Cruise GROOM here.. (Go figure)

[bdps2011]

OK.. Disney GROOM here, and I'm actually the one with more time, so I am doing some more research.

DF and I just booked our DCL wedding ceremony for 9/10/11 on Castaway Cay! We're SUPER excited about it. It will be on the Dream, which will still have that "new ship smell" and we are planning on having maybe 60 people there. Yes we know that's a lot for a cruise wedding, but big family on her side!

SO I have a few requests from you ladies (seems to be the overwhelming majority here).

1) Any tips or suggestions for the bride on the cruise? What did you regret doing or not doing? What would you have done different? Or didn't know you COULD do?

2) I've seen a lot of your photographs here, and they are all amazing! I hear a lot of people talking about being a Disney Bride gets you access to the park early to take pictures etc.. How does one get that accomplished? Obviously it has to be a Disney photo package. Where do I arrange this? Any recommendations? and Cost?

3) Does anyone know if Disney will pick you up at the port and whisk you back to one of the hotels, or are you on your own?

Thanks for your answers in advance!

 

[Belle2Be]

I don't know any of your answers, but wanted to say Welcome!!!

 

[girli565]

Welcome! There is a DCL weddings thread on this board that you may want to look through.

 

[girli565]

Here's the link http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1766164 hope it helps!

 

[ColeV]

I wasn't a DCL bride, but I've been on board quite a few times, so I'll see what I can help with.

1) Any tips or suggestions for the bride on the cruise? What did you regret doing or not doing? What would you have done different? Or didn't know you COULD do?

Palo's (or Remy's on Dream). It allows the two of you to have dinner without table mates, and it's very romantic and "fancy". They're both a bit extra, but definitely worth it.

2) I've seen a lot of your photographs here, and they are all amazing! I hear a lot of people talking about being a Disney Bride gets you access to the park early to take pictures etc.. How does one get that accomplished? Obviously it has to be a Disney photo package. Where do I arrange this? Any recommendations? and Cost?

I don't know how it works for Cruise packages, but I'm pretty sure you should be able to add a in-park shoot if you're willing to pay more.

3) Does anyone know if Disney will pick you up at the port and whisk you back to one of the hotels, or are you on your own?

Yes, yes they do! In fact, with the cruise they usually organize both pick-up and drop off from either the airport or Disney hotels. They'll also help with your large luggage as well picking it up at the airport for you or from your room the night before. At the end of the cruise, they take your large baggage the night before and it's in the terminal when you disembark so there's not a mass exodus of people AND bags. From there, you'll have a ticket for a bus that takes you to airport or hotel. There will be a TON of info coming in a cruise packet a few months from now.

 

[stl_figment]

Hey - I am getting married one week after you at Castaway Cay. This is what I've found out.

Per another comment, I believe dinner at Palo should be included for the two of you with the wedding package.

I just got the email on the photo package yesterday... The park photo packages work the same as any other Disney wedding package. It costs $1100 for MK, $1400 for MK and another park, or $650 for another park.

I've never cruised with Disney before, but it looks like you can pay for transportation to/from the cruise port, but renting a car may be a cheaper alternative.

In terms of tips of what a bride should do, I'm not sure I can answer yet as I haven't gotten married, but I think it all depends on the girl. I automatically think of spa treatments/massage on a cruise as being something special... But I'm sure she would be happy no matter what.

 

[kjg5]

We're also having a Castaway Cay wedding, but it isn't until May and I've never been on a disney cruise before. I answered your questions as best I could in the DCL wedding thread. Between that thread and the DCL forum, I've found lots of information. The people on here are amazing- you came to the right place!! Welcome to the boards!