First time - where do I start

[kbkids]

We are planning to take a Disney cruise in the next couple of years, and I'm just starting to research. We have never cruised at all before, and we have two children - by that time will be around 4 and 7. Honestly, I don't know where to start, but right now I'm looking at staterooms to see what this will end up costing us. What category do you recommend? We would most likely do the 7 day cruise, and as usual on vacations, I'm sure it will pretty much be used for sleeping and getting dressed - not hanging out. But I don't want to feel cramped either. Thanks for your suggestions.

 

[SeaSpray]

First of all, you should go to www.disneycruise.com which is Disney Cruise Line's official web site. From there you can order their free video and brochure. The brochure has descriptions of each of the staterooms, including their size. The web site also has stateroom descriptions as well as pictures.

Secondly, you've come to the best place on the internet for up to date Disney Cruise info!

Basically the sizes of the staterooms don't change much between the Cat. 12s all the way up to Cat. 4s. There are a few feet difference, but nothing drastic. What does change is the view from your cabin. Since you're a party of 4, the lowest (most inexpensive) stateroom you could get would be Cat. 11. Cat. 11 and Cat. 10 are both inside staterooms, meaning there is no window inside the cabin. The difference between these 2 staterooms is a few more feet of space in the 10, and a split bathroom which is 2 separate parts of the bathroom; 1 part has the toilet and sink, the other has the tub/shower and sink. In the Cat 11, it's all one room. The Cat. 9s and 8s have the split bath PLUS a porthole so you can see outside. You wouldn't be able to get a Cat. 7 because they only sleep 3. Cat. 6 and Cat. 5 are the same size as Cat. 9 & 8, but they have a verandah. Cat. 4 is a bit larger cabin because it has a 5th bed that pulls down from the wall. The the suites are Cats 1, 2, and 3.

Hope this helps! Happy planning!

 

[kcashner]

Go to any travel agent and get the book...full of lots of info. Then hang here for awhile. You are right that you use your room to change and sleep. We've been in everything from an 11 to a 5. Personally, I'd rather cruise 3 times in an 11 vs. one time in a 4 or 5! My daughter does like a "window," but again, you spend very little time in the cabin.

With a 7 year old, you might want to consider taking him/her out of school for a week in Sept/Oct. or January. Rates frequently go way down during these times, and are frequently reduced even further than the standard "early booking" discount if the date is approaching and there is lots of room on the ship. Another advantage to travelling when kids are in school is that there are a lot fewer school age kids on the ship.

I'd definitely do a week....maybe even a day or 2 in the parks first. I don't like arriving in FL the day of the cruise...just build myself a little safety window. Even if it is only to fly in on Fri evening and stay in a low cost airport hotel the night before, you at least have the assurance that you are in FL!

 

[BABYJOSIE98]

If you book early enough you can request Cat 10 and ask for either room 5020 or 5022 and you pay a inside price for a room with a window. They are on deck 5 close to the kids clubs and pretty central to everything. We just stayed in 5020 on Oct 26 and loved it. The cruise before we did not have a window and I really liked looking out each morning when we got up. My DD(5) loved the window too. Can't beat the price!

There also two sets of adjoining rooms on 5 with secret portholes . You can check them out at www.castawayclub.com They have pictures of the "secret porthole rooms". Great deal if you can grab them. The obstruction was minimal. We had a great view.

These boards are great for tips..It really helps when you get on the ship to know what to do. Have fun planning. That is one of the best parts... Book early cause you can always cancel if needed and money is refunded in full till 60 days out.

 

[manchurianbrownbear]

I would also highly recommend the "Secret Porthole Rooms". We stayed in 5022 on the 11/6 Wonder and really enjoyed having the window!

 

[inkkognito]

I'll throw in my recommendation for the secret porthole rooms too! Castawayclub.com is my website, and my intrepid hubby took the photos so you can see exactly what you get. We frequently book either 5020 or 5520 (we don't like the other four because they are connectors, which means more noise from your neighbors). You can't beat that free view! They're in a nice, convenience location, too...near the elevators and right above the theater and nightclubs (of course, I am prejudiced because deck 5 is my favorite).
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com