What is it about DCL that makes it so great?

[ssatterly]

I am thinking of doing a Disney cruise to get my kids ready for their 1st WDW trip in Aug of 2006 (I am thinkig of DCL in Dec. 2005) I have got it narrowed down to DCL and RCCl. Tell my why i should pick Desney over RCCl. And what justifys the price diffrecne. My kids will b2 DD 6 DS 9 and Mom 50. Tell me the pros and cons of both.

 

[NCRedding]

CONS: the expense (although at the times we sail, it hasn't been that much more)

PROS: kids programs; the CMs are the best; the shows are top-notch; hte movies are first run; the ship is gorgeous; the rooms are among the largest afloat; no one knows as much about moving people and logistics as Disney; the de-embarkation is incredibly smooth; dining in different restaurants keeps it interesting; I love the food. Your kids are perfect ages for the Disney programs.

There is a "magic" to DCl that I can't define. They do an excellent job. I would rather spend more on a product that I know is great, rather than spend a little less (but still a great deal of money) on something that isn't a sure thing.

 

[CM_Mom]

Where else can you cruise and have Mickey and Minnie and Goofy and Snow White and Pluto and Chip and Dale and Captain Hook and other favorite characters walking around and in the shows and dropping in the kids clubs?

Also, the timing of the kids programs. On DCL the kids clubs are open from 9:00 AM until 1:00AM and if your child is there during dinner then they go eat with the club. I don't have personal experience on other lines but I believe several folks have posted that their kids activities close down during meals and you have to pay extra after 9:00 or 10:00 at night.

The other thing that really impressed me (other than it's been a fantastic place for my DD to work) was that the Adult Only areas are kept Adults Only so while your kids are in the club in a totally neat activity, you can relax by the ADULT pool.

Also, only Disney has Castaway Cay. It's probably a little hurt right now after Hurricane Frances but they will get it fixed back up. Check out this thread Why does everyone love Castaway Cay so much?

Last but not least, the family atmosphere. You won't have to worry at the shows if the entertainers will say something that you don't want to explain to your kids. It's clean, wholesome FUN without the raunchy humor.

Long story short - DCL is just different and special. And worth paying for.

 

[PoohJen]

I have to echo CM Mom. My decision to go with Disney - even though it seems like we could go with anyone else for far less $$$ - was the programming - the idea of having something for everyonne in our family: kid stuff (club/lab with convenient hours) and adult stuff and family stuff.

That it would have that Disney touch - clean and maintained, with a great (Happy!) staff.

And knowing Disney always does everything (vacation-wise) top quality, that I could trust them and have no regrets about my decision!

I've never been on a cruise before, and don't have a money tree in my backyard (so the tips alone for a family of 5 on a 7 day is $$$$!), but there was never a doubt in my mind that we would go with DCL!

 

[Lynda Silk]

I found that the food on DCL was better than my one cruise on RCI. That's not to say that the food was poor on RCI; it was very good but I preferred DCL. I also liked the 3 restaurants on Disney; more selection and variety.

I also found that the crew was more proactive on DCL in making sure you were having a good vacation. The crew members on RCI were very polite, but seemed very serious and didn't smile much. On Disney, the CMs took the initiative to inquire as to whether they could do anything to help me and they were always smiling and extra pleasant. Kind of a small thing but it adds to the "magic".

I did feel that the buffet restaurant on the RCI ship was much nicer than the one on DCL. Beach Blanket on the Wonder was nice, but I thought that the Windjammer on the Enchantment was excellent and much more elegant! Activities like rock climbing and the golfing range (available on most RCI ships) may appeal to older kids.

I had a great time on both cruiselines, and both ships were absolutely beautiful. I may prefer Disney because that was my first experience but I think it's also the "magic" that does it. Either way, you'll have a great time!

 

[SandraLee]

Because it is about the family. . . . Your kids are the PERFECT age for a Disney cruise (mine were a bit younger, but will be that age on my next DCL cruise.)

Your DD will experience all the Princesses. They will dote on her. Her eyes will light up. Snow White will come to the club and visit with her. She will 'slumber party' with Goofy.

Your DS will have tons of fun with Kynex, lab stuff and have a great time.

The shows are the BEST. That is the real kicker for me. Watching my DD cry when she saw Ariel, was nearly too much for me to bear.

I am sure my family will be moving to RCL soon -- probably when they are around 12 and 10. But, for now, I'm sticking with DCL. I have compared and compared prices and if you book far enough in advance, the prices are not all the different. If you are able to go 'off season' it is a real bargain.

Enjoy!

 

[vikingfans]

The others have echoed my feelings.

DCL is a cut above, because of the people. (don't get me wrong, I love hanging out with the characters too!!!)

But then what makes any cruise better than the other one? Food on most cruises is good, and the shows are good as well. So what does DCL have above everyone else? Customer Service.

The people who work on the ships are head and shoulders above the rest of the other cruiselines on customer service. They will go out of their way to see that you have exactly what you want!

Disney has done a FABULOUS job of not making the ship look like toon town. The Disney magic is in every corner of the ship! If you don't want to be bothered, you are left alone...if you want to hang with tons of people... there's that too! There is simply something for everyone and so well done it's hard to describe. I just can't imagine using a different cruise line.

Ok, I'll get off my soap box now and let someone else have the floor.