Just did a Disney cruise--AMA

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I did not realize you could book a Disney cruise through Costco. Were the savings large? Can you still call Disney and check in normally online?

I don't remember exactly as we booked a long time in advance. I don't think there was much of a cost savings but we got a Costco gift card. Yes we could still check in online and use all the Disney website stuff.

This is correct - I don't think there are ever "discounts" on cruises. What varies is the kickback you get - costco gift card, onboard credit, etc. We booked through costco last year and it was fine.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How was going through costco to get tix? I've always wondered about going through costco for cars and vacations.

We always get the best deals booking out rental cars through Costco.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I could never drop my kids off with strangers on some cruise ship.

That didn't freak you out?

How do you survive in this world with your oh-so-delicate sensibilities?

I feel sorry for your kids, who will miss out on a lot of fun because you are suffocating them. DD had a ball in the Disney cruise kids' club.

I don't think yearly trips to Italy is suffocating them.

But thanks for the concern.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I could never drop my kids off with strangers on some cruise ship.

That didn't freak you out?

How do you survive in this world with your oh-so-delicate sensibilities?

I feel sorry for your kids, who will miss out on a lot of fun because you are suffocating them. DD had a ball in the Disney cruise kids' club.

I don't think yearly trips to Italy is suffocating them.

But thanks for the concern.

Oh, the Italy poster.

You must like dirty people and bad food a lot.

[Anonymous]

My friend did one of the Disney cruises and she said as soon as the kids asked to leave, the Kid place workers would text the parents to pick up. Literally five minutes after she would drop off. She was pretty unhappy b/c they didn't try to engage the kids in something fun to keep them happy.

Oh, my question: how much was the cruise?

[Anonymous]

Cruises are way more expensive that trips to the Disney parks. Since weight can be associated with income, it makes sense that on average the Cruise guests will be a little less large.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My friend did one of the Disney cruises and she said as soon as the kids asked to leave, the Kid place workers would text the parents to pick up. Literally five minutes after she would drop off. She was pretty unhappy b/c they didn't try to engage the kids in something fun to keep them happy.

Oh, my question: how much was the cruise?

I think if you tell the kids club counselors that you're at a formal dinner or something they'll try to convince the kids to stay; otherwise they'll call parents immediately. But we didn't test that out.

The cruises vary in price depending on what kind of room you want (interior/balcony/suite), how many people per room, by season, length of cruise. Our 5 day cost about 6 grand for 5 nights for a room with a verandah.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I could never drop my kids off with strangers on some cruise ship.

That didn't freak you out?

How do you survive in this world with your oh-so-delicate sensibilities?

I feel sorry for your kids, who will miss out on a lot of fun because you are suffocating them. DD had a ball in the Disney cruise kids' club.

I don't think yearly trips to Italy is suffocating them.

But thanks for the concern.

Oh, the Italy poster.

You must like dirty people and bad food a lot.

I just got back from Italy with my kids. They had an ok time. They had 100x more fun on the Disney cruise.

[Anonymous]

How dressed up do I need to be for the semi and formal dinner nights? We are headed on a 7 night cruise and then an additional week of vacation so I'm trying to to bring too much.

Is a sun dress and dress pants/shirt good enough?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How dressed up do I need to be for the semi and formal dinner nights? We are headed on a 7 night cruise and then an additional week of vacation so I'm trying to to bring too much.

Is a sun dress and dress pants/shirt good enough?

Disney doesn't really do "formal" or "semi-formal" like some other cruise lines do. When we dressed for dinner, I would do a sundress, put kids in a collared shirt (polo) and not jeans.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How dressed up do I need to be for the semi and formal dinner nights? We are headed on a 7 night cruise and then an additional week of vacation so I'm trying to to bring too much.

Is a sun dress and dress pants/shirt good enough?

Disney doesn't really do "formal" or "semi-formal" like some other cruise lines do. When we dressed for dinner, I would do a sundress, put kids in a collared shirt (polo) and not jeans.

Thanks. I'm finding that they dress code is very lack.

Do I need a beach towel for when we use the pool on the boat? (we are doing a European cruise and not getting off the boat for any beach days)

[Anonymous]

Was your room comfortable. Were you able to relax in it and watch t.v.?

[Anonymous]

Why on earth would you go on a Disney Cruise? I read every post here and it sounds miserable. The food is bad, the cost was high, the kids really didn't have fun at the kids club, you wait in line to characters in costume.... God! I have two kids and I just don't let them watch Disney Movies because they're garbage. This cruise sounds uncomfortable at best, and your kids are learning absolutely nothing. Sorry for having such a strong opinion, but I can't help myself.

[Anonymous]

Okay 23:24 I will answer your "why on Earth. . ." Question. why not? We are planning to try one because it's been recommended to us many times. Friends have described it as relaxing and entertaining. For example, I really love days at Dutch Wonderland and think Disney cruise would be like a DW day x10. I just want to try it. Our kids are ages 3 and 5 and enjoy Disney movies.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How was the Heat? I'm worried to do a summer cruise bc it would be hotter than DC

I never really noticed the heat but we only got off the ship at their private island. Folks who got off at Nassau said it was brutal. On ship, the decks got really hot. But otherwise we stayed in the shade and didn't have issues.

Why didn't you get off at Nassau? We have a Disney cruise booked in September and I have been debating this also. Why did you decide to stay on board instead of doing an excursion and are you happy with your choice? I can't make up my mind. Thanks!

Why go on a cruise in the Bahamas and not enjoy and island or two?

The stop in Nassau offers a couple different excursions, one being Atlantis, which I highly recommend. We spent the day in their pools, had lunch and have fond memories. We've been on 3 Disney cruises and days at sea are boring, as I'd rather see new places and try new things than stay on the ship. The ship is fun but so are the islands. Don't miss the stops!!! Come back early to the ship, and enjoy and a cocktail or two.