Disney Cruise Virgins - Discount possibilities?

[toddandava]

We have all kinds of Disney connections. Vacation club, annual passes, a son going into the Disney College Intern program...

We are thinking of taking the cruise during next Christmas vacation .. and we have never been on a cruise before. It seems to be somewhat expensive compared to staying at a resort.

Other than using Vacation club "points", do you know if there are other ways to get any sort of discount during a peak period, and also still be able to stay in Cat. 6, or higher?

thanks!

Todd and Ava

 

[izzinmac]

A lot depends on your definition of "Christmas vacation". In 2004, Christmas falls on Saturday, which is the day that the Magic usually ends one cruise and starts another. To avoid this, Disney has a 10 day cruise this year over Christmas. So that is one reason (a big one!) that rates are so high. I checked AllSeasons rates and a Cat 6 for 2 people is $6927. If you can have vacation a little earlier, the Dec 11 Eastern is $2595 for 2 people. Thats a huge difference. The key is the "peak" rates plus the 10 days vs 7. The other Christmas option is the 3 day Wonder on Dec 23, but that is $2454 for only three days!! I have found that the cheapest way to cruise with Disney is to book early and go in the "Off Season" Sometimes that means simply (I realize that is not simple for everyone) shifting a week or two in one direction or the other.
I noticed your son was in the Disney College Intern program. Does that qualify him for CM rates? Might want to check that. Also, if he is physically located in Fla, he might be eligible for Fla Resident Rates. Only one person per cabin needs to qualify for everyone to get that rate. They usually arent available until a few months before cruising, and probably won't be available for the 10 day Christmas cruise, but you can make reservations now and if they do come up, get the discount later. All that is needed is a Fla drivers license.
BTW, if you go in early December, you will still get the Holiday decorations on board, which are beautiful! Would I like to go at Christmas - yes! Am I willing to pay an extra $4500- No!!!!!!!!

 

[toddandava]

Thanks so much for your kind response. My son is about to be part of that Disney College intern program, but we are currently pretty ignorant as to what that means - what are CM rates?

 

[jilljill]

Originally posted by toddandava
Thanks so much for your kind response. My son is about to be part of that Disney College intern program, but we are currently pretty ignorant as to what that means - what are CM rates?

CM rates and other perks are not to be discussed on any public forum. I would suggest that your son contact his supervisor to get all that kind of information. I don't want to see anyone get in trouble for not knowing the rules.

Also, I am going to send you a PM.

 

[ca859093]

I think she just wondered what CM stands for which is
cast member.

 

[ClarabelleCow]

I too have DVC points, no deal there, plus for our date 8/21, it was sold out for points, I contacted the cruise line direct, Expedia, Travelocity, Oribitz, Cruisesonly.com (used to be gold coast cruises), the best deal I could get was through Costco Travel, they were about $700.00 less on a CAT 4!