Never Cruised, Need Lots O'Help (long)

[LittleSister]

I'm helping a friend plan a surprise Land/Sea trip for his wife. I've been to WDW many times, but have never been on a cruise. I'm hoping someone here can help me.

First, please know I'm posting under a new name because my friend's wife posts here often and knows my name here, so I have to go under cover.

OK, they will be celebrating thier 20th anniversay and she will be turning 40 within a couple weeks of each other and he wants to take her on this trip as a surprise. This will be November 2007 (thankfully, I have LOTS of time!) He can't use the internet at their house, so he's totally relying on me (poor guy!).

First dumb question, do you suggest four days on land or three? They've been to WDW numerous times so it seems to me they would prefer three days on land to have more time at sea...do you agree?

Second, they really love Wilderness Lodge, but it's not listed on the Disney website at a choice for hotel...can they stay there?

Third....DON'T LAUGH, but is their food on land paid for as well, or only on the ship? (HEY, I said don't laugh!! ) I assume it isn't but I want to be sure.

Any websites I should check out for more information? Anything I MUST tell him to be sure to see or be sure to avoid?

I'm taking any and all advice I can get and I THANK YOU so very much for any help!

 

[mmouse37]

I prefer more time on the ship so if you are going for a package, definately do 3 on land/4 at sea.....if you book the DCL package the land portion always starts first and FOOD IS NOT INCLUDED ON LAND, but park tickets are.

They may be able to save some money with booking the WDW portion and the cruise portion separately under two distinct reservations (not the land/sea package). This way you can choose weather to stay at WDW before or after your cruise and pick the hotel you want to stay in.

Another added benefit is that the room rates alone may be cheaper. This site www.mousesavers.com lists rates that can be used for booking WDW hotels at a discount. There may be a code they can use to book the room cheaper.

I think booking the two separately also gives you better flexibility. I would also suggest booking your own airfare but would take out travel insurance to cover the whole trip at an independent site.

Just my opinion.

Good luck

MJ

 

[QuiltTeddy]

Oh, if they've been to WDW - tell him to go for the 7 day Eastern cruise. They'll have such a relaxing vacation.

 

[bbowers]

I hope you did an Ann Landers on the specifics of this trip (i.e. it's not really Nov 2007, not really 20th anny and 40th birthday, etc), because otherwise - she's gonna recognize herself and THAT will be THAT, surprise-wise.