Today's blog comes from DreamFinder Travel's DreamMaker, Kim
M, one of our personal vacation planners at DreamFinder Travel. With the impending release of the 2015 cruise
itineraries this blog is on Disney cruises.
We hope you enjoy Kim's take on why you should choose Disney cruising!
If you’re reading this, then you’re probably as Disney-obsessed as I am. But your focus may be on the parks, and not on Disney Cruise Line, like mine has been of late. This is my new favorite way to travel, but not everyone is as convinced as I am. I hear a lot of reasons for this, some of which include:
- · It’s too expensive
- · I’ll be bored
- · I don’t want/like to dress up
- · My kids are too young
- · I won’t see any characters/there’s too many characters
- · There are too many kids
- · There is nothing for adults to do
- · I won’t like the food
Did I miss any of your objections? I’m sure I have, but let me tell you my
answers to these concerns.
Kids:
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| Marvel Training Academy, Disney Magic |
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| Andy's Room, Disney Magic |
Movies: First-run movies play on board daily and are
included in your fare. In fact, if your
sailing coincides with a new Disney release, chances are that you will be
treated to a Prem”ear” in the Walt Disney Theater!
Too Many Kids?
There is a finite number of kids
that can be onboard due to lifeboat regulations and the staff/child ratio in
the kids clubs. So, you may even find
that there may still be availability left on the ship, but none for parties
with children.
Character interaction: This
can be as intensive (or not) as desired.
Character times and locations are listed in the daily navigator, and you
can either seek them out…or not!
Adults:
The spa : Need I say more? Yes, it’s an extra
cost. But you know it’s worth it!
The Adult dining:
All four ships have Palo, an Italian-themed restaurant, and the Dream
and Fantasy have Remy, a French-inspired dining experience. Onboard to celebrate an anniversary? These will do the trick! They offer dinner
nightly and brunch on sailings 4-nights and longer.
The adults-only
entertainment district: Kids dump
you for the clubs? Head over to the
adult entertainment district and enjoy some live music, some dancing, or maybe
some trivia! Beverages there are not
free, but…..did you know that DCL will let you carry on alcohol (in your carry
on)? Pour your drink in your room….they
will bring you glasses and a bottle opener if needed!
How about an adults-only area on deck? With a pool and hot tub…no little ones to splash you.
How about an adults-only area on deck? With a pool and hot tub…no little ones to splash you.
Families:
The fantastic thing about DCL is that there are activities
for the whole family. Want to make sure
you get some of your kid’s attention?
Look at the navigator and schedule a bit of your day. Negotiate!
“Sure, I’ll leave you alone with your friends, but you need to meet me
at karaoke/bingo/trivia at 5pm”. There
are great options for everyone to have together time, as well as separate
time. Excursions are also family
friendly, notating which allow kids and which are adult-only. On Castaway Cay, there is even a teen-only
excursion. Everyone should find
something that makes them happy.
FOOD:
Let’s swing back to the topic of dining and beverages. On DCL, sodas, coffee, and tea are included
with your fare. There are no beverage packages
to worry about for the kids, and if you don’t opt to bring your own adult
beverages onboard, there are wine and beer options available onboard. None of these include a drink-all-you-want
alcohol, so the family-friendly atmosphere is preserved. If you’re a coffee snob (and I am…I live in
the Pacific NW and it’s part of our local culture), there is the option of
purchasing froo-froo coffee at Cove Café.
It’s located in the Adults-only area.
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| Animator's Palate, Disney Magic |
Buffets? Sure. Up on the top deck there is a casual buffet
restaurant. Too tired? Saw the menu and didn’t care for it? In port too late and REALLY need a
shower? Just head up there and grab a
bite to eat.
Room service is also an option, 24 hours a day. The
menu is a bit more limited, but the food is included in your fare. Tipping the cast member who delivers it to
you is recommended, however, so you may want to plan on having some dollar
bills with you.
Dress code:
DCL is probably has one of the more relaxed dress codes out
there. Recently, shorts were added to
the list of what is okay in the dining rooms. Formal and semi-formal nights (on
the longer cruises) are suggested, not required. That being said, there are
some amazing photo opportunities for your family if you happen to get them
dressed up!
Okay, so let’s get to the biggie. The cost. I am well aware that on the surface it looks like DCL is more expensive. But you get what you pay for. You get a bigger stateroom. You get a higher passenger-staff ratio. You get Disney quality, entertainment, and interaction. Your food is included. Your beverages are included. There are soda machines on deck! Snacks on deck are included. It is absolutely possible to get onboard and not spend another dime. The value you get for your dollars is far higher on DCL than it is on other cruise lines. And I haven’t even brought up the biggest benefit….Castaway Cay! Disney has their own private island!!
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| Castaway Cay |
So how do you get the most bang for your buck(s)? Book early, especially if you are limited to
school holidays to travel. Use a travel
agent…you control all your onboard bookings, but travel agents bring their
expertise and offer onboard credits…essentially free money for you to use on
board! Be flexible with your dates and itineraries, and when you’re onboard,
rebook your next cruise. By doing so,
you may get 10% off a future sailing (though blackout dates do apply) and
onboard credit offered by DCL. Name your
agent while you book onboard and you can stack DCL’s onboard credit with your
agent’s offer. (See DreamFinder Travel's
ONBOARD CREDIT OFFER here)
The remainder of the 2015 cruise itineraries are being
released next week. New itineraries are rumored (and there are some really FUN
rumors out there!) I’m going to be booking something new….can’t wait to see
where I’m going next!
Interested in booking a Disney Cruise? You can submit a quote request on our
website, or by clicking here! New to
cruising and want to learn more? ClickHere.
