DCL Fantasy August 2018-- 1st timer questions!

[Tink5747]

Hi, first time cruiser!! I have some questions, I tried searching for answers but either found none or got contradicting answers. Here we go:

1) What will be included in my cruise packet besides luggage tags?

2) Can I put a lock on my luggage? Is there certain requirements to the type of lock?

3) Do I really need bottled water? If so, how much should I bring for 4 people? I was told it needs to be in a carry on which seems like a pain-- how much is a case on board? Is this something I can pre order?

4) Port arrival times--- it looks like they begin at 10:30, what's the latest given? If my port arrival time is say 11, should I arrive to park at 10:30?

5) If all my paperwork is filled out at online check in, what exactly happens at check in? Do they just check my documents and I get my KTTW card?

6) After regular check in, I need to do kids check in.. this is where they receive their Mickey band. Can this band come off or they will have to wear it the entire time? Does this help locate them at anytime on the ship or just in the kids club?

7) Suggested tip I found online was once boarded check out the kids club, eat lunch at the buffet and hop on the aquaduck. If your room is ready at 1:30 this doesn't sound like a lot of time to do all of the above or is it?

8) What time does the ship usually set sail?

9) What's the latest time your luggage arrives at the room?

10) What time is the mandatory drill and will they give you enough notice to get ready for it?

11) Are the soda stations inconvenient? I see tips to bring a large cup for each person to fill up... will I be carrying cups around the whole time? Is water an option at these stations?

12) If I prepaid for tips will I have to worry about tipping anyone else besides room service?

13) Will I need to bring my own beach toys? I read Castaway Cay has some but are they usually taken up?

14) I saw that you can load your account with gift cards instead of charging to your credit card. Can anyone give me more details into this?

15) I read that you could drop an item off for signatures but heard they no longer allow this-- can someone confirm this?


Thanks in advance for your help!!
<3 Kristyn

 

[Dug720]

Hi, first time cruiser!! I have some questions, I tried searching for answers but either found none or got contradicting answers. Here we go:

1) What will be included in my cruise packet besides luggage tags?
Unless it's changed, it's a spiral-bound book that just has tips, it will list the ticketed and/or adult dining things you've signed up for.

2) Can I put a lock on my luggage? Is there certain requirements to the type of lock?
Never bothered with them, so I have no clue.

3) Do I really need bottled water? If so, how much should I bring for 4 people? I was told it needs to be in a carry on which seems like a pain-- how much is a case on board? Is this something I can pre order?
The water on board is perfectly fine to drink. I bring my own water bottle and fill that at the drink stations using a clean cup to do so. Because I am perfectly fine with the perfectly safe water on board, I've never looked into the price of buying it as that seems a waste of money to me.

4) Port arrival times--- it looks like they begin at 10:30, what's the latest given? If my port arrival time is say 11, should I arrive to park at 10:30?
People are to be on board by 3, so I would imagine that 2:30 is probably the latest assigned PAT. The terminal will open at 10/10:30 - you can arrive at any point, but if the terminal is full you may be asked to wait until your PAT. Do know that even if you arrive ahead of your PAT, your boarding group will most likely NOT change - so if you arrive at 10:30 for an 11:00 PAT you may see people who arrive at their assigned time of 10:45 boarding before you.

5) If all my paperwork is filled out at online check in, what exactly happens at check in? Do they just check my documents and I get my KTTW card?
They verify everything, take your picture, give you your key card, your card wth your boarding group number (keep that out, you have to show it when going through the doors), and your first day's Navigator.

6) After regular check in, I need to do kids check in.. this is where they receive their Mickey band. Can this band come off or they will have to wear it the entire time? Does this help locate them at anytime on the ship or just in the kids club?
No kids, no clue. Sorry.

7) Suggested tip I found online was once boarded check out the kids club, eat lunch at the buffet and hop on the aquaduck. If your room is ready at 1:30 this doesn't sound like a lot of time to do all of the above or is it?
I like to eat lunch and then wander the ship. But again, I don't have kids. And I'm not really into pools or the Duck (it was fine a couple of times, but meh)

8) What time does the ship usually set sail?
After Muster. Usually between 4:30 and 4:45. Always subject to change though.

9) What's the latest time your luggage arrives at the room?
Any time after cabins are opened to guests. Mine are usually there very shortly after, but it can be up to and even after dinner. Plan accordingly just in case.

10) What time is the mandatory drill and will they give you enough notice to get ready for it?
I believe it's 4? But it will be in your Navigator, the tv in you stateroom will be telling you about it, there will be announcements, and crew will all disappear to head to their stations (pools will close, food will stop, etc.). And if you still miss all of that, there will be the horn blasts.

11) Are the soda stations inconvenient? I see tips to bring a large cup for each person to fill up... will I be carrying cups around the whole time? Is water an option at these stations?
In Cabanas when it is open as a buffet and on the pool deck. Please use a clean paper cup to fill your own personal cup. Whether you choose to carry them around all the time or not is on you. Yes, there is water. Again, please use a clean cup to fill personal containers.

12) If I prepaid for tips will I have to worry about tipping anyone else besides room service?
Gratuities will be added to any beverages you get from a bar or any spa services. Other than that only if you choose to give extra to your servers or stateroom host.

13) Will I need to bring my own beach toys? I read Castaway Cay has some but are they usually taken up?
No kids, no clue. Sorry.

14) I saw that you can load your account with gift cards instead of charging to your credit card. Can anyone give me more details into this?
There is a number under "Gifts and Amenities" that you can call and buy OBC using gift cards. If you have a lot, consider consolidating them into one (or as few as possible with the amount limit) on disneygiftcard.com - it makes it easier for you and the person taking your order AND it gives you fewer to hold onto in case there is money to be refunded back to them because that is where they go.

15) I read that you could drop an item off for signatures but heard they no longer allow this-- can someone confirm this?
They stopped that a while ago because so many people were doing it there simply was not enough time for the cast members who gave up their free time to do it all. Blame the internet. You can get ONE item/person signed at character meet and greets.

Thanks in advance for your help!!
<3 Kristyn

Answers in pink.

 

[Tink5747]

Thanks so much for everything you were able to answer. Helps a lot. Super planner here and even though I have over a year I'm already stressing!

 

[Dug720]

Thanks so much for everything you were able to answer. Helps a lot. Super planner here and even though I have over a year I'm already stressing!

You're welcome.

Really no need to stress. DCL vacations are so much less stressful than WDW vacations.

 

[Dug720]

Oh, when you check in at the port they also take everyone's individual picture that's linked to their key card.

 

[Mr. Drauer]

Hi, first time cruiser!! I have some questions, I tried searching for answers but either found none or got contradicting answers. Here we go:

1) What will be included in my cruise packet besides luggage tags?

2) Can I put a lock on my luggage? Is there certain requirements to the type of lock? Just like flying, they can search luggage so no lock

3) Do I really need bottled water? If so, how much should I bring for 4 people? I was told it needs to be in a carry on which seems like a pain-- how much is a case on board? Is this something I can pre order?

4) Port arrival times--- it looks like they begin at 10:30, what's the latest given? If my port arrival time is say 11, should I arrive to park at 10:30?

5) If all my paperwork is filled out at online check in, what exactly happens at check in? Do they just check my documents and I get my KTTW card?

6) After regular check in, I need to do kids check in.. this is where they receive their Mickey band. Can this band come off or they will have to wear it the entire time? Does this help locate them at anytime on the ship or just in the kids club? Yes, but you don't have to do it in the terminal. In fact, the line will be longer there. If you wait until you board, you can go the clubs anytime that afternoon to sign them up and get the band. It is like the Magic Band bracelet, though they put a plastic lock pin on it to keep it from falling off. They are supposed to wear them all the time, some have it cut off each day if the CM is willing, though some may tell you they can't take it off until the end. If you don't return it, you are charged the $12 fee. It can only locate them within the Lab and Club, not elsewhere.

7) Suggested tip I found online was once boarded check out the kids club, eat lunch at the buffet and hop on the aquaduck. If your room is ready at 1:30 this doesn't sound like a lot of time to do all of the above or is it? Since the clubs are in open house until 5:00, you can go anytime so it doesn't have to be first thing.

8) What time does the ship usually set sail? 5:00

9) What's the latest time your luggage arrives at the room?

10) What time is the mandatory drill and will they give you enough notice to get ready for it? all ship services are stopped at 3:30 and the drill is at 4:00.

11) Are the soda stations inconvenient? I see tips to bring a large cup for each person to fill up... will I be carrying cups around the whole time? Is water an option at these stations?

12) If I prepaid for tips will I have to worry about tipping anyone else besides room service?

13) Will I need to bring my own beach toys? I read Castaway Cay has some but are they usually taken up? You can purchase toys on Castaway Cay - they are not provided, except for what toys are in Scuttles Cove, which is the secured kids club on the island.

14) I saw that you can load your account with gift cards instead of charging to your credit card. Can anyone give me more details into this?

15) I read that you could drop an item off for signatures but heard they no longer allow this-- can someone confirm this?


Thanks in advance for your help!!
<3 Kristyn

 

[lklgoodman]

They have beach toys at CC that are for sale in the gift shops, so you need to bring some or buy them. My dd always kept her kids club band on, it's better to keep it on because if you loose it, you must pay for it. I don't think they are that expensive, though. I'm not sure about being able to locate kids throughout the ship with it. There's a former kid's club cm who posts on here who will hopefully answer that. She would get the band the first time she went to the club, you can also buy the band if you wish to keep as a souvenir. We bought 6 bottles of water for our last cruise, don't remember the exact price, I think it was around $10. We bought it ahead of time on the Disney site under the gift and amenities section. If you eat lunch at Cabanas before the ship embarks, there will be cms walking around asking if you want to buy water/alcohol packages. I bought some TSA approved locks from Wal-mart for our luggage, worked fine.

 

[bbel]

They have beach toys at CC that are for sale in the gift shops, so you need to bring some or buy them. My dd always kept her kids club band on, it's better to keep it on because if you loose it, you must pay for it. I don't think they are that expensive, though. I'm not sure about being able to locate kids throughout the ship with it. There's a former kid's club cm who posts on here who will hopefully answer that. She would get the band the first time she went to the club, you can also buy the band if you wish to keep as a souvenir. We bought 6 bottles of water for our last cruise, don't remember the exact price, I think it was around $10. We bought it ahead of time on the Disney site under the gift and amenities section. If you eat lunch at Cabanas before the ship embarks, there will be cms walking around asking if you want to buy water/alcohol packages. I bought some TSA approved locks from Wal-mart for our luggage, worked fine.

Hiiiiii. The bands?
So $12.95 deposit for each band. Band returned, money returned. You can get it in the terminal or the kids clubs any day any time they're open once on board. Which ever works best for you. There might be a line in the terminal but chances are there's not much else to do. There might not be a line once on board but taking a stop on deck 5 might cut into precious swimming or eating or movie watching time etc...

Any child over 3 gets its locked on.
Yes you can remove it if you insist but it serves multiple purposes. The lock tells us a lot about your kid without scanning the band. If they have medical or dietary issues or not. If they can do all activities or need to be checked.
Each band is assigned to a specific child but they all look the same but the info inside is different. If you have more than one kid and they check in on each others bands and it goes unnoticed, the CM checking in gets in trouble once it is noticed which is why many CM tell you not to take it off, we're covering each others backs in a way.

They don't track them around the ship but if your kids gets separated from you they get taken to the club and one tap of the band has your contact details. No asking an upset kid their name or cabin number, and risk getting it wrong and making a potentially bad situation worse.
They're waterproof so there isn't really a need to take it off.

If you do take it off please ask to have it locked back on every time they come back in and check it's the right kids band - it's for every kids safety at the end of the day.

 

[Tink5747]

Hiiiiii. The bands?
So $12.95 deposit for each band. Band returned, money returned. You can get it in the terminal or the kids clubs any day any time they're open once on board. Which ever works best for you. There might be a line in the terminal but chances are there's not much else to do. There might not be a line once on board but taking a stop on deck 5 might cut into precious swimming or eating or movie watching time etc...

Any child over 3 gets its locked on.
Yes you can remove it if you insist but it serves multiple purposes. The lock tells us a lot about your kid without scanning the band. If they have medical or dietary issues or not. If they can do all activities or need to be checked.
Each band is assigned to a specific child but they all look the same but the info inside is different. If you have more than one kid and they check in on each others bands and it goes unnoticed, the CM checking in gets in trouble once it is noticed which is why many CM tell you not to take it off, we're covering each others backs in a way.

They don't track them around the ship but if your kids gets separated from you they get taken to the club and one tap of the band has your contact details. No asking an upset kid their name or cabin number, and risk getting it wrong and making a potentially bad situation worse.
They're waterproof so there isn't really a need to take it off.

If you do take it off please ask to have it locked back on every time they come back in and check it's the right kids band - it's for every kids safety at the end of the day.

Thanks for all the info. My kids wouldn't keep the magic bands on at WDW so I'm glad there's a "lock" to keep these on.

 

[Tink5747]

They have beach toys at CC that are for sale in the gift shops, so you need to bring some or buy them. My dd always kept her kids club band on, it's better to keep it on because if you loose it, you must pay for it. I don't think they are that expensive, though. I'm not sure about being able to locate kids throughout the ship with it. There's a former kid's club cm who posts on here who will hopefully answer that. She would get the band the first time she went to the club, you can also buy the band if you wish to keep as a souvenir. We bought 6 bottles of water for our last cruise, don't remember the exact price, I think it was around $10. We bought it ahead of time on the Disney site under the gift and amenities section. If you eat lunch at Cabanas before the ship embarks, there will be cms walking around asking if you want to buy water/alcohol packages. I bought some TSA approved locks from Wal-mart for our luggage, worked fine.

Thank you!

 

[mhconley]

14) I saw that you can load your account with gift cards instead of charging to your credit card. Can anyone give me more details into this?

At one point in time you could purchase Target gift cards on Raise.com at a 5-10% discount then use those to buy Disney gift cards at a 5% discount if you have a Red card. You would then use the Disney gift cards to pay for your cruise. You could also stack another discount using a 1-2% cash back card to buy the Target gift cards. The savings were significant enough to make jumping through all those hoops worthwhile. I saved just a hair over 10% on our 2015 cruise paying this way.

Unfortunately Target no longer allows you to buy Disney gift cards with Target gift cards.

You can still pay for a cruise or add money to your account using gift cards; it's just that the incentive to do so is much less than it once was.

Martin

 

[Tink5747]

At one point in time you could purchase Target gift cards on Raise.com at a 5-10% discount then use those to buy Disney gift cards at a 5% discount if you have a Red card. You would then use the Disney gift cards to pay for your cruise. You could also stack another discount using a 1-2% cash back card to buy the Target gift cards. The savings were significant enough to make jumping through all those hoops worthwhile. I saved just a hair over 10% on our 2015 cruise paying this way.

Unfortunately Target no longer allows you to buy Disney gift cards with Target gift cards.

You can still pay for a cruise or add money to your account using gift cards; it's just that the incentive to do so is much less than it once was.

Martin

If I use my Disney Visa at my Super Walmart to buy Walmart gift cards I get 2% back in rewards-- I then use the Walmart GC's at Sam's to buy the discounted Disney GC's. I guess my theory is I want to buy the GC's in advance so after vacation I'm not paying off a huge credit card bill.

 

[Tink5747]

Thinking of doing a Senses massage-- either the aroma stone or swedish. Have any of you gotten one?

 

[Tink5747]

I'm also really worried that since this is my 1st cruise and I will be the last one to book at 75 days that all the massages and port adventures will be booked. Please tell me I'll still have some options??

 

[Mr. Drauer]

I'm also really worried that since this is my 1st cruise and I will be the last one to book at 75 days that all the massages and port adventures will be booked. Please tell me I'll still have some options??

Its highly unlikely that all spa times for massages and port adventures will be booked. if you sign on at 7:00 am on your day, you should find most if not all of what you want. the things that will be gone are the CC cabanas and possibly the Palo brunch (only on sea days) as these are very limited. FYI - they also have massages in spa cabanas on Serenity Bay on CC. My wife gets one of these every time and loves having the beach and water right outside the open window while getting massaged.

 

[Tink5747]

Sorry, other questions I have come up with:

1) I read that you before you board you can tell someone (I guess the person you give your family's name to) that you would like your family videotaped using your own device and someone will do it?

2) Are the soda stations accessible 24 hours?

3) Can I get the "drink of the day" during dinner or only available on the pool deck?

4) What is the exact role of the stateroom host? What are they supposed to do/handle?

5) I read that you can take the towels to the ports with you.. are these regular size or beach sized?

6) Prepaying for the photo package. Does this include the photos taken when boarding? Formal night? And Castaway Cay?

 

[Tink5747]

Anyone have any input on the following port adventures? Single mom w/ 3 boys- 9, 6 & 4.

Cozumel- Ruins, chocolate & beach
Grand Cayman- Dolphin Encounter
Falmouth- Deluxe Jewel Beach Break

 

[Mr. Drauer]

1- there are a number of crew at the boarding door who can do this - they just stand around clapping and are happy to take pictures and such

2 - yes on the pool deck. they are in open areas that you can get to at all hours

3 - the drink of the day is available at all open bars and with waiters on the pool deck. Pro-tip: don't get it from the waiter or pool pop up bar as they are pre-mixed. Order it from the bar directly.

4- They clean the room, restock soap/shampoo/conditioner, bring fresh towels, take out the garbage, put down/ set up pullman, couch and murphy beds, supply daily navigators and daily info on ports, shopping, time changes, etc., they make towel animals and bring nightly chocolates, and just about anything else having to do with making it so you enjoy your room and time there.

5 - when going on excursions, there are bins of towels either at the meeting place, or at the disembarkation point on the ship to take with you. They are large bath towels.

6 - photo package includes all photos taken by Shutters photogs on the cruise, from the sail away/boarding photo to the last character photo during See Ya Real Soon.