How would you make DCL even better?

[Lisa F]

My husband and I absolutely LOVED our first cruise experience and can't wait til number two. We definately have no complaints, but whenever we have a great experience we love to try to figure out how to make it even better. Here are some of the things we came up with, I'd love to hear what other people think might make the cruise even better than it is!

1) A personal navigator that is a REAL personal navigator. No clue how much this might cost to implement, but wouldn't it be great if you get a navigator that is really tailored for YOU rather than generic for the whole ship? It could tell you what reservations you have for that day, where you are eating dinner, what the attire for your dinner is etc. I must admit that we quickly lost track of what days were what on the Magic and missed our character breakfast. I am NEVER like that so it must mean I was more relaxed than I have been in a long time, which is a good thing. I would love it if every day the navigator told me what things were specific to me so I didn't miss them (palo reservations, spa reservations etc).

2) A soda mug program that is included with the cost of the ship. I know it's traditional for beverages to cost extra on cruises outside of meals on cruises, but I wish Disney would go above and beyond. I would rather them build it into the cost of the trip but make it invisible to the guest than have to be nickle and dimed. My husband and I just skipped getting soda mugs because of it and drank water instead (probably better for us anyway!) but I also sure wish they had lemonade on board! It's really the only fountain type drink that I like!

any other suggestions?

Lisa

[Diz-Me]

I would love to be able to reserve Palo and Spa times after making the final cruise payment!

Would also enjoy being able to dine at any time in the evening. Having a particular restaurant assigned is fine but would like to walk in at our convenience whether it is at 6pm or 9pm or whatever.

[CamColt]

1) OFFER TABLES FOR 2 IN THE DINING ROOMS!!!! As much as Im looking forward to my upcoming cruise, Im dreading the thought of not being able to dine alone with DH. We spend very little time alone and this is a very rare trip we are taking without the kids. Plus, Im very uncomfortable around strangers and I know I wont enjoy myself as much as I would if we were alone. (This is really bothering me if you couldnt tell.;) )

2)Be able to prebook Palo & Spa as soon as the final pymt is made. I think it gives everyone a fair shot, it makes embarkation day(1/3 of the cruise for some of us) a lot more relaxing, and you go into it knowing whether or not you are going to get what you want. There is no disappointment on the ship and no last minute switching of your plans, if you have to do a different night than you had hoped for. Yes,I am a planaholic so I would like to know what Im getting ahead of time.

Other than that I have no complaints! :)

[inkkognito]

Interestingly, Disney tried the concept of "personalized" Navigators when they first set sail, but it didn't last long. I don't know why, but I'd guess it was just too difficult. Same thing with the kiosks that would let you edit your photos (they had also originally planned to deliver the photos to your stateroom). I guess some things just sound easier in concept than in execution.
It would be nice to have the lemonade and fruit punch available at the 24 hour drink station. I do quite well making iced tea from the delicious flavored hot teas, but sometimes in the evening I don't want caffeine.
My only other suggestions are switch Mouseketeer to a different time and make another full-scale production number be the evening entertaiment in its place (it's okay, but it doesn't hold the kids' interest, and I miss seeing a production show), and bring back the improv comedy, a standup comedian, or something like that in place of dueling pianos. One time seeing that was enough for me (we used to shut down the improv every night...at least we get more sleep on our cruises now).
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.*****************

[disboo]

I'd really like MUCH more time on CastawayCay!!!

As a matter of fact, they cound sail to CC, tie up, and stay there for the whole 3 or 4 day cruise! :)

(Nassau was marginally interesting to me and Freeport not at all!) (I am not a shopper.)

[pReTtYpRiNcEsS]

this is really frivolous, but i thought of it imediately after i saw this thread. lol it would be great if there was popcorn for the buena vista theater! i know it prob. be messy but it just doesn't seem like the movies w/o popcorn! lol
thats not the only thing.. but thats it for now! :)

[spotssister]

I've been on two Disney cruises -- so far. Meant to bring with me on the second, but forgot -- highlighter (as I saw suggested on tis board) to mark programs, etc. that I want to attend. You can personalize it that way. Insert a blank sheet to make notes for yourself for the day.


:bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[Mickey4Me]

I may be odd man out here, but as an adult I would love to be able to participate in some of the activities like the kids get to do in the clubs. Making flubber, playing around with animation and sound effects sounds like fun (of course I'm a sucker for Disney Quest too). I would also like a Disney Institute cruise where there's a variety of more in depth classes to take. That and more time on Castaway are the only things I can think of to make the perfect vacation even better.:D

[WiseGirl]

My husband and I just sailed on our second Wonder cruise in January and we had some ideas.

Would like to see another choice for dinner on the 3 and 4 night cruises besides room service or fast food if you don't want to stick to your assigned time in the restaurant - at Beach Blanket Buffet perhaps. We find it restrictive having to eat at a specific time and would like another option -OR- personal choice dining like Princess offers. This would also address the wishes of those who want to eat as a couple and not with a large group.

I'd like to see the 4 night cruise stop at Key West once the new 7 day Magic starts doing so. We had the day at sea and not Freeport - it was OK, but going around in circles off the coast of Miami seemed a bit silly to us.

Change the spa booking process so people can actually get them if you are not in concierge level rooms. I posted when we returned that I was unable to get a massage for either my husband or I on sea day and I was only the 5th person in line for the spa ressies. I can't imagine who is getting them if it isn't concierge rooms!

My .02 worth.

[callahanjulie10]

Nit picky little old me would love to see
1-a pool (like the adult pool) for a famliy pool. The 2 other pools are too small to do any swimming in.
2-the shows, menus, childrens programming, gifts for kids from the clubs , etc change every year. I know this would be very expensive and difficult to do but I have faith in Disney. Eveytime we go to WDW (which is about 2 or 3 times a year) things are different! That is part of the thrill for us.
3-I would love to pre-book Palo High Tea! i have only gotten it 1 out of 3 cruises! That would also be an incentive to pay before your final due date. Disney would love to get the interest on our $$ and it would be worth it to get what I want! I know- selfish selfish.
4-I would love if they went to different ports every year. I don't think we would have cruised DCL and gone on the Eastern AGAIN. By adding the Western- it cinched up our vacation plans for this year- Here we come on May 25, 2002!


I love most everything about DCL- these are just pipe dreams but hey- if you are going to dream- why not dream BIG!

[MickeyCanada]

I think you should be able to prebook Spa & Palo's after final payment is done also.

Kids gifts should be changed from yr to yr. (Especially as they know that a lot of kids are returning). It wouldn't cost them much, because they are buying in bulk and the T-Shirt is the easiest by just changing the color of it.

Would like to see a water slide added for adults to use too!

I think spending an extra day at CC would be great! It would cost them less fuel too!

There should be more characters on board (Winnie The Pooh and Gang, Toy Story, Bugs Life gang). There really isn't enough characters for boys and Toy Story and Bugs Life were huge Disney hits that they would be the perfect add ons!

Also, the characters should be on board interacting with the kids more (not just for photo's and autographs). When we stayed at AKL, they had their characters out interacting with the kids and parents. Its a lot nicer having photos of them playing than just standing side by side.

One more thing Midnight buffets everynight. I'm not a big eater, but would love to see that added like other cruise ships.

[atigeg]

Hey, Mickey4Me, that sounds like a great idea!!
I have often told hubby that I am jealous of the kids doing fun activities like making flubber, going down the Mickey slide, etc. On our last cruise, we did the "Draw Mickey" class for the first time. We were the only childless adults there, but we had a blast!
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.*****************

[Mickey4Me]

On our last cruise, we did the "Draw Mickey" class for the first time. We were the only childless adults there, but we had a blast!
Oh my goodness....DH and I drew Mickey at DQ a few years ago and ours ended up looking like Mickey's demented cousins. It was fun though! DH and I are usually the only adults with no kids at the family activities at Hilton Head DVC (cell painting, cake decorating, Goofy bingo, etc). Our dd is a teen and prefers the teen activities(go figure) so dh and I just participate sans children and have a blast. Wish I could pass myself off at a 10 year old for the kids cruise activities, but I'm afraid that wouldn't fly.:D

[Diana and Toby]

Great question! We just returned from the Magis 1/26 sailing and talked about this very thing.

1. The drink station is great, but something like lemonade or fruit punch would be wonderful.

2. Characters that were out more often. Our kids did not want to wait in long lines. If they were more available the lines would be shorter or non-existent.

3. More Characters at the breakfast. Only 2 characters made it to our table. We were table 35 back in the corner.

4. A larger pool for the family pool. A slide in this pool for the larger kids or kids at heart!

5. Take away the night stand on the bathroom side of the bed and make the toliet room larger by that size. A light can be mounted on the wall for the bed.

6. More adult oriented club acts in Beat Street. People get bored with what is offered and don't spend time and money here. One thought would be to move ESPN to where Dueling Pianos is and make it a huge Sports bar area. Make the old ESPN area a adult only area where kids would not slip into.

7. This one is from me CHOCOLATES every night. We only received chocolates on formal nights.

8. More things for familes with older kids to do together. Our kids felt they were too old, and were by far the oldest in several things.

9. A bingo card to buy and punch for a discount like a frequent shopper card.

10. All night food to include pizza, fries, hot dogs, hamburgers, something sweet like left over dessert from lunch and dinner. We talked to a Crew member who said that the dessert from lunch was destroyed.

Just a few of the things that we discussed while on board.

Diana

[pmgreene]

This is to Diana's comments - why are they getting stingy with the chocolates? Beleive it or not my DS8 and DD6 talked and talked about getting chocolate on their pillows every night when we cruised in Octobe, it was a big highlight. This cruise 1/19 we got a couple of chocolates every few nights. It's the little pleasures that add excitment! Where did nightly chocolates go????

maggie

[#1 Pocahontas]

There are some great suggestions already. Here are mine:
(some might be repeated, sorry)

1. Scoops would be open 24 hours!!!!!!!!!!!!

2. The hamburger and pizza would be open real late.
(can you tell we love the junk food?)

3. Have more "Disney" orineted things for adults; like characters for them to see also. I know that some characters are only found in the kids sections. I guess take the games and such in the childrens area and apply them to adults.

4. Fruit punch or lemonade at the drink station would be such an improvment!! It is nice now but that would make it wonderful!!

5. To be able to look at your excursion choices more than 2 weeks in advance. (last cruise was 1-01 so this might have changed)

6. Popcorn and drinks would be served before the movies in the theater.

Thats about it for now....................... Maybe Disney will read our ideas!!

[Michelle]

Well, I'll add comments that I have put on DCL comment cards. :)

1) I think all the suites should be down one deck on any future ships. While it is convenient to only be one deck below Deck 9, I have been in TWO noisy Category 3 suites in different locations on Deck 8. Deck 7 only has staterooms above it, and I think the suites should be located there.

2) I would love to see some updates to the onboard programming. After seven Disney cruises I've done all of the different contests and game shows (Match Your Mate, Sailor's Tales, etc.) and I would love to see some changes made. I know it's hard to do often, but at least every two years would be great.

3) I'd also love to see the menus changed more often. I've had the same menus for quite a while now, with very little variation.

4) I LOVE Sessions (Cadillac Lounge on the Wonder) and would really enjoy it if they would make sure all the headphones and CD players were in working order. I'd also love it if they opened this lounge around 4:00 pm so I could enjoy a glass of wine and listen to music while it's still light outside and I can gaze at the ocean. Once the entertainment starts in the evening (and I enjoy that too) you can't listen to music and it's too dark to enjoy the view.

Overall there is very little I'd change with DCL. :) They do an amazing job and they most definitely DO LISTEN TO GUEST FEEDBACK...and they do read what we write here. :)

That's what makes them so special...they continually try to improve what they already do well.

[Tluvs2talk]

Diana and Toby,
We cruised jan 13th and had chocolate's on the bed every night.

Also dessert, hotdogs, pizza, fries, cheesburgers, chickenstrips etc. can be ordered through room service 24 hours a day.

[Lisa F]

Originally posted by WebmasterMichelle
Overall there is very little I'd change with DCL. :) They do an amazing job and they most definitely DO LISTEN TO GUEST FEEDBACK...and they do read what we write here. :)

That's what makes them so special...they continually try to improve what they already do well.

I guess that's kind of why I wanted to start this thread. Who knows, maybe not EVERYTHING has occured to them and maybe they will get an idea or two? :)

I definately agree that there is very little that I'd change and frankly, if none of the things people suggest (and I agree with a lot of them) happen, I will still have an absolutely wonderful vacation on DCL.

I think that it's a true testament to how wonderful DCL is that people even care to think about such things. I've actually never gone to a marriott and tried to make minor design changes in my head to get in that extra 1% to make it perfect... it's just a place to sleep. The cruise was unlike any other experience I've ever had, though, and it really got us thinking!

Lisa

[fl]

Just returned from the 1/26 cruise. Our second cruise. Our wish list: more Castaway Cay. We were let go off the ship around 9:30am and had to be back on board at 4:30pm. Not enough time for us, despite the fact that we live just 20 minutes from the beach. Disney is in absolute control of this and they could have at least docked real early or leave an hour late.
Regarding the Personal Navigators: What about a Palm application version of the Navigator, we could personalized anyway we want it.
Regarding the Soda: We control the amount of sugar we consume at home and abroad, so don't care about it. But, it would be nice the addition of pre-made unsweeted tea (or an ocassional frut punch) at the coffe station.
Regarding the Chocolates: We did found every night chocolotes in our pillows. I guess it had to do with our stateroom host, who at the end of the cruise was tipped ever more than our server. Interesting enough, the chocolates were not consumed due in part to our habit of not abusing the intake of sugar. Figure that out.

[pal2pluto]

Re: Castaway Cay....almost paradise! A friend heard that Disney is considering a hotel there.....personally, I hope not. It would not be so special to cruisers to know that somewhere on the island is a hoard of people on "their private island". However, I got a chance to speak to a CM at Serenity Bay for quite a while. I mentioned that I'd rather be docked at CC for a couple days rather than some of the islands. She said they the are looking at options right now, but every evening around 5pm, the bugs come out for a few hours and feast....really bad. My suggestion....Dock at CC for 2 days, once maybe going to the bahamas/caribean, and once coming back. I don't believe that if they dock for 2 days in a row, that they will be able to "make" people leave before the bugs emerge.
My other suggestion I've already posted...at CC, in the snorkeling area, have fish food available at one of the lifeguard stands. Royal Carribean does this, and you see an amazing amount of fish...too many to possibly count. It's a real thrill to be entirely surrounded by fish!
Just my two cents!

[Brenner965]

On our 7-day cruise last year, we spent the extra money for a verandah. The only trouble was that our next door neighbors were chain smokers who spent what seemed like the entire cruise out on their verandah smoking cigarettes. So instead of being able to enjoy some fresh sea-air out on our verandah, all we could smell was "fresh" Salem-air! Perhaps they could limit smokers' staterooms to one side of the ship or the other. Even when we closed our sliding door, the smoke still seeped in. Their cabin was forward of ours, so the "wind" from the forward motion of the ship brought the smoke right in our direction.

If you can't smoke in an open air sports stadium except in certain places (or at the MK for that matter), why not limit where you can smoke on a cruise ship?

"For the comfort and safety of our guests, no smoking please. Thank you." Announcement on the Epcot Monorail.

[IleneF]

You gotta allow teens 15 or better access to adult pool. There isn't much for 15-18 yo to do. Maybe some specific activities for this age group that don't require "joining" up with the common ground in order to join in. Cooking or ceramics come to mind. My daughter was a little bored at times this last trip.

[fl]

Brenner965. If the room was designated non-smoking then you should have reported this ilegal activity. The verandha is considered part of the room in that beautifull ship and not the patio of your condo. Period. We witnessed a similar complaint from another passanger (from a very upset grandmother). I think the offending party was suggested to continue smoking somewhere in deck 9.

[RickW]

Originally posted by fl
Brenner965. If the room was designated non-smoking then you should have reported this ilegal activity. The verandha is considered part of the room in that beautifull ship and not the patio of your condo. Period. We witnessed a similar complaint from another passanger (from a very upset grandmother). I think the offending party was suggested to continue smoking somewhere in deck 9.

While I personally would prefer that DCL was 100% non-smoking, smoking on all verandahs is OK by DCL rules. The rules on DCL allow for smoking on: Open Decks, Verandahs, and a couple of the clubs. Smoking is not allowed in ANY staterooms, restaurants, theaters, etc.

[disboo]

How about lectures by experts on things like the history/flora/fauna of the Bahamas? Or on Bahamian music/cooking? I would attend "classes" at sea!

(BTW, I also learned to draw Mickey, and have taught it to many of the kids I work with. It's a blast!)

[fl]

RickW. Before we interchange any further comments that our much appreciated moderator would not agree with; I think that at some point, you have to draw the line regarding abusing smoking in the verandhas. I am not a smoker. Never had it. Never will. I would not be bother by the ocassional smoker type of people who usually have a cigarrete after a meal. But, I will definetely be bothered with an ongoing thing like the one posted by Brenner965: "Even when we closed our sliding door, the smoke still seeped in.." The rules you mention are only described in the brochure Term and Conditions section and are not mentioned again in any other legal document: travel booklet and Passport to the Magic (or Wonder). Personally, I would have complained loud and clear for this (or any other type of abusive behaviour from the part of any passenger or the crew).

[callahanjulie10]

What about on the new ship, they make one side smoking and the other non-smoking. That way everyone is covered. My DD is very allergic to smoke. If she goes in a house where there has been a smoker her face puffs up and she can't breathe.
I would think that this would be a reasonable solution-

[Tluvs2talk]

fl, While I would also prefer no-smoking on the verandah's there are ashtrays built in on the navigator verandah's. We had people smoking next to us and asked a crew member if they were allowed to smoke out there. We were told yes. I agree with callahanjulie10 make one side smoking the other non-smoking. That way everyone wins.

[Werner Weiss]

I wish DCL would provide one or more pleasant, well-ventilated interior smoking lounges and specific, designated outdoor smoking areas -- and otherwise eliminate smoking. In other words, make it possible for smokers to enjoy smoking, while not subjecting others to the smoke.

By allowing smoking in all ourdoor areas, DCL puts both smokers and non-smokers in awkward position.

Currently, if someone lights up at a deck chair next to mine, I have three choices:
I can ask the smoker to stop, even though he/she is smoking in an area where smoking is currently officially allowed;
I can get up and move, giving up my location and possibly finding that all other chairs are spoken for;
I can stay and breath smoke.
Those aren't good choices. And if I ask the smoker to stop, the smoker can unhappily put out his/her cigarette, or can ignore me, or can try to move to another location where he/she might face the same request to stop from someone else. Those aren't good choices for the smoker either.

I hope that the verandah on our upcoming cruise is far away from any verandah where someone is smoking. I'll be very disappointed if we can't use our expensive verandah.

Banning smoking entirely is probably unrealistic, except for a very large cruise line such as Carnival which has one ship that's 100% smoke free. But DCL can do more than they're doing now when it comes to providing clean air for non-smokers and places where smokers can "enjoy" their habit.

[Minnie's Guy]

Pocahontas made VERY good suggestions.
Lemonade and fruit punch AND iced tea at the drink station.
A better "soda" program.
Scoops - 24 hrs. - YES!
midnight buffets (11:00 pm would be better)
We also dream of being "shipwrecked" at Castaway Cay!!!!!

[mmouse37]

On any future ship....make a better, bigger pool area....maybe an area with a retractable roof so you would be able to swim in inclement weather.....like the royal carribean ships. They are gorgeous pool areas!!

MJ

[Joe & Joanne]

Hi:wave:

Although I have not been on a DCL cruise before, I have always wanted to go to WDW when there is not one single kid around that is under 21, no babies, no 20 somethings, and would like to see the same for DCL. That is a cruise for those 21 and over. Not 20 years, 11 months, 20 something days, but only a cruise or park days for those young enough to remember the MMC at 4pm after school? Leave all of them (kids under 21) at home get a baby sitter or something and leave them home. We would have the lab all to ourselves, all the crayons we wanted and ...... I'd book it, c'mon make it happen.

[Firefighter Mickey]

We did Topsiders a number of times for breakfast, and I would lilke to see a little more variety in the buffet line. Now, don't get me wrong, the buffet was great, but how about a few theme days!!!

One day could be a McDonalds day (there was one day I would have "killed" for an egg McMuffin kind of thing), another day "South of the Border" and I'm sure there are other options.

It seems to me (and spouse) that there must be lots of other options for creative breakfasts that you can do buffet style, other than just scrambled eggs, hash browns and sausage, and sti8ll keep everyone happy.

Yes, I did do the omlet one day, and that was nice if you didn't mind waiting in a long line for it (luckily I got there early).

We did a sit-down breakfast one day, and found the fare pretty standard as well, though the company was enjoyable (we like sitting with other cruisers). A little variety on the menu would be great.

Of course, being as we've only been on the one cruise, maybe we missed some of the variety available. So, your milage may vary.

[kix]

There seems to be a lack of activites for older kids. I was traveling with extended family including little kids, but my brother and I found there wasnt much for us to do (17 and 20) For him most of the other teens were younger. We mostly ended up hanging with our parents or each other which was fine, but not really ideal. We were too old for most thing, but not old enough for others. They even strictly enforced the age at palos and ruined our nice family dinner when they rudely refused to let my brother in. I guess we were kind of the wrong age for a Disney cruise. I had a great time anyway, but its an area where it be improved.

[BeanoC]

Disney does things pretty darn well, but a few changes / additions might be:

Add a midnight buffet. Most definitely. Or at least a late evening one.

Add Ocho Rios, Jamaica to the western itinerary. This is a great port of call and I am amazed that Disney overlooks it.

"Free" sodas. Ok, nothin's free, so just raise the cruise price by $25 bucks. Since the mugs are $35, and certainly not everyone buys them, a $25 across-the-board increase will be even more profitable, and we can all think we're getting free sodas! So either give them out free in disposable cups, or charge $7-8 bucks for the refillable mugs... but not $35!!!

Re-think the disembarkation process at CC!! The packed-in swarm of people outside the elevators was downright unbearable. I saw a few people who were obviously borderline claustrophobic and they were near panic in a mob that big and jam-packed. We stood that way for 30-40 minutes and I couldn't help think there MUST be a better way. Gettin' off the ship at St. Maarten and St. Thomas certainly wasn't like that.

And finally, they should always, ALWAYS give free cruises to me! Cat. 2 suites, if you please. They should call me at home and ask if I'd like to come back on board, their treat. Oh, and they could also...

'Beano, wake up!!!' ;)

[bubblemutant45]

i wish they had something orginized for my age group. as a high school senior i found the common ground crowd too young, but the single mingle is more drinking age oriented (i mean, im not a single! lol, im a kid!). i think it would add a lot if they had something for 18-20 year olds. they dont have to have special activities, like they do for common grounds. they could have a get together the first night, and that way we could hang out the rest of the cruise and go to the clubs and the movies together. becuase i didnt meet anyone my age, i ended up going to the clubs with my parents. i had a great time, dont get me wrong, but it would be nice to be able to go to all of the stuff with kids my age. there were other kids like me onboard who were just hanging out with theyre parents, because we had no way to meet each other.

[Ashley24]

I wish that the adult's bed was located next to the verandah! Even though I believe there is a rule about keeping the verandah door closed at night, I would love to fall asleep to the sound of the crashing waves! Even if I didn't leave the door open at night, it would be much more convenient to get outside at night or in the early morning instead of trying to get around the bunkbeds and table! Anyone else agree?
Ann

[rae519]

Oh Ashley 24, you are soooo right about the misplacement of the adult bed! I would love to look at the stars at night and be able to slip out on the verandah in the wee hours for some private time.

Also, totally agree with Palo and Spa reservations being made at final payment time. BIG waste of time having to rush on board to go stand in line to TRY to get what you'd like. Can't afford Category 1,2 or 3 - so it's back in line time for me!

And I really, really wish the boarding pictures would be just of us rather than the people behind us in the background. I am sure the people in front of us really don't want us in their picture either!

What about getting the Navigator sooner so you can make your plans accordingly? I know there are people on these boards who post their Navigators but things change and I'd hate to miss a one time event for something that I could schedule around.

Also, I'd like to be able to hear the Noon Report from the Bridge - maybe they could put it on the TV for those of us who are unable to hear it clearly.

Just some thoughts!

Rae

[Tluvs2talk]

BeanoC,
My Hubby and I were also wanting to cruise to Jamaica until we found out that the crime rate there is VERY HIGH!!!!! It is like #1 I wonder if that is why Disney doesn't cruise there?

[kamgen]

After cruising DCL a few times, I can say I LOVE IT!! But, there is room for some improvement. Here are the things I would like to see:

1. Late night food! DH and I usually close the bars and are starving (especially after drinking).
2. A water slide for grown ups! Come on, I am not the only one who wishes the adults had a slide LOL! :)
3. Palo ressies before you board (similar to how the excursions are done- 60 days out)
4. Activites that do not overlap so much (always seems that all the things we want to do are at the same time)
5. More activities for older teens (17-20)
6. Sodas included in the price (good one Beano!)
7. Know your dining rotation before you get there! Would help to plan things better.


Kamy

[kimtenn]

1) Include sodas in the price of the tickets. I do feel a little "nickel and dimed" by the mug situation, even though it's an otherwise terrific cruise experience. I just feel like if they're going to charge $35/mug (and no sharing, according to my just-arrived 9/7 cruise docs), they need to provide more variety than just coke, diet coke, sprite and tea for that kind of money. Lemonade and punch would be cheap additions for them to make, and a better alternative than soda. Plus, for them, it would be much more profitable with a straight $25 increase in price across the board. And how about iced tea (regular and raspberry?), already made? I know other lines charge for soda, but I always expect more from Disney, I guess. They've got us spoiled otherwise.

2) I also agree about Palo ressies once your balance of your deposit is paid. Don't remember who said it, but good idea!

3) Have the cruise line coach busses get to the boat a little earlier than 2 p.m. This happened on our last cruise, and is happening again (both times we booked through Disney air and used their coaches.) Even arriving at 1 or 1:30 would give you more time to check in, eat, make Palo ressies, etc.

[shmoogrrrl]

Ohhh! This will be fun. My husband and I read through the thread together and we have a few more suggestions to add to the already great suggestions that have been made.

1. Tigger!!!!!
2. Iced tea on the drink station.
3. The soda mug is much too small. 7-
11 has it right. They need to be the
size of a Double Big Gulp.
4. Hubby would like Pepsi products.
Mainly Mountain Dew.
5. Better selection on the Room
Service Menu.
6. A different Return Cruiser gift for
each cruise, going up in value as
your number of cruises increases.
7. One word. Alaska


And from the far fetched, but wouldn?t it be nice, category:

1. Parasailing off the back of the ship.
2. Big navel guns installed to fend off
terrorists.
3. A ?Chased by Pirates and Boarded?
show involving the entire ship
4. A 14-day itinerary that went to
different places.

[rae519]

Shmoogrrrl!
Loved your suggestions and the baby is just so beautiful!!
Lucky lady!

Rae

[disneyholic family]

lots of great suggestions.....
let me second the following:

1. activities for older teens (18 to 20)....someone here said "more" acitivites for them....but there weren't any activities for that age group....

2. make one side of the ship non-smoking (that is, so that the verandahs are free of smoke on that side of the ship)......GREAT idea!!

3. lectures and how-to classes for adults....

4. adventure/challenge activities on castaway cay - e.g. a rock climibing wall (a serious one like at game world in las vegas)....

5. palos/spa reservations by phone after final payment

[shmoogrrrl]

Originally posted by rae519
Shmoogrrrl!
Loved your suggestions and the baby is just so beautiful!!
Lucky lady!

Rae

Thanks! We thought pretty hard about them. Water skiing off the back could be cool too, but neither my husband nor myself are big water skiiers!

Thanks also for the Katie compliment. We are quite attached to her!

Kathy

[disneyholic family]

oh.....how could i forget...
in addition to the ones i mentioned (especially having activities for older teens), the main thing i would like is a DCL ship in europe/the mediterrannean......so i wouldn't have to travel so far for a cruise...

then i could be like Barb and Tony and go 40 billion times a year...

heaven!!!!!