How far in advance do you book?

[monzmom]

Hi everyone! My DH, DD, 3 sisters and their families, and I want to do a 7-day Eastern Carribean cruise in July 2005. This would be our first Disney cruise, the first cruise with kids and I need your input.

How far in advance do you book your cruise? I see from the Disney's website that they have the schedule out through May 2005. Are there any incentives for booking early?

I also noticed that Disney requires a $250/person deposit. Does Disney allow you to make monthly payments or do you have to make one final payment 60 days pre-boarding?

One of my sisters really wants a cabin with a veranda. Is this worth the money?

We will be celebrating my DD's 9th and my DN's 4th birthday while we're on board. Does anyone have any ideas of how we could celebrate on board? Can we get a birthday cake for them on the ship?

I'll stop rambling now......thanks in advance for your help!

DU

 

[westjones]

I would book early since you are going in a peak season and prices will probably go up as time gets closer.

I do believe you can make payments if you book through Disney (but I haven't done that). I booked through Dreams Unlimited and I know that they do allow payments because I did that every month so my cruise was paid off over the year.

Tell them you are celebrating birthdays when you book your cruise.

I can't answer about the verandah, I have never had one. They are way too expensive for us. We just love being on the ship and we don't spend much time in our room. If I could afford it, I might get one just to see what it is like. I am sure it is nice.

Have a great trip!
DJ

 

[wdwmom2]

Hi Donna,

I booked a 4 day land/3 day cruise in July 2002. Our vacation isn't until April 18, 2004. I booked through mouseearvacations.com and the agent that we are dealing with is wonderful. I'm not sure but I know that travel agency must send thier agents to Disney just about every year. They go through a special Disney "schooling". She was very helpful with planning where to stay onsite and had alot of valuable information. We had to give a $200 deposit per person up front. I believe that we must be paid in full 1 month before we leave. We are getting a room on the ship with a verandah. I am sooooo excited about our vacation. It is all I can think about!!! Constantly planning and reading these boards for ideas and advice. She also told me that the earlier that you book, the cheaper that it is. I thought that the opposite would be true. I guess you learn something every day!!!!

 

[ReadyForDisney2003]

I just got off the 10/11 Magic and rebooked for April, 2005. I want Memorial Day, 2005. It is not avail yet. The onboard agent (Donna) said the rest of 2005 will open up this coming January. Even though the Disney site has April, 2005, you can't book it yet.

I made my booking for March, 2005 and will move to May, 2005 when it becomes avail this January. Basically, I don't think the rates will be any cheaper than they will in January. They will only go up from that starting point.

 

[aprilgail2]

Book as soon as you can! We booked ours in March this year for next May and the price has already gone up over $1,000.00!!

 

[CRB#33]

The day they opened the bookings

And I think the verandah is worth the extra money, especially on a 7 night cruise. However, if that isn't possible, any room will be wonderful once you are on the ship

 

[MarkLem]

I think we booked 13-15 months in advance for our jan 4, 2004.

 

[monzmom]

Thanks for your help guys--I knew you guys had the answer! I'll look to book our trip in January 2004. Have a great day! DU