airtime247
Certified Coaster Junkie
- Joined
- Jan 3, 2004
- Messages
- 819
Any previous cruisers up for answering a few of my many questions? Anything you tell me would be greatly appreciated!!!!
Biggest concern, childcare areas. My son has severe food allergies. Has anyone here had experience? They have said how careful they are and being Disney I believe that. I'd like to know if they ban certain items from child areas or have kids snack separately? Where do they keep his epi-pen? I know how they handle it will be covered with us on board but I'd like to have a better idea! I wish I could answer these better for you. My DD was barely 3yo last time and pretty intimidated and didn't want to stay much so our experiences with the Oceaneer Club were pretty limited. I'm pretty sure I remember a cubby-type system for them to put their shoes so maybe that is where you can keep his epi-pen. I'm sure they would also take it there at the counter where they check you in so you don't have to worry about another kid grabbing it. My DD wasn't there long enough to deal with snacks and meals but I don't recall ever seeing food in there. I would just call DCL and ask. I'm sure these kinds of questions aren't uncommon for them. The first night onboard is a parents night where you can stay as long as you like, check out the place and ask any questions you want to make sure you are completely comfortable with leaving your DS.
Weather, how chilly does it get at night and in the mornings being out in the ocean? Need more than a sweatshirt? In looking at the forecasts for right now, it doesn't look too chilly. I think a sweatshirt would be fine. When you are moving at night, it's more the wind than the cold that may bother you. Deck 9 does a good job of shielding you from the wind whereas decks 4 and 10 will get a lot more.
How much time do little ones actually spend in the oceaneer club each day? I know all kids are different but wondering how people utilize this wonderful place! There is no limit. It's up to you. I think they are open something like 6am to midnight. Assuming our DD wants to go a lot, we will probably check the Navigator every night and plan the times we are going to send her based on activities they have planned that appeal to her and also at times where we may want to do our own activities like wine tasting or getting massages. I think we will send her for one or two hour blocks and then pick her up for lunch, swimming, and then send her back. She may go 2-3 times each day. It's really up to each individual family.
How many suitcases do people end up bringing? I read these HUGE lists of necessities but then I read pack light, kinda confusing! Like Karen said, storage will be your limit and not really a bag quantity limitation imposed by Disney. I recommend getting bags you can stack inside smaller bags and suitcases. The bed rails aren't that high to be able to store the biggest suitcases but you can lift the bed up and slide your bags under and then lower the bag as the boxspring is a little higher. We usually end up storing our largest suitcases upright in the closet. You can probably store two large rollers this way but if you have a lot of gowns to hang, you may not be able to store more than one. What you may have a harder time storing are shoes. We aren't "shoe people" but we each end up bringing formal, athletic, and sandals and they really add up. There are little cubby shelves in the closet but you can't fit much in there.
What are the best on board activities? Are there things available that aren't online? Be sure to read (okay STUDY) the Navigator left in your room each night. You can see some older sample Navigators online to give you an idea. I really like the late night comedy shows, the talks given by Imagineers or other Disney insiders, the Art of Entertainment series (cooking, napkin folding, etc), wine/beer/tequila tasting, and the audience-participation shows. The character meets are really popular too. Be sure you get there early.
How dressed up typically do kids get on formal nights? It really varies. Disney tends to be a lot less strict than other cruiselines. I've seen everything from little tuxes to dark jeans and long-sleeve shirts or Polo shirts.
How do we find/sign up for shuttle service from the ship to the airport after the cruise? We have our transportation set up for our arrival but not our return. I don't know how far you have to go but cabs and shuttles will be lined up outside when you arrive. I'd call Disney or your TA if you want to make sure you have something scheduled. The hard part about calling a cab or shuttle service ahead of time is you don't know exactly what time you are getting off. Even if you do, you don't know how long it's going to take to get through customs and get your bags.
Can we ship items to our room ahead of time? Read that someplace, seemed like a cool idea. Like Karen said, check the FAQ. We've done this before at Port Canaveral and it worked out great.
How many beverages do you guys carry on? Don't want to buy too much and be asked to give up my drinks! I thought I read that you can't check them but you can carry them on with you. We probably won't bring anything this time as we never seem to dent what we bring. Our little mixes never seem very appealing to us compared to trying the new and creative drinks they have available. And since you can get all the soda, tea and filtered water you want, there isn't really incentive to bring these unless you only like non-Coke products. You may already know this but any alcohol you buy in ports will be taken from you when you get back on the ship. They will give it back to you the last night of your sailing so don't wait until then to make your purchases with the intent of enjoying them onboard.
Plenty for now! Thank you to anyone that takes the time to respond. 3 weeks from now we will be cruising away! Getting so excited and just looking for any information you all have, thanks!
You're very welcome. Keep asking away. We look forward to meeting you!
However, we have our cute Fish Extender and want to participate with the latecomers if you'll have us... We're Steve and Cheryl and will be in #5637. Not sure the best way to connect with the other latecomers... 
for all her wristband and FE organizing efforts!
Again, I hope you understand that this is a tough situation as we want to include everyone, but this close to the sailing most of us are already done with our shopping - and given the number of late comers - most of us have already depleted our supply of "extras."
I have added you to the list. It looks like a couple of people are adding all late comers, and hopefully the last few cabins on the list will be sure to hit-up each other rather than from the top of the list down. Again, I am so sorry! I dn't know what happened 
but no sound. 
But except for the one port they show and the scenes @ 
) it is a cute little video! 
