1st timer ?'s - Docs

[mshuck]

Since it is our first cruise I keep reading about docs. What are they and when do we get them? My DH, DS, DGD, and I will be leaving May 20, 2004. We are in stateroom 2573, catagory 10. Has anyone stayed there? If so is there a pull down bunk or will my DS and DGD have to share the sleeper sofa? I am so excited I can't think of anything else! My DH is already tired of hearing about all the info I have read on this forum. IT's GREAT!

 

[tkd lisa]

Congratulations on your first cruise.

First of all, you will get your documents about 60 days prior to sailing. Depending on how you booked, they'll either be fed-exed directly to you or your travel agent. (AAA made us pick them up at their office, DCL and dreams unlimited send them directly to you).

As far as 2573, we're in that room on the 12/18/04 Christmas cruise, so I'll look forward to hearing how you liked it. Since there are 4 of us, I can guarantee that room has a pull down bunk. No sharing required.

Enjoy!

 

[crisi]

I'll disagree about 60 days, as you may not get them then and you'll drive yourself (and your travel agent) crazy if you don't. I'd heard four weeks and was worried when we didn't have them at three - called Dreams and they said "you are way to far out to worry, yet, you'll probably get them in the next week.

We got ours between two and three weeks before our cruise - which I think is more normal. If you don't see them two weeks before your cruise, call.

Your "docs" will be a rather large little booklet (about three inches tall, six inches long and half an inch thick - but don't panic - cardboard pages make it not too long) - one for each person. There will be several pages for you to fill out before you reach the terminal to keep the line moving smoothly - your credit card information, your personal information - a contract to sign. Plus the text of the contract (Disney is not liable if you jump off the ship or get ill or for weather, etc). A lot of info on things like tipping. A booklet that gives you some of the stuff you need to know (what to put in a day bag, what not to bring on the ship, dining options and how you'll discover your rotation - all the stuff you'll have probably learned here already). Another booklet about room gifts (want flowers in your room, Disney will deliver them).

 

[christinou]

We stayed in that room on our Febuary 21 cruise, and really enjoyed it, there is a pull down bunk (all staterooms that sleep 4 have one of them), it is a very convenient location, very close to the mid ship elevator and stairs, and easy to use the stairs up to deck 3, 4, or 5.
Let me know if you have any specific questions. We were on the Magic, and Efrin was our host, he was great.....

 

[mshuck]

Was 2573 noisy? It is not on the list but I was just wondering.
Also my DS is worried about letting his DD who is 5 go to Oceaneers without one of us with her. How can I may him feel it is safe? Are the employees throughly checked with criminal background checks, etc? I know this sounds overly protective but this is not a safe world. Thanks for your help!

 

[christinou]

THe room was not noisy at all, it is an adjoining room, and we never heard our neighbors. I am not sure what to tell you about the club, both of my kids have participated, and enjoyed it, I have always felt that it is very safe, and have never heard of kids having problems, all of the kids are in very large open room, with other kids and counselors.

 

[DisneyTish]

We are sailing 4/15/04 and received our docs Friday which was about 40 days out. Was pleasantly surprised, didn't expect them so soon.

 

[DVC4US]

mshuck,

My youngest DD was 4 the first time she used the Oceaneers Club and she really enjoyed it. I can not say for sure, but my guess is that especially with Disney all of the counselors are throughly checked. The clubs are very open, but secure. At that age an adult (or member of your party over 13 if you choose) will have to check her in and check her out. To check her out you will have to give a password that you selected when you signed her up for the club. Also, you are free to check on her at any time. They will also assign you a pager so that they can contact you should she need you. We have used the club, lab, and teen club for 2 past cruises and have been very happy with all of them. We have also felt that the clubs were a safe and secure atmosphere.

LeiLani

 

[mshuck]

Thanks Leilani!
I know she will have a great time at the Oceaneers. You have put my mind to rest.
Marilyn

 

[tkd lisa]

Sorry, brain dead here. It can't be 60 days on average, cause you don't get them til you pay in full (hitting myself in the forehead!). It's been so long since we booked at a normal time out that I was getting the due date confused with the doc date!

As far as the clubs, my kids were in the lab cause they were a bit older, but I was comfortable with the staff. I'm sure if there were ever an issue, it would be all over the news, and Disney certainly wouldn't want that! So I'm pretty confident they screen carefully. They also don't let the counselors be in any compromising positions with the kids (which is why 3 year olds have to be completely potty trained, as the counselor's can't help them).