Podcast Cruise: Is it a good deal?

[IHeartTink04]

Okay lets start by saying that I am trying to convince my DFi to go on the Podcast Cruise and it is not easy. First of all, he doesn't listen to the show so he thinks it is so weird that I want to go meet complete strangers. I tried to tell him that they do not feel like complete strangers to me but he still doesn't understand. So I tried the next approach, I told him it was a great deal and that we would never be able to go that cheap again. So he looks it up and compares the disneycruise.com to the quote that Dreams Unlimited travel gave me. There isn't much difference really.

Dreams: $2,262.96
DCL: $2,450.96


There has been a lot of talk about how this is a great deal but I hate to sound rude but I was expecting that it was going to be a little more signifcant. I almost have to agree with my DFi.

Can someone convince me otherwise?

[calypso*a*go-go]

By booking thru DU you will also receive an onboard credit which you could actually include in the savings. Also, there will be some other perks that will enhance your cruise experience like private parties, a special rate for pre/post cruise stays at the Dolphin, etc. Pete and John say they are working on some wonderful things -- and I have no doubts about them coming thru for us!!!

[cyberbox2]

in my opinion even if DCL and D.U. were offering the exact same price, you will still get the on board credit and all of the amazing parties and events Pete is planning and that sets this WAY above any other Disney cruise. Not to mention the fact that you will be surrounded by hundreds of hard core Disney fans known as the Disboarders:-)

Boy I'm really talking myself into this cruise!!!

[calypso*a*go-go]

Boy I'm really talking myself into this cruise!!!

So book it already! ;)

You know what's going to happen: you're going to decide to go for it and find out the rates have gone up and then you'll be mad at yourself. If you're even contemplating it the tiniest bit...put a deposit down now. You've got up to 75-90 days prior to the cruise (depending on which category you book) to cancel with no penalty if you can't work something out with your kids' teachers.

Of course you know all that -- I'm just trying to give you a friendly little nudge...

[kab407]

Boy I'm really talking myself into this cruise!!!

Come on, keep talking!!!
All the really cool kids will be on the cruise.

[Annette_VA]

in my opinion even if DCL and D.U. were offering the exact same price, you will still get the on board credit and all of the amazing parties and events Pete is planning and that sets this WAY above any other Disney cruise. Not to mention the fact that you will be surrounded by hundreds of hard core Disney fans known as the Disboarders:-)

Boy I'm really talking myself into this cruise!!!

What he said!!

Yes, you need to book, cyberbox!!

[ADP]

You really need to be there! There are just a lot of reasons to go. Besides being with a lot of Disers You will be on a Disney cruise! That in itself is a wonderful thing. I mean, really, we need to stop and smell the roses every once in a while, don't we!? :)

[wildeoscar]

in my opinion even if DCL and D.U. were offering the exact same price, you will still get the on board credit and all of the amazing parties and events Pete is planning and that sets this WAY above any other Disney cruise. Not to mention the fact that you will be surrounded by hundreds of hard core Disney fans known as the Disboarders:-)

Boy I'm really talking myself into this cruise!!!

must we send the aliens with the probe to convince you?

[MenashaCorp]

Tell your DFi that Phog Allen was the one to give Disney the idea of a cruise line. I heard that somewhere.... I think ;)

You really can't overestimate the uniqueness of this particular cruise to a Podcast fan. THE TEAM WILL BE THERE!!! PARTIES WITH BAWB!!! That in itself should offset some of the concerns about "how good a deal" it is. You're getting more for less.

popcorn::


Pete, John, & Co... I'll accept my commission in Disney Dollars. Just no princesses, please.. ;)

[IHeartTink04]

Tell your DFi that Phog Allen was the one to give Disney the idea of a cruise line. I heard that somewhere.... I think ;)

You really can't overestimate the uniqueness of this particular cruise to a Podcast fan. THE TEAM WILL BE THERE!!! PARTIES WITH BAWB!!! That in itself should offset some of the concerns about "how good a deal" it is. You're getting more for less.

popcorn::


Pete, John, & Co... I'll accept my commission in Disney Dollars. Just no princesses, please.. ;)


I don't think the Phog Allen trip will work, he is a Mizzou student and will graduate in May. I am the Jayhawk!:rotfl:

[Madi100]

Isn't it enough that all of us will be there??? Who cares about the money.

[IHeartTink04]

Isn't it enough that all of us will be there??? Who cares about the money.


Unfortunately it is not enough for my DFi...:sad2: but he said we could go for Christmas 2009 instead! I have always dreamed:cloud9: of going for Christmas so I guess it is a great substitute.

[tmli]

Strictly talking dollars and cents it is a good deal. Trust me, there are not big discounts to be had by booking a large group. In addition, commission amounts are not huge on 4 day cruises....between the onboard credit and all of the "extras" DU is not making huge profits on this one.

[Madi100]

Unfortunately it is not enough for my DFi...:sad2: but he said we could go for Christmas 2009 instead! I have always dreamed:cloud9: of going for Christmas so I guess it is a great substitute.


I think it will be great to meet everyone. However, I tihnk it's going to be awesome to see all that the podcast has to offer. It's a once in a lifetime trip because of what will be offered, I think. I'm sure Christmas would be beautiful, too.

[Disneybridein2k3]

If you've already made your mind up, then it doesn't matter anyway BUT I have to put my two cents in here. Christmas in Disney is magic, no doubt but it is there each and every year and gets bigger and better as the years go by. But if you (like many of us here) are big fans of the show, you will really regret not going on this cruise if you had the opportunity. On to the price... Disney Cruise Line no longer offers discounts. The best prices come from booking early and as the case here, group space. Add on to that the onboard credit and you've got the best deal you'll ever get on a Disney cruise. And that isn't even taking into account what Pete and the gang have planned for everyone!!! :yay: If you've never cruised Disney, it's an experience not to be missed. Something I noticed is that you've priced out a category 6. One way to save a bit of $$$ is to book a higher stateroom category. On our first DCL we had a Cat 6, our second was a Cat 9, and our third a Cat 10 - we've decided we can live with a Cat 10. A Cat 6 IS nice, don't get me wrong - but the price between a 6 and a 9 for this cruise (on the DU pricing) is $520 -- you can save $720 if you can live without the porthole. We found we aren't in the room enough to enjoy the verandah so we book a higher category and spend the extra $$$ at the spa or on the drink of the day :drinking1 I was going to end this by saying "to make a long story short" but oops! it's too long to say that -- so, to make a long story even longer, the parks will be there but I have a feeling this cruise will be a party that will go down is Dishistory. Come on and join us - all the cool kids are doing it! :upsidedow

~Stacy

[nenner1]

I too was suprised to find this cruise quite a bit more pricey than I expected it should be considering it is a group rate at Tier 0 (I'm assuming it is anyway).

We did price it out but the timing (early May) just doesn't work well for pulling the kids out for four days. Plus prices are higher in May than in September when we usually go. In fact for this four night cruise even if we booked NOW we would only pay $300 less for a Cat. 8 than we paid for a Cat. 8 on a SOLD OUT 7 night cruise (booked less than a year out, obviously not tier 0):confused3 in Sept. of this year. It is also only a few hundred dollars less than the 4 night we took last year during spring break (identical category)...and is a whopping TWO THOUSAND dollars (identical cat.) more than the 3 night cat 4 we took this past Sept.
But then again I've been told not to expect to get another 3 night cruise in a Cat 4 for $1700 ever again (4 ppl).....

I don't know. The prices aren't BAD, they're just more than we're used to paying. As far as using Dreams though you can't beat it...great service and the onboard credit is awesome. I'm not toally counting it out....after all we'll probably have to book *something* wen we are onboard in Sept......;)

[NWOhioAngela]

Okay so exactly how much is the fabulous shipboard credit?

[miss missy]

If he doesn't understand the podcast fan world.... I say tell him bye bye before the cruise and go have fun, then go get him back after :rotfl2: :rotfl: :lmao:

[wildeoscar]

Okay so exactly how much is the fabulous shipboard credit?

depends on the level you book at.... somewhere between $50 and 100 Billion Dollars.

[IHeartTink04]

Well with the cruise I priced the shipboard credit was $100

[Selket]

I'm not sure the savings are really all that HUGE - but I don't think you'd find a better deal for cruising May 2009 on DCL. All the extras sound great.

(No, sadly I'm not booked on this cruise - it sounds great though! I'm already pulling the kids out Sept. '08 for a 7 day cruise).

Out of curiosity, did you look at the prices of the cruises over Christmas 2009? I've priced some "peak" times like that and all I can say is....:scared1:

I just wanted to make sure you priced both trips before deciding which one to take. Seems like the May trip would be a lot cheaper! Plus there is that special Swan/Dolphin rate. :thumbsup2

[GinnyFavers]

Disney doesn't give travel agencies much to work with in terms of offering discounts.

Disney's been filling their sailings for many years now, to the point where they don't feel it's necessary to discount their cruises in any significant way.

Not Dreams Unlimited's fault, for sure, and the fun of being on that particular cruise is all the extras the travel agency is throwing in for ya'!

I'm sure all the travel agencies out there would looove to be able to offer 40% off Disney cruises, but how can they do it when the price is the price, from Disney?

[wishspirit]

Just to start i hate you all, i am a poor university student who couldn't even afford the flights if she won a cruise (although i could blag some money off my also obsessed mother)

Its not just about the price of the room, think about the parties the podcast crew are sorting, for podcast crew only! Sounds like a proper laugh! If i had the money i would book in an instant! But it really depends how much you want to meet the people you see on the boards.

I also really want to see Ursula's shadows cistern (what is a cistern by the way?) and her current Will catching plans.

[kab407]

I also really want to see Ursula's shadows cistern (what is a cistern by the way?) and her current Will catching plans.

Watch, "Silence of the Lambs" with Jodi Foster. It will explain it all.

[UrsulasShadow]

It's still under construction...but you get the idea.
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e377/rosamindy/well.jpg

[MenashaCorp]

LOL ... Insert potential sons-in-law here....

OK - That puts you ahead again on the creepy scale! :rotfl:

[UrsulasShadow]

LOL ... Insert potential sons-in-law here....

OK - That puts you ahead again on the creepy scale! :rotfl:
Hey, it'll be much nicer when it's finished! I plan on decorating with teddy bears...pooh: pooh: pooh: pooh: pooh: pooh: pooh: pooh:
And there's your pooh reference for the evening, folks.

[IHeartTink04]

I'm not sure the savings are really all that HUGE - but I don't think you'd find a better deal for cruising May 2009 on DCL. All the extras sound great.

(No, sadly I'm not booked on this cruise - it sounds great though! I'm already pulling the kids out Sept. '08 for a 7 day cruise).

Out of curiosity, did you look at the prices of the cruises over Christmas 2009? I've priced some "peak" times like that and all I can say is....:scared1:

I just wanted to make sure you priced both trips before deciding which one to take. Seems like the May trip would be a lot cheaper! Plus there is that special Swan/Dolphin rate. :thumbsup2


We don't plan on going on a cruise in December, just DisneyWorld.

[kab407]

Hey, it'll be much nicer when it's finished! I plan on decorating with teddy bears...pooh: pooh: pooh: pooh: pooh: pooh: pooh: pooh:
And there's your pooh reference for the evening, folks.

:rotfl2: :lmao: :rotfl2: :lmao: :rotfl2:

[drakethib]

Okay lets start by saying that I am trying to convince my DFi to go on the Podcast Cruise and it is not easy. First of all, he doesn't listen to the show so he thinks it is so weird that I want to go meet complete strangers. I tried to tell him that they do not feel like complete strangers to me but he still doesn't understand. So I tried the next approach, I told him it was a great deal and that we would never be able to go that cheap again. So he looks it up and compares the disneycruise.com to the quote that Dreams Unlimited travel gave me. There isn't much difference really.

Dreams: $2,262.96
DCL: $2,450.96


There has been a lot of talk about how this is a great deal but I hate to sound rude but I was expecting that it was going to be a little more significant. I almost have to agree with my DFi.

Can someone convince me otherwise?

Well, with the ship credit you are getting a more then a 10% discount.

Lets call it like we see it, the cruise is going to be expensive rather through DU or Disney direct.

But any discount is money saved.

Quite honestly, had it not be for wanting to meet everyone, we probably would not have booked the cruise.

At the end of the day for me, Pete has given us a great forum to interact and if I can do something to throw a few bucks his way, I have no problem with that.

[OKW Lover]

Interesting question on the cost of the cruise. In the past I've found that a DCL cruise will typically be priced about 30% more than you would pay for the same itinerary on a different cruise line. The question becomes if you perceive a better value to the DCL experience as compared to the other lines.

[Launchpad11B]

Deal schmeal. Come on the cruise and have fun with everybody. It's gonna be a blast.:thumbsup2

[DisneyKevin]

Disney Cruise Line works on a tier pricing system.

As the percentage of available space fills, the pricing moves to the next tier. As the tier changes, the price increases.

Dreams Unlimited Travel is holding group space at the lowest tier. This is the lowest prcing available.

In addition, DU is offering a ship board credit for this cruise. This is not something that is usually offered.

Disney Cruise Line does not allow anyone to discount their product. No travel agency is ever allowed to run a "sale" on a DCL cruise. They can offer group space or a ship board credit, but they are not allowed to offer a different price structure that that of DCL.

When comparing the DU group space to the pricing offered by DCL, please keep in mind that $200 (approx.) is a substantial saving already. You will notice a greater savings as the tier changes and the price increases.

Also...please keep in mind that DU holds a limited amount of group space. The pricing being offered is not an endless promotion. When the group space is filled, even the DU price will increase.

The other benefit or perk to the Podcast cruise is that you will be able to attend any of the Podcast events. While I realize that none of that has been announced, I would hope that you see a pattern of quality from the Podcast events and prizes.

We are unable to announce any of the planned activities as they are not yet set in stone. Disney Cruise Line will not allow us to make any firm plans until we get a bit closer to the sail date. As soon as we are able to make firm plans, we will start making announcements....or torture y'all with cryptic hints.:rotfl:

All I can tell you is that the planing that is going into this cruise is amazing. As the days go by...things are being put into place that should make everyone very happy that they are involved.

I apologize for being vague....but I would be killed for spilling secrets.:rotfl:

If you have any questions, you can write to Tracy at Tracy@DreamsUnlimitedTravel.com. She will be happy to answer any and all questions regarding this cruise....except the secret stuff we're planning. (Dont think I dont know what your thinking....:lmao: )

Hope this helps.
Kevin

[calypso*a*go-go]

I always get a bit upset over DCL's pricing but have to remind myself that to date it has been the highest quality cruise we've ever done and we've been on Princess, Royal Caribbean, Costa, Carnival, NCL, and the now extinct American Hawaii and Premier (Big Red Boat). The only reason we haven't cruised with DCL more is because we wanted some different itineraries...so I'm thrilled that they are finally adding new ships to the fleet.

[drakethib]

I always get a bit upset over DCL's pricing but have to remind myself that to date it has been the highest quality cruise we've ever done and we've been on Princess, Royal Caribbean, Costa, Carnival, NCL, and the now extinct American Hawaii and Premier (Big Red Boat). The only reason we haven't cruised with DCL more is because we wanted some different itineraries...so I'm thrilled that they are finally adding new ships to the fleet.

To someone who has never cruised before and won't know any better, what are the biggest differences between DCL and a Royal Caribbean cruise?

[vellamint]

Oh I am so jealous of all of you that can go on this cruise.....if you are even considering it and can manage it you should go.

I would go but since I work in a school district I do not get "vacation" during the year and my 4 kids go to the same district so I dont know how I would call us all in sick for 4 days....although I have thought about it.

Have I mentioned that May 10th is my birthday!! and that next year it lands on Mothers Day? and that my son, Brian, was born on my birthday which makes it his birthday also? and that my son was born on my birthday which also landed on Mothers day that year? AND THAT NEXT YEAR IS MY 50th!!!
I would love, love, love to go on this cruise......send pixie dust my way friends lol...

Okay - my whining is over.

Back to the OP, if you can arrange your schedule and have the money I would not let the cost stand in your way....in the scheme of things you may be very, very sorry you did not go.....talk your hubby into it. I cant imagine all the cool stuff that the podcast team is going to do/have.

[calypso*a*go-go]

To someone who has never cruised before and won't know any better, what are the biggest differences between DCL and a Royal Caribbean cruise?

I think it's just a slightly higher level of service and quality (cabin cleanliness, food service, entertainment, etc). However, I do feel that I need to disclose my RCCL cruise was quite awhile ago before they had the current fleet...so nothing fancy like surfing, ice skating, etc. So my opinion is probably out-dated and there may be others that feel differently. But in my case, any cruises we've gone on since our DCL cruise just haven't match the same level of satisfaction. I think I just need to start cruising more frequently again! ;)

[calypso*a*go-go]

Have I mentioned that May 10th is my birthday!! and that next year it lands on Mothers Day? and that my son, Brian, was born on my birthday which makes it his birthday also? and that my son was born on my birthday which also landed on Mothers day that year? AND THAT NEXT YEAR IS MY 50th!!!
I would love, love, love to go on this cruise......send pixie dust my way friends lol...

Oh Diane...you have got to find a way to make this happen!!! You've got so many things to celebrate. Can you just talk to your kids' teachers and tell them you've got some very special birthday plans lined up? My kids will be a sophomore and 8th grader when we cruise and I'm really nervous about having them miss a whole week as well...but I'm going to use the "don't ask for permission...beg for forgiveness" strategy and hope for the best!

[Annette_VA]

As soon as we are able to make firm plans, we will start making announcements....or torture y'all with cryptic hints.:rotfl:

You often say how much you love your job. I think this is probably your favorite part! :rotfl: ;)

[MenashaCorp]

To someone who has never cruised before and won't know any better, what are the biggest differences between DCL and a Royal Caribbean cruise?

I hear the characters on RCCL leave something to be desired. I mean.. Scrappy Doo, Grape Ape, Captain Planet, and the Wonder Twins?!? COME ON!!! :laughing: ... Can't beat Disney!!

Form of... an Ice Chicken Nubbet! :rotfl:

[DisneyKevin]

You often say how much you love your job. I think this is probably your favorite part! :rotfl: ;)

It's up there on the list. :thumbsup2

[MenashaCorp]

The other benefit or perk to the Podcast cruise is that you will be able to attend any of the Podcast events. While I realize that none of that has been announced, I would hope that you see a pattern of quality from the Podcast events and prizes.

As soon as we are able to make firm plans, we will start making announcements....or torture y'all with cryptic hints.:rotfl:

All I can tell you is that the planing that is going into this cruise is amazing. As the days go by...things are being put into place that should make everyone very happy that they are involved.

I apologize for being vague....but I would be killed for spilling secrets.:rotfl:
Hope this helps.

Kevin

Prizes... hehe :hyper: He said "prizes..." :hyper: hehe.... There may be prizes....:hyper::hyper:

[Madi100]

Disney Cruise Line works on a tier pricing system.

As the percentage of available space fills, the pricing moves to the next tier. As the tier changes, the price increases.

Dreams Unlimited Travel is holding group space at the lowest tier. This is the lowest prcing available.

In addition, DU is offering a ship board credit for this cruise. This is not something that is usually offered.

Disney Cruise Line does not allow anyone to discount their product. No travel agency is ever allowed to run a "sale" on a DCL cruise. They can offer group space or a ship board credit, but they are not allowed to offer a different price structure that that of DCL.

When comparing the DU group space to the pricing offered by DCL, please keep in mind that $200 (approx.) is a substantial saving already. You will notice a greater savings as the tier changes and the price increases.

Also...please keep in mind that DU holds a limited amount of group space. The pricing being offered is not an endless promotion. When the group space is filled, even the DU price will increase.

The other benefit or perk to the Podcast cruise is that you will be able to attend any of the Podcast events. While I realize that none of that has been announced, I would hope that you see a pattern of quality from the Podcast events and prizes.

We are unable to announce any of the planned activities as they are not yet set in stone. Disney Cruise Line will not allow us to make any firm plans until we get a bit closer to the sail date. As soon as we are able to make firm plans, we will start making announcements....or torture y'all with cryptic hints.:rotfl:

All I can tell you is that the planing that is going into this cruise is amazing. As the days go by...things are being put into place that should make everyone very happy that they are involved.

I apologize for being vague....but I would be killed for spilling secrets.:rotfl:

If you have any questions, you can write to Tracy at Tracy@DreamsUnlimitedTravel.com. She will be happy to answer any and all questions regarding this cruise....except the secret stuff we're planning. (Dont think I dont know what your thinking....:lmao: )

Hope this helps.
Kevin

Okay. If you can't tell us what you are doing, can you give us a hint as to when you will know what we are doing? Am we going to have to wait until January of '09? DH is just thrilled that I could get talked into going on a cruise. He's wanted to do one for awhile, and I've been chicken.

[DisneyKevin]

Okay. If you can't tell us what you are doing, can you give us a hint as to when you will know what we are doing? Am we going to have to wait until January of '09? DH is just thrilled that I could get talked into going on a cruise. He's wanted to do one for awhile, and I've been chicken.

I really cant as it is just to far out to get any commitment from DCL.

While they are happpy that we are all going, they are not nearly as excited and anxious as we are. They have 14 months of ships full of happy, excited, anxious guests to handle before they get to us.

We can not reserve public space on the ship, make plans, ask for anything or really even ask questions for many months.

Making any kind of announcement...even what we'd LIKE to do....would be very premature at this point.

This isnt us trying to be "cute".....we just cant get information regarding a cruise in May 2009 for quite a while.

Once we can start doing that.....information will be forthcoming.

Kevin

[Disneybridein2k3]

To someone who has never cruised before and won't know any better, what are the biggest differences between DCL and a Royal Caribbean cruise?
I can only speak about what I know - we've only done 3 Disney cruises and haven't sailed any other lines yet but I understand that Disney's staterooms are 30% larger than industry standard. Also, except for category 11 and 12, the staterooms have split bathrooms (bath and a half) - also, the bathrooms have tubs, not just showers. Disney children programming cannot be beat - I believe it was #1 in the last Conde-Nast awards. And if you are a true Disney fan, the evening shows cannot be be beat. There is of course, the characters, which aren't available anywhere else. Disney movies are available onboard at the movie theater and if a new Disney (or Disney-owned) movie is being premiered on land, it is also premiered on the ship the same day. There is also Disney's rotational dining which is unique to Disney and is just awesome! And of course, there is Castaway Cay!!!

DH and I are doing a RC in Oct of this year on the Freedom of the Seas so when we get back, I'll do a comparison - RCCL vs DCL, my opinion, of course ;)

[winotracy]

You often say how much you love your job. I think this is probably your favorite part! :rotfl: ;)

This and saying "If you have any questions, email Tracy" :lmao: :lmao:

[MenashaCorp]

This and saying "If you have any questions, email Tracy" :lmao: :lmao:

Ah... We only torture the ones we love.... :lmao:

[zulemara]

if my DBF wasn't going to be in flippin Italy for the semester, I'd book in a heartbeat! Of course being a CM, I can get the cruise for 3-400 dollars, but then I wouldn't get all the fun parties!

[DisneyKevin]

This and saying "If you have any questions, email Tracy" :lmao: :lmao:

THAT'S my favorite part.

[winotracy]

THAT'S my favorite part.

:hug: :hug: