Jump to content

Why is Disney so much more per day?


Dmgmd50
 Share

Recommended Posts

We have taken several Celebrity cruises on these newer ships and the cost per day is considerably lower than the quote we received for the Disney Wonder. Why is Disney worth the extra money?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Same reason as to why the Disney Resorts charge so much more than other hotels in the Orlando area.

 

Do you mean because they can get away with it or that they are so much better?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

OK, I've cruised Celebrity (Infinity). Yes, it was less costly than DCL, which was why we booked it for a very port intensive cruise. We booked a low end cabin since we figured it would be only for sleeping. The cabin was significantly smaller than the smallest cabin on DCL (about 25%, calculated because I'm constantly challenged on the boards when I say this.) The food was better on Celebrity, but of course there is the casino. The average age on board was probably 60. There is a kid program with limited hours, and the family we spoke to who used it had only good things to say. The service in the stateroom was excellent, but in the dining room DCL was better. There were a couple really good entertainment features, but they often were poorly timed. We had a great trip and I would cruise Celebrity again. However, my family liked DCL a lot better.

 

Positives for DCL--better/bigger/nicer spa and fitness center, better entertainment, friendlier staff in general although there are always exceptions. Why does DCL cost more? There is a very expensive kids program--you are subsidizing it with the first 2 persons fare. No casino, so they don't have this income source. Those characters don't work for peanuts (even Chip and Dale don't.) And ultimately, it costs more because people are willing to pay it. They only have 4 ships to fill, so don't need to attract as many guests as other lines. And, while it is a small difference, DCL has more "included" items that were extra charges on Celebrity.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Do you mean because they can get away with it or that they are so much better?

 

Could be both, either one, or something else. Whatever YOU think is the reason the Disney product in general charges more, will be your reason.

 

For me, all cruiselines offer a nice cruise vacation that provide variety of entertainment onboard. Disney offers a unique, magical entertaining experience that is Disney-themed and it happens to be doing it on a ship.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Depends...

  • without kids travelling... I would say no.
  • with kids snorting high on pixie dust.... I would say yes until I see my credit card bill. I say no the Vacation club.
  • love the movies, drinks and internet! I still say no to the premium.

Edited by xlxo
Link to comment
Share on other sites

As Moki mentioned, disney only has four ships to fill, and they fill them just about every trip. Using another site that tracks cruise prices, Disney rarely goes below $100 per person per day, when many cruise lines get below $50. There are some bargins, but most seem to be full price $135 or so per day.

 

If you and your kids like Disney World you'll love Disney Cruises.

 

I've had good and bad meals on different lines, but Disney is really good, not the best always. I like rotational dining where your serving team travels with you. They know what you drink and it's on the table night 2. When something didn't turn out right, the server quickly brought another item to replace what I didn't like.

 

The shows are Disney, not broadway, but they are all more family oriented than "Chicago".

 

On demand movies, and current movies in 3D are pretty cool.

 

We don't drink or gamble, so casino and bar space is wasted on us on most lines. Disney has free soda on deck and with dinner, no $9 per person per day soda card.

 

I like Fantasy's adult area better then Dream, but it's suppossed to get a makeover this fall.

 

I believe Disney is the only line to have fireworks at sea, not a huge selling point, but we were on board New Years, that was a pretty cool show on deck.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Frisbeewife, I'm just curious. Your wonderful list of cruises do not include a Disney cruise. So am I correct in assuming you have never actually sailed with Disney? Just wonderin'……..

 

You don't have to experience something to determine if it's not worth the money or value. I've never owned a ferrari, but I still feel justified in saying it's not worth the value to me.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

As Moki mentioned, disney only has four ships to fill, and they fill them just about every trip. Using another site that tracks cruise prices, Disney rarely goes below $100 per person per day, when many cruise lines get below $50. There are some bargins, but most seem to be full price $135 or so per day.

 

I wish I could cruise on Disney for anything close to $135 a night during the summer. My upcoming cruise is costing me $198.59 per night with a discount! To be clear I'm not including standard tips ($336) and cruise insurance through USAA ($264) in my cost.

 

I booked my cruise on the Fantasy a year in advance and we sail on May 23, 2015 for a 7-day Eastern Caribbean for 4 people in a category 8c, deluxe family oceanview. I actually got a discount with my TA which saved me a few hundred dollars off the Disney Cruise site. We have sailed Disney before so I know most of the ways to save money when booking, but we always need to sail in the summer when the prices are higher.

 

Yes Disney costs a whole lot more than most of the popular cruise lines out there. I had 2 cabins and 5 people on the RCC Freedom of the Seas last summer and I paid $500 less than my upcoming Disney cruise.

 

However, we really like Disney cruises better. They really have many extra touches that make you feel special. The drawback is you will pay a whole lot more so we consider it a treat. My next cruise will not be with Disney because we are heading to Alaska and I just can't justify the extreme difference in price.

 

If you have very deep pockets Disney provides an incredible experience, but there are lots of other cruise options out there that provide a nice experience too. In the end you need to read lots of reviews and decide if Disney will be worth it to your family.

 

My motto is no cruise is a bad cruise unless it loses power or sinks!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I wish I could cruise on Disney for anything close to $135 a night during the summer.

 

Consider May ... I know May isn't summer. You can still get less than $100 USD per day per person (plus tax/fee) for Panama Canal full crossing. But I am sure this is still not value to many people. And Disney as a brand can hardly be associated to the word "value" to begin with.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Consider May ... I know May isn't summer. You can still get less than $100 USD per day per person (plus tax/fee) for Panama Canal full crossing. But I am sure this is still not value to many people. And Disney as a brand can hardly be associated to the word "value" to begin with.

 

We never go on anything longer than a 8 day cruise and we can usually only go in June. This was a one time chance for us to go at the end of May. Also, I just checked and the only cruise that came up was a 14 day Panama Canal on May 1, 2016 for a category 10C inside. It would be $117.41 per night which I consider a great price but it just doesn't work for us.

 

We pretty much are guaranteed to pay $200 plus per night for our situation cruising with Disney. Remember, we going to Alaska after this Disney cruise.

 

Disney's current price for a Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah (Category 05B) would cost me $321.38 per night per, per person with 4 people in the room for a 7-Night Alaskan Cruise on Disney Wonder on 7 Jun 2016. A balcony is a must for this cruise for me and this is the cheapest price currently showing.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

How can anyone really make the decision about the value/worth of a DCL when they haven't experienced it?

 

Yes of course they can have an opinion about it or not be able to afford it etc. but until they have tried it they might find it is worth the money in the end. I am talking about DCL here not the Italian super car as let's face it not too many people can afford those:D.

 

I do think DCL can be expensive, we are lucky to get residents rates and never sail during school holidays and we have sailed with them a few times and are taking another soon but in comparison to other cheaper cruises we have looked at and been on, we keep comparing them to what we get on DCL and that is as two adults travelling.

 

We are not typical Disney nuts either but the service and facilities are second to none and the deluxe family balcony staterooms we book are spacious and we like the split bathrooms. I have been shopping around on other 4-5 star lines as I am a bit bored with the same ports on DCL but everything else I look at yes, may be cheaper but the stateroom/balconies are much smaller and they seem to nickel and dime for absolutely everything.

Edited by CELTICGIRLCRUISER
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have done both Disney and other lines ( and several lines in fact). Unless - you are fond of Disney it is not worth it. While Disney is my favorite it is too expensive for me to justify it if I can sail in a balcony for the price of an inside for the same week comparable cruise. For my family of four they average around $5000 with some bargain sailings around $4000 for a week. I found one the week before Christmas for $4500 inside but we booked an NCL for $2500 in a mini suite.

 

If you find a deal I think the cruise is worth the money but as I have to sail during school holidays I'd rather go twice then pay for one Disney. I always look to see if I can find a deal though because it is "magical".

 

Sent from my KFTHWI using Forums mobile app

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We have taken several Celebrity cruises on these newer ships and the cost per day is considerably lower than the quote we received for the Disney Wonder. Why is Disney worth the extra money?

 

 

Do you plan in sailing with young children or grandchildren??? It's Disney and a complete Disney experience, and Disney charges so much because they can!

 

My grandchildren are at Castaway Cay today, having sailed Magic this past week. My little ones 10 & 11 have saved for a Disney cruise for the past 3 yrs. They had $1200 in their account when the oldest was finally smart enough to ask how much exactly her long dreamed of a Disney cruise would cost :( This grandma did not have the heart to tell her.....

 

Santa (grandpa) gifted the kids with that dream cruise and we are grateful we could find a way to do it! So far every day has been the "best day ever", the youngest became a "Cliff Diver" (don't ask) and the oldest is now a "snorkel queen".

 

The kids missed school this week and grandma and grandpa think it been a wonderful experience for our children!

 

JMHO

 

 

PS the principal of their school asked if their suitcase was big enough for her :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We have taken several Celebrity cruises on these newer ships and the cost per day is considerably lower than the quote we received for the Disney Wonder. Why is Disney worth the extra money?

 

The mouse experience has a premium! The new ships look amazing and add the disney touch supply/demand suggest they can charge it.

 

I've always looked to do Disney, but with so few ships the schedule/ship never aligned. Some obsess inside versus balcony but I value the overall experience outside the cabin and Disney is unique in what they offer both the child and the child in the adult.

 

If you are a value and bang for buck and don't appreciate the Disney touch then you get more bang for the buck on other lines.

Edited by chipmaster
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've never sailed Celebrity, so I don't troll their boards and comment on the value.

 

Just checked and there is a 4 day Magic Bahamas Feb 28,2016 for $135 a day interior. Panama Canal and Transatlantic are about $100 per day.

 

Value, like beauty is in the eye of beholder, and not for us to judge what others want or like.

 

I'm a car guy, big time. I like german cars, Mercedes, Porsche, VW, Audi and so on. If you are not, you may think I'm crazy for driving a $60k Mercedes but I enjoy it, and can afford it. Yes I could drive an Accord and get better MPG, but no one ever opens their garage and sees an Accord and smile. A spring day, tail of the dragon, with the top down is why I love driving. I also change my own oil, rotate tires, do brake work and such because I enjoy playing with cars.

 

I's the same with cruises, I get excited walking to the boat but I get really wound up with Disney. It's just "better" and "worth it" to me. I actually sing the "Disney Boat Song" which drives my family nuts. I just point out to them that they don't have to come.

 

I think Disney is worth it, if you don't think so, don't cruise Disney. I won't miss you.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It's NOT worth the money to me. But a lot of people really love the Disney "experience" and feel like they're willing to spend extra money to get it.

 

Frisbeewife, I'm just curious. Your wonderful list of cruises do not include a Disney cruise. So am I correct in assuming you have never actually sailed with Disney? Just wonderin'……..

 

You don't have to experience something to determine if it's not worth the money or value. I've never owned a ferrari, but I still feel justified in saying it's not worth the value to me.

 

LarsMars,

I agree to a point, that you do not have to necessarily experience something to determine if you do not deem it worth the money or value. To a point.

Say an inside Stateroom vs. Ocean View or a balcony. You know if you prefer to spend your time out and about and spend very little time in your Stateroom then there is a lesser value to getting a balcony Stateroom.

Where as someone who prefers time alone may prefer a balcony Stateroom over a windowless inside.

 

You may own a regular car and that may be enough to content you, but a Ferrari may suit someone else better. (not saying DCL is a Ferrari of the cruise hip world)

 

But I bet you do not stand outside the Ferrari dealership, or go on Ferrari boards telling people "It's NOT worth the money to me. Are you to willing to spend extra money to get it." as frisbeewife has.

 

Why would they frequent the DCL part of CC when they won't cruise with them just to tell someone that?

What purpose does it serve?

Each person puts a different value on the same item, experience, prestige in owning or buying something. The same as DF with sailing Concierge. To him it adds value to he and his family's experience having special treatment and perks.

 

I think southerngirl528 was right to ask frisbeewife if they HAD sailed on DCL.

 

The question was asked "Why is Disney so much more per day?" and "Why is Disney worth the extra money?"

Not "Do you think Disney is worth the extra money over X, Y and Z cruise lines?"

 

ex techie

Edited by Ex techie
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've never sailed Celebrity, so I don't troll their boards and comment on the value.

 

 

 

Just checked and there is a 4 day Magic Bahamas Feb 28,2016 for $135 a day interior. Panama Canal and Transatlantic are about $100 per day.

 

 

 

Value, like beauty is in the eye of beholder, and not for us to judge what others want or like.

 

 

 

I'm a car guy, big time. I like german cars, Mercedes, Porsche, VW, Audi and so on. If you are not, you may think I'm crazy for driving a $60k Mercedes but I enjoy it, and can afford it. Yes I could drive an Accord and get better MPG, but no one ever opens their garage and sees an Accord and smile. A spring day, tail of the dragon, with the top down is why I love driving. I also change my own oil, rotate tires, do brake work and such because I enjoy playing with cars.

 

 

 

I's the same with cruises, I get excited walking to the boat but I get really wound up with Disney. It's just "better" and "worth it" to me. I actually sing the "Disney Boat Song" which drives my family nuts. I just point out to them that they don't have to come.

 

 

 

I think Disney is worth it, if you don't think so, don't cruise Disney. I won't miss you.

 

 

I know the tail of the dragon. Found by accident on our honeymoon lost in the Smoky Mountains.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

N41EF,

 

I've only just read your post before mine! And I couldn't agree more.

So much so it seems we were both writing the same or similar post, except it too me a whole lot longer to compose than yours!

 

But agree 100% with what you posted!

 

Why would you come to the DCL board just to tell people you won't cruise with them?

 

Brilliance of the Seas 7/2015

Enchantment of the Seas 6/2016

 

Completed Cruises:

Jewel of the Seas 1/2014

Freedom of the Seas 8/2013

Monarch of the Seas 2/2012

Sovereign of the Seas 12/2006

Sovereign of the Seas 10/2004

Nieuw Amsterdam 6/2000

 

Not one mention of DCL.

 

ex techie

Edited by Ex techie
Link to comment
Share on other sites

No one need feel badly if they either choose not to sail DCL or find it too budget busting. There are so many options out there, and lots of good ones. :)

 

DH & I travel a good deal and we find the overall experience with DCL good value for our dollar. Mind you, I didn't say cheap because sometimes cheap is NOT a good value when all is said and done. We think the ships are far and away the most elegant at sea, and the service, entertainment, etc., terrific. We are not gamblers and do not smoke so we are very happy to cruise on ships without a casino. For folks that love to gamble, DCL might not be a good option.

 

It's the little things that add up to big things and many have already been mentioned…like the the split bathrooms, the larger stateroom size, the streamlined disembarkation processes which DCL pioneered, and so on. Some of us love DCL and are more than happy to continue paying the extra (for me, it's often using my DVC TS points as opposed to cash out of pocket. Other times we have been able to get FL discount) for what we consider great "bang for the buck". It's all relevant. :D

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in



Sign In Now
 Share

  • Forum Jump
    • Categories
      • Welcome to Cruise Critic
      • New Cruisers
      • Cruise Lines “A – O”
      • Cruise Lines “P – Z”
      • River Cruising
      • ROLL CALLS
      • Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
      • Special Interest Cruising
      • Cruise Discussion Topics
      • UK Cruising
      • Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
      • Canadian Cruisers
      • North American Homeports
      • Ports of Call
      • Cruise Conversations
×
×
  • Create New...