1st cruise for park people

[katyringo]

I am probably letting my overthinking and anxiety take over, but.. I am worried we will feel board or "something missing" when we go on our first Disney cruise.

We are doing a 7 night that goes to both Disney islands.

We are Disney people- as in our home has Disney decor. Know the parks on both US coasts very very well.

My kids have asked "are there rides on the cruise?!" Well no...

I am hoping for a Disney vacation, with the magic, that is also more relaxing and rejuvenating. But I'm worried we will miss the parks. We get one big family Disney trip every 18 months or so. So we are choosing the cruise this time. Hope my post makes sense!

 

[MonaMN]

We love both the parks and cruising! We are not good at just sitting around, so we still like to keep busy on the ship. We enjoy going to trivia, drawing classes, game shows, character meet and greets, shows in the theatre... there's still a lot to do!

Google "disney cruise personal navigator" and you can then find a cruise similar to yours to see the activities offered.

As long as you go in knowing that it's going to be a different kind of fun, I think you'll enjoy it!

 

[Mags2002]

How old are your kids? Make sure they check out the youth space for their age.
While there is certainly Disney themed activities, shows and characters onboard, if you and your kids prefer thrill rides and the constant on-the-go busyness of the parks then a cruise may not be for you. I agree with pp that looking at past navigators or vlogs will help you get a feel for activities that may interest you

 

[Husker Mike]

Define "magic". Is it seeing Disney IP everywhere you go? The Wish and Treasure have much more of that than the other ships, where it's more sedated.

Is it seeing Disney characters? If you look for them, they'll be there.

Is it feeling like you are special? As long as you don't ask for the world, the crew will do their best to make you feel special.

Is it immersive rides? That's what you won't get on a cruise.

Is it immersive entertainment? You'll probably find it, whether it's watching a movie on FunnelVision from the pool or the shows.

It's going to be completely different from the parks. If you ever have a "rest day" at Disney World where you stay at your resort...well, that's the closest you'll find to a Disney cruise...but the cruise will take that to a completely different level.

You might set yourself up for failure if you compare it to Disney World, because it's not that. It's a cruise, so if you've ever taken a resort vacation, think of it as that...but with Mickey and friends along for the ride.

 

[Cheburashka]

If you sail on the Dream or Fantasy, you can ride the Aqua Duck water coaster. That is a ride.

 

[katyringo]

Define "magic". Is it seeing Disney IP everywhere you go? The Wish and Treasure have much more of that than the other ships, where it's more sedated.

Is it seeing Disney characters? If you look for them, they'll be there.

Is it feeling like you are special? As long as you don't ask for the world, the crew will do their best to make you feel special.

Is it immersive rides? That's what you won't get on a cruise.

Is it immersive entertainment? You'll probably find it, whether it's watching a movie on FunnelVision from the pool or the shows.

It's going to be completely different from the parks. If you ever have a "rest day" at Disney World where you stay at your resort...well, that's the closest you'll find to a Disney cruise...but the cruise will take that to a completely different level.

You might set yourself up for failure if you compare it to Disney World, because it's not that. It's a cruise, so if you've ever taken a resort vacation, think of it as that...but with Mickey and friends along for the ride.

Magic=escaping real world for awhile and getting to be our Disney loving selves. I'm particularly in love with shows and we love character meals.

So your comment was actually helpful because on our last big Disneyland trip we splurged for Disneyland hotel and did 2 resort only days and they were some of my favorite days.. just kind emersed in the Disney vibe, food and service.

 

[Skippyboo]

What ship are you doing? There are a lot of different activities going on. It will all be on the DCL app when you get on board. You can as much or as little as you want. There’s character meet and greets all day. The fab five and chipmunks have different outfits so on Pirate night they will be in their pirate costumes etc. All the times are in the app. There are Broadway shows which are great. Movies in the movie theater and up on the funnel vision. The Dream/Fantasy has mini golf, shuffle board. Aqua Duck water coaster.

Wish/Treasure has Aqua Mouse and indoor sports area where they put an inflatable obstacle course.

You have rotational dining where you rotate through 3 different dining rooms but your waiters and table group comes with you. They will have different menus each time which you can look at in the app.

They have craft activities, trivia, bingo, towels and napkins folding, cooking classes. Drink seminars that are extra that you can book. At 30 days you do your online check in, you can also book Royal Gathering which is a free Princess meet and greet where you get 3-4 Princess to meet.

 

[auntlynne]

This itinerary from Galveston to San Juan on the Magic?

• Disney Castaway Cay
• Nassau, Bahamas
• Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point
• San Juan, Puerto Rico

If so, fun, different, itinerary.

First off, two beach days. Just consider them as that. The water in the Bahamas is beautiful. You will have loungers and umbrellas set up and waiting. Pick up towels as you leave the ship. They will have a 2-hour window for lunch. It’s nothing to write home about, but it’ll do. You’re eating again soon, anyway. It is an opportunity to enjoy the sand, water, and sun. There is a stingray activity CC. Some boating activities. There are no water park activities or pools. Just Pelican Plunge at CC - a set of slides into the water, reached by swimming to the feature. And some snorkeling in a protected area.

Nassau is a port with which cruisers have a love it or leave mentality. A lot of guests do stay onboard. But they have done an overhaul of the port area, so at least a walk around the enclosed portion would be a reason to get off. There are resorts with big water parks; I have twice been to the Atlantis for theirs. Baja Bay is fairly new (requires transportation), as is the smaller one at Margaritaville (walkable). And other options.

The ship seems to offer more activities in Nassau than they did in the past. Check out that day in particular when looking at old Personal Navigators.

The three Sea Days will be able to give you a taste of onboard activities.

There is a lot less walking and standing for anything on a Disney cruise. And less organizing your days. No dining plans to be made.

If you are in the Magic, Rapunzel should come to your table for a visit; later, there is a little show. Animator’s Palate has walls that share a story (musical accompaniment, of course). Triton’s/Lumiere’s is a good night to dress pretty, as it has a more formal, palace setting.

There is lots of character meets - and some seen in the wild.

My lesson from disembarking from San Juan: stay overnight. Nearly any flight you can get will be in the afternoon. You disembark in the morning and then sit around the airport with more people than chairs (it seems). If you leave the following morning, you can get an entire day of sightseeing. Old San Juan is historical and charming. Easy to do on your own. Or go in a tour to El Yunque, the rainforest.

It is like a floating Disney hotel with added activities and port stops. Food is available around the clock (room service is included. Mickey bars in the Main Dining Rooms). No having to budget for food.

The bedding is luxurious.

Whether it’s this itinerary or another, if you enjoy your family, it can be fun.

Hope you enjoy it as I much as I did just writing about it.

 

[auntlynne]

Here are links to Personal Navigators from a Magic cruise in Feb. This cruise had two Sea Days.

Source: Disney Cruise Line Blog.

https://disneycruiselineblog.com/wp...rs-Magic-5N-Western-Day-2-At-Sea-20240222.pdf

https://disneycruiselineblog.com/wp...rs-Magic-5N-Western-Day-2-At-Sea-20240222.pdf

 

[Kit Jackson]

Something that impressed me is that the fab five plus Chip and Dale have so many different outfits. I did a full week and the characters had 5 different outfits/costumes. If your family likes meeting characters, you can meet the characters their different outfits, plus there are also princesses and other characters that do not have special outfits.

There are also tons of trivia contests and other activities some of which are adults only and others that are all ages. If you liked your resort days you would probably like the cruise.

 

[SeanSD]

Disney cruise magic:
Boarding ship and being greeted by a character
Disney decor around the ship (many hidden Mickeys)
Disney decor in rooms
Sail Away party on deck with characters and show
Mickey waffles at breakfast and Mickey bars for dessert
Included soft serve on pool decks
Themed dining in some like Animators Palate
Broadway quality shows
Pirate night dress up and deck show and fireworks
Character meet and greets
Disney trivia, animation classes
Disney movies in stateroom, in movie theater and on pool deck Funnelvision
Disney music in some public areas

I’m probably missing dozens of other touches.

Oh and beach days and pool days, while not rides, are pretty great. The pools have slides, splash pads, and Castaway has water play structure.

And way more relaxing. My step count on cruises maybe 6,000 to 10,000 with a morning gym outing, compared to 20,000 at parks.

 

[Budzooka]

Magic=escaping real world for awhile and getting to be our Disney loving selves. I'm particularly in love with shows and we love character meals.

So your comment was actually helpful because on our last big Disneyland trip we splurged for Disneyland hotel and did 2 resort only days and they were some of my favorite days.. just kind emersed in the Disney vibe, food and service.

Then you’ll most likely love a cruise. There is a ton to keep you busy if that is what you are looking for, but we also love sitting on deck 4 reading listening to the ocean go by. Good mix for everyone.

 

[katyringo]

This itinerary from Galveston to San Juan on the Magic?

• Disney Castaway Cay
• Nassau, Bahamas
• Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point
• San Juan, Puerto Rico

If so, fun, different, itinerary.

First off, two beach days. Just consider them as that. The water in the Bahamas is beautiful. You will have loungers and umbrellas set up and waiting. Pick up towels as you leave the ship. They will have a 2-hour window for lunch. It’s nothing to write home about, but it’ll do. You’re eating again soon, anyway. It is an opportunity to enjoy the sand, water, and sun. There is a stingray activity CC. Some boating activities. There are no water park activities or pools. Just Pelican Plunge at CC - a set of slides into the water, reached by swimming to the feature. And some snorkeling in a protected area.

Nassau is a port with which cruisers have a love it or leave mentality. A lot of guests do stay onboard. But they have done an overhaul of the port area, so at least a walk around the enclosed portion would be a reason to get off. There are resorts with big water parks; I have twice been to the Atlantis for theirs. Baja Bay is fairly new (requires transportation), as is the smaller one at Margaritaville (walkable). And other options.

The ship seems to offer more activities in Nassau than they did in the past. Check out that day in particular when looking at old Personal Navigators.

The three Sea Days will be able to give you a taste of onboard activities.

There is a lot less walking and standing for anything on a Disney cruise. And less organizing your days. No dining plans to be made.

If you are in the Magic, Rapunzel should come to your table for a visit; later, there is a little show. Animator’s Palate has walls that share a story (musical accompaniment, of course). Triton’s/Lumiere’s is a good night to dress pretty, as it has a more formal, palace setting.

There is lots of character meets - and some seen in the wild.

My lesson from disembarking from San Juan: stay overnight. Nearly any flight you can get will be in the afternoon. You disembark in the morning and then sit around the airport with more people than chairs (it seems). If you leave the following morning, you can get an entire day of sightseeing. Old San Juan is historical and charming. Easy to do on your own. Or go in a tour to El Yunque, the rainforest.

It is like a floating Disney hotel with added activities and port stops. Food is available around the clock (room service is included. Mickey bars in the Main Dining Rooms). No having to budget for food.

The bedding is luxurious.

Whether it’s this itinerary or another, if you enjoy your family, it can be fun.

Hope you enjoy it as I much as I did just writing about it.

Yes this is our cruise! We booked wayyy back when it became available and was $2000 cheaper.. sooo we are gonna stick with it!

Thank you for this. I am also nervous about first time cruising and not being able to get activities we want. We don't plan on doing Royal tea or BBB.. I plan to bring dresses (repunzel for sure!) for the girl and do makeup in our room.. but I could change my mind if we are able to book it. My husband and I don't drink so I am unsure about the adult only dinning.

The one thing we/I really want is rainforest room passes and we want to book couples massages and possible separate massages too..

 

[katyringo]

My lesson from disembarking from San Juan: stay overnight. Nearly any flight you can get will be in the afternoon. You disembark in the morning and then sit around the airport with more people than chairs (it seems). If you leave the following morning, you can get an entire day of sightseeing. Old San Juan is historical and charming. Easy to do on your own. Or go in a tour to El Yunque, the rainforest.

We did already book flights home for 1:53 pm that day. Really debated staying overnight, but flying home same day allows me another day off work at home before going back to work. We are flying into Galveston a day early.

 

[sponica]

So my husband is a go-go-go person and he manages to enjoy cruises, he likes that the cruises force him to stop hustling.

I like cruises because they give us the chance to be on vacation together but not spend every waking minute together (we just did a weekend trip and all 4 of us were quite done with each other). Also, my kids don't have to share a bed....which is amazing in keeping family harmony.

I wouldn't worry too much about not being able to get activities when they first open up for bookings, availability shifts over time. People drop activities as they get closer to sailing.

 

[Kit Jackson]

I am also nervous about first time cruising and not being able to get activities we want. We don't plan on doing Royal tea or BBB.. I plan to bring dresses (repunzel for sure!) for the girl and do makeup in our room.. but I could change my mind if we are able to book it. My husband and I don't drink so I am unsure about the adult only dinning.

The one thing we/I really want is rainforest room passes and we want to book couples massages and possible separate massages too..

What activities were you worried about booking aside from the massages?

If you don't drink, you can still do the adult only dinning. I don't drink and I still enjoyed Palo.

 

[auntlynne]

Nice cost savings you got by booking early! If you are going to pick your room, apparently best prices are on initial release.

I think mindset really helps. You must have thought this cruise was a viable option for your family - go with it! And knowing it is not as go go go as a parks trip, but more like a resort stay, you have a better idea of what you are in for.

Flight home - San Juan was established in 1521 and is looking good. If you don’t get to her this time, she will most likely be there if you want to visit in the future.

Plant this in the back of your memory/ take note: Upon entering the San Juan airport, to your right is an AGRICULTURE INSPECTION station (a scanner). All bags must go through this before you check them with the airline.

If you don’t need to get tickets for Royal tea party or BBB, I don’t know of onboard activities that require pre-booking.

Your dinners are set. Unless you really want to try for a dinner or brunch in Palo, you don’t need to do anything but show up at your assigned restaurant for each night. And no need to get to the restaurant early and stand in line! Your table is reserved.

I am a fan of first time cruisers skipping anything that needs more money or deviates from the cruise plan Disney created for their ships. It is easy to just pay for your cruise and spend very little more (because people want a souvenir).

Everyone has an opportunity to go to dinner and the show in the big Walt Disney Theater. When half the guests are dining, the other half are at the show. You don’t have to show tickets or have reservations. Just walk in.

The things that require reservations are the alcohol tastings, Palo brunch, Royal ?tea party (the one with associated fee), Palo dinner, and BBB.

I think you can sign up for the nursery for little ones.

You are going to get in a line to meet characters. They will tell you where the line cuts off for the current character.

Your little princess can dress up anytime she wants. You are not limited to a specified day or time. As for adults, it is fairly much cruise casual at dinner. They put more limits on men in the dining room at dinner: no tank tops, baseball caps, ?flip flops. If you have an optional dress-up night, you will not be the only one in cruise casual if you just pack for a vacation in the Caribbean. The “Formal Night” with the Captain in his dress uniform and a cocktail reception only occurs on cruise 7+ nights.

 

[auntlynne]

The drinking water onboard is very good; neutral is how I describe it. If you like a specific type of cup or bottle, bring it. I am somewhat picky about water and find this to be one of the best. You can get water from the soda station on the pool deck around the clock, in dining rooms, and bottle refill stations on Deck 4 Promenade.

If you are the pre-planning type for menus, go to Disney acruise Line blog and look at menus.

https://disneycruiselineblog.com/menus/#google_vignette

A recent thread discussed which menus get used for a 6-night cruise. Each of the three dining rooms have 2 standard menus. Your cruise May use both menus, covering all 6 nights.

If you may get one standard menu per dining room, plus a Let the Magic Begin, Pirate Menu, and Til We Meet Again. Years into cruising, I never know what the menu plan is until onboard.

 

[RoseColored97]

You're going to love it! We never thought we were cruise people, mostly because of the thought and anxiety of being stuck on a ship in the middle of the ocean and not able to escape haha. We were so pleasantly surprised by our first cruise in April!

We sailed from San Diego on the Wonder and it was incredible. We chose to only do a 3-day to get a sense on if we liked it. Not sure if you're doing interior, ocean view, verandah? We did verandah and loved it, but honestly could have got away with interior because we were barely in the room.

We loved Cabanas and other quick service locations. Quick service food did not disappoint. The restaurants were okay, our servers kind of got focused on the tables near us (3 women were pretty flirty with them, so that is kind of where their attention went especially on the last night lol) so we really didn't have too much interaction. We actually ended up talking more with the head server, who was super nice. Our table was often one of the last to leave because of the food coming out slowly, generally dinner would take 2 hours 15 minutes - 2.5 hours. We had to run up to the top deck because we were only a few minutes before the Pirate Night show started at 10:30pm. We just aren't that big into food that we want to devote that much time to dinner. We may skip the main dining rooms and do quick service for some of the nights on our future cruise (obviously we would let the servers know) but this was the only less than stellar part of the cruise.

Order room service! It's 24 hours and they have delicious items. We wanted to do this so bad but it just didn't end up working, we are going to make a point to do it in December.

We enjoyed all of the shows, those can't be missed. Especially Frozen, never miss Frozen.

We did so much trivia, bingo, a game called Spirits and Spirits (hilarious, we had no idea what it was when we went in but it ended up being a highlight of the trip). There are so many activities for the kids. It wasn't difficult to get a Princess reservation where you get to meet 3-4 of them for no charge and little wait, so if your daughter is into princesses that is great.

Highly recommend getting magnets for the front door. It was so fun to decorate. We ordered a bunch from Etsy (pricey, we spent probably $150 on them but they will get a lot of use for years to come). You can also make them.

Highly recommend bringing an extra $200 for the next cruise you'll want to book as they have placeholders available to book on-board. You'll get 10% off with very few block out dates. I'm pretty sure it's refundable, too.

We are in a landlocked state, don't really do many water activities, and got severely ill on a whale watching tour in Long Beach about 10 years ago (we were all laying in the bottom of the boat about an hour into it, it was bad). We brought everything you could get for seasickness: nausea bands, prescription medication, ginger tablets, over-the-counter medication for nausea, etc. We didn't get ill once on our entire trip and didn't use anything. The boat lightly lulled back and forth at night, causing the door on the wardrobe to go back and forth gently (was amusing to see!) and we were completely fine. You can definitely tell when the boat is moving, even when you can't see outside but it didn't cause illness with us.

You'll have an incredible time! I'm excited for you!

 

[Husker Mike]

Highly recommend bringing an extra $200 for the next cruise you'll want to book as they have placeholders available to book on-board. You'll get 10% off with very few block out dates. I'm pretty sure it's refundable, too.

We are in a landlocked state, don't really do many water activities, and got severely ill on a whale watching tour in Long Beach about 10 years ago (we were all laying in the bottom of the boat about an hour into it, it was bad). We brought everything you could get for seasickness: nausea bands, prescription medication, ginger tablets, over-the-counter medication for nausea, etc. We didn't get ill once on our entire trip and didn't use anything. The boat lightly lulled back and forth at night, causing the door on the wardrobe to go back and forth gently (was amusing to see!) and we were completely fine. You can definitely tell when the boat is moving, even when you can't see outside but it didn't cause illness with us.

You don't need to bring cash for the placeholders. You reserve them now through the DCL app, and it'll charge the $250 deposit to your credit card. It's risk-free (other than letting Disney hold onto your money), because you can cancel it and get a refund if you decide not to take another cruise down the line. You don't even pick the cruise on board...just reserve a placeholder for the discount, and then you can go home and check your schedules for what you'd like to do next.

As for seasickness, some people swear you should start taking meds before you get on board, but then how do you know if you need it? We never needed it on our first cruise, and never really noticed the wave action until after the cruise, walking around Epcot on flat land and not experiencing the waves anymore.