Considering adding a Disney cruise at the start of our WDW holiday?

[Mayflower33]

So, we are madly considering adding a Disney 3 night cruise to the start of a 14 night Orlando trip.

but, I have no idea about cruises / cruising. Where do I start?!

what are the key bits I should consider? Looks like food is included, what else do I need to pay for?

Any mainly (although this may be the wrong forum ) - are they worth it / what are they like?

This is a bit of a rambling post but I'm not sure what I'm letting myself into thinking about it!

any thoughts appreciated!

[DisneyBride08]

We have done this for our trip this year but the 4 night. This will be our first cruise. So far I can work out you have to pay a tip for every night you are there. This is detailed in the info above. And we have paid for our Disney transfers. We also booked a night at the airport hotel the day we fly in.

[disneymadhouse]

Disney cruises are totally worth it! Personally I would try and go for the 4 night if funds and time allows. The time on the ship goes so quick - you don't board on your first day until around lunchtime, and you are off by 9am on your last morning!

Tips are $12 per person per day - including children. You can pay more if you wish if you feel a CM has gone above and beyond.

All food is included, even room service. The only items you are charged for are pre packaged snacks ( like popcorn in the theatre) and anything pre packaged that you order from room service.
Soft drinks are included in all the main dining rooms, and in the buffet restaurant. If you order any drink from a bar, or the CM's around the pool or in the theatre you are charged. There is a drink station up on the pool deck for hot and cold soft drinks. Its perfectly ok to go and get a drink from there and take it into the theatre
Cans of soda and alcohol are also charged if you order it from room service.
It is customary to tip a few dollars to the CM who delivers your room service order.

You can book direct with DCL, or you can book through a TA. Most US TA's will offer OBC ( on board credit).
You can pick your stateroom when you book. I use cruise deck plans to look at the rooms and see what's above and below!

There is a sticky at the top of this forum that has lots of info

HTH

[Bats]

Like Claire, I would recommend a 4 nighter if you can.

Have a read of the sticky thread at the top as that will answer a ton of questions for you.

On DCL, you can also take your own alcohol on board - 2 bottles of wine each or 8 cans/bottles of beer - to be consumed in your own room. Helps with the alcohol budget!

With DCL, unlike other cruise lines, the price is best when the cruise is first released, they don't offer late deals per se (unless you are military or a Florida resident). Don't be tempted to use a UK travel agent .. you can book direct using £££, or you can go via a US TA and pay by $$. With the exchange rate fluctuating somewhat, you may be better booking direct disneycruise

Have fun

Joa

[dippiedawnie]

We usually do the 3night in the middle of our holiday to give our feet a rest. 😀. Absolutely love Castaway Cay.