Is it really worth the extra money???

[MommyJamiex4]

We are going to Disney in January with our 4 kids ages 10, 7, 3, and 2. Since there are 6 of us we are using our timeshare (Disney's rooms for 6 are VERY $$$$). We were thinking of extending our week a bit and go on a 3 night Disney cruise. Well....it is going to cost us over 2K for just 3 nights since we need 2 rooms. Is the DCL really worth it? We have taken our kids on 3 Carnival cruises but have always wanted to try Disney. I am very interested in your input.

 

To book or not?

[Ivanova]

Is that pricing directly from DCL or have you gotten quotes from some travel agents to see if you can bring the price down a tad?

[5Beachbums]

My family just returned from a 3-day disney cruise in Jan. Our kids are (5,3,1). This was our 1st cruise and we loved it and just booked a 4-day for April 06. Since I have nothing else to compare it to I can't comment if is worth extra $$. But I can say is was worth every penny we paid. The Oceaneers club is great, tons of activities. If your kids like Disney and the characters, where else can they dance with Snow White and play pirate with Captain Hook. We did the same thing 4 days at Disney World and then the cruise. It was a nice balance of both.

 

Have fun...

[captaincrash]

We have been on 2 DCL cruises ~ both the MAGIC, and we just reserved for our 3rd DCL cruise ~ again the MAGIC for 7 days on an Eastern schedule.

 

Aside from DCL we have sailed a half dozen lines in several areas - and DCL has been what we've settled on as our favorite choice. However, let me say that we do have 2 kids - DD4 and DD1. Only the 4YO has any influence in our thinking - as the 1YO does not really recognize anything Disney (yet).

 

We are quite happy with the DIsney theme and concept. We have had Disney Annual Passes the past 2 years. So we are natural victims for DIsney.

 

COmpared to Carnival - or compared to most other cruise lines - DCL is an "all entertainment" experience for the kids. IF your kids enjoy meeting characters - IF they will sit and enjoy Disney themed live shows - IF they will enjoy a interacting in a childrens' center with 100s of other kids - and if they like warm water beaches and swimming - I con't imagine this being a less than 100% "no brainer" to try.

 

The cost is sounding pretty "stiff". DCL is usually more $, and can be A LOT MORE $ during peak travel seasons... IE, when school attending kids get vacation you can bet that DCL is at a peak price. We are fortunate in having kids young enough to not attend serious school - so we think nothing of leaving for a week and a half to vacation. If you can travel during "shoulder" or off peak then you can have tolerable pricing. We're sailing on the Sept 3rd Labor Day holiday cruise so we get a holiday, off peak since most kids are back in school, and it is the peak of hurricane season - a triple whammy that drops prices to near rock bottom!

 

I think for 6 sailing in 2 windows you could spend 3-4K. CAT 6 veranda would add another 1k and change. I bet you could sail in 3 Canrival cabins for under 3K! But - no one else has the huge childrens facilities and enviornment of DCL. Plus - no casinos on DCL! Another consideration - DCL has their staff trained fro A-Z not to "act" like most other cruise lines. So their conduct is much better than what we've seen elsewhere.

 

OK, I think i am rambling - but it is late and I'm just sort of relaxing as I write this. SO I would strongly encourage you to go DCL at least once. And if it helps any - look for the shoulder season sailings to get better rates on the cruise/air& hotels.

 

Here is a link to our 1st DCL cruise : http://www.dotphoto.com/go.asp?l=nma4cnc&p=ABC&AID=1136939

 

Click on the "EYE" icon labeled "Watch SHow" to activate a nice slide show. The images can be enlarged to FULL SCREEN if you like. Enjoy!

[MommyJamiex4]

Thanks so much for all the helpful info. I am going to call some travel agents and see if we can make this a go. The prices I received were from Expedia. It's a shame that we all can't stay in 1 room since thats what we will do anyway.

[rickdeni]

When we take our grandchildren we take a Disney Cruise. We will be going in November with a 3 year old, 5 year old and 15 year old. This is the second cruise for the little ones and the 15 year old feels that she is missing out so she is coming too. When we go alone we have tried Carnival, Celebrity and Princess. Last October we really enjoyed the Princess Diamond. We would never think of taking the little ones on this ship..

[MommyJamiex4]

Well I went ahead and booked it!!! We will be on the wonder from Jan 12-15. The kids will love it and so will we! What kind of dress is needed in the dining room? I know on all of our past ceuises there was a no shorts policy is this the ssame w/ DCL?

[magic1]

Glad to hear you picked DCL. My family and I have been on MANY (4 7-day, 3 4-day and 2 3-day) and we always love it.

 

As far as dress goes. Expect to dress for Tritons, the more formal restruant while Animators and Parrots Cay are more casual. We usual wear a button down print shirt and khakis for the guys and sundress or slacks for the gals. If you do Palo's your Husband will need a jacket and tie and a semi formal dress for yourself but it's worth it. If anything a nice romantic night for you and your husband (no one under 18 allowed in the restruant).

As far as shorts go, they frown on it but have yet to see anyone asked to leave because of it.

If you do choose to go to Palo's try not to go on the night you have Animator's. You and your kids will get a big kick out of that restraunt.

 

Hope this helps you and I hope you and your family have a GREAT Cruise.

[MommyJamiex4]

Thanks for the info! I know that the "other " cruise lines have certain dress codes- so to speak. It seems like Disney has a small one too. But thats okay, the kids love to get dressed for dinner. I am really looking forward to our extended vacation now!