First time on the Disney Cruise need Tips

[tracyandalex]

Don't stress about not being able to get to everything you want to do. Remember it is a vacation!! We have been on 3 Disney cruises and our bucket list grows every time, but that's ok because it just gives us more reasons to take another cruise! The shows are always a must see for us. We don't often see the other acts because there are other things we would rather do. Pirate night is even more fun if you get into it. if you are coffee people Cove Cafe has a frequent customer card (after so many drinks you get a free one). Try to eat at least one breakfast and lunch at one of the main Dining Rooms, it's a nice treat. I also echo what others have said about Palo if you are able to do it - one of the best meals we've ever had . . . every time!

 

[DisneyGirl313]

Yep! We usually only pay around $35 one way. Way cheaper than transfers for our family.

So is that the better way to go? If it's cheaper I may do that instead.

 

[Disneyfalcon]

So is that the better way to go? If it's cheaper I may do that instead.

The prices vary depending on the day of the week, so check it. It's not as convenient, but it can be cheaper for sure!

 

[DisneyGirl313]

What about the mystery cases on the cruise? I'm wanting to do all three, but I don't know if I can since my cruise is a 7 day caribbean cruise.

 

[Disneyfalcon]

What about the mystery cases on the cruise? I'm wanting to do all three, but I don't know if I can since my cruise is a 7 day caribbean cruise.

The Midship Detective Agencyis very fun. I would recommend making it a point to do it at least once. After that, if you've got time, sure go do some more. But don't miss other things for it.

 

[flynnibus]

In August I'll be going on the ship The Disney Fantasy. I've never been on a Disney Cruise before so I need tips.

What should I do on the cruise?
What attractions should I check out the most?
How should I plan out my day?
Etc.

I'm excited and I just want to make it as perfect as possible since I waited nine years for this.

since you are starting from the basics.. I would highly suggest getting the passporter book
http://www.passporterstore.com/store/dclpaperback.aspx

For $10 or so you will gain so much that is spread so far over.

August is just around the corner.. I assume you have your onboard reservations (special meals and excursions) all sorted out already? If you've not and your reservation window is open.. do that asap!

 

[DisneyGirl313]

August is just around the corner.. I assume you have your onboard reservations (special meals and excursions) all sorted out already? If you've not and your reservation window is open.. do that asap!

Well we booked by using points from Wyndham. The person going with me already told them to tell that she's allergic to lemons. So I think the special meals are covered.

 

[ChuckElias]

Well we booked by using points from Wyndham. The person going with me already told them to tell that she's allergic to lemons. So I think the special meals are covered.

Covering food allergies is good, but I think flynnibus was referring to reservations at Palo or Remy. You can make those reservations online before you board.

 

[flynnibus]

Well we booked by using points from Wyndham. The person going with me already told them to tell that she's allergic to lemons. So I think the special meals are covered.

Special food requests you handle with the dining staff - and that can be done on board.

I'm talking about any reservations you want to make. Special meals outside at Remy or Palo are by reservation only and are in very high demand. Any Disney coordinated excursions must be booked by reservation and also can be in very high demand depending on the excursion. Reservations open up at set date intervals prior to your cruise date based on your seniority with DCL. You can make the reservations as early as your date window allows and if your cruise is paid in full.

This is the type of stuff you want to do as early as possible within your reservation window.

The passporter book will help you through all the 'what to pack' 'what to wear' 'where to stay', etc.. as well as introducing you to what the ships offer, what to do, etc. The ebook/PDF is cheap and worth every penny for new cruisers.

 

[DisneyGirl313]

Special food requests you handle with the dining staff - and that can be done on board.

I'm talking about any reservations you want to make. Special meals outside at Remy or Palo are by reservation only and are in very high demand. Any Disney coordinated excursions must be booked by reservation and also can be in very high demand depending on the excursion. Reservations open up at set date intervals prior to your cruise date based on your seniority with DCL. You can make the reservations as early as your date window allows and if your cruise is paid in full.

This is the type of stuff you want to do as early as possible within your reservation window.

The passporter book will help you through all the 'what to pack' 'what to wear' 'where to stay', etc.. as well as introducing you to what the ships offer, what to do, etc. The ebook/PDF is cheap and worth every penny for new cruisers.

Okay I haven't down that. I'll talk with the person I'm going with to see if she wants to eat at Remy or Palo.

 

[ChuckElias]

Okay I haven't down that. I'll talk with the person I'm going with to see if she wants to eat at Remy or Palo.

Remy is pretty expensive, but please please spend the $20 for Palo. I promise you won't be sorry.

 

[DisneyGirl313]

I might, I like Italian food more than French food anyway.

 

[DisneyGirl313]

I'm sorry about the double post, but I'm curious about the Pirate Deck Party. What does it have and how long is it?

 

[ChuckElias]

I'm sorry about the double post, but I'm curious about the Pirate Deck Party. What does it have and how long is it?

There are actually two Pirate In the Caribbean deck parties now, I believe. There is a "less intense" party, intended for much younger guests early in the evening and there is the regular party. I can't remember how long it goes, to be honest. I think the fireworks go off around 10:30. Before that, there's dancing and characters, etc. I think the show has changed. It used to be that Captain Hook takes over the ship, but I believe now Captain Jack shows up. It's kind of fun.

 

[jme]

Have you booked your excursions yet? The off-board activities in the various ports you'll be visiting.
Castaway Cay is amazing so you may just want to relax there and enjoy the beaches and make take a lap around the snorkel lagoon. There are other things to do there like parasailing and kayaking etc but for your first visit to CC I recommend just soaking it up.

But you will be also stopping at a few other ports and if you wanted to take a tour, or go on a boat ride, or swim with the dolphins etc, you should be booking those things now.

 

[DisneyGirl313]

There are actually two Pirate In the Caribbean deck parties now, I believe. There is a "less intense" party, intended for much younger guests early in the evening and there is the regular party. I can't remember how long it goes, to be honest. I think the fireworks go off around 10:30. Before that, there's dancing and characters, etc. I think the show has changed. It used to be that Captain Hook takes over the ship, but I believe now Captain Jack shows up. It's kind of fun.

Okay and that does sound like fun.

Have you booked your excursions yet? The off-board activities in the various ports you'll be visiting.
Castaway Cay is amazing so you may just want to relax there and enjoy the beaches and make take a lap around the snorkel lagoon. There are other things to do there like parasailing and kayaking etc but for your first visit to CC I recommend just soaking it up.

But you will be also stopping at a few other ports and if you wanted to take a tour, or go on a boat ride, or swim with the dolphins etc, you should be booking those things now.

Well I was planning to walk around and look at the sites. The cruise I'm going on is the Carribbean cruise to the Virgin Islands and St. Maarten. At Castaway Cay I was going to make sure I do the snorkeling, got excited about the underwater statue ever since I saw it on tv.

 

[jme]

Well, if you'd like a little more planning for your ports here are some good resources for the things that you can do off the ship.

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/caribbean/ports/st-maarten/

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/c...an/ports/st-thomas-st-john-us-virgin-islands/

If you wanted to book any of the port adventures I'd recommend researching it now - the sooner booked the better. You can certainly have a good time doing your own unplanned adventure too! Or, staying on the ship is always an option as well

 

[janoimagine]

Definitely do Palo or Remy your last night, doing it earlier in the week makes you long for the better meals (and service) during the regular dining . I would still highly, highly recommend Remy even if you don't like French Cuisine ... the service is above 5 star and the food is simply incredible, just be open to trying something new.

The snorkeling at Castaway Cay is wonderful, just try to be the first off the boat and in the water, and only do it if it is sunny, snorkeling in overcast skies is a waste of time.

Listen to everything and anything Tammy says. She is all knowing when it comes to the Disney Cruise Line.

 

[Disneyfalcon]

Listen to everything and anything Tammy says. She is all knowing when it comes to the Disney Cruise Line.

 

[Phonedave]

Wow! When we went in '03, it was $10/day.

So you can get a 1-day, one-way rental from MCO to Port Canaveral from Budget for $25-$30 (I just checked) with no parking and a free shuttle to the port. That's a really good deal!

Another added benefit of renting a car and dropping it off is that you can stop at a liquor store on the way.

DCL is one of the few cruise lines that allows you to bring your own alcohol on board. It can be a pain to pack bottles if you are flying in, and the airport is not necessarly the cheapest place to buy liquor. But if you are renting a car, swing by a liquor store and pick up some stuff to help defray the cost of on-board drinks.

-dave