Jan 9, 2010 Western Magic

[taswira]

I was just looking at Pop Century... Is that a good "on property" hotel? If you book a week at WDW and buy food and park hopper passes and souveniers and etc... is it cheaper than a cruise? We all want to go on the cruise but we are trying to determine if it would be wise to postpone the cruise and do something more economical.

I agree with cmclaura. It's apples to oranges. No comparison. I've done more cruises than I have stayed on property at WDW, but I think there's a higher likelihood of spending more on a WDW vacation than on DCL. You can economize on either, but since I'm not a fan of organized excursions and since I usually explore the port but return to the ship for meals, I think cruising is a better deal . . for me anyway.

And keep in mind that after the improvements are completed at Castaway Cay and after the new ships are sailing, prices are likely to skyrocket! I'm cruising while I can.

cmclaura - Sounds like you're really getting organized!

 

[cmclaura]

I am one of those planner types. It makes my family crazy that I have everything planned before we go. But then why do they drive me crazy by asking me questions each and every day of the cruise as to what they should be doing next? Sheeesh!

I was still mulling over the WDW vs the DC question and I agree that I do think going to WDW may cost more than doing the cruise, even with buying meal plans, etc. I have never stayed on property, either, as it just wasn't worth the extra $$$ to me. I tend to just sleep in the hotel, not enjoy the amenities, pool, etc. Plus, I like to see other things besides the resort destination when I go places. And, I think the cruise is more relaxing.

Maybe look into a 3/4 day split and do both? Enjoy the best of both worlds! But I strongly recommend doing WDW first and then the cruise. Traipsing around WDW is very tiring and physically draining and the cruise, while still offering a number of things to do (more than you can really do, actually) is somehow much more tranquil and refreshing.

But then, maybe that's attributable to all those hours I spent hogging one of the recliners in the Rainforest part of the Spa. I just love that.

Maybe all the ladies on here should get together for one of the Ladies Spa Days as a meet-up?

Laura

 

[taswira]

I've stayed at Pop, AK Lodge (3 times), the Contemporary, and Coronado Springs. Each time, I spent a lot more throughout my stay than I expected. I keep going back to DCL as the best value for the money. In my case, it's very expensive when I sail solo as I often have, but when someone is with me (as this time) so I don't have to pay the outrageously high solo rate, it's a great value.

Laura - I'm a compulsive organizer myself. Put it this way: I am pretty much packed already! Today I received my renewed passport, so I can finally stop stressing.

 

[luvsTink]

Count us in!
Me (Anne), DH, DD - Jordan, 12 and DD -Taylor, 10.

This is our second DCL cruise and we will be bringing with us a family of newbies (2 adults, 3 kids).

The plan is to do the WDW half marathon in the morning and board the Magic afterwards! I will definatley be looking forward to the spa!

TTFN
Anne

 

[newbydisney]

Cost I think is a cruise is more economical and easier to control spending.

I have never stayed at POP and do not plan to. We always stay at Port Orleans. It's very quiet there.

A cruise to me is a vacation...going to the parks is more like work. If you don't need a rest then you may prefer the park(s) and all those activities. Personally, I need a rest and guaranteed warmth. It can be chilly in Orlando in Jan..but the cruise by day 2 you are very warm.

That's my 2 cents worth..I hope you cruise with us!..you could always just do a day at the parks on your way down or back..that's what we do. We try to do a park the day before we board...massages are 30% off generally on day one..and after the park ..I need it!! ( well just my feet)

 

[newbydisney]

Count me in anyone want to follow it with tea at Palo?

 

[tow-mater-1]

Hey everyone, I'm having a serious anxiety about booking our flights returning home and need some advice. We have had our flights to MCO booked for a while now though Southwest and got a great price at $59. Now returning there are two direct flights with Southwest one at 5:30pm for $62, and one at 1:20 for $96. Now my hubby feels (and I agree) that being in an airport with 6 kids for 8 hrs makes it worth the extra to leave early. So I decided to look at other airlines. Now Airtran has flights for $64 leaving at 10:43. YIKES...I know. I realize that Disney says that flights should not be booked before 12:30 BUT January is a down time right? Which means that airport security lines are probably not as long. So I'm wondering what some of you seasoned travellers think. Any thoughts would be great

 

[taswira]

...Now Airtran has flights for $64 leaving at 10:43. YIKES...I know. I realize that Disney says that flights should not be booked before 12:30 BUT January is a down time right? Which means that airport security lines are probably not as long. So I'm wondering what some of you seasoned travellers think. Any thoughts would be great

I would play it safe and go for the 1:20 $96 flight. There is simply no way that taking the chance on the early flight would be worth it to me. If you have early dining you should be among the first off the ship (and those with early flights can always let them know), BUT on rare occasions the process can be stalled like peak freeway traffic due to a problem clearing customs - for either the ship or individual passengers. In eleven prior cruises with Disney, I have seen this happen only twice. For me, trying to save the dollars would not be worth the stress.

I have never flown in for a cruise since I live less than an hour from the port, but I used to be a Disney specialist travel agent. DCL tells you not to make it earlier than 12:30 . . for a good reason. Good luck whatever you decide!

 

[tow-mater-1]

Thanks Taswira, we took your advice and we are now booked for the 1:20! When I added it all up it's like $155 ruturn AND since we don't have to pay for luggage it's like another $30 off right. So it's actually like $125 return with any other airline. My hubby is alot happier with the later flight and less stress...Me I like livin on the edge.
Welcome luvstink! Hey my uncle is doing the Goofy, so my daughter and I were thinking if we couldn't sleep we would go and cheer him on. Maybe we'll make a sign for you too.
Did someone say spa!! Count me in!

 

[Tatiana]

I had a fun shopping day - trying to check a few things off my "need for cruise" shopping list! I found the best 12.1mpix digital camera with a 24X OPTICAL zoom for only $369CND!!!

It will be perfect for spotting Mermaids or watching out for approaching Pirates

I'm so excited already! I can't wait till January!

 

[NYhorsefarm-mom]

Thank you all for the input on the cruise vs. WDW. I would rather cruise but we thought we would have more of it paid for by now. I think we could easily over spend at WDW. Our new plan... We have decided to book the 4 day leaving Jan 10th. That helps with the money situation and still gives us a lovely cruise. The down side... getting off after 4 days. Have a great 7 day cruise everyone.

 

[tow-mater-1]

Thank you all for the input on the cruise vs. WDW. I would rather cruise but we thought we would have more of it paid for by now. I think we could easily over spend at WDW. Our new plan... We have decided to book the 4 day leaving Jan 10th. That helps with the money situation and still gives us a lovely cruise. The down side... getting off after 4 days. Have a great 7 day cruise everyone.

Aw, we're sorry we're going to miss you. I'm sure you'll have a great time though on your cruise.

 

[actuarian]

DW and I will be joining all of you on this cruise! We were originally booked on the Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas but switched our res. to the Magic last weekend. This will be our third time on the Magic but our 19th cruise. We are also spending three days at SOG (Shades of Green), the military resort in WDW. Is there anyone else in this thread who works for the military or who will be at SOG? Looking forward to meeting all of you.

Dave

 

[taswira]

DW and I will be joining all of you on this cruise! We were originally booked on the Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas but switched our res. to the Magic last weekend. This will be our third time on the Magic but our 19th cruise. We are also spending three days at SOG (Shades of Green), the military resort in WDW. Is there anyone else in this thread who works for the military or who will be at SOG? Looking forward to meeting all of you.

Dave

Welcome! I don't work for the military, but my DH is a retired Air Force fighter pilot. I was in the Air Force long ago. He won't be sailing with me though. It will just be my mom and I - Her 2nd DCL cruise (first on the Magic) and my 12th.

Will this be your first stay at SOG? My DH and I have not stayed there, but are considering it in the near future.

Shari

 

[Tatiana]

actuarian! Wow, 19 cruises! You must be a pro! I'm coming onboard with my parents, and we're all first time cruisers!

 

[actuarian]

This will be our second visit to SOG. I am a Civilian employee (actuary) of the Coast Guard. Several of the people who work with me at CG headquarters are Air Force veterans. If you enjoy WDW, SOG is the best place to stay; the rooms and service are comparable to Disney Deluxe such as the Contemporary or the Polynesian (but without the monorail service) while the $131/night price is only a fraction of what those resorts charge. Also, there is no room tax or sales tax at SOG since it is a federal property. The location is perfect, directly across the road from the Polynesian. Have you actually been on the Magic 11 times before or were some of those on the Wonder? (Of our previous 18 cruises, 7 were DCL but 5 of those were on the Wonder.)

Regards, Dave

 

[actuarian]

Tatiana, as a first time cruiser, you will love the magic. Our first two cruises in 2003 were on DCL (first on the Wonder and second on the Magic) and DW and I agree that it is the best cruise line for first timers. We liked the first cruise so much that we booked the second right on the Wonder, debarking from the Wonder on a Thursday and embarking on the Magic two days later on Saturday! We had planned to spend the second week of that vacation at a Disney hotel but Disney let us transfer our prepayment from their hotel to the cruise line.

 

[taswira]

This will be our second visit to SOG. I am a Civilian employee (actuary) of the Coast Guard. Several of the people who work with me at CG headquarters are Air Force veterans. If you enjoy WDW, SOG is the best place to stay; the rooms and service are comparable to Disney Deluxe such as the Contemporary or the Polynesian (but without the monorail service) while the $131/night price is only a fraction of what those resorts charge. Also, there is no room tax or sales tax at SOG since it is a federal property. The location is perfect, directly across the road from the Polynesian. Have you actually been on the Magic 11 times before or were some of those on the Wonder? (Of our previous 18 cruises, 7 were DCL but 5 of those were on the Wonder.)

Regards, Dave

Dave - I live an hour from WDW and am an annual passholder. Have stayed at Contemporary, Animal Kingdom Lodge, Coronado Springs and Pop Century. I like the look of SOG and its convenient location. However, the price is based on rank so sometimes a discounted rate at a WDW deluxe resort is comparable. I'd still like to try it though. And "no tax" always helps!

About half my DCL cruises were on the Wonder, including my very first cruise which was "Disney Cruise College" onboard training for travel agents/consultants in 2002. I used to sail on the Wonder often . . until I got hooked on the 7-night cruises.

 

[actuarian]

Taswira, you are correct that rates are based on rank. However, those rates only apply to active duty service people. Retired service people and civilian employees of the services pay the highest rate, which is currently $131/night for most rooms, $141/night for poolside rooms and $250/night for suites. Even with the annual passholder discount (which I used to have, although I am no longer an annual passholder), rates at a disney deluxe resort are over $200/night + tax for the least expensive rooms in the resort. Over the years I have been visiting WDW (since the 1970s), I have also stayed at all of the hotels you mentioned plus the Yacht Club, the Beach Club, the Grand Floridian, Port Orleans and the Boardwalk Inn. Of those, only the Contemporary and the Grand Floridian have rooms that are as large as the rooms at SOG. As for room quality, that is subjective. However, I would rank SOG as number 2, behind the GF. The Unofficial Guide ranks it #6 out of the 27 resorts that are on property, behind the 3 monorail resorts and 2 of the Vacation Club villa resorts. --Dave

 

[taswira]

Dave - The appeal of SOG to my DH from what he has seen is that he thinks it would not feel quite as "Disney" to him - lol - which oddly is how he would want it. To each his own. I love the atmosphere of the AK Lodge, only due to the theming. Otherwise, I like the Contemporary for its monorail convenience. I do think I would enjoy SOG though, and my DH certainly would. I'm sure we'll give it a try sometime. Thanks.

So you were on the Wonder in 2003? My 4-night Wonder cruises that year were May 25th and Sept. 28th. Were you on either of those?

Getting too off-topic here I guess, but at least it's bumping up the thread.