Buy Disney or Local Excursions??

[uncgsweetz16]

Hey everyone! We are going on our first Disney cruise in October and was wondering if anyone never booked anything through Disney and did it all through the locals. I know there will be tons of taxis and people waiting for us so I wanted to know your opinions. Where is the best place to snorkel? Nasseau or Castaway Cay? Can you see anything "disney" while in the water? We are also interested in seeing Atlantis! should we just take a taxi or pay for a tour? Please help with thoughts!!

Lisa

 

[kcashner]

If you snorkel at CC, you will see several "Disney" things in the water. If you bring a baggie of dry dog food...and get out a few pieces when you are out in the snorkel area, you will be suddenly surrounded by fish. It kinda scared me the first time!

I like CC much better than Nassau, but of course, that's personal opinion. We do all our excursions on our own (but on first cruise or 2, I booked thru DCL...till I realized how much money I could save and that I liked being on my own schedule.) For Atlantis, take a taxi.

 

[ljql_5969]

Never cruised Disney before myself but I have cruised some other lines. After doing our frist cruise where we booked everything through the cruiseline, we decided to do our second cruise by booking our own excurions. And since that second cruise, we always book our own stuff now. Just my 2 cents.

Have fun!

 

[rsjj]

did our excursions thru dcl. only because we have 2 little ones. (they were 2 & 4 at the time...) just thought it would be "safer", not having to worry about being late, or running from here to there, and more convenient, w/little ones in tow. this time, our DSs are 3 & 6, and am doing one thru dcl, another thru "on our own", w/other fellow DISers.

when the boys get a bit older...might venture out on our own! you'd definitely save lots of $ that way, i think!

 

[webray]

In Nassau we did book the Historical City tour and it was excellent. Only takes two hours, we did it right when we got off the ship. We had the rest of the day to explore on our own.

You can easily take a cab to Atlantis, so I would definately do that on your own.

 

[Par8hed]

Always-Always-Always do the excursions on your own. You will save time, a bundle of $$$, and have the options of leaving if/when you desire or changing the itinerary. Use common sense......if Disney is "sponsoring" an excursion.....you can rest assured they are getting a cut. I have found that the crew members are excellent travel "advisors" for doing the excursions on your own.

 

[Disney with Triplets]

Our first cruise, we booked through the cruiseline. Since then, we've been doing our own. With little effort on the internet or Fodors books/guides, you can determine what you would like to do and how to do it that suits your family best.

If you are more flexible and can "go with the flow", some of our best recommendations have come from the cruise staff.

Another thing to consider - we're not good at "follow the person with the red notebook, everyone onto the bus now, let's take the scenic route to tour the village" sort of travelers. We oftentimes rent a car at the port or otherwise schedule our own day according to what we're up for that day - head to the beach for awhile, let's shop in town in order to avoid the tourist traps at the pier, find out where we can get grilled lobster on the beach, etc. Some are comfortable with this approach, others find this approach stressful.

Have fun!

 

[GenieDana]

Cheeze Wiz (other soft cheeze in a squirt can) also makes a great sea-life attractant (color, aroma) while snorkeling. It's easy to dispense, stays "dry" until you use it and a little can (packs in luggage easy) goes a long way.

And if you don't use it up for the fishies, use it for humans...

 

[uncgsweetz16]

Perfect!!! Thanks for everyones help! Can you do "your own" excurisons on CC? I assume there are not of locals here. We are going to take a taxi to Atlantis for sure but we DO want to snorkel to see the "Disneyestic" things in the water. Was't sure if there are other people waiting for you on this island. Thoughs/tips??? Thanks in advance everyone!!!

 

[stretch]

I saw some posts here saying to just take a cab to Atlantis. What are you able to do if you are not staying there? I understand you cannot tour the aquarium or pools, just the casinos.

 

[Bethipooh4]

Keep in mind though, if you do excursions on your own or book independently, and are delayed back to the ship for any reason, and miss the all aboard, the ship MAY leave without you.

We book our excursions through Disney and pay the extra $$$ for the peace of mind knowing that if we are delayed, the ship will wait for us.