Disney getting too expensive for families

[Friend100]

I've cruised many times on RCI and Carnival; always wanted to take a Disney cruise but just couldn't justify the higher cost. Today I found -- for the very first time -- a Disney cruise that I consider to be very affordable, and during my son's spring break next year. I am thrilled to have finally found a Disney cruise I can afford (and one we can drive to -- no expensive airline tickets!). Yes I could save $200/person by taking a cruise on one of the other lines but this time I am willing to pay the extra $ for the Disney experience. In the past I've found that Disney has cost way more than $200/person over the other lines. Maybe they are lowering prices on their older ships b/c of the new ship? Whatever the reason, I am happy for it :)

 

Congratulations! Yes those DCL deal are hard to find most of the time but they are there .... somewhere.

[parrothead brian]

We have cruised Disney twice with a third coming up in Feb. We have also cruised Carnival 3 times and RCI 2 times. And for us the price difference is negligible at best.

When we do Carnival and RCI my wife and I tend to spend a few hrs a day in the casino and also run up higher bar bills than we do on Disney. When we do Disney there is no gambling expense for us(don't like the high minimum bets at Atlantis) and really don't drink much other than an occasional beer. I guess maybe the "family atmosphere" puts us in a different frame of mind on Disney. But that's how my family feels, yours may be different.

[dexddd]

Just curious, but has anyone on a Disney cruise, paid anything like $381 for a dinner for two in Remy? If so, what was so special that made it worth the expense? Was it the "cheese plate" that made the reviewer in Travel Weekly compare it to eating the finest caviar? or the wine pairings with the six courses of the meal.?:)

The meal cost is $75/pp. However, drinks/wine are extra plus any tip you would provide. It could actually be much more than that as I remember reading and seeing a picture where they had a couple of rare bottles of wine brought on board that cost in the tens of thousands per bottle.

[dexddd]

Chateau Cheval Blanc

 

That runs $25,000 per bottle, not speaking from experience.

[meatloafsfan]

I've cruised many times on RCI and Carnival; always wanted to take a Disney cruise but just couldn't justify the higher cost. Today I found -- for the very first time -- a Disney cruise that I consider to be very affordable, and during my son's spring break next year. I am thrilled to have finally found a Disney cruise I can afford (and one we can drive to -- no expensive airline tickets!). Yes I could save $200/person by taking a cruise on one of the other lines but this time I am willing to pay the extra $ for the Disney experience. In the past I've found that Disney has cost way more than $200/person over the other lines. Maybe they are lowering prices on their older ships b/c of the new ship? Whatever the reason, I am happy for it :)

 

Next spring is the one time DCL will have 3 ships sailing out of Port Canaveral (the Magic, the Dream and the new Fantasy). Having the brand new ship there seems to be keeping the cost of the Magic down for those few weeks of overlap.

[mysteryguest]

Quaterly earnings came out today and Disney missed their earnings estimates. The cruise division was a big cause of the miss.

Seems like a lot of people agree that Disney is just roo expensive no matter how good the product is. Intersting.........

 

This is taken from the report-

Parks and Resorts

Parks and Resorts revenues for the quarter increased 7% to $2.6 billion and

segment operating income decreased 3% to $145 million. Results for the quarter were driven by decreases at Disney Cruise Line and Tokyo Disney Resort, partially offset by increases at our domestic and consolidated international parks and resorts. The decrease at Tokyo Disney Resort was driven by the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan which resulted in a temporary suspension of operations at the resort. Results at both our domestic and international parks and resorts reflected an unfavorable impact due a shift in the timing of the Easter holiday relative to our fiscal periods. As a result, the current quarter did not include any of the two week Easter holiday while the prior-year quarter included one week of the Easter holiday.

Lower operating income at Disney Cruise Line was primarily due to increased operating and promotional costs driven by the launch of our new cruise ship, the Disney Dream, in January 2011 and higher fuel and other operating costs for the existing fleet, partially offset by higher passenger cruise days from the Disney Dream.

 

No evidence of the consumer driving any misses in projected earnings. You can go the link and read for yourself. In fact, they mention increased consumer spending at resorts. The cruise line added a ship after all.

 

Link to report-April 2011

Edited May 14, 2011 by mysteryguest

[ducklite]

Just read a review of Disney Dream in a travel trade publication in which the reviewer mentioned dining in Remy, a specialty restaurant on the ship, where a party of two paid $381 for a "special" six course meal which included a "cheese plate that made us feel as if we were sampling the finest of caviars":rolleyes:

Have never heard of such an expensive meal on any cruise ship and while I know it is not typical of what most people would pay on Disney or most any other cruiseline, I thought it was a bit over the top.:)

 

Actually the price is on par or even quite a bit less expensive over what a similar meal on land would run. I believe this is Disney's version of Victoria and Albert's "at sea." Not quite French Laundry, but certainly along the lines of Per Se. (Both of which will set you back a minimum of $400 a person.) Over the top? Not really. Very unique and exciting for an at sea restaurant, but pretty typical of the type of dining experience they are emulating. Personally I can't wait to dine there on our anniversary this fall!

[deborahjo]

We have sailed once on DCL. This will be the only time unless I hit the lottery. I can cruise other lines 2 to 1 over DCL prices. I am not saying Disney is not worth the price but my dollars just go else where because I can get more bang for the buck.

[alsotraveler]

I'm still trying to find all these much much cheaper family of four cruises I keep seeing people referring to on decent cruise lines......

[negc]

Actually the price is on par or even quite a bit less expensive over what a similar meal on land would run. I believe this is Disney's version of Victoria and Albert's "at sea." Not quite French Laundry, but certainly along the lines of Per Se. (Both of which will set you back a minimum of $400 a person.) Over the top? Not really. Very unique and exciting for an at sea restaurant, but pretty typical of the type of dining experience they are emulating. Personally I can't wait to dine there on our anniversary this fall!

 

Comparable in cost to a meal at a fine land-based restaurant, perhaps, but hardly typical of what most other lines charge in their specialty restaurants and some of the descriptions were definitely what I would call "over the top" unless you are accustomed to comparing even the finest cheese plate with fine caviar.

I'm not sure just how many of the folks choosing a Disney cruise for their family, would be regular patrons of the restaurants you mention. Heck, they, like me, have likely never heard of them.;)

[ducklite]

Comparable in cost to a meal at a fine land-based restaurant, perhaps, but hardly typical of what most other lines charge in their specialty restaurants and some of the descriptions were definitely what I would call "over the top" unless you are accustomed to comparing even the finest cheese plate with fine caviar.

 

Actually far less than the cost of a similar land based meal--perhaps I wasn't clear in my earlier post. Typical meals at Victoria and Albert's at Disney's Grand Floridian run a minimum of $200 a person, dinner with wine at The French Laundry runs $400 per person and up. And just because YOU are not accustomed to fine dining, it doesn't mean that no one else onboard is.

 

I'm not sure just how many of the folks choosing a Disney cruise for their family, would be regular patrons of the restaurants you mention. Heck, they, like me, have likely never heard of them.;)

 

Just because you aren't familiar with fine dining establishments, it doesn't mean that there isn't a market for them. Obviously Disney felt there was a market for Remy or they wouldn't offer it. And based on the success of Victoria and Albert's--which sells out on a regular basis--there is obviously a market with the "Disney crowd." Also, keep in mind that there are many who cruise DCL without young kids in tow. Again, it's not a one size fits all situation.

 

If you don't like it, just don't eat there. No one is making you do so, and it really shouldn't make a difference to you one way or the other.

[negc]

Actually far less than the cost of a similar land based meal--perhaps I wasn't clear in my earlier post. Typical meals at Victoria and Albert's at Disney's Grand Floridian run a minimum of $200 a person, dinner with wine at The French Laundry runs $400 per person and up. And just because YOU are not accustomed to fine dining, it doesn't mean that no one else onboard is.

 

 

 

Just because you aren't familiar with fine dining establishments, it doesn't mean that there isn't a market for them. Obviously Disney felt there was a market for Remy or they wouldn't offer it. And based on the success of Victoria and Albert's--which sells out on a regular basis--there is obviously a market with the "Disney crowd." Also, keep in mind that there are many who cruise DCL without young kids in tow. Again, it's not a one size fits all situation.

 

If you don't like it, just don't eat there. No one is making you do so, and it really shouldn't make a difference to you one way or the other.

 

It doesn't really make a difference to me, but it just struck me as something I wouldn't have expected to find on a cruise ship. Obviously Disney must see a market for such a restaurant and if there is, more power to them for exploiting it. I never said that anyone was making me eat there, nor did I indicate that I might not enjoy it (though the price might give me second thoughts, and the overblown language in the review might give me pause). I simply wondered if the experience mentioned in the article was something that many Disney cruisers took advantage of.

[Suntanz]

I read this board with interest as I have sailed on Carnival twice, RC, Celebrity & Norweigen. I would love to said Disney, but with three kids, the price difference is substantial. Somewhere in the neighborhood of $3,000-$4,000. I would even said during off peak times while taking my kids out of school, but it's still a big difference in price. The one difference I have noted is that kids pay almost full rate, while other cruise lines charge about half for the kids. I guess I'll keep watching for a kids sail free promotion.

[Leslie41]

I did a lot of research before I booked our Disney cruise. Basically, for an "identical" seven-day cruise from Port Canaveral on Carnival (same exact dates, aft verandah, etc.), we are spending about a thousand dollars extra for three people. For a Royal Carribean cruise, the difference was even less. For that thousand dollars, we can bring in our own booze and get free sodas, which is worth hundreds for some (not for me, but for some).

 

I am willing to pay NOT to have a casino on board. I am also willing to pay for a far more family-friendly atmosphere on a ship that does not cater to drunk partiers. I know that Disney isn't just for kids--but I do think the Disney name tends to repel a certain kind of cruiser that I'd just as soon avoid. I have nothing against the young drunken partiers (or old drunken partiers) but I'm nearing fifty and I'm really past that sort of thing myself. I am also willing to pay more for the Disney experience both for myself and for my child. So, taking all that into consideration, we decided to wait a year and save for a Disney cruise.

 

Now, I've never been on any cruise, but I've talked a lot with friends about the cruises they've taken. And I've been very impressed with the Disney parks and the level of service there.

 

And any cruise, truthfully, is an extravagance. I don't think of myself as being "priced out" of Silversea cruises because I can't afford them. The key issue is providing value for the money, and the type of cruise experience you're looking for. The question isn't "Why can't Disney make cruises more affordable?" but "Does Disney provide value?"

 

I can't answer that second question yet with surety, because we won't be boarding for another year, but from everything I've read the answer is "yes."

[Cuizer2]

I have taken 3 DCL cruises. They were all fantastic. Ships are beautiful. However, pricing is just put it out of our range. I can do a veranda on RCCL for $3200 and for Disney I can hardly get an inside stateroom. I would love to go on the new dream, but that is all it will be is a dream. Guess it is RCCL for me again. Thoughts?

 

I agree. Disney is just too expensive.

[dontpanik]

I'm not sure if it's been mentioned, but try to compare apples to apples. Disney quotes the FULL FARE when you see their prices. Other lines will only quote the cruise cost...then comes the taxes, port charges, gas charges, and some make you pre-pay gratuities. While Disney is, and probably always will be, more expensive...it's a lot closer then you are led to believe.

[de8212]

I'll join in a bit and agree. I know why they do it, it just stinks. Looking throughout the school calendar for 2011/2012 and trying to figure out a good time to go on a disney cruise. And every time there is a holiday to where he wouldn't have to miss school the prices shoot up.

 

As I said, I know why they do it and if I owned a company I would probably do the same, doesn't make it easy for us though.

 

Doesn't Disney have the "kids sail free" specials every now and then or is that another line?

[Cuizer2]

Doesn't Disney have the "kids sail free" specials every now and then or is that another line?

 

I think that is another line. If Disney offered kids sail free, Disney would lose half its income.

Edited May 24, 2011 by Cuizer2

[Mrs. Chernabog]

I think that is another line. If Disney offered kids sail free, Disney would lose half its income.

 

Disney does offer kids sail free sometimes. :rolleyes:

[Mrs. Chernabog]

I'll join in a bit and agree. I know why they do it, it just stinks. Looking throughout the school calendar for 2011/2012 and trying to figure out a good time to go on a disney cruise. And every time there is a holiday to where he wouldn't have to miss school the prices shoot up.

 

As I said, I know why they do it and if I owned a company I would probably do the same, doesn't make it easy for us though.

 

Doesn't Disney have the "kids sail free" specials every now and then or is that another line?

 

There were some kids sail free dates for the Alaska and Mex Riv cruises this year.

[holden0301]

We have never sailed Disney because of price. However, we are considering sailing out of NY next summer because that would mean no airfare for us.

 

All of our 15 cruises have been on Royal Carribean. We always manage to find great deals with them. Our 7 night cruise on the Freedom of the Seas this summer is costing us $2700 for a junior suite (nice size room with balcony and bathtub). That's for 4 of us (DH, me, and 2 DDs). That price also includes taxes, port charges and insurance. Airfare wan't too bad - around $800 total.

 

Now, the Disney cruise out of NY we are looking at was running around $6,000. That is a HUGE price difference. We keep hearing about how great Disney is, and we want to try it before our oldest becomes too "old" (in her mind anyway). However, it's hard to swallow that price...

Edited May 24, 2011 by holden0301

[scapino]

I read this board with interest as I have sailed on Carnival twice, RC, Celebrity & Norweigen. I would love to said Disney, but with three kids, the price difference is substantial. Somewhere in the neighborhood of $3,000-$4,000. I would even said during off peak times while taking my kids out of school, but it's still a big difference in price. The one difference I have noted is that kids pay almost full rate, while other cruise lines charge about half for the kids. I guess I'll keep watching for a kids sail free promotion.

 

Half for kids???????? Show me where??????? Not true

[LittleMissMagic]

Suntanz,

 

Cruiselines don't offer half for kids (well, unless it's some special deal, definitely not a regular thing).... they offer reduced rates for the 3rd and 4th passengers in a 4-person room, and I believe that Disney does that, as well.

 

Disney offers Kids Sail Free promotions on occasion (this is actually the only good DCL promotion they have... too bad I don't have kids! :D). And I don't think they take a really big hit for it because I believe it's only offered for up to two children staying in the same cabin as their parents, which is at a reduced rate, anyway. Still, it can be a big money-saver!

[cyclenut]

There is no question that Disney is an expensive brand and DCL is no exception to that. But you know what to expect with Disney and most agree that you are getting what you pay for. Our family is older now and everyone is a big Disney fan. We are finally booking our first DCL cruise. Most of the family has never been on a cruise before and when we gave everyone the choice of cruise lines and itineraries, it was DCL by a mile. Our chosen destination was Alaska aboard the Disney Wonder. By the time we pay for the airfare, cabins and shore excursions, the price is definately very high. It will probably be our last vacation as a family (kids are ages 16-22) so we figured we might as well go out right!

 

That's the real point. If you are planning on cruising anyway, the additional cost for the Disney experience is worth the price.

[Mrs. Chernabog]

Half for kids???????? Show me where??????? Not true

 

I'm taking a guess that the poster has probably only priced cruises with two adults and children in the cabin. So, seeing the "half price" for the 3rd and 4th passenger, the poster thought that was the child price and came to the conclusion that kids are half price. :confused:

 

To that poster: (with some exceptions) all 3rd and 4th passengers in a cabin pay the same rate whether adult or child. Some cruise lines is about half for the 3rd, 4th, 5th passenger, on some lines it's more and maybe some less.

 

 

 

And, for what it's worth, if you use DVC points, the number of points needed for children is half the number of adult points needed for some cruises. Therefore, the "half for kids" is indeed true.