Should I look into doing a cruise, or is it too much?

[PRINCESS VIJA]

We are planning a trip for Dec, 2003 to the World. Initially we were planning to do just the world, but in talking to DH the idea of a cruise came up. I am just toying with the idea of doing a land/sea trip, and would like your help!

1) We are going in Dec, and wanted to see not only WDW but their added Christmas festivities.

2) We are limited to only one weekend(because of my work schedule), so we would need to do the Thurs-thurs trip, pulling DS out of school 6 days instead of 5. (also means traveling very late wed night).

3) Can you get enough of a cruise experience in the 3 night or should we go 4 night. I would like the kids to enjoy some of the kids specials, and it seems like in the 3 night you aren't on the ship all that much. But then we are going to have to skip one of the parks.

4) Not sure if it would be too much running around (i.e. stress for DH) I guess I mean doing Disney commando style to include the cruise.

Any help would be GREATLY appreciated! I know it is far away, but I need to know how much money to start saving, and of course I want to try and plan and dream!

 

[Michelle]

Hi Princess Vija!

Well on this board you will get folks who wil tell you to take as long a cruise as you possibly can.

Ideally you would do at least a 4-night cruise, but if your time and resources are limited I would not hesitate to do a 3-night cruise, or a land/sea package. It will at least give you a taste of cruising and you will be able to plan for future trips. I know how wonderful WDW is in early December (we cruise and do WDW every year in early December) so I definitely think you should try whatever cruise length works for you.

Happy planning!

 

[kshabare]

The best of both worlds. Don't plan too much at WDW. Take it slow, enjoy what you do.

Cruising after WDW is the perfect trip. We actually needed the relaxation after WDW. I prefer to return to WDW after a few more years.

A warning: once you do the 3/4 or the 4/3 day, you'll be aching for the 7 day!

Don't be surprised if DH enjoys it more than you do.

Kim ºOº

p.s. As a dedicated LT member of WW, don't worry about losing weight. Enjoy life.

 

[ruvidu]

We (myself, wife, son, his wife) did WDW in DEC 2001 and stayed for 4 days. We did Mickeys Very Merry Christams Party, Candlelight Processional, saw all the Santas in Epcot and had a ball doing it. We did Disney Studio one day and a night, AK 1/2 day, MK one day and a night. It took all 4 days to do it and do it right. I wish we could have gone over, caught the Wonder, and had 3 more days to relax. We loved DCL at Christmas so much we plan on going back in 2003 to do it again. All that to say do the 3 day cruise after 4 days in the park.

Be sure and watch the Park boards to learn when the Processional tickets and MVMCP tickets go on sale. We had dinner at Cindy's castle before MVMCP and LeCellur before The Processional. Both of these events are "must do".


Merry Christmas,

Russ and Miss Vivian

 

[BethC1952]

My advice? Relax....don't do WDW commando style, that's where the stress comes in. You aren't going to see everything in one trip anyway (at least not if you want to remember any of it ), so see the things that you REALLY don't want to miss and start planning your next trip! Then take the time and do the four night cruise (that won't be enough either, you'll be planning a 7-night after you've been on the ship a few hours!)

Don't worry about taking your DS out of school for an extra day. He'll learn more in that time at WDW, especially if you spend a lot of time at Epcot, than in the same amount of time at school, and the same for the cruise. We used to take our son out of school for two weeks (from the Monday after Thanksgiving) for our trips to WDW when he was young. We always made him choose a topic and learn everything he could about it while he was there. His favorite was learning about the art of set design and atmosphere creation...he talked to lots of CM's, took lots of pictures and did a great presentation when he got back to school--all when he was 8 years old!

Whatevery you decide to do, you'll have a great time!

Beth

 

[SusanD]

We have done the land and sea both the 3 & the 4 day cruises. It is a great way to unwind after a busy time at the parks. It is easy to overdo and be tired after miles of walking and hours of waiting in line.

The cruise provides an opportunity to relax and take it easy. Yes...there are many things to do but there isn't the pressure and intensity level to see and do.

My children both suggested they would rather just cruise for seven days next time. An amazing statement from two boys in their teens who love WDW.

 

[minniecarousel]

We've done the 3 day cruise/4 days in the park twice and loved it! (parks first - then cruise!) We really liked the cruise, but 3 days was a nice taste of a cruise. When you can't spend more than one week, you have to make that decision. We prefer to do what we really want at the parks, then the short cruise. (Try not to over-do at the parks, although the realxing pace of the cruise is wonderful!)

 

[wovenwonder]

Hi Vija!
Sounds like all of our talks have enticed you into checking out the cruise experience!

You wouldn't be dissappointed, I am SURE of that! Since you've been to Disney before ---- I would definitely pick the 4 day cruise. Book seperately though -- not the land/sea package. You seem to be able to get a better price that way. The best prices are for early booking ==== so get some quotes SOON! I suggest doing the land portion first THEN the cruise. Deposit to hold a ressie is $200 per person for the WONDER. And is refundable FULLY up until 60 days before you sail if you change your mind. Contact DreamsUnlimited (linked on this cruise board) for a quote and decide from there. The beginning of December is actually the 'off' season and you may be able to find some pretty good pricing. To cruise the most economical I would request quotes on a category #11 inside cabin. This would give you a queen size bed, single sofa bed, and a bed that pulls out of the ceiling over the sofa.

You know that I am totally cruise obsessed right now -- and I would be glad to help you out in any way!

Ofcourse --- I'd love for you to join US in 2004 on the Navigator.

 

[Parrotheader]

We did a land/sea (4 days WDW, 3 days cruise) in May and had a blast. However, I must be one of the few people here who thinks a 3 day cruise is more than adequate to get a taste for things. This was our first cruise and I think 3 days was the perfect amount of time for that. Next time we might do a 4 day, but I doubt we'll ever do a 7 day as we'd probably get a bit stir crazy after awhile, even on a HUGE ship. Plus, even with the discounts you can find, for first time cruisers it's usually substantially more expensive to pay for a day on the cruise as opposed to a day at WDW (assuming resort room/cabin level are equal class) My wife and I are the type who like to be able to roam a lot and play it by ear and in that regard WDW is a better fit for us than the cruise since there's so many things you can do and places to go. But we DEFINITELY want to go on another cruise again.

You should definitely be able to do both and still have a good time. Since you've been to WDW before, you know what's worth waiting for and what's not. Use that knowledge. Being able to pick and choose your rides (which FastPass makes even easier) makes being in the parks MUCH more enjoyable than if it's your first time and you feel like you have to see everything. Plus, you mention you'll be going in December. The park is GORGEOUS that time of year with all the decorations up. It's extra special.

And to get the most out of a 3-day Wonder cruise you can find all sorts of good tips here. The most important advice we found was skip Nassau (unless you're really hung up on seeing it and doing an excursion there.) We spent most of our day aboard the ship and I'm glad we did as you'll DEFINITELY want to spend the next day ashore at Castaway Cay.