Newbie questions..show your smarts!!

[lcborn2run]

Hi all...I have perused various websites and this board and have a few questions:

1. If you book your own airfare, do you get a free shuttle to the cruiseline? Do you get a free shuttle if Disney books your airfair?

If you went the day before, what options do you have to get to a hotel near the port?

2. Are there two shows an evening on the Disney Cruises? In other words, if we eat late, is the entertainment for the family prior to dinner or after (10:00 )

3. Did you all buy trip insurance through disney or an outside vendor?

4. We're traveling with 2 adults and 3 kids...the Disney Cruiseline Dream as we have to book 2 cabins or the Family Suite (NOT happening on my budget). Any advice on adjoinging rooms in good locations in Categ. 7-10? Even if they're across from each other, that's o.k.

5. Looking at 8/26/2006. Cheaper than 2 weeks before. Any opinions on weather/hurrican season?

That's all I can think of for now, but I'll be posting again I'm sure!!

 

[depomas]

Hi, and welcome...

First off Disney transfers and not included.. They are always extra, regardless of how you book airfare. You have different options, depending what is worth it for you party size. Car rental, or pick-up (?). We always use a pick up, because it is cheaper for our family, and more convenient.

Cocoa Beach is where most people stay. There are many many hotel choices. Radisson is very popular. Lots now have the free shuttle to the port the morning of the cruise. Personally, we have stayed at Best Western, and Comfort Inn and Suites, and have been happy for our price of about 75$ for the night....THey both have the free shuttle to the port..
Please arrive the night before, search around and read the nightmares that MAY happen.

Our insurance was done through our own provider.

I would book two connecting 10's, because obviously it is cheaper, and the extra room will be very handy. Think two toilets, showers, baths, beds, tv's etc. OF course that is what I would do, because I always go for the cheapest category and save my money....

Having cruised this September with Jeanne, I have a lot of firsthand experience, and it would NOT stop me from doing it again. Just be flexible, do not rely on certain ports, have insurance, and GO FOR IT!

By the weather was Amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hope that helps... Anything else....Go ahead..

There are two shows every evening, and on some occasions matinees.

 

[brack]

1. The shuttle is a part of the charge for the cruise. They call it transfers. It is not free. If you go the day before there are several hotels near the airport. We stay at WDW and shuttle from there to the pier.

2. Yes there are two shows each night.

3. We have only bought from Disney but if you book through an agent there are other carriers.

4. Any room beside each other would be adequate.

5. Weather is a concern at any time. Hurricanes in the fall can happen but there are not any problems. The Captain will not put the ship in danger. The schedule may change but you are at sea! Who cares.

 

[lcborn2run]

How much are the disney shuttles (are these the "buses" I see in other posts?)

Thank you.......

 

[two-foxes]

The above posters have hit most of the highlights, but for specifics, I would recommend checking out www.dcltribute.com. His web site has some great info, including lodging at port with specifics on several hotels. Also, in the lower left hand side of the home page are several good links. My two favorites are the "Platinum" link and "Entropy's" cruise guide link. Both of those sites have some great info and the Entropy's cruise guide is a great updated source of info on nearly everything!

 

[joycepa]

Round trip transfers for 7 night cruises are $59.00 per person.

 

[lcborn2run]

I guess it's better to find an outside company. I've read of people finding transportation for aobut $10 pp each way. Am I wrong?

 

[jennat]

We are getting a car for around $37.00 each way total midsized.

You can get much cheaper insurance and generally more comprehensive coverage through outside carriers. I'm sure there are alot of choices. A couple are insuremytrip and www.globalalerttravel.info. We used the latter and paid 163. for four of us. My friend used the former and paid about half that. You will have to look into it.
Definately go in the night before and get on the ship early. It is one of the best days on board and counts toward your seven days.

Book your own airfare. Much cheaper! Especially into Orlando which (from Denver anyway) is cheap to fly into. The cruiselines offer no bargains. They will hold the ship for you if something happens but if you go in the night before it is not a prob.

We always cruise in September and until Jeanne have never had anything but wonderful weather. Sept should be even cheaper than Aug because the kids are back in school. Anyway, like I said, we cruised for Hurr Jeanne last year and are booked for Sept 17th this year....whatever that tells you (perhaps that I am stupid )

Hope these help!

 

[jillane88]

The $59 is per person for round trip transfers. Since there are 10 of us all coming in together, we can get a stretch limo round trip for cheaper and we are thrilled with that!

You can do a one way rental through Budget, and they will shuttle you to the port for free after you drop off your car. There are lots of options to check into.

Heather

First Disney Cruise 05/06/06 Western