OT: Have been on a Disney Cruise with the family...

[anon_xdc8rmuek44eq]

Currently docked in Key West - fourth day of a five day cruise. Disney is baller - their bars have the best stuff; even bottles of Van Winkle. Anyway, I haven’t had a lot of time but did a rum tasting and caught Black Panther in the on board theater - most of the time I’ve been wrangling my 17 month year old son. Pro tip: do not do a cruise with a 17 month old.

Anyway, had a pretty good time and would recommend Disney to anyone (even those without kids) - everything is top notch. I will say we did walk around Key West this morning and I would probably never voluntarily go back - grungy and felt like one big dirty bar/head shop. Hemingway’s house was cool though.

 

[Ranger Dan]

Currently docked in Key West - fourth day of a five day cruise. Disney is baller - their bars have the best stuff; even bottles of Van Winkle. Anyway, I haven’t had a lot of time but did a rum tasting and caught Black Panther in the on board theater - most of the time I’ve been wrangling my 17 month year old son. Pro tip: do not do a cruise with a 17 month old.

Anyway, had a pretty good time and would recommend Disney to anyone (even those without kids) - everything is top notch. I will say we did walk around Key West this morning and I would probably never voluntarily go back - grungy and felt like one big dirty bar/head shop. Hemingway’s house was cool though.

I’m glad you are enjoying the cruise. Not being critical, but did you really think that a 17 month old would appreciate a cruise? do kids that young even get Disney?

 

[anon_xdc8rmuek44eq]

I’m glad you are enjoying the cruise. Not being critical, but did you really think that a 17 month old would appreciate a cruise? do kids that young even get Disney?

Wasn’t my choice. Wife thought it was a good idea because our daughter (nearly four) would get a lot out of it - and she has. Everything is spectacular to her and she’s been wonderful. But, had to bring the boy, and he’s a beast. We did put him in the day care for the evening shows and that’s been a nice break. Yesterday he locked himself in the bathroom and we had to have someone with a special tool get him out. Winning!!

 

[Ranger Dan]

Wasn’t my choice. Wife thought it was a good idea because our daughter (nearly four) would get a lot out of it - and she has. Everything is spectacular to her and she’s been wonderful. But, had to bring the boy, and he’s a beast. We did put him in the day care for the evening shows and that’s been a nice break. Yesterday he locked himself in the bathroom and we had to have someone with a special tool get him out. Winning!!

Of course, this would be right in a four year olds wheelhouse...

 

[Parkland Fan]

Wasn’t my choice. Wife thought it was a good idea because our daughter (nearly four) would get a lot out of it - and she has. Everything is spectacular to her and she’s been wonderful. But, had to bring the boy, and he’s a beast. We did put him in the day care for the evening shows and that’s been a nice break. Yesterday he locked himself in the bathroom and we had to have someone with a special tool get him out. Winning!!

I am impressed that he is potty trained at 17 months. Did he take the sports page in with him?

 

[ILLINOISLION]

I am impressed that he is potty trained at 17 months. Did he take the sports page in with him?

SI - Swimsuit issue.

 

[psuro]

I am impressed that he is potty trained at 17 months. Did he take the sports page in with him?

No. Daddy's cell phone. The one with the bookmark web page that says "For Dads Eyes Only".

 

[interrobang]

I'd never recommend a Disney cruise just for the sheer price. You can get the exact same thing on other cruise lines for more than half the price. I've priced a suite on Royal Caribbean for cheaper than an interior room on Disney.

 

[CF LION]

Did the Disney Cruise about 16 or more years ago when my daughter was around 10. Don’t know how it’s changed over time, but our favorite part was the day spent at Disney’s island Castaway Cay. Daughter did all the kid stuff under the supervision of the Disney staff and mom and dad relaxed on the beach. The service both on the ship and on the island was top notch as you would expect from Disney.

That being said, I’m not a cruiser so I can’t compare it to other cruise lines.

 

[Alphalion75]

To each his own....but have never grasped the concept of going to a movie while on a vacation.

 

[LionDeNittany]

I'd never recommend a Disney cruise just for the sheer price. You can get the exact same thing on other cruise lines for more than half the price. I've priced a suite on Royal Caribbean for cheaper than an interior room on Disney.

Disney is a premium cruise line. Royal Caribbean doesn't come close.

Additionally the Disney private island is excellent.

LdN

 

[anon_xdc8rmuek44eq]

Did the Disney Cruise about 16 or more years ago when my daughter was around 10. Don’t know how it’s changed over time, but our favorite part was the day spent at Disney’s island Castaway Cay. Daughter did all the kid stuff under the supervision of the Disney staff and mom and dad relaxed on the beach. The service both on the ship and on the island was top notch as you would expect from Disney.

That being said, I’m not a cruiser so I can’t compare it to other cruise lines.

We’re doing a family cruise on Royal Caribbean next summer - 12 of us, and six under 7 years old (the youngest will be one, the oldest will be about 7). It’s for nine days and I’m really not looking forward to it. Not sure how much there will be to entertain the kid and stopping in several ports is a pain. But, at least I’ll have something to compare Disney to. Castaway Cay was gorgeous and the BBQ they provided was awesome. Better to go with kids who are a bit older though - I mostly wrangled the kids on the beach.

 

[interrobang]

Disney is not a premium cruise line. It's on the same mainstream tier as Carnival, RCI and Norwegian. Premium would be Celebrity, Princess, Oceania, etc. Disney is very good, but you're paying for the name, not the quality.

And everyone has a private island. Disney, RCI and Norwegian (and others) all have one in the Bahamas. RCI has one in Haiti. Norwegian in Belize.

 

[anon_xdc8rmuek44eq]

To each his own....but have never grasped the concept of going to a movie while on a vacation.

On a cruise ship at 10:45pm it’s not a bad option, especially when you can bring your cocktail from the bar inside.

 

[anon_xdc8rmuek44eq]

Disney is not a premium cruise line. It's on the same mainstream tier as Carnival, RCI and Norwegian. Premium would be Celebrity, Princess, Oceania, etc. Disney is very good, but you're paying for the name, not the quality.

And everyone has a private island. Disney, RCI and Norwegian (and others) all have one in the Bahamas. RCI has one in Haiti. Norwegian in Belize.

If RC busts out the Van Winkle at the bar, I’ll be impressed. Disney also had a 50 year old rum that was about $250 a shot and of course Louis XIII cognac. Another great thing about Disney was their on board navigator app that you could use to text people without having to pay anything. Also had menus for the restaurants and a daily schedule of events. My FIL said RC doesn’t. provide free soda and Disney did, so that was a plus.

I’ll also add the evening shows were Broadway quality in terms of production and substance - really top notch stuff though of course more for the kids.

 

[hereforthebeer]

Cruises are for suckers.

 

[interrobang]

Like I said, nothing wrong with Disney, just I would rather save that extra few thousand dollars. You could take that savings and bring a case of soda, buy the internet package, and when you get home, buy a couple bottles of Pappy, and still have leftover money

 

[LionDeNittany]

Disney is not a premium cruise line. It's on the same mainstream tier as Carnival, RCI and Norwegian. Premium would be Celebrity, Princess, Oceania, etc. Disney is very good, but you're paying for the name, not the quality.

And everyone has a private island. Disney, RCI and Norwegian (and others) all have one in the Bahamas. RCI has one in Haiti. Norwegian in Belize.

Disney is certainly a premium line and is worlds better than Celebrity.

Your view of premium is just different from others.

And I've been to all the islands... I didn't say they didn't have islands I said Disney's is the best.

Here's a list of things that make Disney premium:

1, The staterooms are much better
2. The food is much better.
3. The entertainment is world class.
4. The ship is better, cleaner.
5. The service is better.

I guess there are other things that make a cruise... but all are better on Disney.

LdN

 

[Zenophile]

Disney is baller - their bars have the best stuff; even bottles of Van Winkle

 

[Zenophile]

Yesterday he locked himself in the bathroom and we had to have someone with a special tool get him out.

 

[anon_1eeb2b426hv3y]

Currently docked in Key West - fourth day of a five day cruise. Disney is baller - their bars have the best stuff; even bottles of Van Winkle. Anyway, I haven’t had a lot of time but did a rum tasting and caught Black Panther in the on board theater - most of the time I’ve been wrangling my 17 month year old son. Pro tip: do not do a cruise with a 17 month old.

Anyway, had a pretty good time and would recommend Disney to anyone (even those without kids) - everything is top notch. I will say we did walk around Key West this morning and I would probably never voluntarily go back - grungy and felt like one big dirty bar/head shop. Hemingway’s house was cool though.

Just got off their eastern Caribbean 7-night cruise on Saturday. Was first class front to back on the service front. Ideal (albeit expensive) family vacation with young kids—as long as they’re in the right age-range to enjoy the kids’ clubs.

I saw the pappy but had some other good stuff that I enjoyed with friends most of the week. I’ve been on a few of theirs and haven’t found getting off he ship at any port is worth it for anything but feet on sand. Well any port other than Castaway Cay, which is excellent.

Glad you enjoyed it as well.

EDIT: had pappy a few weeks ago and I agree with those who say the whole point of pappy is talking about pappy, how you got the bottle, how much it cost, etc. It’s excellent, but it’s best attribute is the mystique.

 

[anon_xdc8rmuek44eq]

Just got off their eastern Caribbean 7-night cruise on Saturday. Was first class front to back on the service front. Ideal (albeit expensive) family vacation with young kids—as long as they’re in the right age-range to enjoy the kids’ clubs.

I saw the pappy but had some other good stuff that I enjoyed with friends most of the week. I’ve been on a few of theirs and haven’t found getting off he ship at any port is worth it for anything but feet on sand. Well any port other than Castaway Cay, which is excellent.

Glad you enjoyed it as well.

EDIT: had pappy a few weeks ago and I agree with those who say the whole point of pappy is talking about pappy, how you got the bottle, how much it cost, etc. It’s excellent, but it’s best attribute is the mystique.

Yeah, going forward I'm less likely to get off the boat unless for something like a private island (and agree - Castaway Cay was beautiful, and meticulously maintained - Disney thinks of EVERYTHING).

Agree about Pappy - my point was more that Disney would think to have something like that on board for bourbon aficionados even if only few would partake. The rum tasting I did was really well done and informative, and getting to meet other folks (adults) was a nice treat. We kept our three year old out of the kid's club for the most part - only had her there for two hours while the wife and I enjoyed some drinks by the adult pool. Otherwise, she was fully engaged with princess teas, the BBB, meeting characters, and going to shows.

It was a really great time but I would spring for the bigger room next time - getting four people ready in a regular stateroom is masochistic!

 

[anon_1eeb2b426hv3y]

Yeah, going forward I'm less likely to get off the boat unless for something like a private island (and agree - Castaway Cay was beautiful, and meticulously maintained - Disney thinks of EVERYTHING).

Agree about Pappy - my point was more that Disney would think to have something like that on board for bourbon aficionados even if only few would partake. The rum tasting I did was really well done and informative, and getting to meet other folks (adults) was a nice treat. We kept our three year old out of the kid's club for the most part - only had her there for two hours while the wife and I enjoyed some drinks by the adult pool. Otherwise, she was fully engaged with princess teas, the BBB, meeting characters, and going to shows.

It was a really great time but I would spring for the bigger room next time - getting four people ready in a regular stateroom is sadistic!

Yes. Sadistic!
We had one of the bigger ones on deck 5 (fantasy) with the extended veranda. I stupidly thought it was one of those amazing ones at the front and back of the boat. My wife laughed when i said that’s what I thought we were getting. Was a real upgrade though.

Our approach to the kids’ clubs is similar to yours. We really only had our kids there for a few hours a day for some quiet pool, deck, veranda time. Family vacation = fun for all, together.

We got hit double time on the BBB because it was a Star Wars at sea thing. So princess got to be Leia ($) and aurora ($$). My son was happy with Kylo, but it ended there —and with some trips to the golf simulator.

Glad you enjoyed it. Didn’t think I’d ever be into the whole cruise thing. Disney changed that.

 

[anon_1eeb2b426hv3y]

We’re doing a family cruise on Royal Caribbean next summer - 12 of us, and six under 7 years old (the youngest will be one, the oldest will be about 7). It’s for nine days and I’m really not looking forward to it. Not sure how much there will be to entertain the kid and stopping in several ports is a pain. But, at least I’ll have something to compare Disney to. Castaway Cay was gorgeous and the BBQ they provided was awesome. Better to go with kids who are a bit older though - I mostly wrangled the kids on the beach.

The BBQ: you mean the ribs on CC? If so, I thought the same thing. The BBQ chicken was good too. But the ribs were outstanding! I didn’t share that with too many people because I thought with everything being so good cruise-wide, it’d be too weird to talk up the ribs. Be they were Kansas City good!

 

[OldTiredLion]

Cruises are for suckers.

You've hit the nail on the head there buddy. The last one I was on was sponsored by the US Navy in 1976. We sailed all over the Western Pacific aboard a aircraft carrier. And they didn't stock Pappy Van Winkle. Lots of "bug juice" though.

 

[gogolion]

I’m glad you are enjoying the cruise. Not being critical, but did you really think that a 17 month old would appreciate a cruise? do kids that young even get Disney?

We did something similar when my kids were about that age because the cost for the 17 month old was drastically reduced (mine was more like 23 months at the time). Plus, does it really matter what sort of vacation you go on with a 17 month old? You'll always be chasing him/her around, regardless of where you are. At least with the cruise you can stick them in the kids club for a little while if you need a break.

 

[heygents]

We just got off a 4 night Disney Cruise (Dream) on Friday. We have a 4 year old and a 2 year old who absolutely loved it.

We had one day in Nassau, one day at Sea, and one day at Castaway Cay. I wish we would have spent all three days at Castaway Cay. What a great place to spend a day. The beaches, waterslides, biking, food, etc. were all great at CC.

A couple of thoughts:
1. The food and entertainment were fantastic
2. The Cruise Line Navigator App is great
3. I wouldn't recommend going with a kid two years old or younger for several reasons (They can't go to the kids club with their older siblings and they can't go in the pools if not potty trained.

 

[Mister Magoo]

Cruises are for suckers.

Did a couple Med cruises for Uncle Sam. Agree

 

[anon_1eeb2b426hv3y]

We just got off a 4 night Disney Cruise (Dream) on Friday. We have a 4 year old and a 2 year old who absolutely loved it.

We had one day in Nassau, one day at Sea, and one day at Castaway Cay. I wish we would have spent all three days at Castaway Cay. What a great place to spend a day. The beaches, waterslides, biking, food, etc. were all great at CC.

A couple of thoughts:
1. The food and entertainment were fantastic
2. The Cruise Line Navigator App is great
3. I wouldn't recommend going with a kid two years old or younger for several reasons (They can't go to the kids club with their older siblings and they can't go in the pools if not potty trained.

Agree on all points.

Nearly everybody wishes the whole cruise, or much of it, could be Castaway Cay. Even the Disney employees who take Disney vacation cruises say they rarely get off the boat except at CC. Friends on the west coast want to visit the HI location because they figure it’ll be the closest thing to a CC vacation. Certainly merit to the expectation.

 

[interrobang]

Every cruise line has a fancy private island, if not more than one.

Norwegian actually was the first to do it back in the 70s. Disney bought theirs in 1996.

 

[anon_1eeb2b426hv3y]

I'd never recommend a Disney cruise just for the sheer price. You can get the exact same thing on other cruise lines for more than half the price. I've priced a suite on Royal Caribbean for cheaper than an interior room on Disney.

I believe it on price. If I’m still interested in doing any cruises once the kids outgrow Disney, I’d happily change the boat. But I can’t imagine there’s a better cruise line for young families and, for now, no other provides the exact same thing.

They really do a fantastic job, but they’re not easy on the pocket.

 

[LionDeNittany]

Every cruise line has a fancy private island, if not more than one.

Norwegian actually was the first to do it back in the 70s. Disney bought theirs in 1996.

I'm not sure why you keep saying this as if people don't know already that other lines have islands.

The point isn't that cruise lines have private islands, the point is that Disney's is the best.

LdN

 

[nittanyfan333]

I’m sure you guys were pissed they kicked you off the cruise... messed up man

Pregnant woman upset with Disney Cruise Line after family escorted out by armed officer

http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2018/...ter-family-escorted-out-by-armed-officer.html

 

[anon_xdc8rmuek44eq]

I’m sure you guys were pissed they kicked you off the cruise... messed up man

Pregnant woman upset with Disney Cruise Line after family escorted out by armed officer

http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2018/...ter-family-escorted-out-by-armed-officer.html

Aside from the fact that this was entirely the traveler's fault for not being familiar with Disney's pregnancy travel policy, that video is pretty deceptive. The 'armed guards' (aka, Miami Police) were there the entire time when we checked in - so if they were called over to de-escalate a situation, it's not like it took a lot of effort - they probably just walked over. The people working the 'check in' area where she was denied entry, IMO, do not seem to be full time Disney Cruise Line employees, but rather employees of the terminal whose job it is to simply check people in for the cruise - you don't really meet any bonafide Disney folks until you cross the gangway and board the ship. I could be wrong, but that was my interpretation based on the obvious difference in disposition and professionalism of the folks on the ship versus those working the cruise terminal.

Still, that sucks for them. But, traveling while that far along is risky should something happen while on board.

 

[LionDeNittany]

Aside from the fact that this was entirely the traveler's fault for not being familiar with Disney's pregnancy travel policy, that video is pretty deceptive. The 'armed guards' (aka, Miami Police) were there the entire time when we checked in - so if they were called over to de-escalate a situation, it's not like it took a lot of effort - they probably just walked over. The people working the 'check in' area where she was denied entry, IMO, do not seem to be full time Disney Cruise Line employees, but rather employees of the terminal whose job it is to simply check people in for the cruise - you don't really meet any bonafide Disney folks until you cross the gangway and board the ship. I could be wrong, but that was my interpretation based on the obvious difference in disposition and professionalism of the folks on the ship versus those working the cruise terminal.

Still, that sucks for them. But, traveling while that far along is risky should something happen while on board.

Don't forget this is an international port. Armed security at international ports is pretty standard... such as an Airport.

I believe Port Canaveral is a military or was a military base as well.

That said, agree with what you said. Deceptive.

Pregnant women can't be on Disney cruises. Just like you can't bring Bears.

LdN

 

[Zenophile]

Aside from the fact that this was entirely the traveler's fault for not being familiar with Disney's pregnancy travel policy, that video is pretty deceptive. The 'armed guards' (aka, Miami Police) were there the entire time when we checked in - so if they were called over to de-escalate a situation, it's not like it took a lot of effort - they probably just walked over. The people working the 'check in' area where she was denied entry, IMO, do not seem to be full time Disney Cruise Line employees, but rather employees of the terminal whose job it is to simply check people in for the cruise - you don't really meet any bonafide Disney folks until you cross the gangway and board the ship. I could be wrong, but that was my interpretation based on the obvious difference in disposition and professionalism of the folks on the ship versus those working the cruise terminal.

Still, that sucks for them. But, traveling while that far along is risky should something happen while on board.

Don't forget this is an international port. Armed security at international ports is pretty standard... such as an Airport.

I believe Port Canaveral is a military or was a military base as well.

That said, agree with what you said. Deceptive.

Pregnant women can't be on Disney cruises. Just like you can't bring Bears.

LdN

Hey now, fellas. I hope you’re not suggesting that the press would ever intentionally mislead its audience.

 

[LionDeNittany]

Hey now, fellas. I hope you’re not suggesting that the press would ever intentionally mislead its audience.

Haha... you mean the same press that told ALL pregnant women to stop going on cruises because of Zika!

Suddenly they are supporting a woman who knowingly is going to Zika ports?

LdN

 

[anon_1eeb2b426hv3y]

Don't forget this is an international port. Armed security at international ports is pretty standard... such as an Airport.

I believe Port Canaveral is a military or was a military base as well.

That said, agree with what you said. Deceptive.

Pregnant women can't be on Disney cruises. Just like you can't bring Bears.

LdN

Right! No preggers or bears. Thanks!

 

[anon_xdc8rmuek44eq]

Disney Cruise Pro-tip: Not sure if this is policy at all Disney properties, but on the ship while participating in a cognac tasting (on this most recent cruise), I was told by the Disney employee conducting the tasting about their policy concerning Remy Martin Louis XIII cognac. Specifically, if you are the person to finish the bottle, they will give it to you (it's Baccarat crystal worth about $800). If you have one of these bottles, you can supposedly send to Remy Martin in France for a refill at a discounted rate. A pour of Remy Martin XIII I believe was around $200 for 2 oz. on the cruise.

 

[BBrown]

Wasn’t my choice. Wife thought it was a good idea because our daughter (nearly four) would get a lot out of it - and she has. Everything is spectacular to her and she’s been wonderful. But, had to bring the boy, and he’s a beast. We did put him in the day care for the evening shows and that’s been a nice break. Yesterday he locked himself in the bathroom and we had to have someone with a special tool get him out. Winning!!

LOL.