First Time Cruisers - Helpful Hints for You

[pearljammer]

Good Day All, after just getting off the Magic and seeing all the first time cruisers, I thought I’d thrown some pointers that may post some items to perhaps better prepare you. Also, note we just got off the “Magic” so deck levels are specific to that boat. *wink*

1 - If you are traveling with small kids and you think they will want to stay in the kids club the entire time as it’s SO awesome, also be prepared if they don’t. (*wink* - they might but be mentally prepared to not have as much adult time as you may think - just saying it can happen).
2 - If you are looking for a lot of character pictures - be prepared to spend a lot of time in lines. If you are on a shorter cruise, it will seem like a LOT of your cruise is 1 - spending a lot of time in lines and 2 - figuring out the boat.
3 - You can NOT use cash on the boat or Castaway Cay at any time! So don’t ask. Don’t try. Put it away. It’s not happening. (Yes, I saw several adults STILL trying this). Your Key to the World Card is your credit card on the boat.
4 - You will have options to buy lanyards on board but it’s not needed. Once you check in- you are now a “silver” member. Congrats!
5 - If you can afford the $ pre-purchase the photo package (if you don’t have a nice printer at home, I‘d opt for the “printed” but you know best).
6 - Internet on the boat may be Costly. It’s NOT free. Saw a lady chewing out guest services staff over their internet bill. I don’t use it so I can’s say.
7 - When servers show you a really cool spoon, straw, light up cup, etc. with characters on it, don’t assume it comes with the meal. It’s extra. So don’t freak out when it shows up on your bill the day you disembark.
8 - If you have Disney pins - there is a night to do pin trading outside the shops.
9 - Castaway Cay has merchandise there you will NOT find on the ship. This includes pins.
10 - You usually don’t need as many clothes as you think you do. Unless of course you want those pictures. *wink*
11 - Be prepared to spend more than you think you will. Don’t be shocked when you have.
12 - If you drink, save some money by bringing on your own wine or beer. (6 12 ounce beers per adult or 2 bottles of wine).
13 - PURCHASE the future cruise with discount. Even if you THINK you want to cruise again, do it. You can always get the refund back if you decide not to cruise but you’ll never get that discount once you are off the boat!
14 - It’s okay if more than one person is using the same drink machine. If you are getting water for example, and they want Diet Coke, it’s not considered ”rude”.
15 - Don’t let your 5 year old go get soft serve ice cream by themselves. They’ve likely left 4 cones lying around and a TON of ice cream sitting in the trays.
16 - Remember if you want room on the rail on deck 10 for shows, get there early.
17 - Best firework views are on starboard side
18 - Refillable popcorn buckets are around $8 and change with refills costing $1.73. Worth it if you think you will need or want more than one bucket.
19 - Take a cup on the trip to fill with soda/water. This comes in handy for theatre shows, taking to your room, etc. As paper cups on deck have no lids and water down quick.
20- You can take water bottles and soda on board ( for example, there is NO root beer for kids unless you pay for it). Perhaps you like Pepsi and not coke products, you can take it on board.
21 - If your kids like candy for movies, etc., take it with you instead of purchasing on the boat. It’s expensive so hit Wal Mart or wherever and pack it. You’ll be happy you did.
22 - Take your own hair dryer ladies. Theirs Doesn’t blow very warm air. Just saying.
23 - Soap, conditioner, shampoo is NOT needed unless you need a specific brand for specific reason.
24. - Don’t forget sunscreen. Lots of sunscreen.
25 - Fun thing to do, make your own door magnets. There are tons of ideas on how to do this and it’s cheap! We‘ve made our own and add each trip. Our first magnet was from 2011 and we still put it on our doors!
26 - Disney now sells fish extenders on board if you get involved in one of those groups. FYI.
27 - if you have a boy, it’s totally worth the pirate night makeover. They get cool stuff and look awesome!
28 - Explore the boat and remember the shops are usually on same level as theatre and kids clubs are usually on deck 5 midship area.
29 - The 5K on Castaway Cay is going to be more humid than you may think, yes....that’s right.....HUMID.
It’s a BORING walk/run so if you have music to entertain you, do it. It’s going to be HOT HOT HOT so don’t be shocked when you can’t put that swim suit on because it’s sticking to you from all the sweat from the 5K.
30 - Throw your stuff on a beach chair before the 5K (if you do it) and you’ll have your seats when you are done.
31 - The Dream and FAntasy have trunks in their rooms which open for storage. We use it for dirty clothes! So know that it does open and you can store stuff in there to save room.
32 - We never dress up the first night, as dinner comes quick given deck party doesn’t start until around 4:30 (after the fire drill).
33 - Restaurant Rotation - this is printed on your KTTWC (Key to the world card). For example:
LLARL Means (Lumiers first night, Lumiers second night, Animators Palate 3rd night, Rapunzals Royal Court 4th night and Lumiers last night). So if you aren’t certain where to go, look at your card and the first letter will tell you where to be and what time!!
34 - Your fire drill station location is also printed on your KTTWC (it’s the BIG letter printed on your card). For example “T’ or “S’. That’s where you will report for your fire drill and staff will direct you. Yes, it’s mandatory and they will scan your KTTWC To ensure all report.

I’ll add as I think of more but hope it helps.

 

[lilmc]

- You will receive a lanyard at check in at the port

First timers don’t get lanyards.

5 - If you can afford the $150, pre-purchase the photo package

Price varies by length of cruise

 

[dad of 3 addicted to DCL]

Good list to for first timers. A few comments:

Once you check in- you are now a “silver” member

You're not silver until you complete your first cruise (gold after completing 5th and platinum after completing 10th)

It’s NOT free.

The first 100mb are free

PURCHASE the future cruise with discount

or up to two placeholders to be applied to future cruises with the same discount. If you purchase 2, they have to be applied to the same cruise

deck 10

or go up to 11, 12...

the shops are usually on same level as theatre

on Magic/Wonder, there is also a smaller shop forward in the adult lounge area and on all three ships there is a shopping area on deck 11 midships

 

[BartmanLA]

Beds in the staterooms have enough space underneath to store your luggage, (which said luggage can also be used for dirty laundry). Pack your own pods or sheets to wash, they have laundry rooms on board the ships (paid for with your KTTW card). Use the Navigator App to find schedules, activities, menus, movie times, show times, and keep track of other cruisers via chat through the app. Hair dryers aren't always allowed, depending on the Engineer they may or may not let you keep yours, on the classic ships they have a mounted "dryer" in one of the bathrooms but there is also a plug in hand held in a drawer at your desk to use.

 

[DynamicDisneyDuo]

The first 100mb are free

I thought it was only 50MB for free? Has that changed?

 

[ironz]

Will just make a couple of comments/additions:
--the hair dryer in the desk works fine. The one in the bathroom, not so much.
-- and don't think you can do everything. You can't. I saw a lady look at the 1st day Navigator and tell her kid at lunch on a 4 night: we're going to do it all! There is just so much you can squeeze in.

 

[msbliz]

Thanks for the tips! Is a lanyard really necessary? I’ve been on cruises before and never even thought to bring a lanyard

 

[dad of 3 addicted to DCL]

Thanks for the tips! Is a lanyard really necessary? I’ve been on cruises before and never even thought to bring a lanyard

Some people like them. Our kids love theirs, but my wife and I prefer to have the phone case that you can slide the card into a slot. We carry our phones to text each other/the kids and check the Navigator, so it's a matter of preference. We insist the kids use their lanyards, so as to not lose their cards. Now that son is too cool for school (he's 15), he won't wear his. So, we're getting him his own phone case to carry his Vibe card (which replaces the KTTW card). The girls still use theirs especially since I got a handful of the retractable spools to put on the lanyard. They love their 'zippy-zippies'

 

[_auroraborealis_]

You should wear pants on your verandah.

 

[Momo81]

Good Day All, after just getting off the Magic and seeing all the first time cruisers, I thought I’d thrown some pointers that may post some items to perhaps better prepare you.

1 - If you are traveling with small kids and you think they will want to stay in the kids club the entire time as it’s SO awesome, also be prepared if they don’t. (*wink* - they might but be mentally prepared to not have as much adult time as you may think - just saying it can happen).
2 - If you are looking for a lot of character pictures - be prepared to spend a lot of time in lines. If you are on a shorter cruise, it will seem like a LOT of your cruise is 1 - spending a lot of time in lines and 2 - figuring out the boat.
3 - You can NOT use cash on the boat or Castaway Cay at any time! So don’t ask. Don’t try. Put it away. It’s not happening. (Yes, I saw several adults STILL trying this). Your Key to the World Card is your credit card on the boat.
4 - You will have options to buy lanyards on board but it’s not needed. Once you check in- you are now a “silver” member. Congrats!
5 - If you can afford the $ pre-purchase the photo package (if you don’t have a nice printer at home, I‘d opt for the “printed” but you know best).
6 - Internet on the boat may be Costly. It’s NOT free. Saw a lady chewing out guest services staff over their internet bill. I don’t use it so I can’s say.
7 - When servers show you a really cool spoon, straw, light up cup, etc. with characters on it, don’t assume it comes with the meal. It’s extra. So don’t freak out when it shows up on your bill the day you disembark.
8 - If you have Disney pins - there is a night to do pin trading outside the shops.
9 - Castaway Cay has merchandise there you will NOT find on the ship. This includes pins.
10 - You usually don’t need as many clothes as you think you do. Unless of course you want those pictures. *wink*
11 - Be prepared to spend more than you think you will. Don’t be shocked when you have.
12 - If you drink, save some money by bringing on your own wine or beer. (6 12 ounce beers per adult or 2 bottles of wine).
13 - PURCHASE the future cruise with discount. Even if you THINK you want to cruise again, do it. You can always get the refund back if you decide not to cruise but you’ll never get that discount once you are off the boat!
14 - It’s okay if more than one person is using the same drink machine. If you are getting water for example, and they want Diet Coke, it’s not considered ”rude”.
15 - Don’t let your 5 year old go get soft serve ice cream by themselves. They’ve likely left 4 cones lying around and a TON of ice cream sitting in the trays.
16 - Remember if you want room on the rail on deck 10 for shows, get there early.
17 - Best firework views are on starboard side
18 - Refillable popcorn buckets are around $8 and change with refills costing $1.73. Worth it if you think you will need or want more than one bucket.
19 - Take a cup on the trip to fill with soda/water. This comes in handy for theatre shows, taking to your room, etc. As paper cups on deck have no lids and water down quick.
20- You can take water bottles and soda on board ( for example, there is NO root beer for kids unless you pay for it). Perhaps you like Pepsi and not coke products, you can take it on board.
21 - If your kids like candy for movies, etc., take it with you instead of purchasing on the boat. It’s expensive so hit Wal Mart or wherever and pack it. You’ll be happy you did.
22 - Take your own hair dryer ladies. Theirs Doesn’t blow very warm air. Just saying.
23 - Soap, conditioner, shampoo is NOT needed unless you need a specific brand for specific reason.
24. - Don’t forget sunscreen. Lots of sunscreen.
25 - Fun thing to do, make your own door magnets. There are tons of ideas on how to do this and it’s cheap! We‘ve made our own and add each trip. Our first magnet was from 2011 and we still put it on our doors!
26 - Disney now sells fish extenders on board if you get involved in one of those groups. FYI.
27 - if you have a boy, it’s totally worth the pirate night makeover. They get cool stuff and look awesome!
28 - Explore the boat and remember the shops are usually on same level as theatre and kids clubs are usually on deck 5 midship area.
29 - The 5K on Castaway Cay is going to be more humid than you may think, yes....that’s right.....HUMID.
It’s a BORING walk/run so if you have music to entertain you, do it. It’s going to be HOT HOT HOT so don’t be shocked when you can’t put that swim suit on because it’s sticking to you from all the sweat from the 5K.
30 - Throw your stuff on a beach chair before the 5K (if you do it) and you’ll have your seats when you are done.
31 - The Dream and FAntasy have trunks in their rooms which open for storage. We use it for dirty clothes! So know that it does open and you can store stuff in there to save room.
32 - We never dress up the first night, as dinner comes quick given deck party doesn’t start until around 4:30 (after the fire drill).
33 - Restaurant Rotation - this is printed on your KTTWC (Key to the world card). For example:
LLARL Means (Lumiers first night, Lumiers second night, Animators Palate 3rd night, Rapunzals Royal Court 4th night and Lumiers last night). So if you aren’t certain where to go, look at your card and the first letter will tell you where to be and what time!!
34 - Your fire drill station location is also printed on your KTTWC (it’s the BIG letter printed on your card). For example “T’ or “S’. That’s where you will report for your fire drill and staff will direct you. Yes, it’s mandatory and they will scan your KTTWC To ensure all report.

I’ll add as I think of more but hope it helps.

If we take water, soda and alcohol does it have to be in our carry on or can we just hold it

Good Day All, after just getting off the Magic and seeing all the first time cruisers, I thought I’d thrown some pointers that may post some items to perhaps better prepare you. Also, note we just got off the “Magic” so deck levels are specific to that boat. *wink*

1 - If you are traveling with small kids and you think they will want to stay in the kids club the entire time as it’s SO awesome, also be prepared if they don’t. (*wink* - they might but be mentally prepared to not have as much adult time as you may think - just saying it can happen).
2 - If you are looking for a lot of character pictures - be prepared to spend a lot of time in lines. If you are on a shorter cruise, it will seem like a LOT of your cruise is 1 - spending a lot of time in lines and 2 - figuring out the boat.
3 - You can NOT use cash on the boat or Castaway Cay at any time! So don’t ask. Don’t try. Put it away. It’s not happening. (Yes, I saw several adults STILL trying this). Your Key to the World Card is your credit card on the boat.
4 - You will have options to buy lanyards on board but it’s not needed. Once you check in- you are now a “silver” member. Congrats!
5 - If you can afford the $ pre-purchase the photo package (if you don’t have a nice printer at home, I‘d opt for the “printed” but you know best).
6 - Internet on the boat may be Costly. It’s NOT free. Saw a lady chewing out guest services staff over their internet bill. I don’t use it so I can’s say.
7 - When servers show you a really cool spoon, straw, light up cup, etc. with characters on it, don’t assume it comes with the meal. It’s extra. So don’t freak out when it shows up on your bill the day you disembark.
8 - If you have Disney pins - there is a night to do pin trading outside the shops.
9 - Castaway Cay has merchandise there you will NOT find on the ship. This includes pins.
10 - You usually don’t need as many clothes as you think you do. Unless of course you want those pictures. *wink*
11 - Be prepared to spend more than you think you will. Don’t be shocked when you have.
12 - If you drink, save some money by bringing on your own wine or beer. (6 12 ounce beers per adult or 2 bottles of wine).
13 - PURCHASE the future cruise with discount. Even if you THINK you want to cruise again, do it. You can always get the refund back if you decide not to cruise but you’ll never get that discount once you are off the boat!
14 - It’s okay if more than one person is using the same drink machine. If you are getting water for example, and they want Diet Coke, it’s not considered ”rude”.
15 - Don’t let your 5 year old go get soft serve ice cream by themselves. They’ve likely left 4 cones lying around and a TON of ice cream sitting in the trays.
16 - Remember if you want room on the rail on deck 10 for shows, get there early.
17 - Best firework views are on starboard side
18 - Refillable popcorn buckets are around $8 and change with refills costing $1.73. Worth it if you think you will need or want more than one bucket.
19 - Take a cup on the trip to fill with soda/water. This comes in handy for theatre shows, taking to your room, etc. As paper cups on deck have no lids and water down quick.
20- You can take water bottles and soda on board ( for example, there is NO root beer for kids unless you pay for it). Perhaps you like Pepsi and not coke products, you can take it on board.
21 - If your kids like candy for movies, etc., take it with you instead of purchasing on the boat. It’s expensive so hit Wal Mart or wherever and pack it. You’ll be happy you did.
22 - Take your own hair dryer ladies. Theirs Doesn’t blow very warm air. Just saying.
23 - Soap, conditioner, shampoo is NOT needed unless you need a specific brand for specific reason.
24. - Don’t forget sunscreen. Lots of sunscreen.
25 - Fun thing to do, make your own door magnets. There are tons of ideas on how to do this and it’s cheap! We‘ve made our own and add each trip. Our first magnet was from 2011 and we still put it on our doors!
26 - Disney now sells fish extenders on board if you get involved in one of those groups. FYI.
27 - if you have a boy, it’s totally worth the pirate night makeover. They get cool stuff and look awesome!
28 - Explore the boat and remember the shops are usually on same level as theatre and kids clubs are usually on deck 5 midship area.
29 - The 5K on Castaway Cay is going to be more humid than you may think, yes....that’s right.....HUMID.
It’s a BORING walk/run so if you have music to entertain you, do it. It’s going to be HOT HOT HOT so don’t be shocked when you can’t put that swim suit on because it’s sticking to you from all the sweat from the 5K.
30 - Throw your stuff on a beach chair before the 5K (if you do it) and you’ll have your seats when you are done.
31 - The Dream and FAntasy have trunks in their rooms which open for storage. We use it for dirty clothes! So know that it does open and you can store stuff in there to save room.
32 - We never dress up the first night, as dinner comes quick given deck party doesn’t start until around 4:30 (after the fire drill).
33 - Restaurant Rotation - this is printed on your KTTWC (Key to the world card). For example:
LLARL Means (Lumiers first night, Lumiers second night, Animators Palate 3rd night, Rapunzals Royal Court 4th night and Lumiers last night). So if you aren’t certain where to go, look at your card and the first letter will tell you where to be and what time!!
34 - Your fire drill station location is also printed on your KTTWC (it’s the BIG letter printed on your card). For example “T’ or “S’. That’s where you will report for your fire drill and staff will direct you. Yes, it’s mandatory and they will scan your KTTWC To ensure all report.

I’ll add as I think of more but hope it helps.

If we take drinks onboard can we just carry them in tote bag or do they have to be in our carry on suitcase?

 

[pearljammer]

If we take water, soda and alcohol does it have to be in our carry on or can we just hold it

If we take drinks onboard can we just carry them in tote bag or do they have to be in our carry on suitcase?

You Can do either. Just don’t pack it in the suitcase. We had flown into Miami and walked to a store from the hotel and bought our beer. We carried it on in the bag that we got from the store with no problem. Bought more at the port in Key West. Carried it on in the bag from Walgreens, no problem. There was one guy carrying on a 24 pack of water. I felt bad for him as he carried that around the boat until cabins opened at 1:30! When we drive to PC, we usually take a collapsible cooler we bought YEARS ago on the boat with no ice in it. We then will fill it with ice on days at sea or lounging on deck to keep the drinks cool.

 

[TestingH2O]

You will have options to buy lanyards on board but it’s not needed. Once you check in- you are now a “silver” member. Congrats!

We definitely did not get a silver lanyard on our first cruise. If this is happening now, it is a very new development.

Take your own hair dryer ladies. Theirs Doesn’t blow very warm air. Just saying.

The classics still have that bad hairdryer in the bathroom. The one in the desk is good on all the ships we've been on.

I thought it was only 50MB for free? Has that changed?

Concierge gets 100MB, but regular rooms are 50.

 

[StarSeven7]

I just wanted to agree with what the others said, that the hair dryer in the desk works great! I have long, thick, coarse hair that takes me about 30 minutes to blow dry. I used the desk hair dryer for that once on our trip and it worked fine - no different than my expensive hair dryer at home!

 

[lklgoodman]

If the hair dryer in the desk didn't work for you, it may be because you didn't use the correct outlet. There's only one outlet by the desk for the hair dryer. I plugged it into a regular outlet the first time and it didn't work very well. I then noticed the one for the dryer and it worked great. If you used the correct outlet and dryer still didn't work, then it was probably needing to be replaced. Just tell your cabin host and they will replace it.

 

[cwis]

If the hair dryer in the desk didn't work for you, it may be because you didn't use the correct outlet. There's only one outlet by the desk for the hair dryer. I plugged it into a regular outlet the first time and it didn't work very well. I then noticed the one for the dryer and it worked great. If you used the correct outlet and dryer still didn't work, then it was probably needing to be replaced. Just tell your cabin host and they will replace it.

I don't use the hair dryer myself but unless I am mistaken it needs to be plugged to a 230V outlet, maybe, if you can plug it to a 110V its power is reduced? Just speculating.

 

[Marc D]

I don't use the hair dryer myself but unless I am mistaken it needs to be plugged to a 230V outlet, maybe, if you can plug it to a 110V its power is reduced? Just speculating.

That’s exactly why some people do not like the Baby Bliss. They do not use the designated outlet. Since the dryer is dual-voltage and the 110V-120V outlet allows both US and European plugs, the problem can easily arise.