Name three things that did NOT live up the hype?

[beachblanket]

1. The main showroom entertainment. Lack of a live band (which I've seen backing the production shows on every other line I've been on) made the shows seem (as my daughter put it) "cute, but very plastic."

2. Food service. Perhaps it's my experience on Celebrity and NCL, but given what you pay, dining on DCL is too fixed and generic. You have scheduled seatings for food that at best is B+ quality. Ability to get anything late at night is poor.

3. Nightlife. Yes, yes, I understand DCL is a family line - but I've never seen a ship "shut down" so early (after 10pm, you feel like you're walking through a ghost vessel).

 

[disneyfan551]

The same answer as others.... The food was just "ok", and the cheese platter was nothing special.

However, I have loved our DCL cruises & can't wait to go again in September!

 

[Cabelle1863]

The Sail Away & Pirates parties weren't a disappointment for me but not on my "must do" list for next time. Perhaps I'm not much of a party person? I'll come up to see the fireworks for the Pirates party but that's about it. Though years of fireworks at Disneyland have spoiled us so we could miss the fireworks and not worry about it.

I was a bit disappointed by the shopping. I'd love more DCL stuff. DH mentioned that perhaps they don't want to have to store a large inventory of items onboard, maybe a neat shop inside the terminal for a larger variety of items for "last minute before we go home" purchases?

The Celebrating the Journey event for the kids. It was neat seeing my daughters up there on stage but eek the crowds. It was nuts trying to get into the theater, the bingo party went over its time and no one directed the traffic jam of people tying to get into the theater when it was time. Maybe this goes along with my lack of interest in the Sail Away & Pirates party, perhaps I just am not a crowds person. We're going to skip this next time.

I also wish the photos could be similar to WDW or DL so you can see them on a viewer, pick which ones/sizes and then have them printed up. Seems as though it would be more efficient and much less wasteful.

 

[mrsltg]

It's wise not to let your expectations run away with you - hard as that may be! I was dying, DYING, for my first trip on the Magic. When it was over I was scratching my head wondering what happened. We enjoyed it, but it wasn't Disney spectacular. We are now planning to cruise the Magic in September of 2008 with our expectations more in line with what will happen.

The ship is beautiful. The staff are very friendly. The performers are quite talented.

My big let-downs were as follows:

1. The food - it was cafeteria quality. Not bad, just not YUM! The desserts were bad. I started ordering Mickey bars in my room instead (like that's a bad thing!)

2. Castaway Cay - it was fine. I was expecting fabulous. The music was Top 40 and not Caribbean. My dh asked the dj to play Jimmy Buffett and he didn't have any - are you serious? Instead we were treated to the latest thumping, pumping dance music that just didn't set the mood. Also, we had to hunt down a waiter/tress for a drink. I'm on a private island in the Caribbean, it stands to reason I may want a pina colada....

3. Adult beverages - not good. The pina coladas had a strong "mix" flavor to them. I can make better with my blender.

We will give DCL another try because our younger DD will be 3 and I know she'll love it just as her sister did. My older dd still talks about the Mickey pool and how much fun she had. It will be a great trip because we know what to expect.

 

[tiggr33]

Palo - Food is good to very good, but nowhere near great. I also found the service to be lacking. I have had LOUSY service twice at dinner, another time at brunch. There are some wonderful things on the menu, but IMHO some just weren't executed well. If the server is having an off day the whole service will suffer. Trust me, if I ask about ingredients, it's for a reason....I simply don't want to hear a server talk. I almost felt like I was bothering the one server by asking questions. On a positive, I love the layout and mood of Palo. I have had many great times there, but it's the people I was dining with, the ambiance, and the wine made the night.

Noise levels in dining rooms - I pack foam earplugs

Other passengers & DCL's lack of enforcing their own rules- If they say no flash photography PLEASE DON'T!! I was on one of the crossing cruises, and I had to be escorted back to my cabin in a wheelchair by the staff. I suffer from migraines triggered by bright flashes and strobes. On this occasion more then 1/2 the Walt Disney Theater was using cameras with flashes throughout the show, and yes I was prepared (sunglasses, meds, and looking down) and expected some flashes, but this occasion was beyond my worst nightmare. Plus let’s be honest how many people have a flash good enough for it to be effective in a dark theater if you’re not in the first row?????

Beverage service - by the third night you should know how I drink my iced tea.

 

[woogal]

I get so discouraged when I read these because my fear is that there are those that expect too much and perhaps are never satisfied.

DCL is the best vacation my DH & I have ever had. Yeah, the food isn't A+ (we fully realize that), the shows aren't spectacular, the pools are small (I do feel sorry for some of those kids) ... but I like to look at all the positive things, like enjoying time on a BEAUTIFUL vessel, tons of activities, and finding things that make me happy, whether it's going on shore excursions, seeing our tablemates somewhere on the ship and chatting for a few minutes, or hanging out on my veranda. Do I like the pirate party? Not really, but it would never stop me from going again, and I certainly wouldn't discourage others from attending and experiencing it!

Lastly, I've never had to deal with poor service or negative CMs, but then I treat each of them with respect and like a member of my own extended family! That's why we've gone/are going in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 ...

 

[MommyTo5]

1. The kids clubs... my kids (ages 4, 7, 7, 8 at the time) were just not happy there and we were paged within 15 minutes or so of dropping them off nearly every single time we left them for the first 3-4 days of the cruise. The worst was when we were having Brunch at Palo with a large group of friends. I was in tears by the time I reached the club to pick them up. I had made a plate but never even had a chance to eat... and since Palo doesn't allow kids, DH was forced to finish his meal alone. From what I read, the kids were going to have a great time and not want to leave which was going to allow DH and I some alone time but it unfortunately didn't work out this way. For the last 2-3 days, they did a bit better but we would only drop them off for specific activities for an hour or two at a time (it was hard to coordinate good activities when they were split into 3 groups) and we never left them there to eat a meal as this is what they really disliked. Also, our teen (14 at the time) didn't particularly care for the teen club but that may be because she had friends on the ship to hang out and do other things with.

2. The evening dining room experience in general. We only ate in the dining rooms twice because we just weren't too crazy about the food, how long it took to actually get through the meal (2 hours!), our servers (good but not EXCELLENT as I always read), etc... We were just as happy grabbing some chicken tenders from Pluto's! As far as the show at AP... I agree with many that have already posted that it is really nothing special.

3. Our biggest disappointment (although not something that is hyped - sorry OP - although I guess the ports themselves are hyped! lol) is that we missed docking at our ports! I guess I really didn't know how much of a possibility this actually was and thought it was a rare occurance. We missed 2 of our 4 ports (Grand Cayman & Castaway Cay)... we found out later that this is not a rare occurance during the Winter.

 

[dvcnewgirl]

I get so discouraged when I read these because my fear is that there are those that expect too much and perhaps are never satisfied.

DCL is the best vacation my DH & I have ever had. Yeah, the food isn't A+ (we fully realize that), the shows aren't spectacular, the pools are small (I do feel sorry for some of those kids) ... but I like to look at all the positive things, like enjoying time on a BEAUTIFUL vessel, tons of activities, and finding things that make me happy, whether it's going on shore excursions, seeing our tablemates somewhere on the ship and chatting for a few minutes, or hanging out on my veranda. Do I like the pirate party? Not really, but it would never stop me from going again, and I certainly wouldn't discourage others from attending and experiencing it!

Lastly, I've never had to deal with poor service or negative CMs, but then I treat each of them with respect and like a member of my own extended family! That's why we've gone/are going in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 ...

As a person who is going on their first disney cruise in May I hope you are right. This thread is kind of depressing. I know I should not read it but it for some reason I keep coming back...

 

[woogal]

As a person who is going on their first disney cruise in May I hope you are right. This thread is kind of depressing. I know I should not read it but it for some reason I keep coming back...

You'll LOVE it ... and you'll have the time of your life!!! ENJOY IT ALL!!!

 

[birkner]

As a person who is going on their first disney cruise in May I hope you are right. This thread is kind of depressing. I know I should not read it but it for some reason I keep coming back...

If I were you, I would not be depressed. Nothing is ever perfect on a vacation. I think many of the posters here had extremely high expectations that DCL COULD HAVE NEVER met. Remember, this is a family oriented line, not a Crystal, Cunard or Seabourn which caters to more discriminating adults and CHARGES for it.

We have been cruising since the 1960's. Sometimes are almost perfect on a cruise and sometimes things are not as perfect as we would have liked. In balance when we look back, the fun and memories always far outweigh the negative.

If a person is looking for a 5 star hotel, haute cuisine and commensurate service, then choose a different cruise line. DCL does a pretty good job of trying to please even the pickiest of guests but it is not for everyone.

My family loves DCL for the great memories, not the food, the service or the ports. We get together to have fun as an extended family, to make new friends and have new experiences.

Check out the cruise meet thread for your cruise. You may find the people on that thread to have as many questions as you do but you will have someone to chat with when you guys are on board. If you have children old enough to chat, maybe they can chat with others on the same sailing.

Don't let a few posters who had bad experiences or DCL did not meet their expectations ruin your cruise. This will be your cruise experience and not theirs. STAY EXCITED AND HAVE FUN!!

 

[woogal]

Well said, birkner!

 

[delo4]

Going on our 10th Magic Cruise on March 10th. We love cruising, but there are a few things that could use improvement.

1. Lunch menus in the restaurants and Topsiders buffet. We weren't pleased with either option. They used to offer much better menus in the dining rooms during our first cruises.

2. No steel drum band. They were missing from our last cruise and we were so disappointed. We used to love listening to them all day as we sat on deck 9.

3. Changing shows and performers more often. If you have been on more than 2 or 3 cruises, you often see the exact entertainment. If you keep the same performers, they should be able to change their routines after a year or so. There are so many repeat cruisers on Disney that seeing something different would be really nice.

All that said, we love sailing on the Disney Magic seeing this is our 10th cruise. We still love it better than any other line we have been on. There 7 of us in our party and we are all adults and still love Disney. Disney has made many good changes over the years as well, so maybe someone will take note of this thread.

 

[Mickey_loves_Minnie]

If I were you, I would not be depressed. Nothing is ever perfect on a vacation. I think many of the posters here had extremely high expectations that DCL COULD HAVE NEVER met. Remember, this is a family oriented line, not a Crystal, Cunard or Seabourn which caters to more discriminating adults and CHARGES for it.

That's a good point!

 

[mrsltg]

As a person who is going on their first disney cruise in May I hope you are right. This thread is kind of depressing. I know I should not read it but it for some reason I keep coming back...

You should read it and understand it won't be perfect. That's the point. It is a ship and it is run by people. People are not perfect. The ship is not perfect. The weather is not always perfect. Instead, go with the attitude that you are going to have fun. DO NOT go with the attitude that this is going to be the incredible vacation you always dreamed of and nothing will ever compare too - if you do, you leave a lot of room for disappointment.

 

[dvcnewgirl]

Thanks for the nice words! I will let this thread go back to the OP's 3 things!

 

[tiggr33]

IYHO, what three things on your cruise{s} did NOT live up to the pre-cruise hype?

The OP was asking for the negtives any of us have experienced. That is the POINT of this thread. If you do not want to read of other peoples negatives, then don't read the thread, as it was OBVIOUS it was going to be a negative thread. And if you do read it, DON'T SLAM or FLAME US for stating our opinions.

I agree with the Character Breakfast post....we found them much lacking compared to the WDW ones....felt very rushed....although this last cruise was better than the two before that.

But...I honestly don't understand what kind of food people are expecting when they sail Disney.....true I am not a fussy person....but I have to say that in the 16 DCL cruises we have taken that I have only had about 1 or 2 meals that I truly thought were "bad". The food is just fine. It is just as good or better than our Princess, RCCL or Carnival cruise food....

If I am not shopping for it, preparing it, cooking it, serving it and cleaning up after it......it is a good meal.

What type of food I expect is to be cooked and served at the right temparature. I have worked in the food industry and travel with someone who is a food writer and a member of IACP. We know food. PERIOD. I just want food that is prepared correctly. Is that a high expectation?

I get so discouraged when I read these because my fear is that there are those that expect too much and perhaps are never satisfied.

DCL is the best vacation my DH & I have ever had. Yeah, the food isn't A+ (we fully realize that), the shows aren't spectacular, the pools are small (I do feel sorry for some of those kids) ... but I like to look at all the positive things, like enjoying time on a BEAUTIFUL vessel, tons of activities, and finding things that make me happy, whether it's going on shore excursions, seeing our tablemates somewhere on the ship and chatting for a few minutes, or hanging out on my veranda. Do I like the pirate party? Not really, but it would never stop me from going again, and I certainly wouldn't discourage others from attending and experiencing it!

Lastly, I've never had to deal with poor service or negative CMs, but then I treat each of them with respect and like a member of my own extended family! That's why we've gone/are going in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 ...

Then don't read negative threads if they discourage you. As I have stated before you could tell by this threads title is was going to be opinions based on negative experiences. Personally, I resent your reply. You imply I/we do not treat staff with respect. You know nothing about me. I never will let a server see my dis-satisfaction on their performence. I will wait until the end of a meal and if it is horrible service, it will be reflected in their tip, or I will ask to speak to a manager. My experiences have not stopped me from going, in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 -, 2008 and beyond most likely. All years to date have been multiple cruise years. AGAIN the OP asked for negatives, and you make a judgement on my/our conduct and personality without knowing me/us. Can you be anymore insulting?

If I were you, I would not be depressed. Nothing is ever perfect on a vacation. I think many of the posters here had extremely high expectations that DCL COULD HAVE NEVER met. Remember, this is a family oriented line, not a Crystal, Cunard or Seabourn which caters to more discriminating adults and CHARGES for it.

We have been cruising since the 1960's. Sometimes are almost perfect on a cruise and sometimes things are not as perfect as we would have liked. In balance when we look back, the fun and memories always far outweigh the negative.

If a person is looking for a 5 star hotel, haute cuisine and commensurate service, then choose a different cruise line. DCL does a pretty good job of trying to please even the pickiest of guests but it is not for everyone.

My family loves DCL for the great memories, not the food, the service or the ports. We get together to have fun as an extended family, to make new friends and have new experiences.

Check out the cruise meet thread for your cruise. You may find the people on that thread to have as many questions as you do but you will have someone to chat with when you guys are on board. If you have children old enough to chat, maybe they can chat with others on the same sailing.

Don't let a few posters who had bad experiences or DCL did not meet their expectations ruin your cruise. This will be your cruise experience and not theirs. STAY EXCITED AND HAVE FUN!!

Again, I find your reply insulting based on the comments I have made under the above replies. I live 20 minutes from mid town Manahattan, if I want 5 star food I can have it any night of the week. I just want food that is prepared correctly. Is that a high expectation?


I again stress, this thread was started on a negative. I do not travel on DCL for the food, though I do take many culinary vacations. Do I know food yes, Do I have high expectations of DCL, no. I equate it catering hall food.

I find most of the rebuttal replies here insulting to those of us that were honest . If anyone has an expectation, it is those that responded in a negative fashion to those of us who were honest to the OP question.

 

[Tauwillow]

I love this thread, and other threads like it.

I will be going on my highly anticipated first DCL trip in 08. There are so many threads on the board that positively RAVE about how wonderful the many different aspects are.

I think threads like this create real balance. I can put my fantasies in check, and look forward to my cruise at the same time. If I were to completely believe how absolutely perfect the ship and its crew are, according to the accolades in other threads - Im sure there would be some measure of disappointment by the time I finished my trip.

I am fully expecting to have a wonderful time, and I can now anticipate the possibly long noisy dinners without it effecting the pleasure of catching up with my kids, and my table mates.

We all have individual tastes and experiences, but I'm grateful to learn from both the glories and letdowns of others. I will be a better prepared cruiser, and have a far richer trip because of it!

 

[woogal]

I re-read my post several times, and I have to note that at no point did I say, "TIGGR33, this means YOU!" Therefore, I'm confused as to how you could ever consider either my post or the post of birkner as direct insults on you personally.

I apologize profusely for adding positive insights to your negative comments!

 

[kaseyC]

You should read it and understand it won't be perfect. That's the point. It is a ship and it is run by people. People are not perfect. The ship is not perfect. The weather is not always perfect. Instead, go with the attitude that you are going to have fun. DO NOT go with the attitude that this is going to be the incredible vacation you always dreamed of and nothing will ever compare too - if you do, you leave a lot of room for disappointment.

Excellent post Mrsltg!! Internet message boards can be great for research and preparing for your trip. Unfortunately, the boards can also lead to unrealistically high expectations that turn to disappointment when the trip is not exactly like what was read about on the message boards. (Just go over to the Resorts Board and read the posts from folks who did not get towel animals in their rooms or offered a magical upgrade.) It is not a bad thing to be aware that not everyone will get the "perfect" server, love the food, enjoy the shows and/or think Castaway Cay is paradise. It also does not mean they did not enjoy their Disney Cruise.

There is really no reason for folks to worry about their upcoming cruises, DCL offers a great product. You will have a great time.

 

[loveysbydesign]

Just wanted to thank OP for starting this thread! We will be on our 1st Disney cruise on the Wonder on 11/30/08. We've only sailed once before on RCCL's Sovereign of the Seas. I love reading everyone's positive threads and this negative one is helpful as well! It helps me keep things in perspective and not set myself up to be letdown if things don't go as I think they will. (We learned that this past May on Our RCCL cruise when it stormed for 3 1/2 of the 5 days!) Disney isn't perfect...but then again no one else is either!