Planning our first cruise, completely clueless! Fancy the Western Caribbean October 2017

[Cinderella2006]

Hi there.
Been on these boards for many years and visit Florida every year with my husband and 2 children (9 and 12).
I fancy something different but i cant seem to venture far from Florida so i was thinking a week in Disney and a week on the Fantasy Western Caribbean Cruise. The thing is i am clueless, never been on a cruise let alone a Disney Cruise. I have got a price at just under £4k, do the prices move at all? Would need a disabled room as my son uses a wheelchair, is there a better part on the ship to stay?

We dont drink alcohol, is all other food and drink included? Are the ships busy, do they have quiet areas? My youngest has asd and wondering how he would cope, i am going to google some videos to show him but his most important question is do they have a disney store onboard?

Any other tips for a newbie?

TIA

 

[aidtrismommy]

*The best time (or most cost-efficient time) to book is when they first release itineraries. The Fantasy and Dream are the most expensive depending on itinerary and better deals can be had on the Magic or Wonder (also depending on itinerary). Best bet is to really look at everything and narrow it down based on itinerary, ship, and dates.
*In terms of stateroom location, be aware of what is around you, above and below. My number one prerequisite for a stateroom is quiet. For others it might be proximity to certain areas. It is a personal decision.
*Food, juice/milk, soda at the drink station (not room service or bars) are included. There is an upcharge for eating at Palo or Remy (specialty restaurants for adults only).
*The ships are busy, especially the pool deck during the day. There can be lines for the water slides during peak times. The kids clubs are busy. The main dining rooms can be loud. There are also quiet areas on the ship to retreat to.
*There are stores onboard.
*Others might have info about accessible rooms.

 

[IceSkatingPrincess]

My advice is get trip insurance.

 

[Cinderella2006]

*The best time (or most cost-efficient time) to book is when they first release itineraries. The Fantasy and Dream are the most expensive depending on itinerary and better deals can be had on the Magic or Wonder (also depending on itinerary). Best bet is to really look at everything and narrow it down based on itinerary, ship, and dates.
*In terms of stateroom location, be aware of what is around you, above and below. My number one prerequisite for a stateroom is quiet. For others it might be proximity to certain areas. It is a personal decision.
*Food, juice/milk, soda at the drink station (not room service or bars) are included. There is an upcharge for eating at Palo or Remy (specialty restaurants for adults only).
*The ships are busy, especially the pool deck during the day. There can be lines for the water slides during peak times. The kids clubs are busy. The main dining rooms can be loud. There are also quiet areas on the ship to retreat to.
*There are stores onboard.
*Others might have info about accessible rooms.

That is really helpful thank you so much ... Can i ask how do i find out when they release the itineraries?
I think outside shouldn't be a problem as we arent enclosed and we do visit Disney every year so he has some tolerance.
Thanks again

 

[Cinderella2006]

My advice is get trip insurance.

Thank you, we have annual trip insurance and have good cover due my son's condition.