[FireAngel]

I need some opinions, since I have no idea about disney cruise. I have decided that I want to take my 2 daughter on vacation on a disney cruise before my oldest one turns 12, and some of the magic has gone . So I have decided on a cruise in 2007.

I am wondering if someone can give me some info:

1. which months and or dates are the best to go in.

2. Which packageas to book and for how long.

3. Are the land and sea even worth it or should it just be sea only?

and other things you guys might think of.

[BuzzLightyear]

I've cruised many times (non-Disney).
My advice would be to book a longer cruise, like 7 nights. To me those little 3 or 4 nighters just aren't enough, by the time you are use to the ship and getting rollin' the cruise is over.

[Jen]

We're debating on the Land and Sea package for October. I agree, 3 or 4 nights on sea or land isn't enough. I really want to do the parks, we missed so much at epcot and MGM on our last trip. Decisions, Decisions....

And fireangel, don't worry about the magic being gone. DS (14) turned into a little kid in Disney. It was worth every single penny the trip cost to see him stalk Goofy for a picture and ride Cinderella's Carousel. (and to now use the pictures as blackmail...lol)

Jen

[skwak]

We just booked Nov. 2006 for our 1st Disney Cruise. Mickey helped me quite a bit. He explained that is cheaper to cruise when kids are in school (just like going to WDW). He said the best (and cheapest) times are Nov-Feb, avoiding the holiday weeks of course. I think that Sept is too much a hurricane season for me!

[FireAngel]

I would've never thought for Nov. thru Feb. Thanks for the info.

I know, stusbabydoll, I sometimes think my daughter acts too grownup for her age. But then I notice she keeps watching Mickey cartoons and still laughing

[mickey]

1. which months and or dates are the best to go in.

Anytime September through President's Day is good, but stay away from holidays. Late August isn't bad, if your kids aren't in school yet. There usually are a couple of weeks in May that aren't too bad, you just have to check. Any time during the summer, spring break, Thanksgiving or Christmas, you can just can on double the price.

2. Which packageas to book and for how long.

Personally, I really like the 7 day cruises. You have been to WDW before, why not spend your time on the boat. If you really want to do a land/sea, do the 3 night land/4 night sea package and arrive the night before your package starts to get the most out of it. The three day cruises are just way too short.

3. Are the land and sea even worth it or should it just be sea only?

Well, they are worth it, and the land/sea packages are usually a decent deal, but it is worth the money/time to do the 7 night cruise.

2007 rates are not out yet, with the exception of the first week or so in January, 07. I would watch for 07 rates to be released, and book it as soon as you can thereafter. It will assure you the best rate possible, and the choice of almost any room you want on board.

[FireAngel]

Thank you, Thank you. I will keep all of this in mind!!

[Mmk]

Hi,

The following is my opinon....

I don't know where you live, but I think the end of JAN. is a great time to go on a cruise! The bahamas and caribbean are still warm during that time of year (that's where I run to and I live here in Florida) and their are no hurricanes to deal with. The hurricane season runs from June all the way through November (yup, I said November and yes it's a pain in the butt to be trying to put up Holiday decorations when you could find out any minute that you'll have to take them all back down again or have them destroyed or blown away). Also, most folks get Christmas cash so that means extra spending money onboard (especially for the kids). Plus, I haven't seen a Jan. go by yet that didn't have great discounts available at the parks as well as for DCL!
My very first cruise was a four day on DCL and I thought that was just fine for my first time, (heck I didn't even know if It'd enjoy it -now I am hooked!) I unfortunatly just don't have the time nor the opportunity to get away for a 7 day cruise. Though I have done it at once to the Western Caribbean. I'll do it again someday. But, if your looking to see Disneyworld too then
I think putting togther a land and sea package that equals 7 nights would make a great family vacation if you want to get into to the parks also. My suggestion is do Disneyworld first for three days and then hop over to DCL to relax after getting worn out running around the parks all day. Or you can even extend your time at the parks, but I would still suggest doing that part of your vacation first. Then, hop onboard and order up room service (it's free) put your feet up, order a drink or two at the bar and or check out the spa to really get you relaxed. Let the kids do whatever.....unlike at the parks, they can't get to far without you! Oh and bring those walkie talkie motorala things, they will help you keep track of your kids onbaord with out having to scuttle around behind them.

Happy sailing! Mmketeer sailing DCL again 2/2/05

[Twins1023]

We went in October 2003 and had a great time. We went to Disney first for three days and the cruise for four it was nice to relax after going like fools for three days at the World. Disney's private island has to be the best, Castaway Cay adults and kids both loved it here!

[llama]

We've taken the 4 day cruise twice - once in Sept. and once in January. I think I liked the January one better. Even though it was really chilly in Orlando, one day out at sea and the weather changed completely. We had absolutely beautiful weather for the full four days. I'm definitely planning on a 7 day cruise next time - 4 days go by so fast!

[FireAngel]

Thanks for the input guys! I am from the Caribbean, so I dont know why I am taking a cruise but I know that I want to experience the disney cruise line. Def. making it a 7 day cruise and having prob a magical gathering.