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PrettyEyes
LIF Infant
Member since 1/18 139 total posts
Name:
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Tips/tricks to booking Disney cruise?
We decided that we will take a disney cruise for our big vacation-it wont happen until 2019 but I am looking for guidance because this is my first time dipping my toes into the Disney waters.
Where to begin to get the best deal/add-ons? Should we just book directly on the disney website? We are interested in the concierge suites but not sure if it’s worth it. Please respond with any advice for this newbie!
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Posted 6/1/18 8:20 AM  |
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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15657 total posts
Name:
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Tips/tricks to booking Disney cruise?
We have been on 5 Disney cruises, love them! I always book on the website, the $100 onboard credit or so that you get from going through an agent isn't worth it to me to lose control of the reservation. You will pay the same price no matter which outlet you go, as Disney cruises do not get discounted, unless it's a last minute rate.
Concierge is $$$$, but you get first dibs at a cabana on Castaway Cay, which is AWESOME! We have been able to rent a cabana twice and it's heavenly. I can't even describe how nice it is. We did not book concierge, we just lucked out with people cancelling closer to our sail dates. Also, I prefer to be on a LOW deck as I get nausea, and the higher you are, the more you feel. So, concierge wouldn't work for us because they are high decks.
Just know, the longer you wait to book, the more the price goes up, especially for 2019 itineraries that were just released. So I would put a hold on something if you see something you like. You go all the way through to check out, then click on the hold option. It's usually 3 days, just depends though.
Message edited 6/1/2018 8:50:44 AM.
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| Posted 6/1/18 8:49 AM |
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ml110
LIF Adult
Member since 1/06 5435 total posts
Name:
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Tips/tricks to booking Disney cruise?
so fun!!! we've been on 3 disney cruises, and have a 4th booked for next summer (Alaska!!!) in general, the disney cruises aren't discounted at all. you can sometimes get last minute deals if they are trying to fill rooms... but since you know when you want to go, you probably don't want to take a chance. You can also book a "Guarantee" room. thats when you're guaranteed a certain level of room (like a balcony room, if you book guaranteed balcony) BUT you don't get to pick the exact balcony room, like you normally would... Disney picks for you. so it can be fine, or if could be not so great, depending on if you're picky about where you want to be on the ship.
our first disney cruise, we booked Guaranteed Balcony room, and ended up with a HUGE, oversized balcony off the back of the ship they knew how to hook us HAHAHA
Booking through a travel agent, you might get offered a room credit, which is nice. and travel agents don't charge you a fee, because they get commission from Disney. You can still handle things with your reservation if you book through an agent, just "big" things like canceling or making payments have to go through your agent.
Message edited 6/1/2018 2:37:24 PM.
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| Posted 6/1/18 2:36 PM |
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SLPRunner
LIF Adult
Member since 12/13 1101 total posts
Name:
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Tips/tricks to booking Disney cruise?
We went on one last year and were hooked! It seemed like the pricing is the same no matter how you book... unless you book on board for a future sailing, so keep that in mind. We ended up booking through the Costco Travel website. We got 600 dollars back in Costco Cash after the sailing. We also did a Guarantee room and lucked out with an oversized balcony room. With Costco, we went through them initially and then everything else related to the cruise we did through Disney. We rented a car on the way in because we came in a day early. On the way back we did the Disney transportation which was super easy because they take care of your luggage.
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| Posted 6/1/18 5:58 PM |
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b2b777
LIF Adult
Member since 9/09 4474 total posts
Name:
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Tips/tricks to booking Disney cruise?
I've always been intrigued by disney cruises but afraid the room will be too small for a family with two small children. I was looking at the balcony rooms and the biggest is 300 sq ft. For those who have done it how does it feel? Do you get claustrophobic in the room? Im someone who usually gets a 2-3br hotel room when i go away with my kids so everyone has space. I cant imagine this!!
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| Posted 6/6/18 10:34 AM |
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ali120206
2 Boys
Member since 7/06 17792 total posts
Name:
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Re: Tips/tricks to booking Disney cruise?
Posted by b2b777
I've always been intrigued by disney cruises but afraid the room will be too small for a family with two small children. I was looking at the balcony rooms and the biggest is 300 sq ft. For those who have done it how does it feel? Do you get claustrophobic in the room? Im someone who usually gets a 2-3br hotel room when i go away with my kids so everyone has space. I cant imagine this!!
I did a balcony room with my DH and two kids and there was plenty of space. We didn’t spend a ton of time in the room though.
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| Posted 6/6/18 12:54 PM |
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ml110
LIF Adult
Member since 1/06 5435 total posts
Name:
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Re: Tips/tricks to booking Disney cruise?
Posted by b2b777
I've always been intrigued by disney cruises but afraid the room will be too small for a family with two small children. I was looking at the balcony rooms and the biggest is 300 sq ft. For those who have done it how does it feel? Do you get claustrophobic in the room? Im someone who usually gets a 2-3br hotel room when i go away with my kids so everyone has space. I cant imagine this!!
They’re well designed so they don’t feel as small as they are, I feel like. They have split bathrooms (shower/sink in one, toilet/sink in the other) so makes it feel less crazy when everybody’s getting ready. Also lots of storage under the bed and in closets and stuff. Plus nice big curtain that divides the kids and adults area lol
And really you’re not in the room a ton- so it’s not bad. BUT the balcony is really nice just to feel like you have a little extra room with the kids and stuff
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| Posted 6/6/18 1:12 PM |
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b2b777
LIF Adult
Member since 9/09 4474 total posts
Name:
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Re: Tips/tricks to booking Disney cruise?
Posted by ml110
Posted by b2b777
I've always been intrigued by disney cruises but afraid the room will be too small for a family with two small children. I was looking at the balcony rooms and the biggest is 300 sq ft. For those who have done it how does it feel? Do you get claustrophobic in the room? Im someone who usually gets a 2-3br hotel room when i go away with my kids so everyone has space. I cant imagine this!!
They’re well designed so they don’t feel as small as they are, I feel like. They have split bathrooms (shower/sink in one, toilet/sink in the other) so makes it feel less crazy when everybody’s getting ready. Also lots of storage under the bed and in closets and stuff. Plus nice big curtain that divides the kids and adults area lol
And really you’re not in the room a ton- so it’s not bad. BUT the balcony is really nice just to feel like you have a little extra room with the kids and stuff
This is so helpful! What ages (kids) would you say would be good for the cruise?
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| Posted 6/6/18 3:23 PM |
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ml110
LIF Adult
Member since 1/06 5435 total posts
Name:
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Re: Tips/tricks to booking Disney cruise?
Posted by b2b777
Posted by ml110
Posted by b2b777
I've always been intrigued by disney cruises but afraid the room will be too small for a family with two small children. I was looking at the balcony rooms and the biggest is 300 sq ft. For those who have done it how does it feel? Do you get claustrophobic in the room? Im someone who usually gets a 2-3br hotel room when i go away with my kids so everyone has space. I cant imagine this!!
They’re well designed so they don’t feel as small as they are, I feel like. They have split bathrooms (shower/sink in one, toilet/sink in the other) so makes it feel less crazy when everybody’s getting ready. Also lots of storage under the bed and in closets and stuff. Plus nice big curtain that divides the kids and adults area lol
And really you’re not in the room a ton- so it’s not bad. BUT the balcony is really nice just to feel like you have a little extra room with the kids and stuff
This is so helpful! What ages (kids) would you say would be good for the cruise?
we didn't go on one until my oldest had just turned 4... so i don't know how it is with kids younger than that... but he loved that first cruise, and we've been on 2 more after that one, and have another one booked for next year (Alaska!!!)
i would say wait until they're at least 3 though. at 3, they can go in the kid's club thats "free" (included in the cruise cost) as much as they want. theres a nursery for younger ones, but you have to pay per hour... and can only use it so many hours per cruise. SOOO waiting until they're 3, you just feel like you're getting more value out of it. AND they can't go in the pools if they're not potty trained... so waiting until they're potty trained makes that easier, too (although they do have little spray areas on the ships for younger kids...)
Disney cruises are seriously the best family vacation though- something for everybody-- and awesome service, you just feel so spoiled!! LOL
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| Posted 6/6/18 4:36 PM |
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MrsW326
LIF Adult
Member since 11/10 1132 total posts
Name:
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Re: Tips/tricks to booking Disney cruise?
I'm wondering about Disney cruises as well. My youngest would be 3 1/2, but I'm afraid I'd be chasing her all over the ship! And the pools look tiny, I'd imagine people are packed in like sardines.
Anyone have experience with that?
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| Posted 6/6/18 4:54 PM |
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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15657 total posts
Name:
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Re: Tips/tricks to booking Disney cruise?
Posted by b2b777
I've always been intrigued by disney cruises but afraid the room will be too small for a family with two small children. I was looking at the balcony rooms and the biggest is 300 sq ft. For those who have done it how does it feel? Do you get claustrophobic in the room? Im someone who usually gets a 2-3br hotel room when i go away with my kids so everyone has space. I cant imagine this!!
Well, Disney has some of the largest "standard" rooms of any cruise line, so while 300sq feet seems small, it's like a mansion in terms of cruise rooms lol.
We always stay in an oceanview (no balcony with my kids) and it's fine. We only have 3 people though. The split bath is great! Toilet and sink in one room, sink and shower/tub in another. Great for getting ready. Love the curtain divider, and there are so many drawers and cabinets to put things. The rooms ARE small, but you really aren't in there other than to sleep.
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| Posted 6/6/18 8:16 PM |
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SLPRunner
LIF Adult
Member since 12/13 1101 total posts
Name:
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Tips/tricks to booking Disney cruise?
Rooms are relatively small on most cruise ships. My DH and I felt that the balcony room on our Disney cruise was relatively big! My DS is accident prone and hit his head a few times on the furniture, but the room is meant for a kid to run around. We had a pack n play set up in there and it was fine. I think they only set it up at night. And they set up my son's blankies just they way he liked!
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| Posted 6/6/18 9:30 PM |
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M514
Hi
Member since 8/10 6011 total posts
Name:
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Re: Tips/tricks to booking Disney cruise?
Posted by MrsW326
I'm wondering about Disney cruises as well. My youngest would be 3 1/2, but I'm afraid I'd be chasing her all over the ship! And the pools look tiny, I'd imagine people are packed in like sardines.
Anyone have experience with that?
We went on the Disney Wonder, which is one of their smallest ships, and the pool was so small. My DD went in and she couldn’t even swim because people were just standing in the pool watching the movie they had playing on the big screen. She was just walking around the pool weaving around people. She never went back in after that and I never even attemtped to go in. I didn’t like that part of the ship, but I think all cruise ship pools are small.
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| Posted 6/7/18 7:29 AM |
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EricaAlt
LIF Adult
Member since 7/08 22665 total posts
Name:
Erica
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Re: Tips/tricks to booking Disney cruise?
I also want to add to some of the comments that the TV is always playing something Disney so the best part was after we got the kids ready they sat on the couch and watched TV while DH and I got ready and no distractions! LOL! We brought their IPads and they were never touched!
We didn't get a balcony room, but had a window and they are huge! They aren't huge the rooms, but like others said you are hardly in there. We slept in there and got ready. The cleaning service is top notch. THey keep it clean all the time and the bunk beds are set up every night nicely. The boys took turns each night. We would put the curtain between us and would watch TV and they passed out.
This was when the boys were 7 and 5. They had a blast!
We went with another family so got to put the kids in the kids area for a couple of hours and we sat by the adult pool. Once we watched Dr Strange in the theater (which also just came out) in 3D and it was amazing!
At dinner the staff would cut up the kid's food and have an activity to keep them busy.
Look for ships off season or even a repositioning cruise. We did that and it was a little bit less than the usual cruise. Just had one flight home from Puerto Rico and we sailed out on NY.
ETA - the 2 bathrooms was great too. No waiting to put on makeup or use the sink if the other one was occupied. I never felt it was too small either, but we weren't in the rooms long.
Message edited 6/7/2018 7:47:55 AM.
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| Posted 6/7/18 7:46 AM |
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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15657 total posts
Name:
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Re: Tips/tricks to booking Disney cruise?
Posted by M514
Posted by MrsW326
I'm wondering about Disney cruises as well. My youngest would be 3 1/2, but I'm afraid I'd be chasing her all over the ship! And the pools look tiny, I'd imagine people are packed in like sardines.
Anyone have experience with that?
We went on the Disney Wonder, which is one of their smallest ships, and the pool was so small. My DD went in and she couldn’t even swim because people were just standing in the pool watching the movie they had playing on the big screen. She was just walking around the pool weaving around people. She never went back in after that and I never even attemtped to go in. I didn’t like that part of the ship, but I think all cruise ship pools are small.
We went on the Wonder after it was rehabbed last year. I thought the sprinkler park was fun, the slide was fun, but the pools are way too small. We much prefer the Dream because of the Aquaduck. Pools are still small, but at least they have the Funnel Puddle, the two pools, the sprinkler park, and the Aqua Duck. Also the teen pool (which is great to use during club open house times)
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| Posted 6/7/18 9:35 AM |
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b2b777
LIF Adult
Member since 9/09 4474 total posts
Name:
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Re: Tips/tricks to booking Disney cruise?
Posted by EricaAlt
I also want to add to some of the comments that the TV is always playing something Disney so the best part was after we got the kids ready they sat on the couch and watched TV while DH and I got ready and no distractions! LOL! We brought their IPads and they were never touched!
We didn't get a balcony room, but had a window and they are huge! They aren't huge the rooms, but like others said you are hardly in there. We slept in there and got ready. The cleaning service is top notch. THey keep it clean all the time and the bunk beds are set up every night nicely. The boys took turns each night. We would put the curtain between us and would watch TV and they passed out.
This was when the boys were 7 and 5. They had a blast!
We went with another family so got to put the kids in the kids area for a couple of hours and we sat by the adult pool. Once we watched Dr Strange in the theater (which also just came out) in 3D and it was amazing!
At dinner the staff would cut up the kid's food and have an activity to keep them busy.
Look for ships off season or even a repositioning cruise. We did that and it was a little bit less than the usual cruise. Just had one flight home from Puerto Rico and we sailed out on NY.
ETA - the 2 bathrooms was great too. No waiting to put on makeup or use the sink if the other one was occupied. I never felt it was too small either, but we weren't in the rooms long.
This all sounds so nice. I was thinking of going when my youngest will be 3 and my oldest 6. They havent been to WDW yet, but i thought that might be better for when they are 4 and 7. Hmmm... choices choices!!
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| Posted 6/7/18 12:49 PM |
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PennyCat
Just call me mommy :)
Member since 7/08 19084 total posts
Name:
Jib
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Re: Tips/tricks to booking Disney cruise?
I can’t answer those questions specifically because we booked through a Disney travel agent, but OMG it was the best cruise we had been on and I can’t wait to go again. You’ll love it. We sailed on the Disney Magic out of NYC and it was absolutely the best, most magical vscation. We had our then 3 year old son with us but we were still able to get in plenty of relaxation and adult time. DCL is by far my favorite line.
I can’t wait to go again the 4 of us once the baby is old enough.
I wanted to add since I read some comments about rooms, we historically had always booked a balcony room or mini suite on our prior cruises with other cruise lines. For this trip we opted for a window room, no balcony. We were late in the game for booking (booked in August for October lol) and it was the room with the best location. It was also a significant cost savings over the balcony room since DCL is $$$. We had no regrets and found the room plenty spacious.
Message edited 6/13/2018 6:09:13 AM.
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| Posted 6/13/18 6:04 AM |
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PennyCat
Just call me mommy :)
Member since 7/08 19084 total posts
Name:
Jib
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Re: Tips/tricks to booking Disney cruise?
Posted by b2b777
I've always been intrigued by disney cruises but afraid the room will be too small for a family with two small children. I was looking at the balcony rooms and the biggest is 300 sq ft. For those who have done it how does it feel? Do you get claustrophobic in the room? Im someone who usually gets a 2-3br hotel room when i go away with my kids so everyone has space. I cant imagine this!!
I hear you. We usually stay at the Mandarin and enjoy a luxury room with plenty of space. That said, I feel like when you go on a cruise you’re accepting the fact that your rook will be smallish but you won’t be spending a ton of time in there anyway. We had a window room on our Disney cruise and with ONE pretty mellow 3 year old, we found it to be enough space and didn’t feel cramped.
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| Posted 6/13/18 6:12 AM |
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