next trip maybe a cruise???

[khawk]

I wont be taking my next vacation for about 3 yrs but I want to plan for it already. My DD's will be 12 and 14 when we go next. Will they be at a good age for a disney cruise? I have never been on a cruise before can anyone give me any tips? We will either fly down or drive down from northern michigan. I would rather drive just to save money. Our the cruises all inclusive? food too? what is there to do on these cruises? would I need a formal dress? my aunt and uncle on going on a cruise in 3 weeks and she mentioned needed to buy a formal dress but they are not going on a disney cruise. The trip would consist of me, my 2 DD's and my parents. My dad is retired Coast Guard and we took advantage of SOG on our trip to WDW last week. Does SOG offer any discounts on disney cruises? thanks
Kim

 

[khawk]

Does disney ever offer discounts or discount codes for the cruises like they do for the hotels at WDW? We will want to get one room for 5 people, 3 adults and 2 kids. will the cruise ships let us do this?
Kim

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Check out www.mousesavers.com for ideas on codes and discounts for the cruises and resorts.

 

[floridaminnie]

THe lowest cabin that you will be able to book with 5 people in one room is a family suite. You might want to look at getting two adjoining cat 10 that way you have 2 bathrooms and much more space (just no verandah). It might even be cheaper that way. Also your 12 yr old, but be bored being in the lab versus being able to go with the older sibling doing the teen stuff. Also, the earlier you book, the cheaper it is for DCL. They don't have the prices yet out for 3 yrs down the line, but as soon as they come out with your date, I would book it. If you book with someone like Dreams Unlimited, they might have a specials for refunds and if the price of your trip goes down, they will watch versus you having to watch it.

 

[trishy]

Originally posted by khawk
I wont be taking my next vacation for about 3 yrs but I want to plan for it already. My DD's will be 12 and 14 when we go next. Will they be at a good age for a disney cruise? I have never been on a cruise before can anyone give me any tips? We will either fly down or drive down from northern michigan. I would rather drive just to save money. Our the cruises all inclusive? food too? what is there to do on these cruises? would I need a formal dress? my aunt and uncle on going on a cruise in 3 weeks and she mentioned needed to buy a formal dress but they are not going on a disney cruise. The trip would consist of me, my 2 DD's and my parents. My dad is retired Coast Guard and we took advantage of SOG on our trip to WDW last week. Does SOG offer any discounts on disney cruises? thanks
Kim

Your daughters would be at a great age to have a blast. The food is all inclusive. Beverages are included when in the dining rooms. A beverage plan is available for $5/day (soda). There's a drink station on Deck 9 (not including soda). There are tons to do on the cruise - examples for you and your parents: shows, bingo, movies, piano bar, comedy events, dining/navigator series to learn new things, the spa. The formal & semi-formal are a bit more dressy than the regular nights, but they are not required. There are other dining options for those who do not want to go the formal route (topsiders buffet, Palo). Your kids are at an age where they probably will hang out with each other on the ship rather than hang out with the program anyway. However, the 14 yr. old will have more opportunities such as teen excursions available to her whereas the 12 yr. old would not be included in those. There's so much to do that you all would have a very hard time NOT having fun on a Disney cruise.

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Originally posted by trishy
[BThere's a drink station on Deck 9 (not including soda).[/B]

We bring a mug from the parks to keep filling up at this beverage station. It save us quite a few $$$ last time!

Your girls will have a BLAST! -- and so will YOU!

 

[Jeanne434]

I think a cruise is THE perfect vacation for a mother. Mothers are always the ones who have to plan any other type of vacation- where will we eat? How much will it costs? How long does it take to get there? What attractions will amuse the kids? Etc etc etc. On a cruise it is all taken care of for you.
I recently returned from a May 3 Eastern Cruise with three teens- ages 13, 15 and 17. The 17 YO loved the Common Grounds programs- they had activities from noon until 1 AM- some of them taking all day and happening all over the ship! The teens can get as involved as they want in the programs.
The 15 YO DS did not attend any of the scheduled activities. He spent the cruise playing basketball up top and ordering room service! He thought this was just the best thing! Room service is free except for your tip.
DD 13 was another matter. She hated the Common Grounds program which is tailored for 13- 17 year old kids. I thought she was going to love hanging with the older kids but no way!! After two days I begged them to put her into the 12 year olds programs- they had a lot more structure to thier activities schedules and a lot of variety. She was happy here. I think what happened is that she is a leader (read bossy on her bad days!) and there is no way a 17 YO is going to be led by a 13 YO- so she felt intimidated. In the younger group she was able to shine!
Although Dis does not advertise it there is a certain amount of flexibility in the age groupings. I would advise registering both girls for both programs since they are both on the cusp of the age groups. This way they can pick and choose what they want to do. Be aware that DD13 said that a lot of flirting and "pairing up" happened in the Common Grounds area. Harmless I am sure but she felt uncomfortable with it.
So take the cruise- you'll love it!
I have tons of budget ideas if you want them- e mail me and I will share them!