Affording DCL

[DScroggy5]

Any tips or suggestions on how to afford a DCL cruise? I really want to go but DH is having a hard time agreeing with me due to pricing. When we do go there will be 5 of us (me, DH, 12yo boy, 4yo girl, 2yo boy). A 3-4 day is as much as a 7 day on others. I know I am getting a better experience but how do I make it affordable???

 

Sent from my LG-E980 using Tapatalk

[Shmoo here]

Any tips or suggestions on how to afford a DCL cruise? I really want to go but DH is having a hard time agreeing with me due to pricing. When we do go there will be 5 of us (me, DH, 12yo boy, 4yo girl, 2yo boy). A 3-4 day is as much as a 7 day on others. I know I am getting a better experience but how do I make it affordable???

 

Sent from my LG-E980 using Tapatalk

 

First, book as far out as possible. Cruise fares rise as the space fills, so, for the most part, the costs will be higher the closer to the cruise it is.

 

Now, if you're able to take vacation at the last minute (in the 45-60 days out timeframe), some cruises may have last-minute restricted fares. However these typically are not available for parties over 4 (sometimes not even quads are available). These fares only come out on those cruises that haven't been selling well, and have lots of restrictions:

 

When booking this restricted-fare category stateroom, please note the following:

• New bookings only. Existing reservations cannot be modified to these new categories.

• You are reserving a stateroom within the selected stateroom type: Inside, Oceanview or Verandah*.

• Disney Cruise Line will assign your specific stateroom at a later time, based on remaining availability.

• Specific stateroom requests will not be accommodated.

• Full payment is required at the time of booking for all Guests and is non-refundable.

• Sail date and stateroom category changes are not permitted.

• The stateroom offer cannot be combined with any other discounted or promotional offer.

• Full legal names of all Guests are required at time of booking and no name changes are allowed.

• * Most Verandah staterooms include a private verandah with a clear plexiglass wall; some may include a solid white wall depending upon location. A limited number of Oceanview and Verandah staterooms may include a partially obstructed view.

[Friend100]

Try to cruise during off season and do shorter cruise ... like 3 or4-night Disney Dream in September/October, or the 5-night Disney Wonder in January/February out of Miami. Those dates/ships at usually less expensive on a per diem basis.

[Cwusinbunny]

Well, I've been dreaming of a disney cruise since my little girl (now 7) was born. We are a working class family - don't have a big house, two income family out of necessity not for 'extras' - I have been doing online surveys and focus groups for 6 years - putting every penny away...and we had our dream cruise last october - it was amazing and worth every penny.

 

There are things that disney provides that no other line can: the best and most extensive kids program afloat. There is a quality that just isn't there on the other lines - from the facilities, to the counselors, to the activities, and the hours/availability....

 

So that is how I did it....prior to kids DH and I have been on many cruises, and even though it would be somewhat (not a whole lot) cheaper...Disney is just the best for kids...I started doing surveys as soon as we got home - it may be another six years, but that is fine. I don't need concierge, or cabanas or dinner at Remys - I just need to get away from life's stresses and be with my husband and kids...

[Dreacrusingaway]

We just booked our very 1st Disney Cruise last week. Honestly I did not think I would be willing to fork over the dough for DCL. Especially since I am not willing to allow the kids to miss more than 1-2 days of school since my eldest is now in middle school and takes a few accelerated classes. Missing a week of school simply is not an option.

 

So I pulled out the school calendar and looked at every cruise that was during or bordered every school break for next year. I thought I had a deal for one that left on Jan 3rd-6th since my kids do not go back until Jan 7th. It was a decent price compared to summer.

 

But then I found the 3 day the weekend AFTER Easter. Spring break for us the the week after Easter and it leaves on Friday which means they will miss 1 day on Monday. But it was $1800 LESS than the weekend before. Exact same cruise, but $1800 less. It was even less than the Jan one. So I booked it. It was $2300 with taxes for 4 of us in a Deluxe Family with Verandah (the one that sleeps 4-5). I can tell you this is only $200 less than the 5 day Carnival we are going on next month in a Spa Balcony. So the cost is higher, but I wanted to give them the Disney experience just once before they got much older. (They will be 9 and 13 when we sail)

 

By booking early, we have over 7 months to pay the remaining $1900 balance. We are not well off either. DH is a police officer. I was a SAHM for over 10 years but do some work from home now. I use that to pay for the fun stuff like vacations and summer camp, but it's a large chunk of change to put out for sure. Especially knowing we can go on a longer trip for the same price.

 

Honestly, with the age of your youngest, I would wait 2-3 years in hopes that they will all remember the magic. It could be their only DCL trip and if they don't remember it, that would be a shame.

 

It's a hard sell when you can go on a 7 day on other lines for the same price. Folks say it is worth it, I will soon find out.

 

That said, I booked this one knowing it could very well be our only DCL trip. I will have to see what my kids end up preferring. My 8 year old is "meh" about the Disney thing. When she looks at ships she is looking more for ropes courses and stuff. She is so excited to try Camp Carnival. But hopefully she will get swept up in the Disney magic. BUT it could be because the Carnival cruise is a month away while the one in April 2015 seems like a lifetime away for her. A year may as well be 10 years to an 8 year old. If they are in love with DCL, I may try it again for a longer sailing. If they could go either way, we will be sticking to the lower cost lines unless its a deal we can't refuse or a super special occasion.

 

Good luck finding a great deal!

[moki'smommy]

A few thoughts...first, remember that the cruise ticket is only the beginning of the costs. You have to get to Florida and then get to the cruise terminal. If you live close enough to drive, you have to pay for a place to put your car while you cruise. It all adds up.

 

The above gives good ideas on searching out dates that will work for your schedule. As above, look for times around school breaks, especially the more "non-traditional" breaks such as times for parent/teacher conferences.

 

You don't NEED a balcony, especially on a short cruise. We spend relatively little time in our cabin. Yes, if we have the balcony, we spend more time in our "own" space, but there are lots of public deck areas where you can read and enjoy the ocean breezes. There is absolutely nothing wrong with an inside cabin and on the new ships you even have the virtual porthole.

 

Is there something "extra" in your life that earns a little money? Can you save that money? If you are a stay at home mom, can you babysit for one child of a working mom? If your kids are in school, do you qualify to be a substitute teacher? You get the idea.

 

The biggest key is careful selection of dates. We've been able to do a 7 night cruise on the Magic for $599 per person with careful selection. OK, that was 2009 and prices have increased, but the theory remains the same.

[Dreacrusingaway]

You don't NEED a balcony' date=' especially on a short cruise. [/quote']

 

I totally agree with this!! The ONLY reason we are doing balconies on these 2 cruises is because I convinced DH to come along and he NEVER has taken a real vacation. He does not take days off!! I looked and he has 8 weeks of vacation and 20 weeks of sick leave built up. :eek: He is going to drop dead if he does not chill out!! He is not the social type so I figure a balcony with a cold beer and the sound of the ocean will get him to relax and convince him to continue to take an annual vacation....a REAL vacation. So since I am paying, I splurged. But on my DCL one, the cost was only about $300 more. It's a pretty cheap sailing by DCL standards for some reason. I just want to make it as comfortable for him as possible..so a relaxing vacation does not become stressful for him. (odd I know, but some folks just can't slow down)

 

If its ever just me and the kiddos, it will be inside all the way.

[moki'smommy]

I totally agree with this!! The ONLY reason we are doing balconies on these 2 cruises is because I convinced DH to come along and he NEVER has taken a real vacation. He does not take days off!! I looked and he has 8 weeks of vacation and 20 weeks of sick leave built up. :eek: He is going to drop dead if he does not chill out!! He is not the social type so I figure a balcony with a cold beer and the sound of the ocean will get him to relax and convince him to continue to take an annual vacation....a REAL vacation. So since I am paying, I splurged. But on my DCL one, the cost was only about $300 more. It's a pretty cheap sailing by DCL standards for some reason. I just want to make it as comfortable for him as possible..so a relaxing vacation does not become stressful for him. (odd I know, but some folks just can't slow down)

 

If its ever just me and the kiddos, it will be inside all the way.

It is not my intention to be critical of any person's choices or how they spend their money. My point was that there are ways to save money, and an inside cabin is one. If a guest can afford whatever--the Royal Suite, concierge level at the Grand Flo, or anything else--and chooses to give Disney that amount of their funds, that is their choice.

 

I've had balconies and I've had inside cabins...and we've enjoyed our cruises both ways. And yes, I'm the person who carries her own camera and buys few or none of the professional photos! (another money saving tip).

[mdvlprof]

It is not my intention to be critical of any person's choices or how they spend their money. My point was that there are ways to save money' date=' and an inside cabin is one. If a guest can afford whatever--the Royal Suite, concierge level at the Grand Flo, or anything else--and chooses to give Disney that amount of their funds, that is their choice.

 

I've had balconies and I've had inside cabins...and we've enjoyed our cruises both ways. And yes, I'm the person who carries her own camera and buys few or none of the professional photos! (another money saving tip).[/quote']

 

And it's all about priorities.

We're not rich, barely even middle class. Older paid-for car, older almost-paid-for house, don't eat out ...

We spend our money on taking a nice vacation each year [usually a cruise].

[Cruisin' Along]

We are usually a party of 3, so this may not work for a party of 5 as mentioned above. We have some flexibility in traveling, so I no longer book a cruise far in advance. There are frequently price drops after the PIF date, including military rates, which we qualify for, so I wait for those. That's about the only way we can afford to do Disney.

[dolver]

I second the idea of booking as far out as possible. If prices do go down later, you can always call CS and ask about a refund. Plus booking far out gives you time to save. I just booked a 7n western on magic for 4/2015. Now I put away $40/wk in a special acct (ok a grocery bag hidden in a hidey hole!) by next april I'll have the $2000 I need for my passage. I realize saving for 1 is different than saving for 5....but saving is saving. Save what you can where you can. (and if you start putting away now ..for a cruise you want to take in 3-4 yrs, but can't book yet..even better)

 

For the most part I also don't buy any of the extras.... no booze, no photos, maybe an excursion if it sounds really good. The ship is more than enough activity.

 

I'm fairly new to cruising... been on the Dream & 2 NCL ships. Sure NCL is cheaper for the same itinerary....BUT....they don't have MAGIC! It really is just a little "more." I enjoyed my other cruises and plan to continue using NCL ..... but none compared to my Dream cruise. Maybe it's because I regress into a little 8 year old princess...who knows. But my cheeks literally ache by the time I return home! It's the Magic ..(or maybe they put something in the food?? lol)

 

You won't regret the Disney decision. Maybe it's a once in a lifetime splurge. Maybe you'll love it so much it'll be an every 10 yr splurge?

 

I did the dream 4 yrs (?) ago as an anniv trip with hubby (who got seasick and while he loved disney's magic...wasn't so happy with being woozie) So this year I'm going with my mom...it's her 70th and my 45th. So we'll splurge. I thought long and hard about a concierge room...but there's a limit to my "need for magic vs. my bank acct"

 

Enjoy. Hope I helped a little (I tended to ramble, sorry)

[DISNEY FANTASY]

See below, book first day on release.

 

The GT gates ( restricted far) can be a con, after a PIF for the cruise the price is high then they reduce it back but often not back down to the opening day price but more restrictions. So bad advice to wait for them, but book first day.

 

So think of it this way.

 

1-Opening day, lowest price.

2-As rooms book price increases.

3-And again a few steps again.

4-PIF Paid in full date.

 

Restricted fares maybe offered, price will be somewhere around steps 2> 4.

 

And during this time if flying the flight costs would have gone up.

 

It's a false saving!

 

Clever marketing, but that's retail, making you think you get a bargain by putting restrictions on it.

 

 

Sent from my iPad.

Edited April 25, 2014 by DISNEY FANTASY

[DISNEY FANTASY]

Try to cruise during off season and do shorter cruise ... like 3 or4-night Disney Dream in September/October, or the 5-night Disney Wonder in January/February out of Miami. Those dates/ships at usually less expensive on a per diem basis.

 

 

 

I second the idea of booking as far out as possible. If prices do go down later, you can always call CS and ask about a refund. Plus booking far out gives you time to save. I just booked a 7n western on magic for 4/2015. Now I put away $40/wk in a special acct (ok a grocery bag hidden in a hidey hole!) by next april I'll have the $2000 I need for my passage. I realize saving for 1 is different than saving for 5....but saving is saving. Save what you can where you can. (and if you start putting away now ..for a cruise you want to take in 3-4 yrs, but can't book yet..even better)

 

For the most part I also don't buy any of the extras.... no booze, no photos, maybe an excursion if it sounds really good. The ship is more than enough activity.

 

I'm fairly new to cruising... been on the Dream & 2 NCL ships. Sure NCL is cheaper for the same itinerary....BUT....they don't have MAGIC! It really is just a little "more." I enjoyed my other cruises and plan to continue using NCL ..... but none compared to my Dream cruise. Maybe it's because I regress into a little 8 year old princess...who knows. But my cheeks literally ache by the time I return home! It's the Magic ..(or maybe they put something in the food?? lol)

 

You won't regret the Disney decision. Maybe it's a once in a lifetime splurge. Maybe you'll love it so much it'll be an every 10 yr splurge?

 

I did the dream 4 yrs (?) ago as an anniv trip with hubby (who got seasick and while he loved disney's magic...wasn't so happy with being woozie) So this year I'm going with my mom...it's her 70th and my 45th. So we'll splurge. I thought long and hard about a concierge room...but there's a limit to my "need for magic vs. my bank acct"

 

Enjoy. Hope I helped a little (I tended to ramble, sorry)

 

 

 

We just booked our very 1st Disney Cruise last week. Honestly I did not think I would be willing to fork over the dough for DCL. Especially since I am not willing to allow the kids to miss more than 1-2 days of school since my eldest is now in middle school and takes a few accelerated classes. Missing a week of school simply is not an option.

 

 

 

So I pulled out the school calendar and looked at every cruise that was during or bordered every school break for next year. I thought I had a deal for one that left on Jan 3rd-6th since my kids do not go back until Jan 7th. It was a decent price compared to summer.

 

 

 

But then I found the 3 day the weekend AFTER Easter. Spring break for us the the week after Easter and it leaves on Friday which means they will miss 1 day on Monday. But it was $1800 LESS than the weekend before. Exact same cruise, but $1800 less. It was even less than the Jan one. So I booked it. It was $2300 with taxes for 4 of us in a Deluxe Family with Verandah (the one that sleeps 4-5). I can tell you this is only $200 less than the 5 day Carnival we are going on next month in a Spa Balcony. So the cost is higher, but I wanted to give them the Disney experience just once before they got much older. (They will be 9 and 13 when we sail)

 

 

 

By booking early, we have over 7 months to pay the remaining $1900 balance. We are not well off either. DH is a police officer. I was a SAHM for over 10 years but do some work from home now. I use that to pay for the fun stuff like vacations and summer camp, but it's a large chunk of change to put out for sure. Especially knowing we can go on a longer trip for the same price.

 

 

 

Honestly, with the age of your youngest, I would wait 2-3 years in hopes that they will all remember the magic. It could be their only DCL trip and if they don't remember it, that would be a shame.

 

 

 

It's a hard sell when you can go on a 7 day on other lines for the same price. Folks say it is worth it, I will soon find out.

 

 

 

That said, I booked this one knowing it could very well be our only DCL trip. I will have to see what my kids end up preferring. My 8 year old is "meh" about the Disney thing. When she looks at ships she is looking more for ropes courses and stuff. She is so excited to try Camp Carnival. But hopefully she will get swept up in the Disney magic. BUT it could be because the Carnival cruise is a month away while the one in April 2015 seems like a lifetime away for her. A year may as well be 10 years to an 8 year old. If they are in love with DCL, I may try it again for a longer sailing. If they could go either way, we will be sticking to the lower cost lines unless its a deal we can't refuse or a super special occasion.

 

 

 

Good luck finding a great deal!

 

 

I agree with these posts

 

 

Sent from my iPad.

[hehny]

Any tips or suggestions on how to afford a DCL cruise? I really want to go but DH is having a hard time agreeing with me due to pricing. When we do go there will be 5 of us (me, DH, 12yo boy, 4yo girl, 2yo boy). A 3-4 day is as much as a 7 day on others. I know I am getting a better experience but how do I make it affordable???

 

Sent from my LG-E980 using Tapatalk

 

 

Does DH see the value of family time on a cruise and is concerned because Disney is pricer than other brands OR does he not want to pay for a cruise vacation?

 

With the 12 year old boy getting older his interest in Disney will likely fade. There are plenty if threads on teenagers and Disney. On the other hand, Disney really excels with young children. So if you are going to book, do it sooner rather than later.

[moki'smommy]

See below, book first day on release.

 

The GT gates ( restricted far) can be a con, after a PIF for the cruise the price is high then they reduce it back but often not back down to the opening day price but more restrictions. So bad advice to wait for them, but book first day.

 

So think of it this way.

 

1-Opening day, lowest price.

2-As rooms book price increases.

3-And again a few steps again.

4-PIF Paid in full date.

 

Restricted fares maybe offered, price will be somewhere around steps 2> 4.

 

And during this time if flying the flight costs would have gone up.

 

It's a false saving!

 

Clever marketing, but that's retail, making you think you get a bargain by putting restrictions on it.

 

 

Sent from my iPad.

This is a possible situation, but it really depends on the cruise and how bookings go.

 

Real life example, May 2013.

Day 1 booking with 10% off for moving an onboard booking. $200 OBC. Booked oceanview cabin.

 

NO price changes, a few categories closed and opened again as cruise neared. Canceled original booking one week before penalty date with every intention of rebooking current situation IF no VGT or OGTs.

 

Several days after penalty date, VGT rates released. Booked VGT for $1000 LESS than original day 1 oceanview booking. Even with loss of OBC, saved a bit over $800 and got a cat 5 cabin. Couldn't argue even if had been assigned a cat 6 or 7--nicer cabin, less money.

 

Granted, this situation is not the norm. My point is that you cannot predict how fast a cruise will fill, how fast or whether rates will go up, or what the restricted fares will be IF they are available. Best bet is to book day 1 or as early as you can and then periodically re-check the fare.

[DScroggy5]

First, book as far out as possible. Cruise fares rise as the space fills, so, for the most part, the costs will be higher the closer to the cruise it is.

 

Now, if you're able to take vacation at the last minute (in the 45-60 days out timeframe), some cruises may have last-minute restricted fares. However these typically are not available for parties over 4 (sometimes not even quads are available). These fares only come out on those cruises that haven't been selling well, and have lots of restrictions:

 

When booking this restricted-fare category stateroom, please note the following:

• New bookings only. Existing reservations cannot be modified to these new categories.

• You are reserving a stateroom within the selected stateroom type: Inside, Oceanview or Verandah*.

• Disney Cruise Line will assign your specific stateroom at a later time, based on remaining availability.

• Specific stateroom requests will not be accommodated.

• Full payment is required at the time of booking for all Guests and is non-refundable.

• Sail date and stateroom category changes are not permitted.

• The stateroom offer cannot be combined with any other discounted or promotional offer.

• Full legal names of all Guests are required at time of booking and no name changes are allowed.

• * Most Verandah staterooms include a private verandah with a clear plexiglass wall; some may include a solid white wall depending upon location. A limited number of Oceanview and Verandah staterooms may include a partially obstructed view.

Excellent idea, we always book far out so will see how far out we can look with Disney.

[DScroggy5]

Try to cruise during off season and do shorter cruise ... like 3 or4-night Disney Dream in September/October, or the 5-night Disney Wonder in January/February out of Miami. Those dates/ships at usually less expensive on a per diem basis.

I was reading that people tend to do shorter ones but DH thinks 3 days is not enough he wants 5 or more on a cruise but we may have to do just do a 3 or 4 day

[DScroggy5]

Well, I've been dreaming of a disney cruise since my little girl (now 7) was born. We are a working class family - don't have a big house, two income family out of necessity not for 'extras' - I have been doing online surveys and focus groups for 6 years - putting every penny away...and we had our dream cruise last october - it was amazing and worth every penny.

 

There are things that disney provides that no other line can: the best and most extensive kids program afloat. There is a quality that just isn't there on the other lines - from the facilities, to the counselors, to the activities, and the hours/availability....

 

So that is how I did it....prior to kids DH and I have been on many cruises, and even though it would be somewhat (not a whole lot) cheaper...Disney is just the best for kids...I started doing surveys as soon as we got home - it may be another six years, but that is fine. I don't need concierge, or cabanas or dinner at Remys - I just need to get away from life's stresses and be with my husband and kids...

I understand 100% we live with necessities but afford our family to vacation :-) We both work and only have one vehicle and rent. But we like that we can make payments on a cruise and tend to drive down to the port.

[DScroggy5]

We just booked our very 1st Disney Cruise last week. Honestly I did not think I would be willing to fork over the dough for DCL. Especially since I am not willing to allow the kids to miss more than 1-2 days of school since my eldest is now in middle school and takes a few accelerated classes. Missing a week of school simply is not an option.

 

So I pulled out the school calendar and looked at every cruise that was during or bordered every school break for next year. I thought I had a deal for one that left on Jan 3rd-6th since my kids do not go back until Jan 7th. It was a decent price compared to summer.

 

But then I found the 3 day the weekend AFTER Easter. Spring break for us the the week after Easter and it leaves on Friday which means they will miss 1 day on Monday. But it was $1800 LESS than the weekend before. Exact same cruise, but $1800 less. It was even less than the Jan one. So I booked it. It was $2300 with taxes for 4 of us in a Deluxe Family with Verandah (the one that sleeps 4-5). I can tell you this is only $200 less than the 5 day Carnival we are going on next month in a Spa Balcony. So the cost is higher, but I wanted to give them the Disney experience just once before they got much older. (They will be 9 and 13 when we sail)

 

By booking early, we have over 7 months to pay the remaining $1900 balance. We are not well off either. DH is a police officer. I was a SAHM for over 10 years but do some work from home now. I use that to pay for the fun stuff like vacations and summer camp, but it's a large chunk of change to put out for sure. Especially knowing we can go on a longer trip for the same price.

 

Honestly, with the age of your youngest, I would wait 2-3 years in hopes that they will all remember the magic. It could be their only DCL trip and if they don't remember it, that would be a shame.

 

It's a hard sell when you can go on a 7 day on other lines for the same price. Folks say it is worth it, I will soon find out.

 

That said, I booked this one knowing it could very well be our only DCL trip. I will have to see what my kids end up preferring. My 8 year old is "meh" about the Disney thing. When she looks at ships she is looking more for ropes courses and stuff. She is so excited to try Camp Carnival. But hopefully she will get swept up in the Disney magic. BUT it could be because the Carnival cruise is a month away while the one in April 2015 seems like a lifetime away for her. A year may as well be 10 years to an 8 year old. If they are in love with DCL, I may try it again for a longer sailing. If they could go either way, we will be sticking to the lower cost lines unless its a deal we can't refuse or a super special occasion.

 

Good luck finding a great deal!

Good point about the youngest one's age but I worry about my oldest aging out and not enjoying it

[DScroggy5]

I second the idea of booking as far out as possible. If prices do go down later, you can always call CS and ask about a refund. Plus booking far out gives you time to save. I just booked a 7n western on magic for 4/2015. Now I put away $40/wk in a special acct (ok a grocery bag hidden in a hidey hole!) by next april I'll have the $2000 I need for my passage. I realize saving for 1 is different than saving for 5....but saving is saving. Save what you can where you can. (and if you start putting away now ..for a cruise you want to take in 3-4 yrs, but can't book yet..even better)

 

For the most part I also don't buy any of the extras.... no booze, no photos, maybe an excursion if it sounds really good. The ship is more than enough activity.

 

I'm fairly new to cruising... been on the Dream & 2 NCL ships. Sure NCL is cheaper for the same itinerary....BUT....they don't have MAGIC! It really is just a little "more." I enjoyed my other cruises and plan to continue using NCL ..... but none compared to my Dream cruise. Maybe it's because I regress into a little 8 year old princess...who knows. But my cheeks literally ache by the time I return home! It's the Magic ..(or maybe they put something in the food?? lol)

 

You won't regret the Disney decision. Maybe it's a once in a lifetime splurge. Maybe you'll love it so much it'll be an every 10 yr splurge?

 

I did the dream 4 yrs (?) ago as an anniv trip with hubby (who got seasick and while he loved disney's magic...wasn't so happy with being woozie) So this year I'm going with my mom...it's her 70th and my 45th. So we'll splurge. I thought long and hard about a concierge room...but there's a limit to my "need for magic vs. my bank acct"

 

Enjoy. Hope I helped a little (I tended to ramble, sorry)

Yes, you helped. :)

[blondietink]

We have our first DCL cruise scheduled for early December. Honestly, the 4 day was reasonable enough to justify the price, even though we prefer 7 night or longer cruises. Have done 4 cruises on other lines. DS age 24 has had a medical setback, and we figure that if we don't do it now, he might never get to enjoy a Disney cruise, and he so loves anything Disney. (He is disabled)

 

But, we plan on going to WDW after the cruise (still won't be high season) and I am astounded at the prices for tickets, hotel, etc. WOW! We haven't been in over 2 years to WDW and they seemed to have raised their prices at the parks a lot. We did do Universal in January (after a Carnival cruise) and it was so much cheaper and relaxing than WDW we are now wondering if we should just do Universal again and save money.

[DISNEY FANTASY]

We have our first DCL cruise scheduled for early December. Honestly, the 4 day was reasonable enough to justify the price, even though we prefer 7 night or longer cruises. Have done 4 cruises on other lines. DS age 24 has had a medical setback, and we figure that if we don't do it now, he might never get to enjoy a Disney cruise, and he so loves anything Disney. (He is disabled)

 

 

 

But, we plan on going to WDW after the cruise (still won't be high season) and I am astounded at the prices for tickets, hotel, etc. WOW! We haven't been in over 2 years to WDW and they seemed to have raised their prices at the parks a lot. We did do Universal in January (after a Carnival cruise) and it was so much cheaper and relaxing than WDW we are now wondering if we should just do Universal again and save money.

 

 

Hope you have a fantastic trip!

 

 

Sent from my iPad.

[moki'smommy]

We have our first DCL cruise scheduled for early December. Honestly, the 4 day was reasonable enough to justify the price, even though we prefer 7 night or longer cruises. Have done 4 cruises on other lines. DS age 24 has had a medical setback, and we figure that if we don't do it now, he might never get to enjoy a Disney cruise, and he so loves anything Disney. (He is disabled)

 

But, we plan on going to WDW after the cruise (still won't be high season) and I am astounded at the prices for tickets, hotel, etc. WOW! We haven't been in over 2 years to WDW and they seemed to have raised their prices at the parks a lot. We did do Universal in January (after a Carnival cruise) and it was so much cheaper and relaxing than WDW we are now wondering if we should just do Universal again and save money.

 

WDW may announce specials closer to your vacation date based on bookings. Park tickets are not normally discounted, but they do things like free dining plan, buy 4 play 7 (book a 4 day stay/dining/tickets and get 7 nights), etc. These are common thru the first 2 weeks of December.

 

I would not purchase a resort stay that cannot be canceled far in advance. Unlike DCL, WDW prices do not increase with volume of reservations; you might not get your first choice resort, but you can almost always get a room (as long as it's not the mini-marathon weekend in January!) I'd wait for a deal before I booked an off season WDW trip.

[belle907]

We have our first DCL cruise scheduled for early December. Honestly, the 4 day was reasonable enough to justify the price, even though we prefer 7 night or longer cruises. Have done 4 cruises on other lines. DS age 24 has had a medical setback, and we figure that if we don't do it now, he might never get to enjoy a Disney cruise, and he so loves anything Disney. (He is disabled)

 

But, we plan on going to WDW after the cruise (still won't be high season) and I am astounded at the prices for tickets, hotel, etc. WOW! We haven't been in over 2 years to WDW and they seemed to have raised their prices at the parks a lot. We did do Universal in January (after a Carnival cruise) and it was so much cheaper and relaxing than WDW we are now wondering if we should just do Universal again and save money.

 

If you booked your hotel/park tickets thru DCL they have very limited choices and you may or may not get a hotel offer that can be applied to your reservation. Any resort offers that come out by WDW directly can not be applied to your DCL resort portion of your reservation.

IF you book your hotel/park tickets directly thru WDW reservation center you will have more choices and if some type of resort offer comes out it can be applied to your reservation.

[DISNEY FANTASY]

And people reading in the UK do buy WDW tickets in the UK as we get special deals.

 

 

Sent from my iPad.