So okay, each of my kids and myself have been on a trip. My oldest and I went to Disneyland in Oct. and my youngest went to Disneyland in March 07. So now it is my middle son's turn.
He has chosen a 3 day or 5 day (I don't remember which they have) disney cruise.
So I have a few ?'s.
1. Is this a good idea for just mom and son to do?
2. Will he be bored seeing as he will be 13 or 14 by the time we get there. He is 12 now.
3. How soon do I book?
4. How do you find out about deals?

We live in Colorado and would have to fly too.
5. Do they have a shuttle from the airport to the port or should we fly in a day early and get a hotel?
6. Do they have a shuttle from the hotels to the Cruise line or what transportation will be needed?
7. Do they have anything we must do or any ship in particular we have to go on?
Thanks so much!! :):)

So okay, each of my kids and myself have been on a trip. My oldest and I went to Disneyland in Oct. and my youngest went to Disneyland in March 07. So now it is my middle son's turn.
He has chosen a 3 day or 5 day (I don't remember which they have) disney cruise.
So I have a few ?'s.
1. Is this a good idea for just mom and son to do?
2. Will he be bored seeing as he will be 13 or 14 by the time we get there. He is 12 now.
3. How soon do I book?
4. How do you find out about deals?

We live in Colorado and would have to fly too.
5. Do they have a shuttle from the airport to the port or should we fly in a day early and get a hotel?
6. Do they have a shuttle from the hotels to the Cruise line or what transportation will be needed?
7. Do they have anything we must do or any ship in particular we have to go on?
Thanks so much!! :):)

You will both have a great time. Currently, there are 3 and 4 day cruises I suggest a 4-day. I also suggest you fly in the day before the cruise. If you book a flight the day of the cruise, and the flight is delayed, for any reason, or you have other travel delays, you will be out of luck. You could stay at a hotel near the airport, or closer to the port. Disney provides bus service, or you can rent a car, or hire a car service to take you to and from the port. There is a lot to do on the ship, and at the port stops. You can book some interesting excursions-I would recommend a Dolphin Encounter or swim with the Dolphins, in Nassau. Something like that would interest a teenager. They also have a club for teens, on-board, which would give you some relaxing down time, to book a spa treatment or just do nothing. Read some of the other threads regarding how to book and when. It is a good idea to go with a travel agent who specializes in Disney cruises. They often have a block of cabins, available at a good discount. I got quotes from Small World Travel, and also from AAA, and SWT's quote was about $500 less than AAA, for exactly the same cabin category and sailing. You will have a blast!

The only question I could maybe give insight into would be 2-- I was 14 when we (whole family-- 11 people) did a Disney Cruise & it was the most boring trip of my life. BUT, I think that if it's just the two of you, he'll have a good time. I was mostly bored because I wasn't young enough to be with my cousins in the cool babysitting spot but not old enough to enjoy whatever the adults were doing. The only good times were when my then 30 something year old aunt was done with whatever "singles" event my grandparents forced her to go to & we would hang out all night... so you should have a good time :D.

Thanks for the info. Sounds like a travel agency will be the best bet.:)

Disney has responded to the missing activities for teens and tweens on board
over the past few years. The teen clubs (The Stack & Aloft) have been available for a few years now. My nephew who is in middle school is going on The Magic with us in May. He is very excited about the fact that Disney just started a separate group for middle school kids away from the "little kids" in the lab and separated from the older High School kids. I think it took some of those comment cards from guest for Disney to realize they were missing the boat with this age group. I think your son will have a blast now.

I helped one of my friends book a cruise for two--mom and daughter (age 11) for a sailing in November. They had a *wonderful* time, spending time together as well as having their own 'alone' time. It was the perfect blend for them.

Your son's age would put him in the Ocean Quest kids group on the ship, which has a lot of fun activities geared just for tweens. One of the highlights of Ocean Quest is the virtual bridge, where you can 'captain' the ship! (My kids--same age group--LOVED this activity!)

I also recommend flying in the day before you sail, to avoid any problems with delays that would be terribly disappointing (like the ship departing without you!). Travel insurance is also a very good idea.

You might consider flying in two days earlier and head out to Port Canaveral so you could visit Kennedy Space Center. There are nice (and convenient) hotels near the port.

Naturally, I also highly recommend having a really good travel agent help you with your planning. :) Depending on your travel dates, you can get some good deals because agencies often book group space, which saves money because the rate is 'locked in' while it continues to increase otherwise (for example, if you book through Disney). Also there are specials and incentives, which are all worth investigating but can be daunting on your own.

You might consider flying in two days earlier and head out to Port Canaveral so you could visit Kennedy Space Center.
That's a REALLY good idea for this age group, if they're at all interested in space travel, etc. (Heck, I think if I didn't go to WDW before my next cruise, that's what I may have to do!)

We have been to Port Canaveral before, so probably won't do that. But will definitely fly in a day early. :)