What would you do?

[adSimba]

If you really want to sale Disney, do some research now -- look at pricing for 2017 on some of the time periods you are interested in and narrow down what ports you want to see. Then when the rest of 2018 opens, get in on pricing as soon as possible -- or get a TA to be on the phone for you. There is a link (I know someone here will know what it is) that shows the fluctuation of rates for the various seasons and years on DCL. See what seasons and itineraries show the lowest prices and it will give you an idea of what to shoot for. I know I booked the westbound Transatlantic for September 2017 and granted, while it is 3 nights less than 2007, we are paying $2,000 less than we paid in 2007 for the same stateroom and number of ports. So different itineraries can have a huge fluctuation in pricing depending on (1) how new it is and (2) how popular it is. Good luck and happy planning.

Thank you, this is good advice!

also, it's dorky, but I was all excited when I saw you post advice on my question, I've seen you around the boards and value your opinion

 

[RedSox68]

Thank you, this is good advice!

also, it's dorky, but I was all excited when I saw you post advice on my question, I've seen you around the boards and value your opinion

Geez, thanks. I take compliments like that to heart. And I'll take "dorky" any time LOL

 

[mevelandry]

tricky. I'm avoiding the long days of walking that would be required by a wdw trip, but a combo... perhaps, but, we've never been, so I worry I wouldn't be able to restrain myself from trying to see/do/eat everything (we have a long term WDW trip theorized, in perhaps 6 or so years)

You don't have to spend all your days in the parks, though. DH and I, we only plan 1 day of theme park per trip when we do a cruise. The rest of the time, we use to go do activities in Disney Springs, doing Disney Water Parks or play at one of Disney's Mini-Golf. A lot of Disney hotels offer different activities too.

p.s.: I've been to Disney 7 times and I have not done everything yet...

 

[Geomom]

I think you can do DCL if you can do 'off' season--if you can go right after you graduate and it's not Memorial Day weekend, or maybe early June before the kids get out of school.

Our only cruise was DCL, in Alaska, this past August--and we loved it. We loved all the Disney aspects of it, and loved the beauty of Alaska.

Room--we were happy in an ocean view on deck 2 on the Wonder (category 9C). I just needed to SEE the ocean--it didn't take long to get up to deck 4 to go outside, or the elevator up to 9.

I would look at the longest cruise you can afford, longer IS better, and based on what you have said, I don't think a combo trip would work well for you right now, especially when you're looking at relaxing.

 

[adSimba]

You don't have to spend all your days in the parks, though. DH and I, we only plan 1 day of theme park per trip when we do a cruise. The rest of the time, we use to go do activities in Disney Springs, doing Disney Water Parks or play at one of Disney's Mini-Golf. A lot of Disney hotels offer different activities too.

p.s.: I've been to Disney 7 times and I have not done everything yet...

I know it's not possible but somehow I don't think it will stop me... I'd want to see how things compare to DL and see stuff I've never gotten to before that WDW people say is awesome, on the boat there is a far more limited amount of things to do... I want to try everything, eventually

 

[adSimba]

I think you can do DCL if you can do 'off' season--if you can go right after you graduate and it's not Memorial Day weekend, or maybe early June before the kids get out of school.

Our only cruise was DCL, in Alaska, this past August--and we loved it. We loved all the Disney aspects of it, and loved the beauty of Alaska.

Room--we were happy in an ocean view on deck 2 on the Wonder (category 9C). I just needed to SEE the ocean--it didn't take long to get up to deck 4 to go outside, or the elevator up to 9.

I would look at the longest cruise you can afford, longer IS better, and based on what you have said, I don't think a combo trip would work well for you right now, especially when you're looking at relaxing.

see this sounds so nice, it's what made me think it's what I wanted in the first place.

 

[adSimba]

Also, my prospective graduation date is May 9th, so I've got all month and I don't feel bad pulling my kid early from elementary school if we needed to, (though the first Alsaka is after his school gets out)

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Can you use southwest airline points for international flights? Just thinking the Transstlantic going in May EB is good value for the amount of nights. You would need flights home from say Barcelona and flights to Port Canaveral if in that year that is where it is sailing to and from.

 

[adSimba]

Not that it needs to be on the pacific coast, but what about the Pacific coast re positioning cruise vs the first Alaska on the wonder? any thoughts? the repo cruise would be about 2000 cheaper for 2017

 

[adSimba]

Can you use southwest airline points for international flights? Just thinking the Transstlantic going in May EB is good value for the amount of nights. You would need flights home from say Barcelona and flights to Port Canaveral if in that year that is where it is sailing to and from.

I think so, but I don't have (or expect) that many points, they're worth about a penny a point for international, but closer to 3 for domestic and on one of the cheapest airlines in the country.

Trans Atlantic would be sooo cool!

 

[Geomom]

May 9th--that does make a difference as you can travel earlier in May. There are some itineraries already out for May 2018. For 3 people, an oceanview on the Fantasy for 7 nt Eastern Caribbean is $4745 for the 5/19/18 cruise; 7 nt Western on 5/12/18 is $4452.

If either of those interest you, you could book 1 of those now to get the current rate, and then change to an Alaskan or other itinerary when those come out--if they're affordable to you--your deposit could transfer over as it would be well before your pay in full date.

DO use a TA that will give you on board credit--as that is 'free' money for you to use on the ship--it could help cover the gratuities, or a port excursion, shopping on ship, etc.

 

[adSimba]

looking at the 7 nt Western on 5/12/18 /$4452. it's funny the thing I find most tempting is the weird corner rooms at the front of the boat, and Castaway Cay.

 

[RedSox68]

looking at the 7 nt Western on 5/12/18 /$4452. it's funny the thing I find most tempting is the weird corner rooms at the front of the boat, and Castaway Cay.

I will give DCL that -- you cannot beat Castaway Cay and I think it's worth the whole trip.

 

[adSimba]

so... I can get down payment money in January, hope prices hold *fingers crossed* but I did start a DVA account to get money back

 

[tink1970]

If your heart says a DCL is right for you, then I would do it. I'd book as soon as I had the $$ for the deposit, establish a DVA, buy gift cards at a discount and enjoy the planning. DD and I went on the 7 night Western Caribbean, and as with everything we've done together, I treasure the memories we made. As you know from your experience, life is precious.

 

[Shanti]

WDW season passes - you could make it the thing you do for the 12 months considering you have SW miles. Different seasons bring different events, celebrations at WDW. Lots of new construction happening now and should be completed before your timeframe. Passes get discounts at the WDW properties too. Just a thought. But, a little hotter than Alaska!

DCL cruise last min rates, restricted, but with SW miles (and hopefully vacation flexibility) maybe possible?

PC Cruise is longer, but port fees are on the high side, also only 2 dates per year. Trans Atlantic also only 2x per year, not sure on port fees. Both these tend to have lower per night costs. Yes, 2A, 1C can go for approx 6k for 14 nights, including port fees (depends on room choice). I'm booked for PC April 2018 (2A, 1C age 11, OV room for just slightly over 6K whick includes approx $1200 in port fees).

Maximize your money: Start Disney Vacation Account - get 2% back when spend $. Comes as a Disney gift card, which you can use onboard (if you request in advance). Use TA or Costco to book for various discounts, onboard credit. Peruse Disboards for ways to save money with other tactics - lots of ideas, just depends on your style.

Congratulations on improved health and being close to the schooling finishline. DIsney does offer a great family friendly environment.

The only thing I'd disagree with here is using a Disney Vacation Account. I've read reports on the boards from people who have had savings go missing on it.

 

[Shanti]

Castaway Cay sounds amazing! actually everything you talked about sounds amazing! I guess I'll look this year at cheaper late spring rates for something to look forward to

Fyi, you can currently book 3 people on a 7-night Western Caribbean Disney Fantasy cruise in a verandah room for $4,500 for Oct 28 - Nov 4, 2017. That would leave $1,500 to cover insurance, airport-to-port transfers, gratuities, a few optional extra cost activities/treats on the ship, and a port excursion or two.

Hurricane season is pretty much over by the end of October, but it's still value season for cruises. It would also be a Halloween on the High Seas cruise- how fun for a child to cruise on Halloween.

 

[adSimba]

The only thing I'd disagree with here is using a Disney Vacation Account. I've read reports on the boards from people who have had savings go missing on it.

oh dear, that's not something I've heard, do you have any links to people saying that??

 

[Shanti]

oh dear, that's not something I've heard, do you have any links to people saying that??

http://www.disboards.com/threads/disney-vacation-account-nightmare.3507665/

 

[adSimba]

http://www.disboards.com/threads/disney-vacation-account-nightmare.3507665/

wow