Should I include air with DCL?

[MaryKatesMom]

I'm getting nervous about flights around Thanksgiving next year.

I don't want have my DD's miss another day of school because I couldn't get the PM flight the Friday before Thanksgiving but DCL doesn't let you pick your flight. They buy bulk I believe, so I'm sure I'll end up on the AM flight.

I know I don't want to fly down right before the cruise so I'm going to book the Hyatt at the airport and use DCL transportation. I think DCL has a "day prior" package. Is it worth it?

If this were any other time of year, I wouldn't hesitate to book my own flight I do it all of the time. Is it worth it to have DCL "responsible" for getting me down there in a timely fashion?

Has anyone booked a cruise and then added air later if the flights you wanted were unavailable?

How far in advance from Nov 18th 2005 can I book my flight?

I want to call DCL with all of my questions but I don't want to tie up the line because of Frances. They have enough to worry about I'm sure.

TIA

 

[kitkatsnindylou]

There is usually a 60 day lag for airlines to add flights, that said remember if you book your own flights that far out you will not get any type of real discount, and fight times will most prob change. You can continue to check to see if the rate goes down and if so ask the airline for credit. Check to see if DCL like other cruise line's have a air request line that allow's you to request specific flights for a nominial fee. Also see what type of rate you can get yourself for the Hyatt vrs the package DCL makes available. It sounds like you are booking direct with DCL you may want to check around for a Travel Agent in your area that could price this out for you and watch the flights.

 

[jadejazzkayla]

song will let you book your flight 331 days in advance of your departure. i'm using song for my upcoming thanksgiving wdw trip and my cruise in feb. in fact i just bought a ticket for my babysitter two nights ago so she can come with us for thanksgiving ($191).

another money saver would be to rent a car from budget at the airport (got a mini van for $55) drive yourself to the terminal, drop your luggage and then return the car to the budget place a few miles from the cruise terminal. they have a free shuttle that will take the person returning the car to the terminal.

 

[MaryKatesMom]

Originally posted by kitkatsnindylou
Check to see if DCL like other cruise line's have a air request line that allow's you to request specific flights for a nominial fee.

They do have the request available but it is $50 per person PLUS the difference in the price between Disney's "Bulk" rate and the other rate. So for four of us it is an extra $200 to start then however much extra.

 

[Dodie]

If you were to ask this same question on the DCL Board, I think you'd find that almost everyone recommends booking your air travel separately, so you can arrive the day before your cruise instead of the day of. You don't have much control over your flight (if any) if DCL does it for you.

You might consider asking over there too.