Wanting to go on 1st cruise-book separatly or a package?

[Disneyfun1]

Looking to book my first Disney Cruise. I know i want to go to WDW as well so it would be either a 3 or 4 day cruise then WDW. I always book WDW separatly, but wondering if i would save anything by booking the package for the land/sea or just the cruise and then wdw by itself?? Looking to go in sept 2004 when the rates are low. thanks.........Art disneyfun1@cox.net

 

[Michelle]

Book separately so you can take advantage of any room discounts offered for the WDW portion of your trip. If you book a land/sea package you would not be eligible for any discounts on the land portion.

 

[Wishing on a star]

Book the 4-day cruise!!! By all accounts, the three day is just not long enough... Be aware that if DCL renews their contract with Freeport, as they have done in the past.... Then every other cruise will continue to be a Freeport stop instead of a day-at-sea.

Happy planning!

 

[Marcotta]

I agree -- book separately. We just spent 3 days at WDW before our 7 day cruise.

Last May we did the 3 day land/4 day sea combo and while we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, the 4 day cruise was WAY TOO SHORT -- thus, this year's 7 day cruise.

We saved $$$ by booking separately (on our own) however, I did find out recently that DCL can help you in booking any additions either before OR after the cruise for your WDW stay. Not sure that going through them would save any money but many people don't know that if you don't want to do the land/sea combo that you have other options.

 

[KYCruiseCrazy]

book seperatly and go on a 7 day cruise. we went on a 3 day and it was over before it started.now we are going on a 7 day and it should be fun and great

 

[goodstarr]

I see on your post that you have stayed on WDW property alot. Did you think about staying at a Universal Studios property? You ask which way is the most economical. I too have stayed on WDW property many times and was looking to do something different, as well as save money. You can get great rates at the 3 US/IOA properties by using various discounts (as low as $99/night) and have front of the line access to all of the rides. The Entertainment card seems to get the best rate.

 

[HundredAcreWoods]

I booked seperately because of the limitations on where you can stay in WDW.

When you choose a category (type of room you want) DCL associates that with a selection of resorts.

Example:

If you choose a category 4, 5, 6 or 7 room then your choices are the Swan & Dolphin, AKL, Beach Club or the Polynesian. WL is not an option.

If you choose a category 8 through 12 your choices are Port Orleans or the Caribbean Beach.

Try booking a reservation for Sept 2004 and you will see what I mean.

You have much more flexibility if you book separately and most of the time it is cheaper too.

JL

 

[cindala]

Those of you who have done the land/sea deal, would you recommend the cruise first, then WDW or the other way around?

Iwas thinking the cruise would be relaxing after WDW, but I don't want to just sleep away my cruise. Any thoughts?

 

[gswfan]

I guess I'm in the minority. I say book the package. Reason being, all the travel accomodations are taken care by DCL. From seeing the CM at the airport waving his Mickey hands with a sign for Disney Cruisers to not seeing your luggage (believe me you don't want to be lugging 4 60 lbs bag around) at all until the end of the cruise is a big advantage. Vacation is all about convenience. You can also change or upgrade if you prefer a certain resort, they offer that option.

Cindala, I say do WDW first then the cruise. We did a cruise first in '91 then WDW and it was such a step down. From being pamper on the ship (CCL) to actually paying for your own food is a big letdown. We did the land/sea 3 weeks ago where we did the land first then the sea and it was just perfect.

 

[gswfan]

I guess I'm in the minority. I say book the package. Reason being, all the travel accomodations are taken care by DCL. From seeing the CM at the airport waving his Mickey hands with a sign for Disney Cruisers to not seeing your luggage (believe me you don't want to be lugging 4 60 lbs bag around) at all until the end of the cruise is a big advantage. Vacation is all about convenience. You can also change or upgrade if you prefer a certain resort, they offer that option.

Cindala, I say do WDW first then the cruise. We did a cruise first in '91 then WDW and it was such a step down. From being pamper on the ship (CCL) to actually paying for your own food is a big letdown. We did the land/sea 3 weeks ago where we did the land first then the sea and it was just perfect.

 

[LAMPSKIES]

I have booked 4 land and sea vacations thru DCL myself. Definately do WDW first then the cruise. But, I think that has to be the 3 night cruise. I think the package is Sun. night thru Thurs. morning at WDW then 3 nights cruising.......or, Sun thru Thurs. on the ship and then 3 nights at WDW.

 

[PinClubs]

I like the cruise first, but it is really just personal preference.

Please consider these things:

1. Depending on how you plan on getting to Orlando you may want to go to WDW first. If your transportation gets delayed (airline flight) you always have the possibility of missing the boat if you are going on the cruise first. If you have already spent a few days in Orlando there is a better chance you won't.

Town car (limo service) transportation is pretty reasonable. DCL has buses but they cost $25.00 per person regardless of age. They don't run on your schedule and loading and unloading of luggage takes time. We used a town car service; the charge was $110.00 for 3 adults and one 11 year old from Port Canaveral right to AKL. The buses will not necessarily drop you off after your cruise at your resort.

If you are going to rent a car there are a couple of locations right by (a few miles) the DCL Terminal. I rented an Avis car, picked it up at Orlando International airport, used it for a few days, dropped it off at the Port Canaveral location and took the provided shuttle bus to the DCL terminal. There were no drop off fees for leaving the car in a different location than where I picked it up.

After the cruise we took the town car back to WDW. It all worked out very well.

Jeff