1st time Disney cruiser-a few questions....

[big al]

My wife & I are considering cruising the 4 night Disney Wonder sailing for our 11th wedding anniversary in May,'06...is there any advantage to which side to take a balcony cabin,port(L),or starbord®? Anybody been on a Cat 5 or 6 on Deck 7? We have just recently cruised on HAL's Westerdam(nice ship,but average age was death),Carnival,RCL,Princess,NCL,and Celebrity.I know there's no casino,and we have no kids,in our 50's,but my wife is a Mickey lover,so that's my present to her...I notice Disney is as much as 20-25% more expensive than all the others for 4 days....Thanks for your info.......

 

Big Al

[jen95]

DH & I have sailed on both the Wonder and the Magic. We are in our 30's with no children and really enjoyed DCL. One interesting thing to note on dining times-- if you take late dinner you go to the shows before dinner. We were surprised by this. Disney's private Island Castaway Cay is wonderful. For a really special treat try to book a couples massage in a cabana at the adult beach. Worth every penny!! There is not a lot in the way of upbeat nightlife but they do have adult only clubs that offer some low key entertainment. Food is ok but not memorable. Do try to get a reservation at Palo for brunch! It was the best meal of the trip.

[ctipton55]

Hi

You will love Disney. Their customer service is wonderful, their shows are first class, no expenses spared, gorgeous costumes. The deck parties are FUN! The characters has photo and autograph times. The adult lounges are separated from the children and family activities. NICE! They have an adults only pool. Rotating between the dining rooms is fun. Being on several lines before also, I thought their food was just okay. Buffet times need to be longer and also available for dinner. The dining rooms are a little cramped but they are fun and customer service is great. The private island is wonderful! I would go back in a second.

[luv2cruzdisney]

We were in a starboard balcony cabin deck 7 in November and some of our family were portside. They are the same size. My BIL had great views of the ports as we were docking and of Castaway as we passed by (winds were too strong to dock). I have some beautiful sunset pics from our balcony so that was a nice touch too. We didn't have to go to the top decks. I liked being able to see the sunset while I was getting ready for our early dinner. This cruise was the only one we have upgraded to a balcony on and we did enjoy it. I do think that once in a while it is worth it, but for the most part you spend so little time in your cabin that your money may be better spent on other activities. By the way, we waited and requested the upgrade after we checked in and got it for about $1000 less than the brochure rate that we would have paid if we had booked in advance. 2 adults, 2 teens for $2400 during Thanksgiving week. Not bad for a balcony!!!

[UGAFan0829]

The DH and I are in our mid and late 20's and have no children. We our going on our 2nd cruise this weekend. Last time we had a cat. 6, which is a stateroom w/ verandah, and that's the same that we will have this time. We love Disney, and don't want to consider any other line right now. There are so many things to do! Yes, a lot of people say that Disney is more expensive than the other lines, but once you cruise with them, you will see that you get exactly what you pay for plus some. DCL is truly a magical vacation!

[Bug715]

As my 16th birthday present my family and I took the 4 day Disney Cruise. We only had a porthole but it was wonderful. My parents said that they liked that cruise better than our recent cruise with HAL. My mom stayed at the adult pool the whole time and said that there were never children around (unlike the adult hours on HAL with kids around the whole time). On Disney ships there are activities for the kids and they are interested in so they are occupied and not running around the whole time.

[Benzbuddy87]

We've sailed Disney, Celebrity, Carnival and Princess. Disney ships are HANDS DOWN the nicest ships (quality and detail), with the best amenities! Other cruise lines have obstructions in their lounges, and put their light/sound crew in the plain view. Disney does not have obstructions, and puts their mechanicals out of the public eye. You get a much better show effect with Disney. I believe the entertainment is superior as well.

 

We sailed Disney when our son was 12 (his first cruise - and he will not go on any other cruise line - but Disney). We went again when he was 14 (took his cousin - age 15).

 

We are going back on Western Caribbean (no kids this time). We saw MORE kids on Carnival - than Disney. I think it's because Disney has a separate deck for kids activities ... while Carnival mixes in the kids activities in some of the same areas that are use by adults.

[big al]

Thanks to all for your replies.....just booked a 3-night Wonder cruise May 18 for our 11th wedding Anniversary.......I will put a post and ask for any tips as this will be 1st Disney cruise......looking forward to the break,as our next 7 nighter won't be till Nov.19 on NCL's Jewel.......

 

Big Al