Specifics on how a release of new dates and OBB works?

[Gdes1]

We were on the Fantasy last week and did the placeholder/OBB which I intend to transfer to Costco. I'm looking at some of the current itineraries, specifically for the Magic (we love and miss the smaller ships). I am thinking of transferring the OBB to a specific sailing on the Magic (which is already published, of course). But, then, once they release more dates, I might then move that to a new yet-to-be-announced sailing. Is that even allowed or possible? Is it a huge hassle to move from one sailling to another if the booking is already with Costco? Also, no one seems to know when more 2026 itineraries will be out, which I understand. I have joined and followed lots of groups on FB and IG, plus I check in here, to get a heads up. I assume there is some warning, right? Or does someone log in one day and see new sailings and they go to various groups mention it? We are Silver, so we wouldn't be the first to book anyway. Hope this all makes sense!

 

[Erica1016]

Yes, it is possible to move/change it. We've done it many times.
I honestly don't know how much of a hassle it is because we use a travel agent that takes care of it for us! She hasn't dropped us as a client, yet.

 

[Mommb]

As long as the cruise you want to change to is within 2 years of when you purchased the placeholder, Costco (or any other travel agent) should have no trouble changing your booking.

When new itineraries are announced, often in a press release from Disney, they are typically not bookable until a few days later, so there is time for people to spread the word before bookings open.

 

[RedHead0186]

In addition to what other said, make sure that you are moving to a new sailing (not cancelling and rebooking). If you do the latter, then you lose the OBB discount.

Disney Cruise Line Blog posted something just the other day on social media that makes it seem like more 2026 itineraries will be announced soon. I don't recall specific of why, something to do with the description on the website.

 

[Dug720]

Has Costco changed how they handle opening day requests? Seems like there has always been drama on here about how long it's taken them to get back to people after just taking their name and what they want. And how sometimes things are sold out or much higher by the time the Costco agent gets around to it. Like more drama than people calling on their own or having a travel agent not part of a big box store handling it.

 

[serrem2]

I may be wrong, but I think there is a time limit for transferring placeholders to travel agents. I think it's one month after buying them. It's worth calling Disney to find out.

 

[lanejudy]

I may be wrong, but I think there is a time limit for transferring placeholders to travel agents. I think it's one month after buying them. It's worth calling Disney to find out.

30 days from the date you make the deposit (not from debarkation).

 

[Luvmypetz]

30 days from the date you make the deposit (not from debarkation).

I find this confusing as I’m hoping to purchase a voucher when I cruise in November. I would be booking an October 2027 cruise but those sail dates won’t even be announced yet. Do I still have to give the voucher number to a TA without a sailing in mind? Thank you

 

[lanejudy]

I find this confusing as I’m hoping to purchase a voucher when I cruise in November. I would be booking an October 2027 cruise but those sail dates won’t even be announced yet. Do I still have to give the voucher number to a TA without a sailing in mind? Thank you

Correct. You’ll need to transfer the OBB placeholder to a TA within 30 days. It has a reservation number. Note that some TAs may require it be given a “dummy date” — an actual cruise in the far future but knowing you intend to change it once new releases come out.