OK here's the deal...

[Minnie Mouse2789]

I just returned from my family's 4th Disney trip- 2 WDW, and 2 DL. This one was the best ever. We are Disney homesick. Disney depressed. We LOVE to travel, and while we are fortunate enough to travel lots of different places, I have to say with my CP, Disney is the best in terms of service, comfort and kindness.
We just got back from 5 days at WDW- no words. We went there saying it would be our last trip- as a family that is- my fathers health issues, and mine, and my being in college , and let's face it, it's not cheap, but so worth it. Halfway through, we were saying we will be back. When we first started planning this last trip we seriously looked into Aulani, but with health issues flying is getting less than ideal. We want to at some point go someplace tropical, and were not aware of the Disney Land and Sea packages with DCL. I'm not sure how ideal that would be, but I wish we would have known. In a way though I'm glad we didn't know- as I don't think it gets better than the Grand Floridian. And always have to plan for the next trip right?

I have to admit though - I'm afraid. My father has a degenerative spine, so I'm not sure how long he'll be able to travel. And with the expense of this last trip and saving for others my parents certainly cannot afford a Disney trip soon- OK I like to space them out. Which means I would have to go alone, and while I'm willing to save pennies, it just seems so impossible. And I have aides- I require care, but who am I going to get to go? Oh, how I wish I had a crystal ball...

OK say we do get to go in our intended 5 years. Is there enough for a 32ish year old, a 65 year old , and a 57ish year old to do on board to make a Land and Sea package worth it? The lack of things for folks our age to do would be what would maybe make DCL less than ideal - as driving or even flying if we had to to Florida shouldn't be a problem. Or should we just stick with WDW?
Anyway that's my impossible dream. 5 years. Land and Sea package. WDW DCL to somewhere warm. At Christmas. That would be the ultimate.
But even if that doesn't occur - seriously considering applying for Disney College Program at WDW...

 

[lanejudy]

Is there enough for a 32ish year old, a 65 year old , and a 57ish year old to do on board to make a Land and Sea package worth it?

Well, you already know what's available for the "land" portion. I'm assuming you'd intend for that to be WDW (unless considering a cruise on the west coast, but I don't think "land and sea" isn't as common since there are considerably fewer options). So only you can decide if what's available at WDW is "enough" to keep your crew happy and occupied.

But onboard DCL -- absolutely there are plenty of activities for adults without children! Depending on what you like, you can be active with port excursions, the fitness center, the sports deck, or relaxing with the spa and pool deck. There is a pool. the spa, lounges and specialty dining designated as "adult only." There are wine/alcohol tastings offered, seminars on various topics from towel folding to cooking to art, and Bingo. I suggest you check out the "Personal Navigators" on the Disney Cruise Line Blog, these outline the various activities offered on the various cruises/ships.

I certainly hope you are all feeling well enough to travel again in 5 years. And consider just a cruise, if the "land and sea" combo seems out-of-reach financially.

And good luck with the DCP application!

 

[o&smom]

I think that there would be lots if things to keep you all busy and happy on a cruise. You can look at past "Disney Navigators" which are the onboard schedules of all activities. There are quite a few posted on the disney cruise line blog. Also, check out past trip reports here on the DIS. Enjoy!

 

[bumbershoot]

We want to at some point go someplace tropical, and were not aware of the Disney Land and Sea packages with DCL. I'm not sure how ideal that would be, but I wish we would have known. In a way though I'm glad we didn't know- as I don't think it gets better than the Grand Floridian.

All the landsea for WDW is is a trip at WDW before or after a cruise. You can do that on your own, so definitely check on prices to make sure it's worth it booking through DCL.

 

[jdb in AZ]

The land/sea packages I've seen have hotel choices dependent on which ship stateroom you choose. In other words, if you want the Grand Floridian you have to book a very expensive room on the ship. It's so much simpler to just book the hotel room you want, and the level of stateroom you want. When you price-compare you'll discover that Christmas cruises and hotel rooms are a lot more expensive than they would be in mid-January. You could do an end-of-semester vacation just before Christmas, or a back-to-school in January before the new semester starts.

 

[Bree]

The land/sea packages I've seen have hotel choices dependent on which ship stateroom you choose. In other words, if you want the Grand Floridian you have to book a very expensive room on the ship. It's so much simpler to just book the hotel room you want, and the level of stateroom you want. When you price-compare you'll discover that Christmas cruises and hotel rooms are a lot more expensive than they would be in mid-January. You could do an end-of-semester vacation just before Christmas, or a back-to-school in January before the new semester starts.

That's not true. You can pick any resort you want no matter which cabin type you booked.

OP: There's no benefit in purchasing your WDW resort stay through DCL. DCL & WDW are two separate entities under the Disney umbrella.

 

[Neptune's Fork]

Before I took a Disney cruise I had been to WDW a few times and I had some of those same thoughts about having enough to do, would I get bored at times, etc. After doing it, I can tell you, that's not an issue. In fact, there were things that I wanted to do and didn't get around to do. If you like WDW it's a pretty safe bet you'll love a Disney cruise.

 

[thumpie's mom]

My daughter is 22 and has cerebral palsy. She absolutely loves the Disney cruises!!! There is plenty for us to do and she finds the ship (We have only been on the Wonder and the Magic) easy to navigate with just a few trouble spots due to threshold heights for her wheelchair. I can truly say we are never bored on the ship. We also love DL & WDW, but we find the cruises are physically much easier for her. Good luck and best wishes to your family!

 

[Minnie Mouse2789]

Thank you all- especially bumbershoot, Neptune, and Thumpie! Food for thought- especially helpful to hear from another CP family! Can't wait to hopefully set sail in 5 years!

 

[Minnie Mouse2789]

So... tips for saving and fundraising- so we can go sooner rather than later? Party of 3 or 4