A $ saving hint with 10-11 year olds

[kcashner]

DCL considers your child an "adult" for charging purposes at age 10. Most places (Capt. Marvin's, Coral World, Butterfly farm, etc.) charge an adult rate at 12 or 13. Thus, by doing excursions on your own, you not only eliminate the surcharge that DCL puts on the excursion, you drop from the adult rate to the children's charge. This can be a hugely significant difference. In addition, many of the tourist info centers (right off the boat dock or tender area) have discount coupons for some of the area attractions.


It is very easy to do excursions on your own, although I realize that it can be intimidating the first time.
Kathryn

 

[Tandyc]

Kcahsner-

Thank you so much for this tip. This will save us big $ overall.

Tandy

 

[RKB]

I did my first Disney Cruise using their excursions. I did my second booking my own. Big difference - we had alot more freedom, more fun and saved $$

 

[Captain Jim]

I'm sorry but I'm this is our first time so I have to ask the stupid questions. I understand the concept of saving money by doing excursions on my own, but how does one go about doing this? For instance I know my 12 year old son would love to swim with the dolphins. Can we do this somehow on our own?

 

[Billinaz]

We booked our Dolphin Encounter directly with the company (www.dolphinswims.com).

Book EARLY! It fills fast.

If you want the dolphin swim, book it with them directly as the Disney excursion is only the encounter program.

 

[kcashner]

First, I'd do the dolphin swim at Discovery Cove in Orlando rather than on the cruise (if that is a possibility at all). It's a much better experience. Discovery Cove is a sister park to Sea WOrld, but the experience there is very comparable to Disney--great customer service, etc.

As to how to book on your own...I started with the tourist info sites on the web for the various islands and got as much info as possible ahead of time. You can even book ahead, but be sure you will be refunded (or can pay at the time of the excursion) if the ship can't get you to port. You can also get loads of good info here.

Basically, you get off the port and go to either a special spot for the excursion or the local tourist info place. This will be made clear if you booked ahead. For instance, Captain Marvin's has a kiosk you go to. The tourist info place will direct you to taxis, give you free info and frequently discount coupons for admission to places. If it is a swimming event, go to deck 9 and get pool towels to take with you. You may want to take some drinks or sandwiches with you.

Almost anything done thru DCL can be done cheaper on your own. DCL books thru a tour operator, then adds a surcharge for their time and trouble. Yes, it is easier to pay DCL than the tour operators (shows up on your KTTW account). And if the ship can't get you there, DCL handles your refund. However, you deal with the crowds on DCL excursions which are almost non-existant on your own, and you can save a little money up to major $ depending on your situation. THe biggest savings are with 10-11 year olds.
Kathryn

 

[minimouse43]

I tried to book the Angullia Dolphin & Stingray encounter in St. Maarten (eastern) on my own and it can't be done. I called directly and they told me that Tuesday is the only day they DO NOT book any other side tours because the Disney passengers take up all the space that day.
Instead I booked the Discovery Cove in Orlando for our dolphin experience. Even the DCL told me it is not to be missed when you are in Florida! We will give it a try. Must warn you though, it costs $$$$$!!!

 

[RKB]

If you are doing the Western. You can book the Dolphin Swim in Cozumel at Chankanaab park yourself through shoretrips.com. This park will keep you busy all day. As for Captain Marvins we went right to their website - I don't remember for sure but may have been captainmarvins.com. It was easy to find. You can easily get your own tour to Hell and the Turtle farm. I would definitely do these tours again - we were completely happy.