Cruise or DVC?

[FayeW]

I am having a hard time making a decision about the cruise we booked in Dec. We have never cruised before, and I booked the DCL 7 day Western.

We have also never stayed onsite before, and now I'm wondering if it might be a better idea to rent some DVC points and stay at BCV. I really like the idea of a cruise, and seeing different ports, but, I would like to stay at BCV so the kids can relax at SAB., and I wouldn't have to worry about passports, etc.I know that no one can actually make a decision for me, but just looking for some thoughts from folks who may stay at DVC, and cruise as well. DD will be 12 at the time of the trip, DS wil be 10.

 

[knebel22@frontiernet]

Why not combine them both. We too have never stayed onsite but we have cruised (not Disney). In April we are doing 4 days at the POLY and 3 days on the Wonder. Should be the best of both worlds!
Enjoy

 

[FayeW]

I don't think the budget will stretch that far! Once I calculated the "true" cost of the cruise (cost, excursions, airfare, the park tickets for the couple of days we will be there before/after the cruise, and then convert all that to CDN) it will be in excess of $7K!! That's nearly double what we spend when we just go to the parks, however, we always stay offsite via skyauction. I could do a shorter cruise, but it would only take about $1500 off the cost, and then I would have to buy tickets for more park days. The idea of the DVC would give me a little of the luxury and convenience. I think I have to go lie down!

 

[DisneyBill]

Considering the age of your children, (it reads like they've been to WDW before) and the total relaxation and pampering you can acheive on the cruise, I'd stick with the 7 western.

 

[jomik1]

I'd stick with the cruise. My boys are the same age.(12 & 10) We did a 7 day Western in 2004 & a 3 day in 2005. We also did shorter DVC trips to SSR later in the year ( both cruises were in March). This year it's just DVC and we are all missing the cruise!! As much as we love going to WDW and we are all looking forward to this trip, (8 of us in a GV ) I'd give anything to have the time for another 7 day Cruise. Unfortunately, the boys school and sport schedules just won't cooperate!! Hopefully, next year we can do the 7 day for Spring Break and a shorter WDW trip later in the year. Aaahh, to be hanging out with a nice tropical drink on deck 9 or the verandah. Or better yet, a tropical drink on the beaches of Castaway Cay

 

[MrShiny]

I would too stick with the cruise. However, you might want to add at least a day or two on-site just to make sure you are down there in time. I'd suggest a studio - if you are getting DCL transportation, they can pick you up at BCV. Just a thought, but if you can't swing it, stay with the cruise!

 

[bobbiwoz]

If you are sure that you only want to do one, I would do the WDW vacation. We have cruised a lot and I love the Western Caribbean ports, but December is so "iffy" with weather/sea conditions. We did our only December Western Caribbean cruise a few years ago because we wanted cooler weather to go to the ruins in Tullum. It was definitely not beach weather and the seas were very very rough, it was good weather to go see the ruins if you don't count the terrible jostle we had on the ferry going to the mainland from Cozumel.

My 60th birthday is coming up in January. We (I) have been going back and forth about how to celebrate. My heart's desire is a 3 night DCL cruise, that's what we did for DH's 60th. It's the weather/sea conditions that will keep me from doing that.

If you could swing the 3 night cruise, 4 night land, that's what I would pick. The best case scenerio would be perfect weather for each part of the trip, and you would get to decide if cruising is something you want to do again.

Bobbi

 

[FayeW]

Thanks for the input! My daughter has ADHD, and I am concerned that the kid's clubs will not be to her liking (or more succinctly, she will not be to THEIR liking ). I am envisioning the 4 of us crammed into the 200 sq. ft room, and her being miserable on the sea days. I am actually leaning to scrapping the whole thing, and renting a week from an owner at Bonnet Creek. I've made some inquiries, but I still have lots of time to decide. Just this morning I got in on a deal over on the offsite accomodations board for the first 2 nights of our stay (staying 9 days) at Palms Suites for $59. including continental breakfast. This is a bi-level family suite, and we will stay there for our US/IOA days.

 

[MrShiny]

DCL is really good with all kinds of kids. If you let them know about her needs, they will do their best to meet them. I bet she'd have a great time and they would have little trouble. Call DCL to discuss before you make your final decision.

The cruise is just great. I do urger you to give it a try. The ships are wonderful.

Keep in mind there is plenty to do together outside your stateroom! Swim, eat, eat somemore - family game shows and parties.