Dining rotations?

[Franco56]

We are waiting on our first cruise Dec 24-31, 2005 and have lots of questions. We have done WDW eight times now, just back from SOG last Saturday another great trip. But that will be it for awhile. Moving on to cruises now. How do you know what rotation you get, and what is the best? It will be DW, two stepsons 15&12 at sailing time, and myself. Starting to pay off trip cost, do you get your rotation after you have paid it off? Lots of questions and will be bugging you all! Thank you kindly!!

 

[Mickeyhugger]

You won't receive your dining rotations until you board. They are on the back of your KTTW card. (The exception to this is if you're booked in a Cat 1, 2 or 3, then you may choose.)

Dining rotations are usually based on the ages of children. For instance, the APL rotation is for families of toddlers and preschool children, PLA is usually grade-school age, and LAP is teens and higher. (Anyone out there might wish to add to this.)

DH DD (age 9) have cruised the Magic for the past three years, and have always had the PLA rotation. This is actually my favorite when cruising the eastern itinerary because it places us in Lumiere's on formal night and Parrot Cay of tropical night.

Please keep in mind, however, that ANY rotation is great, and if you and your family want to enjoy your shore excursions, you will probably want the 8:30 seating.

 

[Aisling]

When I booked, I was asked which seating I preferred, and I said the late one. My TA confirmation paperwork just came, and on it, in addition to my stateroom number, was our late seating confirmation. This was through Costco Travel.

We prefer late seating because I're read it's a more leisurely pace, since there's no hurry to get to the shows.

Edited to say that I thought the OP was asking about seating times, not realizing the q was about rotations. On my confirmation, it says nothing about rotation. I'm just hoping formal night is in Lumieres and Tropical night is in Parrot Cay.

 

[kcashner]

Late vs. early seating refers to your dinner time--you do know this when you get your confirmation of booking. Dining rotation refers to which dining room you are in on which night--it has no relation to early or late, and you will find this out when you check in.

The exact point where the rotations are split is determined by a computer based on the ages on board, but the first answer is basically correct. We've probably had all the rotations (after 10 cruises). It is fun to be in Lumiere's on formal night and Parrot on tropical night, but it really makes no difference.