Disney Vacation Club has announced a member-exclusive “First Wave” sailing aboard the Disney Believe, with reservations opening November 21, 2026, at 10 a.m. Eastern Time. The five-night Bahamian voyage departs Fort Lauderdale on January 5, 2028, and returns January 10.
The itinerary includes both Disney Cruise Line island destinations, Disney Castaway Cay and Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, plus Nassau. Members must qualify for Membership Extras to book, and the reservation’s lead guest must be paid for entirely with Reservation Points.
Disney Believe First Wave itinerary
Disney Vacation Club lists the following schedule for the sailing:
- January 5, 2028: Depart Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
- January 6: Disney Castaway Cay.
- January 7: Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.
- January 8: At sea.
- January 9: Nassau, Bahamas.
- January 10: Return to Fort Lauderdale.
This is a First Wave Member Experience through the Disney Collection exchange, not a Disney Vacation Club Member Cruise. DVC describes it as an opportunity for eligible members to experience the new ship early in its sailing schedule.
How to book and what to pay
Booking opens Saturday, November 21, 2026, at 10 a.m. Eastern Time through Member Services at (800) 800-9800 or (407) 566-3800. DVC will not accept requests through Member Online Booking, email, live chat or fax, or in person at Member Lounges and Welcome Home Center locations.
Full payment is due when the reservation is made. The primary guest must use Reservation Points for their entire fare. Other travelers can be paid for with cash, but points and cash cannot be combined to cover an individual guest. DVC is waiving the initial $95 transaction fee for this sailing.
Eligible members can reserve up to four staterooms per membership, subject to availability. Anyone listed on an eligible membership, including Associates, may make the reservation. DVC says the Rule of Four does not apply. If the sailing sells out, eligible members can contact Member Services about joining a waitlist.
The points chart has not yet been posted. Disney’s page asks members to check back for it, making that a remaining planning detail before deciding how many Reservation Points to use.
What to have ready on booking day
DVC recommends preparing a membership number, first through third stateroom-category choices, any special medical needs, and a Castaway Club number for repeat cruisers. Travelers’ legal names and middle initials should match their government-issued identification. Dates of birth, citizenship or nationality, a home telephone number and payment details are also needed.
On November 21, Member Services will operate from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time for these reservations and assistance with resort arrivals within five days. DVC warns that callers may experience longer waits. Normal operations resume November 22 at 9 a.m. Eastern Time.
Dining and entertainment aboard Disney Believe
Dining experiences include 1923, Worlds of Marvel and the Frozen-inspired Oaken’s Table. Entertainment includes a stage adaptation of Encanto, Tangled: The Musical and Seas the Adventure. Members can review the Disney Believe reveal coverage for the announced spaces, or read about Disney Believe dining.
For the complete booking restrictions and eligibility details, consult the official DVC page. Disney notes that Membership Extras are subject to availability, change or termination.
Source: Disney Vacation Club
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