Disney??

OK, so my family and I have saied on Carnival, we are looking at a Disney 5 day cruise next June. I was wondering what are the differences between the two lines?

for example I had a bottle of alcohol delivered to my room at sail away, 24 hour food available, towel animals, room service.

Any help would be great!!

OK, so my family and I have saied on Carnival, we are looking at a Disney 5 day cruise next June. I was wondering what are the differences between the two lines?

 

for example I had a bottle of alcohol delivered to my room at sail away, 24 hour food available, towel animals, room service.

 

Any help would be great!!

Disney is at the top end for Entertainment, kids clubs and service, the food normally is consistent with other cruise lines in the dinner rooms, there isn't a casino, normally, the staterooms are a better size on DCL.

Towel animals, yes, food can be 24 hours via room service but, the main food is approx 7.30am to midnight, its focused on breakfast, lunch and dinner, ie the buffets do close but there is normally snack and burger and pizza available when the main places are closed. Its not 24 hour buffet like other lines.

Other lines can have more adult entertainment, Disney has good deck parties, fireworks at sea on most cruises, and also first run Disney films, inc 3D.

The character's are there, the main ones, and there is a character breakfast on longer cruises.

Lots more is included such as soda on deck and in with main meals, (not room service where you pay of cans).

Booze you pay for.

Don't forget the ever important alcohol policy. You can bring on whatever fits in your carryon. DCL doesn't confiscate liquor brought on board.

I also agree with the OP, the staterooms are larger on DCL than on most Carnival ships.

Wow, huge difference I think, course so is the price.

Staterooms- 90% have a split bath (two bathrooms, one with sink and tub/shower combo and yes I said tub. The other with a sink and toliet). Towel animals every night and chocloate on the pillows are the norm.

Dining- no charge for room service after midnight unlike some other lines and yes IT IS 24 Hours on the Dream. Included in your sail price... three different themed dining rooms which you rotate too (way less boring then dining in the same main dining room every night). Plus buffeteria, snack places open til midnight, ice cream etc.

Free soda 24 hours all you can drink!

Top notch entertainment and Disney characters.

Castaway Cay- Beautiful private island owned and operated by Disney. Plus you can charge everything back to your stateroom no need to have cash.

Dream and Fantasy also offers the new Aqua Duck which is a blast.

Adult only areas and entertainment and restaurants.

First run Disney movies with what ever is premiering on land also premiering on the ship including 3-d movies.

Only cruiseline with fireworks at sea and a fun pirate party for all ages.

I have sailed Disney 9 times and have rebooked for the Fantasy on my last Dream cruise. I say weither your a family with kids or adults only, but like Disney and can afford to sail her do it!

Mmketeer....no kids / 40 years old/ married 19 years.

Sailed -Magic, Wonder and now the Dream!

Disney is at the top end for Entertainment, kids clubs and service, the food normally is consistent with other cruise lines in the dinner rooms, there isn't a casino, normally, the staterooms are a better size on DCL.

 

Towel animals, yes, food can be 24 hours via room service but, the main food is approx 7.30am to midnight, its focused on breakfast, lunch and dinner, ie the buffets do close but there is normally snack and burger and pizza available when the main places are closed. Its not 24 hour buffet like other lines.

 

Other lines can have more adult entertainment, Disney has good deck parties, fireworks at sea on most cruises, and also first run Disney films, inc 3D.

 

The character's are there, the main ones, and there is a character breakfast on longer cruises.

Lots more is included such as soda on deck and in with main meals, (not room service where you pay of cans).

 

Booze you pay for.

I agree with you 100% Disney goes beyond their call of duty to their passengers.

My husband and I have taken (2) Disney Cruises. We have been so pleased on both cruises. The Disney Cruise staff goes beyond the call of duty. There aren't any hidden costs to passengers. ;)

If you can afford it the DCL blows CCL out of the water on many things, not everything, but many. But therein lies the problem, the initial cost difference is HUGE and given the fares DCL charges they should go above and beyond.

As far as hidden costs, well yes that can add up on other lines but that initial investment is hard to deal with, certainly DCL is not a line most could do on a yearly basis.

DCL is not a line most could do on a yearly basis.

I'm not sure that's accurate, as there are a large number of people who do just that. Could "most" do an expensive Med sailing yearly on DCL? Probably not. But I do think that most families of four could sail in an inside cabin every year if they chose to do so.

I'm not sure that's accurate, as there are a large number of people who do just that. Could "most" do an expensive Med sailing yearly on DCL? Probably not. But I do think that most families of four could sail in an inside cabin every year if they chose to do so.

Hmmm, every year, just not sure about that. I guess if you did very little else. And you were local to a port I suppose.

Carribean 7 days

Dec 1, 2012 current rate for that family of 4 inside is $4699.37

Dec 3, 2011 is a steal I guess at $ 3,038

Bahamas 3 nights is $ $1852 Dec 2012, Many other lines that would be a 7 day cruise to somewhere.

Not knocking Disney, if they can get those rates I guess the economy is OK but still a family of 4 every year? Ouch!

And before airfare!

Hmmm, every year, just not sure about that. I guess if you did very little else. And you were local to a port I suppose.

 

Carribean 7 days

 

Dec 1, 2012 current rate for that family of 4 inside is $4699.37

 

Dec 3, 2011 is a steal I guess at $ 3,038

 

Bahamas 3 nights is $ $1852 Dec 2012, Many other lines that would be a 7 day cruise to somewhere.

 

Not knocking Disney, if they can get those rates I guess the economy is OK but still a family of 4 every year? Ouch!

 

And before airfare!

A lot of people use their DVC points, or they book the next cruise while they are on board for the savings. A lot of people will do a three day then use their DVC points for another 5-6 days at WDW. If they drive (doable from much of the east coast or southeast) it's actually a pretty affordable vacation, especially if they buy AP's and get two trips out of them.

A lot of people use their DVC points, or they book the next cruise while they are on board for the savings. A lot of people will do a three day then use their DVC points for another 5-6 days at WDW. If they drive (doable from much of the east coast or southeast) it's actually a pretty affordable vacation, especially if they buy AP's and get two trips out of them.

But that requires you to be a DVC member, most families of 4 are not DVC members.

If they drive that adds plenty of other expenses - Gas ain't cheap either.

Hey you might be right but DCL is an expensive cruise for those paying cash and perhaps even for those using DVC points.

But that requires you to be a DVC member, most families of 4 are not DVC members.

 

If they drive that adds plenty of other expenses - Gas ain't cheap either.

 

Hey you might be right but DCL is an expensive cruise for those paying cash and perhaps even for those using DVC points.

DVC admits to having over 150,000 members, and I've heard that the number is over 200,000.

And "expensive" is a relative and subjective term. "gas ain't cheap" also depends on your perspective. My husband drives a Prius. Yup, gas is "cheap" when we're taking a trip in that car.

DVC admits to having over 150,000 members, and I've heard that the number is over 200,000.

 

And "expensive" is a relative and subjective term. "gas ain't cheap" also depends on your perspective. My husband drives a Prius. Yup, gas is "cheap" when we're taking a trip in that car.

Are you a family of 4? Most don't travel in a Prius.

200,000 people are not "most" families of 4.

Are you a family of 4? Most don't travel in a Prius.

 

200,000 people are not "most" families of 4.

Why wouldn't a family of four travel in a Prius? There's plenty of room for four people and luggage. If you don't think so, you've probably never been in one.

I didn't say that 200K was "most" families of four, the point is that there are a great many people who have no problem financially taking a DCL cruise annually.

... ok... here's my take...

I've not been on Disney (yet... I'm booked for next August).... so I'm going on second hand information to show the comparison.

We sailed on Carnival Dream with a few other families... some of which had only sailed on Disney before. Their overall impression... Carnival was a let down for them.

Food: Carnival was good... Disney was EXCELLENT.

Kids Programs: about equal... the kids enjoyed themselves.

Service: Disney... hands down. Carnival is good... Disney is Excellent.

Price: Carnival is much more budget friendly (although in my case... I'm paying less for 2 rooms on Disney then a suite on Carnival). You have to watch and really monitor the pricing... you can get good deals on Disney... but you gotta work for it. lol

I do very much appreciate that the number of adjoining rooms Disney FAR exceeds any other cruise line. I have a Teen Girl... I'm not comfortable putting her in an inside room "across the hall". I want to know when she comes in.... I want to know if she tries to leave... (she's a good kid... but still... It makes me feel better to know that they are in the adjoining room). There's just not that many on Carnival (or any other line for that matter). The "family" concept is just "That much better" on Disney. I love my kid... but... if you've had a teenage girl in the same room with you for any length of time... you'll understand why I would rather have her in her own space (I've got sparse hair follicles to begin with... I don't need to lose more dealing with her messes).

Are you going to have fun on Carnival ... ya.

Are you going to have fun on Disney... ya.

Are you going to notice the little details that make things "extra special" on Disney... ya

Are you going to notice the little details that make things "extra special" on Carnival... in my experience... no

Why wouldn't a family of four travel in a Prius? There's plenty of room for four people and luggage. If you don't think so, you've probably never been in one.

 

I didn't say that 200K was "most" families of four, the point is that there are a great many people who have no problem financially taking a DCL cruise annually.

Why would they when there are other vehicles that will carry a family of 4 or 5 or 6 or 7... The Prius certainly won't do that many people.

No you said

But I do think that most families of four could sail in an inside cabin every year if they chose to do so.

I'm not sure that's accurate, as there are a large number of people who do just that. Could "most" do an expensive Med sailing yearly on DCL? Probably not. But I do think that most families of four could sail in an inside cabin every year if they chose to do so.

OK ... a "large number" ... maybe ... but "most" ... NO WAY.

"Most" families of 4 can't even afford a vacation every year, let alone a cruise vacation every year and certainly not a DCL vacation every year.

DCL is expensive. We'll know if that expense was worth it when we return from our first DCL cruise to Alaska, now just over 30 days away!

Mind you this is not a knock on DCL. But if you really think that "most" can afford such a thing, you should probably read up on the medium income in America.

... ok... here's my take...

 

I've not been on Disney (yet... I'm booked for next August).... so I'm going on second hand information to show the comparison.

 

We sailed on Carnival Dream with a few other families... some of which had only sailed on Disney before. Their overall impression... Carnival was a let down for them.

 

Food: Carnival was good... Disney was EXCELLENT.

 

Kids Programs: about equal... the kids enjoyed themselves.

 

Service: Disney... hands down. Carnival is good... Disney is Excellent.

 

Price: Carnival is much more budget friendly (although in my case... I'm paying less for 2 rooms on Disney then a suite on Carnival). You have to watch and really monitor the pricing... you can get good deals on Disney... but you gotta work for it. lol

 

I do very much appreciate that the number of adjoining rooms Disney FAR exceeds any other cruise line. I have a Teen Girl... I'm not comfortable putting her in an inside room "across the hall". I want to know when she comes in.... I want to know if she tries to leave... (she's a good kid... but still... It makes me feel better to know that they are in the adjoining room). There's just not that many on Carnival (or any other line for that matter). The "family" concept is just "That much better" on Disney. I love my kid... but... if you've had a teenage girl in the same room with you for any length of time... you'll understand why I would rather have her in her own space (I've got sparse hair follicles to begin with... I don't need to lose more dealing with her messes).

 

Are you going to have fun on Carnival ... ya.

 

Are you going to have fun on Disney... ya.

 

Are you going to notice the little details that make things "extra special" on Disney... ya

 

Are you going to notice the little details that make things "extra special" on Carnival... in my experience... no

I have no doubt Disney is the better cruise but for the amount of $ they charge over most other lines, not just carnival, they better be. I have worked on and off at WDW for many years, in fact at least once a decade since the early 1980's and I can tell you the Disney Brand, while still very good, is not what it once was :(

Why would they when there are other vehicles that will carry a family of 4 or 5 or 6 or 7... The Prius certainly won't do that many people.

Why would you buy a gas guzzler when you didn't need to carry that many people? Maybe that's why we can afford nice vacations every year--because we don't buy more car than we need... The Prius will comfortably hold four for long distances, five kids for long distances.

No you said that is not the same as a great many ;)

As I see it, "most" is a bigger number than "a great many." And MOST could afford a DCL cruise every year if it became a priority over spending money on other things they want but don't need.

OK ... a "large number" ... maybe ... but "most" ... NO WAY.

 

"Most" families of 4 can't even afford a vacation every year, let alone a cruise vacation every year and certainly not a DCL vacation every year.

I disagree. I know a lot of families of four (or more) who take at least one vacation every year. In fact I know a lot more who do than who don't. My cousin is in Ireland with his family of four right now. My friends are a family of four and just got back from a Disney cruise. Other friends just got back from two weeks in California with their four kids--and I guarantee that trip cost a lot more than a week long DCL cruise would have.

DCL is expensive. We'll know if that expense was worth it when we return from our first DCL cruise to Alaska, now just over 30 days away!

Again, that's your opinion. It cost more than mass market lines, but in my opinion you get what you pay for.

Mind you this is not a knock on DCL. But if you really think that "most" can afford such a thing, you should probably read up on the medium income in America.

Do you mean "median?" The median household income in the US in 2009 was just shy of $50K. While that would be poverty in parts of the northeast, it's a comfortable living in a lot of the south, and you could easily take a family of four on a carefully shopped 3-4 day cruise on DCL every year on that income.

Why would you buy a gas guzzler when you didn't need to carry that many people? Maybe that's why we can afford nice vacations every year--because we don't buy more car than we need... The Prius will comfortably hold four for long distances, five kids for long distances.

 

 

 

As I see it, "most" is a bigger number than "a great many." And MOST could afford a DCL cruise every year if it became a priority over spending money on other things they want but don't need.

Have you taken 4 or 5 kids long distances in your Prius?

So now its only if it becomes a priority :eek: then they can do it annually. Interesting ;)

Do you mean "median?" The median household income in the US in 2009 was just shy of $50K. While that would be poverty in parts of the northeast, it's a comfortable living in a lot of the south, and you could easily take a family of four on a carefully shopped 3-4 day cruise on DCL every year on that income.

But not everywhere in the south.

Easily shopped :confused:

Now I'm regulated to a 3-4 day DCL cruise only if I carefully shop :( How sad...

Have you taken 4 or 5 kids long distances in your Prius?

 

So now its only if it becomes a priority :eek: then they can do it annually. Interesting ;)

A family of four or five doesn't mean four or five kids. It means four or five people, generally two adults and two or three kids. We put our three nieces in the back seat of the Prius and drove about 12 hours each way on a trip last year. No problems at all.

Everyone--even wealthy people--prioritize their lives. Will you take two weeks vacation or one week and make it a more expensive one? Will you drive a luxury car or a more modest one so you can take vacations? Will you eat out twice a week or save the money to take vacations? The list goes on, and if you don't call it prioritizing, what do you call it?

But not everywhere in the south.

Which is why I said "a lot."

Easily shopped :confused:

Obviously you're confused as I didn't say "Easily shopped."

Now I'm regulated to a 3-4 day DCL cruise only if I carefully shop :( How sad...

Frankly you can do whatever you want and/or can afford. Stop taking this personally.

I disagree. I know a lot of families of four (or more) who take at least one vacation every year. In fact I know a lot more who do than who don't. My cousin is in Ireland with his family of four right now. My friends are a family of four and just got back from a Disney cruise. Other friends just got back from two weeks in California with their four kids--and I guarantee that trip cost a lot more than a week long DCL cruise would have.

Perhaps your sample is skewed to your demographic? I found this article that seems to support your position with respect to how many families actually take vacation.

http://travel-industry.uptake.com/blog/2011/05/10/american-families-are-eager-to-travel-again-per-amex-and-homeaway/

Although from that same article is an interesting comment regarding the average cost of those vacations.

"In addition, vacationing consumers plan to take an average of two weeklong vacations, spending about $1,200 per person, and three weekend getaways, with an average spend of $300 per weekend. For families, nearly two-thirds (64 percent) will take one or more weeklong trip."

Again, that's your opinion. It cost more than mass market lines, but in my opinion you get what you pay for.

My only opinion so far is that I'm anxious to experience DCL and decide for myself if it was worth the money.

Do you mean "median?" The median household income in the US in 2009 was just shy of $50K. While that would be poverty in parts of the northeast, it's a comfortable living in a lot of the south, and you could easily take a family of four on a carefully shopped 3-4 day cruise on DCL every year on that income.

Yes, I mean median. I have no idea why I typed medium :o.

The median is more relevant by state and can be found here:

http://www.census.gov/hhes/www/income/data/statemedian/index.html

It is actually higher than $50k for a family of four, the example family size being discussed in this thread. I spot checked the list and it seems that Arkansas is one of the lowest at $53k.

I do agree with your more recent post that a cruise with DCL is attainable if a family decides to make it a priority. That doesn't mean it is affordable though. Affordable implies a certain "value" proposition. I don't think DCL has positioned themselves as a value line, and I wouldn't want them to.