1st time DCL adventure

[DLM1980]

So February is usually our Vegas vacation, but since the hotel that I usually visit for the past 10 years started collecting resort fees for stuff I've never and will never use and refuses to waive them even if it meant losing a long term customer we are abandoning Vegas and I told my partner, who has been begging to do a cruise, that I want my first cruise to be a Disney Cruise. So he booked through Dreams Unlimited (although he says never again will he use them, but thats a story for a different day), he booked us on a 5 night Western Caribbean from Miami on Feb 12th on the Wonder.

I've been to Disney World plenty of times that I know its book this and plan that, fastness this and ADR that. What do I need to do, plan, see etc? Is this a "wing it" type of thing do I need to start researching things? Planing days? making reservations? I'm clueless here.

 

[Club Disney Chandler]

So February is usually our Vegas vacation, but since the hotel that I usually visit for the past 10 years started collecting resort fees for stuff I've never and will never use and refuses to waive them even if it meant losing a long term customer we are abandoning Vegas and I told my partner, who has been begging to do a cruise, that I want my first cruise to be a Disney Cruise. So he booked through Dreams Unlimited (although he says never again will he use them, but thats a story for a different day), he booked us on a 5 night Western Caribbean from Miami on Feb 12th on the Wonder.

I've been to Disney World plenty of times that I know its book this and plan that, fastness this and ADR that. What do I need to do, plan, see etc? Is this a "wing it" type of thing do I need to start researching things? Planing days? making reservations? I'm clueless here.

Congrats on your first cruise. My take on cruising is the polar opposite of WDW/DL, my preference is to relax and go with the flow on the ship. The only thing we book/research ahead of time is shore excursions.

If you want to have a nice adult brunch or dinner with your partner at Palo, then you'll have to book that ahead of time. You can also book spa time ahead if you desire that, but I've never had a problem getting a spa appt once I get on the ship. Just my $.02

 

[ajo]

This thread about what to do and what not to do should give you some good ideas. http://www.disboards.com/threads/what-i-would-do-not-do-next-cruise.2414407/

 

[sdjen]

I would suggest researching what you would like to do on your port days. Look at the excursions offered by DCL to see if anything appeals. I would bet that some are already sold out for your dates so you might need to be flexible. You can always do them on your own if you are comfortable.

Also, as stated above, you really only need to plan spa and Palo brunch/dinner now if you want to take a chance they will not have availability when you board. Cruising is pretty relaxing but prepare to be addicted!