We are doing the Disney land and sea vacation in a few weeks and I am starting to get some clothes and stuff for it. Has anyone ever been on one of these? I am just wondering how dressed everyone gets for dinner on the cruise part of it? I know that on other cruises. people get pretty decked out for dinner, but I am wondering if the disney cruise is as fancy?? I don't know why, but I am thinking it might be a little more laid back and relaxed because it involves sooo many kids. Would capris and a nice shirt be ok or do I need dresses?? I don't want to look like a dork if everyone else is all dressed up to the nines!!

By Karen~moderator on Wednesday, May 18, 2005 - 07:12 pm:

My co-worker went on one and they wore *nice* clothes - meaning nice casual to dressy casual clothes for dinner. Her little girl wore a sundress, her son wore khakis and a shirt. I know my co-worker doesn't wear dresses, so I assume she wores pants and a top.

Did you book with a travel agent? They would know. Also, check out Cruise Critic or Cruise Mates. You can read the message boards and/or post there.

By Melanie on Wednesday, May 18, 2005 - 09:37 pm:

We haven't been yet, but plan to soon. So please, please, please, come back with a detailed report and pictures! Have a wonderful time!

By Karefl on Wednesday, May 18, 2005 - 11:09 pm:

We did the Disney cruise a couple of years ago. For the formal night we dressed nice. Dh wore a suit & tie & I wore a nice dress. All three of my boys (9, 7, & 2 at the time) wore dress shirts & nice pants but no ties. I saw many of the little girls at dinner dressed as Disney Princesses! SOOOOO adorable. BIG caution though... I also saw thet many of those pretty little princesses had thier hair braided that day & didn't get thier tender little scalps sunscreened! OUCH! Hope this helps! Have a Great time!!!!
Karrie
PS We surprised the kids w/the cruise. They didn't know until we got to the port!

By Feona on Thursday, May 19, 2005 - 08:47 am:

I wore nice pants and tops on the cruise for dinner. I am chasing a little kid at night (they had shows for the kids that adults enjoy) and I couldn't be bothered with hose and shoes that I am not used to.

I did bring a few dresses. I think I wore them but everyone was in dresses or nice pants and tops. I don't remember formal night being that formal... Didn't matter a bit what I wore.

By Vicki on Thursday, May 19, 2005 - 09:08 am:

Karefl, the other nights were more casual though? We are only going to be on the cruise for 3 nights and disney for 4 nights. I don't recall even reading about a formal night.... maybe we had better put a call into the travel agent.

By Vicki on Thursday, May 19, 2005 - 09:10 am:

One more question (at least for now) do the evenings get cold at all?? Would it be a good idea to take a little sweater to wear in the evenings or are we going to be hot all the time?

By Tonya on Thursday, May 19, 2005 - 09:58 am:

Vicki questions for you. How many people are going and what did a trip like this cost you if you don't mind me asking. I want to do the cruise but DH wants to do the land. I think it would be fun to do both. Thanks. If you would rahtr email me that is fine to tonya48180atyahoodotcom but with the right signs.

By Vicki on Thursday, May 19, 2005 - 10:57 am:

Tonya, at this moment in time I couldn't even tell you. We booked this thing last fall!! Seemed so far away at the time and it is here already!! There are 3 of us going and I know we got a upgraded room with a balcony so I am sure it could be done cheaper than we did it.

By Tonya on Thursday, May 19, 2005 - 10:59 am:

Well if you run across the info and could drop me a note I would appreciate it. I would love to do this but for sure would need to know a guess figure. Thanks.

By Melissa on Thursday, May 19, 2005 - 11:05 am:

Tonya we just booked one and for 3 of us Dh Lexi and me it was 4,800 not including flights, any excursions or tips. That is for a room with a balcony so you could probably save around 1000 by not having a cat 6 room if you go with a 9 or 10 you'll save $. If you go to Disney Cruise Line. com you can get a quote with no obligation. It is an awesome trip and great if your kids will go to the kids clubs as you and Dh get lots of fun adult time.

By Jann on Thursday, May 19, 2005 - 11:11 am:

I think the ships are cold. I have a ton of pashmina's that I like to take with me.

By Vicki on Thursday, May 19, 2005 - 11:24 am:

I was going to guess around $5500.00 and that does include our flights. But we also booked very early. The earlier you book the cheaper it is from what I hear. If I find the paper with the exact price on it I will let you know, but that is the number that sticks out to me.

By Conni on Thursday, May 19, 2005 - 11:35 am:

IT was going to cost us around $8000 for 5 people with *no* airline tickets... So add air for 5 per. we were looking at $10000,00 basically. Oh, that was in JAnuary when I was booking a trip for NOVEMBER. I had to laugh with the travel agent- we were thinking of all the things we could do with $10,000.00 other than hand it over to Disney. lol

We went with a Land only pkg. With air it was close to $4000.00?? They called and told us that the 'airfare is going up can we pay for them in full now too keep our lower price'... I am not charging this trip, so since I didnt have the cash to pay for the tickets in full right then we'll be driving now. lol I think we can drive for less than $1700.00 my van gets awesome gas mileage. ;)

Have fun on your trip-- I have heard the Disney Cruise is *really* nice!!!

By Vicki on Thursday, May 19, 2005 - 12:04 pm:

Ok, I had a quick minute and found our papers: It totaled 5374.25 We booked in September for June 5th thru 12th. I believe we are the last week of off season, so that made it a little cheaper. It includes: airfare, transfers, meals onboard, taxes, port charges, animal kingdom lodge including unlimited park tickets, cabin category 5 deluxe stateroom with balcony and we did purchase the travel insurance in case we would have to cancel. I think that is everything

By Vicki on Thursday, May 19, 2005 - 12:05 pm:

Oh, November is PEAK season, so that would cost a premium I am sure!!

By Eve on Thursday, May 19, 2005 - 12:57 pm:

Cruise Addicts Website was a huge help for us planning before our cruise! I think you will be fine with anything resort casual. My Aunt has been on over 25 cruises and she told me to wear whatever I wanted; that I would see a mix of everything--she was right! Wear what makes you feel good. Get lots of photos! Have fun! I want to go on another cruise next Fall! I'm hooked!

By Tonya on Thursday, May 19, 2005 - 01:02 pm:

By looking online and seeing the prices I guess DH wins and it will be land only for 4 days. We have family in Florida and want to see them while we are there plus we will be driving so no airfare. Plus we are driving our motorhome so so hotel rooms needed. We will be staying on site at Disney though for a few nights in the All Star resort but otherwise we will be living out of the motorhome. Saves allot on food and lodging that way.

By Karefl on Saturday, May 21, 2005 - 08:44 pm:

Sorry that this took so long! Yes, the other nights were quite casual. I don't think that a wore a dress any of them. If I remember right the boys even wore shorts. I had to buy a light jacket (windbreaker) on our 1st cruise (RC w/o the kids) and I took it with me on the Disney. We took our first in May & the last one at the end of October. Not only can the deck be a little chilly at night, but theaters are air conditioned & I tend to get cold easily. Have a great time!

By Karefl on Saturday, May 21, 2005 - 08:51 pm:

Tonya have you considered staying on property at Ft. Wilderness in the motor home?! It's GREAT there! We stayed there in my grandparents motor home a few times & LOVED it! Last Sept. we stayed there in the cabins. All the comforts of Disney plus they have a campfire & movie every night! You can also save on the food on property!

By Vicki on Saturday, May 21, 2005 - 09:27 pm:

Thanks so much for the info! Very helpful!!

By Tonya on Monday, May 23, 2005 - 11:22 am:

Karrie I looked into that too and I think that is what we are going to do. The only thing I want to look into is the child care they offer outside of the normal hotels/resorts. I know the resorts offer in room child care for parents to go to dinner or whatever for however long you wish. For the 4 of us to go in the motorhome and stay in it on site will only be like $600 for 3 days in the parks and 4 nights on the grounds.

Thanks ladies for the help.

By Karefl on Tuesday, May 24, 2005 - 05:42 pm:

Okay I was curious about this so I called! YES Kids Night out services are available at Ft. Wilderness! Here's what the Disney Website website says.
"Kid's Nite Out: Treat yourself to a night out while your children enjoy one-on-one childcare in the comfort of your hotel or resort room. Relax knowing professional staff gives individual attention and encourages the playing of fun-filled activities."
It's not a service provided by Disney, but they are listed on the Disney website for Kids Programs. I have a friend who used to do some in room child-care on property. Here's the URL http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/moreMagic/otherRecDetail?id=OtherRecKidsProgramsDetailPage
You might also want to look into the activity centers listed on the page. I don't know if your kids are old enough for that yet though.
Have Fun!

By Conni on Thursday, June 9, 2005 - 01:47 pm:

Well, I stand corrected... I got a recpt last week in the mail saying someone paid for our airfare. We get to fly afterall. Dh went ahead and paid for it and didnt tell me. PTL! Now we arent telling the kids. They'll figure it out in November when we pull up at the airport. The reason its a big deal is because they have never flown. (blake has but he was an infant) You should have heard them moaning and groaning about having to drive 24 hrs to get there! ROFL

Just thought I'd share! Hope everyone has a great time on their trips.