OK -- I have faith in all the MousePadders...

DisBoards have 100 or so people on their 1/31/2004 roll call alone -- and we just have me. Now granted, I think most of them are East Coasters -- not Bitter East Coasters -- just regular ones.

So ....
If you have one planned in 2004 or beyond-- we'd love to know about it.
If you've been on one, post your cruise review.
If you have advice or questions -- share :)

I'll start:
- If you have kids take first seating — if you don't, take second seating.
- No Casino -- so if you want to come home with more than you started with -- play BINGO!
- You really only need a couple of outfits during the day -- most people just wear shorts/t-shirt/bathing suits.
- As soon as you get on the ship, send one person to the spa and one person to Palo (the adult-only restaurant) -- if there is only one of you, move fast :)

That's all for now -- if you want more, you gotta post.
:fez:

I'm thinking about it - it depends on cost and how much my inheritance from my grandmother is when her estate closes in February. Any ideas on how to save on cruises?

We did a cruise WDW combo in 2000 with our two teenage sons--extended the WDW portion to 7 nights with three on the Disney Magic.

As short as the cruise was, we all had a good time. I was surprised the boys preferred our company to other teens on board. Our stateroom was very comfortable with our own little balcony with a table and two chairs. Each day the cabin attendant made a different "animal" out of some of the towels and would be found in a different part of the room wearing a pair of sunglasses.

The entertainment was top-notch, and we didn't miss the casino. While there were lots of children on board, they were kept occupied and never underfoot. There were plenty of "refuges" away from the kids for those who wished a little quiet.

I can't think of anything I didn't like on the cruise, and my wife and I hope to do it again sometime--without our kids and for a longer sailing.

Took a different tactics at meal times. Have two boys. Took late seating dinner.
Fed the kids early, either at the kids buffet or room service. Then send them off to the kids program. they had a blast and my husband and I had a nice relaxing dinner.

I took my hubby & kids on the Disney Cruise Sept 2002. We had a blast! We went off season which was hurricane season and for 2 adults and 2 kids in catagory 9 (with window, no balcony) on the 3 days cruise was $1200 (bought no insurance). I felt it was a good deal. Then we spent about $150 r/t for Happy Limo to take us to the port from the airport, and also about $400 total for souveniers, pictures, pop, Palo & other stuff on board. We had air vouchers, so we flew from Az for free on Southwest. Total we spent under $2000. It was great!

Lots of charcters on board & the kids' program was awesome. My son wanted to stay there until it closed every night. I left feeling my money was very well spent. Oh, and the restaurants were great. Animator's Pallete (s/p) was the best with the room tchanging from B&W into color. I also loved the room service. In between meals I ordered stuff for the kids to keep on hand, as well as meals. Like a supply of cookies and a pitcher of lemonade. Everyhting in room service is free and they are open 24 hours.

We never ran out of things to do & even our room felt cozy. We stayed on board during our Nassau day. We had been & were not thrilled with it. So we ate at the on board buffet and swam in he pools. It was virtually dead...maybe 5 other people at the pool with us. We did get off for Catsaway Cay, but did not stay all day. Too crazy with kids in the humidity and heat. Once on board again things were so uncrowded we hit the pool and buffets. Plus they had an early Disney Dreams show we caught before dinner.

Overall an A+ trip. We want to do the 7 day and will wait until my 1 year old is 3 so she can enjoy the kids' program. Highly recommended cruise! Hopefully we will get this cruise on the West coast.

Originally posted by heidiwhr
I'm thinking about it - it depends on cost and how much my inheritance from my grandmother is when her estate closes in February. Any ideas on how to save on cruises?

Going off-season is always the best way (not at vaction time i.e. Xmas, Easter or Summer). Right now the Eastern route seems to be less expensive than thr Western. If you look in the travel section of your local paper -- or are a AAA member -- they list seasonal deals.

I have not done this, but I once heard somewhere (probably a message board) that last minute on Expedia has good deals for DCL. But you basically have to get your boarding papers ect at the dock.

As someone who has been before, I get discounted offers for being Castaway Club Member (in other words a previous sailer on DCL). Those discounts always look appealing!!

Originally posted by heidiwhr
I'm thinking about it - it depends on cost and how much my inheritance from my grandmother is when her estate closes in February. Any ideas on how to save on cruises?

We went in 2000 with both kids (an adult and a teen) and are booked again in 2004 (2/26 for the land portion .... and we'll board the Wonder on 2/29). I'll be a heretic and tell you how we save ....

We book the absolute cheapest room on the ship, in the off season. Those are inside rooms without a port hole, much less a verandah. Its still a chunk of money for the 3-day land and 4-night cruise, about $1,700 with taxes, etc. for the two of us (I think the price is about $379 each for just the cruise portion).

Do we miss the private verandah? Well, to be honest, never having had it, I don't know. I certainly didn't FEEL cheated in any way ... the standard cabin is certainly large enough for us. When we traveled with the "big kids", we booked 2 cabins at the adult price (adjoining rooms with a door between), and it was cheaper than booking a "family suite." And we had more privacy than some friends with their more expensive family suite.

The big difference in cost for us west coasters is the flight cost. It can easily add $400 each to the trip cost. I use my miles from my frequent flyer program, but I know quite a few people who just can't shell out the airfare.

Expedia.com has some great rates to Orlando now ($143 RT from LAX), and I think Southwest flies into there now. So you could get Southwest for just over $240 each on their unrestricted fare, and as low as $160 on their non-refundable fare. But that's still a chunk of money to spend if you have a family.

http://www.mousesavers.com, a site I found through MousePlanet's article on them, has quite a few tips on saving money for any of the Disney parks, including WDW and DCL.

Finding a travel agent who will work with you will get you some tips on some good deals.

As a two-time cruiser now, both with a verandah, I know I'd miss it if I didn't get a room with one now. My wife and I spent quite some time out there enjoying a drink or two, just watching the waves pass. As well, in the mornings, it was pleasant to go out there and watch the islands coming into view as we docked for the day. I suppose we could have done without it, but I really don't want to!

I am out of my mind excited. I have been dreaming about going to WDW since I was a little girl. I am 29 and I have two girls of my own now. We are going on a 7 day Disney cruise and are staying at WDW Caribbean Beach for 3 days in March. I started getting in shape last week! I'm glad I gave myself a few months after the holiday season to loose the extra weight! I'm so excited now, I can't imagine how I am going to be the week before we go! I am a little nervous about only having birth certificates for the girls and the various shuttles, etc. I know it will be fun though! Our first mission is to book Palo!

O.h. p.s. I booked this cruise through AAA a year ago and paid about $3,800 for a balcony room, 2 adults and 2 children with transfers and insurance. I have seen similar packages going right now for $8,000! So BOOK EARLY!!!!

Do you know what islands you're going to? Have you signed up for any excursions yet?

We are stopping at St. Maarten and St. Thomas. As for excursions, I haven't made up my mind completely because of a few factors. My girls are 4 and 9. The little one turns 5 two weeks AFTER the trip and I've noticed that any excursion having to do with snorkeling requires the kids to be 5. My oldest gets extremly car sick, but wants to snorkel. I thought about staying on the ship with the 4 year old and having my husband take the 9 year old snorkeling, but then I think we'll be doing good getting her not to feel queasy on the cruise ship, let alone putting her on a smaller boat to go snorkeling. So far I liked the look of the Coral world and island drive at St. Thomas. It is something that we all can do. If anyone has any suggestions, keeping in mind our limitations, I'd love to get some HELP! Any spots that you know of not to miss on either of the islands too. Thanks!

If I may suggest, while on St. Thomas, take the Doubloon excursion. They run twice a day, once in the morning, once in the afternoon. It's a 60 foot double masted schooner, and they have a pirate theme going on, which really appeals to the kids.

You can check out their website atwww.doubloon.com (http://www.doubloon.com). They even put rub on pirate flag tatoos on everyone. The snorkeling they take you to is fantastic, and you're pretty much gauranteed to see some beautiful turtles. We got lucky with a nurse shark swimming around.

We recommend the morning tour (about 3-3.5 hours), which frees up the afternoon and you're not pressed to get back to the ship. Definitely a first class operation.

On St. Maarten, we booked the Dolphin excursion, but we booked it 3 months in advance. We were also the last ones to book it, so if you're interested, book it fast.

I leave Friday for Florida (do a little happy dance) :)

Nothing packed yet, but I have a list, all documents have been filled out, shuttle to airport confirmed, meeting best friend on ship.

I'm just downright giddy at this point.
Plus I found out that the Travel Channel will be showing their Behind the Scenes: DCL on Friday afternoon -- so I can watch it while I pack.

Any last minute tips?

We have been on the Cruise Line twice. We sailed on the Magic in 2000 and the Wonder in 2002.

Our next planned trip is July of 2005

I had never been on a cruise before the 2000 trip and was really only looking at it as a prelude to the real vacation - WDW. I was totally swept away and now look forward to that relaxing time at sea almost as much as the first look at Cinderella's Castle.

Best/Jim

We overpacked bigtime for the trip. I found that I wore my two bathing suits pretty much all day long, every day. Give them a fresh water rinsing if you get them salty, but other than that, bathing suit, sans t-shirt (though I put one on when we went to the lunch buffet). I went without shoes most of the time we were on the ship, though sandals work great too. Most are dressed this way, you'll find.

With dinner, you'll want to pack a nice suit/dress for the Captains Gala Reception, the second night of the cruise. It's a pretty formal affair, and you'll see everything from casual to prom night sort of crap. My wife and I wore jeans and a nice shirt that night (we're not into that formal stuff). So, it's up to you. FYI, they won't refuse you into any restaurant no matter what you're wearing.

So, shorts and t-shirts were pretty much the norm for the trip. Next year when we return, we're bringing one suitcase instead of the two.

Yes, I've been on the Disney Cruise. 8/2001 on Wonder. 3/4 land combo with WDW. Best vacation I ever had, even if it was in August (what was I thinking?)

This year, booked again for 7 night western caribbean in Fall. Yo Ho a Pirate's life for me.

Started reading about all the changes at Disney, Roy leaving, Parks in disrepair, policies causing Guest distress with Disneyland SAP accommodations.

Wondering if I should cancel Disney Cruise? Doesn't sound like the happiest place on earth anymore.

I have a disabled child. Cruise line wants medical release even though we are members of Castaway Club and we have not asked for any special accommodations. I am saddened and torn. $10,000 is a lot of money to spend.

Just got an eMail yesterday from Roy Disney (not personally) but through Save Disney.com asking (and giving some pretty convincing arguments) shareholders to NOT vote for the slate this year. I have not received my annual report and proxy yet, but I will give it serious consideration.

I would definitely NOT pass up the Cruise.

If I had to do it again, I would go to the Parks first and then the Cruise because you are so relaxed coming off the Cruise that it is very hard to get into Park Commando mentality.

My favorite time on the Wonder and Magic was walking the decks very early in the morning. I invariably rise before 5 and would go to deck 9 to walk around. They have coffee, tea, muffins and donuts at one end of the deck. The air and atmosphere are wonderful. AND you are not alone.

Best/Jim

We went on the Disney Magic...their inaugural year.

Just hubby and I...no kids.
We did the land/sea combo...and had a GREAT time.

This was my first time to both WDW and on a cruise. Hubby dear booked the trip for my 40th birthday.

I loved Castaway Cay...and wished we could have spent more time there.
When we were on the island, 98 degrees was filming for a Disney Summer Jam special to air on ABC. We got to see them performing right on the beach...and even got ourselves on camera! It was interesting to watch how they put the whole thing together.
The group was also on the ship filming.
While it was a nice treat...I would have rather had an extra day on the island vs. seeing a 'boy band'
:rolleyes:

And, Jim Pertierra ...we were glad we did WDW first...as we were happy to be able to sit back and relax in sun after having days of running around.

To Mad4Mky,
I think it must be part of being a stubborn Italian. We came back from the first cruise saying the exact same thing....
first the Parks and
second the Cruise.

But when we took the second cruise we did it again and said the same thing after.

The boys would rather do the parks second. The adults feel the other way. You aren't used to waiting in line. You aren't used to paying for anything. All you are used to is relaxing.

My wife would just like to do the cruise but I am such a park guy that I would hate to be in Florida and not go to the parks.

Best/Jim

Originally posted by Jim Pertierra

I think it must be part of being a stubborn Italian. Best/Jim

Hahaha...Since you are new on the board...you haven't seen my last name!! teehee. (very Sicilian!).

But, perhaps it is not so much being a stubborn Italian, as much as 'familiarity'. We get used to doing it one way...and stick with it, because it is working (well, working as well as we want!).

Even when we took our girls to WDW the next year after our cruise....while they did enjoy most of the parks...they felt kinda lost. Once we walked into the Magic Kingdom they were more comfortable and were ready for a day of real fun. My husband and I figured it was because they are so used to DLR (as we go there several times a year), they kinda knew the layout of the park and what to expect.
:)

A few notes,....

We just got back from the 7 day Eastern on the Magic.

A few praises:

The direct and personal service was awesome.

The guy who maintained our cabin was an angel.

As for our dining room servers; the main server was great, the assistant however was a little inattentive. He was nice enough, I just had to ask for things more than once.

The people who worked in the kids programs were REALLY great. I don't know how they stay patient with a gazillion 3 - 4 year olds for 19 hours a day.

I loved the coffee/lemonade/water bar on Deck 9. I wish Royal Caribbean would catch on to that.

Disney dreams and the Golden Mickey shows were phenominal. Even the deck parties,...boy those Characters can dance! They were so great, even in the hot sun.

A few jeers:

The food was a disappointment. We went on a Royal Caribbean cruise in September and their buffets and dining room meals blew away the Disney food. Even Palo was just O.K. to me. The calamari and Filet Mignon were really good, the pizza and pasta were disgusting. The deserts were pretty good.

The ship had some FUNKY smells going on. Almost everywhere. Either sour milk or sewage smells.

We walked out on the Hercules show, it was incredibly boring to us.

They don't explain anything. We missed out on a lot, and were very frusterated for the first few days. There are NO signs and no written instrustions for the most part. You have to ask someone about everything. Even when they did the orientation for the kids programs they failed to give any instructions about how to sign in/sign out your child. When there are 400 people not knowing where to go or what to do, all at the same time,....ughhhh.

My best advice,....get a VERANDAH...I could have spent another week just sitting there watching the ocean and sunsets.

Based on other experiences, I've always felt that the Disney food was a notch above anything else out there. I guess it's your own personal tastes that make the difference, but I've yet to experience any other cruise line that comes anywhere near the level of quality of food that Disney provides.

That's interesting to hear Moxin. Have you been on a Royal Caribbean cruise? I wasn't the only one having trouble. Maybe they were having an off week. I ordered my prime rib medium and it was bloody. When I sent it back, it came back charred. Don't get me wrong, I am a huge Disney fan. I know the pasta I got at Palo was gross. It wasn't a matter of opinion at all. It tasted like painting spakle. The fried calamari was good!

Oh... p.s. Castaway Cay was THE BEST! The food there, the Bar-B-Que was the best food the whole trip. The island is amazing. I could have spent 4 days or more there.