Let the vacation planning commence...

[Belle]

Hey everyone,

I hope you all had a wonderful Holiday season, mine was quiet but nice. I have gotten over my month long brooding session :lol: and am ready to dive into vacation planning full throttle 8)

Here is what I am thinking...

3 or 4 night cruise, and a few days at WDW. There will be 2 adults and a 5 year old. From past travel experience (and much guidance from my Disney friends), I know it is more economical to reserve each part separately (WDW room, DCL stateroom, park tickets, etc) and I am well versed in booking dining at the World :) . But, I'd appreciate any advice from the cruise enthusiasts on how to add this element to our trip. Oh, and I'd like to do this before summer if possible - hehehe. Any recommendations would be tremendously appreciated. Thanks!

{hugs}
Belle

PS - I'd have posted this under the DCL room, but there seems to be much more action over here 8)

[Moley]

The first step is to get a Passporter Cruise guide. They really do have good tips. We are cruising for the first time in May, so I'm a newbie to all of it. I really need to pay attention and get planning, too, so I will follow along with you and share what I can.

You may want to get a quote on packages, too, to see what is still available. Unfortunately, on cruise bookings, the closer in to your cruise date, the higher the prices can be, just the reverse of bargains which can be found nearer trip time on land bookings. You may get lucky, though, and find a good bargain on a trip you like. Good luck and let the trip planning pixie dust commence! :D

[pixie]

Nothing like planning a trip to WDW to lift your spirits! Have fun!!!!

:tink: Barbara

[#1disneyfan]

Belle,
I love the planning stage of the trip almost as much as the trip!
Have a great time dreaming and planning!
Holly :minnie:

[Sheryl]

Belle,

Happy Planning!! I am anxious to see what you find out as we are hoping to do a Disney cruise in 2005. I'll be looking foward to hearing what you and Moley find out.

Sheryl :minnie:

[Belle]

Quick update - will be ordering the PassPorter (thanks Moley and AliciaG for the heads up :wink: ) & have submitted requests for cruise quotes. Debating between AP's & hoppers, and what hotel(s) to stay at (Pop Century at beginning, WL at end???). I'll let you know what happens....

{hugs}
Belle

[JeanC]

Sorry for the late reply. I have been away from the boards for a while. I would definitely recommend doing a 4-day cruise. 3 days just isn't enough time in my opinion. There is so much to do on board. 5 years old is a great age for the Oceaneer's Club! We have done one 4-day DCL cruise, one 7-day (Eastern), and are going on our next DCL cruise next October (did a 10-day Celebrity cruise last December, too). Everyone is right about Passporter. Even tho I have already been on 2 DCL cruises, there was a lot of good information that I didn't know about before. It is a great resource to have on hand before and during the cruise. I just got my Passporter recently and it is great! It will answer questions you didn't even think about!

[WDWDen]

Ditto on the Passporter cruise book. I have it and love it :lol: I know I am late to the thread, but I would recommend doing WDW first and then go on the cruise. I also agree that the 4 day would be way better. The 3 day only really gives you 2 days on board and is short. Mic will definitly love the kids clubs.

After a some hard days at the WDW parks, its great to wind down and relax by the pool 100 feet above the water 8) . No lines, no busses, just gooooooooood times :lol:

Nice to see ya again Belle!

Dennis