Touring Plans subscription for DCL

[ghtx]

I have used Touring Plans before for my earlier trips to WDW. I see that on their website you can also buy ($7.99 for a year) a subscription for Disney Cruise Line.

Has anyone paid for this and liked it? I am honestly not really sure what a touring plan for a cruise would look like (i.e. there is only one attraction with a wait - the Aquaduck).

 

[jonslawiu]

Interested in hearing the same thing...

 

[wilkeliza]

I can't imagine it has any value. Maybe it lists the characters and their available times but that does change slightly from cruise to cruise due to weather, theme, etc. Outside of that now the big meet and greets (frozen, princesses, etc) are done by tickets so you would know what time you are getting when you sign up during the on board activities portion of the check in.

Of course I don't really find value in the parks version either because now so many people know about it that everyone is using it often meaning just as many people are doing that exact same path that you are.

 

[FigmentSpark]

I have it. I've enjoyed using it to watch the price of cruises and how they compare to other years. I've seen my cruise price go up by $2300 since we booked opening day. That helped me to make decisions about other future cruises.

They also have details on what excursions are available, as well as a forum. I will say, though that their cruise forum is pretty dead. Also, the excursion info is similar to what's on DCL site, so do you need it for that, no, but it is extra information.

Because I have the subscription, I can't tell what is premium, but if you have further questions, let me know. Also, you should be able to get a discount on that price, either with a book purchase or another subscription. I'm not sure how they dole out their discounts, though.

 

[sandy77d]

I paid for the DCL Touring Plan. I am not sure if it is worth the cost. It has a fare tracker, so if you have not booked your cruise yet, you can get an idea of when the price of the cruise you want to take might rise. Otherwise, it appears to me to be the same information that is in the Touring Plan DCL book.

 

[wanderlust7]

Had it 2 years ago and I didn't think it was worth it. I meant to ask for a refund but forgot to do it within 45 days.

I don't think you need the subscription to see the fare tracker.

 

[carrielouhoo]

You definitely don't need a paid subscription to access the fare tracker. I don't have one and track cruise fares all the time.

 

[ghtx]

I paid for the DCL Touring Plan. I am not sure if it is worth the cost. It has a fare tracker, so if you have not booked your cruise yet, you can get an idea of when the price of the cruise you want to take might rise. Otherwise, it appears to me to be the same information that is in the Touring Plan DCL book.

It does seem to me like it is mainly the same information from the Unofficial Guide for DCL, which I already have. Maybe the fare tracker is really what you are paying for, but since I've already booked and paid for the cruise I can't see that helping me.

 

[ktscott01]

Not worth it like the WDW plan. I bought it and requested the refund the same evening.

 

[squirk]

I agree with above.

I'm a big Len fan - he's hilarious, and I really enjoy his style of writing. However, I don't feel like the DCL subscription on TouringPlans.com is worth the money.

That having been said, his WDW and DL stuff? That's gold, Jerry! Gold!

 

[anricat]

I have it as a gift from our TA and, like others, I feel it didn't offer a lot of value.

 

[PAGA2003]

There is definitely no need to pay for a subscription to get a fare tracker as that information is available for free on another website (non-Disney related). I assume we can't post the name but if you search 'cruise fare tracker' it will be one of the first results.

 

[Pens Fan]

This was mentioned by PP's but there still seems to be some confusion so I'll repeat what they said. You do NOT have to buy a subscription to use the Touring Plans fare tracker. I do not have a subscription and like @carrielouhoo I use it all of the time. I prefer it to cruise fish.net (which can also be used for no cost), but both are really helpful.

 

[wombat_5606]

Yes, count me in with the ones that don't think the subscription is value for your money.

IMO, some of the info needs updating.

 

[Flossbolna]

I think the subscription can be of interest if you want to read the Unoffical Guide online instead of buying the book. I personally would prefer the book.

Also: the Fare Tracker is free for everyone to use. No subscription needed. (Just wanted to repeat this as there appeared to be confusion).