Carnival or Disney for Children's Programs?

[cruiseafterbaby]

Is there anyone who has traveled on both lines that can make a comparison?

 

I'm looking for info for the younger ones, ages 4-8.

 

Now, you would think that Disney would have far superior kids clubs, well, because they're Disney.

 

However, Carnival has won "Best Children's Programs" for 2008 & 2009, so that it saying something.

 

I took a look at the "Carnival Capers" as well, as Disney's "Navigator." It seems upon observation, that Carnival has a larger variety of activites, with the activity changing every hour at least for EVERY AGE GROUP.

 

Disney's Oceaneer's Club looks to have more "free time" scheduled, and if there are organized activities, they may not be appropriate for all age groups(ie: some activities are recommended for 7 & up, leaving the younger ones with nothing to do?!)

 

And, with Disney's new "open to all" stance, I'm not thrilled with the idea of my 4 year old mingling with 9 year olds :-(

 

Also, I think Carnival camps closes earlier and "baby sitting" hours start sooner, than Disney? Is this correct?

 

I fully intend to take advantage of these clubs, so my husband and I can have much needed along time!

 

From first impression, Carnival seems like the way to go as far as the kids clubs go, because there will almost ALWAYS be some age appropriate & ORGANIZED(not free play) activity going on for all age groups.

 

With that said, I would really like to experience Disney for the overall cruise, because the shows and parties are geared to kids/families!

 

What to do? Please help!

[QLUVS2CRUZ]

I would love to take my kids on the Disney cruise too...but...usually it is sooo much more expensive, I'd rather use the extra money to let my kids do more in the ports...so we booked our upcoming cruise on Carnival and I know they will love Camp Carnival...

 

Hopefully someone here has been on both with kids...I've heard Disney is awesome, but I just can't get past the price! I think at that age, your kids will enjoy either one...:)

[NYteacher]

I haven't sailed Disney, but I have Carnival and NCL with our son and there was a big difference between the two.

 

Carnival has hours for the camp that are not always the most convenient. I don't remember what they are exactly but it is in the neighborhood of 9-12, 2-5 and 7-10. Norwegian's club is open constantly from like 9 am to 10 pm. This is not to say that we, or anyone, should leave their child all day. In fact, DS probably spent equal time in both clubs. The key is that it was at our convenience. If he slept vacation late, like to 10 am, then breakfast, it wasn't really worth it to go to the club for an hour.

 

Also, by having fixed opening and closing times there was sometimes a long wait to sign in and out as we were all doing it at the same time.

 

If Disney has more flexible hours that is certainly something to consider.

[crusinmama06]

Can I ask where Carnival won "Best Children's Program" for 2008 and 2009? I would just be interested in reading it. :)

 

It's kind of like when I read in Travel and Leisure that the best ships for children were Crystal, Windstar and Seabourn. :eek: And then Disney came in 4th. So after I laughed, I considered the source.

 

My kids are now 6 and 10. They've done Disney twice, Carnival 3 times, RCI 3 times, NCL once -- if you would want a comparison between Disney and Carnival -- I just go to my expert, my 10 year old. ;) She said "That's hard" -- but then said that the Disney character visits and the pirate treasure chest hunts make it more fun.

 

I have to agree with her. Disney is hands down -- over the top a better experience for the kids.

[boulders]

I've been on both Carnival and Disney. Carnival with a 3 year old and Disney with a 4 year old.

 

Disney had at least two activities scheduled each hour - just in the Club. Their free time (on the Magic) could also involve computer games, Wii games, climbing on the pirate ship slide. Disney brought in lunch and dinner for the kids - without extra sign up. If the kids were there at the appropriate time, they got fed. Disney's hours went all day and all night, no extra fee or sign up. Hours were generally 9 a.m. to midnight. DS4 and DD11 looooved the Disney cruise.

 

The Carnival kids club on the other hand, just took place in a large room with few toys that my 3 year old was interested in. Carnival sometimes had a kids dinner that you signed up for and sometimes took the kids to lunch. Carnival's hours were a little goofy. They closed at the oddest times. My kids begged me NOT to take them on another Carnival cruise.

 

If you watch for kids sail free deals, Disney can be real cheap. The 4 of us went on an 11 night Med cruise in May for $2200 total. We had a balcony cabin. We're going on a Mexican Riviera cruise during March break for $2500 total in an oceanview.

[cruiseafterbaby]

Can I ask where Carnival won "Best Children's Program" for 2008 and 2009? I would just be interested in reading it. :)

 

It's kind of like when I read in Travel and Leisure that the best ships for children were Crystal, Windstar and Seabourn. :eek: And then Disney came in 4th. So after I laughed, I considered the source.

 

My kids are now 6 and 10. They've done Disney twice, Carnival 3 times, RCI 3 times, NCL once -- if you would want a comparison between Disney and Carnival -- I just go to my expert, my 10 year old. ;) She said "That's hard" -- but then said that the Disney character visits and the pirate treasure chest hunts make it more fun.

 

I have to agree with her. Disney is hands down -- over the top a better experience for the kids.

 

 

This is where I got the info....

 

Not the most reliable source I'm sure, but it caught my attention when I was researching.

 

http://www.porthole.com/html/ReadersChoice/Awards_ReadersChoice2008.htm

 

Carnival was voted "best" for 2008 & 2009.

[kidsfun]

We have only sailed Carnival, but our kids have loved it (ages 7 and 4). The hours were fine, for the most part. Sea days they're closed for lunch and before dinner. Port days kids can do lunch w/ the club. The kids had the option to eat w/ the club each night; that was nice to have some adults-only time! You didn't have to sign up ahead of time, just bring the kids to the buffet. Our kids especially loved the water slides and mini golf.

 

Have a great cruise, whatever you choose. They are both wonderful options!

[crusinmama06]

This is where I got the info....

 

Not the most reliable source I'm sure, but it caught my attention when I was researching.

 

http://www.porthole.com/html/ReadersChoice/Awards_ReadersChoice2008.htm

 

Carnival was voted "best" for 2008 & 2009.

 

HAHAHAHA yeah that's what I thought. Not to totally discredit it. But the president and CEO of the PPI group, the owner of Porthole Magazine is Bill Panoff and quoting from his bio "Fresh out of college, the Philadelphian joined Carnival Cruise Lines in 1980 as a magician, entertainer, and then cruise director."

 

Irene Panoff, the COO of the PPI group, Irene Panoff has worked in the travel and cruise industry since 1985. She has two years of onboard experience in the Casino Department at Carnival Cruise Lines.

 

I know that Carnival has a great program, but to say that its the best over Disney is stretching it. I knew that the "survey" had to be slanted. And Porthole magazine has always been slanted toward Carnival. The same survey named Carnival Freedom as the "Best Megaship".

[cruiseafterbaby]

HAHAHAHA yeah that's what I thought. Not to totally discredit it. But the president and CEO of the PPI group, the owner of Porthole Magazine is Bill Panoff and quoting from his bio "Fresh out of college, the Philadelphian joined Carnival Cruise Lines in 1980 as a magician, entertainer, and then cruise director."

 

Irene Panoff, the COO of the PPI group, Irene Panoff has worked in the travel and cruise industry since 1985. She has two years of onboard experience in the Casino Department at Carnival Cruise Lines.

 

I know that Carnival has a great program, but to say that its the best over Disney is stretching it. I knew that the "survey" had to be slanted. And Porthole magazine has always been slanted toward Carnival. The same survey named Carnival Freedom as the "Best Megaship".

 

 

I won't take that source as "gospel," but it was my impression that people who actually had taken the cruises rated the programs, as it was "readers choice." Hopefully, the credentials of the 2 people you mentioned didn't influence who "won" in any way.

 

 

I was reading this thread tonight, and now I'm really freaking out!

 

 

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2275758

 

Thoughts?

[boulders]

I see that you are new to cruisecritic. Welcome!

 

If you read both sets of boards long enough, you will find horror stories on just about every aspect of cruising. Not that the other thread is a horror story.

 

I was just on Disney Magic 6 weeks ago with my ds4. The set up for the 3-5 age group is less structured than on my Carnival and RCCL cruises. If your child is a 3 year old who has to be dragged out of a corner to participate, then they may not be thrilled with the Disney Club and Lab. My 4 year old is pretty independent and loved the Lab especially. There were no issues about mingling with 9 year olds.

 

Cruise ships cannot be all things to all people. They are, however, lots of fun, especially if you find the cruiseline that is a really good fit for your family. The boards kind of help with that, but really the only way to find out the best fit for your family is to experience the cruiseline itself. The experience is dependent, not just on the activities available, but the cruise staff, other passengers, weather, and ports of call. The "other passenger" factor is a big one that can really affect your cruise and one that no one can predict for you.

 

Have a great cruise whichever one you choose!

[A&Jfamily]

Here's my take - and I will confess that I have never taken a Disney cruise - like others I cannot get past the price tag. I can't take my kids out of school to cruise at off times like May, so I can't get the deals others were talking about. But I can say that CCL has excellent programs for kids. My youngest started in Carnival @ 2 and is now in the 6-8. My oldest started there and worked his way through and is now in the 12-14. They have never had a complaint. And, have always begged to go.

 

I don't have the issue with the times that the other cruisers do. It is true, sea days for kids up to 11, they are open 9-12, 2-5 and 7-10 with dinner @ 6 on all but the first night, and babysitting available after 10. On port days, they open an hour or two before your morning arrival and run straight through. If you choose to leave them on board while you take a shore excursion, they will feed them their meals.

 

Personally, while it might not be as "flexible," it works well for us. My kids usually go in the mornings as we are fairly early risers. We pick them up for lunch and then have some family time playing putt-putt, swimming etc. They might see an activity that they want to do for an hour or two in the afternoon. Then, by 5 we are taking a rest and getting ready for dinner, which we have as a family. They are usually wanting to go back to the kids clubs after dinner. We have never used babysitting. This "plan" gives us plenty of adult time in the mornings to sit in the sun, workout etc. And the time after dinner is plenty for a show, a trip to the comedy club, a couple of drinks, gambling, the piano bar or some private adult time on the balcony;).

 

The complaint I have heard from my adult friends who have traveled Disney was that "the streets rolled up at 8 or 9 pm." There was nothing for the adults to do. All the shows were Disney productions. One has even refused to try a Carnival cruise with us after being so bored on Disney - his kids had a GREAT time, but he did not.

 

Don't get me wrong - we LOVE Disney (well, not DH as much:p). But for us, I think that Carnival provides a great family vacation, that has things that appeal to all. Disney is 100% geared toward the kids.

 

Just my $.02

[crusinmama06]

I was reading this thread tonight, and now I'm really freaking out!

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2275758

 

Thoughts?

 

I think boulders phrased it perfectly. Even looking around here you will find horror stories. I could link you to one from just about every ship, no matter the cruise line. ;)

 

So I wouldn't freak out.

 

The overall feeling -- if you can afford it -- Disney is a quality product.

 

Here was my review from Wonder...it wasn't perfection, there were some problems, but the kids still had a great time...

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=846086

[cruiseafterbaby]

Thanks for everyone's responses :) I really appreciate the feedback!

 

I love Disney...I live in So cal, so we are Disneyland APs, and spend multi-day trips at the DLR every few months. With that said, I really want to book a Disney cruise. I believe in the "magic," lol.:D

 

However, with the price tag of DCL, my expectations are VERY high, especially when it comes to the children's programming, since it's what they should be best at!

 

To top it off...I have a BA in Recreation Administration, and oversaw & ran, children's afterschool child care programs, camps & recreational classes for years before I became a SAHM, so I know a thing or two about age appropriate activities, and how a program like this should be run.

 

My hubby and I took the MR Carnival cruise in 2003 for our honeymoon and had a fun time, but there were no kids in our lives at that point!

 

I also cruised on a 3 day cruise as a child around age 10-12 on carnival, and I remember having a fun time!

 

I guess the bottom line is.... If I spend the extra $ for DCL, I want my kiddos to have a "magical" experience, and the kids club would be playing a major roll in that.

 

Has anyone's young kids had a bad experience on Carnival?

 

It seems I've heard less bad things about Carnival, and more bad things about Disney at this point.

 

Thanks for the welcome everyone :)

 

Going to read your review now Michele...Thank you!

[QLUVS2CRUZ]

I guess I should clarify to say...If I could get a deal on Disney with the same price as CCL, I'd definitely try Disney...we just normally can't travel the off peak times to get the kids travel free deal or something cheaper...not having been on Disney I can't say if it's worth the extra $$, but it sounds like you are looking at a cruise that is quite a bit higher in price (that's what I'm reading from your most recent post)...and I probably would be hesitant to expect A LOT more for that $$...for example, we are traveling the week between Christmas and New Year (which I know is a unique week) and the Disney five night was over $7000 for 4 of us in an inside room:eek:...clearly my choice had to be CCL for half that price in a balcony stateroom for 6 nights...I KNOW Disney would not be worth the extra $$ in that case...but would it be worth an extra couple hundred bucks pp for a similar cruise? Maybe...

 

Whatever you choose...I hope you have a great time!

[RoadTripFanatic]

It all boils down to this. If you REALLY want to do it..just do it. Here are a few thoughts about all of it. Do you love all things Disney? If not skip the Disney cruise. I love Disney. DH doesn't care for it. I will say the shows are much more child friendly. The activities on the ship are more children friendly. The kids center? I personally felt that DD received more attention from the counselors on Carnival then on the Disney ship. It could just be the fact we were on a shorter cruise than normal. (3 nights) It could also be that there were less kids on the Carnival cruise ships than the Disney ship??? It really has to be your decision. I personally wouldn't want my 4 year old playing with a 10 year old. That is too big of an age difference. I like them divided up by ages. After our cruise DH said he would do another one if the price was right. Our 3 night cruise was dirt cheap. We went in January and took a big chance that the weather would be decent in the Bahamas. If your kids love Disney this is a good time for them to go. They are at the perfect age. If you can disconnect your wallet from your brain it will make it easier. :)

[crusinmama06]

Has anyone's young kids had a bad experience on Carnival?

 

Here...my review from one of my Canival cruises...lol...the thread actually had to be shut down and watched by the moderaters because it was so heated ;)

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1004642

 

And the "Shark Abuse" story from Camp Carnival -- oh yeah, my youngest is a gem :p

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1004924

[Julienatul]

My 4 yr old loves Carnival!! She begs to go each sailing as much as she can. She rarely went to the kids clubs on our Disney cruise...way too many kids of all ages just running around the playroom with about 3-4 different activities going on. She was too overwhelmed. I would drop her off and half an hr later they would page me to come get her. My vote is Carnival.

[jeast]

I've taken two cruises on Disney with children ranging from 3-12. I think they have an amazing program, but what makes their reputation as a family ship more concrete are the activities onboard that are targeted towards the family as a whole. There are always fun family activities going on OUTSIDE the kids club.

 

Also, for many people, the late night atmosphere of many of the cruise ships is not necessary. My family (including my brother and his children) prefer a quieter, family oriented vacation, so Disney was a good fit.

 

That being said, we are sailing RCI next December for a change of pace and more onboard amenities for our now older kids (8-15). I think our days at Disney, while thoroughly enjoyed, are over.

 

I've sailed CCL on the Sensation where DH and I checked out the kids program in case we wanted to take them. We were very unimpressed. I expect that the newer/larger CCL ships have much better facilities and programs. I wouldn't hesitate to bring my kids on a larger CCL ship.

 

Gotta be flexible and keep your ears open!

 

Michelle, read your triumph review. Very helpful as I was considering a cruise out of New Orleans on that ship. Not any longer. Tough thread, that one. A good example of why I sometimes need a long break from Cruise Critic. I've also learned not to read alcohol, dress code, or tipping threads anymore! :)

[QLUVS2CRUZ]

Here...my review from one of my Canival cruises...lol...the thread actually had to be shut down and watched by the moderaters because it was so heated ;)

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1004642

 

And the "Shark Abuse" story from Camp Carnival -- oh yeah, my youngest is a gem :p

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1004924

 

LOL Michele...I just spent 45 minutes reading the first thread...didn't make it to the second yet...looks like the thread definitely took long and winding curves...I can honestly say I haven't had those bad experiences on CCL...I've actually enjoyed CCL much more than RCI, but if I get the chance to cruise on one of RCI's larger cruise ships, I will...I won't give up any chances to cruise no matter what the line if the price is right.:D I've been looking at Oasis, but I think the prices are still a bit high...

[Warm Breezes]

We did Disney 2x when the kids were younger and I'm really glad we did. IMHO nothing tops the Disney "Magic" and "Wonder" at the younger ages (kids were 4 & 7, 7 & 10 then). If you can afford it I would highly recommend it at least once for the experience. Since then we have sailed 1x on NCL and 3x on CCL. While the kids participated in the clubs on Disney, they have not expressed any desire to join the clubs on our other cruises. I had them go a couple times early on to try it, but they were just not interested in going to them. They love cruising on NCL and CCL they just aren't interested in the group activities and prefer doing family activities.

[Tggrtoes]

I am loving this post... thanks for posting it and for all those chiming in with their thoughts. I have been struggling with this too. (we've done Princess, RCL, and Carnival - which is our new favorite) We honeymooned at DisneyWorld Resort, so we definitely get the "magic" and love it. But even with the kids sail free specials, I'm not sure the price difference is worth it. If everything was equal, I think I'd give it a try, but I can think of a lot of things to do with the several hundred dollar price difference.

 

I'm interested in the comments regarding the free play. My son is not clingy - but he will need some encouragement to participate in activities or socialize. Otherwise, he'll just sit in a corner and read.

 

I've also seen some posts regarding the fact that since Disney is SO kids focused, it just seemed difficult to have some adult, quiet areas.

My last concern was something I read a year or so ago when we were going to book Disney... I like their open times (the Carnival times do bug me a bit if we're out of east coast since we are on west coast time.... we always miss mornings completely). It's that Disney limits the number of hours you can leave your child there over the course of the cruise. I think it was 10 hours? On our most recent cruise in May, I know we had him there more than that.

 

Can anyone comment on these things?

[jeast]

I found that the adult pool area on DCL was very nice and serene. The main pool area was fun, had the parties, and had more kids, but was not overrun. Most of the kids played in the mickey pool or were in the clubs.

 

You could always find a chair in the adult pool area, and they were wood with cushions, very comfy. I fell asleep on one of them while watching the sea roll by. Coffee and dessert bar at the adult only pool was very cool.

 

There is no casino, but I don't gamble more than playing the lottery, so it never bothered me.

 

Again, the night life was less than I saw on Carnival, but there were things to do until around midnight, sometimes later. I was usually asleep by 10.

[crusinmama06]

It's that Disney limits the number of hours you can leave your child there over the course of the cruise. I think it was 10 hours? On our most recent cruise in May, I know we had him there more than that.

 

That's for babies/toddlers in the nursery. How old is your son? Disney doesn't limit the amount of time the kids 3 and older spend in the regular kids club.

 

In Flounders Nursery, you can only purchase/reserve so many hours for them to babysit an infant/toddler under the age of 3. And that number used to be 10 hours the last time I looked.

 

I know my kids spend more than 10 hours in the kids club. Heck if I let them, they would spend 10 hours/day in the kids club. :eek: I have to set limits with them. Or they would want to SLEEP THERE. :o

[Tggrtoes]

@ Michele - thanks on the # of hours... that makes sense. It's been over a year since we checked seriously into it and my son will be 3 in 2 weeks. Glad to know it's not that limited.

 

I think i will start paying attention to the discounts and see if we can get a Disney cruise for decent price at an off-time out on California. Thanks everyone.

[roxannex]

I haven't been on Carnival, so I can't compare. We've done Disney and Freedom of the Seas as a family, and now we're deciding what our next cruise will be. But I just wanted to echo what another poster said. What our family (multigenerational) loved about Disney was that there were so many family friendly activities all over the ship. My son would be happy with any jungle gym and some crayons. But on Freedom (actually I can't remember right now if it was freedom one of the other 2) there weren't nearly as many activities that we could all enjoy together.

 

I keep looking at other ships but keep coming back to Disney because of that. Unfortunately, I don't want to pay so much now because I'd rather save the big money for the Dream next year when prices come down a little (...and I do mean a little).