Change from late to main seating?

[sjedelen]

We booked a Western Cruise for this October and are very excited. The only minor problem is that we didnt get Main Seating but got the later seating. We have a 2 year old that may not do well eating that late. How hard is it to change when we get on board. We are already on the waitlist to change now. Thanks.

 

[mcnuss]

Remember that late seating gives you the advantage of the early show, which for a two year old is a "don't miss". There are lots of places you can feed him/her earlier (room service, Topsiders, Plutos), but just the one opportunity for the shows.

 

[DANDD]

We cruised last April on the Magic with our 3 year old ds. We had late seating and were waitlisted as well. We were not able to change to early seating - even though I tried while we were on board. Late seating wasn't so bad - we'd order room service around 5:30 or so. That was enough to tie him over til dinner. We also found that going to the early show was nice - as well as accessibility to the characters while the main seating was eating. We hardly had to wait in lines and got to meet many characters! Our ds just loved meeting the characters! We also found that the pools cleared out later in the afternoon (while the early diners were getting ready for dinner) and it was nice to go swimming then! Anyway, hope you enjoy your cruise! We loved it so much that we are booked again for April 2003!

 

[TxJasmine]

We are on the 9/14 Magic cruise, and were also waitlisted for main seating. DH called DCL every week. A few days ago he called and was told to wait a minute. The agent came back and said okay, it's done. We're confirmed for main. I think that you have to catch them at a time when someone has just canceled, or changed reservations. We have a 5 and 7 year old and main seating has worked out great for us in the past. I can't imagine having late seating with little kids. Good luck and keep trying!

 

[Woobie]

We recently returned form a 4 day, and were waitlisted for the main seating. We have a 3.5 YO DS and a 1.5 YO DS, so I REALLY preferred the main seating. Upon check-in at the port, DH was able to get us confirmed for the main seating (the ship was at near capacity, too). The way I looked at it, I preferred DS's to miss the shows than dinner. Next time we go, however, I may consider keeping the later seating. DS's were always napping late, causing us to wake them to get ready for dinner. They ended up going to bed really late, and didn't eat much, anyway. Maybe next time we'll do Pinnochio's or Pluto's, then try eating in the dining room. Also, as many have said before, the late seating will allow you more time w/shore excursions, and less time rushing for dinner.

Woobie

 

[mcnuss]

Another tip I have been given for those wanting to change is to call 59 days before your cruise. That way, all those who decided to cancel are cleared out of the system and you may get your opportunity.