Need big changes...

[DryCreek]

Howdy Folks,

Long time Disney fan here, but the DW says that she has finally grown tired of visiting WDW. In fact, this year she insisted that we do something new - and so we have booked a cruise. I always thought that they would be expensive, but it turns out that we are leaving next week on a five day cruise on Carnival's Ecstasy out of Galveston. Since we don't have to fly, we are saving a good amount of money - and the cruise itself is only $722 (total cost! Includes gratuities, port charges and taxes!). That is a little less than half of what we pay for our usual 6 to 7 day stay on site (moderate).
Until WDW adds something unique and, well, new - I am afraid that I will have a hard time convincing the DW to make plans to return. Other aggravating conditions include the new TSA pat-downs/naked scanners at the airports we would have to fly from (DFW or AUS) and also MCO.
Hopefully there will be some worthwhile additions to WDW in the not so distant future. Oh, and maybe the TSA will be reined in too!

[Hair_Razor]

I would not count on the TSA thing but I am hoping for the Disney thing happens. Looks like Fantasyland revamp may be the next big hit. May be doing another cruise next year.

[buzznwoodysmom]

Yeah, once upon a time I could argue the fact that our WDW trips were as cheap as, sometimes cheaper than other destinations we visited or considered. As time goes the gap between WDW and other trips is steadily closing. We still intend to continue visiting WDW, but we can find a lot of other destinations for the same price or less. Plus we love exploring new and exciting places. Hope you enjoy your cruise, and I also hope WDW does something spectacular to make your DW want to go back.

[DizneyRox]

We spent more on food last trip than our upcoming cruise. Add in tickets, accomodations, etc and I see where your DW is coming from.

I'm looking forward to our cruise, always had a great time on our cruises (Caribbean, Panama Canal) and I expect no less this time as well.

The value at Disney (WDW in particular) is fading fast in my eyes, and from those around me as well.

[Dedivah]

I so hear you on this. Thank goodness DH is still very much a WDW fan as I am and the children are still young enough to love it as well. However, I live in the caribbean and airfare is required regardless of where we go so we're are practically held hostage here until we can afford airfare for a family of 4 to travel. On top of that the $4K for a a 7 night stay on site at WDW compared to $2K for a 7 day cruise. We will be cruising more as well. We haven't vacationed been to WDW since 2007 so we are so looking forward to our upcoming 2011 WDW vacation.

[PopPhan]

You don't say where the cruise is going to and/or what excursions you might be likely to take, so I can only warn you that unless you plan on doing nothing in any of the ports-of-call, your costs are going to go WAY up! None of those are included in any cruise. Not to mention casino, shopping, etc. on board.....

[DryCreek]

You don't say where the cruise is going to and/or what excursions you might be likely to take, so I can only warn you that unless you plan on doing nothing in any of the ports-of-call, your costs are going to go WAY up! None of those are included in any cruise. Not to mention casino, shopping, etc. on board.....

The itinerary is billed as "Western Caribbean". We port in Progreso/Merida and Cozumel. We aren't big casino players. I had to accompany DW on a work related trip in October. They put us up at the Choctaw Casino in Durant, OK. Sum total spent between us was $20 playing penny slots one evening to kill time. We had to work hard to get that done as it was. We are aware of the cost associated for the excursions if booked through the cruise line. We are walker/explorer types. We will probably take the double-decker tour bus through Progreso and then walk around the shops in town rather than spend the day riding a bus only to be rushed through some ruins. In Cozumel we will be doing pretty much the same thing. We both like to walk, and that is why we have always enjoyed the parks at WDW in the past. While others are complaining about how far everything is, we just stroll on by (of course we work our cattle and walk our fences on foot too).
I agree, you can spend way more money on a cruise than the initial fare if you try - but spending double (before airfare) would be a challenge.
The one bonus offered by Carnival is their Bon Voyage program. We ordered a liter of bourbon that will be delivered to our room, and they allow you to carry on your mixers. We will save some on the bar tab that way. Of course when we visit WDW, we always have a bottle of "relaxer" in the checked luggage for the before dinner cocktails. Of course I would never consider bringing in any to add to a purchased bottle of Coke while enjoying the evening fireworks or parades.

[TheRustyScupper]

The value at Disney (WDW in particular) is fading fast in my eyes, and from those around me as well.

1) That is why we are doing a 5-night cruise on December 6th.
. . . cruise, balcony rooms
. . . land excursions
. . . booze on-board
. . . souvenir allowance
. . . pre-purchased soda pop, whisky
2) Grandpa is paying for the entire extended family.
3) The TOTAL cost is less than 2/3 of a WDW vacation, counting
. . . food and cocktails
. . . hotel
. . . tickets
. . . souvenir allowance

PS - I am grandpa!

.

[DizneyRox]

You don't say where the cruise is going to and/or what excursions you might be likely to take, so I can only warn you that unless you plan on doing nothing in any of the ports-of-call, your costs are going to go WAY up! None of those are included in any cruise. Not to mention casino, shopping, etc. on board.....

I'm not a first time cruiser, I understand these costs. We're doing only three ports of call, one is St. Thomas. and quite frankly, we're going for the shopping. The cost of a shore excursion is pretty much nothing, although we plan on spending a mint on some jewelry.

Gambling, not my cup of tea... I'm not a drinker either... Costs will be low, definitely less than our last trip (not counting the jewelry) and that's coming from a DVC member.

I'm not worried at all, I'm actually more concerned we won't find exactly what we want is either St. Thomas or St. Martin...

[wildernesslady]

I don't think any vacation can compare to the value of a cruise. That is why we don't take a summer vacation to the Jersey shore any more. We are fortunate to be able to visit Disney as often as we do. It can be costly, but the memories are worth it to us.

[NJGIRL]

Cruises (except the Disney Cruise which is on the more expensive side) for the most part have always been a very good value. And for those who do not like to leave Disney property they can also be compared to staying onsite since you don't have to worry about any transporation since you are self contained.

Not to mention cruises are great fun, so enjoy!

As far as the airport scans, I am willing to do whatever is needed to make my family safe while flying.

[Cinderelley]

I don't mind the TSA stuff either. I want to reach my destination in one piece.

I love my cruises too. They don't stop me from wanting to go to DisneyWorld though.

[Hair_Razor]

2) Grandpa is paying for the entire extended family.


PS - I am grandpa!

.

Can you be my Grandpa?

[Cinderelley]

Can you be my Grandpa?

[luvdiznee]

Can you be my Grandpa?

I was thinking the same thing!

[Magic Smiles]

The itinerary is billed as "Western Caribbean".
In Cozumel we will be doing pretty much the same thing.

We did the Western Caribbean last March, but sailed from Miami for a 7 day cruise on the Carnival Liberty. In Cozumel we did the SWIM with the dolphins at Dolphinaris. It was amazing and worth every cent to us. We were in the water with the dolphins for at least 1 hour. We saw another dolphin place in Ocho Rios, Jamaica but it was a dump compared to the place in Cozumel.
We loved the Carnival cruise, but I do have to say that we were in a suite - AMAZING room.
We are heading on a Southern Caribbean cruise in Feb on the Carnival Victory sailing from San Juan, Puerto Rico. Can't wait. This time we have a balcony room only, no suite as we visit 5 ports in 7 days. (Really 6 days) We are also taking a break from Disney awaiting new attractions. Meanwhile we are loving cruising