1. Disney Magic or Disney Wonder?
2. Bahamas or Carribean?
3. I live in L.A., should I buy the flight package or book my own airline tickets?
4. This is my first cruise, what should I consider?
5. What are the do's and don'ts?
2007-01-16 06:29:02 · 12 answers · asked by HotRod 5 in Travel ➔ Cruise Travel
I'd like to thank everyone for taking the time to answer my questions. I appreciate it and did take many of you guys advice and did my researched online. I am more prepared now than ever.
I have booked my trip thru Travelocity.com and got a 4-day Bahamas trip w/ Disney Wonder for under $2000 for my wife and little girl (excluding airline tickets), so I'm happy.
2007-01-19 05:24:11 · update #1
Ok, to be honest, I haven't been aboard a Disney Cruise yet, or any cruise, but I would love to go on a Disney Cruise and think it's a great idea. I'm going to start off, though, by saying that Julie T's incorrect by assuming the Disney Cruise Line is "a children's cruise that accomodates adults." If anything, it's really more geared for adults. Just because it has a Disney theme doesn't mean it's meant for children. Adults love Disney, too! Like me. If you've ever seen a show on TV about the Disney Cruise Line, it explains how they created the ship for adults - without the adults, children wouldn't come aboard, so everything was made to attract ADULTS. That's why there are areas especially for adults. There's a pool and bar area, restaurants a lounges within the ship, the gorgeous Vista Spa, and even an entire beach at Castaway Cay, all especially and only for adults. And I don't know why Julie T says "older kids don't dig it as much." There are also areas aboard the ship and on the beach especially for the older kids. Trust me, the older kis love the Disney Cruise Line just as much as adults and even the young kids.
Now, onto your questions...
1. The Disney Magic or the Disney Wonder? Well, it depends on where you want to go and what your theme preference is. The Disney Magic has a "Beauty and the Beast" theme, while the Disney Wonder has a "Little Mermaid" theme.
2. The Bahamas of the Caribbean? This totally depends on your preference of location. But remember, the Disney Cruise Line is also going to the Mediterranean. And actually, you said you live in L.A. - did you know you that in 2008 the Disney Cruise Line is doing a few special Mexican Riviera cruises that depart straight from L.A.
3. Should you book the package or book your own airline tickets? Well, I haven't been aboard the Disney Cruise Line, but I've been to Walt Disney World and I always order my vacation packages directly through the Company. However, I always find it slightly less expensive to book my flights separately. But if you take one of the Mexican Riviera cruises next year, you won't even need to worry about getting a flight, and maybe you'll save some money that way (not to mention it'd just be so convenient, departing straight from the city you live in.)
4. lol Well, I guess I don't really know what you should consider. I haven't been on a cruise before either! If you haven't already, though, you should really research the Disney Cruise Line website. It has a lot of information and descriptions of the different cruises, locations, and things to do on and off the ship. Also, they have a free Disney Cruise Line vacation planning DVD that you can order. I ordered it a couple months ago. It's pretty cool and comes with a small scrapbook for you to fill out during your cruise.
5. Since I haven't been aboard a Disney Cruise yet, or any cruise, these are my only do's and don'ts for you: DO be completely open-minded to any new experiences and DON'T assume that just because something has a Disney theme it's geared towards children. You'll have an amazing time!
Anyway, here's a link to information about the new Mexican Riviera cruises that are departing from Los Angeles...
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/dcl/en_US/cruises/overview?name=MexicanRivieraCruisesLandingPage
Here's another link to order the free Disney Cruise Line DVD if you'd like...
https://secure.disney.go.com/dcl/en_US/vpk/landing?name=VPKLandingPage
Hope I could help! Have fun!
2007-01-18 23:45:30 · answer #1 · answered by Katlyn ♥ Disney 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I work on the Disney Magic, it does the better itinerary, the Eastern carribean is probably the best as you start with 2 days at sea to get sed to the ship, I think you would get more on th e7 day cruise.....
We have people onboard from LA all the time so I am sure there are some geat flight packages for you out there.....since you are travelling all that way I would not go on less than a 7 day cruise, besides the bahamas are not that amazing, apart fro mCAstaway cay which you visit on the Magic too!
Have a magical cruise, in if you want any inside information get in touch
Daniel x
2007-01-23 22:07:48 · answer #2 · answered by FoxyDanny 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I recently took a 5 day Bahamian Cruise aboard the Disney Wonder in November of 2006. First, expect to have a wonderful time. Great service, great staff, great food, great entertainment, just great over all. I live on the east coast and i met up with a friend to take the cruise. My friend lives in California. In our party, there were 3 adults and 3 children ages (6-9). It may cost a little more to have your airfare included in the cruisefare, but it's worth every penny. Being that you live in Ca, you will arrive in Fl the day before. More than likely you'll stay at the airport Hyatt (very nice)..the next day Disney's Motorcoach will take you to the port. You won't have to worry about your luggage because Disney will deliver it directly to your stateroom. Disney also makes disembarkation a breeze when you arrange your airfare with them...they pick your up luggage from your stateroom the last night of the cruise (so keep out what you plan on wearing home)..when you board the motorcoach back to the airport...you have your boarding pass in hand and your luggage is routed to the airline..the next time you'll see it is when you return home to sunny Ca. When I was returning home..my thoughts were...1. We should've stayed longer and 2. We're going again. The next day...I booked a Western Carribean cruise aboard the Disney Magic. We leave in October. I would really recommend that you sail the Disney Magic. For two reasons....you have better destinations and consider the distance you're traveling to get there...you live in California...you might as well do a longer cruise...the Bahamian cruise is great but too short. Whatever you decide you'll have a blast.
Dont's
Dont purchase a soda pass...there's a 24 hour soda station onboard.
Don't shop at the souvenir shops onboard..most of the items (with a few exceptions) can be purchased at www.disneyshopping.com which is the online Disney Store at a substantial discount.
Don't purchase the shore excurtions...you can do them on your on when you arrive...they're typically cheaper.
Don't (if you're a woman) wear high heel shoes onboard...keeping your balance maybe a lil challenging..stick to flats or a low heel...trust me.
DON'T FORGET ANY OF YOUR IMPORTANT CRUISE DOCUMENTATION
2007-01-23 16:05:49 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Disney Magic and Wonder are "sister" ships. Means they were built on the same plan. The Magic was built in 1998 and refurbed in 2005. The Wonder was built in 1999 and refurbed in 2006. Go to www.vacationstogo.com and click on the ships link at the top of the page. It will list all of the major cruise lines and ships. Each link gives great details on the ship.
You should be aware that this cruise is geared towards the children being the main guests. This is not an adult cruise that accomodates children. This is a children's cruise that accomodates adults.
If your children are 11 and under, they will LOVE it. Older kids don't dig it as much.
The service staff is exceptional in dealing with young children.
Food was just OK. Cabins were super.
As a first time cruiser, understand the tipping system. It is not really optional and you should include in your budget.
You will have your picture made at every corner. Disney characters will jump out and you and you will get your picture snapped. Purchasing the photos on-board runs from $10-20 per photo.
We visited the Bahamas and enjoyed it. Especially Disney's island, Castaway Key. However, have taken other cruises to Carribean and we love those ports as well.
We booked our own flights last trip to Disney for the Land/Sea package. Only issue was we arrived and did not have a shuttle waiting to take us to Disney. If the pricing is competitive, use Disney's package. They are masters at logistics.
Buy a box of those new XXL Ziploc baggies that are about 3 foot tall for sandy, yucky clothes for the return trip home.
Pack light as you can because you have to handle your luggage at the cruise terminal. It is hard to keep up with a jillion bags and kiddos.
2007-01-16 09:35:52 · answer #4 · answered by Julie T 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
If you liked your Disney cruises, I'm sure you will be very disappointed by Carnival cruises. A Disney cruise is more expensive because it's higher-end. You get what you pay for. Because Carnival cruises are so much cheaper, they also attract a different crowd than Disney cruises. It's like comparing the people you find showing at the 99 cents store vs. people shopping at Neiman-Marcus. The people on your cruise can definitely make or break the experience you have.
2016-05-25 01:46:11 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Disney Wonder in the Carribean. Check with AAA, they might have better cruise and flight packages. You should pack light, and take only the essentials. Cabins are small, and bathrooms are smaller. Check out an online cruise tip website for specific details.
Plan for tips for your cabin cleaner. I don't remember off hand, but I think the servers do not receive tips - I went in 1999 right after the Magic was launched so I might have this wrong.
2007-01-16 06:34:22 · answer #6 · answered by quatrapiller 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Either Disney Cruise Lines will be wonderful. As someone listed above, they are sister ships.
Check out the flight package Disney has to offer and compare it to prices you'll find online. I recommend checking out http://www.bookingbuddy.com
this website is terrific. It compares all of the major flight companies (including cheaptickets, travelocity, etc...) all in one easy step. I use it all of the time. Then see which is cheaper and go from there. As far as where to go - thats up to you! Both locations are breathtaking and you'll have a great time wherever you go!
If you would like help planning for your next trip or if you would just like to read up on some fun tips and ideas that are updated monthly, visit my Disney Vacation Services Website, at:
http://im-all-ears-disney-vacation-services.blogspot.com/
Have a great time!
2007-01-17 07:03:51 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
go through a travel agent or AAA. they can usually get you a good deal. or check www.travelzoo.com they usually have some great deals. check the disney website for do's and don'ts. expect a floating vegas hotel/casino
2007-01-16 06:32:53 · answer #8 · answered by Shanan 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I found a awesome cruise package on ebay. saved me a lot of money. here's the direct link
2007-01-19 05:11:33 · answer #9 · answered by Jim m 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Here is a website that i find very helpful.
http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=49
Here are the reviews for Disney Magic:
http://www.cruisecritic.com/reviews/review.cfm?ShipID=33
And this is the one for Disney Wonder:
http://www.cruisecritic.com/reviews/review.cfm?ShipID=149
For airline fares i usually use www.hotwire.com usually get really good deals.
Hope it helps!!
2007-01-16 09:25:45 · answer #10 · answered by arecibena_ausente 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋