new....questions about Wonder cruise...

[Juliahh]

We are looking to book a 3 night Wonder cruise for 10/16 - 19 for myself, husband and 5 year old son. Where is the best place to book? The online Disney cruise site? Do we choose our own room when booking? Any suggestions on choosing a room? Any other booking advice? Do we need passports? We are in Orlando and will drive to Port Canaveral. Anyone know parking price? I have congestive heart failure, are there docs on board? What if I have to cancel the cruise due to medical reasons? I know I'll have a lot more questions, I appreciate any feedback/advice, I am excited about planning this trip, but don't have a lot of energy. Thank you ALL! Love, juliah

 

[CamColt]

First off, Welcome To The Dis!!!

Ill try to help where I can.
We have used Dreams Unlimited Travel in the past and Ive been very happy with their service. If you are unfamiliar with them, they are an online travel agency which specialized in Disney. You can find out about them on the Dis home page. When using them we were in fact able to pick out the room we wanted. As for a room for you, do you know what you are looking for? An inside room? A porthole? A verandah?
You will not need passports, but you will need birth certificates for everyone and photo ids for the adults.
Last I heard parking was around $7.00/day, but that was a while ago. It may have gone up. Im sure someone will know.
There is a doctor and a medical center on board, however Im not familiar with how in depth they can be if an emergency should arise. You might want to call DCL directly, or have your travel agent do so to have peace of mind.
Sinc eyou think cancelling could be a possibility, I would highly recommend getting travel insurance when you book. Again, that would be well worth not having to worry should the worst happen.
Good luck, have fun planning, and hope we will see you around here some more.

 

[GenieDana]

Shop around before you book - most reputable travel agencies will provide quotes. Given the demand for Disney Cruises, the further out you book the better chance to get the room Category / Location you want.

Here are some links:

http://www.dreamsunlimitedtravel.com/
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/disneycruiseline
http://www.mousesavers.com/dcl.html
http://www.allseastravel.com/
http://www.cruise-locator.com/
http://www.allseasonstravel.com/
http://www.cruiseone.com/travel.dll/travel/cruises/default_hb.jsp
http://www.bestpricecruises.com/
http://www.icruise.com/

P.S. - As a Florida Resident you can get significant discounts during those times Disney is offering them.

Consider booking GTY status (guranteed category) as it will increase your chances for a free upgrade.

If you have a medical problem, I would recommend buying trip insurance. You won't get a refund from Disney if you are within certain thresholds, but your trip insurance will pay.

Parking is $10 per day at the port.

Birth certificates with picture ID will do, passports aren't necessary.

There is a ship medical staff, but the on-board med center has limited ER facilities - design to stabilize patients until a port of call can be reached. If you have problems on a port day, most likely you will be handled by local medical facilities given the severity.

Go buy the Passporter Guide to DCL, as you mention you have limited energy to do research. You can find it online at:

http://www.bestwebbuys.com/books/compare/isbn/1587710064/isrc/b-home-search

Reading these boards will also answer many questions before you are compelled to ask.

Good luck!

 

[Juliahh]

thank you for your help!!!! I am ready to book for the Wonder....$379/adult for 10/16. I have been reading this board for an hour and LOVE it!!!! I'm so happy to be here!!!!!! This is the first thing I've had to really look forward to in a long time!!!!! Love, juliah

 

[floridaminnie]

Also, make sure to read the fine print in the travel insurance to make sure that the policy covers your pre-existence. Each insurer is different. Aren't those Florida resident rates great!

 

[k5teacher]

Also, make sure to read the fine print in the travel insurance to make sure that the policy covers your pre-existence.

I'm sorry, but I don't know what this means. Could you please explain?

 

[floridaminnie]

The legal info that is really small that you need a magnifing glass to read. That tells you what it actually covers and what it doesn't cover. Some policies have certain guidelines to cover pre-existing conditions (eg. have to buy coverage x days after you make ressies) and other policies will not cover pre-existing conditions at all.

 

[ADisneygirl]

Juliahh-- are you a AAA member? If you are you can book the Florida Resident rate for the cruise through them and they give you the soda mug program free for every cruiser in your party.

Just a thought.