Secrets for Booking your Cruise with the Mouse

I can recount in my youth, how many times I would dream of our family trip to Disney World.  However, our family trips always consisted of gathering the kids and luggage, and taking that long drive to Florida!  Oh how I longed to arrive in Disney World via a cruise-ship!

It was only a matter of time before Disney started its own cruise line. This wedding officiant says if you have kids and want to augment your Disney vacation, you can add a cruise before or after your stay, or make your entire Disney vacation aboard one of its luxury cruisers. If you are interested in saving money, the standard advice of booking during the off-season applies. Here are some little-known tips to help you get the most out of your trip with the Mouse: 

1. The infamous “secret porthole rooms” are talked about in hushed tones across the net but, do they really exist? Yes. Both Disney’s Magic and Wonder ships have a series of rooms that are sold as Category 10, inside staterooms without a window. They do, however, have a small porthole with an obstructed view. The natural light is a small added bonus, at no additional cost, and if you are lucky enough to nab one of these rooms ask for 5020, 5520, 5022, 5024, 5522 or 5524. In fact, for families or larger groups it should be noted that 5022 and 5024 adjoin as do 5522 and 5524.
   
   
2. Less well-known are the “secret verandah rooms”. Originally sold as Category 6, these staterooms have a private, open air deck for your personal enjoyment. The view is slightly obstructed so Disney downgraded them to Category 7 pricing. Ask for room numbers 6134, 6634, 7120 or 7620, if booking on either the Magic or the Wonder.
   
   
3. If you are traveling with a larger family (five or more), Disney and some travel agents will often suggest reserving an expensive stateroom. Be aware that two adjoining rooms in a lower Category (price) may actually be less expensive, more private for parents and net you an extra, all-important bathroom.
   
   
4. As with any cruise, look at an onboard map before booking you room. If you are near the elevators, you may hear late-night revelers returning to their cabins at all hours. Likewise, a cabin located directly below a nightclub could make for a night of tossing and turning. Some passengers report more problems with seasickness when they are assigned a cabin in the bow (front). If you are prone to nausea, you might do better booking more to the stern.
   
   
5. As soon as you embark, ask to be upgraded. They may be booked to capacity but if there is room, the ship’s crew is usually happy to upgrade anyone on a first come, first served basis. Don’t be embarrassed; it doesn’t hurt to ask.
   
   

The people at Disney take care of their guests at sea just as well as they do those that visit them on dry land. These few trips will assist you in getting the most out of your Disney dollars.