DCL Changes

[PrincessShmoo]

Oh, I wouldn't have any idea who any of those are. I guess it won't be worth my time to go to it next time.

I believe I've read on a few Navigators that the character breakfast isn't described as being with Disney Jr. characters - I think those breakfasts may have the "regular" Disney characters. And Mickey shows up at both.

Just check the Navigator you get at check in to see what format they will be using.

Oh, and they are usually only on those cruises that are 7 nights and longer.

 

[jtba]

Regarding the tickets for Meet and Greets. This also includes the character breakfast on the Wonder. I have to say, that was the worst experience of my Alaska Cruise. The Wonder doesn't have as many passengers, and it was only about 3/4 full. That being said, I was in line for at least an hour and a half to get tickets to the character breakfast. As well as Disney does lines, this was HORRIBLE. Of course, it was right when we boarded, so no cell phone but also no wave phones. My family couldn't understand where I was, as I had just said "running to get the breakfast tickets." We could not believe it took so long, and that was such a waste of the afternoon. I guess you could risk what was left over by going later. In the end, I was glad I got them, but that process needs to change. It should be added to things you can sign up for before the cruise.

that's interesting you were in line for so long. when was your sailing? we were on the Wonder for our Alaskan cruise this past July and I got in line for the tickets as well as soon as we boarded. it took us about 20 minutes, which i thought was well worth the wait, as we got to see a bunch of characters at three or four different events with very short lines later in the cruise. the character breakfast felt somewhat rushed, yes, but again we got photos with the characters and we got to eat while we waited for them to come by our table. it sure beats standing in line for hours to get autographs at the theme parks!

 

[jtba]

I believe I've read on a few Navigators that the character breakfast isn't described as being with Disney Jr. characters - I think those breakfasts may have the "regular" Disney characters. And Mickey shows up at both.

Just check the Navigator you get at check in to see what format they will be using.

we got pluto, minnie, goofy, and mickey. no sign of donald though!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

we got pluto, minnie, goofy, and mickey. no sign of donald though!

We've only done the "old" character breakfast (where we were assigned a specific day/time) and had Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Goofy, Chip & Dale. Been at least 5 times.

 

[mareed]

Yes, the character breakfast has changed. Time was that everyone was assigned to a specific seating (based on their dinner rotation) in Parrot Cay for the character breakfast. Recently, not a lot of people were showing up for those meals. DCL changed the breakfast to a ticketed (free) event. You pick up tickets for it once onboard. There's really no reason to stand in a giant line for it. The dining room is fairly large, just stop by later in the afternoon (after all the other people have stood in a giant line) and see if there are still tickets left.

Another change - most of the character breakfasts are now Disney Jr. characters, not the Fab 5 (or 6).

I was really looking forward to the character breakfast with the Fab 5 on the Wonder in November & to be able to select my date with the ticket, but skipped it since it was Disney Jr. characters.

 

[GatorMomInNC]

I was really looking forward to the character breakfast with the Fab 5 on the Wonder in November & to be able to select my date with the ticket, but skipped it since it was Disney Jr. characters.

Are you sure these aren't 2 different things? I seem to recall they have some sort of Disney jr thing every morning, but character breakfasts are less frequent and less visible but always with the fab 5. I could be wrong though, we haven't done either in a long time since my kids are getting older.

 

[diznymom]

No more smoking on your verandah
No more "Over the Door" organizers or anything (scratches the paint and compromises the integrity of the water tightness)
More character meet-n-greets - some require tickets
Spa - automatic 18% gratuity on everything they sell (including products)
The Pools and Hot Tubs are closing earlier

That's all I can think of right now.

 

[Saamh]

No more smoking on your verandah

I remember this being controversial when the change was put in place but plenty of notice was given.

 

[mevans9066]

We were on the Wonder Nov 2015 and the character breakfast was a free but ticketed event in animators palate and was Sofia 1st, Jake from the Never land pirates, Doc Mcstuffins and Mickey!

 

[Hundredacre]

Yes, the character breakfast has changed. Time was that everyone was assigned to a specific seating (based on their dinner rotation) in Parrot Cay for the character breakfast. Recently, not a lot of

Oh, I wouldn't have any idea who any of those are. I guess it won't be worth my time to go to it next time.

were showing up for those meals. DCL changed the breakfast to a ticketed (free) event. You pick up tickets for it once onboard. There's really no reason to stand in a giant line for it. The dining room is fairly large, just stop by later in the afternoon (after all the other people have stood in a giant line) and see if there are still tickets left.

Another change - most of the character breakfasts are now Disney Jr. characters, not the Fab 5 (or 6).

We had sophia, doc mcstuffins and jake. In the end mickey also popped through thank goodness because my kids are not fans of the other three. Personally I would skip this breakfast. We found the characters really rushed through more than at wdw or dl and the waiters were over it. Many people left after one or two characters.

 

[ironwill1979]

that's interesting you were in line for so long. when was your sailing? we were on the Wonder for our Alaskan cruise this past July and I got in line for the tickets as well as soon as we boarded. it took us about 20 minutes...

Since the tickets are at Guest Services, @DisneyMom70 might well have had the misfortune of being stuck behind a few guests that had other situations that took a long time to resolve.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Since the tickets are at Guest Services

Typically, that's not where they are. Although they might hand them out there. Most cases, on the Wonder, ticket distribution was handled at Wavebands.

On the Fantasy the tickets are usually distributed at the Port Adventures desk, although, on occasion they've been handed out in D Lounge.