DCL Disney Magic At Sea UK Residents Only Sailing Summer 2021 General Information

[BadPinkTink]

I know this is getting nitpicky but smoothies are also an extra charge - both in the dining rooms and from the counter on the pool deck.

thats ok, its good to point out these things. UK first time cruisers will be used to low cost package holidays where everything is an extra charge, so the Disney cruise experience with its high cost but relievedly few extra charges is such a different concept for people to get their heads around

 

[auntlynne]

I'm really struggling to get my head around being able to order like 3 different mains and then a bunch of room service later and not being told off...especially when the DDP at WDW seems so fiddly.

It’s as if they want you to be happy.

It is better to order the various things when placing your order, as the kitchen is rather assembly line, putting out 300 or 400 apps at the same top ie, then the soups & salads.... so it’s easier for them. Or get that second item when you see it looking good on someone else’s plate. And definitely get something else if you are not satisfied.

I have never seen a hint of judgment from waiters. Most bend over backwards to provide you with excellent service. Besides the gratuities, the need guests to give them 5 ️ on the Guest satisfaction review at the end of the cruise. Apparently, very important.

Lumiere’s and Rapunzel’s have kitchens side by side. If you lived something off the other menu, waiters will often bring you that item. I hate to abuse this, but there are some items that are the best thing on the cruise. On a 3-night cruise, Lumiere’s serves the Lumiere’s standard menu, so all the guests will have enjoyed it. (same fir Rapunzel and Animator’s). Whatever the fourth night menu is, that will be Served in all dining rooms. No one misses out.

And if you are truly hungry, you can pay to eat in Palo and eat at your designated MDR the same night.

 

[Garyjames220]

According to this Facebook group I am in. Bookings won’t open until 30th April

 

[mousematt]

you will have to buy your own popcorn

I'm really struggling to get my head around being able to order like 3 different mains and then a bunch of room service later and not being told off

This makes no sense to me. I can order three mains yet I have to pay for popcorn, which costs Disney 1p per tonne to make.

 

[auntlynne]

I know this is getting nitpicky but smoothies are also an extra charge - both in the dining rooms and from the counter on the pool deck.

Not nitpicky. I forget about somethings that I don’t eat or drink. The alcohol is easy to remember because there are bars and drinks of the day and it’s listed at the top of dinner menus - and I don’t do those, there Is always a reminder, though. And yep, smoothies are listed right up there, too, aren’t they?

Forums are great because different people have information to contribute.

I didn’t even mention the QS counter with fruit. And I actually get their cut fruit and light (nonfried) sandwiches. I think they are one of the earliest places open in the morning to get pastry.

What surprises people is that the pastries in the glass case at Cove Cafe are complimentary; you do not have to purchase anything.

 

[BadPinkTink]

According to this Facebook group I am in. Bookings won’t open until 30th April

Thats un official and unconfirmed right now. DCL put up a post about 4pm UK time on their Facebook page which had a new booking date and new routes, but they took it down after 15 minutes and the website has not been updated yet. Until the website is updated, nothing is official. As soon as there is an official update I will post it in the first post of this thread.

 

[Mommb]

What surprises people is that the pastries in the glass case at Cove Cafe are complimentary; you do. It have to purchase anything.

I'm sure this is what you meant, but just to clarify: Adults can pick up pastries (during the day) and meat and cheese snacks (in early evening) from Cove Cafe without purchasing a beverage. Especially given current conditions, you may need to ask a castmember to serve them, but there will be no problem if that's all you ask for.

 

[auntlynne]

This makes no sense to me. I can order three mains yet I have to pay for popcorn, which costs Disney 1p per tonne to make.

Yeah, explain that one. And you are not really hungry at the movies, as you have just eaten 3 mains and a Mickey Bar.

They do it because they can. The sense of smell is so tied to memory. And popcorn has such a distinct aroma. I think it evokes strong memories of a lifetime of trips to the theater.

I am stronger, though. I can wait for pizza after the movie. And maybe just a small soft-serve on deck while watching a different movie on the Funnelvision screen. All before midnight, though, because the carriage returns to a pumpkin and they roll up the sidewalks (not kidding, it becomes a ghost ship and nothing is happening. Go to bed, Cabanas opens for breakfast in about 7 hours.

 

[auntlynne]

I'm sure this is what you meant, but just to clarify: Adults can pick up pastries (during the day) and meat and cheese snacks (in early evening) from Cove Cafe without purchasing a beverage. Especially given current conditions, you may need to ask a castmember to serve them, but there will be no problem if that's all you ask for.

My typing was glitchy. You do not have to buy anything for those snacks.

At some point in the past, it went from self serve to CM service. It makes it seem there might be a charge, but I think it was partly/ mainly health.

I‘m always on the lookout for their chocolate covered strawberries. Sometimes I’m successful.

 

[steamboat will]

Food in the main dining rooms isn't cooked to order ... There's literally hundreds for plates of food waiting to be served so if you want a second main you can get it... We often order the thing we want and maybe a second main to share with others on the table in if we fancy just trying something
it's like being at a wedding reception with 300 guests all eating at the same time... Im rarely overly impressed with the food in the main dining rooms...

 

[auntlynne]

When that elusive booking date finally gets here, beware. My spur of the moment, cheap Disney cruise in 2007 turned into 17 DCL (plus Princess, RCL and most recently, Carnival). I’ve spent four months of my life on cruise ships and am waiting for a scheduled return to DCL after a 6+ year pause (due mainly to illness). I had sworn off cruising, but now can’t wait to go again.

It could happen to you. And I’m not 60 years old, yet. Cruising isn’t just for old people.

 

[auntlynne]

Food in the main dining rooms isn't cooked to order ... There's literally hundreds for plates of food waiting to be served so if you want a second main you can get it... We often order the thing we want and maybe a second main to share with others on the table in if we fancy just trying something

Further encouragement to try new things.

If you ever get to take a behind the scenes tour, you”lol learn all kinds of fun stuff about running a cruise ship.

And the food you eat will be loaded from local suppliers before each sailing.

 

[steamboat will]

When that elusive booking date finally gets here, beware. My spur of the moment, cheap Disney cruise in 2007 turned into 17 DCL

I hear you!!!

I did a my first Disney cruise because was the only Disney thing I hadn't done and wanted to try it just once... On our first night our table mates told us this was thier 10th and we snickered thinking Really!!! 10 cruises!!!! By day 3 we had booked out second... And we've never looked back

 

[mamamia2005]

Its amazing how hungry you get on a cruise ... a nice big breakfast in Cabana's, then mid morning ice cream, maybe a burger and fries from the pool deck for lunch. Then maybe a mid afternoon ice cream. Then at dinner, its quite customary to have 2 appetisers, 2 entrees and 2 desserts, especially if you are indecisive Then when you've rolled back to your room at the end of the night you may have enough strength and tummy space left to pick up the phone to order room service. The all hands on deck cheese plate and warm chocolate chip cookies go down very well as a bedtime snack. Just in case you are hungry!

Good luck to all those waiting for the cruises. We booked for Alaska for next summer and have WDW this Christmas (fingers crossed we are allowed to fly!) otherwise I would be waiting with you!

 

[steamboat will]

Further encouragement to try new things.

Exactly I would never spend £25 on something in a restaurant if I didnt know if I would like it... But in a cruise you can try new flavours .. and share it with your table mates

 

[Kit21]

Yeah, explain that one. And you are not really hungry at the movies, as you have just eaten 3 mains and a Mickey Bar.

They do it because they can. The sense of smell is so tied to memory. And popcorn has such a distinct aroma. I think it evokes strong memories of a lifetime of trips to the theater.

I am stronger, though. I can wait for pizza after the movie. And maybe just a small soft-serve on deck while watching a different movie on the Funnelvision screen. All before midnight, though, because the carriage returns to a pumpkin and they roll up the sidewalks (not kidding, it becomes a ghost ship and nothing is happening. Go to bed, Cabanas opens for breakfast in about 7 hours.

Or, grab one of the cups from the soda fountain (or take a reusable plastic cup with you) and a spoon, fill the cup with the soft serve and take that with you! (I've only ever brought the popcorn once because I wanted the Oogie Boogie bucket, buttered popcorn is not for me)

My first Cruise, I was super sad because I'm a slow ice-cream eater, who prefers it slightly melted anyway, so Cones don't work for me. I saw someone else doing ^ that at the begining of my 2nd Cruise and I had never been happier

 

[disneydafty]

And don’t forget those spa treatments

...and bingo, if that’s your thing.

 

[GreenDress]

All this talk is making me even more excited. We haven’t sailed for a few years and i’ve missed it! Like others I have tried so many new food that I would never have tried if I had of had to pay for an risk not having a meal I would enjoy. Here if i don’t like the new food my server will get me something else.
I’m hoping covid won’t bring too many restrictions and things like the shows are not affected. And that prices aren’t too silly!
What ports and how many nights is everyone looking at?

 

[steveyjc81]

After the post on Facebook today, surely, surely we'll be getting a DCL website update overnight.

 

[steamboat will]

...and bingo, if that’s your thing.

And those photos....
And a plush or two