For those who have stayed or will be staying in Category 1, 2 or 3...

[Hunter'sMama]

Hi Everyone,

I'm in need of some assistance and would appreciate any feedback ya'll can provide.

My family and I are planning a 7-night Disney Cruise for the summer of 2006. We are a large group and would like to stay in one of the Category 1 suites, one of the Category 2 suites and one of the Category 3 suites. I am aware that they do not have dates set this far in advance and these suites are hard to come by. For those of you who have stayed in these categories, how did you make your reservations? Did you call the day they announced the dates for your desired trip or is there another way? My parents cruised in Sept. of 2000 in a Category 3 and prefer the concierge service provided in these categories.

Also, how far in advance do they release dates? My husband, 2-year old son and I will be cruising in Sept. and it would be optimal if we could just book our 2006 cruise then.

Thanks for your help.

Sarah

 

[outahere]

As I'm sure you're already aware, the cat 1 and 2 cabins go VERY quickly. I believe there is a number where you can FAX in a request. I'd give DCL a call (800) 951-3532 and ask them what the number is (or someone here may post it for you). Send them the exact dates you want and your cabin requests.

 

[TammiMcMan]

I guess we must of been very lucky. I booked a category 3 on March 4th for the May 27th cruise. We are a family of five and found it to be very comfortable. If you're looking to get one of each for the same trip, then I think you'd be best faxing in your request as soon as you have your dates set.

Good luck

 

[Skuba2]

It will greatly increase your chances if you are totally flexible with the date you want to sail. I called when they opened some dates (usually 18 months in advance) and asked them to find the first Cat1 available. I have been lucky with the dates and always managed to find one on or around a holiday week. We went the first time the week after the Feb break which was fine cause we came down during the break and hit Universal first. This time we managed to get the April break.

DG

 

[Ginny]

I booked through Dreams Unlimited and they faxed in my request. They were able to get one of the center CAT 3's which is what we really wanted. They were great and let me know immediately that I had gotten the layout we wanted.


Good Luck in your planning. We have stayed in both CAT 3 and CAT 2 and loved them both.

 

[Dreamer04]

Hi Sarah. I wanted to add to the others above. Especially since you want a cat 1, and a cat 2 and a cat 3. Three suites might be hard to come by. IMO, don't wait for the 2006 dates to be released. Call inventory control now and they can waitlist you for those rooms.

 

[disneyholic family]

DCL instructions are to fax in your request with specific dates as soon as you know them. This is of course referring to dates that haven't yet been released into inventory.

I would call and talk to them first and then send off the fax.

We're in a cat 1 next month. Last time we were in cat 3.

For your cat 3 request, be sure to specify that you want 8032, 8034, 8532 or 8534.....these four category 3 staterooms are far superior to the other category 3's (the layout is much roomier)...
and they're also close to the cat 1 (your best bet would be either 8032 or 8532 which are right next to the cat ones (8030 and 8530),but it doesn't really matter since the cat 2 will be down the hall anyway)...

good luck!

 

[Hunter'sMama]

Thanks to all for your advice. I appreciate your help and have started the process. Everyone has been wonderful and I will be sure to turn to the boards the next time I have a question.

Thanks again!
Sarah

 

[MickeyB426]

I've stayed in a Cat 3, and then a Cat 1.

Both were magnificent, and I wouldn't sail any other way again.

However. since we were concerned about the size of our room, since were were going from a 3 to a 1, that for Cruise #3 (next Feb), we are again in a Cat 3, and we also got a connecting Cat 4.

It essentially turns the Cat 3 into a much larger suite, and you still get all the concierge perks, for both rooms.

 

[torismom]

we have contacted a ta to fax ahead for a cat 3,midship May 2006.

Does anyone have photos or tips they would like to share on the cat 3's.

we are excited.

 

[TootyJane]

Here is the fax number for Inventory Control: 407-566-7739.
It is best to be flexible with your sailing dates. Give DCL several dates to choose from. We booked our upcoming cruise back in May 2002 while onboard the Magic. Although dates were not yet opened, CM booked us at the fartherest date out (so we could get the $200 per room credit) and then told us to fax our request for a Cat. 2 to the above number as soon as we got home. This is exactly what I did. My suggest is to fax those requests now. 2006 seems so far away but it really isn't. HTH