75 days out and I got (almost) everything I wanted??

[YawningDodo]

Sharing my excitement here --!

As a first time cruiser and someone all too familiar with the limitations of late booking, I had resigned myself to probably not getting either of the Heroic Encounter meet and greets during MDAS, and I had created a prioritized shore adventure list six excursions long. But then as I went down my list I just...got (nearly) everything. I had my pick of times for both Heroic Encounters, and I got my first choice excursion in Cozumel. The only thing I didn't get was Palo brunch on the non-Marvel day at sea. There are times available during MDAS, but I can't imagine spending two hours at brunch when there's superhero stuff going on -- I'd be too antsy about what I was missing to enjoy it.

So, to make this thread more than just a hearty huzzah (possibly a hearty huzzah thanks to being a solo cruiser? One wonders if I'm filling a few odd leftover slots), a couple of questions.

1. I have Groot booked at 3:00 and the New York encounter at 3:45. Is that reasonable?
2. How likely am I to be able to book a Palo dinner after I board the ship? I wouldn't want to do it during Pirate Night or MDAS, so that's two of the five nights already scratched out...I'm eying the second night of the cruise (the first day at sea), but I'd hate to miss out on an MDR if my rotation shakes out to have that night be my only non-repeating one. How much of a must-do is Palo, anyway? Is it better to just go all-MDR on your first cruise?

 

[Carrie in AZ]

We just sailed on a Marvel cruise out of NYC on 10/14. For Groot, we literally walked into the room, posed with Groot for a couple pics, and that was it. It took maybe three minutes and we were on our way.

I think you will be able to book Palo once on board. We wanted brunch and could not book it beforehand. No problems booking once we were on the ship. I personally think you should try it. That way you will know if you like it and won’t have to keep wondering. This was our third Disney cruise but first time at Palo. I am glad I got to try it.

Have fun!

 

[YawningDodo]

We just sailed on a Marvel cruise out of NYC on 10/14. For Groot, we literally walked into the room, posed with Groot for a couple pics, and that was it. It took maybe three minutes and we were on our way.

I think you will be able to book Palo once on board. We wanted brunch and could not book it beforehand. No problems booking once we were on the ship. I personally think you should try it. That way you will know if you like it and won’t have to keep wondering. This was our third Disney cruise but first time at Palo. I am glad I got to try it.

Have fun!

I was figuring the meets themselves wouldn't take all that long. Did you have to wait in a line for Groot, or did you get right in at your scheduled time?

Think I may wait on Palo...I dunno. I'd like to try it, but I really wanted to do brunch so I'd still be eating in the MDR each night. I suppose I could book it for the second night now and change it later, but I think maybe I'll just wait and see if I can book brunch when I get onboard, or if my dining rotation gives me a good opening for it.

 

[dcassetta]

The timing for your encounters will be just fine. With the ticketed events they really are pretty organized and the line moves quickly. Plus, Disney would not of allowed you to book those two times if they thought they conflicted.

When you first check in you're going to get the navigator With the the information for the first day the cruise. On the front page it will list the location to go and check on dining reservations for Palo.

 

[Carrie in AZ]

Personally, I would try to schedule brunch vs. dinner. If you schedule dinner, maybe do it for a night later in the cruise so that you get through your dining rotation and can decide if you like the MDRs enough not to miss one again for Palo.