Experienced Disney Family Looking For Help With 1st Cruise....

[Jad102]

So my family consists of 4: Myself, DW, DS9, and DD5. We've been to Disney about 8 times in the last 5 years and we absolutely love it. This year we went to DL instead of WDW as we are anxiously awaiting Toy Story Land opening in 2018.

Since it will likely be another 14 months before we get to go to WDW, we have decided (I think) to step into a Disney Cruise this winter. We feel very comfortable in WDW and I always have every day thoroughly planned well before we leave; however, the thought of doing a Disney Cruise scares me because I have no clue what I am doing.

We're looking at going in November on the Dream leaving Port Canaveral and doing a 3 night Cruise to the Bahamas. We think we want a room with a verandah and we may get adjoining rooms with my FiL & MiL, if they decide to go too.

What do I need to know?
Is there a thread somewhere that walks you through the process of boarding and what you need to do/bring?
We just ordered passports this week and were told we'd get them in 6 weeks, do I need to have the passport before I book?
Who's the best to book through?
What do I need to know for the kids activities beforehand?
Will we be disappointed since we're so use to the Park atmosphere?

Any info would be appreciated.

 

[dprincessmom]

First timer here also but love WDW parks and all things Disney...

Is there a thread somewhere that walks you through the process of boarding and what you need to do/bring? search embark/debark and you should find lots and I have seen packing lists as well. Seems like cruise resort/casual, pirate stuff if on your cruise and the if you want something "dressier" for dinner, but not required
We just ordered passports this week and were told we'd get them in 6 weeks, do I need to have the passport before I book? No you can book now, passports at a later time.
Who's the best to book through? Seems like a lot of folks do a TA to potentially get an on board credit. I did it myself thru the Disney website and felt ok about it.

Also, you might want to see if the cruise that you are thinking about has a facebook page.

Leave the others to the vets

 

[Maggie'sMom]

So my family consists of 4: Myself, DW, DS9, and DD5. We've been to Disney about 8 times in the last 5 years and we absolutely love it. This year we went to DL instead of WDW as we are anxiously awaiting Toy Story Land opening in 2018.

Since it will likely be another 14 months before we get to go to WDW, we have decided (I think) to step into a Disney Cruise this winter. We feel very comfortable in WDW and I always have every day thoroughly planned well before we leave; however, the thought of doing a Disney Cruise scares me because I have no clue what I am doing.

We're looking at going in November on the Dream leaving Port Canaveral and doing a 3 night Cruise to the Bahamas. We think we want a room with a verandah and we may get adjoining rooms with my FiL & MiL, if they decide to go too.

What do I need to know?
Is there a thread somewhere that walks you through the process of boarding and what you need to do/bring?
We just ordered passports this week and were told we'd get them in 6 weeks, do I need to have the passport before I book?
Who's the best to book through?
What do I need to know for the kids activities beforehand?
Will we be disappointed since we're so use to the Park atmosphere?

Any info would be appreciated.

First of all, take a deep breath and relax because a DCL cruise doesn't require the amount of planning a WDW trip does.

A 3 night cruise can be a good length to start with for people who have never cruised before, but it can often feel rushed because there is so much to do on the ships and little time in which to do it. Could you do a 4 night instead?

As for what you need to know, you might find it helpful to just start reading this forum. That's what I did when I started planning our first cruise. It felt overwhelming at first, but I was able to pick up almost all the needed info right here on the Disboards.

There are multiple threads that discuss boarding and packing. Boarding is really quite simple. You will pick a Port Arrival Time during your online check in process. Show up at the port at your time with your travel documents, go through security (like airport security except much easier), and cast members will be happy to direct you where you need to go. You check in at the port (huge check in desk with well-marked lines, you can't miss it) and they will give you a card with a boarding number on it. Once your boarding number is called, you enter the line to walk on the ship and board. Really quite easy.

You don't need passports before you book. They will ask for passport numbers and expiration dates when you do online check in 75 days before your cruise, but even if you don't have them then, you can select that you will use birth certificates and government IDs (as long as you are US citizens) and then modify that later when you get your passports.

I would recommend booking through a Disney specialist travel agent that is experienced with cruises. You'll pay the same price as booking direct with DCL, but travel agents will often give you a small onboard credit for booking with them. I use Dreams Unlimited, the owners of the Disboards, and have been happy with them.

Your children will both be in the Oceaneers Club/Lab. You can preregister them for the club online when you do online check in and then just pick up the Club magic band at the port. Or you can register at the port if you don't do it ahead of time.

Based on my experience, you won't be disappointed. Yes, the atmosphere is different, but that can be a good thing. Cruises are more relaxing, but just as much fun.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

So my family consists of 4: Myself, DW, DS9, and DD5. We've been to Disney about 8 times in the last 5 years and we absolutely love it. This year we went to DL instead of WDW as we are anxiously awaiting Toy Story Land opening in 2018.

Since it will likely be another 14 months before we get to go to WDW, we have decided (I think) to step into a Disney Cruise this winter. We feel very comfortable in WDW and I always have every day thoroughly planned well before we leave; however, the thought of doing a Disney Cruise scares me because I have no clue what I am doing.

We're looking at going in November on the Dream leaving Port Canaveral and doing a 3 night Cruise to the Bahamas. We think we want a room with a verandah and we may get adjoining rooms with my FiL & MiL, if they decide to go too.

What do I need to know?
Is there a thread somewhere that walks you through the process of boarding and what you need to do/bring?
We just ordered passports this week and were told we'd get them in 6 weeks, do I need to have the passport before I book?
Who's the best to book through?
What do I need to know for the kids activities beforehand?
Will we be disappointed since we're so use to the Park atmosphere?

Any info would be appreciated.

First, a little clarification - "adjoining" means next to, or across the hall from, not necessarily connecting. "Connecting" means there's an interior connecting door. Make you you ask for what you want.

As this would be your first DCL cruise, your online check in window opens at 75 days out from the cruise. At that time you'll select a Port Arrival Time. When get to the port, you'll check in and receive your Key to the World card. That's how you access your rooms, and charge things onboard the ship to your onboard account.

You don't need the passport to book a cruise.

"Best" depends on what you're looking for. Many people just book directly with DCL. Others use a Travel Agent who will walk them through the whole booking process. Many TAs also offer Onboard Credit for using them to book the cruise.

Kids clubs - Oceaneer's Club/Lab, ages 3-12; Edge, ages 11-14; and Vibe ages 14-17. All clubs have open house the first day so everyone can check out the space.

DCL, while "Disney" is much less "in your face" with Disneyness.

 

[twoprincesses12]

I hope you decide to jump onto a DCL cruise, but to answer some of your questions-

Our DDs (6&4 @1st Cruise) prefer cruise to park experience and having traveled other cruise lines, prefer DCL kids club to any other line.

Depending on your wanting to be in control level, many DIS people seem to recommend the DIS sponsored travel agent or Costco as a TA. Costco travel offers a Cash card back after your cruise and the other offers on board credit (OBC) and other perks.

You will WANT but may not need passports for your kiddos, depending on the cruise you choose - closed loop originating USA aside! I will say this - we jumped in with a 7 night cruise and will stick with that, unless we combine with a park trip and reduce to 5 nights.

You do not need passports to book, if at all, but only for peace of mind in non US ports.

There is so much information here if you look and ask questions - no need to worry, you will have expert advice to get you comfortable and up to speed before your sail date.

 

[dnllmz]

We just booked our first cruise and I'm excited to go. I love our WDW trips but I'm looking forward to a more relaxing type of vacation. Less planning also sounds good to me. Our first cruise will be a short 4 night one to get our feet wet. I just started to follow the cruise threads. Here's a good thread and a link to first timer info that might be helpful.

https://www.disboards.com/threads/dis-dcl-faq-new-alphabetical-listing-of-dcl-information.2068966/
http://www.wdwinfo.com/disney-cruise-line/first-time.htm

 

[rcchello]

See the DIS DCL FAQ at the beginning of this form and the following is a URL for First time cruisers taken from that FAQ https://redirect.viglink.com/?forma....com/disney-cruise-line/first-time.htm</span>

 

[sharonabe]

And since no one has really explained what it is...onboard credit is a $$ amount some TAs give you to use while you are on the ship. When you get to the port, you will give them a credit card number to attach to your account/room and anything you buy onboard will be charged to that account. Your onboard credit is also on that account and will be used before charging anything to your credit card.

 

[hygienist999]

Hello, I'm glad you thinking of doing a DC. My DH and I will go on our 10th Disney Cruise this October to Nova Scotia. We will finally be Platinum, yay. I will start off saying that you do not need to plan yourself to death over the cruise. Here are a few recommendations from me.
- Book a brunch for Palo's/Remy's. A hi-lite of our past cruises. The Dinner's are great also.
- Go to a Character Breakfast - We go even when traveling without kids. Such a fun experience.
- Eat a lot of Mickey Ears ice cream. Love them.
- Do not miss Dinner at Animator's Palate, the kids will love it.
- Take a zip lock baggy and during lunch at the buffet location put several cookies inside to enjoy later on. They are hard to find when not at the buffet.
- Put Magnets on your outside Cabin door. The kids will really enjoy this and it makes finding your stateroom much easier.
- Try to eat lunch in one of the dining rooms, the food is better than the buffet.
- Watch a movie on deck at night.
- Do not miss Disney Dreams show.
- Enjoy yourself.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I'm not in agreement with these:

Go to a Character Breakfast - We go even when traveling without kids. Such a fun experience.

Not all character breafasts are the same. The ones that begin in a US port are Disney Jr characters. Not everyone is into those. I've also found the actual breakfast at that event isn't all that great.

- Take a zip lock baggy and during lunch at the buffet location put several cookies inside to enjoy later on. They are hard to find when not at the buffet.

Cookies have always been available at the poolside quick serve locations on our cruises.

- Try to eat lunch in one of the dining rooms, the food is better than the buffet.

"Better" is certainly subjective. I've found many things I like at the buffet more than what's on the the menu at lunch in the dining room.

 

[Dug720]

I'm not in agreement with these:

Not all character breafasts are the same. The ones that begin in a US port are Disney Jr characters. Not everyone is into those. I've also found the actual breakfast at that event isn't all that great.


Cookies have always been available at the poolside quick serve locations on our cruises.


"Better" is certainly subjective. I've found many things I like at the buffet more than what's on the the menu at lunch in the dining room.

Agree - at least about the characters available. I have no desire to go to a Disney Junior breakfast.

Cookies...also room service!

And definitely agree. I have never found anything on the lunch menu that I like better.

 

[lovetotraveltx]

We started with 3 night, then 4 night, then 8 night. Of course the 8 night was our favorite. If I had hindsight, I would have definitely gone for the 4 night and skipped the 3 night. My biggest reason, is the 3 night does not have a sea day, (a day without stopping at ports to just enjoy the ship). If you can swing it, I would for sure do the 4 night. I would skip the veranda, as you're never in your cabin, especially on a short cruise when there is less time to relax, and use that money to book the longer cruise. We used to do to inside connecting rooms with our older girls. Kept door open for more room during the day and closed door for privacy at night. Always do deluxe inside so we have the split bath.
Unless you change to 4 night, there won't be any brunches available, but you can do Remy or Palo for dinner. These are all adult only.
Also, character breakfasts are only available on 7-night or longer cruises.
We are trying the Dream for the first time this September on a 4-night Halloween Cruise.
A disney cruise is easy and fun, have fun!

 

[hcox31]

When we were planning our first cruise, I youtube EVERYTHING. People have recorded every step of getting on the ship. That totally alleviated my anxieties around the boarding process.

 

[FigmentSpark]

This page might be of interest to you, if you haven't booked a room, yet.

http://cruiseadvice.org/CruiseShips/BestCabins.aspx?ShipName=Disney+Dream

 

[mmfox316]

I wouldn't do a cruise if I were you. Six cruises ago I said let's try a cruise. Now my life is spent trying to get to the next cruise. My friends think I have a problem. Cruises are like Oreos. Sure you think you can have just one. But after an hour you are laying on the floor in the dark with the curtains closed with only half a bag and wearing a milk mustache. Maybe that's just me. But, I do spend my days trying to figure out how to afford the next cruise. It is very addictive. Be very careful.


Now for my advice.....
If you are really unsure about being on a boat do the 3 day. Personally a 4 day is the least I can do. It is a little less fast paced. That 4th day is a day at sea to just relax.

Our 1st cruise was with a DD(16) and a DS(12). Our next 5 have been NO KIDS. It is so much more fun with no kids. However, your kids are smaller and if you can get them to try the kids club you might never see them except at meals. My DD loved the teen club. My DS is not very out going and didn't want to try it. But I could spend the entire cruise in those clubs if they cleared all the kids out. They look like a lot of fun happens there.

 

[hygienist999]

I've only done the Character Breakfast on the Disney Magic, 1st was when we cruised to Alaska and the 2nd was in Europe and both were the main characters. I would not be interested in the Disney Jr. characters either. We had a blast both times and each time our entire table was there.
My experience with the cookies has mostly been on the Disney Magic and there was many times the sandwich place did not have any. Room service I have never used on any of our 9 cruises. This one coming up I should give it a go.
The times we ate in the Dining Rooms at Lunch it was fabulous. We did not eat there every lunch, maybe 2 or 3 times a cruise, but for us the food was much better than the buffet.
Everything is subjective to each person and their experience. No matter what, you should have a wonderful time. Best of luck.
I'll leave you with a couple pictures from one of our character breakfast.

 

[dnllmz]

I wouldn't do a cruise if I were you. Six cruises ago I said let's try a cruise. Now my life is spent trying to get to the next cruise. My friends think I have a problem. Cruises are like Oreos. Sure you think you can have just one. But after an hour you are laying on the floor in the dark with the curtains closed with only half a bag and wearing a milk mustache. Maybe that's just me. But, I do spend my days trying to figure out how to afford the next cruise. It is very addictive. Be very careful.

lol Great visual!

 

[com_op_2000]

OP, a couple of things you did not specifically ask about but might want to know:
Are you looking at going this Nov? If so you might what to jump on getting your room(s) booked especially if you are looking at going during the holiday or during school break times. Your kids as PP stated will be eligible for the Kids Club and if there are already the maximum number of children on the cruise you are looking at going on you will not be allowed to book.
Have you looked on the DCL website for available state rooms? The cruise may already be sold out.
1. Relax you are on vacation and you do not want a vacation from your vacation when you get home.
2. Since you are going on the shortest cruise, you will NOT get everything you want done.
3. The PP about checking out the Navigators is a very good idea.
4. Do not plan your time down to using/being busy every minute of the day.
5. Did I mention relax.

 

[My_Pooh]

I wouldn't do a cruise if I were you. Six cruises ago I said let's try a cruise. Now my life is spent trying to get to the next cruise. My friends think I have a problem. Cruises are like Oreos. Sure you think you can have just one. But after an hour you are laying on the floor in the dark with the curtains closed with only half a bag and wearing a milk mustache. Maybe that's just me. But, I do spend my days trying to figure out how to afford the next cruise. It is very addictive. Be very careful.

I couldn't agree more with mmfox316...it's sad but true...make sure to book another cruise (bounce back) on board to save $ and get on board credit for your next trip! You'll make wonderful family memories!