Disney... worth the extra $$ ?

[4 of Harts]

I just got back from the NCL Sun and started pricing my next cruise. I have 2 children, ages 3 & 5, and wondered if DCL was worth the extra $$ ? It appears that the child care is continuously free without charged days/times etc. but what else would make it worth more. I have cruised with RCCL, Carnival and NCL and would like your opinions. Sell me... :D

 

PS- the Disney ship (not sure which one) was cruising next to us and I thought... what if....

 

Thanks in advance.

[mom x4,grandma x4]

Howdy,

Your kids are the perfect age to cruise DCL. The Dsiney magic will truly seem magical at their ages. That is part of the difference of DCL to others. When you have kids, seeing the characters on the ship and all the disney themed items around the ship are awesome.

Everyone, but especially the kids are treated like royalty.

The wait staff fusses over kids too, which makes it extra special for them.

We love the rotational dining which others dont have. The themses in the restaurants is great too. The shows in Animators palate are great and if you do the 7 day you will have a character breakfast in Parrot Cay where the characters will come right up to your children at your table for pictures. It is so much fun to see the kids faces light up when they come around to the tables.

The kids clubs are included in the price. The only requirement is that the kids be potty trained. Characters do pop in at the clubs too.

Mickey pool can get a bit crowded at times, but the ears are reserved for smaller kids such as your 3 year old so she wont get intimidated by all the kids.

Another feature unique to DCL is the Dumbotron screen. Over the family pool area there is a huge movie screen that they play movie on, during the day they are animated features, cartoons and the wiggles etc..

Then there is th epirate deck party with people dressing as pirates, music, dancing, and characters in a skit,it is topped off with fireworks at sea. No other line does this. it is awesome!!! Try to keep the girls awake late that night, it is so worth going to. It starts about 9:45 p.m. Fireworks are about 10:15 I believe. Plus there is a buffet set up on deck after the party and then they play the pirates of the caribbean movie on the dumbotron screen for everyone to see.

Also unique to disney is the sail away party. Lots of fun, live music, characters in stage, and Mickey himself counts down from 10 to 1 as we start to sail. this an outside party on deck 9. Be sure and get your girls up by the stage so they can see the characters really close up when they arrive. Usually 15 minutes into the party.

I guess it's just something you need to experience to understand the quality and disney difference in the cruises. We love the atmosphere. And you arnt nickel and dimed to death on board. 95% of everything is included in your price. You need to pay for tips, arcade if you use it, flounders nursery, if you use it, alcoholic drinks, smoothies, are extra. If you buy any type of drinks at the lounges, even pop or coffee you will be charged for it. But there is a drink station on deck 9 that is open 24 hours and with free pop, lemonade, coffee, tea, milk, hot cocoa. Just get a glass and take with you to the shows or clubs if you want. Bingo is extra too. But all the entertainment and activities are included in the

price. There is lots of free food around deck 9 too. Pizza, burgers, hot dogs, wraps, chicken strips, chicken sandwiches, fries, chips, pasta, fresh fruit , soft serve ice cream and sometimes mexican foods too. So no charge for extra foods. Room service food is free too, just a tip for the waiter. There are late night snakcs by the clubs for free too.

I hope you will try DCL, I'm sure you'll all love it, esop[ecially the kids. If you go to the DCL official web site you can order a free DVD that tells you alot about the ships. If you have any specific questions, pleae ask and I will try to answer for you. We have done 10 DCL cruises with ages from 18 months to 51 years of age so we have experienced most areas of the ship.

mom x4,grandma x4

[gatour]

Things I like Disney...

 

1. Private Island: The best private island of any cruise line. Plus the ship actually docks.

 

2. Embarkation/Disembarkation: I have had the best embarkation/disembarkation experiences on Disney, while on other lines it has been hit or missed.

 

3. Restaurants: I like how we move from restaurant to restaurant, keeps things interesting.

 

4. Adult only areas are enforced. (Probably not important to you with little ones)

 

5. Character Interaction: While not applicable to other lines, if you want a great character experience this beats the parks hands-down

 

Now having said that, Disney IS more expensive than other lines and I can not justify the cost difference to sail on Disney exclusively. It comes down to being able to cruise more often if I sail on other lines.

[4 of Harts]

Thanks for the reply. I'm a Florida resident so I think I'll try to work that into the potential discounting. I'm also planning to do it as a 3 day land, 4 day sea package to expand the entire theme. Is there a casino onboard ? Smoking in specific areas allowed ? Also, do you know what would be the smallest room that you would recommend for 2 adults and the two girls of then 4 & 6 ? I was also thinking of decreasing my spoiled tendacies for an upgraded cabin as my thoughts are that we'll spend more time on board rather than in the cabin. Do you recommend booking early ? I'm looking for March 2007. Any thoughts ? Keep any comments coming, it's helping me out tremendously.

[pppiglet]

No casino. Book now for March 2007 and you'll save lots of money!

[mom2queen]

4 of Harts: Hi! I love DCL! Your children will love it. It is worth the extra $$ , maybe not for Every vacation, but you should at least go once. The restaurants are unbelievable. DCL pays extra attention to all the little details that will make your child's vacation one to remember.(and yours too)

The private island is a must see, excellent. The most fun I have had on a vacation. We have also done the three day land 4 day sea. I would recommend it. Everything is taken care of in one step. If you have any ??s feel free to ask. I have sailed DCL 2x and can't wait to go again.

 

Sailing the NCL Majesty 4-15-06, hopefully I won't do too much comparing to DCL........I have heard that I probably won't enjoy it as much since I have been on such a wonderful ship as Disney's , but I will make the best of it :)

[4 of Harts]

Just coming off the NCL Sun it'll be interesting to see your comparison. Thanks for the advice. Sometimes $$ can't dictate the fun of it all... and heck, isn't that the reason we go away anyway ? Travelling with kids on NCL ? the 3/4 cruise is the most interesting to me...

[Rudi610]

I can guess what DCL costs more when compared to some cruises. First of all, you are buying the Disney name. I have not been on a Disney ship, but I have been to their theme parks a few times. And their attention to detail is second to none in their industry. Ever notice how clean and fresh the parks usually look? Not to mention every ride/attraction has a theme associated with it. From what I know about their ships (from friends who have sailed and reading here), that attention to detail flows to the ships as well with the rotational dining with different themes, the roaming characters (how many other cruise lines have Mickey Mouse), and the private island where the ship docks rather than tenders; just to name a few. It may cost more too because there is no casino on board and I would think that families probably spend less on alcohol (yet they may spend more on souveniers). Most important, people are willing to pay what Disney charges and the ships are going out full. Just the logics of supply and demand.

 

JMHO

 

Rudi

[mom2queen]

4 of Harts: Won't be taking any kids on this one , (NCL)

6 couples, one of which is celebrating a 30 year anniversary. I honestly wouldn't sail anything but DCL with my daughter (4 1/2) Just don't think she would have as much fun. I am also getting a little nervous, this will be my 1st time away from her for more than a weekend. She will be in good hands with her grandparents, and spoiled rotten when I get home I am sure :)

I am going to Try hard not to have my expectations too high this time in regards to the quality of things, just gonna go relax and soak up the sun :)

 

On DCL you can go with a less expensive room and it will still be nice.

[metrowon]

If your two children are into the Disney movies and characters, then this will be your 1st. cruise of many with DCL. Starting with catagory 8, and descending to 12 should meet your needs, with 8 being the most exspensive. I believe cat 8 has a oceanview with a Big Portal Window.. Is it worth the extra money? There are so many factors in that question. It's just Disney World on the water. Disney knows how to make your vacation a lifetime of memories. Metrowon

[hotrodcruiser]

After reading Momx4gramdmax4, I had to post a message about the Disney Cruise experience. She is absolutely correct, just reading her comments sent chills up my spine. There is nothing that compare to the experience you will have on the ship or Castaway Cay. We have been on three of the cruises and have loved every minute of it. Because of the cost, we decided to try a couple of other lines such as Norweigan, Royal Carribean and soon, Princess Cruise Line and we always compare our adventures to the Disney Line and feel that it is the best. We had hoped to try the cruise through the Panama Canal but it never worked with our school schedules. I'm glad to see them add more destinations such as west coast of Mexico and Europe, Although the costs could put a damper on that for us. Never the less, Disney Cruise Line knows how to take care of their cruisers and I highly recommend them!

[tray]

We are also looking at our first DCL cruise 3/07. We have a DS who will be 14 and DD who will be 11. Will they think it's 'corny' (i.e.--Wiggles on Dumbotron) for their age----or do you think they'll enjoy it? Our DD has been asking to go so I'm looking into it. Also the Magic is the one we'll be taking because of the schedule and when our Spring Break is (there is no schedule for the Wonder for the 7 day cruise for the dates we need). What do you think and what can you tell me about the Magic vs. the Wonder. I know the Wonder is newer and originally was the one I was hoping to go on, but we'll take a cruise anyday vs. not going if the dates are not right!!!!! Okay--lots of questions---sorry!!:eek:

[Mytwocharmers]

Might be a silly question...

 

But are the Disney Princesses also on the DCL Cruises?

 

If so can anyone tell me where and when you are likely to see them?

 

Thanks!

[mom x4,grandma x4]

Howdy,

Yes, the princesses are on the cruises on both ships. They are in some of the shows and you have the character meet and greets in the atrium. I will tell you that the princesses appearances are the most popular on the ship. Arrive about 20 minutes early and you will be ok, but they line up in really long lines to see them and they only stay out for about 25 minutes at a time, yes they appear more than once. You will see dozens of little girls dressed a stheir favorite princesses for the pictures. They are so cute!!!

 

 

Ok, next question teens on disney.

Ok, We have taken out teenage grandaughter on DCL twice and her brother who was 9 and 11 att the time. They are not into characters, but love to go to WDW for the rides. They both had a blast.

Especially the teenager. The teens have their own club, called the stack, because it is located in one of the stacks on the ship. No adults or kids allowed, just teens and counselors, although there is an open house on the first day for parents. Assure your teen, they wont find Mickey pictures or character themed items in there!! It is designed for teens, not young kids!!! They have karoake, ice breaker games the first day, pizza parties,movies, swim and hot tub parties, lots of activities she didnt want to share with us, after all we are OLD FOLKS, we wouldnt understand I guess. She was joking!! The teens can come and go as they please.The club opens at noon and closes at midnight, but most teens hang out together on deck until 2 a.m. or so. Or until mom and dad are out of the clubs. She said the older teens(16 and UP0 tended to stick together as didi the younger teens accept when they were doing things with the counselors. I have chatted with the counselors and believe me they do know the way most teens feel about the Disney Kiddie theme, it is a No No for that age group. The counselors are great at getting the kids to interact and get aquainted. The first day is the most important time for them to go as this is when all the aquaintances are made with the counselors and other kids. One other thing out teen did was to go to cruise boards and look for her cruise date on the cruise meets threads and then she posted for other teens to get aquainted with before the cruise. It took her alot of posting on a few boards but she made 3 friends, which she met on board the first day. Yhis took alot of stress out of being with a lot of kids she didnnt know. By day 2 the threesome had become 15 kids that hung out together the entire rest of the cruise and she still e-mails some of them even now. The teen only excursion on CC is great!! They snorkel, swim, hike, kayak, bike ride and have lunch together.

So yes teens can have agreat time on DCL. Disney goes to great lengths to keep their area themed for teens, not Mickey mouse stuff.

Ok the younger 11 year old. They do the same thing as with the teens. You have free time or you can sign up for specific activities for that age group. The counselors are very aware that 11 and 12 year old would rather be with older kids, not in aclub with younger kids. They have age appriate activities for them. Such as scientific experiments, late night ghost stories out on the secret area on deck 7, movies, pizza parties, and now on the Magic they have remodeled a lot for the kids during drydock. I hope they will do this on the Wonder this October when she goes into drydock. They took out all the conference rooms on deck 2 and made it into a virtual reality kids area. Older kids especially like this. You can actually dock the ship and such or at leas i t seems like you are.

The kids will have their own Navigstor paper with activites listed on them. some you have to sign up for, ithers you just show up. Making flubber is a very popular event for the 11 and 12 year olds too.

Ok, studio sea is a family nightclub which has all kinds of family events all day and evening too. It is great for the whole family, but the kids can go without you and just show up with friends or by themselves. your Navigator will tell you what events are there too. too many to list!!!

 

Ok, the ships are designed the same, just different names on the clubs and restaurants. But now that the Magic has been in drydock I owuld recommend it for 2 reasons.

1. it does 7 day cruises, the Wonder does 3 and 4 day crusies.

I always opt for the longer cruises.

 

2. The Magic now has the virtual reality kids area and it has a larger, remodeled spa and fitness area, also it has the Dumbotron movie screen.

Which is actually a Jumbotron movie screen which is outside by the family pool. It is huge and movies show up great in daylight or darkenss. they play at least 2 movies or sporting events everyday. In the morning they play lots of cartoons and sometimes an animated movie for the kids. Also they use it to play short films about the ports you are going to visit on your trip. After the Pirates deck party they play the pirates of the Caribbean movie on it. Also at the sail away deck party it is shown on the screen as well as seeing it in person. It has an awesome sound system as you can hear it over the sounds of the pool, but it doesnt blast you out either. The Wonder doesnt have these things yet, but it will probably get most of them this October when it goes into drydock.

I gues sif you go after October the Wonder may have this too. But it still only goes to Nassau and Castaway Cay.

 

I hope this helps some, please let me know if I can answer any other question you may have. i have done DCL 10 times so far,so I know it pretty well.

mom x4,grandma x4

[metrowon]

We are also looking at our first DCL cruise 3/07. We have a DS who will be 14 and DD who will be 11. Will they think it's 'corny' (i.e.--Wiggles on Dumbotron) for their age----or do you think they'll enjoy it? Our DD has been asking to go so I'm looking into it. Also the Magic is the one we'll be taking because of the schedule and when our Spring Break is (there is no schedule for the Wonder for the 7 day cruise for the dates we need). What do you think and what can you tell me about the Magic vs. the Wonder. I know the Wonder is newer and originally was the one I was hoping to go on, but we'll take a cruise anyday vs. not going if the dates are not right!!!!! Okay--lots of questions---sorry!!:eek:

The ships are identical. As far as new goes, walk on! They were both pristine when I last left each one. The ship's crew does not sleep while you do. The maintenance program and crews are outstanding. Your two childrens experiance depends on your trust in them, and how you raised them. I've done four cruises with DCL the past four years, and I tell you what. Unsupervised children at 12/or 14 years old, @ 1:30 am. have been well behaved. There hooked up with new friends, and out having a good time, on a Disney secure ship. People often ask how we can cruise with a ship full of Kids?

Well, the ship is not full of children,and your children will beg you to go again, after their first experiance. Let them know, they will be in some programs for their age brackects. Don't make it rigid, if they don't like it! Be flexiable, and understand each cruise experiance is different for everyone! Yes I have cruised with my two children. The Disney cruise line, is the nicest time I've ever experianced for a vacation. And all of the children have been well behaved. Never a baby diapered in public! Never a tantrum! Never a shouting match, between parent and child. Just good family fun. Never a drunk, or a person upset about loosing money at a casino. While some of those things may have occured on our cruises, we never witnessed them. It's Di$ney cla$$! Metrowon