So torn, can't decide which cruise to book for late fall 2015!

[Autumnslight]

We just took our first Disney cruise a couple of weeks ago, and loved it SO much that I'm thinking of booking another one for late November/early December of this year. But I can't decide what to book! The cruise we took was a 3 night (too short!) Bahamas on the Dream. The ones I'm trying to decide between are a 4 night Bahamas on the Dream, and a 5 night Western Caribbean on the Magic. Both would be Verry Merrytime cruises, which we would love. I have a list of pros/cons for each one:

4 night Dream

Pros: Loved the ship, already know our way around; loved the Aqua Duck; Midship Detective Agency; there will be new Stars Wars and Disney Infinity areas in the kids club that my son would LOVE; since we've already seen the shows, we could spend that time riding the Aqua Duck more or doing something else; sails out of Port Canaveral, which we're familiar with; we could also hit a Cristmas Party at Magic Kingdom after the cruise; less expensive

Cons: Already seen the shows and eaten at the restaurants, so they're not new; don't care for Nassau, and no other new ports/excusrions; only 4 nights

5 night Magic

Pros: New shows & restaurants; Aqua Lab might be fun for the kids; new port & excursions (Cozumel); daughter saw the Andy's Room in the kids club and REALLY wants to play in there

Cons: Sails from Miami, which we're not familiar with; wouldn't also be able to go to a Christmas party at Magic Kingdom; no Aqua Duck and kids will not like/won't be able to go on the Aqua Dunk; not sure if we'll like the smaller ship size - not as impressed by it as with the Dream, based on pictures/videos; more expensive

I'm SO torn on this. I'd love any input!

 

[MUN]

You should go on a 7 night cruise out of PCC on the Fantasy. Longer cruise with different ports and a different ship.

MUN

 

[Autumnslight]

You should go on a 7 night cruise out of PCC on the Fantasy. Longer cruise with different ports and a different ship.

MUN

That would TOTALLY be my first choice, but a 7 night cruise just isn't doable this fall on such (relatively) short notice.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

We just took our first Disney cruise a couple of weeks ago, and loved it SO much that I'm thinking of booking another one for late November/early December of this year. But I can't decide what to book! The cruise we took was a 3 night (too short!) Bahamas on the Dream. The ones I'm trying to decide between are a 4 night Bahamas on the Dream, and a 5 night Western Caribbean on the Magic. Both would be Verry Merrytime cruises, which we would love. I have a list of pros/cons for each one:

4 night Dream

Pros: Loved the ship, already know our way around; loved the Aqua Duck; Midship Detective Agency; there will be new Stars Wars and Disney Infinity areas in the kids club that my son would LOVE; since we've already seen the shows, we could spend that time riding the Aqua Duck more or doing something else; sails out of Port Canaveral, which we're familiar with; we could also hit a Cristmas Party at Magic Kingdom after the cruise; less expensive

Cons: Already seen the shows and eaten at the restaurants, so they're not new; don't care for Nassau, and no other new ports/excusrions; only 4 nights

5 night Magic

Pros: New shows & restaurants; Aqua Lab might be fun for the kids; new port & excursions (Cozumel); daughter saw the Andy's Room in the kids club and REALLY wants to play in there

Cons: Sails from Miami, which we're not familiar with; wouldn't also be able to go to a Christmas party at Magic Kingdom; no Aqua Duck and kids will not like/won't be able to go on the Aqua Dunk; not sure if we'll like the smaller ship size - not as impressed by it as with the Dream, based on pictures/videos; more expensive

I'm SO torn on this. I'd love any input!

Personally, I'd go with the 5 night Magic (I'm firmly in the "longer is better" camp).

You won't know whether you'll like the Magic until you've actually done it. For us, the Magic was our first ship, and, while she's changed some, I think I'd still prefer her over the big ships. Plus the new ports will be exciting.
And Miami isn't such a scary place. You could always rent a car and drive up to WDW for the Christmas party (it's "only" about 4 hours drive).

 

[Kimberly1]

We had this same decision to make and we decided on a 5 night on the Magic on November 20. Can't wait! We've been on the Magic, but not since it was redesigned, and never cruised out of Miami. I like the smaller ships, and we'll have then cruised out of Port Canaveral, New York, Galveston, Vancouver, and Miami! We love the adventure of a new trip.

 

[Justacruiser]

I would do the Magic if you can AND I would wait to book, more than likely there will be discounts IF you have flexibility on the dates. You can watch for my thread for discounts that I put out frequently. The price will most likely by waiting and you could save some bucks!

 

[Kimberly1]

I would do the Magic if you can AND I would wait to book, more than likely there will be discounts IF you have flexibility on the dates. You can watch for my thread for discounts that I put out frequently. The price will most likely by waiting and you could save some bucks!

Link to your thread? I'd like to watch it as well.

 

[Autumnslight]

I would do the Magic if you can AND I would wait to book, more than likely there will be discounts IF you have flexibility on the dates. You can watch for my thread for discounts that I put out frequently. The price will most likely by waiting and you could save some bucks!

I've seen your thread, it's very helpful! Do you mean the discounts that tend to come out after the PIF date, or do you think there's a chance that the rates would actually go down before then? My biggest concern is booking airfare. As we all know, prices tend to be higher on shorter notice, and many flights fill up entirely. If I saved on the cruise, but had to pay just as much more in airfare, it woud kind of defeat the point. If we idd the Magic, I'm particularly looking at the 11/29/2015 sailing, though something in early December would be fine too.

 

[Justacruiser]

Link to your thread? I'd like to watch it as well.

http://www.disboards.com/threads/gt-mto-flr-discount-list-updated-5-7-2015.3244232/

 

[Justacruiser]

I've seen your thread, it's very helpful! Do you mean the discounts that tend to come out after the PIF date, or do you think there's a chance that the rates would actually go down before then? My biggest concern is booking airfare. As we all know, prices tend to be higher on shorter notice, and many flights fill up entirely. If I saved on the cruise, but had to pay just as much more in airfare, it woud kind of defeat the point. If we idd the Magic, I'm particularly looking at the 11/29/2015 sailing, though something in early December would be fine too.

That is the rates on my thread. The prices established by DCL for the sailing WILL NOT go down, unless discounted (my thread). If you are sure about the a date and specific cruise, you COULD book the air and watch to see if they offer discounts IF you are willing to pay full price IF required. Just up to you if you take the chance(s). By booking sooner there are advantages like being able to secure MAIN dining and excursions when you are permitted to book. I am 89% sure they would have the 11/29/2015 at a discount. It's only money! Remember, IMHO!

 

[Kimberly1]

http://www.disboards.com/threads/gt-mto-flr-discount-list-updated-5-7-2015.3244232/

Thanks

 

[Quellman]

It sounds like you have already talked yourself into the Dream again, which is a fine choice. You can stay on the boat at Nassau this time. As you mentioned, it will have recently been upgraded in a few areas to keep it fresh and allow you to try other things you missed last time. I would take the savings and just book a 'dummy cruise' for $200 and plan your next one to be a little bit longer. If you cancel, you get your $200 back.

 

[Club Disney Chandler]

I would do the 5 day on the Magic. Cozumel is a great port and you'll get 2 sea days which are fantastic. Also I'm in the same camp as Princess Shmoo, longer is always better when it comes to cruising.

 

[stickeymouse]

We are going on the November 29th Magic sailing and then heading to Orlando immediately after the cruise. I'm hoping to get a group of people to split the cost of private transportation from Miami to Orlando upon disembarkation that Friday. That way, we can still have a couple of days in the parks and can attend Mickey's X-Mas party that night. Who wants to end their vacation on a Friday?!?

 

[cindyzig]

We are also on the November 29th Magic sailing, but we are heading to WDW the week of Thanksgiving before the cruise to see the holiday decorations, etc. I know it will be crazy that week, but we have always wanted to be at WDW on a holiday and are DVC members so we have a kitchen, w/d, etc. We are renting a car out of Miami, heading to WDW and then heading back to Miami the night before cruise. So excited!!!

 

[taniahappy]

I would also go with the longer/different ship option