|
|
|
-
Disney Magic in Europe
Hi All,
We just returned from a 7 day cruise to the Mediterranean on the Disney Magic. My DW, 2 sons ages 23 and 21 and oldest son's wife. We had two rooms to let the newlyweds of 1 year be alone.
I'll just give some highlights and tips if you've ever wondered if you could do Europe. First, the trip was wonderful. The Disney Magic is still first rate in all areas even though its going in for rehab.
As for the cruise, we hired private drivers at all the ports-- Barcelona, the French Riviera, Rome, Florence/Pisa and Pompeii/Positano. It was about half of what Disney charged and they picked us up in either a Mercedes or VW van. All drivers spoke good English. Lots of highlights but seeing the Statue of David in Florence, the Colosseum and Sistine Chapel in Rome were bucket list items. And the views from the mountains on the French Riviera and Amalfi Coast in Italy are not matched anywhere in this country-- sorry for that but true.
A couple of comments: we were always in tourist towns but could not go anywhere without seeing or hearing other American tourists. We had no issues with anyone or any crime. Most people were very friendly and spoke a decent amount of English. Several places did not take Visa so bring Euros. Food is pretty expensive there-- figure $15 per person for even a cheaper lunch. Even the Vatican and Pompeii did not take Visa. You often have to pay about .5 Euros to use the bathroom except in major tourist spots or nicer restaurants.
I took several hundred pictures and have wittled it down to about 400. Really.
Also, I would not take kids younger than college age as I don't think they can appreciate or even enjoy most of it. They would enjoy the Disney cruise parts but not the tours. So if you're thinking about a Disney cruise with young kids go to the Caribbean.
As always, the Disney food and service were top notch. I was stunned this morning when I weighed and found out I only gained .5 pounds. If anyone has any questions please let me know.
I heartily recommend the cruise for the right people.
30+ trips; DCV owner at Beach Club Villas; 4 Disney cruises; 2 trips to Disneyland
-
Please Support INTERCOT's Sponsors:
-
Sounds like it was a fabulous trip!!!
Linda aka: Faline
INTERCOT Staff: Vacation Planning,Trip Reports and Disney Camping
[email protected]
-
May have to consider this when DW and I trek to Europe!
Eric
Resorts:
POLYNESIAN (Favorite), Grand Floridian, Caribbean Beach, Coronado Springs. Beach Club, Saratoga Springs, AoA, All Star Sports and POP Century
-
Upcoming:
October 2013
8 nights at Pop Century with Free Dining to celebrate DS turning 4 years old!!!!
-
Sounds like a greattrip. My dream cruise would be a Disney cruise to Alaska. Thanks for sharing.
We'll Go On....Off To Neverland
Wishes!
It's A Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow....Where Dreams Really Do Come True
Never Forget It was All Started By A Mouse....TTFN
-
Vince
aka. Vizsla
INTERCOT Staff: Mousellaneous and Disney Vacation Club
DVC Member 10/11/04
-
Thanks for the report. I've always been curious about the European cruises. It sounds like a great experience.
Cindy aka AgentC
INTERCOT Staff: Accommodations, Dining, Movies, TV, Music & Musicals
-
Thanks for your review! I think it's a fabulous iterary!
Originally Posted by MarkC
Also, I would not take kids younger than college age as I don't think they can appreciate or even enjoy most of it. They would enjoy the Disney cruise parts but not the tours. So if you're thinking about a Disney cruise with young kids go to the Caribbean.
I think you are wrong ... my children (aged 15 and 9) travel all over the world with us, and have vivid thoughts and memories and appreciation for what they have seen and done in Europe and North America. Don't underestimate them!! We're heading to Germany and France for 3 weeks in August, and they are both excited and involved in our planning.
Jennifer (aka Mickey'sGirl)
INTERCOT Staff: Guests with Special Needs, Dining and Disney Characters
Last trip: March 2016 - Fantasy
Next trip: Aug 2017 - Aulani
I am a Galactic Hero once more!
-
Your trip sounds wonderful!!! Thanks for sharing.
Julie
º0º emerzmom º0º
Disney Vacations:
DL: 81,00,01,02,04,05,06,08
WDW: 98,99,00,01,02,03(x2),04(x2),05,,07,09,11,12,13(x2 ),14,15,16
Next trip Nov 2017
-
The cruise sounds amazing! I would love to do a Med cruise someday (if I could ever afford it)
Cruises:
Feb 12-16, 2012 (Dream), Oct 20-27, 2012 (Fantasy Eastern), Sept 8-12, 2013 (Dream) Jan 20-24, 2014 (Magic) Sept 14-18, 2015 (Dream) Sept 25-29, 2017 (Dream) Sept 22-29, 2018 (Fantasy Eastern) Sept 23-27, 2019 (Dream)
-
Thanks for the Report!
ºoº David, Lisa, Aaron and Allison
98-PO
00-CB & ASMo
01-Swan
02-CS
03-POR
04-POP
05-PO / CR
07-PO / CR
08-ASMu
09-AKL
10-CR, CS & PP DL
11-NB DLP & SSR
12-BLT & BLT
13-GC DL & BLT
15-Aulani & BLT
16-ASMu & GC DL
17-BWI, THV, CSR, BLT
18-BLT, OKW, OKW, CBR, GF & BLT
-
Great report. How did you pick your private drivers?
-
I used Trip Advisor and just picked the highest rated tours. All were very, very good. A couple of drivers were great but that is probably just personal preference. However, all 5 of us agreed on the same ones so there may be some logic to it. It was much cheaper than doing what Disney charged. The only disadvantage was that when we were tendered and had to take a shuttle boat, Disney tours had top priority. Our longest wait for a shuttle was 15 minutes so it wasn't a big deal. I would do it again that way every time in these areas where tourism is popular. In other areas I may stick with the cruise ship tours.
30+ trips; DCV owner at Beach Club Villas; 4 Disney cruises; 2 trips to Disneyland
-
What an incredible trip - thanks for posting your memories and your advice!
Carol (aka KylesMom)
INTERCOT Staff: Mousellaneous & Trip Reports
Last Trip: ICOT 15
Happy A/P Holder 2002 - 2011
Share This Thread On Social Media:
Share This Thread On Social Media:
Posting Permissions
- You may not post new threads
- You may not post replies
- You may not post attachments
- You may not edit your posts
-
Forum Rules
|
|
Share This Thread On Social Media: