a thousand questions

[jillybeene71]

Well not that many but I'm a first time disney cruiser and I have a bunch.
We're leaving out of Galveston on Jan 4, 2014.
What time do they let you board? Are there any Christmas decorations still up?
Has anyone used the childcare facility (she will be almost 2)? Are there activities if we decide not to leave the ship in Mexico? Can the two year old attend the shows? What can't she attend? (we won't be eating at adult restaurants)

 

[jdb in AZ]

Well not that many but I'm a first time disney cruiser and I have a bunch.
We're leaving out of Galveston on Jan 4, 2014.
What time do they let you board? When you do your online check-in (75 days before your cruise) you'll be assigned a port arrival time.

Are there any Christmas decorations still up? They usually take them down before the first cruise after New Year's, meaning they'll most likely be gone just before your cruise.

Has anyone used the childcare facility (she will be almost 2)? Are there activities if we decide not to leave the ship in Mexico? A few. You can use the kids' pool, assuming it isn't closed for sanitation purposes, which happens every twice in awhile.

Can the two year old attend the shows? If she wants.

What can't she attend? Some of the shore excursions -- the description of each excursion will give you the age ranges. (we won't be eating at adult restaurants)

Keep reading the DIS boards. I didn't find this site til after our third Disney cruise and still learned a lot.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Well not that many but I'm a first time disney cruiser and I have a bunch.
We're leaving out of Galveston on Jan 4, 2014.
What time do they let you board? Are there any Christmas decorations still up?
Has anyone used the childcare facility (she will be almost 2)? Are there activities if we decide not to leave the ship in Mexico? Can the two year old attend the shows? What can't she attend? (we won't be eating at adult restaurants)

In most ports, the port opens at 11:00. Boarding usually begins abut 11:45 with boarding #1. You will receive your boarding number when you checkin at the port.

Christmas Decorations usually come down at the end of the cruise that is over NYE.

A 2 year old would be in the nursery, as Oceaneers Club is ages 3-12. However, there are daily Open Houses where you can take her yourself.

Anyone may attend the shows in the WDT, they're family oriented.

As you know, she won't be able to be in any adult-only areas (Quiet Cove pool, lounges/bars after a certain time each evening, Palo). And, if she's not potty trained, she won't be allowed in the pools. There is a splash area for those in swim diapers.

There are activities onboard the ship while in port, although they tend to be much reduced compared to a regular day.

 

[sambycat]

and a guidebook like passporters is especially great for new cruisers and the classic ships - it will be fun to read and lots of info!

 

[kcashner]

As above, the decorations will come down right before you board if past years are a guide.

Boarding will begin about 11:45. You will select a Port Arrival Time when you do your on line check in at 75 days before cruising. If you arrive before your scheduled time, you may get to wait....and wait.

Your 1 year old will be allowed to attend any activity listed as "family" which includes the shows, movies, etc. No child who is not toilet trained is supposed to use the pool; swim diapers are not permitted by US Public Health Service regulations. There is a splash area where diapers may be worn. And if all parents would follow these rules, the pool wouldn't have to close twice a day for additional draining and cleaning on top of the planned nightly service. You may take the child to the Oceaneer's Club during Open House hours, but she will not be permitted during "secure" hours. You may schedule baby sitting in the nursery as you wish.

The shops are not open while the ship is in port (legal stuff), and there is a reduced schedule of activities. However, the pools, spa, movies, etc. will continue as will food service.

 

[cruisecrasher]

Join our cruise meets group!

 

[jillybeene71]

Thanks for all the replies. Were not too worried about the swimming, It will be in January so maybe too cold? We went on a Carnival cruise the beginning of Feb a few years back and it was really windy and chilly.
Has anyone used the daycare for the under 2 group? I read there was a charge which isnt too bad for a few hours of care. We dont expect to use it much but if we eat out once...maybe.
Deluxe inside staterooms...the only way I can afford this trip is to be inside... There will be 4 of us 2 adults a 12 year old and the 2 year old. I know it wont be that comfortable but will we go crazy from being too close together?
I cant think of anything else, but I am going buy the dcl book today so that will answer a lot of stuff I didnt even think about.