Disney To Offer Free Kid's Fare For Select West Coast Cruises

[f-mattox]

Thank you Jan; booking was almost a knee-jerk reaction--I knew nothing about Disney except it was expensive and there were lots of kids. But the more I research, the better it looks. I really think this is something the whole family is going to like. And the whole rotating dining thing really intrigues me--especially tha part about keeping the same wait staff.

One thing I haven't been able to find yet Jan, what about tipping? Do they have an auto-tip plan? I found the recommended daily amount pp. but nothing about how or when it's paid.

Thanks Jan

Rick

[Cruise Fanatic]

They still have the option of 1)Add them to your cruise booking and pre-pay with your final payment. 2)Wait until you get onboard and then can add them to your onboard account. If you choose this, you'll get coupons to put in an envelope and hand to the individuals so they know you paid. Of course, if you tuck a little extra in the envelope with the coupon thats acceptable too. 3)Still can pay cash to the individuals.

The first time I went on Disney I thought "Oh, what have I gotten myself into." But I am very pleased to report the 600 children really weren't a problem. First, there is no casino on Disney. That whole space where a casino would be is all a children's area with video and hand on games etc. The programs for children are excellent and they keep them busy. Then you have the three different pools. Children aren't allowed in certain lounges after around 8PM. So the adults really have their separate places. Everything is Disney on the ship. You will see all the hidden Mickey's on the ship, like in the park. The movie theatre shows current Disney movies and the production shows are based on Disney with adult humor which goes right over the kids heads. The rotating dining is very simple. On the Disney Wonder you have Triton's, Parrot Cay, and Animator's Palate. Palo's is the reservation only restaurant. So on your boarding card it will tell you the first initial of the restaurant in the order you will go for the 7-day cruise. Ie: Richard Mattox Cabin 1027
Dining Early 6:00PM TPATPAT

It's been a while since I've been on Disney and I need to go again. I don't know if they are still doing it, but for a while they were having fireworks off the ship. They were the only cruise line to receive special permission to do that. I haven't heard anything about fireworks on Disney lately though. They did have some of the best soft Oatmeal cookies on their buffet! It was also funny, the three times I went on them, the first day on the buffet they had these large shrimp. Then all the other days the shrimp would be substantially smaller! I really need to go on them again.

[f-mattox]

Thank you so much Jan, that is very helpful. I really like the coupon idea for the tips. I've often wondered how, on Princess, they would know if you did the auto-tip--maybe they get a list. I always give a little extra at the end of the cruise (and at the beginning too) but there is always that awkward moment when I want to say, "I did the auto-tip too," so they don't think that's all I'm tipping.

Oh, I sent for Disney's promotional DVD and they claim to be "the only cruise line sailing that has real fireworks."

Thanks again, Jan!

Rick

[Balann]

Took the Magic in June to BALTIC with kiddo & Granddarlin...it was great. Liked it so much, HD and I booked the 10day Med & 14day Reposition back-to-back for Sept. Prices were amazing--$599 for trans-Atl, is just Goofy. Maybe we can relax

[Balann]

Checked out the disney kids go free offer... Unless it changed, it only for the April 17th, 10 day sailing. And it $1,400/pp adult...or nearly $3,000 before tips, etc. That doesn't sound like a deal for me. We took the 12 day Baltic for less.

[f-mattox]

The offer originally included all the 7 day sailings from late January through the 10 day in April, but the cabins went VERY fast--I mean like in a few days, all but the most expensive balcony cabins. I booked two Deluxe Oceanviews for four adults and a child and it worked out to $737 pp. Seemed like a pretty good deal to me.

[Dave]

In fact the link I originally posted is now invalid. Sounds like they had success with the promotion.