I'm frugal, is this $8000 or $9000 vacation worth it???

[KKB]

I may get flamed here...but I'm going to tell it as I see it.
I am not a Disney nut, but MIL is taking whole family on DCL in Dec., and I certainly am not one to pass up a free trip!
DH and I took Princess last Oct. for first cruise and LOVED it. We got a terrific deal on airfare, hotels and the cruise. You can get MUCH cheaper crusies than Disney, and you will likely still have a terrific cruise.
Here's how I see it. If you are a Disney nut, or you have younger children (3-9 or so), Disney would seem worth the cost. Their children's program seems to be the top of the chart compared to other lines, and it is open virtually ALL day--early morning to midnight most days. Other lines have much more restricted hours. Older kids (teens/pre-teens) would not need the extended hours and could likely have more freedoms, so Disney might not be as important for them.
I am one who likes to get the most for my money. I personally would probably never book Disney myself. But if Disney is your THING, or you have youngsters, the price may justify the experience.
You will have a wonderful time, and I NEVER have a problem justifying the cost of travel--ALWAYS worth it to me!
Happy cruising!
Kristin

 

[cjsmith]

I agree: fun vacation = DCL (or any cruise for that matter)
unbelievable history/experience = travel/Europe

Yeah, after working my heinie off 50 weeks a year I love the thought of being waited on hand and foot by the pool, at the beach, on the verandah, etc. But I'd also like to see the Eiffel Tower, ride on the TLV, see the Alps, visit the Greek ruins, etc. Maybe an African safari. Maybe the Great Wall of China. Definitely Hawaii. Also Alaska, the Grand Canyon, etc. etc.

I guess the point is that for us our travel decisions are based both on money (about $5K/year for us) and the time we have left with the kids as they grow up. I'm sure as grandparents with luck we'll have the family cruises and other reunions, but while they're still kids I want to experience different new things with them.

Then do a cruise through Europe, that's what we're doing this summer. We're spending 4 nights in London prior to the cruise followed by a 10 night cruise through the Norther Europeon capitals. We figure this way we get the best of all worlds and since this will be our first trip with the kids, they can relax at night after touring all day and we can still be out! The best part is you pay your cruise in US dollars. Every trip we've taken to Europe has been on our own and we thought this was a great way to bring the kids.

Now it's still incredibly expensive but it will be worth every penny since it's a once in a lifetime type of trip with the kids. I will have spent $17,000 before I'm even there between the cruise, airfare, transfers and hotel but it will be worth it I'm sure. I still we have food in London, cruise tips, excursions, museum fees, and cocktails! Now if I can tell convince the kids that they don't have to eat while in London I'll be all set!

 

[hawaii5o]

wow!!!! $8000-$9000 for a 7 night cruise. I have not been on our cruise yet. We are a family of three and doing the 3 night cruise first. I would hate to spend alot of $$$ and not like it, even though I know we will. We went to Hawaii for 11 days stayed at the Hyatt regency in Maui and the Hilton Waikaloa on the big Island and spent only $7,000. That was for 3 adults and one child with airfare. I thought that was alot of money but then when I was there, it was worth every penny!!!!!!! Even now I still think it was worth every penny. Oh and one more thing, the cruise has all meals included and our trip to Hawaii didnt. Good Luck deciding what to do

 

[3DAN]

I hope momtofour answer this big question. Inquiring minds want to know.
I also went on a seven day trip over spring break last year. BIG DOLLARS. $8000 for the cat 4 on the ship and everything else was extra including the airfare.
Was it worth it????? The answer is ABSOLUTELY!!!!!!!!! It was our first cruise and we also love Disney. Not fanatics mind you but we are in DVC. THe magic of the ship just getting on it was unbelievable. Then to have Disney hospitality to boot was wonderful. I am currently scheduled for two more cruises on Disney (panama canal to California is next).
I'm sure that I will get tired of Disney in the not too distant future and retire to other lines or to other destinations. The family time together was the greatest perk. Disney means FAMILY and that was it for us. What is the answer momtofour?

 

[krdisneybound]

Everyone that posted above has definitely answered your question w/o a doubt.

Back when my children were youngsters, at about age 8 or 9, I started crusing with them and allowed each one to bring a friend with them. They are now 41 - 33 and 32. Today they cruise every chance they get and love it. Had I never started crusing with them, they would not have memories of the good times we had together.

My first cruise was from Germany on the Queen Elizabeth. It was a 3 week cruise and absolutely fabulous. Memories I will never forget over the years.

Go for it and enjoy every minute of it..........

We can't take it with us and shrouds (? spelling) don't have pockets.

 

[byon_and_lara]

As one "mom to four" to another, I know how expensive it is to travel with a family of six. Between airfare and needing two cabins, it is outragous.

We did a land/sea Disney vacation last August for right around $10K. This is more money then we have ever spent on a vacation and I did loose a few nights sleep before the trip worrying about whether is was worth it. But I can tell you now that the memories of our family vacation are PRICELESS to me now. I have a family picture of our Disney vacation sitting where I can see it every day and it still gives me warm fuzzies. I treasure my Disney vacation photo album so much!!

You can see many of our pictures www.garrabrant.com/disney

We got the inside "cheap" cabins, too. I just couldn't justify all that extra $$$ for a window. We would rather save the money for goodies and for future vacations. We can pretty much do two trips with inside cabins for the same price as one trip with the more expensive rooms. The inside rooms are cozy and met our needs perfectly and everywhere else on the ship, we were treated the same as all the bigger spenders.

The kids LOVED it!! If you ask them if they would rather do a Disney themepark vacation or a cruise and without hesitation they all say "cruise!!" They aren't to keen on the lines with the rides but they LOVED being pampered on the cruise. We are booked for a West Coast cruise in July and we can't wait!! We live near the west coast, so we couldn't pass up the opportunity to cruise Disney without having to fly (let me tell you, flying across country with four kids is NOT fun..lol).

We have been on other cruise lines and had a fabulous time, but nothing can compare to Disney for the family. What I LOVE about Disney is their send off and theme parties. Other cruise ships just quitely take off, with Disney it is a big party!! (music, dancing, bubbles, Mickey and Minnie and the bunch) It gives me goose bumps just thinking about it!!

Have a great time and take lots and lots of pictures!!

Lara

 

[Aisling]

Is it worth it?

That's what I'm hoping for! This will be our first cruise, and as excited as we are, sometimes I get a funny feeling in my stomach that this is just too much money. We'll be spending close to $10,000 for our family of four, including everything, for a week's cruise. But I'm big on the importance of memories and family experiences, so when I think of it that way, it's worth it. Then I think we could take a 3 week trip to Ireland for that same money, or completely re-do my kitchen into my dream Disney kitchen, but this cruise always comes out on top. It's not going to put us into debt, so I shouldn't be concerned about the cost, but I totally understand the question "is it worth it". Reading these boards and TRs makes me feel better about the expense.

 

[invaderzim]

I may get flamed here...but I'm going to tell it as I see it.
I am not a Disney nut, but MIL is taking whole family on DCL in Dec., and I certainly am not one to pass up a free trip!
DH and I took Princess last Oct. for first cruise and LOVED it. We got a terrific deal on airfare, hotels and the cruise. You can get MUCH cheaper crusies than Disney, and you will likely still have a terrific cruise.
Here's how I see it. If you are a Disney nut, or you have younger children (3-9 or so), Disney would seem worth the cost. Their children's program seems to be the top of the chart compared to other lines, and it is open virtually ALL day--early morning to midnight most days. Other lines have much more restricted hours. Older kids (teens/pre-teens) would not need the extended hours and could likely have more freedoms, so Disney might not be as important for them.
I am one who likes to get the most for my money. I personally would probably never book Disney myself. But if Disney is your THING, or you have youngsters, the price may justify the experience.
You will have a wonderful time, and I NEVER have a problem justifying the cost of travel--ALWAYS worth it to me!
Happy cruising!
Kristin

Your points are valid -- but you haven't been on the ship yet. I would love to know what you think after your cruise in December. Please come back and post a comparison.

We are not Disney nuts by any means -- especially my DH and DD. I, more than them, love the Disney part. And while they are higher than many other cruise lines, here's why we don't cruise other cruise lines:

1. Their ship is magnificent - old style colors with wood and brass everywhere and the feeling is comfort and coziness.

2. Their staterooms are some of the biggest in the industry -- with the split bathrooms (that no other cruise line has).

3. You feel safer -- both with quality,food and staff.

4. We simply have not enjoyed the pompous atmosphere on some other cruise lines that seem to expect you to dress or act a certain way and frown on loud fun and "romping". Disney is truly a young at heart experience.

5. We love everything they offer -- the shows, the movies, the room service experience, the spa, the three pools (including an adults only area), the two jacuzzis, the great on deck chairs on the Promenade deck, the buffets, the entertainment during the dining experience and the INCREDIBLE sail away deck parties- - both leaving Port Canaveral and on also leaving some of the ports. And their theme nights are hard to beat.

6. And finally, we just love the atmosphere. We are in our 50's and my DD is 18 this year -- and we still go back to Disney. Yes, it's pricier, but we've never been disappointed and their customer service and hands down service is hard to beat.

All I can say is this -- we were stuck out at sea for three extra days in August because of Hurricane Frances. DCL had to redo our schedule and eliminate Key West to get us to their island, but added an extra port in Mexico. Then when they realized we couldn't get back to Port Canaveral for three days, they stopped in Galveston, Texas to restock and let us off the ship to sight see. They also offered anyone who wanted to leave the ship and go to Houston airport to fly out free transportation. Well, when I got back I went onto the Cruise Critic site and read other reviews of peoples experiences on other lines and DCL was the ONLY line that not only stopped to restock food, they also flew in extra entertainment from LA to entertain us for the extra nights. My daughter's teacher was on Norweigen and my friend's family on RCL and both ships ran out of breakfast items and towels on the last couple of days. We never noticed a single difference in service or quality -- NONE! To me -- THAT was worth every extra penny. Not only that, they put us up at WDW and got all of our flight times changed and gave us free transportation.

Nope -- wouldn't trade them for anyone else right now. This August we are taking the two week cruise from LA through the Panama Canal -- can't wait to see what they've planned because they never disappoint.

Just my two cents. But I really would like to know Kristin's thoughts when you get back. Honestly -- if you don't like it, no one will flame you.

Cathy

 

[3DAN]

I bet that the whole bunch of us would agree that we would like you to have the same wonderful experience that we have when we are onboard ship. Nobody wins when you have a bad time, especially DCL. I doubt that they ever want someone just to be happy. Magical is their intention. If they don't accomplish that , then they have failed. It is bad advertising and it doesn't generate more business. What percent are repeat cruisers on Disney? As you read the boards, how many have multiple trips. TONS OF PEOPLE. More added each day. Disney has to get more ships. They won't be able (and are likely having trouble now) to accomodate the need.
Bill

 

[KKB]

Family just watched the Travel Channel show together, and DH and I felt that visibly it looked very much the same as the Star Princess. Frankly we were thrilled w/ everything about our cruise. Service outstanding, ship immpeccable, upgrade to oceanview w/ space to spare for all we brought (2-30" suitcases, garment bag, golf clubs plus 2-20" carry-ons), activities galore, food was great...only complaint was the lack of music for us in 30s-40s. Either too old/slow or too young. We made due w/ the young and had a BLAST!
It's kind of like Vegas. We have stayed from the Sahara to the Mirage. We have ALWAYS had a good time. We now choose to pay more for the Mirage mostly because of central location, but only if we can get a good deal. We will stay at Bally's if price is much better.
Now, I COULD change my mind after the cruise, but knowing my "get the most for my money" self, I'm guessing I will choose to cruise for 1/2-2/3 the cost of Disney for a similar experience. Plus frankly, I could do w/o all the characters and Disney shows.
Funny, while my kids are excited, they are VERY disappointed that they will not be going to DisneyWorld! To be that close! But the cruise is over Xmas break, and we return New Year's Eve, and we all have to be back at school on Tuesday, so an extension isn't possible!
Again, I KNOW we will have a blast! And I am thrilled that MIL will spend the $ for us to experience something I doubt I would have paid for. Who knows, maybe I'll be a Disney convert after all!!!!.....
Happy cruising!
Kristin

 

[Suz D]

All I can say is this -- we were stuck out at sea for three extra days in August because of Hurricane Frances. DCL had to redo our schedule and eliminate Key West to get us to their island, but added an extra port in Mexico. Then when they realized we couldn't get back to Port Canaveral for three days, they stopped in Galveston, Texas to restock and let us off the ship to sight see. They also offered anyone who wanted to leave the ship and go to Houston airport to fly out free transportation. Well, when I got back I went onto the Cruise Critic site and read other reviews of peoples experiences on other lines and DCL was the ONLY line that not only stopped to restock food, they also flew in extra entertainment from LA to entertain us for the extra nights. My daughter's teacher was on Norweigen and my friend's family on RCL and both ships ran out of breakfast items and towels on the last couple of days. We never noticed a single difference in service or quality -- NONE! To me -- THAT was worth every extra penny. Not only that, they put us up at WDW and got all of our flight times changed and gave us free transportation.

WOW! Thanks for that information. I know how Disney is about trying to keep everyone happy, but I think that goes WAY beyond the call of duty...like the hurricane was Disney's fault? Again I say WOW!!