Cruise secrets that DCL doesn't tell you

[Tikifamily]

I just finished reading all 63 pages and have 3 pages of notes. Incredible information! I loved the abc photo shoot idea. We have less than 60 days until Alaska and we have our pillowcases ready to go. Thanks for the suggestion to use fabric markers instead of sharpies.

[DisneyMouseHouse]

Originally Posted by poohj80

There is a slot near the door where you are supposed to insert your KTTW card (or any magnetic card) to turn on power to room (lights, TV, etc). It is a power saving measure assuming you wouldn't leave your room card in your cabin when you leave and, therefore, can't leave all the lights on when not in cabin.

If it's like the ones in Europe and other places, it doesn't need to be a magnetic card, any piece of plastic will do - there's a "main switch" that's hit when the card is inserted and it allows the A/C etc etc to be left on in the room......

I can see why they'd want to tie the lights to that switch, but not the A/C - oh, well.........

[DisneyMouseHouse]

Originally Posted by rescuetink

On another note...

... I keep getting request email to "share" the document I made with all the cruise secrets that have been posted here (I have some updating to do!!) Can someone please explain to me what it is that your asking for? I thought that by posting it here I was "sharing" it!?!?

With Google Docs, you can opt to "share"' (blue button in the upper RH corner of the page) the google doc so that others can add it to their list of Google docs and don't have to bookmark it or keep coming back to the DISBoard thread to find the link.....

When you share it, you have the option to let others edit it or for it to be just like it is, "read only"....

We have numerous cruise docs shared so that others can edit them - like a packing list we've shared among our Facebook Group, and also a "things to do before you leave" list

Hope that helps and makes sense......

Beverly

[thinz]

Thanks to all who posted tips!

Our first cruise is in less than a month and I'm sure these tips will help raise the level of magic. I especially can't wait to bring junk food for our CM's!

Happy cruising!

[txtricia]

Thanks for all the great tips! We sail for the first time on DCL in 4 months. We have been on a number of cruises but there is so much info specific to DCL.

[lookitsaplane]

Thanks to the original poster of this doc! Its incredibly helpful!

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1...rkA/edit?pli=1

[rescuetink]

Originally Posted by lookitsaplane

Thanks to the original poster of this doc! Its incredibly helpful!

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1...rkA/edit?pli=1

Just sharing my small bit of the Magic!!!

[CMJeanae]

Thank you!

One other tip - I was talking with one of the entertainers, mentioned that we were doing the signatures thing on our next cruise, and what food offerings were most loved and he said they get a good amount of candy but very little heathy treats. So granola bars, raisins, etc. of course, he was obviously careful with his figure but he can't be the only one.

Oh, and he just lit up when I mentioned the food offerings. They're very appreciated.

[jiminwi38]

All i can say is that the tips on this page are great. My cruise on the Fantasy is still 5 months away I am takeing tee shirts to have them singed for my granddaughter and grandson. what a great Christmas gift that is if i can wait to give them to them hehehe

[rescuetink]

Just Bumping!!!

[scrapbookingtigger]

Originally Posted by acourtwdw

This was a quick list I made for a friend that was taking his family on their first Dream cruise (first cruise actually) in Feb 2012. It was him, his wife, their three kids (1,5, and 7) plus some extended family.


The lights in the stateroom have this card thingy that you put your room key into for the lights to come on. However, you can use any card that has a magnetic strip, like a library card or a Kroger card. If you use your stateroom key in the lights and forget it, you could be locked out of your room. This will make more sense when you see it.

Ride the Aqua Duck at night. Shorter lines, water feels warmer and you can see the lights on the tube.

Make sure your family has early seating dinner. If not change that first thing once on board. Check your Navigator for dining changes location.

Pack your swimsuits in your carryon. Your luggage will not be to your stateroom until late in the afternoon.

Do the Shipboard Detective Game. It is very cool!

Take a photo mat, markers and a bag of candy to Guest Services. Your photo mat will be returned to your stateroom with autographs from the characters. It is a great souvenir.

Do your check in online. It will make your check in at the port faster and easier. In addition, only one member of the family (per stateroom) has to stand in line for check in. Just make sure that person has all the documents and passports. You will just need to gather for the “security photo.”

Are your dining reservations linked with your other family members in different staterooms? If not, you will want to have this done, otherwise you may not up sitting with your extended family at dinner (unless that is not important.)

Always carry your camera and autograph books and pens with you. You would be surprised at how many characters you will run into.

Order coffee from room service before you turn in for the night. It is a great wakeup call and you do not have to schlep upstairs to get coffee while you are getting ready for the day. By the way, room service is free, so go ahead and indulge.

Re-book your next Disney cruise onboard to get 10% off and $100 onboard credit.

An over the door shoe organizer with clear pockets is a great way of keeping everything organized. You can find them at the dollar store usually.

Your suitcases on the last night have to be outside your stateroom by 10pm (check your Navigator for the exact time.) Make sure that you have everything in your carry ons that you will need for the next morning. Otherwise, someone in your party may go home in their pajamas.

See the shows if you can. They are cute and entertaining. Most people arrive about 30 minutes before show time but you do not have to. There are always good seats.

You can make signs to decorate your stateroom door. Just make sure that you use magnets to attach the signs to the door.

There is a hair dryer in the stateroom if you do not bring one with you. You have to plug it in at the outlet at the desk; otherwise, it will not work properly.

Mickey Mouse ice cream bars are not listed on the menu but you can order them for dessert or from room service.

Do not go to dinner early. You will just end up waiting in a long line. Wait until about 5 minutes after the time and just join the end of the line.

If you are flying home after your cruise, use the airline check in option that Guest Services offers. It will save time at the airport. Note: Not all airlines participate in this.

Purchases made at the shops onboard and Castaway Cay can be delivered to your stateroom.

Do not miss the Sail Away or the Pirates in the Caribbean party. Good times!

Walk or take the tram to far end of family beach on Castaway Cay. Great water activities there, it is a little quieter than the heart of the family beach, there is nice shopping and an excellent bar with terrific views.

If you can find the time, rent bikes on Castaway Cay. The bike path takes you around the island and gives you the opportunity to check out the island from the observation tower.

You can ship one box of stuff ahead of time to the port, like baby products to save room in your luggage.

Regardless of what you may read, you can wear “business casual- Dockers/Polo shirts” to dinner and not be frowned upon or turned away.

If your daughter is in to Princesses, purchase a princess dress before you leave home. The prices on the ship are crazy.

People will dress up for Pirate Night. See above….

Make sure DCL knows if your family is celebrating anything (birthday!) and you may get a surprise.

If you want to do a 5k on Castaway Cay, there should be one. It is an easy run/walk and a great way to see the island and you may get a “medal” for your effort. Check your Navigator for information.

Book brunch on your sea day if available and try for the first one of the day. It is an adult only meal but it is the best meal you will have during your vacation. Keep in mind that there is (was) a $15 service charge for this meal. If you cannot book it online before you leave, go to the area for Palo reservations/dining changes when you first board.

The chest/coffee table opens for more storage. You can also store your luggage under the bed.

The Rainforest Room at the Spa is heaven. A day pass is (was) $16 and worth it after a day at the beach.

I do not drink coffee but I have heard that the regular coffee on the ship is horrible. If you want a “Starbucks” like drink, head to the Cove Café.

Thank you so much for sharing your list! Saved in my DCL file on my computer! Thank you thank you thank you to everyone for all the helpful tips!!

[rescuetink]

Originally Posted by acourtwdw

This was a quick list I made for a friend that was taking his family on their first Dream cruise (first cruise actually) in Feb 2012. It was him, his wife, their three kids (1,5, and 7) plus some extended family.


The lights in the stateroom have this card thingy that you put your room key into for the lights to come on. However, you can use any card that has a magnetic strip, like a library card or a Kroger card. If you use your stateroom key in the lights and forget it, you could be locked out of your room. This will make more sense when you see it.

Ride the Aqua Duck at night. Shorter lines, water feels warmer and you can see the lights on the tube.

Make sure your family has early seating dinner. If not change that first thing once on board. Check your Navigator for dining changes location.

Pack your swimsuits in your carryon. Your luggage will not be to your stateroom until late in the afternoon.

Do the Shipboard Detective Game. It is very cool!

Take a photo mat, markers and a bag of candy to Guest Services. Your photo mat will be returned to your stateroom with autographs from the characters. It is a great souvenir.

Do your check in online. It will make your check in at the port faster and easier. In addition, only one member of the family (per stateroom) has to stand in line for check in. Just make sure that person has all the documents and passports. You will just need to gather for the “security photo.”

Are your dining reservations linked with your other family members in different staterooms? If not, you will want to have this done, otherwise you may not up sitting with your extended family at dinner (unless that is not important.)

Always carry your camera and autograph books and pens with you. You would be surprised at how many characters you will run into.

Order coffee from room service before you turn in for the night. It is a great wakeup call and you do not have to schlep upstairs to get coffee while you are getting ready for the day. By the way, room service is free, so go ahead and indulge.

Re-book your next Disney cruise onboard to get 10% off and $100 onboard credit.

An over the door shoe organizer with clear pockets is a great way of keeping everything organized. You can find them at the dollar store usually.

Your suitcases on the last night have to be outside your stateroom by 10pm (check your Navigator for the exact time.) Make sure that you have everything in your carry ons that you will need for the next morning. Otherwise, someone in your party may go home in their pajamas.

See the shows if you can. They are cute and entertaining. Most people arrive about 30 minutes before show time but you do not have to. There are always good seats.

You can make signs to decorate your stateroom door. Just make sure that you use magnets to attach the signs to the door.

There is a hair dryer in the stateroom if you do not bring one with you. You have to plug it in at the outlet at the desk; otherwise, it will not work properly.

Mickey Mouse ice cream bars are not listed on the menu but you can order them for dessert or from room service.

Do not go to dinner early. You will just end up waiting in a long line. Wait until about 5 minutes after the time and just join the end of the line.

If you are flying home after your cruise, use the airline check in option that Guest Services offers. It will save time at the airport. Note: Not all airlines participate in this.

Purchases made at the shops onboard and Castaway Cay can be delivered to your stateroom.

Do not miss the Sail Away or the Pirates in the Caribbean party. Good times!

Walk or take the tram to far end of family beach on Castaway Cay. Great water activities there, it is a little quieter than the heart of the family beach, there is nice shopping and an excellent bar with terrific views.

If you can find the time, rent bikes on Castaway Cay. The bike path takes you around the island and gives you the opportunity to check out the island from the observation tower.

You can ship one box of stuff ahead of time to the port, like baby products to save room in your luggage.

Regardless of what you may read, you can wear “business casual- Dockers/Polo shirts” to dinner and not be frowned upon or turned away.

If your daughter is in to Princesses, purchase a princess dress before you leave home. The prices on the ship are crazy.

People will dress up for Pirate Night. See above….

Make sure DCL knows if your family is celebrating anything (birthday!) and you may get a surprise.

If you want to do a 5k on Castaway Cay, there should be one. It is an easy run/walk and a great way to see the island and you may get a “medal” for your effort. Check your Navigator for information.

Book brunch on your sea day if available and try for the first one of the day. It is an adult only meal but it is the best meal you will have during your vacation. Keep in mind that there is (was) a $15 service charge for this meal. If you cannot book it online before you leave, go to the area for Palo reservations/dining changes when you first board.

The chest/coffee table opens for more storage. You can also store your luggage under the bed.

The Rainforest Room at the Spa is heaven. A day pass is (was) $16 and worth it after a day at the beach.

I do not drink coffee but I have heard that the regular coffee on the ship is horrible. If you want a “Starbucks” like drink, head to the Cove Café.

I need to update the secrets document with some of these that I know aren't on it!! I promise to get to it soon!!

[jiminwi38]

What a great list i am going to keep reading the up dates and then make a copy just a few weeks befor my cruise there are some graet gits ideas

[taximom00]

While I haven't cruised Disney before, here's my tip re: fabric markers.

They are not all created equal and Sharpie now makes fabric markers. Best ones I've ever found!!

Also, wash and dry the item you are bringing to be signed before you leave home.

The markers will adhere better and you will run less of a risk of colors fading/bleeding due to sizing in fabric.

[sthissell]

I am still reading through this thread, so it may be answered in a post that I haven't read, but is there a maximum number of items that can be signed per cabin? We will have two cabins, but there are 3 kids. Also, I would love to do the pillowcase, but we are having special autograph books made. We tend to go to Disneyworld a lot and I have found that I enjoy not having the autograph books (because you get much better pictures without trying to juggle autograph books). Would be able to get 6 items signed between the two rooms?