 2025 was a monumental time in my daughter’s life. She finished her last semester of college and completed student teaching—a huge accomplishment and the end of a very meaningful chapter. We wanted to celebrate this milestone in a way that felt memorable and joyful, and a Disney cruise felt like the perfect fit.
When I started pricing out our cruise, Disney was offering something called a Guaranteed Category with restrictions or what they call a GTY rate—and that option ended up saving us over $1,000. Of course, it came with some important restrictions, so I want to walk you through exactly what a GTY rate is and who it works best for.
What Is a GTY Rate on a Disney Cruise?
GTY stands for Guaranteed Stateroom. When you book a GTY rate, Disney guarantees you a room in a specific category, but Disney chooses the actual room number and location for you.
With a GTY rate:
You select the type of room, not the location
Disney assigns your stateroom closer to sailing
We found out our room number 12 days before embarkation
You can typically choose from:
Inside Stateroom (IGT)
Oceanview Stateroom with a porthole (OGT)
Verandah Stateroom (VGT)
Because Disney controls the room assignment, they offer these at a discounted price.
Why Are GTY Rates Cheaper?
Disney uses GTY rates to help fill remaining inventory on sailings that haven’t sold out. In exchange for flexibility on room location, you often get a significant discount.
For our family, that trade-off made sense—and the savings were absolutely worth it.
Important GTY Rate Restrictions to Know
This is where GTY rates are not for everyone. When you book a GTY rate:
Payment is due in full at booking
No changes are allowed
No cancellations
No date changes
No swapping passenger names
Once you book, you’re locked in.
Who Should Not Book a GTY Rate?
GTY rates can be amazing—but they’re not the right fit in every situation.
You may want to avoid a GTY rate if:
You struggle with motion sickness- Guests who need a midship, lower-deck room to minimize movement should choose their stateroom. With a GTY rate, your room could be anywhere on the ship.
You’re traveling with a large groupIf you need connecting rooms or want to be close to friends or family, GTY rooms are risky. While it’s possible Disney assigns rooms near each other, it’s also possible you end up on different decks—or opposite ends of the ship.
You might need to change plans- If there’s any chance your travel dates or passenger list could change, a GTY rate is not a good idea. GTY reservations cannot be modified.
You plan far in advance- Disney typically does not offer GTY rates 12–18 months out. These rates usually appear only a few months before sailing and are not available on every cruise.
GTY rates are less common (or not offered at all) during high-demand sailings such as:
Spring Break-Thanksgiving week-Christmas week-Other peak holiday sailings
Disney doesn’t need to discount sailings that are already selling out.
For our family, the GTY rate worked beautifully. We were flexible, confident in our dates, and comfortable letting Disney handle the room assignment—and the savings helped make this celebration cruise even sweeter.
GTY rates can be an incredible value if you understand the restrictions and know they fit your travel style. Before booking, make sure you’re fully aware of what you’re giving up in exchange for the discount.
If you’re curious whether a GTY rate is available for your cruise—or want help deciding if it’s the right option for you—I’m always happy to help you weigh the pros and cons and find the best fit for your family.