What makes disney superior over other lines out there?

[MizDaisy]

After that entire review which DID provide the OP many of the things that are different about DCL, that is ALL you had to say? Nitpick nitpick. Nothing drives me more crazy than someone that constantly criticizes yet has nothing of value to add. If you're so down on Disney why even sail on them? Go elsewhere and be happy.

 

I could also say more but I'll leave it at that.

 

I'm not "down" on them. As it applies to this thread, I just don't think they're superior to some. I've already said that they do have some things that ARE superior, and for kids, it's a great line. The OP wasn't asking for 5 year old reviews, and I was just pointing out that something that someone might end up believing to be true (free soda) and something that might make them believe is a superior offering on DCL, really isn't.

 

When I said that I could say more, but didn't, that was because I didn't want to go through the entire review and make comments. The "free soda" wasn't the ONLY thing....it's just a pet peeve whenever someone mentions it.

Edited August 19, 2014 by MizDaisy

[eroller]

The OP wasn't asking for 5 year old reviews,

 

 

Everything in that review is relevant today. Nothing has changed except that Disney corrected the few negatives that I pointed out. The review does an excellent job pointing out the differences (which some may consider superior) between Disney compared to other lines. If the OP wants to get an idea about what makes DCL different, then that review will certainly spell it out for them.

 

If you don't agree, simply don't read it and move on. You have basically added NOTHING constructive to this thread except to nit pick at other's posts. Nothing like an arm chair critic. The WORST kind.

Edited August 19, 2014 by eroller

[flynnsport]

We have sailed several lines and Disney is best for one thing...Kids (and perhaps adults) that LOVE Disney characters. Would just the wife and I sail Disney on our own? probably not. But with a two year old that loves Mickey and the gang along with pirates, yes. We are sailing off-season though as we would never pay the ridiculous summer prices.

[MizDaisy]

Everything in that review is relevant today. Nothing has changed except that Disney corrected the few negatives that I pointed out. The review does an excellent job pointing out the differences (which some may consider superior) between Disney compared to other lines. If the OP wants to get an idea about what makes DCL different, then that review will certainly spell it out for them.

 

If you don't agree, simply don't read it and move on. You have basically added NOTHING constructive to this thread except to nit pick at other's posts. Nothing like an arm chair critic. The WORST kind.

 

Maybe I didn't, in your opinion. But your opinion isn't the only one that matters. I added the stateroom and balcony sizes on the Infinity....that was constructive.

 

Nowhere in this whole Cruise Critic Board does it say that ALL opinions are not welcome. Just because you disagree with me, doesn't mean I have to stay away and not comment. I don't see you listed as the Post Police.

 

How about, if you don't like what I have to say, you could perhaps not read MY posts?

Edited August 20, 2014 by MizDaisy

[eroller]

 

How about, if you don't like what I have to say, you could perhaps not read MY posts?

 

It's hard not to since you feel the need to respond to all of mine.

[Katgoesonholiday]

Eroller, thank you for posting that review. We are sailing on the Disney Magic for the first time in December and I am very much conscious of the premium price we are paying - especially when other cruise lines are sailing the same itinerary for a fraction of the price. However I do appreciate attention to detail and since I have three sons - 6, 8 and 13 years - we want to sail on Disney at least once. So its good to hear about all the positives that we can look forward to and I am sure that we will have an amazing cruise redolent with the Disney difference.

[eroller]

Eroller, thank you for posting that review. We are sailing on the Disney Magic for the first time in December and I am very much conscious of the premium price we are paying - especially when other cruise lines are sailing the same itinerary for a fraction of the price. However I do appreciate attention to detail and since I have three sons - 6, 8 and 13 years - we want to sail on Disney at least once. So its good to hear about all the positives that we can look forward to and I am sure that we will have an amazing cruise redolent with the Disney difference.

 

 

I'm glad you found the review useful. I do think you will enjoy the Disney Difference and without question your kids also! The MAGIC was "reimagined" recently so she should be in great shape with many new additions. I'm sailing on her next month and I'll be writing a full review with lots of pics so you might find that helpful as well.

 

Bon Voyage!

[Katgoesonholiday]

We enjoyed seeing it recently when our ship was docked near it in Katakolon, Greece. Its a beautiful looking ship and the reimagineering no doubt just enhances that.

[cruisefamilyforever]

We currently are booked on the Fantasy for May 2015. Previously, my family has sailed on Carnival Miracle in 2006, Carnival Freedom in 2010, Disney Dream in 2012 and RCI Freedom of the Seas in 2013. We almost always vacation in early June. My son is 23 with mild autism and daughter is 19. We also like to go to Disneyworld every 2-3 years and stay on property for a week.

 

I agree that you can pay a whole lot less for the same length of cruise on MANY other cruiselines; however in my limited experience I have no problem paying more for Disney. Here are just a few observations that stand out to our family:

 

-Smoothest check-in and nicest terminal

-Incredible welcome when you board with the most impressive atrium area

-Cleanest ship with friendliest staff

-Best food selections and food quality for buffet & main dining room

-Nicest rooms with the most usable space and two bathrooms

-We never had to smell second hand smoke

-I'm not a gambler, so I'm glad I don't have to walk through a casino to get somewhere

-The overall feel of the ship is like a modern classic luxury liner from the past

-Most comfortable theaters with higher end entertainment

-Only fireworks show at sea

-Disney magic everywhere you look!

 

That being said, if you are not a Disney fan, don't like seeing kids, and like to smoke & gamble, then you need to book your cruise on another line. Personally, I have no problem paying the extra money because the attention to detail and service are the best I've encountered so far.

 

One last thought: I was actually more overwhelmed by kids on our Carnival cruises.

[meatloafsfan]

We currently are booked on the Fantasy for May 2015. Previously, my family has sailed on Carnival Miracle in 2006, Carnival Freedom in 2010, Disney Dream in 2012 and RCI Freedom of the Seas in 2013. We almost always vacation in early June. My son is 23 with mild autism and daughter is 19. We also like to go to Disneyworld every 2-3 years and stay on property for a week.

 

I agree that you can pay a whole lot less for the same length of cruise on MANY other cruiselines; however in my limited experience I have no problem paying more for Disney. Here are just a few observations that stand out to our family:

 

-Smoothest check-in and nicest terminal

-Incredible welcome when you board with the most impressive atrium area

-Cleanest ship with friendliest staff

-Best food selections and food quality for buffet & main dining room

-Nicest rooms with the most usable space and two bathrooms

-We never had to smell second hand smoke

-I'm not a gambler, so I'm glad I don't have to walk through a casino to get somewhere

-The overall feel of the ship is like a modern classic luxury liner from the past

-Most comfortable theaters with higher end entertainment

-Only fireworks show at sea

-Disney magic everywhere you look!

 

That being said, if you are not a Disney fan, don't like seeing kids, and like to smoke & gamble, then you need to book your cruise on another line. Personally, I have no problem paying the extra money because the attention to detail and service are the best I've encountered so far.

 

One last thought: I was actually more overwhelmed by kids on our Carnival cruises.

 

I think that it's really dependant on your situation.

 

For us, DCL cabins aren't much different than other cruise lines (we booked accessible cabins for my mother as she is a full time wheelchair user).

 

The accessible seating in both the WD Theatre and the Buena Vista theatre is poor (IMHO). Both are at the back at the very top. In the WD theatre, you can't see the stage very well and the top of the video screens are cut off from view. In both theatres the seating is all to the sides so again, not very good. And in the Buena Vista movie theatre - on the classic ships, if you want to sit with your family member in the movie theatre, you're sitting on a folding chair (at least on the Fantasy and Dream, they have real theatre seats next to the spaces for the wheelchairs).

 

Service for us on every line we've sailed on has been about the same. We've had both great and poor servers, room attendants, other crew members on all lines.

 

I personally can't say that Disney has the best food. The non-MDR options are good (generally basic but good); I like their room service options and the availability of food around the pool without going into the buffet area.

 

I really don't like the beds on the newer ships - We prefer the twins that come apart. The hard wooden frame on the bed is difficult/painful for my mother to get in and out of. Which leaves her on the sofa bed and means we have to look for an accessible cabin that sleeps 5 or my dad and I are sharing a bed.

 

The plusses for us:

 

The ship docks at Castaway Cay instead of tendering;

Movie availability onboard (both in the cabins and in the theatre);

Adult pool areas (especially on the Fantasy with satellite falls);

Aqua Lab (it's wheelchair accessible);

Characters.

 

DCL was the line we first started sailing with but they are now far from our go-to cruise line. The only reason we're sailing on them next year is because we are taking my cousin and her 4 kids (aged 7, 5, 3, and 1) and I know they'll love the characters and the availability of Disney stuff. We also won't have to spend much on excursions because I'm sure the kids will be more interested in being on the ship than spending time (and money) elsewhere. The 5 night cruise stops at Cozumel (we're just going to do a little port shopping) and then Castaway Cay (bringing our own snorkel stuff so no excursion costs).

[MizDaisy]

A lot of things are purely subjective.

Food....some people will like Disney's food better than others will.

 

The piped-in Disney music....I've cruised with people who say it drives them nuts. I can hardly ever hear it, due to loss of hearing in one ear, so it doesn't bother me.

 

Smoke.....I know of some people who have never been in a stateroom with a smoker on the balcony next door, but whenever the subject of smoking comes up, people go crazy complaining that they can't stand it, they're going to die breathing it....and these are on Disney discussion boards. So if someone didn't smell smoking onboard, they were very lucky.

And now even Carnival and NCL have banned smoking on their balconies, and have the same outdoor area policy as Disney.

 

The movie theater is a big plus on DCL, in my opinion.

 

Theater.....they seem pretty much all the same. I like the ones that have actual raised balcony seating as opposed to Disney's gradual incline.

 

Staff.....I've met some really wonderful crew members on many different lines.

 

Cleanliness....again....some good and some bad on every ship I've been on...which is more than 20.

 

 

Like most things, whether one thing is "better" than another is totally subjective. I think my husband is handsome, but others might look at him and say "Ewww". ;)

 

 

The only thing that is a true, indisputable truth, is that among the "mainstream" lines, Disney is by far more expensive. Whether it's worth it or not, is a solely personal decision.

[cruisefamilyforever]

I agree that everybody's comments are totally subjective and are based on their first-hand experiences. I may be disappointed with my next Disney cruise, but so far my last Disney cruise was better in almost every aspect for my family than the two Carnival and last RCI cruises we have taken.

 

I do like to eat and try everything that I can when I cruise. However, I won't spend the extra money on any ship for the upscale options. I usually eat every meal available in the dining room. I usually order 2-3 appetizers, 3-4 ontrays, and 3 desserts at each meal. I also taste most offerings in the buffet area. For me Disney's food beat my other experiences hands down.

 

I found the cabin rooms quieter, more spacious with more ammedities and more comfortable.

 

The decor throughout the ship was more upscale and I never saw any area in the ship in disarray, which can't be said for my other cruises.

 

Disney theater seats were more padded and comfortable than others I've experienced.

 

Disney's iteneraries are limited compared to other lines and Castaway Cay is no big deal to my family, because we have nicer beaches where we live.

 

For me it all about the comfort, cleanliness, food, entertainment and service on the ship. So far Disney has exceeded all of my family's expectations for what I realize is a significantly higher cost.

 

The bottom line is in my world no cruise (as long as it stays powered and doesn't sink :() is a bad cruise. Disney just provides my family with the overall experience that best meets our expectations so far. It would be ever better if it didn't cost so much!

[Muushka]

I usually order 2-3 appetizers, 3-4 ontrays, and 3 desserts at each meal

 

Oh boy. I wish I had the gumption to do that!

I probably would have had better meals in the MDR! :eek:

[Ex techie]

Oh boy. I wish I had the gumption to do that!

I probably would have had better meals in the MDR! :eek:

 

If you can eat it all, absolutely go for it!

If you can't make your mind up as to what you want and just waste the food....

 

ex techie

[Katgoesonholiday]

If you can eat it all, absolutely go for it!

If you can't make your mind up as to what you want and just waste the food....

 

ex techie

 

Don't be silly techie! Its not a waste if it goes on your waist! :P

[soccerpapi]

Don't be silly techie! Its not a waste if it goes on your waist! :P

 

LOL, when I am on a Disney Cruise, I am on a sea food diet. I see food and I eat it.

 

Ask any cast member if I am telling the truth...hehe

 

soccer

[Ex techie]

LOL, when I am on a Disney Cruise, I am on a sea food diet. I see food and I eat it.

 

Ask any cast member if I am telling the truth...hehe

 

soccer

 

lol! If you like food, then eat as much of it as you wish!

I have a "healthy" appetite too!

 

But if little Johnny and big Johnny cannot decide between the mac and cheese, burger, chicken fingers, or pizza so order one of everything and then waste food....

You should see the totes of food being disposed of each night at each service because we paid for it and it's free.

 

It's your vacation and I only hope you have a great amazing time and every wish is fulfilled!

 

ex techie

[soccerpapi]

Don't worry Techie, I eat the food I order or put on my plate....I can see what you mean though... But it definitely isn't me....hehe

[shirleygallegos60]

I haven't cruised in years and am on FOS in November. "Can't wait!!!"

So I read this post and went and looked for myself. I have s superior balcony, king bed, sitting area, yadayada .... to get that on Disney, I have to pay 1756.00 MORE not including tax, tips, or travel ins. ??? There better be a heck of a lot of magic going around for that price!!!!!

 

Sent from my SM-G900T using Forums mobile app

[Ex techie]

Apparently, if you go Concierge and are Platinum, are accommodated next to a shoreside CEO, you can put in a request for them to blow pixie dust up your ass!

 

(it's an extra special request that only some get to experience and then tell about it thou)

 

ex techie

 

(please note that this service cannot be pre-booked before boarding, is very very very limited to special Guest's ONLY, and very very very limited to one Guest per Stateroom)

Edited August 21, 2014 by Ex techie

[Katgoesonholiday]

Apparently, if you go Concierge and are Platinum, are accommodated next to a shoreside CEO, you can put in a request for them to blow pixie dust up your ass!

 

(it's an extra special request that only some get to experience and then tell about it thou)

 

ex techie

 

Thats something to look forward to :eek:

[Ex techie]

Some like it and really appreciate it apparently?

They rave about it even and have become best buddies as a result! :eek::D

 

I should have said that it is only available on select and exclusive sailings thou.

My bad.

 

ex techie

Edited August 21, 2014 by Ex techie

[MizDaisy]

The bottom line is in my world no cruise (as long as it stays powered and doesn't sink :() is a bad cruise. Disney just provides my family with the overall experience that best meets our expectations so far. It would be ever better if it didn't cost so much!

 

^^^ I absolutely agree with this^^^

 

But the name of the thread WASN'T "Why do you think DCL is the best cruise line for you"......if that were the case, then there really wouldn't be anything disputable at all, because everyone has different needs.

 

Rather, the thread was "Why is Disney SUPERIOR".....and there are a lot of facts showing that it isn't superior in some areas.

 

 

I really hate to do this, I'm not the spelling police, but just for next time, it's entree.....not ontray. It would be SO much easier if words were spelled the way they sound.;)

[cruisefamilyforever]

Wow, I missed the spelling requirement. I've never been a great speller and for a blog I don't really try to write something that is going to be graded. I thought I left that behind in grad school 25 years ago. I'll try to do better:).

 

I grew up cleaning my plate and as long as the food is good, I do eat everything. Believe it or not, I've never gained weight on a cruise, because I stay active.

 

I also think you should try as many food options as you like and feel no obligation to finish them. You are paying for that option, but I think you should try not to be overly wasteful. Share if you can't finish unless of course the food isn't good.

[moki'smommy]

I do not dispute that a DCL cruise cost more--it does and that's why we explored other lines. However. do be sure that you are comparing the total cruise cost.

 

We were surprised to look at the same cruise (same ports) on DCL and on Celebrity. While DCL listed only about $100 for "taxes, port charges, and government fees," Celebrity added nearly $300 per guest for these items. It did eat up a significant amount of the "savings" I was seeing when I looked at just the base fare. Tips--minimally less on Celebrity. Up charges were more--soda package, adult dining, etc. Obviously, these are optional, but at least the soda needs to be considered.