Please don't spend the extra money doing DCL..................you'll be hooked for life!
We did our first 4 night in early Dec 04 with group rates for Mousefest. We didn't participate in any of the Mousefest activities, but benefited in that our Cat 11 for 2 was $1000. I enjoyed sailing in December even though it was cooler because the decorations were phenomonal (and we still swam at CC)! We booked again for Dec 06, this time we did a 4 night over Christmas. It was amazingly expensive, but I'd do it again in a heartbeat. It was one of the best Christmas's (is that the word???) we've ever had.
We're doing the EB Panama Canal trip in August, and I look at the price and think how darn cheap it is! I know my thinking is skewed, but $3226 ($2726 once you subtract all my OBC and discounts for tranferred booking and
travel agent) for 15 nights when I paid $2400 for 4 nights is a good deal in my book.
Anyway, as others have said:
1. Book really early....or if more flexible, really late
2. Check
travel agency group rates
3. Book land and sea separately
4. Rental car instead of tranfers may be cheaper
5. Don't forget to budget gratuities
6. Cheaper spa appointments can be booked on some port days
7. Booking with certain travel agencies can get you OBC, cash to you
checks, or gift cards.
8. Travel when kids are in school, it's generally cheaper
9. Buy insurance on your own
10. Bring your own water and alcohol on board...yes it's allowed
11. Book and make full payment with a Disney Visa and get a $50 OBC
Join us over on the Cruise Board. You can get lots more information there!
Good Luck!