need info on first cruise

[deelam]

We are thinking of taking a 4 night trip the first week of May. Does Disney cruise line give a price break for kid's under 3.
How about deal's for AP holders, do they normaly offer discounts.
Also, is May a good time to Cruise. What is the weather like then.

Deneen

 

[Lloyd Dobler]

I believe kids under three only pay taxes and port charges. I also think they are occasionally deals for annual passholders, but I'm a Disneyland AP, so I don't know the specifics for WDW passholders (there are no deals for the DL AP).

 

[ivanova]

there are more deals for FL residents than there are for AP holders. *sigh*

 

[goofyforlife]

Our first two cruises with Disney were in May......


A beautiful time of year........

 

[deelam]

How do you handle transportaion to the port. We will be staying onsite at a Universal hotel. Do the boats depart early in the AM?

Deneen

 

[mickeyboat]

Be aware that children under three are not allowed in the kids clubs (unless an exception is made - ie there is enough room) and they must be completely potty-trained. There is a Nursery available for child care which costs $6 per hour. Also non-potty-trained children are not allowed in the pools - only the very small splash area. For these reasons, people often wait until their children are three and potty-trained to cruise. It is totally ip to you, though.

There are many ways you can do transfers. We opted to use DCL transfers (Mears bus) from MCO. The DCL buses also transfer from several Disney resorts. There are also many private transportation services available. The cost is $25 per person each way. For a family of five, I would say that private transportation would be cheaper - and allow you to arrive at port when you want to get there. Not when the bus arrives.

Port opens fairly early - 10:30AM I think and they ship departs at 5PM. DCL wants you on board by 3PM and the mandatory life boat drill is at 4PM. The earlier you arrive, the better chance you will have for Palo and spa reservations. It also gives you a chance to enjoy the ship with fewer people on board. Many people bring their suits in their carry-ons so they can use the uncrowded pools.

Have a great time! Don't miss the DIS meet. I did and really regretted not meeting more DIS'ers.

Denae

 

[Buddy Bear]

I have a 7 month old girl Sarah; DCL chargeed only port fees and taxes for her which amounted to somewhere around $180.00.

No discount for AP, but Florida residents do get a discount. I couldn't tell you how much since I live in NJ.

The ship normally leaves port around 5:00 PM. You can start checking in at the terminal around 10 - 10:30 AM. I would recommend getting to the terminal before noon.

Taking a car service is probably your best bet. The ride is about 45 minutes to an hour depending on traffic, so I would have the car service pick up no later then 11:00 AM.

Personally I like to get there as early as I can. It can get pretty busy at the terminal so you shouldn't wait till the last minute.

Jeff

 

[deelam]

Does the transportation provide a car seat for little ones. Or should I bring my own.

Deneen

 

[ksjayhawks]

DCL busses do not provide car seats and they do not have seat belts. Not sure about private cars.