HAL cruiser takes the Disney Wonder

[wowzo]

Just had a great cruise with the whole family on Disney Wonder - I recommend that you all do this, at least, once while the grandchildren or children are young and enjoy the Disney characters. Well worth it, if you want to know more, just ask some questions.

But the main reason I'm talking about the Disney ship - is their debarkation procedure.

We had early dining (5:45p) and we alternated between 3 restaurants (they chose the order) - the last night - our day's debark sheet told us to eat breakfast @ 7am in the previous night's restaurant and bring the carryons. We had the full menu and good service, then at the gangway @ 7:45 is the Captain - saying goodby - to everyone- and we left !!! No hanging around all over the ship until 10:00am sometimes.

We were with luggage, customs, etc. by 8am !! What a system. How could all the cruiselines do this ?? After 19 cruises we finally found the best way.:)

MaryAnn

[iceman93]

That doesn't surprise. Disney has decades under their belt as the absolute best in the world at crowd management. Before they dove into the cruise business they studied how everyone else did everything, then analyzed and brainstormed and decided what would work best. They had the luxury of designing ships from scratch, and constantly strive to improve the way they do things to enhance the guest experience, not just to save money. Another small example is the fact that they chose a private island where they could dock rather than using tenders (like all the other cruise lines). A simple thing, but all those little factors add up to help create truly enjoyable experiences.

[keep on cruising]

Thanks for the information. We are doing the 3 day Wonder with our 2 grandsons in November and can hardly wait.:)

[Silver Pearl]

That doesn't surprise. Disney has decades under their belt as the absolute best in the world at crowd management. Before they dove into the cruise business they studied how everyone else did everything, then analyzed and brainstormed and decided what would work best. They had the luxury of designing ships from scratch, and constantly strive to improve the way they do things to enhance the guest experience, not just to save money. Another small example is the fact that they chose a private island where they could dock rather than using tenders (like all the other cruise lines). A simple thing, but all those little factors add up to help create truly enjoyable experiences.

Yes, Disney does a lot of analysis and does pay careful attention to details. They drove the construction crew half crazy at Fincantieri when the Magic and Wonder were under construction. Instead of just a few quality control inspectors, Disney had an entire engineering team on site. Their ships are spectacular.

And, they didn't just choose an island where they could dock--they terraformed the island, building a huge but natural-appearing jetty next to which they could dock their ships. It's great being able to walk on and off.

All that said, and despite the fact that I've taken my family on three Disney cruises, I think they are now over-priced compared to other cruise lines. It's just that they now have enough folks who want to cruise Disney that they can charge super premium prices. They provide a very nice cruise, but IMESHO, they are no longer a reasonable value.

I'm looking forward to our first HAL cruise in June. Using my Disney Vacation Club points, I found I could upgrade to a superior suite (SS) for an Alaska cruise for far less than what a regular vernadah suite would cost on a 7-day Disney Magic cruise.

-Rich

[wowzo]

Rich, you are right on the pricing - and their parks are high, too.

If we ever go again - everyone is paying their own way:D

MaryAnn

[CCCM]

That sounds like an excellent way to disembark. We have always had smooth disembarkations, but that sounds very relaxing. We keep an eye on the Disney Cruises to see if they will go lower. They are too expensive for us. However a couple that I know got the big suite (I think it is Walt Disney Suite). I can't even begin to imagine how much they paid for it.

[wowzo]

They had an on-board agent for future bookings (on a 3 day :eek: ) with 10% off and -depending on the length-shipboard credit of $100 per cabin & up. everytime we went past her - she had people talking to her !

Half Moon Key should go over there and get some pointers, too.

The adult areas are great and quiet. All & all it was a 1st class trip.

One more thing - we had a veranda cabin (not suite) and had a split bathroom - one room had a tub/shower and sink And the other room had a tiolet and sink. Our other family members had an inside with one combined bathroom. I liked ours.

MaryAnn

[localady]

I agree entirely!:) Took my kids on the Disney Magic in 2002. We had a fabulous time, even though I dreaded it a bit as I was travelling sans partner, just the kids and I.
It was the most wonderful week! It is truly a top notch experience. Kids are old enough to enjoy HAL now though, and love those cruises too!

[SANDY BEACH]

Thanks for the info. Disney may be in our future as the kids and grandkids are talking about it for next year. I just can't believe their prices-sooooooo high.

[babyher]

Have never been on a Disney cruise , but have been to Dsiney World several times. I agree they do handle the crowds extremely well. You may see a mob of people in front of each ride or food stand, but once in line it does move pretty quick. So i would imagine they have the embarkation/ debarkation thing done to a fine art.

I know a few people who have taken Disney cruises and from a few threads I have read over at the Disney board, I know they are $$$$$$$ but they do give you your moneys worth.

[EbayCruiser]

My daughter and I are taking my grandons in a little over three weeks on the WONDER!! Can hardly wait .... I've only cruised on HAL so I'm looking forward to this Disney Cruise. Disney is VERY PRICEY but certainly the perfect cruise for children. They have Pirate Night and have a fantastic show on the top deck and then shoot off fireworks (weather permitting). :)

[middle-aged mom]

My daughter and I are taking my grandons in a little over three weeks on the WONDER!! Can hardly wait .... I've only cruised on HAL so I'm looking forward to this Disney Cruise. Disney is VERY PRICEY but certainly the perfect cruise for children. They have Pirate Night and have a fantastic show on the top deck and then shoot off fireworks (weather permitting). :)

Ebay, who's going to enjoy the Pirate Night and fireworks more, you or the grandsons? :) I think that the "perfect cruise for children" may also be the "perfect cruise for grandma"!:) Enjoy!

[RlrCstr]

I have sailed both ships: on a 4 day on the Wonder and a 7 day on the Magic. The ships are beautiful. I am a Disney fan, have my annual pass to the park, and go to DisneyWorld as often as I can travel to Florida.
I have thought about doing a cruise again, but agree that the prices are quite high and it would only do to do a Disney Cruise Lines ship for a new itinerary. Their private island is the best, but not worth another time at other familiar ports.
When the Europe cruises were announced I was excited, but could not justify the price. When the Magic was here in California, it was the same issue. I have cruised to Mexico before, so it wasn't that. I even have one
for the holidays on the Oosterdam coming up. But I got that one for a lot less than the price for Disney.
Disney has the demand, so they charge what they charge. But for me, I guess it means I will get my fill of mouse at the parks, not on a ship.
That all said, their ships are superb and Palo, their specialty restaurant serves some of the best food I have eaten on any cruise. And can't beat their entertainment.

If the price was right, I would go again on them. But it isn't.

[NJcabanas]

I'm glad to see this thread. My first cruise every was the Disney Wonder in 2004. Had a category 4, family suite, which was very nice. I will be on the Volendam this summer for a cruise to Alaska and I am really looking forward to it. I was wondering (no pun intended), are the Hal veranda suites, (Category A, AA, B, etc.), the same size as the Wonder/Magic category 4? I have tried to figure this out from the booking sites, but the square footage never seem to be apple-to-apple comparisons. It is hard to tell if they are including the balcony in the number. Thanks for all the help!

[Silver Pearl]

. . . I know a few people who have taken Disney cruises and from a few threads I have read over at the Disney board, I know they are $$$$$$$ but they do give you your moneys worth.

This is an awkward post for me. I'm a life-long Disney park fan. And I really like the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder. I've cruised on the Magic twice (one a 7-day) and on the Wonder once. They are beautiful ships with terrific staffs.

But, relative to other cruises, and given the dearth of any discounts, they are over-priced. I'd still recommend them for cruisers with lots of children and money. :)

In a previous post, I mentioned how using Disney's own vacation club points, I'm getting a HAL Alaska cruise for less than half the amount required for a Magic Caribbean cruise of equal length. Here's another example of what I mean by over-priced: Last November, my wife and I took a cruise on Silversea's Silver Whisper. We got it at a 50% discount. On a day for day basis, our 9-day Whisper cruise cost about the same as a 7-day Magic cruise in similar (but not as good accommodations), comparing cruise fares only.

On the Whisper, our stateroom was 347 sq. ft., including the verandah, which is larger than the Family Stateroom/verandah combination on the Magic/Wonder by about 50 sq. ft. Our Whisper stateroom included all sorts of amenities including walk-in closet, robes and slippers, binoculars, fresh fruit every day, flowers, etc. Our Whisper cruise included all drinks, in the dining rooms, in the bars, and in our in-suite bar (which was replenished with drinks of my choice as needed). The dining on the Whisper was worlds above Disney's (with the exception of Disney's Palo, which is as good as any room at sea, IMESHO). The Whisper cruise included many other extras as well, and has a no-tipping policy. And there is nearly twice as much space per passenger on the Whisper overall than there is on the Magic/Wonder. That's luxury.

Now, not every Silversea cruise is deeply discounted, but enough are that if you want to try ultraluxe cruising, you can find one that will be about the same as an undiscounted (typical) Disney cruise.

One final caveat: Silversea cruises are NOT good cruises for kids. There are no special facilities for kids, no kids' programs, and the food would not be to many kids' liking.

So, again, if you've got lots of money and kids, Disney might be a good choice. I have no experience with HAL yet, so I can't say how they would be for kids, but in a month or so, I'll be able to report how my wife, I, and our 14-year-old liked the Westerdam.

--Rich

[wowzo]

It's very difficult to compare Disney - sure cabin to cabin - price to price, etc. Disney is the most expensive and cabins will be the smaller.

When we were planning this cruise last year and adding up 9 people, 3 cabins, 3 days = Wow !!! Then I thought if I want to take them on the Disney ship -- I'm going to have to pay the Disney price. So we did ! And I had doubts all year.

Now, for the happiness and memories we all have - I'm glad we did it --once. But probably not again, unless we share the cost.

If it has been your intention to do this trip 'someday', do it. It won' be getting any cheaper :D .

And by the way -all non smoking cabins !!

My main reason for this subject was to tell about the debarkation procedure - but love the other posts about the ship, too

MaryAnn

[Jules1]

We've been on two Magic cruises (4 day and 7 day) - one of over New Year's Eve 1999/2000. The Millenium celebration aboard the ship was absolutely unbelievable.
One thing that I love about the Disney disembarkation is that you can check your luggage with the airlines right at the cruise terminal. No hassle when you get to the airport with the luggage! Talk about making it easy.....

[TLHB]

Our family has only done one cruise ever, and it was a Disney cruise. We loved every minute of it and plan to do it again next year. I, too, am a HUGE Disney fan!!!!!!!!!!!
On June 4, DH and I will leave for our second cruise. The kids will be staying with grandparents so this is a romantic couple time for us. I posted a thread a few days ago to ask about embarkation procedure because the only one I have experienced is Disney. I was able to prepare in advance to it because I got Deb's book about the cruise. I am not able to do that with this cruise. Since I am a type A personality, the lack of being able to plan has been hard for me.
So is the embarkation the same as Disney's?

[jhannah]

Glad to hear of your Disney experience. Our kids are hinting at a Disney cruise in 2008. We all (10 of us) went to Disney World last January and had a wonderful time. Guess I need to start saving up now!

[wowzo]

TLHB- yes, the embarkation procedure seems the same.
You can fill out forms online.
When you get to the pier, they give you boarding numbers.
Credit card is scanned for the sign & sail card.
Then wait awhile (depends on your arrival time) hopefully not alot of busloads ahead of you.
Enter ship - past the photographers !!- go to Lido for lunch.
Then room is ready.

Did I leave anything out ?:p

Oh yea, have fun, MaryAnn

PS Jhannah - I recommend at least one cabin a verandah - it made all the difference to us.

[1drifter]

I posted a thread a few days ago to ask about embarkation procedure because the only one I have experienced is Disney. I was able to prepare in advance to it because I got Deb's book about the cruise.

Did I miss something--what is Deb's book about Disney cruises?
We have only cruised HAL and Celebrity, but have been invited to go with our kids & grandkids next spring on Disney. It sounds like lots of fun but I'd love a book to read about it ahead of time. Thanks, Shari

[Mary Ellen]

Did I miss something--what is Deb's book about Disney cruises? Shari - I'm guessing that she is referring to Deb Wills that has a great DisneyWorld site. Her DCL pdf can be downloaded here. (http://allearsnet.com/cruise/mdcg.pdf)
In a previous post, I mentioned how using Disney's own vacation club points, I'm getting a HAL Alaska cruise for less than half the amount required for a Magic Caribbean cruise of equal length.
Rich, I'm another DVC member. I know there a number of members who 'rent' their points (in the $10-12/point range) and then use the cash to pay for the cruise. It is more work, but a number on the DIS boards get enough to pay for the cruise and spending money. We've always paid cash for our HAL Alaskan cuises as it has worked out better for us to use our points at our 'home' resort.

[5 in OK]

Disney Wonder Inside Cabin: $$$$$$$$

Disney Wonder Outside Verandah: $$$$$$$$$$$$

Doing the limbo with Mickey and Goofy in the Oceaneers Lab to "Who Let the Dogs Out": Priceless!!!

Years later - my kids still talk about doing the limbo with Mickey and Goofy and making Flubber - it really bounced all over the room!

[TLHB]

I am sorry Shari. I didn't explain better. I am a huge Disney fan. I belong to a Disney fan club, and I frequent Disney message boards and different Disney web sites daily. I also receive Disney newsletters each month. Deb Wills is the lady that I am talking about; Mary Ellen gave you her link for information. She highly recommends the book that I used to prepare for the DCL. She did not write it, but she contributed to it. The book was very informative. I am a type A personality and I like to plan and be prepared for my trips. Since DCL was my very first cruise, the book helped me understand what to do, where to go, etc. I loved every minute of reading it. I took it along on the cruise too. It was a HUGE help to me. I highly recommend it to anyone planning to take a Disney cruise.
Here is Amazon's information on the book:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1587710064/103-7134064-8145415?v=glance&n=283155 .

[Silver Pearl]

. . . Rich, I'm another DVC member. I know there a number of members who 'rent' their points (in the $10-12/point range) and then use the cash to pay for the cruise. It is more work, but a number on the DIS boards get enough to pay for the cruise and spending money. We've always paid cash for our HAL Alaskan cuises as it has worked out better for us to use our points at our 'home' resort.

Hi, Mary Ellen. I think I met you at OKW once, years ago. If I'm remembering correctly (and I might have you confused with someone else), didn't you often come to OKW with a sister?

Anyway, we calculated what our stateroom with upgrade (to SS--Superior Suite) would have cost for the three of us if we did an early booking with HAL: It turned out that the DVC points paid for $4,000 of the cost. So, for us, it was a bit more than we could have gotten by renting our points.

--Rich