1st time cruiser - Disney Dream - Questions?

[blakeas]

Ok - so the family is going on a 5 day/4 night cruise departing from Cape Canaveral going to the Bahamas. I have a 9 year old daughter and 6 year old daughter. We signed up for activities in each port and signed up for a few activities (bippiti boppity boo, etc). They sold out real fast. What about the other activities? I hear there a lot of free activities that the kids can do? I don't see a way to sign up for them online? is there a trick?

Also, would like some advice on what to pack for us and the kids? I hear something about decorating the stateroom door? suggestions on what we should bring overall would help!

thanks in advance!

 

[Quellman]

Hi welcome! Now take a breath. It sounds like you've already got a handle on things. If you have already signed up for the kids club, booked your activities/excursions, and the Bippity Boutique, you are doing great. There are lots of events throughout each day which are just come and participate events, no signing up. This includes things like family game shows, cooking demonstrations, and the Mickey 200.

There are lots of threads on what to pack. So I'm sure you'll find some useful ones based on the time of year you are sailing. Most people bring 1-2 bathing suits, shorts, t-shirts and coverups, water shoes or sandals/flip flops, a pair of sneakers, a pair of jeans, and maybe a light sweater or pull over if you tend to get cold in air conditioned environments.

There are lots of threads over in the DISigner boards of people who will make names, logos, etc that you can then print, laminate, and then slap a magnet on the back of. Other people go with a theme, and decorating a door is strictly optional, not at all required. Don't feel like making anything? Try etsy or other online creative shops.

Happy cruising

 

[imahistorygeek]

You'll usually see all the activities in Personal Navigators. In most cases, it's just a show up when it's time kind of thing. You can get a good idea of what's happening on your cruise (for the most part) by searching for Personal Navigators with the same cruise itinerary.

 

[blakeas]

Thanks! We are going in a couple of weeks. Seems like we are going to be in beachwear most of the time. guess I am going to a craft store and get some magnet stuff! How do I sign up for the clubs for the kids?

 

[Cackyschmackers]

Biggest piece of advice , go to disneycruiselineblog.com and find your exact itinerary and check out the Personal Navigators! They will be printed and given to you each day of your cruise. It is here that you can get a feel for all the activities I believe you are referring to . Lots of good advice on these forums, too. Have the best time !

 

[blakeas]

thanks! went over and found a couple of navigators specific to my cruise. Still curious on how to sign up for the kids clubs? on my disneycruise.com under my reservation I didn't see an option to sign up or the clubs. Under registration I registered my daughters however - it did mention that you have to be registered to to be eligible for the club. So I did that but how do I sign up to get into the club? does the oceaneers club have different times for different activities there? the navigator I looked at just showed the overall times it was open

 

[Sytrace]

You can go to the Kids club sign in desk in the terminal at the Port while you wait to board, or once on board go to the specific club in order to get their bands (it looks like a magic band but it does not do the same thing as the bands at the park)

They will be expecting them because you have registered them online ahead of time.

 

[wherespluto]

You can register for the kids club online when you do online check in. Then at the port (we usually do this, but you can do it on the boat), you go through the kids club line to get their bands and finish the registration. The band is used to check them in and out of the kids club. The kids club will have different activities going on all day long. You dont need to sign up for them, just be there.

Have fun and dont worry.

 

[Dug720]

Actually I think the biggest piece of advice is RELAX and KNOW THAT YOU CANNOT DO IT ALL.

It's all about prioritizing what you want to do while recognizing that there will be conflicts and not enough time. Especially when adding things in like Bibbity Bobbity Boutique, excursions and the like. Yes use the navigators you can find on DCL Blog to see what is there, but just know that there is far more offered than can ever be done.

 

[lanejudy]

thanks! went over and found a couple of navigators specific to my cruise. Still curious on how to sign up for the kids clubs? on my disneycruise.com under my reservation I didn't see an option to sign up or the clubs. Under registration I registered my daughters however - it did mention that you have to be registered to to be eligible for the club. So I did that but how do I sign up to get into the club? does the oceaneers club have different times for different activities there? the navigator I looked at just showed the overall times it was open

It sounds like you have already done the registration, and that's all you need to do at this point. Either at the terminal or once onboard, you'll get wristbands for the kids.

The Navigator should have a grid with various activities for various locations/ages, including the Oceaneers Club/Lab. It should look like this:

The kids can just show up for any activities listed in the Club/Lab. If it's noted as "Open House" then a parent will need to accompany them, otherwise it's a drop-off program. In general, the Club/Lab are usually open 9am - 11pm, sometimes longer hours.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[blakeas]

so how much cash do we need to have onboard? just a general amount. I am guessing we have to do a lot of tipping?

 

[richkaryn]

so how much cash do we need to have onboard? just a general amount. I am guessing we have to do a lot of tipping?

Tips for servers and room host/hostess will be automatically charged to your shipboard account. Cash for tips would be needed if you order room service.

 

[DizneyNutz]

so how much cash do we need to have onboard? just a general amount. I am guessing we have to do a lot of tipping?

Actually very little cash is used onboard. Everything is swiped to your room keycard. Be aware if ordering drinks either through CMs or at any of the onboard bars there is a 15% gratuity already placed on the total purchase amount.

 

[Anchors Away 2016]

You'll want cash for various tips. Room service on board (most of the food is free in Room Service, but it is still customary to give a tip). Also tips for the excursion guides for the Port tours you are doing. But all the charges on the ship will be done with your Key To the World card (which is also your room key) so you wont need cash for most things.

Decorating the stateroom door is a fun opportunity. Metal doors. My wife bought magnet pages and got paste from Guest Services and kept putting up pictures or ticket stubs or other memories from our trip as it was happening. Like a living scrap book. Then she took a picture at the end and brought it all home for the scrap book.