What will I miss on Disney?

[Gon2hwe]

We love cruising on Royal but found a fantastic military deal on Disney so thought we'd give it a try. I know Disney doesn't have a casino but what else am I going to miss? I know some of you have sailed Disney and would like honest comparisons.

[Merion_Mom]

The casino. :D

[AnnaBeth]

Which Disney ship are you looking at? We sailed on the Dream in January, and just sailed on Freedom last week.

 

Disney has no casino or royal promenade. Not as many stores on Disney. No flowrider or rockwall. If you are looking at the Dream or Fantasy, you will have the AquaDuck which was fun.

 

Will you have kids? The pools are smaller on Disney, and much more crowded with kids. They do have an adult only pool but since we had kids with us and were only on a 4 night we didn't have time to use it.

 

We also didn't have time for the spa on Disney, I've heard it's great, and they have the rainforest room that has several aeromatic showers and hotubs that you can use; the cost for a day pass is pretty inexpensive.

 

The shows were great on Disney, and we really enjoyed the rotational dining rooms.

 

We also LOVED Castaway Cay. So much to do, a great adult only beach, too. Also have bike paths, we rented bikes and rode around the island and had a great day here.

 

One other thing I liked with Disney was that they had several tastings or classes you could take (for a cost of course!:) ) We did the mixology class and it was a lot of fun. They also have champagne tastings, tequila tastings, etc.

I had a great time on RCI but would definitely cruise Disney again if I found a more affordable rate!

[Gon2hwe]

We're on the Dream 4 day. We were going down for a week in Cocoa anyway and just check the prices of all ships there in PC and Disney came out alot less. I'm sure it was the military discount. I'm just learning about the rotational dining and sounds good to me.

Never been much into the casinos anyway so that wont bother me. How would you say the food is compared to Royal?

Hoping to like Castaway Cay bettrr than Haiti. That was verry disappointing to me.

[AnnaBeth]

I was very happy with the food on Disney. I can't remember any specific dish that I loved, but thought it was all really good. We did not try any of the specialty dining but I have heard wonderful reviews of Remys and Paolos.

 

I'm not sure how active the Disney board is here, but there is another DISney board that has a cruise forum that was pretty active, I was able to get a lot of info from that site prior to our cruise.

 

I think you will have a great time, I wish we were sailing with them again soon!!

[bajathree]

If you like the "Disney" thing then you will like sailing Disney.

[micmacmissy]

Can you share where you got the military discount? Was it just booking the Disney site?

 

We were looking into one, and the costs were ridiculously high. But if the military discount is good enough...

 

More details, please!

[Candleonwater]

Have only sailed on the Magic, but if the Dream has a rainforest room in the spa... it's what I've missed the most sailing on RCL.

[RainyJ]

I think you'll enjoy Disney. DH and I sailed on Freedom last August, and this year we booked Disney because we thought it would be a better fit for our young children. The Dream is a beautiful ship, just a bit smaller than Freedom. As others mentioned, there is no casino, Flow Rider, rock wall, ice rink, etc. If you enjoy those activities then you'll miss them on Disney. I would definitely recommend the Aqua Duck water coaster--it's a lot of fun! And I think Castaway Cay was nicer than Coco Cay (and I really enjoyed Coco Cay).

 

As for the food, I think the quality is comparable. I enjoyed the rotational dining on Disney--same table mates and service team, different atmosphere each night. We weren't able to try the speciality dining in Palo or Remy, but I've heard they're wonderful (especially Remy). There are fewer kids at the later dinner seating.

 

Entertainment goes to Disney. The production quality of the shows was outstanding! I can't comment on the spa area because I didn't use it. DH liked the fitness center but I don't remember how he said it compared to RCI. The service and friendliness of the staff is top-notch, just like RCI. And you will enjoy hearing their tuned fog horn!

 

The rooms are nice, and I think maybe there was a bit more storage in the room than we had on Freedom. Disney has a laundry room, which is nice, but you might not even need it for just a 4-day trip. Another plus is the split bathroom--toilet and sink on one side, tub/shower and sink on the other side.

 

As I said, I think you'll enjoy it. We saw many people cruising without children, and what's nice is that they really enforce the adult-only areas, so you really can enjoy a peaceful cruise on a ship with lots of kids! Have fun on your cruise! I am trying to figure out when DH and I can take our next RCI cruise--hopefully on Allure! I've been lurking here for a few weeks getting cruise fever again.

[sns101098]

We've done Freedom and the Dream and LOVED both. Castaway Cay is without a doubt our favorite of the private beach destinations. There is just so much to do. We loved renting the bikes and going for a nice tour of the island. We were also very impressed with the fireworks show on Pirate Night. We weren't expecting it to be that good coming from a cruise ship...but then I guess we should have expected it on Disney. We would go again if the price was right!

[Gon2hwe]

Can you share where you got the military discount? Was it just booking the Disney site?

 

We were looking into one, and the costs were ridiculously high. But if the military discount is good enough...

 

More details, please!

 

We pretty much booked last minute about 6 wks before our cruise. I have a feeling they may have had alot or reservations cancelled after the storms up north. Military rates are usually last minute. I would guess we paid about a 1/3 of normal rates. It was the biggest discount I've ever seen on Disney. I think I got an email from disney stating big military and resident rate cuts.

[Gon2hwe]

I think you'll enjoy Disney. DH and I sailed on Freedom last August, and this year we booked Disney because we thought it would be a better fit for our young children. The Dream is a beautiful ship, just a bit smaller than Freedom. As others mentioned, there is no casino, Flow Rider, rock wall, ice rink, etc. If you enjoy those activities then you'll miss them on Disney. I would definitely recommend the Aqua Duck water coaster--it's a lot of fun! And I think Castaway Cay was nicer than Coco Cay (and I really enjoyed Coco Cay).

 

As for the food, I think the quality is comparable. I enjoyed the rotational dining on Disney--same table mates and service team, different atmosphere each night. We weren't able to try the speciality dining in Palo or Remy, but I've heard they're wonderful (especially Remy). There are fewer kids at the later dinner seating.

 

Entertainment goes to Disney. The production quality of the shows was outstanding! I can't comment on the spa area because I didn't use it. DH liked the fitness center but I don't remember how he said it compared to RCI. The service and friendliness of the staff is top-notch, just like RCI. And you will enjoy hearing their tuned fog horn!

 

The rooms are nice, and I think maybe there was a bit more storage in the room than we had on Freedom. Disney has a laundry room, which is nice, but you might not even need it for just a 4-day trip. Another plus is the split bathroom--toilet and sink on one side, tub/shower and sink on the other side.

 

As I said, I think you'll enjoy it. We saw many people cruising without children, and what's nice is that they really enforce the adult-only areas, so you really can enjoy a peaceful cruise on a ship with lots of kids! Have fun on your cruise! I am trying to figure out when DH and I can take our next RCI cruise--hopefully on Allure! I've been lurking here for a few weeks getting cruise fever again.

 

I loved Allure but DH didn't. He said it was just too much. All the shows are great too. Our cabin seemed smaller too but maybe it was how it was set up with bed by the closet.

[Gon2hwe]

if you like the "disney" thing then you will like sailing disney.

roll tide roll!!!!!!!!!

[xxHadleyxx]

The Dream is the only DCL ship I have not sailed--but I think t will have a similar experience to their others.

 

With Disney you can bring your own alcohol--as much as you want so long as you carry it onboard. We like to bring a bottle of wine for each evening and order a room service tray of cheese and fruit to have with it while getting ready for dinner :)

 

As others have said--the rotational dining is fun and works well. We really enjoy that.

 

The main production shows are the best we have seen on any ships--but the variety acts they get for filler tend to be dismal--even when compared to other lines.

 

The pools are tiny. TINY for the number of people on board. But, we find that Disney does such a good job with having lots of really interesting activities that we enjoy going whole weeks without using the pools.

 

The mini golf on the Fantasy (and I assume this would be true of the Dream) is much smaller than we expected and clearly an after thought jammed in--not nearly as nice as on Royal.

 

The themed parties in the adult clubs are always loads of fun to us (but beware if you are late night people--these start early. The ships tend to be VERY quiet after midnight).

 

Overall--we think Disney is a great line; not worth paying a huge amount extra for, but if you get a good deal (and it sounds like you DID) then it is as much fun as Royal, just in slightly different ways. The variety and change s really nice to have :)

[Gon2hwe]

We're older so won't miss all the sporty things. The Disney themes may get a little old after awhile but just hoping the entertainment and food are good. I've been told the adult areas are pretty good. Haven't booked any extra resturants because they were so not worth it on Allure. Thanks everyone for your input as Disney boards are pretty dead.

[iloverags2]

Can you share where you got the military discount? Was it just booking the Disney site?

 

We were looking into one, and the costs were ridiculously high. But if the military discount is good enough...

 

More details, please!

 

If you go to disneycruise.com, hover over Search For A Cruise, then click on Special Offers. You can then click on Military Rates on either the left side of the page, or scroll down and click on it. On this page, they typically show only the rates for verandah staterooms if you are looking for the Dream or Fantasy.

 

If you want to see if a specific sailing is available and what other categories have military rates, hover over Search For A Cruise, then click on Find A Cruise. On this booking page you will need to enter the MTO code in the Special Offers Available/Enter Officer Code field. Looks like some great rates are available!

[spookwife]

We love cruising on Royal but found a fantastic military deal on Disney so thought we'd give it a try. I know Disney doesn't have a casino but what else am I going to miss? I know some of you have sailed Disney and would like honest comparisons.

 

welp to be honest I found the food on Magic lousy in all respects except the surcharge restaurant( yeah the brunch.. well worth it!)

 

did love Cove Cafe( adult only section) too

[spookwife]

Can you share where you got the military discount? Was it just booking the Disney site?

 

We were looking into one, and the costs were ridiculously high. But if the military discount is good enough...

 

More details, please!

 

We use a particular internet only TA that specializes in Disney vacations( both resorts plus the crusieline and the new thingy in Hawai'i)

 

they are VERY good about being proactive.. a Military discount came out for our Magic cruise long after we had booked and they automatically applied it. we never would have known there was one if it weren't for them

[Gon2hwe]

I did book directly with Disney online. I just found the Military rates and it automatically filled in the code I think. I do remember that it was for only a few days on those rates but there could still be good rates. It averaged out to less than $100 day pp for 3 people in a Deluxe Family Veranda 4D. Not sure what size that is since first time on Disney. Keep in mind it is in Dec. but still came out less than any other Balcony 3 or 4 day in PC.

[Morecruisesplz]

We love cruising on Royal but found a fantastic military deal on Disney so thought we'd give it a try. I know Disney doesn't have a casino but what else am I going to miss? I know some of you have sailed Disney and would like honest comparisons.

 

1. You'll miss turkey the last night. You can have a great steak every night on Disney -- real beef! And other Portifino-like food every night.

2.) You'll miss the solarium pool. All you get on Disney is a REAL adult only pool area that is monitored and enforced by staff. It includes comfy chairs for lounging, a Starbucks-like coffee shop and a nice open air pool area.

3.) You'll miss the shrimp on the buffet on boarding day -- when you go back to Royal.

4.) You'll miss the same old shows and comedians on Royal but enjoy Disney performances that only Disney seems to be able to produce.

5) You miss having to sneak your booze on if you are one who likes drinks in your cabin because Disney allows you to bring a couple bottles.

6.) You'll miss having to buy the soft drink package and carry that silly cup around to get it filled or card to get a cup because soft drinks are free on Disney.

7.) You'll miss the small cabins and having to knock on your neighbor's cabin door if your hubby is in the bathroom when you have to go because Disney bathrooms have 2 toilets -- one with the tub/shower and another with a sink.

8.) I could go on an on but I think you get the idea --- not a lot to miss. You'll love Disney. If it were not for the prices this list below would be reversed. (And no, Disney cruises are not just for those with kids. You'll find plenty of adult only groups onboard.)

[CariBear]

I have been on the Disney Dream twice this year and really enjoyed my cruises. Both cruises were without my children...so we tended to stay in the adult only areas. I think you will have a great time. I really enjoy deck 4.....which has the outside deck all around the ship....with wooden loungers with cushions.....a great place to settle in with a book in the evenings. To get away from the commotion during sailaway you can head to deck 12 forward.....an adult only area at the bow of the ship. I highly recommend Palo for brunch on the sea day. You can make reservations in Royal Palace beginning at 1pm upon boarding. Go hungry as there is so much to choose from! Serenity Bay on Castaway is pure heaven......no kids....just the ocean for miles around. Go on the Aquaduck ......so much fun.....and try it at night too as it is open until midnight! Have a great cruise!

[soulpower]

Having been on the Disney Dream and Freedom of the Seas (and loving both ships/lines), there are things BF and I loved about each line. We plan to make our return to Disney in 2014 after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas in 2013, and I know we'll miss the casino (we love gambling), Flow Rider, Quest, and the Promenade. At the same time, Disney has a lot to offer: virtual portholes (inside cabins), Aqua Duck, rotational MDR, amazing shows, Palo brunch, a BEAUTIFUL movie theater, Castaway Cay, the famous Disney staff and service, and the fact that you're allowed to bring on your own alcohol!

 

Either way, you're going to have a blast!

[BillOh]

And you will enjoy hearing their tuned fog horn!

 

.

 

That was pretty cool. We were on Jewel in Costa Maya, as we were leaving they let the musical horn go.

[CP3o]

Just sit back and enjoy things being NEW and having surprises and not knowing what to expect! That is a great feeling, discovering things around every corner, for the first time. Don't do too much research so that you can feel surprised more.

 

That said, book a Palo brunch. If you want a nice dinner, can book a night meal too but brunch is something very nice not done on other lines. (I've only sailed Wonder and Magic but assume there is a Palo brunch on Dream.)

 

Get to adult pool on ship and adult beach at castaway cay.

 

See the headline shows; make it to the rotating dinners.

 

Roll on whatever drinks you might like (not soda, that's included) in a soft rolling cooler w/o ice that could get thru scanner. You can have a 12 pack of beer, bottle of rum, 3 bottles of wine, whatever, they don't mind on Disney.

 

4 night cruise that goes to CC is a very nice cruise and not "too much" Disney like a 7 night might be. I'd stay on the ship in Nassau since returning to a DCL ship might be unlikely; check out ship, do some activities, hit the rainforest for a day...........

[Gon2hwe]

Wow, I was beginning to think there was nothing to do on this cruise but you guys have really ade me excited about going now!:D