Whats your secret tips? DISNEY DREAM

charity · Feb 28, 2015

Going on our first family Disney cruise in May, hubby and I had done a short 3 day DCL trip for our engagement, but that was a FEW years ago! I think we missed out on quite a bit of the extra little things.
We will be now be going back for the first time with our 10 year old son… so what are your little tips and suggestions of fun things not to miss?

PrincessShmoo · Feb 28, 2015

charity said:
Going on our first family Disney cruise in May, hubby and I had done a short 3 day DCL trip for our engagement, but that was a FEW years ago! I think we missed out on quite a bit of the extra little things.
We will be now be going back for the first time with our 10 year old son… so what are your little tips and suggestions of fun things not to miss?

My biggest tip for any cruise isn't really what not to miss, but "don't try to do everything, you can't". You'll have a much more enjoyable cruise if you figure out what you really want to do, and just enjoy those things.

We've been on 9 DCL cruises and still haven't done everything. Especially on the short cruises, you'll find people running around, and stressing out because they can't fit everything in. Just accept it and go with what you can.

AquaDuck on Castaway Cay day has absolutely no line when first open that day. We rode it twice in a row with no wait, but could have done more.

cashe · Feb 28, 2015

I agree. In all my vacation planning (and i over plan every vacation) I've learned that I should research and know what is available, what sounds like stuff we would want to do and just have it on hand as an option but that if we don't get to do it, we can plan for it for another time. I've gone through old disney navigators to see some of the activities that might interest us and I'm prepared for the stuff that we might want to do as a family. HOWEVER, I wholeheartedly expect my kid to abandon us for the kids club and it will end up being an adults cruise with me and hubby. lol.

perditax · Feb 28, 2015

Subscribing to this thread since the other tips thread only gets pillowcase posts.

bringmethathorizon · Mar 1, 2015

my secret is dont plan anything.just get on the ship and relax.that is what you are there for.

Off to Neverland 7 · Mar 1, 2015

- Take advantage of room service.
- DVC meetings give free alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks, take advantage!
- Don't go to Cabana's for your first lunch on embarkation day.. it's BANANAS.
- Do get the rainforest pass.

lizabu · Mar 1, 2015

Order mickey bars from room service and try the desserts at cove Cafe.

over50visits · Mar 1, 2015

Secret known by those who read newsgroups: Mickey Bars
Secret known by few: Outlook Lounge

Msidescooter · Mar 1, 2015

over50visits said:
Secret known by few: Outlook Lounge

When we were on the Dream in January the Outlook Lounge was a great place to escape to when we needed a little bit of quiet time, but didn't want to go back to our stateroom. They did a night club in the OL the last night; we stopped by but stayed maybe 30 seconds. They had the music cranked so loud (for a small space) our ears immediately hurt, plus they have maybe 10 or so chairs up there and they were all taken.

charity · Mar 1, 2015

Thanks! for the tips! is there a charge for room service? And what is a pillow case post??

lizabu · Mar 1, 2015

There is no charge for room service unless you were to order canned soda or bottled water. Everything else is included. You will see on the menu where it tells you if there is a charge for the item you are looking at. There is an expectation that you will tip the attendant who brings your room service so it's nice to have some small bills with you. I believe U.S. Cash is welcome no matter where your cruise itinerary takes you.

alldiz · Mar 1, 2015

charity said:
Thanks! for the tips! is there a charge for room service? And what is a pillow case post??

I think if u bring a pillowcase from home and give to room attendant they will have the characters sign it.... A free souvenir

PrincessShmoo · Mar 1, 2015

charity said:
Thanks! for the tips! is there a charge for room service? And what is a pillow case post??

One of the less than "secret" secrets - you may leave a pillowcase (or some other item) at Guest Services for the characters to autograph. It will be returned at the end of the cruise signed.

karpy111 · Mar 1, 2015

Get on boat as early as possible and ride aqua duck
Also ride aqua duck at night.

kjhebb · Mar 1, 2015

I went on a disney cruise this year and it was FANTASTIC! My top tips would be:
- The kids clubs are so, so much fun and generally everyone makes really close friends. But be warned - we couldn't get my little sister of Edge, she had so much fun
- The waiters are even more accommodating than I would have guessed. They were happy to get off menu items (or items from a previous nights menu) whenever possible if one of us didn't like anything. For example, when I didn't like the side dish with my meal, our waitress brought the biggest plate of French fries without me even having to ask! Also, if you can't decide between desserts or something, it might be worth mentioning that as they will often bring you both!
- Don't miss the shows as they really are fantastic.

Have fun!

PrincessShmoo · Mar 1, 2015

kjhebb said:
I went on a disney cruise this year and it was FANTASTIC! My top tips would be:
- The kids clubs are so, so much fun and generally everyone makes really close friends. But be warned - we couldn't get my little sister of Edge, she had so much fun
- The waiters are even more accommodating than I would have guessed. They were happy to get off menu items (or items from a previous nights menu) whenever possible if one of us didn't like anything. For example, when I didn't like the side dish with my meal, our waitress brought the biggest plate of French fries without me even having to ask! Also, if you can't decide between desserts or something, it might be worth mentioning that as they will often bring you both!
- Don't miss the shows as they really are fantastic.
- If you have well behaved children they are generally fine to be in the adults area. I am 15 and would often sit with my parents there as it was quieter. There were much, much younger children there too.

Have fun!

There's a big reason why it's quieter: Adult only areas are for 18+. Just because you got away with it, I wouldn't suggest telling other children to follow your example.

As to getting off menu items - it can happen, but it's also possible that they won't be able to accommodate the request. On the Dream, it's a little easier, because each MDR is serving it's own menu (different in each MDR)every night, so, if a guest wants something from the menu they had last night, it's easier to get since the item is being prepared and served elsewhere onboard. On longer cruises where all MDRs are serving the same menu (say on Prince & Princess menu night) you won't be able to get that really yummy whatever it was from the menu last night, since the item isn't being served.

Twinprincesses · Mar 1, 2015

I agree skip cabanas and head to the Enchanted Gardens. Same food no line.

alldiz · Mar 1, 2015

Twinprincesses said:
I agree skip cabanas and head to the Enchanted Gardens. Same food no line.

Is enchanted gardens buffet also?
Thanks
Kerri

PrincessShmoo · Mar 1, 2015

alldiz said:
Is enchanted gardens buffet also?
Thanks
Kerri

Yes, a bit more limited, but you are escorted to your table, and can leave your bags there while you serve yourself. The servers also take your drink orders in Enchanted Garden.

alldiz · Mar 1, 2015

PrincessShmoo said:
Yes, a bit more limited, but you are escorted to your table, and can leave your bags there while you serve yourself. The servers also take your drink orders in Enchanted Garden.

NICE!!. Always a pain to have someone sit at table and watch bags while we get food. Or try and lug with a tray. :teeth:

Love this place!
Kerri

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