Cruise secrets that DCL doesn't tell you

[jtw999]

Originally Posted by Susiesark

Is your book still available, to borrow or buy? We'll be on the Wonder in April.

I just purchased this book off of Amazon for $6.95. I'm looking forward to trying it out this summer!

Just search: Hidden Mickeys Go to Sea on Amazon and you'll find it!

[adnil530]

When we went on our cruise last October, I stopped by Target and got some plates for the characters to sign. Put them in a bag with our stateroom number along with some sharpies.

This pictures does not do it justice:



We've also done the blank picture frame mats.

[jacobsDISNEYmama]

The plate is AWESOME!! I might have to hunt for something similar. Will they sign anything? We're vinylmation collectors and if they are able to sign those I would bring a 9" figure.

[Grumpy1234]

Very informative and useful for our upcoming cruise

[adnil530]

Originally Posted by jacobsDISNEYmama

The plate is AWESOME!! I might have to hunt for something similar. Will they sign anything? We're vinylmation collectors and if they are able to sign those I would bring a 9" figure.

I actually looked for the 9" figures at the Disney outlet stores and found a white one there, but couldn't find 2 to purchase so I didn't purchase. You can only try. Guest Services will say yes or no.

[jeannie2426]

I love all the ideas....keep them comming!!

[DisneyCrazMom]

LOVE LOVE LOVE the plate idea.

[kcashner]

Originally Posted by erikthewise

Most people know there is an exercise room in the spa that you can use at no additional charge.

But what most people don't know is that you can also use the men's/women's locker rooms in the spa at no charge! All you have to do is ask for a key at the desk. (I guess if you're the trusting sort you don't even have to do that!)

You don't need a key any more--all the lockers work on a code that YOU select. Press Clear, type in your 4 digit code, and press lock.

As to the passports--DCL doesn't promise that they can get them stamped for you, only that they will ask the Customs agents if they will do it. Yes, you do have to leave the passport with Guest Services if you want this done--they will issue you a receipt and you can pick it up later in the cruise.

On longer cruises, your server will tell you that the special menus done just for that cruise are for you to keep as they won't be used again! In addition, by asking you can frequently get the others....except for the hologram one from Animator's.

Bridge tours for anyone interested were eliminated after 9/11. Now you have to be invited. If you are in concierge, going as a Make a Wish family, etc. you can arrange an invitation. If you are just a "regular" person, talk to GS or strike up a conversation with the captain at the reception. Things do happen.

Inside cabins on Magic and Wonder--set your TV to "view from the bridge" channel and mute the sound. When the sun comes up, your TV lights up.

Bring an alarm clock with a lighted face--I like to know what time it is if I wake up during the night.

When you do signings on something to be washed, follow the instructions that come with your pens--some need to be heat set, some not. Turn in your items as soon as possible during the cruise. GS has a form for you to specify which characters you want to sign it--all available, all princesses, no princesses, etc.

GS has single doses of "stuff" like tylenol, ibuprofen, bandaids, etc. Just ask. They also have discrete bags of emergency "supplies" when your daughter needs them and the ship is in port (so the gift shops are closed). And WHY can't that child count to 28?????

The gift shops have MANY "critical need" items that are not out on display. If your luggage is lost, etc. they can help--tell them what your situation is and what you need. These things are limited in quantity and sizes, but if you don't have any undies you aren't too picky!

And...bring your old cruddy undies on the ship. Then pitch them in the trash rather than taking them home. More room in your suitcase.

If traveling with an infant, consider the babies travel lite service that will deliver diapers, formula, etc. to your cabin. And, if you order directly from their web site it is cheaper than using the DCL link!

[Texasmomof3]

love this thread!!

[CandyMandy]

Originally Posted by lexlaw69

Be careful about leaving your passports anywhere. If you are in port and for some reason you don't make it back to the ship you are looking at some major inconveniences, majoe expenses and missing a good deal of your cruise while emergency copies are made. Also, not sure how this might affect a VAT refund - I don't remember if you need to show your passport.

This is true and is why going ashore at any foreign port with just a paper copy of your photo passport page is not a good idea whatsoever. If you are for any reason are delayed/detained and miss the ship, a paper copy will not act as a substitute for emmigration purposes. Ergo, you will not be able to purchase transit out of the country without original, legal goverment-issued I.D. - so as lexlaw indicated you will be delayed (for days) while you wait for the local U.S. consulate or embassy to provide you with a replacement passport. And no, a drivers license or paper copy (not an original) of a birth certificate is not a work around, since neither is proof of citizenship.

A passport is the only form of that.

[penguinaddict]

Originally Posted by CandyMandy

A passport is the only form of that.

Does the passport card (for Canada and Mexico) work?? Meaning, if we leave our passport with guest services and take our "card" on shore and, if we get into a pickle and need to present a passport, does the card work?

Thanks!!

[dovbniak]

Not a tip per se but an observation about this thread,

Post 93 was made august 30 2007 and post 94 was made august 30 2010. Personnally I think that is cool

I love this thread, what a great history lesson.

I am now on page 8.

[dxcspilk]

Reading up last minute, we board a week from today!

[pamkass]

Thanks for all the great tips!!

[Susiesark]

As my first DCL cruise quickly approaches (8 weeks from today) I'm taking a lot of notes from this thread. Thanks!