1st Cruise-unable to get activities:(

[sammysmom]

First time cruising in September and was able to go in and pick our activities today. Was unable to get Shutters any day on the cruise for family photos and not able to get the princess meet and greet. Am I out of luck or will I still be able to try to book these when I get on ship?

 

[Barbydoll8]

Yes you should try when you get there and before you leave again. Some things do book really fast from Platinum and Gold cruisers but don't give up. Some book everything and then change their minds later. If you can't book anything online before you get there, once you get on the ship, go to guest services and see if they can get you something you wanted. Have a first, second and third preference just incase.

 

[PaoDCL]

And also, when you mention that you can't get shutters for your family... The photographers are around the ship every day, you don't need tickets for them. If you want any special shot like for formal night, you can look at the daily navigator and see their location and just show up like 5 min before and you will be one of the first ones

 

[jenpink]

I am platinum and had no idea you could book shutters online before the cruise. I guess you learn something new every day.

 

[lorimay]

Is that something new, where you book Shutters in advance? Is it a photoshoot time slot and not just a family pic in Atrium?
I am Platinum and have never seen this before.
We just booked a cruise for Sept. and I saw that option and thought it was just a family shoot type thing.
Now I am curious............

 

[Dug720]

I am platinum and had no idea you could book shutters online before the cruise. I guess you learn something new every day.

I don't think you can. This bit on the DCL website indicates that you book group photography sessions in person once on board:

Shutters – The Onboard Photography Shop
Located on Deck 4, Aft on the Disney Wonder and on Deck 4, Midship on the Disney Fantasy, Shutters is the onboard shop for all your photo needs. Stop in to purchase cameras and equipment, to view pictures our cruise photographers have taken of you, to order photo products, arrange wedding or group photography or to schedule a complimentary session at Shutters Portrait Studio (available on the Disney Fantasy and the Disney Wonder only).

 

[lorimay]

OK, just went and looked, its a 30 minute session, in a portrait studio... interesting.

Dug just posted info above.....^^^^^^^

 

[PaoDCL]

Is that something new, where you book Shutters in advance? Is it a photoshoot time slot and not just a family pic in Atrium?
I am Platinum and have never seen this before.
We just booked a cruise for Sept. and I saw that option and thought it was just a family shoot type thing.
Now I am curious............

I didn't know that either....

 

[Maggie'sMom]

Keep trying for the princess meet and greet. Times may open up before your cruise. Or if you are still unable to book it ahead of time, look in the Navigator you get in the port terminal on embarkation day. It will list a time and place to go for tickets.

As for the Shutters photo shoot, that must be very new. I wouldn't worry about it. Stop into Shutters when you board and ask. I wouldn't be surprised if they'll have times available. But I haven't been overly impressed with their photographers. You can line up and get photos taken in the evenings before dinner.

 

[TrishaK]

For princess meet and greets, keep looking. Our cruise left 6/25, and on 6/22 (the last day to book anything) a TON of time slots appeared. I was able to get the Princess and Frozen sessions with no issue.
As others stated above, there are plenty of opportunities for family photos with a variety of backdrops throughout the cruise. Just show up at the designated times/locations. They're usually in the evening before/after dinner seatings.

 

[lanejudy]

OK, just went and looked, its a 30 minute session, in a portrait studio... interesting.

Dug just posted info above.....^^^^^^^

And I believe that's at an additional charge -- not included with the standard digital packages.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[bbel]

Also, if for some reason Princess tickets don't become available, you will be able to see them at other times throughout the cruise, just not all at once, they'll be listed when and where in the navigator.
However, the only way to have a meet and greet with the frozen characters is through the tickets. Good luck!

 

[Divslp]

I didn't know about the new shutters option either. It was listed as an onboard activity on the Disney Dream too. Looks like they're black and white portraits. Here's the description:

Duration: 30 minutes

Shutters Portrait Studio

Celebrate and remember this time together with one-of-a-kind portraits in a complimentary sitting with our professional photographer. On the Disney Fantasy and Disney Wonder, let our experienced portrait expert create the perfect atmosphere, mood and lighting to bring out your family's unique style and personality. If you like, you can choose to turn one or more of these images into distinctive photo keepsakes so you can cherish these priceless cruise memories for years.

• Sessions last approximately 30 minutes.
• We recommend that larger groups (more than 6 Guests) book 2 consecutive sessions.
• A maximum of 12 Guests can be accommodated in the Studio at one time.
• While many Guests prefer to schedule their shoots for formal evenings, more casual attire is perfectly acceptable.
• Portraits are shot in black and white against a black background.
• There is no sitting fee and no obligation to purchase the images created.
• Images taken during your Shutters Portrait Studio session are not included in any other photography packages

 

[cmwade77]

And I believe that's at an additional charge -- not included with the standard digital packages.

Enjoy your cruise!

That is correct, the session is free, but if you want the photos it is an extra cost.

 

[lorimay]

And I believe that's at an additional charge -- not included with the standard digital packages.

Enjoy your cruise!

Yes of course, Guess if you buy the CD, it could be worth it.

Thank you

 

[lanejudy]

Yes of course, Guess if you buy the CD, it could be worth it.

Thank you

"Worth it" is individual. But it is not included with the CD -- you have to pay an additional price for the photos from the portrait sitting. See Divslp's post above, which states:

• Images taken during your Shutters Portrait Studio session are not included in any other photography packages

I wonder how many guests are going to get tripped up by this, scheduling a studio session online with expectation that it's included with the CD they've prepurchased...

 

[lorimay]

"Worth it" is individual. But it is not included with the CD -- you have to pay an additional price for the photos from the portrait sitting. See Divslp's post above, which states:

• Images taken during your Shutters Portrait Studio session are not included in any other photography packages

I wonder how many guests are going to get tripped up by this, scheduling a studio session online with expectation that it's included with the CD they've prepurchased...

Holy Cow!!! Should have known, lololol.........
Thats a hard pass for this family.

 

[TrishaK]

For our Princess gathering last week, it was Cinderella, Belle, Rapunzel, and Tiana. Tiana was out and about quite frequently throughout the cruise.

The Frozen one was just Anna. We met up with Olaf on Castaway Cay.

 

[Doofenshmirtz513]

First time cruising in September and was able to go in and pick our activities today. Was unable to get Shutters any day on the cruise for family photos and not able to get the princess meet and greet. Am I out of luck or will I still be able to try to book these when I get on ship?

I have been told by the shoreside concierge that only some of the Shutters times are open to book in advance and that the remaining slots become available once onboard. So Shutters in particular may be something you still have a good chance to get if you want it.

 

[apple9117]

Def try to book when you get on ship. From my experience, people cancel and what not, freeing up space.