Carnival vs Disney, please explain

[Bridges300]

My family and I have been on one cruise, the Victory for 7 days. It was fantastic. We are ready to book our second cruise. Disney is $4000!! more for our family of four than a similar balcony room on Carnival. People told us that Disney is a great experience but can it be worth $4000 more?

[Jasonsterling]

I've never been on a Disney cruise and have never thought it would be worth the difference in price to me. However, I have friends that have taken the Disney cruise as they had children that were big disney fans and they absolutely loved it! The children were fairly young and I think it was simple things like the characters being on the ship and the ice cream bars but they still just raved about the ship. I think if you really like Disney World and think it is worth the price then you'd probably be happy with the Disney Cruise Line.

Sensation Feb 2002
Conquest Feb 2003
Elation Sept 2003

Destiny- May 2004!!!!

[CruiseFever]

If you're into cruising and you have little kids, like the land-based theme parks it just doesn't get any better than Disney. Having Mickey welcome your little kid aboard is pretty darn special, much like the character breakfasts at Disney World when you stay on property.

As far as the adults go you'll for sure be better off on Carnival. No casino on Disney for one thing.

Cabins and amenities othewise are pretty comparable. What it boils down to is the similar premium price you pay for anything Disney. That was worth it to us when our kids were like 6 and 8 but no way I'd pay that now. Actually for what we paid for Disney (world) we could have bought 2- 7day Carnival, Princess or RCCL cruises for the whole family. Easy.

Does it sound like I am trying to talk you out of the Disney cruise?

If you have the time send away for their video. It's free and paints an accurate picture of what you'll find on board.

Also if you have time, sit and imagine dreaming but you're awake- then you've got what Carnival can be for every passenger.

To me, thats the deal breaker

Disney is going to invite you to enjoy their carefully orchestrated Disney-style cruise experience and there's not a lot you can do to change that. (It's hard to escape that mouse or say "Could somebody shut that dang rat up!")

Carnival is everything to everyone.

Here's more on the flexibility Carnival offers you:
[url="http://www.lifeiscruising.com/ft_lauderdale"]http://www.lifeiscruising.com/ft_lauderdale[/url]

And since you're considering Disney I must assume you have kid (s) so heres more on what you can expect for them as well:
[url="http://www.lifeiscruising.com/bringing_the_kids"]http://www.lifeiscruising.com/bringing_the_kids[/url]
[url="http://www.lifeiscruising.com/cool_teens_"]http://www.lifeiscruising.com/cool_teens_[/url]

Happy Cruising

Chris

[url="http://www.LifeIsCruising.com"]www.LifeIsCruising.com[/url]

Next up:
Caribbean Princess 06/26/04
Star Princess 10/24/04
Diamond Princess 12/22/04
Carnival Miracle 03/13/05

[daynab]

We did both Disney and Carnival recently. If you ar going to DisneyWorld anyway, then do the land and sea package. It's a bit pricey but a very magical experience. If you just want a 7 day cruise the price for Disney is not worth it. Carnival is a blast for everyone. My kids are 3 and 6 and loved every minute of our Carnival cruise. They can't stop saying "remember this and remember that". I think whatever you choose you willl have a great time. But $4,000.00 more was the deal breaker for us as well. That is a whole other family vacation.

Good Luck.
Dayna

[Boston6]

$4000 more? IMO - I'd stick with Carnival and take the $4000 and use it to spend an extra week in Orlando increasing my vacation from 1 week to 2 weeks.

Sovereign of the Seas (11/89)
Monarch of the Seas (8/99)
Norwegian Sea (7/02)
Carnival Glory (4/17/04)

[lisak1]

We did a Disney cruise last year, I thought it was a great once in a life time experience. For what we were looking for at the time, it fit the bill, and it was an incredible week. I probably would not do it again, only due to the steep difference in cost.

I looked recently and compared. We can do a Carnival Cruise for 1/2 the cost for almost the exact same crui, the same week. Yes, without the mouse, but we will still have a wonderful time!

Disney Magic, Eastern 8/03

[halos]

I totally agree with Boston....$4000 will get you a week at Disney, so have your cake and eat it too!

I believe in Miracles
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=000080&cdt=2004;6;19;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500[/img]
MIRACLE JUNE 19, 2004
Calm Seas, Good Friends

[cousinIT]

Having done both lines with our kids, I have to say that it was our kids who helped us decide our next cruise after Disney in 2000...and as you can see, we've been on Carnival 4 years in a row since! My wife and I ABSOLUTELY loved the Disney Wonder, and would go back on Disney by OURSELVES..believe it or in a heartbeat. The ship is beautiful..I'm into nostalgia and with the ship decorated in the Art-Deco motif of the '30's & '40s, and all the old Disney lithographs, and paintings, back lot photos etc, it just made for a very pleasant atmosphere. And let's face it, no one does it quite like Disney can.....but the boys (6 & 11 at the time) weren't crazy about it...they thought it was too "baby-ish"..imagine?? The following year we went on Carnival Victory, and they fell in love with it and we've been going ever since. And we all know, that when the kids are happy, we're happy! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif[/img] But that's not to say that you won't be happy on Disney. If your kids are INTO Disney, the characters, etc, then you will like it, BUT that IS a steep price jump and I believe you when you say that because we did price out Disney too just for ha-ha's and it is quite pricey.

Whatever you choose, go with the attitude that it will be the best, because anytime with your kids especially when they are young is a gift....it goes by too quick! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif[/img]

ciao

RCI Nordic Empress 8/91
Disney Wonder 6/00
Carnival Victory 4/01
Carnival Triumph 4/02
Carnival Destiny 4/03
Carnival Glory 4/04

[F5Loar]

Since you are comparing the price of two balcony rooms I would rethink the situation.
I've done both many times. If you have kids from 4 to 14 range Disney is such a totally different cruise expericence for kids and adults it's worth going at least once in your lifetime. I would book inside because all Disney rooms are so great and spacious. Go for the split bathroom rooms and you can't ask for a better setup for a family. There is so much going on you won't be spending time on the balcony anyway. The shows are so different and the activities are so different. The dining experience using 3 different set-ups with same wait staff is really unique. And the pizza is the best at sea anywhere including Carnvial.
Also Disney seems to lower the price during Sept,Oct,Nov. Book low and off season and the price is comparable to Carnvial in peak season.
I do agree you have to a Disney heart and state of mind to enjoy this cruise. If the rat turns you off don't go!

[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=ff00ff&cdt=2003;07;19;13;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500[/img]
Till we sail on the Zuiderdam

Til we sail on the Mariner of The Seas RCL
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=808000&cdt=2004;3;7;12;01;00&timezone=GMT-0500[/img]
until we sail on the Disney Wonder
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=00ff00&cdt=2003;10;09;12;01;00&timezone=GMT-0500[/img]
til we sail the ms Maasdam
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=808000&cdt=2004;05;29;11;30;00&timezone=GMT-0500[/img]

[Bridges300]

Thanks to all for your input. Incredibly insightful but completely differing opinions from all the responders.Our two boys are 6-7. And I am still pondering what to do. 3400 for a balcony on Carnival or 7500 for a balcony on Disney at the times we want to go. The money means a lot but so does a "once in a lifetime experience" as one of the responders said about Disney.
Again great feedback, i will keep checking the board for any more responses.

[jemingway]

I hate anything Disney related because I think it is a total rip-off. Disney has sold the illusion to the parents that it will be a once in a lifetime experience for the kids, but most kids couldn't care less about Mickey. They want to spend a week with their parents, grandparents, etc., not a glorified rodent. Finally, how much does any kid remember from being 6 years old. Most remember the memories as told to them by their parents, not the experience itself. I personally have not been overcharged by Disney for years and I intend to keep it that way...As a footnote, please remember that my venom is directed at Mickey, not any of the posters. [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif[/img]

JV

[F5Loar]

Your boys are at that golden Mickey age and to see the smiles is worth the extra, however that's a lot of dough difference. Have you tried downsizing to just the inside cabin for 4? I would take the scrafice for the sake of the children to enjoy their cruise of their lifetime.
I believe the price would be the same or slightly more. We've had the Disney balcony and it's such a waste since you don't get to use it much. Did I tell you they have first run movies? Not 2nd,3rd run like other ships but first run. I guess it helps to own your own studios. Those shows Disney put on that can only be seen on their ships, the memories will last a lifetime. And did I mention the Key Lime Pie? There is none finer. Palo's is a nice place to get away from the kids as Disney will keep them to 11PM while you go dine at Palo's adult's only dining for $5. Marvelous is the experience there. While you are enjoying your fine wine and filet your sons are being tucked in by Goofy or Tinker Bell or maybe even Peter Pan. They are all there on the ship.

[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=ff00ff&cdt=2003;07;19;13;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500[/img]
Till we sail on the Zuiderdam

Til we sail on the Mariner of The Seas RCL
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=808000&cdt=2004;3;7;12;01;00&timezone=GMT-0500[/img]
until we sail on the Disney Wonder
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=00ff00&cdt=2003;10;09;12;01;00&timezone=GMT-0500[/img]
til we sail the ms Maasdam
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=808000&cdt=2004;05;29;11;30;00&timezone=GMT-0500[/img]

[hilltopfamily]

I recently posted a review (March) after our 1st Carnival cruise (have 2nd one booked for this summer). I did some comparisons in it from our experiences, having just been on the 7 day Disney cruise on the Magic last July/August. Sailing the same time frame and in compariable accomodations (2 inside staterooms each time) on a per person, per day cost, we paid Carnival LESS than 50% of what we paid Disney. [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif[/img] I posted on the disboards and everyone but a couple of posters appreciated my info & comparisons. Our service on Disney was fair, and on the Celebration was superb!!! No drunks seen on Carnival, and much better food (except in the buffet, there Disney wins). The 3 dining room rotation thing on Disney was interesting, but not all that fabulous.

We ended up paying Disney $6500 for just the cruise costs for family of 5 in 2 inside adjoining staterooms on the next to the lowest deck on the Magic. We had a wonderful time, and my youngest, who is 6, enjoyed the characters the most of our 3. My 9 & 12 year olds really didn't care too much about them, though they did like having pics taken with them and doing the pin trading. The freshwater pools are a plus, but they are SO small and crowded, my kids literally could do little more than stand and splash in the water!!!! The kids clubs were good, but were also good on Carnival.

We will always look back fondly on our Disney cruise, but DH & I believe that we certainly paid way too much for the experience. We will not be repeating that in the future! There is a little part of me that resents feeling like my budget was taken advantage of!! There are a few things (yes,I agree about that great movie theater with 1st run shows) that they do really well, but no where near worth the higher cost involved. Especially when I look at it this way: at $6500 for a 7 day cruise, our family of 5 paid almost $1000 a day for that trip, for rooms with no windows, much less a balcony! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif[/img]

Penny
Disney Magic~~Eastern 7/03
Carnival Celebration~~Western 3/04
Aug 1, 2004 Carnival Elation--Yippee, Our 3rd Cruise!!!
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=0000ff&cdt=2004;8;1;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0600[/img]

[jemingway]

Just after posting my anti-Disney diatribe above, a friend called to tell me he was taking his kids on a Disney cruise. I bit my tongue and asked him to explain his decision. He said he had heard that Disney keeps the kids occupied morning, noon, and night, so he would not have to deal with them. I do not take my kids on a cruise, so "I do not have to deal with them." I go so I can be with them without the daily distractions you have at home, not to mention work. I guess I must be a weirdo, but I believe I do a better job of entertaining my kids and keeping them occupied than someone else would do. This doesn't interfere with my enjoyment of the cruise. It is the enjoyment of the cruise. I guess I just don't get it. [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif[/img]

JV

[parafire]

[img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif[/img]

Disney charges more in order to make up the revenue lost due to not having a casino. The other cruise lines make the majority of their profits from the casino and the sales of alcoholic beverages. Plus Disney is able to get away with charging high prices in order for the visitor to experience their product. I live 2 1/2 hours from Orlando and have visited the parks numerous times. While in their parks I feel as if I am being held hostage. I feel their overpriced food and beverages inside the parks is basiclly legalized robbery. I did enjoy their water parks as coolers are allowed to be taken in. One thing a Disney vacation is not and that is inexpensive.


[img]http://images.animfactory.com/animations/transportation/emergency/paramedic_vehicle_flashing_md_wht.gif[/img]

[CruisinKim]

I have been on 3 DCL cruises (2-4day 1999, 2000 & 1-7day 2002), 1 Carnival (1989), and one RCCL (2003). I have booked the Glory for this summer. Disney is an awesome experience (there is just a certain Magic to the experienxce), and was my first choice for this summer, I just couldn't justify the cost. So we thought we would try Carnival. For 5 of us in 2 rooms we are saving $1800. That's alot of excursions and drinks.
Last year on RCCL there were things I missed about DCL and there were things I loved about the Navigator of the Seas. Personnaly, I couldn't justify the $1800 for DCL, $4000 that's another vacation for me [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif[/img]
As an earlier posted suggested, look into the CAT10 rooms on DCL, plenty of room and the split bath.
I do agree it is a once in a lifetime experience. So you may want to do it while you kids are still young. My daughter is nine now and I believe is close to the point of growing out of the Magic and Wonder. She really enjoyed NOS last year and depending on our CCL cruise will be looking at RCL or CCL next time around.

Good Luck!

[CruisinKim]

I forgot to add, there are Disney boards with alot of information, they maybe able to help out with your decision.
[url="http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=9"]DISBoards[/url]

[sherryberry71]

HI

i have done a couple of carnival cruises and was on disney two christmas' ago. I love disney, but the amount they want is ridiculous. I would rather take another week cruising for that extra $4000 or spend a coupleof days at the parks before your cruise...I think $4000 is way too much more. My daughter was 5.5 when we did the disney and she also had just as good, if not better, a time at camp carnival!

~SherryBerry~

Adventurer OTS 2/2004 Yippee!
Disney Wonder 12/2002
Carnival Paradise 1/2001
Carnival Fascination 10/2000
Celebrity Galaxy 11/98
Norwegian Norway 1/96
Celebrity Century 2/95

[beansatw]

I'm a HUGE Disney fan (I'm a national Disney trivia champion, if that tells you anything), and I thought very seriously about booking a Disney cruise instead of Carnival. But in the end, it came down to economics. For the price of a cat 12 inside room on the Disney Wonder, I got an 8I extended balcony on the Carnival Miracle. So I skipped the Mouse this time, and went for the Miracle instead.

If your kids are anything like my daughter (who is now 16), they'll still like the Disney experience for a while, but I'm sure they'd find a way to have just as much fun on a Carnival cruise. I sure intend to... [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]

Happy cruising! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif[/img]

[url="http://www.beans-around-the-world.com"]Beans Around The World![/url]

[dsclark]

CCL does have "Fun SHip freddie" the guy that walks around in a creepy smoke stack costume. My 11 year old daughter loved him though and it made for a good picture.

[Bonnie Voyager]

Look at my signature and you will see I've been on many Carnival cruises, but I can tell you that my ONE Disney cruise was far and above the most "magical" cruise of all. My Son was 8 at the time of the Disney cruise. We all love Disney in general, but are not particularly big fans of the characters, even my Son, but he was completely mesmorized with the entire cruise experience! We all were! It just feels different from other cruises somehow. I agree with the posters who say you have to try it at least once! I don't feel the need to do it again though. I'd opt for a 4-day cruise on Disney in an outside cabin (no balcony) or even an inside cabin if that makes the price more in the range you want it to be. That way you save a little money and at least get to experience the Disney experience. Then do your longer balcony cabin cruise some other time on a cheaper cruise line! I also want to mention that even though we found Disney to be absolutely enchanting, our all-time favorite ship is Explorer of the Seas! Or any Voyager-class ship (RCCL)! Talk about a cruise experience! Our Son liked it even more than Disney!

Bonnie Voyager...a.k.a. "Bon Voyage"

“Enjoy whatever cruise you choose....just be sure and choose to cruise”

Inspiration 9/99
Triumph 6/00
Victory 8/00
Victory 6/01
Regal Empress 7/01
Explorer of the Seas 4/02
Triumph 6/02
Carnival Legend 10/02
Norwegian Dawn 12/02
Disney Wonder 3/03
Pride 7/03
Explorer of the Seas 4/04
Victory 6/04
Voyager of the Seas 7/04
Carnival Legend 10/04
Majesty of the Seas 6/05
Adventure of the Seas 4/06
...and more in the works :-)

[MrPete]

We decided to do the Disney thing when daughter was 4. Thoroughly enjoyed, and DW and I enjoyed it more from the perspective of watching the glee in our daughter. That in itself was priceless, and made everthing worth it.

Once off, we decided once was enough, as we figured a repeat performance would be just that. I highly recommend doing it once. It is truly MAGICAL.

We ended up doing it once again last month, daughter was 5, going that time with extended family. It was nice, but I felt I was in a rerun. The only good thing was the food selection was a lot better the second time, and the service both times was impeccable.

I do recommend the land/sea package, whether through Disney or on your own, thereby just doing a four day stint on the ship.

Disney = MAGICAL
CARNIVAL = FUN

[img]http://www.feebleminds-gifs.com/peter.gif[/img]

__ /7__/7__/7____
\:::::::::::::::::::/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Miracle 7/10/04 NY to Bahamas and Port Canaveral

Disney Wonder 3/04/04
Pride 7/16/03 Bermuda
Legend 10/17/02 CTN
Disney Wonder 9/15/02
Destiny 4/29/01 Southern Caribbean
Victory 9/00 Canadian Maritimes
Triumph 9/99 Canadian Maritimes
Jubilee 4/98 Trans Pacific/Hawaii
Imagination 4/97 Western Caribbean
Imagination 4/96 Western Caribbean
Fascination 4/95 Southern Caribbean
Ecstasy 4/18/93 Eastern Caribbean
Fantasy 9/25/90 Bahamas
Jubilee 5/13/90 Mexican Riviera
NCL Seaward 1/15/89 Western Caribbean
Jubilee 4/24/88 Eastern Caribbean HONEYMOON


[img]http://www.feebleminds-gifs.com/daffy.gif[/img]

[Disneyjunkie]

Here's a contest for a free disney cruise.
[url="http://www.starzsummergoldsweeps.com/"]http://www.starzsummergoldsweeps.com/[/url]

[Joanportia]

If money is an important part of your decision; then not going Disney might afford you a cruise this year and a cruise next year! Just a thought!!

Joan

Sail on..

PS A friend of mine just came back from a disney cruise and felt the money was not well spent.

[img]url=http://www.animationlibrary.com/Animation11Food_and_Drinks/Cold_Beverages/Tropical_drink.gif[/img] [img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=800080&cdt=2004;10;17;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500[/img]
"INSPIRATION"...Long Over Due......

[INCHARGE]

I sailed on the 7 day Magic cruise because my daughter dragged me "kicking and screaming"all the way up that gangplank [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img] Let me tell you, we had a wonderful time. However, we hardly ever saw my grandson, because he had made friends with other 8 yo boys, and they spent so much time in the lab,playing,eating, and swimming with his friends from the lab. We literally had to make that boy eat with us. One evening I went to the movie theater to see Pirates of the Carribbean,and he was there with his lab friends. I thought he was going to die thinking "Grandma" was going to come up there with him and his group!! It was too funny. I let him sit with his friends, and he was fine. It was worth it to see him enjoy himself that much. However, I am a casino woman [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif[/img]

Blessings 2 U
Miracle Sept 5,2004 7 day
Destiny June 13,2004 7 day
Disney Magic Sept 6,2003 7 day
Spirit Nov.2002 Panama 8 day
Paradise Oct 2002 10 day
Paradise Feb.2000 7 day