New Years Eve Cruise on Disney

[SPARKLE10]

Hi:

We were on the Disney Magic the very first year...1999, I believe it was (not sure) and had a very good time. We took our daughter, her husband and our three granddaughters. Now, we're thinking of going just the two of us. We love New Years Eve cruises. We're taking one this year on the Freedom of the Seas, but I would love to cruise Disney again. Has anyone taken a New Years Eve cruise on one of the Disney ships? Also, has anyone been to Disney World over Christmas? I know you have to make reservations way ahead of time for these events...I wasn't thinking of this year. Any comments will be appreciated.

Happy Cruising.....Sparkle 10:)

[mom x4,grandma x4]

I havnt cruised at New Years, but I go to WDW every year at Christmas. We live near by and go all year around.
It is great!! Of course the park to see, after dark is MGM studios.
They have the Osborn Family festival of lights. Last year was slightly over 10 million lights. They add more every year. So that is the best place to go.
The other parks have some decorations here and there and all have a large tree out front.

The 2nd most decorated park is Epcot. Their tree is near the Worlds and they have a lighted archway that covers the walkway to the Worlds and the lights blink in sequence with Christmas Carols, which is great. Plus each of the worlds has soemthing special to show how their coutries holiday traditions are. not all have Christmas as we do. But some have story tellers, some songs or decorations. Of course Epcot has the Processional every year at the American gardens theater which features many different famous people reading the story of the birth of Christ and a huge choir sings songs throughout. it is AWESOME!

All the hotels have decorations too. Anyone can go and see them. Grand Floridian has a HUGE gingerbread house in their lobby which is a must see!!
The Contemporary resort has several small gingerbread house on the floor where their shops are, near the restaurants.
The Yacht and Beach club resorts have a giant gingerbread carousel that works. Thise are the most specatcular exhibits, but they all have soemthing to see.

They have a Christmas parade too.
Mickey's very Merry christmas Party runs several times over about a 6 week period at the Magic Kingdom in the evening. You must buy a special ticket for this event. It usually goes from 7 to midnight. You must plan on staying for it all in order to see it all. some rides are open, special events are scheduled throughout the night. They usually have hot cider, hot cocoa, and sugar cookies for everyone too. It snows on main street, Oh it snows at MGM studios too.

mom x4,grandma x4

[SPARKLE10]

Thanks momx4, grandmax4:

I had twins at an early age so I can just say I'm at mom times 2; and, thanks to my daughter, I have three granddaughters. My son hasn't gotten married yet....I keep hoping for more grandkids as my three grand kids are teenagers by now, and I would love to have a baby in the family.

You are so lucky to live closeby. We live in Des Moines, Iowa, and I've only been to WDW a few times over the years, but never at Christmas time. You don't happen to know the best resort to stay at, at WDW, do you? I was looking at them yesterday via their website and it looked like the Polyneasan Resort (I don't think I spelled that correctly) anyway, is the one that looks the best to me. It looks like they have a luaua dinner and that's one reason I love Hawaii, is the Old Lahaina Luaua we go to every time we visit Hawaii.

We weren't thinking of going until Christmas 2008, which is a long time from now. We were also going to do a Disney cruise after our stay at WDW. I wonder if you have to make reservations more than a year out, do you know? Someone told me that even at a year before, for Christmas time, might be pushing it; as it is the most popular time of year to visit. I contacted Disney, but they said they didn't have a 2008 itinerary available yet, so I'll just have to wait awhile. In the meantime, it's wonderful to think about. I have New Years Eve cruises booked for this year and 2007, and that's why I have to wait until 2008. I wish we lived close, as you do...and to get that wonderful Florida resident discount also. We've been talking about moving. How is the housing situation where you live? Just curious.

Thanks for all of the useful information.

Happy Cruising.......Sparkle 10

PS My TA said that Disney didn't have a discount for past passengers....I think that's kind of odd, as the other cruiselines do. ;)

[mom x4,grandma x4]

Howdy,
your TA is right, but they do have a nice gift waiting for you in your room and a captain gala you and the family will be invited to with food and drinks for free and a fast check in line too.

The Polynesian resort is very nice and we have eaten at the luau they have there, it is great !!! The Caribbean beach resort is great too!! Even if you stay at a different resort you can still make a reservation and go to the luau if you want. One of my son's is a manager at the Caribbean beach resort.

I would suggest making your cruise reservation just as soon as they release the date you want. Then you will sit back and watch the price go up a little each month until you sail. Sometimes you can save a couple thousand dollars by booking early. If you find a special promotion later for your crusie, you can change to that price if you call and tell them. of course that may only be if you booked through DCL and not a TA. We have done that and really saved a lot!!

My husband works for a BIG builder here and right now it is a buyers market!!! Wish I could buy a few investment homes right now!!
Some are giving afree pool when you by a house or they will give you a car, one builder was giving 2 cars with every new house sold. There were cheap cars, but still cars. Another was giving all appliances for free. Most will say they need $5000 down ernestmoney when you buy a house, now people can say, I only want to give you $500, take it or leave it and they will take it. The houses just arnt selling right now, it will pick up again, but for those who are buying in central florida right now it is awesome for them and bad for the builder. there are some big layoffs coming if the sales dont pick up soon!!!
So if your serious about buyng, now is the time, in a few months the market could turn around again and there wont be any deals anymore.

Let me know if you have any other questions, I will try to help,
Kathy

[SPARKLE10]

Kathy:

Thanks for all of your helpful information. I'll let you know when we get our reservations made. I just wish we were going sooner, but we have other cruises booked, and can't go until 2008. We had such a good time on the Disney Magic back in 1999. I'm really looking forward to a whole week on the ship, and not just 4 days. We've cruised about 40 times, but Disney is certainly at the top of the list as far as service, food, entertainment etc. I don't know why I've waited so long.

Thanks Again.

Sparkle 10 (Anita):)

PS Is the Caribbean resort nicer than the Polynesian? I love the sand, water, etc., is the reason I was thinking of these two.

[mom x4,grandma x4]

Howdy Anita,
I think they are both about the same. Just if one is booked you can try the other one as a back up plan.

When you pick you 08 date, let me know, we are going to book a 7 day in 08 too, plus Easter weekend we do a 3 day cruise because DH gets Good Friday off, so he doesnt loose any work time, we just leave a little early from work on thursday and they dont count that against him.
WOW 40 cruises, that is awesome!!

Kathy

[Busygirl100]

We sailed Disney this past New Years!!! Everyone had a great time. There were activities for Grandma and Grandpa as well as my husband and myself. There was also lots of activities for the children. Everyone had a great time. There are plenty of adult only activities and areas. New Year's Eve Party was fun with champagne (sparkling grape juice for the kids) and fireworks. We all had great time. My parents will be re-joining us for a cruise in Marcg 2007 and several of my Aunts and Uncles (mid 60's and up in age) will be on that cruise as well. :)