DCL First Timer - Need Advice (Fantasy Summer 2025)

[Newsies]

Hi all-- probably a long post so apologies in advance.

I'm a long time WDW vet at the early stages of planning my family's first, but long-awaited, Disney Cruise. We're locked in on Summer 2025 for multiple reasons. Right now, our dream itinerary is the 5-Night Bahamian Cruise from PC with 2 stops at Castaway Cay that's going to set sail July 2024. Just feels right for our first DCL excursion: the 5 night price point feels good for us and we're very excited to visit Castaway Cay but will probably not explore the other port (Nassau) and spend that day enjoying the Fantasy. Here's some advice I'm hoping to get from the DCL vets on the board:

1. What's the likelihood of this same 5-Night/2 stops at Castaway Cay itinerary/Fantasy ship itinerary popping up for 2025 as well? Is this a common July offering for DCL, and do you think LP and the Treasure opening next year will effect the likelihood of a similar itinerary returning for 2025? I know this is going to get mostly speculation-based answers for now, but curious to hear from people familiar with how Disney plots out these sailings.
2. Historically, when are Summer itineraries/bookings released?
3. Last and probably most subjective question: We were originally looking at the Wish or Treasure but after some research, heard that they may not be the best for first-time DCL cruisers. I understand that I'll have the smallest booking window for reservations for things like character M&Gs, Palo/Enchante, Spa experiences, etc. Palo & Enchante are not super important to my family right now, but I'll definitely be bummed if I can't get some of the character M&Gs I want and was hoping to book a massage and facial on a non-Castaway Cay day. I know that all of these reservations are competitive no matter the ship/itinerary, but it feels like that competition will be heightened given that the Wish has shorter itineraries and is a more popular ship, with the Treasure presumably being the same. Any POV on choosing the Wish/Treasure versus other ships for a first time family? Has anyone experienced the Wish as a first-time cruiser yet?

Thanks so much for any advice!

 

[Husker Mike]

Honestly, there's a high degree of uncertainty over what Disney is going to do with the Fantasy in 2025. The expectation is that the Treasure will take over the typical week long cruises departing on Saturdays, and nobody really knows what they have planned for the Fantasy.

That being said, the Castaway Cay double dip is a common offering in the summer, bracketed around a longer 9 or 10 night Caribbean cruise to fill out the schedule. So I would suspect a double dip Castaway Cay cruise in the summer of 2025, but whether it's the Fantasy, Treasure or the Disney Magic out of Fort Lauderdale, who knows.

Another possibility is that Disney may do Castaway Cay/Lighthouse Point cruises with stops in Nassau with some of their ships. Or a whole mish-mash of combinations. My personal guess would be the Treasure would stick to 7 night cruises, and then the Fantasy will be doing all sorts of different itineraries with shorter 5 nights cruises and longer 10 night cruises, but we won't really know for another 3-4 months. We'll get the first clue when Disney finally releases spring 2025 cruises, which probably will be in a few weeks.

 

[Mommb]

I haven’t cruised yet in the Wish, but I have been on the other 4 ships multiple times.

I have not had trouble booking spa treatments onboard, so it is likely you will be able to book one even as a first-time cruiser, especially if you are flexible about times. If you can’t get one in advance, just go to the spa once you board and check availability.

There are just a few character meets that require reservations. For the Fantasy, it would be the Royal Gathering (free) and the Royal Tea (expensive). Reservations for the Royal Gathering currently open at 30 days in advance for everyone. Most or all of the princesses at the Royal Gathering will also do meet-and-greets at other times throughout the cruise when you just need to get in line to see them. On my last Fantasy cruise, I happened to run into Belle, Tiana, Donald, and Chip and Dale with no lines while walking around the ship.

I would take 5 days on the Fantasy over 3 or 4 days on the Wish for a first cruise. Two days at Castaway Cay will give you plenty of time to explore both the island and the ship. It’s not the Wish would be bad, just that I feel rushed on short cruises.

 

[lscrivan18]

Hi all-- probably a long post so apologies in advance.

I'm a long time WDW vet at the early stages of planning my family's first, but long-awaited, Disney Cruise. We're locked in on Summer 2025 for multiple reasons. Right now, our dream itinerary is the 5-Night Bahamian Cruise from PC with 2 stops at Castaway Cay that's going to set sail July 2024. Just feels right for our first DCL excursion: the 5 night price point feels good for us and we're very excited to visit Castaway Cay but will probably not explore the other port (Nassau) and spend that day enjoying the Fantasy. Here's some advice I'm hoping to get from the DCL vets on the board:

1. What's the likelihood of this same 5-Night/2 stops at Castaway Cay itinerary/Fantasy ship itinerary popping up for 2025 as well? Is this a common July offering for DCL, and do you think LP and the Treasure opening next year will effect the likelihood of a similar itinerary returning for 2025? I know this is going to get mostly speculation-based answers for now, but curious to hear from people familiar with how Disney plots out these sailings.
2. Historically, when are Summer itineraries/bookings released?
3. Last and probably most subjective question: We were originally looking at the Wish or Treasure but after some research, heard that they may not be the best for first-time DCL cruisers. I understand that I'll have the smallest booking window for reservations for things like character M&Gs, Palo/Enchante, Spa experiences, etc. Palo & Enchante are not super important to my family right now, but I'll definitely be bummed if I can't get some of the character M&Gs I want and was hoping to book a massage and facial on a non-Castaway Cay day. I know that all of these reservations are competitive no matter the ship/itinerary, but it feels like that competition will be heightened given that the Wish has shorter itineraries and is a more popular ship, with the Treasure presumably being the same. Any POV on choosing the Wish/Treasure versus other ships for a first time family? Has anyone experienced the Wish as a first-time cruiser yet?

Thanks so much for any advice!

I just completed my first DCL cruise over the weekend and the only character M&G that you need a reservation for is the Princess Gathering. It's usually four princesses you can meet individually at the same time. Saves a lot of time waiting on one initial line vs four separate lines. All the princesses are also available to meet at other times individually so if you don't get Princess Gathering, it's not the end of meeting them. However as a DCL newbie I snagged it. My check-in and Princess Gathering were both 30 days before at midnight. I was fully prepared for check-in and flew through it. I was done by 12:06am. I then had plenty of options for what time I wanted for the Princess Gathering. Those on my cruise who didn't get to it til 12:15am reported it was sold out so definitely move fast!

All the characters are just standard lines, no reservations needed. I'd suggest getting on line 10 min early if possible. I found it put me towards the front of the line and didn't have to wait long for my turn.

I wasn't interested in anything else that needed a reservation so I can't comment on the luck you'll have with that.

 

[Lillebelle]

In case you want to make your own guess at when itineraries will be announced, here's a handy table of past timings:
https://disneycruiselineblog.com/cruise-planning/itineraries/itinerary-announcement-history/

Regarding Wish/Treasure vs Fantasy -- I think as a first time cruiser you will have an excellent time on any of the ships. That being said, I agree with the previous post that I'd rather do a 5 night itinerary over a 4, just so you really have time to get into a good rhythm and enjoy things. 7 is a big commitment and since it seems like the Wish and Treasure are doing only 3/4 or 7, you're probably looking at another ship to be able to do a 5 night.

 

[Flcruising]

Hi all-- probably a long post so apologies in advance.

I'm a long time WDW vet at the early stages of planning my family's first, but long-awaited, Disney Cruise. We're locked in on Summer 2025 for multiple reasons. Right now, our dream itinerary is the 5-Night Bahamian Cruise from PC with 2 stops at Castaway Cay that's going to set sail July 2024. Just feels right for our first DCL excursion: the 5 night price point feels good for us and we're very excited to visit Castaway Cay but will probably not explore the other port (Nassau) and spend that day enjoying the Fantasy. Here's some advice I'm hoping to get from the DCL vets on the board:

1. What's the likelihood of this same 5-Night/2 stops at Castaway Cay itinerary/Fantasy ship itinerary popping up for 2025 as well? Is this a common July offering for DCL, and do you think LP and the Treasure opening next year will effect the likelihood of a similar itinerary returning for 2025? I know this is going to get mostly speculation-based answers for now, but curious to hear from people familiar with how Disney plots out these sailings.
2. Historically, when are Summer itineraries/bookings released?
3. Last and probably most subjective question: We were originally looking at the Wish or Treasure but after some research, heard that they may not be the best for first-time DCL cruisers. I understand that I'll have the smallest booking window for reservations for things like character M&Gs, Palo/Enchante, Spa experiences, etc. Palo & Enchante are not super important to my family right now, but I'll definitely be bummed if I can't get some of the character M&Gs I want and was hoping to book a massage and facial on a non-Castaway Cay day. I know that all of these reservations are competitive no matter the ship/itinerary, but it feels like that competition will be heightened given that the Wish has shorter itineraries and is a more popular ship, with the Treasure presumably being the same. Any POV on choosing the Wish/Treasure versus other ships for a first time family? Has anyone experienced the Wish as a first-time cruiser yet?

Thanks so much for any advice!

You mention that the price pt.feels right. Since you are looking at summer of 2025 consider building into your budget price increases. Hopefully not needed but you would be prepared if there are increases.

 

[eaglesgirl]

Hi all-- probably a long post so apologies in advance.

I'm a long time WDW vet at the early stages of planning my family's first, but long-awaited, Disney Cruise. We're locked in on Summer 2025 for multiple reasons. Right now, our dream itinerary is the 5-Night Bahamian Cruise from PC with 2 stops at Castaway Cay that's going to set sail July 2024. Just feels right for our first DCL excursion: the 5 night price point feels good for us and we're very excited to visit Castaway Cay but will probably not explore the other port (Nassau) and spend that day enjoying the Fantasy. Here's some advice I'm hoping to get from the DCL vets on the board:

1. What's the likelihood of this same 5-Night/2 stops at Castaway Cay itinerary/Fantasy ship itinerary popping up for 2025 as well? Is this a common July offering for DCL, and do you think LP and the Treasure opening next year will effect the likelihood of a similar itinerary returning for 2025? I know this is going to get mostly speculation-based answers for now, but curious to hear from people familiar with how Disney plots out these sailings.
2. Historically, when are Summer itineraries/bookings released?
3. Last and probably most subjective question: We were originally looking at the Wish or Treasure but after some research, heard that they may not be the best for first-time DCL cruisers. I understand that I'll have the smallest booking window for reservations for things like character M&Gs, Palo/Enchante, Spa experiences, etc. Palo & Enchante are not super important to my family right now, but I'll definitely be bummed if I can't get some of the character M&Gs I want and was hoping to book a massage and facial on a non-Castaway Cay day. I know that all of these reservations are competitive no matter the ship/itinerary, but it feels like that competition will be heightened given that the Wish has shorter itineraries and is a more popular ship, with the Treasure presumably being the same. Any POV on choosing the Wish/Treasure versus other ships for a first time family? Has anyone experienced the Wish as a first-time cruiser yet?

Thanks so much for any advice!

Hi there, I hope this helps...

1. Fantasy will likely be moving to Europe in Summer 2025 as there are several signs pointing to this including the ship showing up on European port manifests, so it likely will not be the Fantasy, but maybe the Dream will return and do some of the same itineraries that the Fantasy did since the Wish has taken on a lot of the itineraries the Dream used to do.

2. Late February/Early March - This is not a guarantee though - two years ago, it came out in late April, but last year was March 23.

3. If you are spending a longer amount of time onboard, I think the Wish or Treasure will be fine. If you were doing a 3-day cruise, that's hard on such a large ship. My first time on the Wish for a 4-night sailing, I did not get to see/do everything, and I did not get off in Nassau or at Castaway Cay. DCL does not release all reservations online, so if you are unable to secure the things you're looking for onboard, you can try when you get onto the ship. For adult dining, they will likely direct you to the dining management team who will do their best to accommodate your requests or they will put you on a waitlist. Character Meet & Greets are listed in the Navigator, so as long as you show up during the timeframe listed (usually a 15 min window), and you're in line before that time is up, you should be able to meet the character. If you are referring to the Royal Gathering (meeting the princesses), this is released to everyone at the same time other than Concierge Guests (who can put in their requests with the Concierge team). You should be able to book that massage/facial and if not in advance, stop at Senses Spa when you get on the ship. The Treasure will be more popular in Summer 2025 because it will be the newest ship and the Wish will have been sailing already for 2 years. The smaller ships are a favorite because they don't have that overwhelming feeling you may get on the bigger ships, but I think once you're onboard and experiencing everything, all will be good.

By the way, I don't know if it's in your budget because you didn't mention this, but even if you're a first time Guest with DCL, if you book a Concierge room, you will be among the first Guests to choose all onboard activities, Port Adventures, etc.

 

[auntlynne]

I think we’ve figured out its Wish (3 & 4 nights) Bahamian cruises and Treasure (7 nights) Eastern & Western Caribbean, alternating weeks - out of Port Canaveral. Treasure debuts in Dec 2024. The two newest ships. I don't expect to see Double Dips from here.

To meet contractual passenger counts, two ships sailing from Port Everglades. Magic and Dream doing an assortment of itineraries.

When the Magic is in Ft L, it has 4 Castaway + Lighthouse sailings in Summer 2024 (June - Sep).

Fantasy in Europe Summer 2025. Whether it starts doing cruises from Galveston, New Orleans, San Juan… the rest of the year - maybe someone else has heard.

Here is the Mousesaver page for DCL itineraries 2024. Ones for 2023 are also online.

https://www.mousesavers.com/disney-cruise-tips/2024-disney-cruise-schedule-sail-dates-ports-more/

The Fantasy is doing some unique “triple-dip” itineraries, with a CC Double Dip and a stop at Lighthouse in Fall 2024. I take this to be a way to get a bunch of cruisers to the new beach.

We have done several Double Dip cruises, but they seemed to be limited in occurrence and often during less busy sailing seasons.
Booking windows for 2024:

 

[Cfabar1]

1. What's the likelihood of this same 5-Night/2 stops at Castaway Cay itinerary/Fantasy ship itinerary popping up for 2025 as well? Is this a common July offering for DCL, and do you think LP and the Treasure opening next year will effect the likelihood of a similar itinerary returning for 2025? I know this is going to get mostly speculation-based answers for now, but curious to hear from

All speculation at this point, but the main rumors have been:
1. Fantasy moves to Europe
2. Magic will be the third ship in PC
3. 2 7 night ships, one Sat-Sat, one Sun-Sun
4. Wish does 3/4 nights, another ship does 5 nights, Treasure does 7 nights

1. Historically, when are Summer itineraries/bookings released?

This has been discussed in a few places, most likely you'll need to wait a few more months

1. Last and probably most subjective question: We were originally looking at the Wish or Treasure but after some research, heard that they may not be the best for first-time DCL cruisers. I understand that I'll have the smallest booking window for reservations for things like character M&Gs, Palo/Enchante, Spa experiences, etc. Palo & Enchante are not super important to my family right now, but I'll definitely be bummed if I can't get some of the character M&Gs I want and was hoping to book a massage and facial on a non-Castaway Cay day. I know that all of these reservations are competitive no matter the ship/itinerary, but it feels like that competition will be heightened given that the Wish has shorter itineraries and is a more popular ship, with the Treasure presumably being the same. Any POV on choosing the Wish/Treasure versus other ships for a first time family? Has anyone experienced the Wish as a first-time cruiser yet?

I have to tell you, we did our first DCL cruise on the Wish. We absolutely loved it. There are some odd things about the wish, but it is an absolutely amazing ship. We will be doing the Disney Dream later this spring to try something new, but we have been beyond excited sailing on DCL with the Wish. Don't let the haters make you fear booking on the Wish. Also, we have already booked a May 2025 sailing on the Treasure. The issues we have with the Triton Class haven't really prevented us from having a great time. Here are some of them that others have complained about, that don't prevent us from enjoying the ship:
- Lack of Running Deck
- The fact the atrium isn't totally open all the way around
- Too many concierge cabins
- Not enough elevators/elevator banks - this one is valid

One other complaint I would have as a repeat cruiser, is the dinners are so themed, once you've done them you're kind of like "been there, done that". We also found Enchanté to be pretentious and unwelcoming, though the food was quite good, but the service was not at a Disney level. If you enjoy the attitude of the food critic in Ratatouille, or wish that Niles and Frasier were even snootier, you'll love the environment of Enchanté. Just very sterile and unwelcoming while you pass by a plastic Lumiere glued to the wall...

Thanks so much for any advice!

 

[holula]

It’s pretty certain the Fantasy is going to Europe, her last cruise from PC is early May but all the other ships show the sailing from PC/FL until the end of May/early June.

It looks like the Magic will be the ‘extra’ ship at PC in Summer 2025, as they’ll likely keep the Wish doing 3/4n and the Treasure doing 7n.

I honestly would pick the itinerary you want vs the ship if it’s your first cruise. If that’s on the Magic, even better IMO. Especially on a 5 night.

They won’t release the summer 2025 itineraries until this 50% deposit offer is done, so that puts us at late Feb/March at the earliest.