Elephant In the Room... But...

[mmmears]

I get what you're saying. I have wondered the same thing. I'd also welcome more threads with honest, balanced discussions comparing DCL to other lines. I'm not seeing that. I'm afraid to post on some of these threads since it turns into a debate instead of an open discussion. I'm definitely interested in other people's opinions, as long as I don't have to agree with them.

I love DL and WDW. Others like US just as much. Some of friends even prefer it. So we went in, all excited to see the HP stuff, with very open minds. It's a one and done for us. Nothing wrong with it, just not for me.

When I look at videos of other lines, much of what I see just doesn't appeal to me. Rock wall? 5K people? Go carts? Casinos? Just not what I'm looking for. I know people who love this stuff. I do think if you watch a bunch of videos you can begin to get a feel for different lines and ships. So far the only one that looks like an even better fit than DCL for my family is Viking Ocean. Since the prices are far, far beyond DCL for those cruises I'm sticking with DCL for the time being. When we are down to only 2 of us traveling I think that's where I'll be looking.

My point is that we're all different. What makes us happy is different. And that's ok. And it should be ok to take the vacation that makes us happy.

 

[jrabbit]

Why do people come/stay on this board to either talk about other cruise lines or hate on Disney (i.e. DCL priced me out and DCL isn't all that)? I am truly curious as to why these folks would waste their time on the DCL forum when there have to be other forums that would bring them greater joy.

Some people just love to birch and complain (and I am NOT talking about "Eeyore"), other might think that their opinions actually matter to Disney

I was just wondering this the other day. I had noticed that there is someone who often posts negative things about DCL and the person hasn't even taken a DCL cruise yet. This person has a countdown ticker and according to it, this person still has several months until the person takes his/her first cruise on DCL. Maybe they think they can convince everyone to stop taking Disney cruises But I agree doesn't make much sense, but I sometimes wonder if they work for the competition????

It's the russians and their social engineering posts. they need more visitors to siberia

I was unfortunately born an Eeyore. A little black rain cloud tends to follow me. But on DCL I get magic and hugs and feel like Pooh and Tigger rolled into one. On my 14 night WBPC cruise I got so many hugs and I love you's that my heart is still over filled. I really try to avoid the trolls here because life has enough to bring me down.

Some people like to start fights. Some people like to stir pots. Some people never stopped being playground bullies.

Amen. If I comment too much I will get myself banned from the DIS. But being able to spout your "version" of the "truth" and disagreeing with everyone whose point of view is "different" IS the dark side of the internet and "un"-social media.

Agree with first paragraph totally. Regarding why people complain about aspects of a Disney cruise, maybe they are hoping that someone at DCL will be reading these posts and that by pointing out the negatives, those aspects might be changed. I love to cruise Disney but I am appalled at the way their prices are skyrocketing, I hate their coffee and I am not happy about the decrease in amenities that we have seen over the years. Will that make me stop cruising Disney? Maybe but again, maybe not. Right now I am exploring rail tours. Canada has some pretty cool ones for about the price of a Disney cruise. However, there will be no cast members on a rail tour and the Disney cast members are, to me, the best part of a Disney cruise.

Smiles,
Kate

We are taking a land vacation with Rick Steves Tours this summer through central Europe - I am VERY MUCH looking forward to how that stacks up to a cruise.

The reason the prices are skyrocketing is because someone is willing to pay that amount. It is simple supply and demand. If the demand wasn't high, prices wouldn't be either...

I believe it was the Motley Fool this weekend that was talking about the 28+% increase in theme park tickets for the two weeks prior to NYE ($158 for a one day ticket ). Like they said "it's good business! for every ONE person that says "We are not coming back" there are more than one that will take their place. In my observation of the situation: "Everyone" complains about the cost and about the Over Crowding of the parks. Well if the parks are over crowded, then Disney is NOT charging enough (sad to say ... but it is the truth ... pay no attention to my earlier comment in the post )

Sorry, I thought this might be a discussion about "Dumbo" coming out later this month.

Yes it will be on the ships on Opening Day (another Prem-Ear at sea)

But NO!! This is about the OTHER Elephant in the room (Colonel Hathi I presume).

But NOPE, this is really a discussion about Heffalumps and Woozles.

And by the way, I finally say Christopher Robin and it was GREAT!!!

this is the internet. everyone's got an opinion.

And since they are anonymous - they can be as big of a bully as they want to be ... because they will never face the rest of us live and in person. It's amazing to me how "dark" people can be when there is no accountability!!

these are sometimes called "discussion boards"

to have a discussion it helps to have multiple points of view ......

and heck some times "stirring the pot" can be fun (anonymously that is)


===========================


??? JRabbit: Fiend, Friend or Troll???? (DW says, Just Obnoxious!!!!!)

 

[Mitura]

We are taking a land vacation with Rick Steves Tours this summer through central Europe - I am VERY MUCH looking forward to how that stacks up to a cruise.

We are thinking of doing this next summer! Please tell how it was. We are trying to figure out if it is $ comparable to a European Disney cruise. I've watched all of his shows and even got the full set for Xmas. If I ever grow up I want his job!

Sorry to hijack this thread.

 

[lilsonicfan]

I honestly don't think there are many at all who come to the boards for the purpose of bashing DCL or being negative about DCL. Sure, there are a few who will say negative things and perhaps even overly negative/toward bashing, but then, there's also a few who are the definition of DCL fanatics. With reviews in general, I tend to ignore the top 10% and the bottom 10%; those who either love absolutely everything and don't have a single point about which to be even mildly critical, and those who hate absolutely everything and don't have a single point about which to be even mildly positive. Boards like these have all kinds - the know-it-alls (the ones who absolutely must chime in on threads, say involving children when they have none), the downers, the way-too-positive folk - I think all of these views are valid as long as they don't venture into name calling - and I honestly don't think any name calling really occurred in that "other/cheaper cruises" thread.

It's a discussion forum - not a "fans only" forum.

 

[MonaMN]

We are thinking of doing this next summer! Please tell how it was. We are trying to figure out if it is $ comparable to a European Disney cruise. I've watched all of his shows and even got the full set for Xmas. If I ever grow up I want his job!

Sorry to hijack this thread.

Love him! I had the opportunity to meet him once - totally star struck. I had no idea he had guided tours... must check them out!

 

[mevelandry]

Why do people come/stay on this board to either talk about other cruise lines or hate on Disney (i.e. DCL priced me out and DCL isn't all that)? I am truly curious as to why these folks would waste their time on the DCL forum when there have to be other forums that would bring them greater joy.

I believe you can love DCL... AND look at it like you would with any other cruise lines: with its qualities and its flaws.

 

[belle032]

Agreed, but there are discussions and there are those that state their opinion as fact and anyone who disagrees is called names and/or gets bashed. I think some people on here really hate Disney and seem to post here just to argue with those that don't hate Disney. There are also threads on here that only speak about other cruise lines. It always starts as a comparison thread, but now it's just a thread for folks to talk ONLY about the other cruise lines.

I'm 99% sure people who hate Disney are not wasting their time creating an account on a Disney forum to search for Disney threads just to argue about hating Disney.

And I'm assuming you're refering to the Carnival thread, which actually is a great thread that compares not just Carnival & DCL, but also NCL vs. DCL, Princess vs. DCL, RCCL vs. DCL, Celebrity vs. DCL, etc. I have yet to see one "DCL hating" post anywhere. There are super helpful trip reports from all cruise lines. If you don't want to read it or contribute to the discussion in any way, then don't. The Disboards is a fantastic resource and the Moderators are nice enough to let us have this thread, so I can't see how it affects you in any way whatsoever.

You can still love Disney and acknowledge and accept both the positives and negatives.

 

[belle032]

I was just wondering this the other day. I had noticed that there is someone who often posts negative things about DCL and the person hasn't even taken a DCL cruise yet. This person has a countdown ticker and according to it, this person still has several months until the person takes his/her first cruise on DCL. Maybe they think they can convince everyone to stop taking Disney cruises But I agree doesn't make much sense, but I sometimes wonder if they work for the competition????

I'm not sure if you're referring to me, but I have posted in a few threads and I do have a 1st DCL for DH & I ticker so I thought I'd address. If your post wasn't about me, feel free to ignore!

The only halfway "negative" thing I have ever said about DCL was in terms of pricing the actual cruise. I've never compared amenities, experiences, venues, dining, staterooms, etc. Considering pricing is public knowledge and as someone who loves Disney, it's unfortunate that in our situation, the price of DCL seems to be much more costly than other cruise lines that offer a similar product.

We love cruising and we love WDW. And by the way, I can still have a discussion about some "negative" things about WDW and still love it. But again, in our situation, we may choose to cruise other lines and spend our money at WDW. I can't speak for anyone else, nor do I particularly care what cruise line or vacation other people choose to enjoy. As long as you take a vacation and enjoy it!

And for the record, I was a WDW CM for a number of years, met my DH and got engaged to my DH at WDW. And sorry, I wasn't sent here by the "competition" on a secret mission to spy and turn people against Disney.

 

[disneyland_is_magic]

I am a nobody but I have read the Carnival thread and enjoy it. I am glad it is here. I vote for it to stay and I am glad it has some solid posters who show it love, updates and excitement.

PS I changed my settings to hid everyone's signatures, including tickers, emoji families, articles, memes, banners and holy bananas it's changed my life. Some posters post 10 plus times a day, no more scrolling by links to trip reports from a decade ago over and over.

Just my opinion, I personally suggest everyone at least try turning off viewing the signatures. I think you will be pleasantly surprised how much easier it makes it read the boards.

 

[realhousewifeofportland]

PS I changed my settings to hid everyone's signatures, including tickers, emoji families, articles, memes, banners and holy bananas it's changed my life. Some posters post 10 plus times a day, no more scrolling by links to trip reports from a decade ago over and over.

I didn't know you could do this. Thanks for the tip! It's one of the reasons why I prefer to look on my phone. Less visual clutter.

 

[smmco]

I don't hate Disney. I like Disney, but I also like Royal. I'm also open to trying other cruiselines. Why should I pay 20k to take a Baltic cruise on the Magic when I can do it on brand new Carnival ship for 6k. I may end up not liking Carnival, but I won't know unless I try it. To be honest I can't afford to spend 20k on cruise. I still plan on cruising Disney when it fits the budget. I'm not sure why it bothers you that some of us are looking for alternatives that we can afford.

 

[lklgoodman]

I'm not sure if you're referring to me, but I have posted in a few threads and I do have a 1st DCL for DH & I ticker so I thought I'd address. If your post wasn't about me, feel free to ignore!

The only halfway "negative" thing I have ever said about DCL was in terms of pricing the actual cruise. I've never compared amenities, experiences, venues, dining, staterooms, etc. Considering pricing is public knowledge and as someone who loves Disney, it's unfortunate that in our situation, the price of DCL seems to be much more costly than other cruise lines that offer a similar product.

We love cruising and we love WDW. And by the way, I can still have a discussion about some "negative" things about WDW and still love it. But again, in our situation, we may choose to cruise other lines and spend our money at WDW. I can't speak for anyone else, nor do I particularly care what cruise line or vacation other people choose to enjoy. As long as you take a vacation and enjoy it!

And for the record, I was a WDW CM for a number of years, met my DH and got engaged to my DH at WDW. And sorry, I wasn't sent here by the "competition" on a secret mission to spy and turn people against Disney.

Not you, I haven't seen any negative posts from you actually. The person I was referring to seems to post mostly just negative things about a lot of stuff, not just DCL.

 

[jiminyC_fan]

Just my opinion, I personally suggest everyone at least try turning off viewing the signatures. I think you will be pleasantly surprised how much easier it makes it read the boards.

Fantastic! Thanks!

 

[sunmoon620]

It is all personal preference. We personally take Disney for the service. We do it with our adult children or alone just the two of us. We don't look for things to complain about, we just enjoy being there. I don't enjoy being on ships or places where getting drunk and gambling is the theme of the day , so even though we both drink and like a good time, we cruise Disney! I am one of those people who cruise Disney in SPITE of the food, but because of my very individual personal preferences, I do not choose to criticize the line. Food, entertainment, etc. is very subjective and I understand that. The service however is second to none...so they will continue to get my money and my favorite spot will continue to be soaking in the adult pool on the Fantasy where I tip well and the bartenders take good care of me whether I am drinking or not!

Happy Cruising! 68 days and we will be home again!

 

[orangecuse]

I agree I think its the fanatics either way that can be frustrating. Like, if someone comes in just to argue how awful DCL is and how only X line will do, thats combative and annoying. However, those that say “DCL ONLY!” while never having sailed another cruise line are also frustrating. Its fine to be loyal to one line (and gets you the best loyality rewards!) but no need to bash the other lines then ya know? I really like comparison posts and when people can give pros and cons to DCL and other lines.

For us we’ve sailed Royal, DCL, Carnival, and Celebrity. For example, I would never go to the Royal thread just to say “hey Royal sucks! Our least fav! Heres why they suck!” BUT if someone made a thread asking for opinions on Royal vs Celebrity I would try and thoughtfully lay out my preference and why.

For the most part though I feel like everyone over on the cruise threads seem balanced and helpful! Cruise critic can be...enthusiastic so I find this a more mellow place to gather data.

 

[bumbershoot]

Why do people come/stay on this board to either talk about other cruise lines or hate on Disney (i.e. DCL priced me out and DCL isn't all that)? I am truly curious as to why these folks would waste their time on the DCL forum when there have to be other forums that would bring them greater joy.

Why do you think having a discussion on a discussion board doesn’t bring them joy?

I don’t think I’m as extreme as whoever you’re talking about, but I’m here because I read everything, retain a lot, and have info to share. And if someone wants a comparison, I can do that.

I am referencing those that just come on here to bash DCL and those who are loyal to DCL.

I’ve never seen anyone here so those things. How have I missed those threads?

The reason the prices are skyrocketing is because someone is willing to pay that amount. It is simple supply and demand. If the demand wasn't high, prices wouldn't be either...

Demand has always been high. Even at lower prices. I’m just not sure that supply and demand work that way with vacations, or *should* work that way.

Thank their lucky stars I'm not the chef, they'd get spaghetti every night.

That’s what I end up having often on royal.

And I tend towards the mac and cheese on Disney.

Neither of them make vegetarian food that is that all that awesome. (The one time royal majorly tried, they brought huge quantities of Indian food every night, and wouldn’t listen to us begging them to tone it down. It was embarrassing. So much wasted food, and so unnecessary.)

but there are discussions and there are those that state their opinion as fact and anyone who disagrees is called names and/or gets bashed.

Seriously, where are these threads?

There are also threads on here that only speak about other cruise lines. It always starts as a comparison thread, but now it's just a thread for folks to talk ONLY about the other cruise lines.

Someday you might be priced out. Or under-serviced out. Or just get curious. And then you’ll appreciate those threads. For now maybe ignore them? They provide a service to some.

I do think if you watch a bunch of videos you can begin to get a feel for different lines and ships.

Ah I disagree. Just like pictures and video do not show what the clown pool actually looks like at Boardwalk, I don’t think that videos really show much for cruises. I’m glad I didn’t watch videos for any of our trips. Videos are just so disappointing.

Editing to add: pictures of the Disney ships turned me off big time! It’s just NOT my aesthetic at all. They still aren’t my fave, but it’s prettier in person than in pictures, so I’m glad I took the plunge so I knew. But I like the brighter ships more; they make my eyes happier.

We are taking a land vacation with Rick Steves Tours this summer through central Europe - I am VERY MUCH looking forward to how that stacks up to a cruise.

Have you watched his cruise special?

Love him! I had the opportunity to meet him once - totally star struck. I had no idea he had guided tours... must check them out!

His company does. He doesn’t lead them anymore, but he takes ONE a year by surprise, to see how things are doing.

PS I changed my settings to hid everyone's signatures, including tickers, emoji families, articles, memes, banners and holy bananas it's changed my life. Some posters post 10 plus times a day, no more scrolling by links to trip reports from a decade ago over and over.

In case that’s at me, I got rid of mine. All my pictures were dead anyway, and I’m divorced now, so...

It's one of the reasons why I prefer to look on my phone. Less visual clutter.

If you ever want to see them on the phone, turn it to landscape. Boom, signatures again!

I do miss the feature the dis used to have that allowed you to click to turn off your signature for any given post you were making. I used to do that for the longer discussions.

BUT if someone made a thread asking for opinions on Royal vs Celebrity I would try and thoughtfully lay out my preference and why.

Yep!

Cruise critic can be...enthusiastic so I find this a more mellow place to gather data

They (we, though I haven't been there in awhile) are indeed.
And there’s no place there for comparisons. Here it’s a little more open, so we can have that sort of discussion.

I appreciate the dis for allowing that space.

 

[mevelandry]

It is all personal preference. We personally take Disney for the service. We do it with our adult children or alone just the two of us. We don't look for things to complain about, we just enjoy being there. I don't enjoy being on ships or places where getting drunk and gambling is the theme of the day , so even though we both drink and like a good time, we cruise Disney! I am one of those people who cruise Disney in SPITE of the food, but because of my very individual personal preferences, I do not choose to criticize the line. Food, entertainment, etc. is very subjective and I understand that. The service however is second to none...so they will continue to get my money and my favorite spot will continue to be soaking in the adult pool on the Fantasy where I tip well and the bartenders take good care of me whether I am drinking or not!

Happy Cruising! 68 days and we will be home again!

You say: "We don't look for things to complain about, we just enjoy being there" That's the best attitude (and that's the attitude my DH and I have no matter who we end up cruising with). My DH once said: "No matter what you pay for your cruise and who you choose to sail with, you'll always get this view (he was gazing at the ocean). Isn't it amazing?"

Which brings me to this: Perception. I don't know which cruise lines you are referring to when you say "getting drunk and gambling is the theme of the day" but I will use Carnival as an example because it's the only other non-DCL cruise I've cruised with so far since 2016 --after two DCL cruises, we are now at 3 DCL & 4 Carnival, RCCL & Celebrity coming within the next 9 months-- and I know they are rebranding themselves as Family Friendly (and it's possible they toned it down). I'm posting picture of the Fun Times to show you that "Drinks & Casinos" are using only two spots among a total of 9 categories. (I would discard the "Free Liquor Tasting" because it's a sale event for alcohol that you only pick up after the cruise and 1/8 of a shooter to taste something doesn't count as "drinking")



And while there are no casinos or drink packages on board of DCL, here's an example of an old Personal Navigator (forgive my recently destroyed iPad screen)... Where Beverage Seminars are advertized and Bingo is advertized as well (Bingo IS gambling)...



I'm not into getting drunk or gambling so I don't do it. I believe that it's easy to avoid the casino once I know where it is on the ship (also it doesn't run 24/7) ...

When there's alcohol, there are drunk people. There are bars everywhere including on DCL (at least 7 per ship). Met more drunks on DCL... but it did not ruin our cruises. We focused on the positive stuff instead.

Anyway, once again my point is not to convince you... Just meaning to talk about perspective and the demonizing of other lines that IMO is not justified.

 

[Ben E N]

I feel the need to jump in here. In no way am I hating on Disney. I'm going to WDW for the 3rd time this year next week, I own Disney stock, my wife has a tigger tattoo, and the list goes on and on.
I never plan to sail on Disney Cruise lines again, and feel it is worth warning others to do the same. It is exponentially more pricy than other cruise lines, and really not much better. I used to be brainwashed by "Disney= worth it", but luckily I was given a free cruise on another line shortly after sailing on the Dream for the 2nd time, so I was able to do a fair comparison. The Disney cruise was good, but no better than the competition, and certainly not worth 2.5x the cost. I think its important to warn others of that, as I wish I knew it before spending my own money.
With that said, my neighbor told me that her family is going on the Dream next week, and I displayed nothing but excitement to her. She will have a good time, just not as much as she is paying for.

 

[lds0191]

My daughter and I were just talking about this yesterday. Years back this forum was a place to plan and share your excitement with others who were DCL fans. I don't have a problem with hearing honest opinions regarding food, service, etc. It is great to be able to hear other's experiences and I like knowing as much as possible before making definite plans. What I do have a problem with are people who have nothing good to say. Go to some other place if you have no other agenda than to trash DCL.

 

[mevelandry]

My daughter and I were just talking about this yesterday. Years back this forum was a place to plan and share your excitement with others who were DCL fans. I don't have a problem with hearing honest opinions regarding food, service, etc. It is great to be able to hear other's experiences and I like knowing as much as possible before making definite plans. What I do have a problem with are people who have nothing good to say. Go to some other place if you have no other agenda than to trash DCL.

People don't name names so I'm not sure who you are talking about when you say "people that have nothing good to say" but I believe that there is a way to peacefully "discuss" (for lack of a better word) with someone if you think they don't behave how they should.

You can also do it privately, if their inbox is open.

But my favorite option when someone ruffle my feathers, is the option to "mute" them. This way I am not exposed to their comments. It's something I do on days I feel like: "Nope. Don't want to deal with that person today".