Calling all dcl vets...

[ThePicketts]

Btw, different ships, different shows

 

[MikeAndNick]

opinions are just simply opinions. I know people who think Porky's is the funniest movie they have ever seen.....

Porky's not the funniest ever but it is in the top 20....

 

[EPCOTatNight]

however, to answer what keeps 'em coming back: some people just like to b*tch and/or see their name on a post....others just want to stir the pot. Ignore them and use your own filters....

What? Totally confused by this. Not caring for the things that the OP mentioned doesn't equate to stirring the pot. But, to answer the op.....I live in a place with GREAT food and am not impressed by the food onboard. I could care less about the shows or the deck parties, but I love the experience that DCL provides. I like not "having" to spend extra while onboard aside from tipping. I love the fact that my DS can do his own thing without me worrying. He's an only child and is with us all the time. I love spending quality time with my DW in a wonderful environment. I love taking showers in the spa. I just love DCL. Here's an example of the DCL difference. On our cruise last month when we were in line to tender back to the ship in Grand Cayman.........DCL had cold towels, cold water, and lemonade for us. Guess what Carnival had for their cruisers? Nothing! Small, but it matters to me.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[erinfarber]

The reason we return to Disney is for the service and the Adults only locations. Our first DCL cruise we brought our 2 children (15 and 19) They loved it. We loved it more.
Not only do you have the opportunity to spend a vacation with your children, but you also have the opportunity for adult only time as well. The Disney Fantasy allows all adults so many places onboard to be with no children, adults only. The clubs onboard for the kids are great. My youngest son, loved Vibe. My oldest son-18 at the time, loved the opportunity to visit the adult lounges at night, and during the day , he loved pretending he did not know us. He spent his days mostly at Satellite falls.
I will always choose Disney. The service far surpasses all other cruises (in my opinion) I also love the fact I can take the entire family on a cruise and we can all do what we enjoy. We always spend breakfast and dinner together ( this is mandatory) The rest of the day is up to each one of us, we do what we want, when we want. My husband and I do everything together, but it is nice to know the boys can go their own way and enjoy the cruise according to their wishes and their plans. We would never choose any other cruise line. Disney works for us. This is definitely a personal preference. There are so many others that would disagree with me. Do what works for you and your family, everything is subjective. If you do choose Disney, I wish you a Great vacation, I hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

 

[WhenUWishUponA5tar]

My family did a 7 day Eastern Carribean 8/13, originally it was supposed to be a Western, but due to a hurricane the itinerary got changed. This was our first cruise ever and we were pretty excited. I had done lots of researched on all the forums and was ready. I had even joined a FE group. We LOVED our cruise. The Fantasy was gorgeous, the food was great, the service was impecable. We had one server that was new with whom we were not to impressed, but that was ok. We did feel a little rushed to try and attend everything on the ship, but of course that was our fault. We have booked another cruise on the same ship for 2014 and hoping we get the same crew. This time we know what to expect, anddid opt for a late dinner. A lot of my co-workers brag about there fun Carnival weekends, but I am quick to let them know they should try Disney and see how the better half cruise.

 

[Cruisefan2]

I'm not a huge fan of the deck parties but the shoes are good so we see them every time we sail. I also think the food is pretty good bot excellent but petty close to it.

What keeps me coming back though is the atmosphere, service, rooms and activities. I think these are unique to just disney and that no other lines can copy them.

 

[Davistigers]

We've been on 3 DCL cruises (2 Magic and 1 Dream) and we're going on our 4th in less than a week (Wonder). I agree with most of the previous posters...#1 is the DCL service and attention to detail. But it's also that "magic" that only Disney can provide. I'm 43, grew up near Disneyland and I am still a Disney nerd and I just love all the little touches around the ship that delight us "children" of all ages.

I think the food sounds and looks better than it tastes. It's beautiful! But if the looks are an 8-9 out of 10, then the taste is about a 6-7. There are exceptions, of course, such as Palo, Remy, and some items in particular. I love the Panini's they make near the pool, for instance.

I love the shows, but then again, that's the Disney nerd in me coming out. I will probably skip the Golden Mickey's next week only because I've seen it 3 times, but I'm really looking forward to Toy Story since I've never seen it.

We've always had GREAT CM's as stateroom hosts and servers in the MDRs. On our first or second cruise (can't remember which one), we had a weird table location on the first night and a fairly inexperienced server, but my husband talked to the head dining captain and we were switched to a new table and new, wonderful team starting the next night.

 

[PegIra]

My husband and I have done Holland America Panama Canal. Very nice room, good food, but a little stiff for us. Stringed orchestra in the hallway vs Disney songs seem dull. The staff was great and food was good, but will stick with Disney.

We have been on all 4 ships and 7 Disney Cruises total, plus we have a B2B on the Fantasy in January 2014 and a week on the Magic in Dec 2014 booked. We just feel happy when we walk on the ship. We had friends with us this past January and it was their 20th cruise, but first Disney. They were in awe with the way Disney does it. They said it was their best cruise ever (with the exception of their trip to Tahiti) Just walking on the ship from the terminal and having everyone announce you and greet you is special.

You will not be sorry you cruised Disney.

 

[MDennis28]

Going on our 5th and 6th cruises this August and September ;-). We are 56 years young. We go with no kids. We would not miss a stage show or deck party! Palo Brunch....yum. Castaway Cay, perfection thy name is Serenity Bay! In September we are going to do some special things for our 35th anniversary. We are going Coincerge!, dinner at Remy and getting spa packages. We are getting a cabana and I just bought a full-on pirate dress on eBay. Cannot wait!!! Looking forward to unlimited Mickey bars for free with room service. Also a cheese plate and coconut shrimp for our pre-appetizers. ;-)

 

[delo4]

We cruised two other lines before Disney. Once we did a Disney cruise, we never looked back and probably won't choose to sail on any other line.

We have sailed all 4 ships over the past 13 years. Cruise #24 is coming up in December on the Fantasy. Our children were teenagers when we first cruised Disney and they have since graduated college and 1 of them has gotten married. They cruise with us most of the time. Our grandson who is currently 15 months will be going on his first Disney cruise this December.

We love the ship because there is something for the whole family. We think the food is good, the service is amazing, and the shows are really good.

Disney is constantly changing and improving their product. We always find something new to see or do, no matter how many times we have sailed. The new ships are our favorite, especially the Fantasy.

I said, after sailing the new ships, that I would probably never want to go back to the classic ships. Then the updates came out about the Magic and it has me wondering if I may want to see the new stuff?

We have seen so many changes over the years, mostly good. I realize that some things changed because of the economy and maybe they cut back in a few places, but overall, we always come back having had a positive and enjoyable vacation.

I believe the main reason we keep sailing Disney is because of the overall feeling and experience. It is just a quality product and it shows. Their ships are beautiful and well maintained and their cast members for the most part go out of their way to make your vacation memorable. We have had many pixie dust moments on our cruises.

Palo Brunch and Castaway Cay are two standouts. We love that there is no casino and the shows are family friendly.

I can see us sailing Disney for a lot more years as our family grows. This December we are taking a few people with us who are first-timers. So fun to experience it through their eyes.

 

[darkwing818]

The reason we return to Disney is for the service and the Adults only locations. Our first DCL cruise we brought our 2 children (15 and 19) They loved it. We loved it more.
Not only do you have the opportunity to spend a vacation with your children, but you also have the opportunity for adult only time as well. The Disney Fantasy allows all adults so many places onboard to be with no children, adults only. The clubs onboard for the kids are great. My youngest son, loved Vibe. My oldest son-18 at the time, loved the opportunity to visit the adult lounges at night, and during the day , he loved pretending he did not know us. He spent his days mostly at Satellite falls.
I will always choose Disney. The service far surpasses all other cruises (in my opinion) I also love the fact I can take the entire family on a cruise and we can all do what we enjoy. We always spend breakfast and dinner together ( this is mandatory) The rest of the day is up to each one of us, we do what we want, when we want. My husband and I do everything together, but it is nice to know the boys can go their own way and enjoy the cruise according to their wishes and their plans. We would never choose any other cruise line. Disney works for us. This is definitely a personal preference. There are so many others that would disagree with me. Do what works for you and your family, everything is subjective. If you do choose Disney, I wish you a Great vacation, I hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

Pretty much sums it up for DW & I. While we have enjoyed other cruise lines, RCCL, HAL & Celebrity. DCL is just very special for us & our 2 DDs & 10 cruises later it's still special (even when we sail sans DDs, just got off the Fantasy this past Saturday).

 

[ppony]

Great question. I don't go for the food, I have never been to a deck party and once was enough for me for the live shows.

Ditto. Why do I go back? Because it's still DISNEY. My family loves Disney as do I, and there's stuff for everyone to do (if you want to be busy), and I like to cruise Disney exclusively just to be away from the house, surrounded by the ocean air and the Disney Magic. It's really as simple as that.
I don't do shows nor the deck parties because I'm completely freaked out by crowds. It took a lot of DIS convincing for me to even get on a boat. I'd rather spend my time relaxing safely away form the craziness. The rest of my family does some and leave others.

 

[Capt_BJ]

standing by to get slammed but my 2 cents

- throw out the 'DCL is best' from everyone who has only sailed DCL and probably everyone who has sailed DCL and one other line. No basis for comparison. I have relatives who live in Jersey because "Jersey is the best place in the world." They have seldom ventured farther than Phili and been to no beach other than "the Jersey Shore." Never seen Florida, Grand Cayman, the Golden Gate, Maine .... If I've never tasted Pepsi how do I know Coke is better?

- I've got 40+ cruises on 6 different lines and worked 'in the industry'. IS DCL best? No - but good enuf that I went 7 times with my kids when they were small, and my married son goes back more yet. Is DCL better than average - IMO yes.

- Would I go again? Probably not at this time - I'll spend my cruise dollar today sans Mouse and prefer a cruise where I don't have to choose a place to hang based on the probability I'll trip over someone's child. Windstar for example ... the don't ban kids, but strongly discourage them. In future however might there be an extended family DCL cruise in my future? I'd have no problem with than.

 

[ppony]

standing by to get slammed but my 2 cents

- throw out the 'DCL is best' from everyone who has only sailed DCL and probably everyone who has sailed DCL and one other line. No basis for comparison. I have relatives who live in Jersey because "Jersey is the best place in the world." They have seldom ventured farther than Phili and been to no beach other than "the Jersey Shore." Never seen Florida, Grand Cayman, the Golden Gate, Maine .... If I've never tasted Pepsi how do I know Coke is better?

- I've got 40+ cruises on 6 different lines and worked 'in the industry'. IS DCL best? No - but good enuf that I went 7 times with my kids when they were small, and my married son goes back more yet. Is DCL better than average - IMO yes.

- Would I go again? Probably not at this time - I'll spend my cruise dollar today sans Mouse and prefer a cruise where I don't have to choose a place to hang based on the probability I'll trip over someone's child. Windstar for example ... the don't ban kids, but strongly discourage them. In future however might there be an extended family DCL cruise in my future? I'd have no problem with than.

No, that's not fair to do. Discounting someone based on what? Your set of qualifications? While I haven't sailed any other line, I simply and completely have no interest in doing so. Ever. Someone's reasons for sailing DCL, is just as valid as those that have sailed many. I love the mouse, no one else has the Mouse, no one else does Disney. That's just as valid.

 

[Capt_BJ]

No, that's not fair to do. Discounting someone based on what? Your set of qualifications? While I haven't sailed any other line, I simply and completely have no interest in doing so. Ever. Someone's reasons for sailing DCL, is just as valid as those that have sailed many. I love the mouse, no one else has the Mouse, no one else does Disney. That's just as valid.

enjoy the Jersey Shore . . .

I simply and completely have no interest in doing so. Ever



So can I guess that on your next Orlando trip you'll not be visiting Universal Studios?

 

[erinfarber]

standing by to get slammed but my 2 cents

- throw out the 'DCL is best' from everyone who has only sailed DCL and probably everyone who has sailed DCL and one other line. No basis for comparison. I have relatives who live in Jersey because "Jersey is the best place in the world." They have seldom ventured farther than Phili and been to no beach other than "the Jersey Shore." Never seen Florida, Grand Cayman, the Golden Gate, Maine .... If I've never tasted Pepsi how do I know Coke is better?

- I've got 40+ cruises on 6 different lines and worked 'in the industry'. IS DCL best? No - but good enuf that I went 7 times with my kids when they were small, and my married son goes back more yet. Is DCL better than average - IMO yes.

- Would I go again? Probably not at this time - I'll spend my cruise dollar today sans Mouse and prefer a cruise where I don't have to choose a place to hang based on the probability I'll trip over someone's child. Windstar for example ... the don't ban kids, but strongly discourage them. In future however might there be an extended family DCL cruise in my future? I'd have no problem with than.

Wow, your ignorance on this subject is quite overwhelming. My guess.... you knew this statement and opinion regarding NJ would definitely elicit a response. I will give you a very short, however simple response.
you claim to have been on 40 + cruises, who cares? Does that you make you a better person ? You claim to have relatives that live in NJ. You then go on to say"I have relatives who live in Jersey because "Jersey is the best place in the world." They have seldom ventured farther than Phili and been to no beach other than "the Jersey Shore." Never seen Florida, Grand Cayman, the Golden Gate, Maine .... If I've never tasted Pepsi how do I know Coke is better?

How much do you hate these relatives????

Your point??? You mention you have sailed on Windstar. Why? This is a luxury cruise lines. you have $. Again, who cares?

I have traveled the world. I have been and seen more places than most people will see in their lifetime. I certainly do not mention that here, it is irrelevant. Your 40 + cruises and your comment here tonight make you insignificant. I feel sorry for your relatives in N.J.

 

[MoxieandPixie]

I thought the food was good, very very good sometimes. The shows I don't need to see again. The cruise activities for the kids are what brings me back. My girls are 3 and 5 years old. We may not do another DCL cruise. We are booked for 2015 on the Quantum of the Seas, which is being built. DH and I loved RCI, but it doesn't meet our family's needs at this time. I am fond of both cruise lines.

 

[ppony]

enjoy the Jersey Shore . . .

I simply and completely have no interest in doing so. Ever



So can I guess that on your next Orlando trip you'll not be visiting Universal Studios?

Wow. Why do you need to be so rude?! Why do you care what anyone else think or does? It's attitudes like yours that ruin this board.

 

[DisneyDudet]

The OP asked why we keep coming back to DCL, not to compare it to other lines, unless that is why you come back. Just because someone hasn't been on other lines doesn't mean anything. That plays no part in the answer to the question. If they think its the best, it doesn't make their opinion any better or worse than anyone else's opinion.

Why am I going on my 7th Disney Cruise for my Honeymoon? Because I have never been disappointed in DCL, nor have I experienced something so wonderful anywhere else. I think the food is phenomenal, while I have had things I didn't care for (but I probably wouldn't care for them on land either). I think the shows are wonderful, but some do seem cheesy at times. I can talk about age-appropriate activities and such, but no need to. I like the adult pool areas on all 4 ships. Castaway Cay is a shining star... A main reason for my many cruises. I also love to have so much to do that I can't decide which activity to do! The entertainment and activity options are first class. You can do as much or as little as you'd like. The crew is wonderful. Your entire first day, you will hear 'Welcome aboard' more often than you can count. Your team of stateroom host/hostess, asst server, server, and head server will cater to your every want. For example, our last cruise, we told our servers that we LOVE the Grand Marnier Soufflé. So, in addition to having 2 for dinner in Royal Palace, we had 2 almost every night. That is even when they stopped making them in large batches for the first 3 nights. We had some specially made for us and our table every night (one night they burned bc they forgot to take them out of the oven, oops!). I am pretty sure you cannot get service like that anywhere. That impacted more than just our server; our head server helped, as did all the kitchen staff that helped make it. It was just a wonderful experience.

But the main reason is because I love Disney. I love the parks. I know the service I will receive on DCL is of a much higher caliber than anywhere else, because of the company. I am an AP holder, DVC member, have been on all 4 ships, have been to WDW, DL, and DL Paris. There is no doubt I love Disney. Could my perspective be clouded because I love Disney? Likely. Is my opinion invalid because I only want to (and typically do) vacation with Disney? Not one bit.