Ok this is my first time so bare with me

[FirstTimer]

Me, DH, and DD are planning a trip to disney this summer. My DD turns 5 Sept. 13 so this is going to be her birthday present. We want to go either late august or early September. Now originally I had planned to just book the 4 night on land 3 night on sea adventure from disney.com Unfortunately I waited too long and the price jumped about $1000 and my DH doesn't want to spend more than $3000 for our trip (just for air, hotel, cruise, not including food & excursions). So he's suggesting we just stay at disney for the entire week and forget about the cruise part.

After reading the many threads, I feel like we would be missing out if we didn't go on the cruise. Now, here's my plan b. We have a timeshare in hawaii that's affiliated with DVC through the points system, I could exchange my points and use it for the hotel at one of DVC's properties (I heard BCV is good). Leaving us with only having to pay for the 4 night cruise and airfare separately. Is this a good idea? Has anyone ever purchased the cruise and hotel separately? What site offers the best discount on the disney cruise? Also how do I buy meal vouchers, park passes, and what other things will I need for my time at disney, thx? I'm traveling from NJ, Newark Int'l Airport, where can I find a good airfare rate?

P.S. Me and my DD have never been to disney before and I really want to have the most memorable experience I can without breaking the bank.

 

[cbrfan]

I think the best place for you to start (after the DIS, of course) would be www.mousesavers.com. You'll find lots of information on that site about discounts and codes. The site is updated almost daily.

 

[eeyore45]

Welcome to planning black hole!! (OK I mean that in a good way!! )

You say you've read threads here, I hope that included the very long thread on My wife just showed me the bill by the Sorrentinos... lots of valuable information, as well as many different opinions!

Every one has a different experience, different expectations, and different ideas on what they want out of Disney. Yours seems to be unique because you want to do a cruise, that is so not me, so I cant give you advice, you have DVC points, so again, not me...

I would imagine you could post this same question on the DVC board (I seem to recall reading something about dvc points and cruise) If nothing else it will give you an idea on how to spend your points - there is a point calculator atin one of the top threads..

but definately repost on the cruise thread, someone who loves cruising as much as you could relate better than I could!

 

[beattyfamily]

Me, DH, and DD are planning a trip to disney this summer. My DD turns 5 Sept. 13 so this is going to be her birthday present. We want to go either late august or early September. Now originally I had planned to just book the 4 night on land 3 night on sea adventure from disney.com Unfortunately I waited too long and the price jumped about $1000 and my DH doesn't want to spend more than $3000 for our trip (just for air, hotel, cruise, not including food & excursions). So he's suggesting we just stay at disney for the entire week and forget about the cruise part.

After reading the many threads, I feel like we would be missing out if we didn't go on the cruise. Now, here's my plan b. We have a timeshare in hawaii that's affiliated with DVC through the points system, I could exchange my points and use it for the hotel at one of DVC's properties (I heard BCV is good). Leaving us with only having to pay for the 4 night cruise and airfare separately. Is this a good idea? Has anyone ever purchased the cruise and hotel separately? What site offers the best discount on the disney cruise? Also how do I buy meal vouchers, park passes, and what other things will I need for my time at disney, thx? I'm traveling from NJ, Newark Int'l Airport, where can I find a good airfare rate?

P.S. Me and my DD have never been to disney before and I really want to have the most memorable experience I can without breaking the bank.

Hey, do the timeshare if you can. The cruise is great fun! We did the land and sea for our very first trip too!

Yes, many people do the cruise and hotel separately. I book my cruise through Dreams Unlimited right here on the DIS because they give you the same price as Disney but also give you a credit so I got $50 off. You can find a link to them for a quote on the DCL board.

I would think the best place to buy the passes is the Disney store or even AAA if you have it. Decide if you want to park hop (I suggest getting that), whether you need pluses (which allows you into the water parks and Disney Quest), and whether you want your passes to expire or not. These things used to just come with the tickets and now they are extra if you want them.

Check here to see when you should make PS...90 days out. See what restaurants you want to eat at. Maybe do a character meal or two? Great photo ops.

I don't know anything about the vouchers...sorry.

What about transportation? Check out the transportation board to see how you might want to handle it. Through Disney? Rent a car? Do a town service.

My advice is to check out the Disney Cruise Line board and the Transporation board for many of your answers. And buy your passes at the Disney store.

Just ask if you have any more specific questions.