Value of the Cruise Incentive?

[malonefamily]

Hmm. We bought our 125 point GCV add-on not too long ago (I think the incentives improved a notch actually since, but such is life), and we took the 4 night cruise incentive along with a lesser decrease in purchase price. At the time it seemed like we were giving up about $1,000 in savings for a 4 night cruise, for four people, including tax and gratuities. That seemed like a good trade.

However, looking over the reservation they sent me, it claims that DCL was paid $1,631.66 so far, with $746.92 remaining. (We upgraded to a Cat. 4 stateroom, and are traveling with 5 people, thus the extra money). I'd have rather saved the thousand and bought a cruise at the time of our choosing, no strings attached, later, if the value was only $1,600. I thought the 4 night cruise for 4 was worth about 2x that much?

Any ideas? Is that price just some super-special deal for internal Disney uses? Thanks guys. I'm still worrying about our first cruise experience, my wife thinks it's going to be a lot of waiting in long lines and feel crowded all the time!

 

[ACDSNY]

I believe the value on your DCL confirmation is a discounted rate for DVC. We had a previous 4 night reservation that we cancelled and rebooked (same cat.) with the DVC voucher and the amount was not the same.

 

[Mamiamjo]

Hmm. We bought our 125 point GCV add-on not too long ago (I think the incentives improved a notch actually since, but such is life), and we took the 4 night cruise incentive along with a lesser decrease in purchase price. At the time it seemed like we were giving up about $1,000 in savings for a 4 night cruise, for four people, including tax and gratuities. That seemed like a good trade.

However, looking over the reservation they sent me, it claims that DCL was paid $1,631.66 so far, with $746.92 remaining. (We upgraded to a Cat. 4 stateroom, and are traveling with 5 people, thus the extra money). I'd have rather saved the thousand and bought a cruise at the time of our choosing, no strings attached, later, if the value was only $1,600. I thought the 4 night cruise for 4 was worth about 2x that much?

Any ideas? Is that price just some super-special deal for internal Disney uses? Thanks guys. I'm still worrying about our first cruise experience, my wife thinks it's going to be a lot of waiting in long lines and feel crowded all the time!

I agree that I'd rather pick a cruise at the time of my own choosing as well. When we looked, there wasn't anything available when the kids were out of school.

Anyway, you can check the going rate for that specific category of cabin on that same cruise on the disney cruise website.

 

[Tikihula]

You may feel a little crowded in a stateroom with 5 people, but a Disney cruise is nothing like a trip to Disneyland or Walt Disney World, other than the outstanding service, Disney theming, and incredible entertainment.

If you do your online check-in there's very little waiting in line at the cruise terminal and there are always plenty of cast members to handle all the guests checking in. There are no long lines to speak of on the ships, especially if you show up a little early for character greetings if that's what your kids want to do. The theaters for the onboard shows are large and you can walk right in and be seated - no waiting in line. You'll have an assigned table for your meals so again, no waiting in line. Show up at your scheduled meal time and you'll be escorted right to your table. The ship is so large that other than the sailaway party you'll rarely encounter a crowd anywhere. If you opt for buffet dining the lines move very quickly. Disney knows how to handle crowds and keep things moving, and you're not dealing with theme park crowds on a cruise.

I can almost guarantee you'll love your first Disney cruise and you'll be eager to do another one. Giving up $1000 for a 4-night cruise for 5 people = That's a great deal.

 

[arthur06]

We just bought at BLT and took the 4 night cruise as well. For us the additional discount was $6.00 per point. So for us, we have never cruised...it will be a $750 discount or the cruise! We took the cruise! And are very excited!

 

[anbouk]

We are contemplating adding on another 100 pts at AKV....right now. Is there a deadline that you must take the cruise by?

 

[Jennyvelaz]

If I added two 100 point contracts would I get 2 cruises for 4?