Cruise secrets that DCL doesn't tell you

[DisneyMom14]

Unlike an airline, there is no (reasonable limit) to the number of carryons you can bring on the ship so we bring an extra empty duffle bag packed in our suitcase which we take out, shop in Florida for alcohol, small cans of pop, juiceboxes, etc that we then put in the duffle for the ship. The size limit is actually larger than what's posted. As long as the bag can go through the scanner, it's good. So if your duffle is slightly larger, no worries. Remember that alcohol in checked luggage will be removed and given back to you at the end of the cruise, so don't put any in those suitcases being checked! And anything that comes in a commercial can or bottle such as those ordered for room service is charged. They do not send fountain pop or juice you can get on Deck9 to your room.

Thanks!

 

[Godiva5]

My organizer is actually on a hanger, with 12 pockets on each side. Never been on a Disney cruise before. Are their wall hooks in either of the washrooms to hang it on?

 

[nancipants]

No need to rent the inner tubes on Castaway Cay. They can typically be found abandoned on the island a couple of hours after debarkation and they are HUGE!

Just make sure you're not taking anyone's float!

 

[Ancaster]

I don't know if you would call this a secret perse, our dining family who we were paired with did not ask for a joining room (they came by themselves) but they randomly got one where there is a door, locked all the time, between them and the room next to them.

They said they could easily hear the other party. Whereas both times we've cruised, we did not hear our neighbours at all.

 

[carissa1970]

I don't know if you would call this a secret perse, our dining family who we were paired with did not ask for a joining room (they came by themselves) but they randomly got one where there is a door, locked all the time, between them and the room next to them. They said they could easily hear the other party. Whereas both times we've cruised, we did not hear our neighbours at all.

We had joining rooms and never heard a sound. We weren't even sure anyone was over there. We also had the laundry directly next to us on the other side and never heard a thing. In fact, unless we opened the door to the hall, it was silent.

 

[Ancaster]

Was there someone there though?

Our friends said they heard the same wakeup song every morning. Burned into their memory, lol.

 

[jcemom]

We had a connecting room. We did hear the other family a couple of times, but it wasn't too loud. We have heard FAR more noise in the hallways and neighboring rooms of the Disney resorts than we heard from our Dream stateroom.

 

[dinkydee718]

Challenge the kids to an ABC photo shoot (they must find somewhere for every letter of the alphabet to have their picture taken--A is for Animator's, etc.). Makes for a great scrapbook when you get home.

Love this idea! Glad my son is 'Xander.' My kids can take a picture in Xander's cabin!

 

[bvpascoe]

Many or all of these ideas may have all ready been mentioned in this long but very helpful thread but we find them helpful: rubber door stop to hold the door open when moving luggage in and out magnetic clip to keep current navigator on the back of door (we always seem to misplace it otherwise) high lighter to mark activities in the navigator bathroom air freshener printed address labels for our disembarking tags one dollar bills to tip room service etc. thank you cards to write a note with our tip cards and for our table mates suction cup hooks to hang in the bathrooms and closet doors candy/treats to give our room host each day disposable shower cap, tooth brush and razor pre-written address labels for postcards and postcard stamps travel mugs and large zip lock bags for those trips to the beverage and goofy fast food in the morning We order room service the first night, getting a coffee carafe, container of sugar packages, carton of milk, salt and pepper and wine glasses. We keep all in the cabinet for use during the entire cruise. We usually get a bowl of fruit too and use the empty bowl to dump our pocket stuff in one place when we come in the room.. Husband seems to misplace items, i.e. pins, lip balm, sun glasses if we don't have a designated place I can move them to.

Great tips - love especially the magnetic clips!

 

[sunshineNJ]

Are there free drink locations on every deck? Thanks

 

[debsters41]

My organizer is actually on a hanger, with 12 pockets on each side. Never been on a Disney cruise before. Are their wall hooks in either of the washrooms to hang it on?

There is a hook in the hallway outside the the bathroom door but just before the sitting / bedroom. or you can hang it in the closet. I do not remember if there are hooks inside the washroom because it was convenient for me to have it outside.

 

[debsters41]

Are there free drink locations on every deck? Thanks

The 'free' drink location is the soda fountain and coffee / hot water machine outside the buffet area on deck 9 (magic class) or deck 11 (dream class) There is also a fountain inside the buffet area which is available when the buffet is open.

 

[muse7mom]

The more sharpies you put in, the prettier it will be. I gave them about 7 or 8 from a big pack with colors like aqua, orange, etc. They will even personalize it with your child's name if you request it. (Not that it's a big deal, but I didn't get the pens back)

Just seeking an opinion here because I can't make a decision: I ordered an embroidered pillowcase from etsy and will take it to be signed as a surprise for DD's birthday. It will be pink and black embroidery. I was thinking of having only pink and black markers included to match. Or, do you think the multi colors would be better? TIA!

 

[HeddyRuth]

Just seeking an opinion here because I can't make a decision: I ordered an embroidered pillowcase from etsy and will take it to be signed as a surprise for DD's birthday. It will be pink and black embroidery. I was thinking of having only pink and black markers included to match. Or, do you think the multi colors would be better? TIA!

We did the same with pink and purple markers. The problem we had was there were so many signatures that they became dull before they were done and many of the signatures are already faded. If you do this, and I think it looks really nice, I recommend placing multiple markers in the bag so there are no issues especially with the purple which is lighter.

 

[MyShoes]

Has anyone brought a picture frame matte for the characters to sign? It could be a fun matte around a formal night picture.

 

[HeddyRuth]

Has anyone brought a picture frame matte for the characters to sign? It could be a fun matte around a formal night picture.

We did a black mat with a silver pen around a black and white photo from formal night. It looks amazing.

 

[Donald & Daisy Duck]

We also did a black mat with silver pen for our 25th anniversary - we have a picture from our dinner at palo in it and it looks great

 

[SnBDiva]

And please forgive me if I have misunderstood something but...

we rather enjoy dressing in our formal attire & on the Golden Mickeys night it appears that the "not so secret" in having the late seating dining (even with fewer children & not having to rush back from excursions) there is a great possibility of missing the Golden Mickeys After Party. Is this the case?

 

[MissCallie]

Thanks for all the interesting tips and ideas! Can't wait for my trip!

 

[weniepooh]

Ok, so for seating with the rotational dining for supper, do they automatically put you with other people? We are a family of 4 and I would prefer to have our own take. Could we request to have our own table?