Family of 5

[Lisa414]

I am new to the board so this question may have already been ask and answered. Anyway, I want to know what is the most economical way to do a Disney Cruise for a family of 5. I have checked into this in the past but on the higher class cabins on the ships accomodate 5 people. I talked to a customer service rep with Disney and her recommendation was to get two rooms that join. I'm not rich by any means. I would like to go on a Disney cruise but I at the same time like to enjoy myself knowing I didn't put our family in debt. Any help would be appreciated. TIA

 

[DrCavin]

As you have found out, a family of 5 must get a cat 4 or higher or get two rooms. Some categories have connecting rooms available, other families have gotten rooms across the hall from each other. Usually it is cheaper to get 2 rooms and you also have to added bonus of another bathroom & more room..

Check out www.all-seastravel.com they have pricing on their site, get a quote for dreams unlimited (sponser of this board), Costco is also popular with getting great rates.

HTH

 

[Jillpie]

We are a family of five and just booked our second cruise for next June. The cheapest way to go is two cat. 11 rooms, side by side. I believe the connecting rooms are more expensive. If you book early enough, you'll be able to choose higher decks, we are on deck 7 and have the advantage of using the outside "secret" verandah in the very back of the ship. Not too many people know about it, so it stays empty most of the time. Its a nice getaway from being in the inside rooms. Good luck!

 

[taeja71]

It was actually cheaper for our family of five to get two rooms (they were not adjoining). We took Grandma with us (it was still cheaper taking her). One of the kids slept with her and we all gained extra space. I believe we had a cat. 6 inside stateroom (stateroom 6606 and 6609). My husband did the all the $$$ research, but I think on DCL.com you can play with the passanger numbers and staterooms and search for the best price.

I agree with the previous poster about checking with Costco or Sams Club about an even cheaper price to cruise DCL. Good luck on your hunt! If you have young children the $$ is high, but the ship is all Disney and they'll love it!

 

[Sue (mom of 3 boys!)]

There are so many options...

Here's what we did...
2 category 8 rooms, connected w/doors (which we propped open). With 3 boys (8, 11, & 13), it was the best option for my family. We were just not comfortable having them alone across the hall-I like to be able to see them. It was like having a large suite, and only cost about $200.00 more total than a category 5.
Category 4, IMHO, would be crowded for my bunch. We like to spread out. The only drawback was that we didn't have a veranda. BUT we spent so little time in the room, we didn't miss it. The huge portholes let in a lot of light, and we had such nice views. Tons of storage, and of course the 2 split baths.
We configure the rooms with my DH and oldest son in 1 cabin, and myself w/the 2 younger in another. This was the cheapest for us. When we got on ship, we had the KTTW cards altered so the opened the actual rooms we were in.
Check out the many ways others do it, and I'm sure you'll find something suitable for your family.

 

[mmouse37]

Sue, just a clarification.....the Cat 5's only hold 4 max....the Cat 4's can hold a family of 5. Just didn't want anyone thinking the Cat 5's hold 5.

 

[2boyshere]

I don't believe 2 adjoining Cat 11's is more $$$ than non-adjoining. This is the way my sister with 5 did it in Jan. They were on Deck 2 which was fine and it was much cheaper than 1 Cat 4 room plus they had 2 bathrooms. We all booked again for a 4 night for April 2006 and we got 3 Cat 11's on Deck 5. Her 2 are adjoining and mine will be right nect door. You learn alot when you've been once. We loved the whole thing!

 

[suejmj]

I just booked 2 category 11 rooms for my family. I suggest that you try Expedia. I received quotes from many different websites all in the range of $2,200 for 2 in a room. Expedia had group discounts for select cruise dates and select rooms for $1,716. The cost for 2 adults in a room with one child under 6 was $2,149. The cost for 3 adults in a room was $2,364.
My point is to try different websites - orbitz, expedia, mycruisevalue, etc. They all offer select sailings at special group discount rates - as long as they have the rooms available.

Hope this helps - I know how expensive it is with a larger family. We have learned all of the tricks to traveling under a strict budget.

 

[Sue (mom of 3 boys!)]

OOPS!
I meant category 4-I edited my post-thanks for catching my error!

 

[Skatermom23]

See if you can get two of the SPR's that are connecting. Our family of four is doing this just so that we can have two bathrooms. Can you imagine two teens, two adults and only one bathroom.... Plus we get the added benefit of a little outside light. You do have to book these rooms way in advance but the price is right!

 

[Mommyjamiex4]

Our family of 6 LOVES to cruise but hate the fact that we need 2 rooms. One travel agent suggested rooms across the hall. NO WAY! Our kids are 9,6,3,1. THen they suggested adjoining rooms, which were still pricey. So we ended up getting 2 inside rooms and bringing my mom along, LOL. She'll keep our 2 oldest in her room with her and I can still snuggle up with my husband at night.

This is the only economical oprion for us while they are still young.