First-time Cruisers...where to start?

[DWillowBay]

Sorry if this seems elementary to you...but I have finally decided (after dozens of trips to DL and WDW) that my family and I should experience a Disney Cruise. What I'd like to do is a 3-night cruise out of Port Canaveral to be followed by a week at WDW (staying on-property) in 2017. Can you give me some pointers of how to start this process? How would the transfers work back to WDW? Is it better for us, since we're flying into MCO, to rent a car one-way to Canaveral, stay overnight and then board the ship early? I'm sure I have many other questions, but am too new to the process to know them. Feel free to offer whatever guidance you feel is important. Many thanks!!

 

[CamColt]

Welcome to the World of Disney Cruising! I'm sure you will find tons of info here.

To start the process I would choose dates that you would like to cruise, then look into a Disney Specialist Travel Agent, such as Dreams Unlimited who sponsors these boards. You can submit a request and get pricing, then go from there with your agent. Being a first timer the help from a Disney Specialist would be priceless and of course, you can get an on board credit from them.

As for transfers you can book the DCL transfers with the cruise (I believe these would only be available to use the day of the cruise, not the day before), rent a car, or book private transfers (i.e. town car) on your own. Renting a car would of course give you more freedom on the day before the cruise and depending on your party size may be cheaper than DCL transfers.

My only other suggestion off the top of my head would be for a first cruise, if you can swing at least 4 nights, to do that. Often times a 3 night cruise will feel rushed and you may not get the full enjoyment out of it.

 

[MickeyEarrings]

My first pointer would be changing to a 4-night cruise. Three nights just fly by, and a 4-night cruise gives you a day at sea, including the opportunity for brunch at Palo.

 

[tink1970]

I agree with the longer the cruise the better, but of course you know your schedule best

Also I'd consider, if it's a possibility, cruising after the parks...it's not nearly as go go go and it's so nice to have everything (dining, entertainment, etc) in the same area so it's a bit more relaxing, at least IMHO.

There are many, many schools of thought regarding getting to the port. Some people like the flexibility of renting a car so they can make any last minute stops. Some folks like the all in one let Mickey do it port transfer. Others combine the two a bit by having a private transfer. Think about what you really want and what works for you, your family and your budget.

Enjoy your planning

 

[Confederate Scott]

I would suggest doing WDW first and then the cruise. We did WDW followed by the cruise and then back to Disney. We have been to WDW quite a few times and the cruise is so much more relaxing and a much higher level of service.

 

[DWillowBay]

Thanks for all the support. I'm just feeling a bit overwhelmed at this point, but I'm sure it will all come together.

 

[RedSox68]

Yes, do the 4-day -- and we even thought that was too short. But you will be happy to have the extra day onboard to explore the ship! Do WDW first, it is exhausting and gives you time to rest. Call DCL for price quotes, and check with a travel agent or two to see what incentives they offer (the prices will not vary, but they may offer an onboard credit, etc.). AAA usually has some nice packages for both WDW and DCL. Happy planning!

 

[cheermom2four]

DH and I did a 3-night back in Feb and it was way too short. Wished it was at least a 4 night as it was just way too short to even start enjoying it!. We are booked for a 7-night in Sept.

disboards is full of info and I totally scoured this site for an entire year leading up to our cruise. so glad I did as I realized there's just no way to "do it all" and I finally was able to accept it. Also, knowing where to go first if you wanted character meet tickets etc and dining suggestions etc. I love reading all the different opinions on here.

 

[Mousemommy1]

We just sailed on our 1st cruise last month. We did a 4 night on the Dream. We chose to do 2 nights at Disney prior to and then after the cruise as well.

I'm so glad we chose the 4 night instead of the three. It took us until about Day 3 to even feel oriented to the ship and how to get around. 3 nights would have been like a flash.

We used the DCL transfers which we found to be very efficient.