Member Cruises - Are they worth it?

[WebmasterPete]

So, I'm looking at the Member Cruise scheduled for next August (which goes on sale in a few weeks). I'm well aware that these things are usually a poor use of points - but - I did some comparisons to see how the cash price stacked up against Disney's other Alaska cruises.

Depending on the stateroom you pick, this cruise is anywhere from 12-30% more expensive than the exact same sailing that goes out of Vancouver the week before. On spec, my first reaction is "are you crazy?". However, since I've never done a member cruise and don't know much about them, I thought I would ask the question here: Are the extras/perks of doing a member cruise worth the price premium? Even for a Cat 11B, it's $1000 more expensive to do this cruise than the same sailing one week prior.

Unless my stateroom host is carrying me around the ship on a litter, I'm having trouble wrapping my head around the price difference. So, those of you who have done this - are they worth it?

 

[smjj]

We have now done 3 member's cruises and are not doing any more. Sure, they are nice but very expensive and in our opinion not worth the extra cost. I guess never having done one you might try it once yourself just to say you have done one. For us it seemed like each one the extras were less and less and the constant sales pitches more and more. On our first several years ago we received very nice extras in our room each day(nice wine glasses and leather bound albums and the such). On our last not two years ago they were reduced to in our opinion to trinkets. We did enjoy very much the interaction with other DVC friends and made some we still FB with and after all it is a Disney cruise. In the future we will just go on a Disney cruise and forgo the member's cruise and are trying to plan our next but for now are looking to Aulanu for our next trip, hope this helps..smjj

 

[bobbiwoz]

I have been on about 6 DVC MCs, and I will be on both this year. One I will be with my DH, and the other with friends, there are five in my group there, we are in two OV cabins, with my DH, we have a Veranda, AND we are doing the ABD before and during the West Coast Cruise.

No, there is no extravagant service like being carried around on a liter, and if that were the case, you would not see me on one of the DVCMCs. I and my DH and my friends go for the extraordinary Disney experiences. One year, out of NYC, Joe Rode was onboard, giving his wonderful talks about AK. There was also a prerecorded show narrated by him of his experiences. Broadway singers have recently presented fabulous last night shows for us. Before Coco was finished, we saw clips and the young boy who voiced Coco was there giving presentations. The lovely girl who was Moana was on board and in her presentation she had a question and answer period. Years ago, 2014, was the 50th Anniversaries of the NYC Worlds Fair and Mary Poppins. Stacia Martin did an EXCELLENT presentation about the Worlds Fair. Stacia Martin is one of the seemingly regulars on these cruises and her drawings and talks are always something I look forward to. We saw the Nature film on China six months before it was released, and Christopher Robin ahead as well.

I can’t name everything, and I will not convince anyone to come. There is so much moaning and groaning on the Disboards about the price, and people talk about all the bling or junk you get, and then someone reminds everyone that these things are not free, you are paying for them. I would have no other opportunity to learn about the talks Walt had with the people who worked for him, his night get togethers have been discussed. How else would I hear stories about the making of Inside Out, and we were treated to the Princess Scenes in Ralph Breaks the Internet way before the film was released.

They are expensive, I give away much of the bling, ( I am in my 70’s and have limited room for stuff) but for me, I have been very happy with the experiences I get for the price I pay. My DH has probably 80% of the satisfaction rating as I give it. You get Disney experiences like Pirate Night and trivia and Characters and more. Two years we had fireworks twice, once as a celebration of Coco, and last year we celebrated Mickey’s 90th a bit ahead of schedule.

Well, I hope others chime in, good and bad, I hope everyone makes an informed choice. I will not be going next year. Tom and I are going to Alaska on Princess two days after the DVCMC lets us off in Vancouver in May. We want to see and experience Denali National Park. Next year our vacation budget takes us to Australia and the Mediterranean.

 

[disneynutz]

IMO Disney takes advantage of the DVC owner mindset to bring in extra profit. The premium cost for a member cruise doesn't make much sense for many but for others they apparently don't mind paying.

Bill

 

[PrincessDisneyFan]

I've been lurking on these member cruise threads and finally feel compelled to add my 2 cents.

A little backstory and stepping on my soapbox for a hot minute. I bought into DVC in 2013 and own at the Grand Floridian. I find it very exciting that DVC attempts to include all members in an exclusive cruise/event that don't live near the parks. One of the most annoying things to me as an owner in Virginia is to sadly watch all the fun events and perks happening throughout the year (which realistically due to jobs and vacation time) we can not attend. And most of these events are random last minute dates you can't plan for. Honestly, I don't feel there is any real effort to extend these events elsewhere. I feel they could easily have conventions or special events in other non-Disney major cities if they so choose. Granted we did not buy into DVC for 'perks' per say, but knowing they exist and we help pay for many of these events we can not attend is just downright frustrating. (But I digress)

When Alaska was announced as the destination I was excited. It's a huge bucket list for my hubby and I.

But these 'worth it' threads are so quick to just get negative. Which quite frankly is pretty deflating for those of us considering attending.

I have no problems with people voicing their opinions and being brutally honest about the pros and the cons of things. In fact, that's me a straight shooter. But let's get real. The major con everyone keeps throwing around is OMGBBQSAUCE its SOOOOOOOO EXPENSIVE. Besides Bobbiwoz and SMJJ (I appreciate you both) I have yet to see anyone else actually break down what you actually accomplish on these cruises. If you are going to con the cruise site specific examples for us as to why you didn't feel the experience was worth it. I'm tired of reading about money. Tell me the crew was crappy to you. Tell me the stateroom sucked. Tell me the presenters insulted you or your mom. I mean I get it I'm being extreme here, but those are the things that help us make actual informed decisions.

I can understand where people that don't like going to conventions or don't care about the history or inner workings of the Disney Company would find a member cruise not worth it. Because from what I understand it's a lot of 'backstage' type panels and activities. And I can totally get behind someone saying if you have never done a Disney Cruise... this might not be a good place to start. Those comments are helpful.

I guess my point is. Keep the threads constructive... not a bash fest.


Ultimately, what is worth it to some will not be worth it to others. And we all choose to go or not go. But we all (or at least the majority) joined DVC with a love of Disney. So maybe take a second to think about that.

Think about the lurkers reading these forums afraid to post real interest... for fear of being told how silly they would be to attend.


As for me... I did decide that I want to go on a member cruise and see what it's like for myself.

 

[bobbiwoz]

I've been lurking on these member cruise threads and finally feel compelled to add my 2 cents.

A little backstory and stepping on my soapbox for a hot minute. I bought into DVC in 2013 and own at the Grand Floridian. I find it very exciting that DVC attempts to include all members in an exclusive cruise/event that don't live near the parks. One of the most annoying things to me as an owner in Virginia is to sadly watch all the fun events and perks happening throughout the year (which realistically due to jobs and vacation time) we can not attend. And most of these events are random last minute dates you can't plan for. Honestly, I don't feel there is any real effort to extend these events elsewhere. I feel they could easily have conventions or special events in other non-Disney major cities if they so choose. Granted we did not buy into DVC for 'perks' per say, but knowing they exist and we help pay for many of these events we can not attend is just downright frustrating. (But I digress)

When Alaska was announced as the destination I was excited. It's a huge bucket list for my hubby and I.

But these 'worth it' threads are so quick to just get negative. Which quite frankly is pretty deflating for those of us considering attending.

I have no problems with people voicing their opinions and being brutally honest about the pros and the cons of things. In fact, that's me a straight shooter. But let's get real. The major con everyone keeps throwing around is OMGBBQSAUCE its SOOOOOOOO EXPENSIVE. Besides Bobbiwoz and SMJJ (I appreciate you both) I have yet to see anyone else actually break down what you actually accomplish on these cruises. If you are going to con the cruise site specific examples for us as to why you didn't feel the experience was worth it. I'm tired of reading about money. Tell me the crew was crappy to you. Tell me the stateroom sucked. Tell me the presenters insulted you or your mom. I mean I get it I'm being extreme here, but those are the things that help us make actual informed decisions.

I can understand where people that don't like going to conventions or don't care about the history or inner workings of the Disney Company would find a member cruise not worth it. Because from what I understand it's a lot of 'backstage' type panels and activities. And I can totally get behind someone saying if you have never done a Disney Cruise... this might not be a good place to start. Those comments are helpful.

I guess my point is. Keep the threads constructive... not a bash fest.


Ultimately, what is worth it to some will not be worth it to others. And we all choose to go or not go. But we all (or at least the majority) joined DVC with a love of Disney. So maybe take a second to think about that.

Think about the lurkers reading these forums afraid to post real interest... for fear of being told how silly they would be to attend.


As for me... I did decide that I want to go on a member cruise and see what it's like for myself.

Thank you! I could not arrange my thoughts as well as you have.

 

[WebmasterPete]

Please don't think that I don't understand or appreciate the mindset of those who find these valuable. I'm a big fan of DCL (just did my 30th cruise), including having done 4 to Alaska with them. I tell people all the time that while other lines might be less expensive, the Disney experience is worth every penny - and that's what I wanted to know in asking this question. I'm not at all familiar with the member cruises, and was interested to know what others experiences have been. From what I'm reading on this (and a few other threads), the majority of those that have actually experienced them agree that they are worth the premium. Lord knows I've spent much more on much less.

 

[PrincessDisneyFan]

Please don't think that I don't understand or appreciate the mindset of those who find these valuable. I'm a big fan of DCL (just did my 30th cruise), including having done 4 to Alaska with them. I tell people all the time that while other lines might be less expensive, the Disney experience is worth every penny - and that's what I wanted to know in asking this question. I'm not at all familiar with the member cruises, and was interested to know what others experiences have been. From what I'm reading on this (and a few other threads), the majority of those that have actually experienced them agree that they are worth the premium. Lord knows I've spent much more on much less.

Pete for the record this wasn't directed at you or your question. I want your question to be answered just as much as you do. I enjoy watching the DIS and am well aware you are a serious premium guy (which I respect) I am too. Can't tell you how many times I get these looks like... girl what the heck are you doing Disney again... or this year it's OMG you are actually doing the Japan ABD. Holy crap the money. Don't you know you can go to Japan cheaper?

I just really wanted to speak up for the little guy. The ones I know are here reading, but not speaking. To let them know it's OK to enjoy being a premium person. To each their own. I'll start club let's have everyone 'bug-eye price tags of our Disney Trips.'

I hope you do decide to come on the member cruise. I've thought about it a lot. And I am BIG into the behind the scenes stuff. So meeting someone like Bill Farmer would make me downright giddy. Plus the Broadway performances alone. I've met Josh Strickland at the D23 Convo 2015... he's a really cool guy with an amazing voice. Truly sad I didn't see him in Tarzan.

Like I said I'm all in. I can't wait to check off 2 bucket list items. Alaska for the first time and a Member Cruise to boot. Woot!

 

[smjj]

Please don't think that I don't understand or appreciate the mindset of those who find these valuable. I'm a big fan of DCL (just did my 30th cruise), including having done 4 to Alaska with them. I tell people all the time that while other lines might be less expensive, the Disney experience is worth every penny - and that's what I wanted to know in asking this question. I'm not at all familiar with the member cruises, and was interested to know what others experiences have been. From what I'm reading on this (and a few other threads), the majority of those that have actually experienced them agree that they are worth the premium. Lord knows I've spent much more on much less.

Hello Pete, Having been on 5 DCL and 3 members cruise I agree that Disney is the way to go for a cruise as you well know doing 30+ yourself. Having been on 3 member's cruise now we just think the thrill of the member's cruise is now gone and out weighted by the high cost to do it. We do love the inter-action with other DVC members and the special guest and such but from here on out will just stick to the regular DCL cruising...smjj...ºoº

 

[Bellecruiser]

So DH and I have been on one MC, and we are going on the Bermuda MC. We did find it wonderful, and yes, pricey.

What was wonderful: listening and talking to a Pixar director about their process for making movies. (Yowsers...all the art and ideas that end up on the cutting room floor!) Listening and talking to an author whose books are set in Disneyland, and hearing how he got to ride various rides at 5 am as many times as he wanted so he could describe them accurately in the book (Disney insisted he be accurate). Listening and talking to Stacia Martin about how she started working for Disney (she grew up near DL and started right out of high school), and winning TWO of her drawings in a raffle! Having dinner with other DVC members and really enjoying just talking about all our Disney experiences...because, you know, there aren’t many settings where you can just let it go! Did I note that we got to actually talk to many of these speakers? Meeting and talking to many DVC executives...and yes, they are going to get an earful from me regarding the 1/19/19 changes this time around!

The chachkees we get are nothing. What is important to us are the experiences we get that we could not get anywhere else.

What wasn’t wonderful: paying a 12%-30% premium for these rare experiences.

DH and I think it is worth it!

 

[Micca]

We did the first Alaska MC in 2015 and loved it. Yeah it's expensive but we enjoyed it immensely and would pay the price tag to do another MC in the future. It was fun being with other members and the entertainment and presentations were terrific. DW & I are fans of all aspects of Disney so we enjoyed all the Disney-fied features. For those not so inclined they'd probably be happy with the regular Alaska DCL cruise.

 

[Wakey]

I see Disney Cruises as pushing the envelope on cost vs benefit. It just wins out for me (on one this summer).
But with the member cruise I am struggling to see the value for the premium demanded.
I think it’s Disney charging some of their higher net worth clients who can afford DVC a bigger premium- because they can get away with it.
As pointed out above, the cost has been cut on the gifts. Price has gone up.

 

[ldo]

we enjoyed our cruise in 2014 when the premium was not as high about-$500 more than week prior for family of 5. we had extra entertainment (they flew in broadway stars to sing) and had a number of behind the scenes/educational lectures (such as creative staff talking about how the pitch an animated movie and make it), Phineas and Ferb creators, early days at Disneyland, and others such as priors have listed. We had been on a prior DCL, and compared, DVC cruise defeinitely had extra "worth" to us (although a regular DCL is also great). Would I pay a huge premium, probably not. But, our whole family or 5 (teens) did really like the extras. Couldn't care less about the various trinkets and didn't not much socializing with other DVC members.

 

[ziravan]

When I was researching my first contract here, resale BCV, in 2014, I took a hard look at the 2011 resale restrictions, the only restrictions in effect at that time. The general consensus on these boards was that those restrictions (concierge rooms, ABD on points, etc) were all very poor uses of points anyway, so no big deal. I agreed and eventually bought.

I do remember though, one prophetess in the wilderness on these boards (and I can't remember who) repeatedly saying that those restrictions also blocked members from taking the Member Cruises and that was a deal-breaker for her.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

The key when asking "worth it" for anything is to define "it."

It depends on what you value, and what the actual personal cost is (in time, money, trade-offs). The added expense can mean much different things to different people based on their incomes, time off availability, family size, other things going on that make demands on time/treasure.

 

[Lilbunnyk]

I am a platinum Castaway Club member and DVC owner. I have been on one DVC Member Cruise and loved it. It was so different from the other Disney cruises I’ve been on and I felt it was worth the extra price. My members cruise was on the Dream in July 2018. The cruise felt a lot like going to a D23 convention. There were lots of special presentations throughout the cruise. The highlight was getting to meet Roy P. Disney! We also got to keep the menus from the restaurants which is normally not allowed and we got at least 2 gifts per day in our stateroom. The cruise also had a lot less kids then I normally see on other Disney cruises. The cost does include gratuity as well. I would love to go on more DVC Member cruises in the future.

 

[Marcellus Picard]

As someone who has done neither but is really interested in the trip to Alaska can someone please break down the differences between a typical Disney Cruise and an DVC Member Cruise? Is it just the presentations and special guest? I agree its pricey but if the experience is worth it, especially for a first timer, it may make it easier to commit. Thanks in advance

 

[tidefan]

I am a platinum Castaway Club member and DVC owner. I have been on one DVC Member Cruise and loved it. It was so different from the other Disney cruises I’ve been on and I felt it was worth the extra price. My members cruise was on the Dream in July 2018. The cruise felt a lot like going to a D23 convention. There were lots of special presentations throughout the cruise. The highlight was getting to meet Roy O. Disney! We also got to keep the menus from the restaurants which is normally not allowed and we got at least 2 gifts per day in our stateroom. The cruise also had a lot less kids then I normally see on other Disney cruises. The cost does include gratuity as well. I would love to go on more DVC Member cruises in the future.

Yes, you beat me to it. The MC's include the gratuity in the price.

 

[mort1331]

Yes, you beat me to it. The MC's include the gratuity in the price.

Thats a big plus I have never heard about.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Thats a big plus I have never heard about.

It isn't a huge piece of the premium, though.