Once in a lifetime trip ...

[Blfarm]

I have been considering taking my DS on a 'once in a lifetime' trip (outside the US or on a very unique adventure) in 2010. I was looking at some of the Adventure by Disney offereings, but with the with the recent DCL annoucements for 2010, I am now considering taking either the Northern Europe or Mediterranean cruise, but I'm having a tough time deciding which one. I have always wanted to travel outside of the US, and have been saving/planning for this and it's finally a possibility - but making the choice of where to go is so tough (they all sound like wonderful places to visit).

So I was wondering ... if you were going to do a once in a lifetime trip (with Disney), what would you choose and and why?

[Disney Lynn]

Tell us more about yourself and your DS! How old is your DS (we'll extrapolate your age from that LOL!). What does he like to do? Does he have any interests or hobbies that would be better served in the Med vs Northern Europe? How active is he? Have either of you cruised before? Do you like organized activities or going off by yourself? Do you speak any other languages? What time of year are you considering (the Med can be very hot at times- how are you both in the heat/sun?)?

Although we've cruised many times, I still haven't been able to afford a Med cruise- it's one of my dreams! But I love visiting other countries, visiting old churches, ruins, museums, etc. If either of you is a history buff- definitely the Med.

As for cruising, if this is your first cruise, DCL is a great line (more expensive than many, but worth it for your first cruise- assuming you like Disney LOL). DCL doesn't have a casino onboard (fine for me), but they have great shows each evening (for everyone) and usually a later adults-only show. If your DS is a child, DCL has a great kids' program.

If you do their shore excursions (which I would recommend if this is your first time), those costs would be extra. Also, your tips would be extra, as would alcoholic beverages.

Tell us about yourselves and we may be able to give more info!~

[Tink1]

I took my 2 sons (they were 19 & 16) on the ABD London/Paris 2 years ago. We loved it.

We normally cruise, but this was so much more in depth that we want to do another one. I do not mind the one day/one port with cruises, is a great way to see the islands. But for Europe, I am afraid I would want to see MORE than I can fit into one day.

The ABD was also great because there were other kids close to my sons ages that they became friends with, they still keep in touch.

On cruises they tend to hang with me (or hubby if he decides to go with us-he is a home body) so I thought it was nice that they had more fun with "friends" their own age as well to spend some of the free time with.

Nanci

[Blfarm]

My DS will be 10 in 2010 ... and I'm be approaching my mid-life crisis about that time ;) Given DS age and our love for the :mickey:, I think the Disney guided vacations are probably going to be much more successful:thumbsup:


DS is very active and loves to explore new places. We went on a Disney cruise this past summer and fell in love with cruising - DS LOVED the kids club.
DS really wants to see London because I have some friends that moved there for a couple of years for a work assignment - he became fasinated with the pictures, stories, and things they brought back. Otherwise his interests are extrememly varied - but he loves oceans and history.

Since it just my son and myself, I tend to prefer guided activities (in a foreign place, anyway) but don't mind going off by myself.

[Tink1]

Then you will love ABD!

There was a mom and her younger daughter on our trip that we had a great time with. We spent some of our free time together, especially at night since she felt safer in the company of my 2 6 foot plus sons. We enjoyed her sense of humor and her daughter dragged us into places I normally would not have seen with just the 2 boys.

It really was a wonderful trip.

One of our free nights in London we did the "Jack the Ripper walk" with an ex-Scotland yardsman. Was a tad spooky, but it really got us into the depths of old London. We walked back alleys and into nooks and crannies, away from the tourist areas. Not sure how a 10 year old would like it, but we loved it!

Nanc