I am happy to realize how lucky I am, not only because I am getting a free cruise (spoiled, I know), but that it is on a line that I would have otherwise considered off limits for me. I can see the absolute value in what we will be getting. We will have 7 nights in a balcony room for cheaper than 4 nights in an oceanview cabin on the Dream. We will be sailing on the Carnival Magic, which seems about the same size and age as the Dream, so the comparison should be fair.
As a result of this cruise, there will be two likely outcomes. One is that I find Carnival to be delightful, and will save thousands in booking future cruises. The other is that it is not to my liking, and then I will try another cruise line like RCCL or MSC (Their new ship looks awesome). I know I will not be returning to Disney at least until their new ships come out, and that is coming from a lifelong Dinsey fan, because I just do not see the value in paying so much more just to get a little more than what other lines are offering.