Cruised in May: No longer a DCL beginner-what I learned from this board!!

[DopeyDisneyDad]

Prior to our May cruise I was a DCL novice, and my last time at WDW was 24 years ago. Having access to information on this board was completely invaluable for my DW, DD(age 3), DS(age 7), and me. We did the 3 night land 4 night cruise package, staying at Port Orleans French Quarter (PQFQ) followed by a cruise on the Disney Wonder.

With that said, I want to share with you actual results from applying the information I learned from this board - what worked and what didn’t work for us. I organized my comments into three sections: 1) Preplanning 2) Land and 3) Sea

Preplanning:

* Plan, Plan, and Plan for WDW/ DCL. This board, The Passporter, The Unofficial Guide, and some of the other sites where fabulous resources, especially Deb’s All Ears Net. This is a site that has a great free download - saved us the cost of the Passporter for DCL ( since we already bought the Passporter for WDW )

* Quality family time was spent before, during and after the trip - it’s the kids’ trip too

* We rented Disney movies before our trip to give the kids exposure to some of the earlier Disney characters - Seven Dwarfs, Peter Pan(original), Rescuers, Chip and Dale, Lady and the Tramp.

* Veranda Man’s post card, on behalf of Mickey Mouse - welcoming the kids, where a delight!!

* For real emergencies it was nice knowing that family could call us onboard the ship, via ship to shore communications, 1 888 322-8732


Land:

* We saved time, money, and tension by not using DCL transfers from airport to hotel - hotel to port.

* Don’t go into the parks without some type of game plan! You will be wasting your time, money and patience.

* The first day of your trip, we made it a relaxing day and saved the “Gotta Do It All Disney Dance” for the following days. Our first day was relaxing: monorail ride, pool, DD via a boat from POFQ, viewing the fireworks and Electric Water Parade from the beaches at the Polynesian

* The weather was great, hot enough to stay in the pool all day if you desired. The park crowds where lite, experienced on average 10 minute wait on most rides - except for AK. AK became very crowed later in the day. We realized how spoiled we had become when we had to wait 20 minutes to se “It’s tough to be a Bug.”


Sea:

* Prepared for and had a truly Magical Cruise!! We stayed in room 2106 - no noise and easy to get to the walk ways exiting the ship. The room had a larger than expected port hole, which allowed for easy viewing, gave the impression the room was larger than it actual is and plenty of sunlight to enter.

* Because we booked the land/sea, and did the land portion first, we where able to walk on the ship. It was good for us to do the land portion first for these reasons: 1) walked right onto the ship using the same rom key used at our Disney hotel room, 2) after 3 days in the park we needed some pampering, 3) it would have been very hard going from not paying for lavish meals to being handed a check every time we wanted to eat at the park, or hotel.

* Plenty of characters onboard for photos and autographs, but can always use more..

* The pillow case idea was a fantastic, unreplaceable, precious survivor that Guest services was prepared to handle.

* Things I brought on the trip and did not use: door over hang, duct tape and night light

* Things I wish I brought on the trip: air freshener

* We had early seating that worked very well for the following reasons: 1) are from the east coast so a 6:00pm dinner is around the time we usually eat, 2) the kids where exhausted by 7:00 - so having them wait until 8:00 to start eating would have been a problem, 3) a 6:00 seating allowed for every night to be a dinner followed by a show.

* I took a gamble on making my Palo reservations and lost; instead of reserving the REAS packages we attempted the Ressie Rush. The package REAS package was pretty expensive considering we only wanted it for the ability to advance register for Palo and the SPA, compared with the ability to register for free once aboard. It was a small lost we really did not miss - there is so much else to do that allowed us to spend time with the kids.

* My DS (7) LOVED the Oceanneers’ club, and even though the counselors allowed my DS to play (keep an eye on) my DD(3) - she hated the club. That is not a commentary on the club, simply her reaction to it....

* We found it was helpful to keep our luggage together by writing the number of bags on each of the DCL tags - X of Y, and placing that luggage outside our state room the night before disembarking. Originally I was opposed to this idea, but later realized it was much better than attempting to cart all the luggage and the kids, to breakfast and then off the ship - a night mare just thinking about it...

* All though the ship was full ( 2000+ guest ) in never felt crowded excepted for the day at sea!!

* We did not experience an abundance of people reserving chairs and hammocks. In fact, I noticed on Castaway, near the end of the family beach, four hammocks remained unused a majority of the day.

 

[DisneyBill]

Great report, glad to read your family had a super time! Now, you just need to start planning your return trip(s).

 

[sweetpea3470]

thanks for the report...one question...the emergency # you gave is that only for the wonder or magic too?thanks for any info.

 

[avgeek]

Not to ask a stupid question, but what was the pillowcase you mentioned?
thanx
-D

 

[Greysword]

You did 3-days land? Was the last day the same one you were due on the ship? If so, were you able to visit the parks at all that day?

Thanks for the post!!

 

[mkbowlkw]

Thanks for the info! It is helpful. We will be going on July 29 (same land/sea package) with our 2 DS' ages 4 and 7. We are looking forwrd to it.

 

[TheWog]

avgeek - if you bring a pillowcase to GS they will have all the characters sign it and return it to you for your children. There is a thread on here all about it and what you should bring (i.e. different color markers, white vs. colored pillowcase, etc) Its a great keepsake.

My DS7 got one at Goofy's Giggle Gala that he got to color with Goofy and still used today.

 

[Suzanne033]

Thank you so much for your information. It was very well put together.

 

[Zandy595]

We found it was helpful to keep our luggage together by writing the number of bags on each of the DCL tags - X of Y, and placing that luggage outside our state room the night before disembarking. Originally I was opposed to this idea, but later realized it was much better than attempting to cart all the luggage and the kids, to breakfast and then off the ship - a night mare just thinking about it...

Not sure what you meant by this. You mean if you had three bags you'd write 1 of 3, 2 of 3, and 3 of 3 on the tags? Is this for you, so you don't forget a bag?

 

[Luv2Dream]

I believe I've read that on the Magic they have stopped taking the pillowcases for signing. Just in case anyone is planning on going on the Magic.

 

[Skuba2]

I found that the dryer sheets like Downy work great as air freshners. Maybe a little strong at first.

DG

 

[mmouse37]

Yes, the Magic has stopped taking pillowcases or other items at Guest Service for character signatures....

Glad you had a great time....the good thing about the land/sea package is that the land portion is always done first....this is great for two reasons...one, you never have to worry about missing the ship due to flight delays and the second, in my opinion, is after all the rushing around WDW...it is a slice of heaven to cruise on the Wonder!!!

MJ

 

[Hygiene99]

DopeyDisneyDad


Now that u have been on the Cruise Once .....

How do u feel about the Package ???? You used and would you use it for Future travel.. What would u book Differently ??

And How do u feel about the overall Value of the Package u purchased...


Do u feel the package u purchased included things that u did not use , for example, Park passes for the Day u boarded the ship???? How was the overall price ??

We love POFQ , And u had a Cat 9 room...

next time try the cat 10 on deck 5 here is a link to them ..
u get a porthole for the price of an inside room... saving u about $300.00 maybe a little more with the kids., they book fast..
here is the link.. www.disneycruiser.com And look under staterooms for Secret porthole .. and they are on deck 5 not deck 2....

And Glad u had a good trip.....

MY overall OPinion is that the package is ok for the first time cruiser who Does not know the system.. after that u are own your own.. Comments, Suggestion ????



thanks Peter

 

[DopeyDisneyDad]

Thanks for the wonderful inquires, tips and responses. Here is some feedback...

* The emergency number I know works for the Wonder, and I believe it will also work for the Magic. When you phone the number in prompts you for the ship you desire to communicate; be prepared the cost is very very pricey and requires a credit card - strictly for emergencies....

* I can’t express how precious the pillow case is, all the characters signed it. I left a white inexpensive pillow case with Guest Services, providing colorful Sharpie pens that I purchased from Target, along with the names of my two children. Mickey addressed each pillow case with their names, followed by all the characters signature in an oval design around Mickey’s signature!! I understand some of the comments indicate the Magic no longer provides this opportunity - I am so glad we had a chance to make this happen for my kids.

* We where able to visit the park on our departure day. In fact, I arranged for a character breakfast at Cinderella’s castle - absolutely precious to see my daughter’s reaction and my son attempting to be disinterested with the Princess characters...

* Numbering the bag tags assisted the porters and the room host to ensure the correct number of bags where present and remained together. It also helped us when we where in the mist retrieving bags, clearing Immigration, clearing Customs and finding our car. I have learned the more things I can put on automatic pilot the better I am for it.....

* Regarding cruise value, yes it is expensive - but you get so much Disney magic from the very beginning to the very end. If my interest was limited only to a cruise there are other value options. With that said, I did not feel I was gouged because there are no other Disney cruising options. It is a good cruise that attracts good people, and that will require some type of premium - but I did not feel it was excessive only expensive.

* Regarding the package including things I did not use - I must admit, without the information provided on this board I would not have known my Park Hopper Pass was valid the day of my departure; therefore essentially giving my family 3.5 days of park access. Admittedly, my wife and I have joked, for us, this is one vacation where a vast majority of expenses were already paid in advance - not leaving us to face heavy accommodation or meal bills when we returned home.

There is one thing I would do differently. Because we flew into WDW the day our package started we essentially lost a half day of touring, which we purchased; even a causal day a WDW can be exhausting which is why I opted to take a relaxed approach that initial day. Unfortunately the cost associated with that is not fully exercising the Park Hopper Pass for that initial day. As a result, in the future I will fly in the night before and possibly stay off site or negotiate an additional day at the Disney Hotel.


I hope this information helps, thanks for letting me share - I have received so much from this board it is good to return the favor.......

 

[TheWog]

thanks triple D, glad you had a great time.

 

[EmmasGrammy]

Thanks you so much for taking the time to share your experiences and answering the questions posed.

We are doing the same land/sea package in 2 weeks and your information is so helpful!! We are taking along our 3 yr old DGD and plan to go at her pace rather than the rushing around to "do it all" as we usually do on our WDW trips.

If I may , I do have a few questions also. Did you folks plan "breaks" in the afternoon into your touring plans during the land portion? You stated on the last land day (the day you boarded the ship) you visited a park. Was that a visit to the Animal Kingdom? And did you have the DCL bus pick you up there? We have heard this is an option. One last question, what time did you arrive at the port to board? Did you feel you arrived early enough?

Thanks in advance for your answers. I'm so excited I am about to BURST!!!

 

[Hygiene99]

DopeyDisneyDad..


Thank u for your anwsers.. and we are glad to see that u knew what came with your package and enjoyed every minute of it...

Sounds like u did your Home work .. Before u vacationed...

And made the most of your trip...

Any others on the horizon ??

Did u use Disney transportation ???

How was that if u Did??

And I Love to see that U Enjoyed the Disney MAGIC provided...

and how was the new remodeled French Quarter ??

We are going in 8 day to the world to get our fix..
and we got a great rate because we have an annual pass of
$75.00 per night ..... So we will get to Experience Some MAGIC Also... Hope u left some For us.... Peter

 

[DopeyDisneyDad]

EmmasGrammy -

We planned our breaks around lunch, we took extended lunches allowing the kids to recharge their batteries. We spent one lunch at Tony’s Restaurant located in MK near the Main Street Train Station. A lovely place with a great view of Disney characters signing autographs in the square; Tony’s was surprisingly not that expensive for the elegance it presents - after all it is where Lady and the Tramp shared their kiss. We ate outside under the shade of their veranda.

We found a key to enjoying the parks was arriving early - the kids are accustom to early rising (7:00am) and it is the peak of their energy level. Additionally, the crowds where not as heavy first thing in the morning.

On our departure day we went to MK and had breakfast with Cinderella. Because we did not use the DCL transport from the hotel to the port we where in control of our schedule. We boarded the Wonder at 1:00pm which was early enough to explore the ship - but to late for Palo reservations, had a nice set down lunch at Parrot Cay ( where the all you can eat shrimp are located ) and visit our state room prior to the Bon Voyage party.

- Your time is very near, I know exactly how you are feeling!!

Peter -

We did not use the DCL transportation, we wanted to remain flexible and control our schedule as much as possible. Also, I believe some comparison shopping indicated for less or the same price as the DCL transportation we could hire our own car and driver - no brainier there...

I see you are aware the FQ has been recently remodeled, completed March of this year after nearly a year of closure to perform this effort; this is the primary reason I changed my hotel from the Carribean Beach to the FQ - and yes it was well worth it. The remodel gave the FQ a sense of being new - new furniture, carpeting, paint and beds. That does not happen often so enjoy the Disney magic, don’t forget to take the boat to DD; just another bit of pixie dust...


Can’t wait till we go again.........

 

[DopeyDisneyDad]

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[LuvindisCruiser]

Wow, sounds like such a great time you had !! We are going to be doing the same thing in May 2005. Did you go at the beginning of May? I'm concerned about lots of kids being there on "end of year field trips" did that seem like a problem to you? What restaurant did your kids like the best ? Ours kids will be 5.5 when we go, and I'm trying to figure out what night to do Palo's. Any helpful info. with 5.5 yr. olds (boy and girl). I will definately do the pillow case thing!!!!!
Thanks for a great trip report !!