Disney was a DREAM

Sailed week of 4/13-4/17 on the Dream for our niece's wedding. Her ceremony was held on Castaway Cay. It was wonderful. Disney did a great job at everything. The groom was not HAPPY with the location of the ceremony on the beach (there was absolutely NO privacy) and requested ceremony site be moved to the deck facing the ship (where there is a bar). Everything was done with out complaint and with complete professionalism. There were just too many cruise passengers/guests so close to ceremony site. Kids digging in sand, families with screaming babies, parents chasing toddlers and older kids running everywhere (as well as a few bathing beauties in speedos). I can not say one thing negative it was a PERFECT day:)

It was my DH and I first Disney cruise (37th overall) and we were very impressed with Disney. Although I will admit not my cup of tea (we like casino at sea and adult activities)and in all probablity would not choose Disney again overall wonderful. My grandchildren, nieces, nephews had a fabulous time. I would highly recommend this for anyone with small children. We had over 39 guests half first time cruisers that loved it!

Only negative is that Disney does not offer any discount for mulitple cabins:(

 

Only negative is that Disney does not offer any discount for mulitple cabins:(

Unless policies have changed, DCL DOES offer a discount for groups of 8 or more cabins. However, the discount is only $50 per cabin and means that you can't participate in any other onboard credit or special offer from DCL...there are rules about having to book it in a particular way, etc. You can get the $50 as an OBC with a Disney Visa most of the time as a single cabin, so no real benefit of the multiple cabin deal.

We booked directly with Disney (5 cabins myself), with a total of 15 people. No offer was made and no onboard credit either. I inquired as I have booked multiple cabins with RCCL, CCL, NCL and always have been offered a discount (in fact I booked 16 cabins with NCL for Hawaii and 2 entire cabins sailed free). I found it odd that no discount was offered, but, I asked the 60 people that I knew that were on the week before us (3 day) and they weren't given anything either. Perhaps the policy has changed?

Glad you had a great time!

There was a wedding going on when we were on our cruise (last Feb.) and I wondered why they didn't just move the whole works to the end of the adults only area or make some private little alcove somewhere else on the island. We were one of the crazy parents sitting in the sand and gawking and we didn't even have to move anywhere... this wedding just showed up! ... It's a cool idea to have a wedding there, but there HAS to be a better place to hold them.

I agree! When my niece booked the wedding ceremony they gave her 2 times that they block off 10 AM or 2 PM ..we got 10. Which at first we thought GREAT as we would still have time to enjoy all the private island had to offer! WRONG! The ceremony did not start until after 11 (because we moved from the very crowed beach with absolutely ZERO privacy to the pier) finally back on ship for cake and toast at 12:45..never even went back on Island (which we were excited to see) due to time (pictures). The Disney wedding planner told us that moving the venue from the beach was the very FIRST time it was ever done. I guess our expectations were different:) Figure out that the average cruise passenger was paying close to 1200.00 pp without expenses (cruise tab, air, accomodations, etc) and we had 39 people they made a bundle..For the amount we spent we could have used a 5 star resort! All in all it did give me a taste of Disney and I enjoyed it! But, I am not a return customer.

We booked directly with Disney (5 cabins myself), with a total of 15 people. No offer was made and no onboard credit either. I inquired as I have booked multiple cabins with RCCL, CCL, NCL and always have been offered a discount (in fact I booked 16 cabins with NCL for Hawaii and 2 entire cabins sailed free). I found it odd that no discount was offered, but, I asked the 60 people that I knew that were on the week before us (3 day) and they weren't given anything either. Perhaps the policy has changed?

I don't know, the policy may have been discontinued. It was such a worthless "discount" that few used it. The key may have been that you booked 5 cabins, not the required 8--even though you had more cabins linked for dining. There are a few DCL discount deals out there, but you have to know how to book them and DCL doesn't tell you! Most are not large, but people can at least get the Disney Visa $50 beverage credit deal.In addition to anything you can get from Disney, many agencies will offer an onboard credit based on the type of cabin or amount spent.

Honestly, I see no reason to book directly thru DCL. I get great service and a nice "thanks for booking" OBC from my agent.

I consider myself to be a "seasoned cruiser" and have used a travel agent 3 times for cruises. My first which the TA was a novice (and so was I lol), my 25th which was to Hawaii with NCL where the TA was an independent operator who was involved in a near fatal car accident and could not be reached for 5 months and NCL did not want to help us..which almost caused me a nervous breakdown as she had credit card information for 30 people along with several cabins paying in full at time of booking (which did get resolved and she was able to recover and help, but, it left a lasting impression on me to just deal with the cruise line and forget about incentives and onboard credit). Last year I booked a river cruise for our anniversary on Avalon cruises and bought insurance. My father in law had a stroke and we were not able to go so we lost our $500 deposit and the $500 for insurance. I used a TA for that as well. For me I am sticking with the direct booking with cruise line and managing my own vacations:). My DH travels world wide with his job and so I tag along whenever I can..

I still think that for families Disney did a lot and have recommended it to many of my friends that want to travel with their children and not do the Park experience. Disney is a great choice for them!!