Would you pay Disney prices if you were not a Disney fan?

[cyclenut]

When discussing what Disney is targeting for the market, let's consider one important factor. Disney doesn't think of themselves as being in the cruise line business. They think of themselves as being in the entertainment business. Cruising is just another vehicle for the vacation and entertainment experience.

 

Disney is not targeting any cruise line or particular price point. They are looking for how to create the best possible experience without pricing themselves completely out of the vacation entertainment market. They just so happen to be doing so on a ship. That's why they introduced so many firsts for the cruise industry, they don't really consider themselves part of the cruise industry so they are unencumbered by the notions of what was done before them. Operationally, there are a lot of things they do consider, but they don't compare well to any line from a guest experience standpoint.

 

What makes me a fan of Disney is not the characters. They come with the Disney brand. Disney isn't about luxury, it is about removing as much frictions from your vacation to give you the best experience possible. That's really the Disney difference and that's why it is fair to compare the price of cruising with Disney to the price of a WDW vacation, a trip to Disneyland Resort in CA or even the package you get with DVC membership. Let's not forget what Disney does with Adventures by Disney as well.

 

If the point is to go cruising, then I'm not recommending DCL as a first choice. They do an excellent job with the ships. If you want a Disney vacation experience (remember, I'm not really even talking about the characters), then you have several choices, including DCL. If you are looking for is a cruise experience, then choose another line. I'm not saying DCL does a bad job of cruising, it's just that you can get a lot more value from another line if you are really looking for a cruise.

[Winston Wolf]

When discussing what Disney is targeting for the market, let's consider one important factor. Disney doesn't think of themselves as being in the cruise line business. They think of themselves as being in the entertainment business. Cruising is just another vehicle for the vacation and entertainment experience.

 

Disney is not targeting any cruise line or particular price point. They are looking for how to create the best possible experience without pricing themselves completely out of the vacation entertainment market. They just so happen to be doing so on a ship. That's why they introduced so many firsts for the cruise industry, they don't really consider themselves part of the cruise industry so they are unencumbered by the notions of what was done before them. Operationally, there are a lot of things they do consider, but they don't compare well to any line from a guest experience standpoint.

 

What makes me a fan of Disney is not the characters. They come with the Disney brand. Disney isn't about luxury, it is about removing as much frictions from your vacation to give you the best experience possible. That's really the Disney difference and that's why it is fair to compare the price of cruising with Disney to the price of a WDW vacation, a trip to Disneyland Resort in CA or even the package you get with DVC membership. Let's not forget what Disney does with Adventures by Disney as well.

 

If the point is to go cruising, then I'm not recommending DCL as a first choice. They do an excellent job with the ships. If you want a Disney vacation experience (remember, I'm not really even talking about the characters), then you have several choices, including DCL. If you are looking for is a cruise experience, then choose another line. I'm not saying DCL does a bad job of cruising, it's just that you can get a lot more value from another line if you are really looking for a cruise.

 

This is really well said

[CI66774]

I and my DD are Disney fans and have cruised on the Magic and Fantasy. That being said, I just can't swallow the incredibly high fares. Both DCL cruises were great and at really great prices. However, times have changed. I just can't justify the added expense. As such, we've taken three great cruises on Princess. I prefer Princess as its food is superior and it's a more, let's say, quiet atmosphere. DD loves both but actually prefers Princess' kids club as there are more arts and crafts (and less chaotic). However, if the price is right, I wouldn't hesitate to cruise Disney again.

[davidmbfonz]

People talk about the demographic that Disney aims to attract. I think there are many demographics they want to attract. There are special features for older cruisers, special features for families.

 

I do think, at the front end and for the initial sticker price, they are pricing themselves out of the market for the average middle class family who considers taking a cruise. It looks like so much money to spend. However, I have started looking at it in a slightly different light.

 

It is quite likely that if that same family went to Disney World, stayed on property, spent money on tickets for the same number of days they would cruise, and ate in the park or at their hotel- they would spend as much if not more than for the cruise. If you look at all that is "included" for the "pixie dust" experience, you still don't come out that badly. The park vacation savings tend to come into play for those who stay off property, cook & eat at a hotel, condo or rental house. You probably aren't going to bring your own food on a cruise (and it wouldn't decrease your cost even if you did). So.... consider what you will likely be eating on a cruise. If you went to a restaurant to have the same type of food what would it cost you to feed your family of (#) at that restaurant or snack place for each meal? How much would it cost you to do sodas or drinks? Put together a per person charge for a place to stay, and all of your entertainment and food. You may find out you are spending just about the same.

 

 

In my opinion, this is EXACTLY the right comparison - I've made this same argument a couple of times in my review threads. WDW is an hour or so away from this pier with the magical ships... with 150,000+ guests nearby who are forking over loads of cash, these ships would be quickly overrun, which would drive the prices up... perhaps that's what has already happened and it's why we see the prices we see.

 

Can't say it any more clearly - Disney is an entertainment company, the only differences among its various products is the mode of delivery.

 

For an analogy: 1950s era: I like carnivals, the rides and attractions are a blast - so why would I pay a PREMIUM for this fancy state fair (aka "theme park")? If I want Disney, I'll go see one of his movies for 15 cents.

 

Contemporary times: I like cruising, Disney doesn't do anything ALL THAT special - why would I pay a premium for THAT boat? Answer: 'cuz the cruise ship is just the mode of delivery of the entertainment/service.

 

Fun thread!

[davidmbfonz]

Agreed. We've done the Land/Sea thing with WDW and DCL. The WDW portion was *significantly* more expensive than DCL. WDW is an outrageously expensive thing to do unless you really work hard to save on hotel, food, tickets, etc.

 

I've run the numbers a couple of times now over the last year or so: a 4-day cruise on the Dream (excluding peak summer and holiday cruises) is nearly the same as staying for 4 nights at a moderate-class resort, with park tickets, and QUICK-SERVICE dining options included. Often, the WDW package is MORE... so, if you look at DCL as a Disney vacation primarily, then it's a value option.

 

Counter-intuitive at first, no?

[Surfguyxxx]

My wife can't name a single Disney character or movie and still wants to sail on Disney. We are planning on 2017.

 

 

Dude???? Am I missing something:confused:

[Surfguyxxx]

Here's the thing. I worked for Disney for almost 15 years and I absolutely loved my experience. That ended only because I finished college and moved on to another career. Being a gay male, I am always aware of the mark up for a "gay" themed event.

 

But for a working RN, it disturbs me that pricing is almost so very un-affordable. I frequent Disney regularly but the cruise costs are beyond my means. And this it coming from a working RN and an established Lawyer. My first cruise is a 3 nighter balcony and this is over $2K Hello?????????????

[moki'smommy]

Here's the thing. I worked for Disney for almost 15 years and I absolutely loved my experience. That ended only because I finished college and moved on to another career. Being a gay male, I am always aware of the mark up for a "gay" themed event.

 

But for a working RN, it disturbs me that pricing is almost so very un-affordable. I frequent Disney regularly but the cruise costs are beyond my means. And this it coming from a working RN and an established Lawyer. My first cruise is a 3 nighter balcony and this is over $2K Hello?????????????

 

On the other hand, you could have booked a 14 night Panama Canal cruise in a balcony for 2 adults for $4K. But then you'd need to have 2 weeks off to do it! Unfortunately, August 2016 and April 2017 are up to $6K for that balcony.

 

Yup, DCL prices are crazy! But then, a 15 night Princess Panama Canal crossing is $5K, so maybe DCL's $6K isn't that far out of line.

[Surfguyxxx]

On the other hand' date=' you could have booked a 14 night Panama Canal cruise in a balcony for 2 adults for $4K. But then you'd need to have 2 weeks off to do it! Unfortunately, August 2016 and April 2017 are up to $6K for that balcony.

 

Yup, DCL prices are crazy! But then, a 15 night Princess Panama Canal crossing is $5K, so maybe DCL's $6K isn't that far out of line.[/quote']

 

 

So very true. I absolutely love Disney but this it out of my bounds. I'll stay with RCI and Celebrity which are more affordable for me and visit the parks for my "fix".

[BTromboneFrack]

We have done four Disney cruises, all on the Disney Magic, back when that Cruiseline was still pretty new. We had two young boys, and we loved it. At the time, we didn't think the prices were a lot more than the "normal" lines and the innovations that Disney brought to the market were great. It was worth every penny back then.

 

When our boys got older, we went on a Carnival cruise (Paradise) and it was every bit as good as the Disney trips we made. In fact, I liked the food even better on that trip. Since our boys are now out of the house, we've continued with Carnival and we love it. I wouldn't mind trying Disney again, but when I look at the price, I go into sticker shock. I know a Disney cruise would be special again, even for us adults, because they always come up with great new stuff. However, we'll probably save the money and go on Disney again after we have grandkids. Until then, we get a great product with Carnival, and we can go more times or get a better room with the lower cost.

[Surfguyxxx]

Thank you for being so frank.

[jimbob22]

We've done a couple of Disneys, but just did a one week on NCL, 2 parents+2 kids for about $2000-$2100 total. Equivalent price for Disney is more like 5K, and with NCL we got to eat at 4 pay restaurants (part of our deal).

 

We had a great time, the entertainment was excellent. I thought the buffet, coffee, burgers and fries on NCL were actually a bit better than those on Disney. The MDR dining was about the same. Our kids enjoyed the NCL kids club.

 

We're not into the casino stuff, but it's easy to dodge, same with the the 'hairy chest/sexy leg' contests. So you may have a wider assortment of people on non-disney, but people were polite, we had no problems with anyone.

 

We enjoyed Disney, but unless you're a serious Disney addict, we don't think it's worth paying double or more to cruise on Disney.

[ljandgb]

In a word, no, I wouldn't.

 

We've done 2 DCL cruises with the whole family, DH and I and 4 kids ages 10-16, and one Oceania cruise just dh and I.

 

We've decided we are not a cruise for cruising's sake family. I do like cruises that take me to many interesting ports. We really don't like sea days, clubs, or the night time shows. So I would not pay the crazy DCL prices for what is a gloried hotel that takes me to a new port every day. For that, I can get clean rooms, good customer service, and good food on any number of cruise lines.

 

Don't get me wrong, I loved DCL. But for what they are charging, and what we want out of vacation, they are currently WAY overpriced.

[Tapi]

Weeeeell, after I said that I wouldn't book a Disney cruise, I'm making the decision to pull the trigger and reserve an Alaska sailing for the summer of 2017. :o

 

First, I started comparing Caribbean and Bahamas cruises with other cruise lines, but the price difference was insultingly nauseating. Then I compared Alaska cruises, and the price difference was much more palatable. Looking at our specific week and similar categories, Royal is $95pp cheaper, Celebrity is $70 more expensive, and Princess is $250pp more expensive. This makes the Disney "upcharge" less insulting.

 

It's not for another year, so I still have pleeeeenty of time to change my mind, cancel, rebook, change my mind again, etc,etc. ;)