DDC XXXIV: The Original Home Of The DISDads!!!

[GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes]

Howdy all... hope everyone is doing good.
Just now getting back over this way, as we were doing a little bit of anniversary traveling last week.
Took a bit of a Fla. road trip. Not much Dis involved this time around, but we did stop by DS for a little bit on our way toward St Pete...

 

[GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes]

Hey all,

I'm new to Disdads and would love to join the group. I'm a dad to three boys, Davis (8), Maxwell (5) and Robin (3). We just bought DVC in December and have our first trip booked for August. I work in financial planning, which is fitting for how much planning, including financially, Disney requires these days. Let me know if anything more is needed to join. I'm happy to answer any questions. Thanks!

Welcome Sir!
I see that you've already settled in, and we're glad to have you along.

Side note: I also have a young'en named Maxwell, except... he's a mite older then yours
(just shy of 28, actually).

We bought in at the Polynesian. Love the theming from the videos. Our August trip will be seven nights in a lakeview studio and then two nights at Animal Kingdom-Kidani in a 1BR savanna view.

DVC is something that we've continually thought about, but never pulled the trigger on.
We've been "On World" many times, but could never guarantee "absolutely" that we'd be able to consistently return. That uncertainty (along with being somewhat older at this point) made the investment just a bit too rich, but we still keep thinking about it.

I'm a smidg' envois of y'all heading down to spend time at the Polly, but I hope it's everything that you were looking for. You'll have to tell us all about it, and of course - "pictures of it didn't happen" - is one of the rules 'round here.

There’s very little you need to do to join. Simply send one rasher of bacon to each DISdad that responds. Don’t worry, won’t be too many.
And a bottle of their choosing. I’ll take a nice Riesling.

Bourbon for me...
(but as I've acquired several new bottles recently, I'll let him slide this time.)

Of course, the bacon still needs to be mailed out asap.

We are doing a Cruise this year instead of a park trip.

Excellent...
Which line/port and where are y'all heading?

The Chief is sailing across the Atlantic at this time. He spent the day in the Azores.

I missed that.
Will have to ask him about it when they get back to Baltimore.
A Trans-Atlantic is one (of many) on our bucket list, and I'd be interested to hear what they thought about it.

Have you done Disney Cruise before? I am considering one for my 40th. I've been on non-Disney cruises before, but my wife and boys have never done one before.

As the other have pointed out, most of the other lines do near as good a job for less cash. DCL is very good at what they do, but considerably more pricy (partly because they're the only line that doesn't have casinos on any of their ships to help subsidize the bottom line).

That said (and obviously not being a very smart man myself), we've been on all five of the current ships in the DCL fleet. Have done 3-day, 4-day, 5-day and two 7-day cruses with them, and as you might suspect, enjoyed them all enough to keep spending more then we ought to go back again. Happy to answer any question you might have about sailing DCL.

But then again, heading over to DL would be quite the adventure as well
(and something else on our monster list of to-do).

 

[Jack Kerouac]

Side note: I also have a young'en named Maxwell, except... he's a mite older then yours
(just shy of 28, actually).

If your Maxwell is anything like mine, he wears the name well.

DVC is something that we've continually thought about, but never pulled the trigger on.
We've been "On World" many times, but could never guarantee "absolutely" that we'd be able to consistently return. That uncertainty (along with being somewhat older at this point) made the investment just a bit too rich, but we still keep thinking about it.

I'm a smidg' envois of y'all heading down to spend time at the Polly, but I hope it's everything that you were looking for. You'll have to tell us all about it, and of course - "pictures of it didn't happen" - is one of the rules 'round here.

My parents have DVC and we stayed at OKW with them last April. Then after an expensive but disappointing trip elsewhere, I decided WDW is going to be where we vacation each year. We booked a WDW trip at the rack rate and realized we would rather just buy resale DVC and enjoy this time with the kiddos. I'll be sure to post photos around the middle of August once we get back.

That said (and obviously not being a very smart man myself), we've been on all five of the current ships in the DCL fleet. Have done 3-day, 4-day, 5-day and two 7-day cruses with them, and as you might suspect, enjoyed them all enough to keep spending more then we ought to go back again. Happy to answer any question you might have about sailing DCL.

But then again, heading over to DL would be quite the adventure as well
(and something else on our monster list of to-do).

I'm currently leaning towards DL at this point. I would like to finally visit and it would likely be a bit shorter than when we visit WDW.

Obviously you are smarter than most for taking that time with your family. Are DCL cruises like the others with more formal dinners with dress codes? My kiddos would probably revolt and we'd spend our evenings eating room service instead. Even still, DCL is on my list for sometime in the future, just because it's Disney and I trust them with my money after they take it from me.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Took a bit of a Fla. road trip. Not much Dis involved this time around, but we did stop by DS for a little bit on our way toward St Pete...

Nice photos! Hope you guys had a lot of fun.

Side note: I also have a young'en named Maxwell, except... he's a mite older then yours

I bet he's Smart, though.

DVC is something that we've continually thought about, but never pulled the trigger on.
We've been "On World" many times, but could never guarantee "absolutely" that we'd be able to consistently return. That uncertainty (along with being somewhat older at this point) made the investment just a bit too rich, but we still keep thinking about it.

We couldn't quite pull the trigger, either. We like visiting other places besides Disney too much, so I couldn't commit to all the yearly fees.

My parents have DVC and we stayed at OKW with them last April. Then after an expensive but disappointing trip elsewhere, I decided WDW is going to be where we vacation each year.

It does make sense if you know you're going ever year, though.

 

[Maroonag1]

Bourbon for me...
(but as I've acquired several new bottles recently, I'll let him slide this tim

No no freebees. I will just take his share.

Which line/port and where are y'all heading?

4 night on the Wish out of the Cape.

 

[pkondz]

Very poor construction of those shelves. Very disappointed that Disney is this lax.

Bourbon for me...
(but as I've acquired several new bottles recently, I'll let him slide this time.)

Nice of you.
Jack, you can send me two bottles so you don’t feel like you’re not contributing.

Of course, the bacon still needs to be mailed out asap.

This is a must

 

[GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes]

My parents have DVC and we stayed at OKW with them last April. Then after an expensive but disappointing trip elsewhere, I decided WDW is going to be where we vacation each year. We booked a WDW trip at the rack rate and realized we would rather just buy resale DVC and enjoy this time with the kiddos.

Make's good sense to me.
If we were to acquire points it'd be via resale, and OKW would actually be my first choice as a home resort.
Yah, it's older, but I like that area of The World and the spaces are actually a bit larger.

I'm currently leaning towards DL at this point. I would like to finally visit and it would likely be a bit shorter than when we visit WDW.

If more limited time is a factor that would be a good call.
Better still if your travel time won't take too big a bite out of that allotment.

Are DCL cruises like the others with more formal dinners with dress codes? My kiddos would probably revolt and we'd spend our evenings eating room service instead. Even still, DCL is on my list for sometime in the future, just because it's Disney and I trust them with my money after they take it from me.

Not a problem.
DCL has one of the most relaxed main dinning room dress codes in the industry. Swim ware and tank-tops are about the only things they'd really rather not see, but even then I've never seen anyone denied service. Some folks will go with something like business casual, but jeans, shorts and good tee-shirts (especially Disney ones) are all pretty common. The two upcharge restaurants do have dress codes, but everywhere else on board is pretty chill.

Now, here's more detail then anyone could ever need on the subject that you can completely ignore...

On any itinerary they do generally have one "formal" night, but it's not mandatory in any way. They'll have all the photographers out in the grand atrium for those that want pictures, but you'll see more folks dressed down even on those nights.

There's also a Pirate Night on every cruse where you are encouraged to dress the part, but just "encouraged". My experience is that participation is about 50/50ish at best, so you won't feel out of place either way.

One other "dress-up" night does exist but specifically on only one ship at this time; that being the Disney Wish. This one was devised by the passengers rather then DCL, and being unofficial, isn't encouraged or discouraged either way. On that one ship the main dinning room is called "1923" and is dedicated to that time frame when Walt first arrived in California. A fair number of folk (especially the Gals) will dress in Roaring 20s style Flapper & Speak-Easy garb. Again, this is a fan creation rather then a Disney idea so it ain't mandatory (but it's fun to see).

Nice photos! Hope you guys had a lot of fun.

Thanks, and we most certainly did.
I may post up some pics form the rest of the trip as I'm pretty sure I won't be doing a TR on it.
(definatly not as good as the ones you and Ponzi write up)

I bet he's Smart, though.

Missed it by that much...

Sorry about that chief.
(just couldn't resist)

No no freebees. I will just take his share.

Fair enough.
As I said, I've got a pretty good stash at the moment...

4 night on the Wish out of the Cape.

Cool!
We did that same itinerary back in September.
Y'all should have a blast.

And ignore any of the negative comments floating around about the ship.
It's a little different as compared to the other four, but just as good.
(except for the buttons in the elevators, those are a bit of a pain)

Very poor construction of those shelves. Very disappointed that Disney is this lax.

Giedion's originally built 'em straight, but all the spooks that haunt the place regularly wreak havoc on the fixtures.

Nice of you.
Jack, you can send me two bottles so you don’t feel like you’re not contributing.

I believe Cliff all ready called dibs on the extra bottle so you'll have to take it up with him.

 

[pkondz]

Missed it by that much...

Sorry about that chief.
(just couldn't resist)

Quite possibly the greatest secret agent ever.

Giedion's originally built 'em straight, but all the spooks that haunt the place regularly wreak havoc on the fixtures.

Ah. So not lax on the construction but lax on the exorcisms.

I believe Cliff all ready called dibs on the extra bottle so you'll have to take it up with him.

Nah. First come first served.

 

[GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes]

Quite possibly the greatest secret agent ever.

Certainly the most entertaining.

Ah. So not lax on the construction but lax on the exorcisms.

Well, they've never really made much of an effort to kick the haunts out of Gracie Hall, so I think they're just extending the policy of acceptance across the property.

Wonder what the new government overlords will think of that?

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Very poor construction of those shelves. Very disappointed that Disney is this lax.

Either that or the ceiling is way too heavy.

I may post up some pics form the rest of the trip as I'm pretty sure I won't be doing a TR on it.
(definatly not as good as the ones you and Ponzi write up)

Always enjoy some vacation photos that distract me from having to do work.

I still do the TR's but they're much slower. I think I average maybe 1 chapter a month.

Missed it by that much...

Sorry about that chief.
(just couldn't resist)

No need to apologize, that's exactly what I was going for.

Quite possibly the greatest secret agent ever.

Certainly the most entertaining.

Did you guys ever see the Steve Carell movie version? I thought it was very underrated. Made me laugh the whole way through.

 

[Maroonag1]

As I said, I've got a pretty good stash at the moment...

Nice collection. I will swing by next time im in the area for a "tasting"

And ignore any of the negative comments floating around about the ship.

I tend to limit my time on the other boards, seems that no matter which one you are on there are people who will be negative about anything just to be negative.
And I don't have any other ships to compare it to so no real expectations other than having fun.

 

[pkondz]

Morning gents (and I use that term firmly and with great purpose… nope. Sorry. Can’t keep a straight face.)
Happy Satursunday.

Well, they've never really made much of an effort to kick the haunts out of Gracie Hall, so I think they're just extending the policy of acceptance across the property.

Of course. Diversity and all that

Either that or the ceiling is way too heavy.

Hadn’t thought of that.

Hmmmm…


No

Did you guys ever see the Steve Carell movie version? I thought it was very underrated. Made me laugh the whole way through.

That was a great movie! The cameo was awesome. And I just about died when he took the original car.

 

[declansdad]

Did you guys ever see the Steve Carell movie version? I thought it was very underrated. Made me laugh the whole way through.

I liked it as well.

 

[Jack Kerouac]

Just booked the wife a WDW birthday trip over MLK weekend (it's two weeks before her birthday and the kiddos have a long weekend). As Del Griffith says: Like your work, love your wife. Plus, I get the benefit of another trip to WDW out of her gift. Not Too Shabby.

 

[pkondz]

Plus, I get the benefit of another trip to WDW out of her gift

There it is

 

[Jack Kerouac]

There it is

I once heard the best gift is the one you give yourself. Not true. Actually, the best gift is the one you give to someone you love that is actually the one they share with you and it's what you wanted all along.

 

[pkondz]

I once heard the best gift is the one you give yourself. Not true. Actually, the best gift is the one you give to someone you love that is actually the one they share with you and it's what you wanted all along.

Or Lego. Lego is good too.

 

[GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes]

Did you guys ever see the Steve Carell movie version? I thought it was very underrated. Made me laugh the whole way through.

Never been a huge fan of Carell and that's probably why I never got around to it (well, that and it basically being a rehash film). Given the commentary though, I may need to reverse this stance.

Nice collection. I will swing by next time im in the area for a "tasting"

Consider it a standing invitation.

Besides, if you're unfortunate enough to be forced into travel about my neck of the woods...
you'll likely be needing a drink anyway.

And I don't have any other ships to compare it to so no real expectations other than having fun.

Then you're already in the right mindset to have an excellent time.

Make sure to stop by The Rose at least once for a drink.
All the lounges are good, but I liked that one a smidge more and you don't have to have reservations at either of the upscale dinner spots just to drop in. It's a particularly good hang out when the ship is leaving Castaway Key (we had the whole place to ourselves).

Here's a decent quick guide to all of the watering holes on board:
https://eatsleepcruise.com/disney-wish-bars-guide-with-menus/

Just booked the wife a WDW birthday trip over MLK weekend (it's two weeks before her birthday and the kiddos have a long weekend). As Del Griffith says: Like your work, love your wife. Plus, I get the benefit of another trip to WDW out of her gift. Not Too Shabby.

Good planning.


And just the fact that you quoted Del proves that you most certainly belong in this group.

There it is

Would we expect any less?

 

[Rental01]

HELLOOOOOO HUMAAAAAANS!

*is this thing on?*
So, it's been 7 years since I was last here based on the changes in my signature, but I have DVC questions for DVC DISDads.

We bought 150pts in 2012 and had a great experience until 2017. The rooms were a lot harder to get into, even at 11 months out. The rooms had terrible upkeep with us having maintenance staff in our bedroom between 1-2 AM on multiple days of a trip at VWL with no compensation or even offer to change rooms from DVC nor the resort itself. The benefits seemed lackluster all around. By the middle of 2019, after not being able to book much at all because everything was being waitlisted, we finally sold our points and got out.

Now we are in a different financial position, and still fans of Disney accommodations, so we are considering coming back. What can you tell me about your experience with DVC from a normal family usage position? We will likely buy 200-250 points if we come back in, and will probably buy at Riviera. I just want to know from current owners (and not sales people) what the DVC landscape is like.

Thanks in advance for any help you can offer!

 

[Rental01]

Even after all this time I still have the gift of killing chat.
Is FB the only place that things are discussed on here? If we get back into DVC and more Disney stuff we probably will need to talk to ppl more often. May need to setup a dummy FB acct.