Our First Disney Cruise...

[TomHendricks]

We did it, finally decided to try out a Disney Cruise. We booked it this morning, August 17th to 21st 2015 Deluxe Family Stateroom with Verandah Deck 7.

I'm a Disney World overplanner, with this being totally new to me I'm getting a bit apprehensive. I know almost nothing about pre-planning a Disney Cruise. We locked down our meal time, 6pm. However I understand there are other reservations we can make. Can anyone steer me to a good website or book totally dedicated to the Disney Cruise experience and helps with planning.

Also a few quick questions, we are planning on Staying at WDW for a few days after our cruise. Can you get Magical Express back to the resort? Do you get Magical Express to the Boat? What if you arrive the day before and stay at a local hotel?

Also any help and recommendations are greatly appreciated.

 

[EOD K9]

We did it, finally decided to try out a Disney Cruise. We booked it this morning, August 17th to 21st 2015 Deluxe Family Stateroom with Verandah Deck 7.

I'm a Disney World overplanner, with this being totally new to me I'm getting a bit apprehensive. I know almost nothing about pre-planning a Disney Cruise. We locked down our meal time, 6pm. However I understand there are other reservations we can make. Can anyone steer me to a good website or book totally dedicated to the Disney Cruise experience and helps with planning.

Also a few quick questions, we are planning on Staying at WDW for a few days after our cruise. Can you get Magical Express back to the resort? Do you get Magical Express to the Boat? What if you arrive the day before and stay at a local hotel?

Also any help and recommendations are greatly appreciated.

This forum can be your planning website. You cannot get DME back to the hotel. You can pay for transfers from the terminal back to your hotel. Same goes for getting to the boat. You can pay for roundtrip transfers from the hotel to the ship and back. If you stay at a local hotel, you can take a taxi to the port, or taxi to Orlando Int'l and then take the paid for transfers to the port.
Also, be prepared, staying at the World after your cruise can be a minor letdown. Why? Because the enthusiasm of the CMs isn't as high, upkeep isn't the same, and you have to start paying for food out of pocket again. That being said though, I would never tell someone not to stay after the trip. I have stayed both before and after. Upside to staying after, is that the magic after the cruise still continues. Keep asking questions as we are here to help.

EDIT - The transfers I speak of are DCL transfers from WDW hotels to the port and back. You can also do a combo from the airport to the port as well.

 

[belledream]

There are plenty of things left to book for your cruise if you're interested, from spa packges to port excursions to separate dining experiences. You can also book these once you're on the ship, but planning ahead is always a plus.

Mousesavers has a lot of different info on many cruise topics. I would be sure to read in preparation for your trip.
http://www.mousesavers.com/disney-cruise-line-discounts-and-advice/

Also, my parents bought me a PassPorters book for my first Disney Cruise and I read it cover to cover. It covers all Disney Cruise itineraries and ports of call, giving reviews of a lot of the excursions offered, and also just little ins and outs of the ship itself.
http://www.passporter.com/disney-cruises/home.html

 

[rick3236]

Congrats, once you go on your first Disney cruise you will be hooked. I suggest reading the FAQ section of this forum. Most questions you will have are answered there.

With regards to reservations, there are port excursions, spa experiences, and adult dining that you can still book. All those details are in the FAQ section. If it's not there, just ask.

Ricky

 

[fltink]

How exciting! I too am an over-planner, so I can totally relate! DCL trips are especially fun to plan for. I love researching excursions, spa treatments, activities, even what movies are playing and the dining room menus! Everyone here seems happy to share experiences and answer questions, so feel free to use our knowledge. I personally have been on 12 DCL trips and even worked for DCL several years back and I love talking about anything to do with Disney, so ask away!!

 

[TomHendricks]

How far out can you start making reservations and such?

 

[fltink]

For a first time cruiser, 75 days in advance. You can do it right through you DCL website log in. Mark your calendar!!!! Palo goes quick, especially for brunch!