Need advice on taking Disney Cruise!

[BAYSIDE MOM]

Hi everyone! We are thinking of visiting wdw for four days followed by a 3 day disney cruise in early December 2005. The kids will be DD 6 years, DS 4 years and DD 18 mos. My soon to be 6 year old has been to wdw and is adaptable, loves the characters, goes on any ride (except Snow White Scary Adventure-Yikes) not too worried about her. My DS hated the characters last time at wdw, does not like to be separated from his sister or mommy, and the baby, don't know what she'll be like. My concern is that WDW is so daunting that we were glad we had some "down time" by the pool last time. Since we will only be staying four days at WDW, we have a lot to fit in. I don't know if they are too young for the whole cruise experience. We stayed at the WL Villas last time, it was great, separate bedroom, nice and quiet. We are thinking about staying at POLY concierge this time, although I loved having that separate bedroom last time for naps. I guess I'm concerned about the kids getting seasick, or not enjoying the cruise because they are overstimulated etc. Sorry, this is so long, any advice or input greatly appreciated! Thanks!

 

[brack]

I think that you worry too much. Every kid I have seen on the DCL ship was having the time of their life.

You'll never know if you do not go.

 

[dzneprincess]

WHat he said !! LOL It will be a blast! Go have fun, but be forewarned it is VERY VERY addicting. It has gotten to the point for me, that I would rather go on a cruise than the parks!

 

[CM_Mom]

I would plan to have a WONDERful, relaxing time. Your DS will be a year older and will probably be more adaptable and more independent by then. The Clubs are great for children and you have Flounder's Nursery for some babysitting so you and your DH can have some time without children.

With 5 of you, you might want to look into the cabin options since you either have to book a Cat 4 or higher or get two cabins in a lower category. I would discuss your options with your TA.

I think all of who have done the parks and the cruise believe that the cruise is WAY more relaxing. You can be as busy or as indolent as you like.

 

[alexandrew]

I think you'll enjoy the cruise....

 

[crisi]

Our kids were four and five when we cruised and had a great time. They loved the kids clubs, the character meets, the pool (which is small and crowded - direct your kids to pool time on the ship during "off hours"), Castaway Cay, the shows - they even enjoyed dinner.

I don't know where you are from or how much time you could take (I suspect you are pulling the oldest from school - and I always try to plan that to keep it at a minimum), but four WDW days with little kids seems like not enough. Personally, I'd either be disappointed with how little we did, or run everyone ragged - and your family doesn't sound like a good one to plan on doing four ten hour days. Three days on the ship isn't really enough either. I'd be tempted either to do five WDW days and three on the ship - which will let you see more at a slower pace - or skip the WDW portion and just cruise this time for four days - maybe with another two or three at a nice resort with a pool.

When you cruise, you do want to fly in the day before - delays can mean you literally miss the boat. The ship "opens" about noon - and the first few hours are worth being on the ship - lunch is served, pools are open, and getting familiar with the ship is enjoyable. The day you get off, you are usually off the ship before nine (sometimes well before nine).

 

[bkline]

I would also say go on the cruise. Kids grow up so quickly. Enjoy all the great things a Disney cruise can give you and your family. Character meet and greets, dining rotation, incredible kids club are my top 3 for a Disney cruise. You will have memories to last a lifetime.

 

[mousefansmom]

You will love the cruise!!!! We are going on the four day cruise, three day land in Dec. '05, and we have 7 other families going, all of whom have never done a cruise before (we have). The only reason we didn't just do a cruise only was because for many of the families, this will be their first WDW trip ever. Most of them are coming a day early, staying a day late to get in extra park days.
I worried about sea-sickness too, but kids have more immature sensory systems than adults and usually do better than adults on ships! None of us have ever been sick on any of the 4 cruises we have done.
If you need ideas for what rates are out there for that time frame (or better yet, if you'd like to join us and get the group rate!) pm me.
Either way, you will have a great time!!!
Mousefansmom

 

[3DAN]

Bayside Mom,
We took our first cruise ever this past March on the Disney Magic.
They're right, it is addicting. We thought it was just long enough for us to relax at seven nights. We were so addicted that we are now scheduled to go on two more this year. The cruise is heavenly. My 8yo daughter would stay in the oceaneer lab until 1AM EVERY day. It was difficult to get her to leave. The other kids there make it very attractive in addition to the cast members who are there to entertain constantly. Be prepared to be tired during the WDW stay and slightly recover during the cruise. I am not sure about your younger child. They do have child care, but I have not needed it.
I also have a 12 yo son , but he gets by on his own.

 

[BAYSIDE MOM]

Thanks everyone for all your advice, I guess we will be cruising in December! Its hard not too worry when you are a mom and this is an awful lot of money for us but it sounds like we will have a great time based on everyones experience.