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[Tigger1221]

And I just had a few questions. I know we must be crazy because we haven't even finished paying off this years vacation.

In your honest opinions when do you recommend going?

We are also trying to talk my parents, my brother and his family, and possibly my MIL into going with us. Since my peeps have a lot of difficulty walking I thought this would be something they might consider, but that's a whole other topic.

I picked up some brochures adn this looks like something we could all enjoy, but is there a chance they might offer upgrades when you book, like some of the other cruise lines? We were thinking about maybe doing the repositioning cruise or the Mexican Riviera cruises.

Would I also be right in assuming that adult beverages are not included int he pricing?

I know this is long, but any help/insight you could provide would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[MelissaL]

There may be some special rates available, but I don't think Disney Cruise offers upgrades per se at time of booking. (It is possible to be upgraded later if Disney thinks they can sell more cabins in the lower categories, but I wouldn't count on it.)

You are correct that "adult beverages" are not included in the cost. Nor are non-alcoholic specialty drinks. Soft drinks, coffee, and tea are included with meals, and are also available free of charge any time at a beverage station on the pool deck.

As far as time of year, I think it makes less difference for cruises than for parks. Hurricane season is roughly May through September in the Caribbean -- the ships can generally adjust their itineraries to avoid storms, but there may still be rough seas. Summer is also hot and humid. We have cruised in October, January, and February with no problems. Last month our ship was full, but we rarely encountered crowds.

I'd highly recommend a Disney Cruise for a family group -- there is a wide range of activities for all ages, even if you never get off the ship.

Happy planning!
Melissa

[mouseclub4]

Good luck planning.

[DrDolphin]

I have really come to love Disney Cruises. I started with a 4 night - -and will be on the 10 night Med cruise this summer and the 15 night Repositioning in May 2008. I think it is one the best values that Disney offers - it can be packed full of things to do - without the stress of the parks!

I love Disney Cruises!

[ripkensnana]

Upgrades? Probably not, unless there are unusual circumstances. We managed to get one for our last cruise, much to the surprise of our Travel Agent! My aged (90 years old) mother kept waffling about whether or not she wanted to go, so I finally told her that her airline ticket had been purchased, so she had no choice. Since she has a motorized "scooter", we needed a handicap accessable room (which requires a medical form to be filled out by your doctor). We'd reserved a Category 11 stateroom, and had hoped that there would be some handicapped rooms still available in this category by the time we added Mom to our reservation. Well, all the Category 11 rooms had been reserved, but the Disney folks were so impressed with Mom's age and the fact that she was going on her very first cruise (according to our TA), that they upgraded us to Category 6, at the very back end of the ship - with a huge stateroom and humongous veranda. This was a complementary upgrade, and we loved it....but as I say, this was a special circumstance. My TA told me that normally this wouldn't have happened.

[OffKilter_Lynn]

A Disney cruise is a wonderful vacation for anyone. I love the ships so much that I actually prefer not to get off at most ports!

It's never too early to start planning or asking questions. In fact, other than 'Magical Rates' that they offer when trying to fill a ship, you will find the lowest cruise prices when they first are released about 12-18 months prior to sail date. Prices will only increase as you get closer to departure. By booking ahead, you lock in a low price and have a year or more to pay it off. It's the ability to pay it off over a long period of time that makes it affordable to us!

As far as the Mexican Riviera repositioning cruises, as of this date both east and westbound from Disney have sold out. That doesn't mean cabins won't become available, but given the popularity of these itineraries that it's probably not likely. There is availability on the 7-night Mexican Riviera cruises, but they are booking steadily. A $250 deposit per-person will lock in the rates now and you will have about a year to make payments.

There is no guaranteed way to get an upgrade. If you book a lower category cabin, you may be moved up in order to free up the lower-priced cabins. There are only 13 category-12 cabins (the lowest priced) on board and they book up quickly. The downside to this 'strategy' is that you may NOT be moved up, so book the category cabin that will meet your needs. After all, that will be your home-away-from-home for a while and you need to be happy with where you are staying.

In looking at other cruise lines, there are cheaper cruises. But this is definitely a case of 'you get what you pay for' and like anything Disney does, they do it well. From the larger-than-average staterooms, the wonderful restaurants with rotational dining, fantastic Disney entertainment, terrific kids programs and facilities, Castaway Cay and beautifully elegant ships, Disney is head, tails and ears above the rest!

[Bert & Sully]

CruiseDiva currently features revies and articles on DCL that might help you with unbiased pros and cons. Cruise Diva's Cruise Planner Cruise Critic also has a forum on DCL that might help as well as far as unbiased. Disney Cruise Line - Cruise Critic Message Boards

Now, for the biased in addition to this site you could also investigate Disney Cruise Line - The DIS Discussion Forums and CASTAWAYCLUB.COM for "biased" views.

This way you'll see if cruising is really for you let alone the rest of your family.

[Tigger1221]

Wow, thank you all for the wonderful information and links. I really think this may be a definite for DH, DD, and I, with a strong possiblity for my DB, DSIL, and DN's age 2 and 3 at the time.
Thanks again I knew I could count on you guys!

[Steph_in_NC]

I love helping groups plan a vacation and cruises often offer the most variety to keep everyone happy. You have plenty of time away from each other (if that's what you need) and you can still get together at dinner and discuss what you did that day.

It is not too early to start planning. Disney's rates are based on capacity so the earlier you book the better your rate.

Summer/Early fall is a great time to cruise. I was on the MouseFest cruise in December and loved it too.

Happy planning!!

[Tigger1221]

Okay so DH and I have agreed that we are going to try the cruise next year. Not sure if it will be the 4 or 7 day yet though. We did however purchase the Passporter FG to the DCL today, so I guess I will have some reading material.
Thanks again for all of your help everyone it is very much appreciated.

[EeyoreNeedsLoveToo]

Have fun planning! we opted to go with a 4 night for our first cruise -- followed by 5 nights at WDW "just in case" we didn't like the cruise! HA! we'll find out next week -- but I imagine we'll have ahard time deciding between a longer cruise and/or WDW for our next vacation.....

[disneyfan4994]

My Mom & Dad cruise with us all the time. My Dad has limited mobility, he uses an electric scooter for long distances. We leave his scooter in the hallway by the elevator & he walks short distances on the ship. He enjoys the cruise. It's easy for us to do our thing & him to do his, during the day & we can still meet up easily for meals. We're cruising this Aug., 4 day, & next Aug., 15 day. I can't wait.