What makes Disney worth it?

[TiggerBouncy]

I totally understand why you felt defensive, and to answer your question about food, I might have, but not to debate who was right, just what the bad was that you encountered. I know RCCL doesn't do as well as DCL or Celebrity for variety of gluten free food, but what I eat on all lines is good tasting. Not having that gluten free variety for some would be a deal breaker. I know my opinion is right for me but not for others. By learning more about others opinions helps me understand things better. Learned this managing people at work.

Honestly I think it spawned a good friendly discussion, which I commend all of us involved for keeping it there and sometimes that is why I quote posts like I did is to get the discussion because that can tease out more information for the OP and others reading these threads trying to make do I stay or go decisions. Those that have sailed other lines have good info to offer I am just thankful the discussion is very calm which allows us to have these discussions

Agreed on a number of points. Certainly I think conversations get pointless when it becomes just an argument and not a conversation.

I will also agree that when it comes to food choices, I have found DCL to be more limited for those with special needs (gluten free, diabetic, vegetarian, and even more so vegan). Not that DCL doesn't have some options, but other lines excel in those areas where as DCL it's more an after thought.

When it comes to on-board activities for young adults (20-35), Carnival and MSC are IMHO much better choices. Although I keep a very long distance between myself and MSC ships these days.

I will tell you I love the involvement of cruisers in DCL compared to other lines. I have found (but it may be just me) that there is a bigger excitement and engagement of DCL cruisers with other DCL cruisers. For example, Fish Extenders - which to me was just an awesome thing. DCL turns a blind eye to them, but does not discourage them. There have been some attempts to do similar on other lines, but never really as well as on DCL. I love that cruisers on DCL are making cruising more fun for each other. I love the FB groups that spawn around upcoming cruises and I have done M&G's with those groups which have been terrific fun and made a lot of friends that remain to this day friend of mine (many years later).

I guess part of that sense of community stems from most people on DCL share a lot of common interests. In particular, most of them have at least some love of Disney, because they are willing to pay a premium for it. I will also be the first to say a lot of that is very opinionated. I am sure people who are more the demographic for Carnival will tell you they share a lot of commonality with others on Carnival and do not with DCL. I just feel (and again, this is opinion) that there is a bigger commonality in DCL because it often extends to more that JUST A CRUISE LINE. So there you have it.

In any case... good conversation.

 

[cgolf]

Agreed on a number of points. Certainly I think conversations get pointless when it becomes just an argument and not a conversation.

I will also agree that when it comes to food choices, I have found DCL to be more limited for those with special needs (gluten free, diabetic, vegetarian, and even more so vegan). Not that DCL doesn't have some options, but other lines excel in those areas where as DCL it's more an after thought.

Not sure if you or someone in your family has a food allergy. They were always good to me about trying to make foods gluten free for me when ordered the night before and on one trip getting me some Indian food which was amazing (they said one of the chef's was happy to make some food from home for me and I got a different dish every night without asking again ). never did take me up on the beef wellington challenge though I was also able to get them to make me gluten free fried chicken. They were not able to do it at supper, but did it for me at lunch in the dining room when the kitchens weren't as busy. I wish RCCL put a little more effort in here, it seems some of there dishes may be partially pre made which doesn't allow for some alterations.

Also lunch time is a good time to get to know your server if you want to. They have a lot of time during the lunches to talk with you which can be nice to learn a little bit more about them. Just have to pick a day when they are in the dining room for lunch.

 

[belle032]

Agreed on a number of points. Certainly I think conversations get pointless when it becomes just an argument and not a conversation.

I will also agree that when it comes to food choices, I have found DCL to be more limited for those with special needs (gluten free, diabetic, vegetarian, and even more so vegan). Not that DCL doesn't have some options, but other lines excel in those areas where as DCL it's more an after thought.

When it comes to on-board activities for young adults (20-35), Carnival and MSC are IMHO much better choices. Although I keep a very long distance between myself and MSC ships these days.

I will tell you I love the involvement of cruisers in DCL compared to other lines. I have found (but it may be just me) that there is a bigger excitement and engagement of DCL cruisers with other DCL cruisers. For example, Fish Extenders - which to me was just an awesome thing. DCL turns a blind eye to them, but does not discourage them. There have been some attempts to do similar on other lines, but never really as well as on DCL. I love that cruisers on DCL are making cruising more fun for each other. I love the FB groups that spawn around upcoming cruises and I have done M&G's with those groups which have been terrific fun and made a lot of friends that remain to this day friend of mine (many years later).

I guess part of that sense of community stems from most people on DCL share a lot of common interests. In particular, most of them have at least some love of Disney, because they are willing to pay a premium for it. I will also be the first to say a lot of that is very opinionated. I am sure people who are more the demographic for Carnival will tell you they share a lot of commonality with others on Carnival and do not with DCL. I just feel (and again, this is opinion) that there is a bigger commonality in DCL because it often extends to more that JUST A CRUISE LINE. So there you have it.

In any case... good conversation.

While I mentioned before that DCL does not hold the overall value vs. cost for DH & I, I very much agree with your assessment about some of the activities. I thought fish extenders were just the most awesome and magical thing ever. Loved the idea and the participation and the thought that went into the gifts. I also love the door decorating and the overall Disney feel & excitement of the entire cruise.

I also agree with the sense of community, but we found on our last cruise that can go both ways. For example, we met some wonderful people who we still stay in touch with and who we know that we can go to for Disney related questions and comments and memories. Because so many others just don't understand or care about Disney! So it's so awesome to have those people around you who do "just get it." Our table mates were supposed to come visit us this year and we have another woman we met acting as our TA for our 2021 Alaska sailing.

On the other hand though, we really felt a sense of "Disney entitlement" last time. We would mention how much we also enjoy Carnival and were immediately met with statements such as "oh well you'll never go back to that cheap line now" or "this has to be so much better than that." Just an overall condescending feeling sometimes that we had never encountered before. I completely understand the loyal customer base that Disney has and I usually appreciate it, but that mentality can be a real turn off when it turns into the idea that you can't like anything besides Disney.

I just hope that people remember we are all cruise fans! Sail whatever line and whatever ship is best for you and your family. There is no wrong answer here. And everyone PLEASE send positive thoughts to the cruising gods that we can be out on the seas very soon!

 

[TiggerBouncy]

Not sure if you or someone in your family has a food allergy. They were always good to me about trying to make foods gluten free for me when ordered the night before

My first cruise my (ex) wife had a really bad food allergy to shellfish. Our head waiter was terrific about giving her the menu for tomorrow each night and letting her order in advance which he said would be prepared separately. They took it VERY seriously, which I was glad for.

On the other hand, (this was the Fantasy's 3rd voyage and her maiden for the eastern itinerary) on lobster night, they did this big dance thing where the waiters all came out and broke the lobsters in the air - which spread shellfish juice EVERYWHERE. My wife had a really bad allergic reaction and had to leave the MDR to go to the lobby. This was in Animator's Palate. The head waiter did not want me to miss the new magical show, but knew I was not going to leave my wife. He insisted I stay for the show, but to keep me there he sent a constant tag-team of waiters to check on her and make sure she was okay and reported back to me every few minutes. I kept having one foot out the door, but he wouldn't let me leave. Disney though... They didn't leave her alone for a moment. On the next night, the head waiter presented her with one of the leftover take home menu's from the maiden voyage, so I still have that as a memento. Since then I understand they have calmed down that part of Lobster night.

While I mentioned before that DCL does not hold the overall value vs. cost for DH & I, I very much agree with your assessment about some of the activities. I thought fish extenders were just the most awesome and magical thing ever. Loved the idea and the participation and the thought that went into the gifts. I also love the door decorating and the overall Disney feel & excitement of the entire cruise.

The first time I saw them, I had no idea what they were. By the second cruise we were participating. It was like Christmas every day. Almost every time we came back to our cabin there was a new gift for us. It was really exciting and I just fell in love with the concept of people on vacation (NOT DISNEY) doing random acts of kindness for other people on vacation. We did all kinds of hand made gifts or local gifts from where we were. It was just so much fun! I don't love what they have become though. People have taken it too far and like everything in life, ruined it.

On the other hand though, we really felt a sense of "Disney entitlement" last time. We would mention how much we also enjoy Carnival and were immediately met with statements such as "oh well you'll never go back to that cheap line now" or "this has to be so much better than that." Just an overall condescending feeling sometimes that we had never encountered before.

This is IMHO unfortunately not exclusive to DCL. I see some of the same attitude in DVC as well. I have even run into it with AP holders and cash guests. It has somehow penetrated and wormed it's way into Disney culture. I agree with you that it's very frustrating and off-putting. I remember sitting in the hot tub in one of the DVC hotels... I think it was Copper Creek - and listening to some young kids who had inherited their DVC from their rich parents and they were complaining about new people who were able to purchase their way in by financing and how they didn't think that should be allowed. I can't tell you how much I wanted to lecture them. I managed not to... but UGH.

I think it's a problem with being expensive. SOME people equate DCL being expensive with being exclusive and therefore want to "keep out" anyone that is not part of their club. Like I said, you see it a lot in DVC too with people complaining that cash customers are able to stay "in their hotel". DCL cruisers get passionate about Disney and do not understand why anyone would want to do anything else.

I feel each cruise line has it's own distinguishing touch. DCL is right for some people. It's right for me. Although I WILL sail other ships if they are going where I want and DCL is not - it's about the ports. But all things being equal, I will pay the premium for Disney. There are others who DCL is not right for. Why should they not also have fun? We all share one thing in common... we love to cruise, and that's enough for me.

 

[jane01jp]

This is IMHO unfortunately not exclusive to DCL. I see some of the same attitude in DVC as well. I have even run into it with AP holders and cash guests. It has somehow penetrated and wormed it's way into Disney culture. I agree with you that it's very frustrating and off-putting.

I had a DVC person ask us once, prior to the cruise getting underway, why we always pay retail (versus joining the DVC). It was a little off-putting. I am a retired CPA/finance person, and feel adequately equipped to make that decision for myself.

 

[TiggerBouncy]

I had a DVC person ask us once, prior to the cruise getting underway, why we always pay retail (versus joining the DVC). It was a little off-putting. I am a retired CPA/finance person, and feel adequately equipped to make that decision for myself.

A Disney CM DVC person or a DVC owner? I can't imagine a CM asking that.

As for the owner, MOST DVC owners know that DCL is a horrible use of points anyway, and most will pay for a cash room and rent the points out to offset the cost. It's much more economical.

But in any event, if your interest is in DCL only and not vacationing in the resorts, DVC would be a poor choice for you anyway.

 

[jane01jp]

A Disney CM DVC person or a DVC owner? I can't imagine a CM asking that.

As for the owner, MOST DVC owners know that DCL is a horrible use of points anyway, and most will pay for a cash room and rent the points out to offset the cost. It's much more economical.

But in any event, if your interest is in DCL only and not vacationing in the resorts, DVC would be a poor choice for you anyway.

It was one of the DVC representatives on board. The ones that hold presentations and sell memberships. We were out on deck 4.

 

[AquaDame]

It was one of the DVC representatives on board. The ones that hold presentations and sell memberships. We were out on deck 4.

Too bad they didn't ask us that... I'd have a handful of reasons to give them. They usually start the presentation by admitting if you don't travel a certain way, then it isn't for you. Hopefully that hasn't changed as I always appreciated the honesty.

 

[Cheburashka]

They usually start the presentation by admitting if you don't travel a certain way, then it isn't for you. Hopefully that hasn't changed as I always appreciated the honesty.

I've been to a couple of those DVC presentations onboard and I don't remember them even suggesting that DVC's appeal could be limited. They weren't dishonest, but they weren't that candid, either. I can't recall them ever commenting that something could be a bad use of points, and of course they never mention WDW's regular discounts when doing price comparisons between out-of-pocket and DVC. They're clearly there to make money but imo that's to be expected.

 

[AquaDame]

I've been to a couple of those DVC presentations onboard and I don't remember them ever saying that. They weren't dishonest, but they weren't that candid, either. I can't recall them ever commenting that something could be a bad use of points, and of course they never mention WDW's regular discounts when doing price comparisons between out-of-pocket and DVC. They're clearly there to make money but imo that's to be expected.

Yeah, they've always started with it is worth it 'if you travel X times a year, and stay moderate or deluxe for X days'.

The first time in 2011 we went to the extra meeting after and were flat out told don't do it. I guess usually staying value for 4-5 days just the two of us every other year wasn't enough... Same story when they were selling Poly points when the Villas first opened. Once again they agreed it wouldn't make sense for us because we don't go enough and it's still just us, no kids.

 

[TiggerBouncy]

I had a DVC person ask us once, prior to the cruise getting underway, why we always pay retail (versus joining the DVC).
...
It was one of the DVC representatives on board. The ones that hold presentations and sell memberships.

This is.... surprising and a little unusual. On behalf of DVC, I apologize for that. I won't ask what ship and date, but I may write them and let them know what I have heard if that's okay with you. Their MO is generally low pressure, and I can't imagine a CM trying to shame someone into the presentation. They usually try to get you in there with gifts of wine and hats.

I've been to a couple of those DVC presentations onboard and I don't remember them even suggesting that DVC's appeal could be limited. They weren't dishonest, but they weren't that candid, either. I can't recall them ever commenting that something could be a bad use of points, and of course they never mention WDW's regular discounts when doing price comparisons between out-of-pocket and DVC. They're clearly there to make money but imo that's to be expected.

No, they will never tell you it's a bad use of points to use them on DCL or Adventures by Disney. They want to sell Direct, and that's one of their key benefits for the extra cost of direct over resale. Most owners will tell you it's a poor use of points economically (however, most of them will also tell you it's quite common to rent your points to pay for your cruise, so it still works out. And of course, they are your points so you can use them how you wish. I admit I have considered just paying for a cruise on points even though it's not the best financial choice because... it was easy and I wanted to). But DVC itself will never tell you not to use your points (unless you catch them in a rare open private discussion).

There are definitely 2 classes of cast members - those who will tell you that DVC is not right for you, and those who are not as open about the limited appeal. Many of us hate to see a new owner lured into DVC because of a sales pitch and they did not do their research first. Most owners (like me) are open that DVC has limited appeal. That is not always true with CM's. It's frustrating to us as well because it reduces the appeal of the product, and frankly makes us look bad, too.

Yeah, they've always started with it is worth it 'if you travel X times a year, and stay moderate or deluxe for X days'.

The first time in 2011 we went to the extra meeting after and were flat out told don't do it. I guess usually staying value for 4-5 days just the two of us every other year wasn't enough... Same story when they were selling Poly points when the Villas first opened. Once again they agreed it wouldn't make sense for us because we don't go enough and it's still just us, no kids.

THAT sounds like a DVC Cast Member. Although I won't say 4-5 days for 2 people every other year is not DVC. MANY DVC owners only go on a small trip every 2-3 years, and that's just perfect. A lot of us do not have kids, or like me, have kids that are older or have no interest in going to Disney. It works out well for me because my 20 year old babysits our pets.

What it boils down to is more your budget. If you are looking for deals and a hotel is just a place to sleep and your interest is in saving money, it's most definitely cheaper not to get DVC. The appeal of DVC is not about being the cheapest way to go, but about the style of the room. DVC offers bigger, more spacious rooms at a deluxe resort for significantly less than you would be able to do paying cash. If you are interested in maintaining that 4-5 days trip every other year, but would really like to bump it up to a deluxe or even a moderate resort, I suggest you talk to some of us owners over on the DVC boards about the pro's and con's (or message me directly if you like). We are always honest about both what we like and what we do not. HOWEVER, it you are just fine staying in a value and plan largely to just sleep in your room, then DVC should not be your choice.

Having said all that, we are way off topic on this post. Sorry about that.

Another reason I pay the Disney premium was for the Star Wars cruise. I disliked that it cost me an extra $1,000 over "regular" ships, but it was really a lot of fun and that was a unique Disney thing since they owned the IP. I recall being stopped by Imperial Officers (I still have pictures) and being questioned about any rebel activity I may have noticed while on board. I had an absolute blast! I also won an auction of a rare poster with silver coins from that cruise which hangs on my wall.

Another differentiator for me about the Disney ships is the surprises we get. On a couple of cruises I have been on, it was the same week that a popular Disney movie was going to be released, and the ships would often manage to get permission to show them. We got to see a star wars movie the day before it was released (really, it was the day of, but starting a few hours earlier). I love when they have an imaginer on board and you get to meet with them and talk to them about the rides they have developed or worked on.

But overall, I think the biggest differentiator to me, and the reason it's worth it to me is because it's Disney. I love the sounds, the music, the atmosphere. I love the nightly shows that can rival Broadway. There is no good way to describe it - either you have that connection with Disney, or you don't. <shrug>

 

[cgolf]

Since you brought up DVC that reminded me of a low point in our DCL sailing, but it wasn't DCL to blame. We setup and apt with the DVC rep to inquire about it for my parents. We were super clear when we entered this guys office when the discussion started that we were gathering info for my parents. It went downhill quick and the hard sell started, and I mean hard sell. He was very aggressive and it was very uncomfortable. When asked about our Disney habits we said we would cruise only and no the parks. He stated it wasn't worth it for that, but nobody would want to just cruise and the parks would be part of our travels so we should still do it. It was over the top uncomfortable and we somehow got out of there. And that guy was totally wrong, we have been cruising every year since 2008, some people just like to cruise.

One other strange/funny/weird moment that the couple got lucky we saw it and not another DCL officer. We happened to be walking on deck 4 on the magic and passed the next cruise desk and the next cruise person was rubbing the leg of an officer below the desk level standing next to her. Both my wife and I got a chuckle because they obviously forgot their was a window behind them and every one got to see the fact they were a couple. Had another officer seen it, would hate to know what would have happened to them, as I have heard DCL/Disney has some stricter rules than other companies.

 

[jane01jp]

This is.... surprising and a little unusual. On behalf of DVC, I apologize for that. I won't ask what ship and date, but I may write them and let them know what I have heard if that's okay with you. Their MO is generally low pressure, and I can't imagine a CM trying to shame someone into the presentation. They usually try to get you in there with gifts of wine and hats.



No, they will never tell you it's a bad use of points to use them on DCL or Adventures by Disney. They want to sell Direct, and that's one of their key benefits for the extra cost of direct over resale. Most owners will tell you it's a poor use of points economically (however, most of them will also tell you it's quite common to rent your points to pay for your cruise, so it still works out. And of course, they are your points so you can use them how you wish. I admit I have considered just paying for a cruise on points even though it's not the best financial choice because... it was easy and I wanted to). But DVC itself will never tell you not to use your points (unless you catch them in a rare open private discussion).

There are definitely 2 classes of cast members - those who will tell you that DVC is not right for you, and those who are not as open about the limited appeal. Many of us hate to see a new owner lured into DVC because of a sales pitch and they did not do their research first. Most owners (like me) are open that DVC has limited appeal. That is not always true with CM's. It's frustrating to us as well because it reduces the appeal of the product, and frankly makes us look bad, too.



THAT sounds like a DVC Cast Member. Although I won't say 4-5 days for 2 people every other year is not DVC. MANY DVC owners only go on a small trip every 2-3 years, and that's just perfect. A lot of us do not have kids, or like me, have kids that are older or have no interest in going to Disney. It works out well for me because my 20 year old babysits our pets.

What it boils down to is more your budget. If you are looking for deals and a hotel is just a place to sleep and your interest is in saving money, it's most definitely cheaper not to get DVC. The appeal of DVC is not about being the cheapest way to go, but about the style of the room. DVC offers bigger, more spacious rooms at a deluxe resort for significantly less than you would be able to do paying cash. If you are interested in maintaining that 4-5 days trip every other year, but would really like to bump it up to a deluxe or even a moderate resort, I suggest you talk to some of us owners over on the DVC boards about the pro's and con's (or message me directly if you like). We are always honest about both what we like and what we do not. HOWEVER, it you are just fine staying in a value and plan largely to just sleep in your room, then DVC should not be your choice.

Having said all that, we are way off topic on this post. Sorry about that.

Another reason I pay the Disney premium was for the Star Wars cruise. I disliked that it cost me an extra $1,000 over "regular" ships, but it was really a lot of fun and that was a unique Disney thing since they owned the IP. I recall being stopped by Imperial Officers (I still have pictures) and being questioned about any rebel activity I may have noticed while on board. I had an absolute blast! I also won an auction of a rare poster with silver coins from that cruise which hangs on my wall.

Another differentiator for me about the Disney ships is the surprises we get. On a couple of cruises I have been on, it was the same week that a popular Disney movie was going to be released, and the ships would often manage to get permission to show them. We got to see a star wars movie the day before it was released (really, it was the day of, but starting a few hours earlier). I love when they have an imaginer on board and you get to meet with them and talk to them about the rides they have developed or worked on.

But overall, I think the biggest differentiator to me, and the reason it's worth it to me is because it's Disney. I love the sounds, the music, the atmosphere. I love the nightly shows that can rival Broadway. There is no good way to describe it - either you have that connection with Disney, or you don't. <shrug>

It's OK with me if you share my story. It was on the Dream on a cruise ending on or around Memorial Day in 2017.

The main reason I don't participate in DVC is because of the possible inflation of the maintenance fees. The probability of outrageous compound growth in these fees may be small, but it is still there.

For example, let's say you buy 250 points and the maintenance fees are $6 per point, for a total of $1,500 per year. If you have a 45 year contract, with a 15% limit on annual fee increases, it is at least theoretically possible that you could end up paying $5.4 million in maintenance fees (average of $119,504 per year) over the 45-year period. At the other end of the spectrum, a 4% compound growth rate in maintenance fees would cost just $181,544 over a 45-year period for an average of $4,034 per year.

If we end up in a highly-inflationary period (which has been made vastly more likely by the printing of stimulus money during the COVID crisis), the maintenance fee increases would likely move from the bottom of that range upward. As a retiree, even one who is invested heavily in stocks, I'm not sure I have returns that can keep up with likely maintenance fee increases. But, the bottom line for me is that I wouldn't want to sign a contract for a discretionary purchase that carries so much financial risk

 

[TiggerBouncy]

It's OK with me if you share my story. It was on the Dream on a cruise ending on or around Memorial Day in 2017.

The main reason I don't participate in DVC is because of the possible inflation of the maintenance fees. The probability of outrageous compound growth in these fees may be small, but it is still there.

For example, let's say you buy 250 points and the maintenance fees are $6 per point, for a total of $1,500 per year. If you have a 45 year contract, with a 15% limit on annual fee increases, it is at least theoretically possible that you could end up paying $5.4 million in maintenance fees (average of $119,504 per year) over the 45-year period. At the other end of the spectrum, a 4% compound growth rate in maintenance fees would cost just $181,544 over a 45-year period for an average of $4,034 per year.

If we end up in a highly-inflationary period (which has been made vastly more likely by the printing of stimulus money during the COVID crisis), the maintenance fee increases would likely move from the bottom of that range upward. As a retiree, even one who is invested heavily in stocks, I'm not sure I have returns that can keep up with likely maintenance fee increases. But, the bottom line for me is that I wouldn't want to sign a contract for a discretionary purchase that carries so much financial risk

Everything you say is true. I will point out though that traditionally rates have only increased 2%-5% on the high side. Comparatively, room rates have increased over the same period between 7%-15%. So lets say hypothetically you want to stay at the Poly or similar hotel for 5 nights every other year. On average, you can do that for 20 points a night, so that would be 100 points every 2 years. You would need to own 50 points. Your maintenance fees would be $6.79 per point, or $339.5/year right now. In 45 years, your yearly maintenance fees would be $1,983/year. That same room right now is $560/night so over the course of 4 nights would be $2,240 every other year or $1,120/year. Assuming that continues to rise at an average of 10% over 45 years, that room would cost you a whopping $81,637! You probably won't be taking any of those vacations.

Now the big difference is if the cost gets too much for you going cash, you have an easy choice. You can just stop going. If you are in DVC, it's a little more difficult. Having said that, HISTORICALLY, the price for resale of DVC has gone up YoY. I bought my first contract (BLT) at $100/point in 2011. They sell now for $180/point. So I could very easily shed myself of those maintenance fees and make a tidy profit at the same time. However, there is no guarantee that will always be true. The biggest guarantee is your faith (if you have any) that Disney would not let the system collapse. Their utilization of RofR prevents the resale market from taking a nose dive and you being left with penny holdings that you can't get rid of like traditional timeshares. But there is no guarantee that Disney will always do that.

 

[jane01jp]

Everything you say is true. I will point out though that traditionally rates have only increased 2%-5% on the high side. Comparatively, room rates have increased over the same period between 7%-15%. So lets say hypothetically you want to stay at the Poly or similar hotel for 5 nights every other year. On average, you can do that for 20 points a night, so that would be 100 points every 2 years. You would need to own 50 points. Your maintenance fees would be $6.79 per point, or $339.5/year right now. In 45 years, your yearly maintenance fees would be $1,983/year. That same room right now is $560/night so over the course of 4 nights would be $2,240 every other year or $1,120/year. Assuming that continues to rise at an average of 10% over 45 years, that room would cost you a whopping $81,637! You probably won't be taking any of those vacations.

Now the big difference is if the cost gets too much for you going cash, you have an easy choice. You can just stop going. If you are in DVC, it's a little more difficult. Having said that, HISTORICALLY, the price for resale of DVC has gone up YoY. I bought my first contract (BLT) at $100/point in 2011. They sell now for $180/point. So I could very easily shed myself of those maintenance fees and make a tidy profit at the same time. However, there is no guarantee that will always be true. The biggest guarantee is your faith (if you have any) that Disney would not let the system collapse. Their utilization of RofR prevents the resale market from taking a nose dive and you being left with penny holdings that you can't get rid of like traditional timeshares. But there is no guarantee that Disney will always do that.

We have received two mailers from DCL in the last two days. I wonder how things are going for them?

 

[TiggerBouncy]

We have received two mailers from DCL in the last two days. I wonder how things are going for them?

I have been disappointed with how quiet DCL was during the pandemic. I would have liked them to do a few videos every month. Showing the ships, or maybe parts of them we do not get to see. Talking about what they are doing, or planning on. ANYTHING. In the last few months, they have been ramping up a little bit - sending out mailers, emails and advertising again. The 5th ship (The Wish) is well under way to WM's shipyard, and I personally am really looking forward to it.

DCL and MSC are in great positions to outlast the pandemic as both of them have sources of income OTHER than cruise lines. Disney won't let DCL fail and they have the money and resources to continue for some time to come. MSC has income from the shipping business that continues to do well so can also continue to pump money if needed. Some of the other smaller lines have other financial backing as well while Carnival, RCCL, and NCLH all have sufficient resources I believe to outlast the pandemic as well, but they have more or less almost zero income outside of the cruise lines.

All this is basically my way of saying that I believe DCL is doing fine. They are biding their time and have still buttoned down the hatches waiting out the storm. AFAIK they have not been on the forefront of the debates with the CDC, unlike their bigger brethren in CLIA. I have seen a lot more outspoken behavior from CCL and NCLH (with a little from RCCL) and a lot from CLIA.

Like I mentioned, I expect that Disney is going to let someone else bear the brunt of re-opening rather than pave the way. However I am confident their ships will continue to be here when the world emerges from the storm.

 

[Gina]

I miss DCL so much!!! My son and I have such wonderful, wonderful memories of our times onboard the Magic... But they really priced themselves right out of my budget. Their regular rates are high enough, and then they only (stupidly, IMO) sail out of Galveston here during the holidays which make the prices absolutely insane. We can get our fave Havana Cabana on the Carnival Vista for literally half what a run-of-the-mill Navigator's Veranda would cost on the Wonder. It's nuts. I am dying to get my husband on DCL, because I know he would love the level of service, but at this point we just can't justify it... not just because it's so much $$ but also because the thought of that many kids running wild is horrifying to us, lol. DCL has said they will be doubling the # of sailings out of Galveston over the next 5 years -- We'll see if that helps the fares at all. Not holding my breath, though.

As to the question of why is Disney worth it... Having sailed a number of lines as many others in this thread, DCL just has a level of service that rises above everyone else. My husband and I always enjoyed our Royal Caribbean cruises, and then we tried Carnival and had such a great time! They always seem so genuinely happy to have you onboard, and we liked the food venue options a lot more. And on the Vista class, the Havana experience is a game changer!!

But there are several things to me that put Disney on top:

• #1 is service. I can think of a bunch of examples that I won't bore you with, but they just always went above and beyond.
• Disney does the absolute best of all the lines I've been on at keeping adult-only areas actually adult-only. I could sit in the adult-only hot tub and never know there was a kid onboard. And even arguably as the most "family-friendly" cruise line out there, they have never felt the need to make their signature restaurant kid-friendly. (I'm looking at you, Carnival) They recognize that grownups deserve and need some time to themselves!
• Related to the above... Disney has the most FUN adult-only activities. I love love love playing Quest... And oddly enough, of all the lines, Quest has been the most raucous, the most crazy, and by far the most fun on Disney! I figured it would be just cuckoo bananas crazy on Carnival, and it was.. eh. It was actually better on Royal than Carnival, which blew my mind, lol.
• I'm listing service again because for us it's that important, and to me Disney is that much better. Your waiter remembering what you like to drink and having it waiting for you at dinner is awesome and always makes me happy on any line. But the bartender remembering what you like to drink from a year ago?? Only Disney.

Just my .02!

 

[hrhdhd]

• I'm listing service again because for us it's that important, and to me Disney is that much better. Your waiter remembering what you like to drink and having it waiting for you at dinner is awesome and always makes me happy on any line. But the bartender remembering what you like to drink from a year ago?? Only Disney.

No, this has happened to us on both Holland America and Celebrity on multiple cruises. And the Celebrity waiters remembered that my husband gets the French onion soup every night.

 

[bunnm09]

I was looking at other cruise lines and one thing I do wish could change about DCL is just the itineraries. I guess it's due to only having 4 ships but the itineraries are so stale at this point. Especially for the Dream. Just back and forth to Nassau over and over all year long. I just wish they could mix it up a bit for that ship. I love the Dream and want to sail on it more vs the smaller ships but that trip is just not exciting, but then the Fantasy is usually out of our price range.

So it leads us to looking at Royal if we want to sail for the islands vs the ship

It's really what I'm looking forward to the most 5 or so years from now when we've got at least 2 new ships. The ability for DCL to switch things up a bit