7A - Upgrade to 5E?

[RafikiTiki21]

Today the prices for a Cat 5E (GTY) are $132 (total, for 7 nights/3 people) more than what we've paid for our 7A on the Fantasy.

Is moving from the known room, but obstructed view - to an unknown room, extended aft verandah, smart?

What is the "worst" we could be assigned in a 5E GTY? We are relatively late in booking so were excited about the initial 7A selection to get a verandah for a lesser cost.

I've reviewed some past threads and seen photos where many of you love 5E.

What say you, experienced cruisers?? Move it, or stay put?

Thank you!

 

[Maggie'sMom]

I wouldn't upgrade to a 5E GTY if your reason for upgrading is to get the extended verandah. A GTY category means you will get that category or higher. You could very well end up in a 5D, 5C, or higher. Now if you you'd be happy to get a higher category stateroom and not a 5E for $132 extra, then go for it.

 

[IBelieveInTheMagic]

Agree with above and to me, the slight obstruction on the 7A is not bad (and I prefer the extra privacy/shade) so I'd keep the known 7A over a possible 5E. The 5E GTY's seem very hit or miss as some do get one assigned and then the others are assigned a higher category, that they actually didn't want as they hoped for the 5E.

Heather

 

[M<3'sMickey]

We specifically requested the 7A for our upcoming cruise. We stayed in one on the last cruise and the obstruction isn't bad at all. We loved that room and made sure to get it again for this cruise, well just port side this time.

 

[ahain]

Agree with PPs. We absolutely love Cat 5E's and one time booked a 5E GTY. Unfortunately (to us), they "upgraded" us to cabin 10150 (I don't remember the actual category designation), but we didn't like that location nearly as well as the actual 5Es.

 

[RafikiTiki21]

Great, thanks everyone. Yes, we are pleased with our 7A choice but as I am learning more I wanted to ask. On paper, it seems like a good "deal" for a two-level or more upgrade. But in practice it's not that simple, and I appreciate everyone's notes on their experiences or the potential results of booking GTY.

 

[Winston Wolf]

We have 5E's booked for our next 2 cruises, but the only thing I'd be leery of are the deck 10 5E's that are right below cabanas. Chances are...that's what you'll get if you go with a 5E GTY.

 

[Winston Wolf]

Agree with PPs. We absolutely love Cat 5E's and one time booked a 5E GTY. Unfortunately (to us), they "upgraded" us to cabin 10150 (I don't remember the actual category designation), but we didn't like that location nearly as well as the actual 5Es.

I think 10150 is a 5A

 

[jskacoc]

When we booked a 5E Gty in 2013 we were upgraded to a 4C. Awesome room but were disappointed because we wanted to try a 5E. Last year we picked an assigned 5E. Me and the kids loved it. Dh hated it. So you just never know how it might work out.
If it was me I would go with 5E in hopes of an upgrade again but would still be happy if not.

 

[RedSox68]

We like the 7A categories. We like the fact they are in aft and so much cheaper than a regular verandah. We don't consider them obstructed view at all.

I won't book a GTY for one reason -- I cannot be in forward (I get seasick), so I risk them assigning me a forward room with no other options.

 

[RafikiTiki21]

We like the 7A categories. We like the fact they are in aft and so much cheaper than a regular verandah. We don't consider them obstructed view at all.

I won't book a GTY for one reason -- I cannot be in forward (I get seasick), so I risk them assigning me a forward room with no other options.

Thanks -- Our 7A is actually forward, the same obstruction is mirrored in both parts of the ship. I think I am more concerned with the risk of being just below the pool/Cabanas in an unknown upgrade, but once we've sailed once I'll have a better idea of where our family would like to be another time. It seems (as with ALL things Disney) there is something for everyone, and lots of opinions!

 

[Maggie'sMom]

We like the 7A categories. We like the fact they are in aft and so much cheaper than a regular verandah. We don't consider them obstructed view at all.

I won't book a GTY for one reason -- I cannot be in forward (I get seasick), so I risk them assigning me a forward room with no other options.

There are some 7As that are forward. We are booked in one for our May 2017 cruise. I do believe there are more 7As aft than forward. We have a 7A aft for our upcoming August cruise. This will be our first cruise in an aft room. I've had no problem in the forward rooms and have been concerned I might feel the motion more in an aft room so I'm glad to hear you are fine in aft.

 

[RedSox68]

There are some 7As that are forward. We are booked in one for our May 2017 cruise. I do believe there are more 7As aft than forward. We have a 7A aft for our upcoming August cruise. This will be our first cruise in an aft room. I've had no problem in the forward rooms and have been concerned I might feel the motion more in an aft room so I'm glad to hear you are fine in aft.

Sorry, I misunderstood the categorizing for the new ships. My reference was on the Magic and Wonder -- I don't think they have 7A forward. I didn't realize you were referring to the Fantasy.

I was only in forward once -- on the Wonder in the Southern Caribbean. I felt every sway and swell and never get seasick -- so I have avoided forward ever since.

 

[Quellman]

One thing to be wary of is being assigned one of the corner handicap 5e rooms with 3 people. We had 8188 (a normal 5e) and 8682, a corner room that is considered Handicap accessible. The room 8682 did not have a curtain divider and did not have a split bath. Didn't pose a problem to us, a married couple who weren't sailing with our kid. Though the television was standard size as all the other rooms, but it was comically small based on where the seating area was.

We did love the aft of the ship and wouldn't mind staying there again. We are booked in a forward cabin next cruise to try something different.

To be fair, you can have Disney note in your reservation that you prefer to not be upgraded beyond a 5e or that you do not require the handicap rooms. However, Disney does what Disney do.