[WishUponAStar]

Well, I haven't done anything officially yet, because the lines aren't open. But after sitting down with D, looking at airfare rates rise & climb constantly & weighing the costs, we decided NOT to do the 7-night cruise we booked for Spring Break '09. The cruise itself, because it's considered a "holiday cruise," was the highest rates the Disney cruiseline charges & airfare is already showing now $688. for the flight we need. I know Spring Break flying and cruise rates are just expensive but I'm a teacher, I have to travel during school breaks.

BUT!!!! (so long as all works out over the phone tomorrow) this is the NEW plan:

We are going to do the 4-night Disney Wonder Cruise with 4 nights in WDW before the cruise in June '09!!!

This helps in SOOO many ways!
- The cruise itself will be about $1,600 cheaper (AND, we get an "Ocean View" now instead of inside stateroom)

- The days of travel will be a Wednesday through a Thursday in June, which will be A LOT cheaper flight-wise than a Fri-Sunday on Spring Break.

- The nights in WDW will be with our DVC points, we'll already have annual passes, and all we'll need to cover is food.

The new plan is EASILY going to save us about $2,500 when all is said and done, which is a HUGE relief. We could make the Spring Break cruise happen, pay cash, and survive BUT... I feel a lot better saving the money & still getting to go on a Disney cruise.

I know we won't be doing all those exciting excursions in St. Maarten, we'll have to wait 2 months longer, etc... but it's still a Disney Cruise and as long we get to dine at Artist Palette, & relax on the beach for a couple days I am happy!



Do you think I am makin' a mistake by switching? How is the 4-night cruise?
Nothing is actually switched yet so I have time to consider all angles.

[mickeymotto]

Bummer about having to cancel your cruise, but I completely understand the necessity of having to make the changes. We just decided to drive instead of fly because of the airfare costs too ~ but it gave us some extra time we decided to take off work, which is always better!

You are still going to have great time and you will LOVE the room with a view!

[mickeysgirlz]

I think it's a FANTASTIC solution. You still get what you want (even better) and you won't be kicking yourself for spending so much on airfare!

[WishUponAStar]

Originally Posted by mickeysgirlz

I think it's a FANTASTIC solution. You still get what you want (even better) and you won't be kicking yourself for spending so much on airfare!

Seriously, I've been keeping my eye on that airfare for April '09 for a month now and have watched it climb from $398 to now $688 and I was starting to FREAK out!!

I looked at these new dates on Continental and even though I have to wait a couple weeks for our EXACT dates in June '09 I tested a couple weeks before, with a Wed-Thurs. trip and it was only $248. PHEW!!! If I can get $248. I'd be MUCH more appreciative. I just REFUSE to pay any more than $350. at the MOST from Newark to Orlando.

[mickeysgirlz]

Originally Posted by WishUponAStar

Seriously, I've been keeping my eye on that airfare for April '09 for a month now and have watched it climb from $398 to now $688 and I was starting to FREAK out!!

I looked at these new dates on Continental and even though I have to wait a couple weeks for our EXACT dates in June '09 I tested a couple weeks before, with a Wed-Thurs. trip and it was only $248. PHEW!!! If I can get $248. I'd be MUCH more appreciative. I just REFUSE to pay any more than $350. at the MOST from Newark to Orlando.

I'm in NJ right now! We got these ticket for $218 round trip and I managed to score $218 for Thanksgiving weekend . . . But it looks as if $248 is the NEW number . . .cuz I've been watching for Xmas week!

[DisneyWorldFan]

Well, I can't comment on what you'll be missing by going on the shorter cruise, but I can tell you I think it is a very wise decision! Think of what you could do with that $2,500 savings. Take another trip, do some projects around the house, put the money into a rainy day account.

[WishUponAStar]

Originally Posted by mickeysgirlz

I'm in NJ right now! We got these ticket for $218 round trip and I managed to score $218 for Thanksgiving weekend . . . But it looks as if $248 is the NEW number . . .cuz I've been watching for Xmas week!

Awesome!! Yeah, I remember those $218,'s Haven't seen those in awhile! Have fun in NJ, sorry it's been kinda overcast & crappy. Not a good weather week! If you are close we should meet for lunch!

[mickeysgirlz]

Originally Posted by WishUponAStar

Awesome!! Yeah, I remember those $218,'s Haven't seen those in awhile! Have fun in NJ, sorry it's been kinda overcast & crappy. Not a good weather week! If you are close we should meet for lunch!

Are you off for the summer? That would be fun. On Wed were heading in to NYC to see Little Mermaid, I've been keeping it a secret from the girls since DECEMBER . . . then we are going to hit the Starlite Diner for dinner.

Were all the way up in West Caldwell, um like 15 minutes from Montclair State.

I heard the weather in SoFlo hasn't been much better . . .

[MickeyMcFizzle]

I think you made a good decision. It sounds like the other option was going to be a bit of a stress. It will definitely be more enjoyable this way I think.
And you still get to do a cruise :-)

[cinderbella]

I know you were fretting about those airline tickets so I am glad you came to a happy solution!!! Either way I can't wait to hear about your cruise!

[WishUponAStar]

Originally Posted by MickeyMcFizzle

I think you made a good decision. It sounds like the other option was going to be a bit of a stress. It will definitely be more enjoyable this way I think.
And you still get to do a cruise :-)

I'll have to put that spare money away for a Tokyo Disneyland trip... once our $ is worth something again & i can actually afford airfare to Tokyo!

[mickeysgirlz]

Originally Posted by WishUponAStar

I'll have to put that spare money away for a Tokyo Disneyland trip... once our $ is worth something again & i can actually afford airfare to Tokyo!

Yes my brother said it was 1600 round trip to Tokyo for him this time! That is NUTS!!

[WishUponAStar]

Originally Posted by mickeysgirlz

Yes my brother said it was 1600 round trip to Tokyo for him this time! That is NUTS!!

I should have pounced on the Tokyo trip 2 years ago when I REALLY wanted to go but I was doing Masters classes for my teaching degree so it was impossible at the time! I found airfare for $800. from NY to Tokyo! I'm afraid it's going to be like DOUBLE that from here on out.

[cinderbella]

I feel you! We want to go to Japan and it's been a dream vacation of ours for soooo long! I feel like we should have done it a few years ago because paying 3000 just to GET there is insane.

[WishUponAStar]

Originally Posted by cinderbella

I feel you! We want to go to Japan and it's been a dream vacation of ours for soooo long! I feel like we should have done it a few years ago because paying 3000 just to GET there is insane.

Seriously, we had it ALL priced out... found airfare for $800., I researched hotels & found a nice one for a good price, we were going to see the Cherry Blossoms, etc. I even figured out the routes to Tokyo Disneyland on the subway lines, etc.

Then I had to start the Masters classes to get my certification and said, "Well, Tokyo will always be there!" BUT, APPARANTLY NOT FOR THAT CHEAP!