First time with Disney Cruise Line

[the_princess]

Hi all,
I have decided on Disney Dream for me, my mom and my girls (5&7) next year in May out of Barcelona. I know quite a lot about cruising because I work at a cruise agency, but I know nothing about DCL. So please point me in the right direction (blogs, podcasts, information sites) for DCL newbies?
When it comes to booking, should I use a travel agent? And is this even possible when I live in Europe? I don’t know any agents who works with DCL here.
At the moment I’m trying to choose the right cabin. I’m looking for an oceanview family in a quiet area but close to stairs or elevator. Cabin 9656 is availeble, but what should I look out for?
I feel like a complete newbie

 

[Travel60]

Cruising Disney is not like going to the parks. The level of planning required is much less.

Download the DCL app before you board. It won't do much until you are on the ship. Then it will populate with your dining rotation including menus. It will give the timing of shows and activities, etc.

As to the room, we like the area just aft of the aft elevator, mid level of room floors. It is quiet, only a few floors up for breakfast, pools, spa and only a few floors down for evening restaurants. We never take elevators.

You need to decide which of the two dining times. We like second seating because it gives us longer days. But with younger ones, you may want to consider early. The evening shows are opposite the seating times so you don't miss a show either way.

Then consider excursions. As a first time DCL cruiser, you are last in line to sign up for excursions so pick a first, second, third choice. A lot of the cities you visit on a Med cruise are quite a long way from the cruise terminal so keep that in mind for your young ones. You can't see the excursions for your cruise until your time but, you can see the typical excursions for each city.

The kids clubs at that age don't require reservations but take your girls to open house the first afternoon so they can see what it's about and decide if they are comfortable.

That's all you really NEED to plan. You may want for you and your mother to try to get a reservation at one of the premium restaurants. You may want to get your girls a Princess makeover. If you are a drink connoisseur, there are various tastings but they fill up fast. But most everything else is open to all, first come.

Don't try to do it all, especially with young ones. Just enjoy!

 

[Girl of the South]

Which ship? Here is a link to all the deck plans:
https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/ships/deck-plans/

Don't get a cabin under the pool deck. My sweet spot is Deck 8. But everyone has their favorite. The higher up the more movement. As you probably know.

There is a TON of information on this forum. Ask specific questions rather than "tell me everything" for better replies. This forum is sponsored by a travel agency so sending you elsewhere sometimes is considered bad form. YouTube has some AWESOME videos - full tours of various ships and sometimes even your specific cabin. Up at the top (light yellow) you'll find some reviews for specific cabins.

The Disney Cruise line phone number for Europe looks like a US number but the UK one might be something you can dial (see below). There's really no reason why you can't book this yourself! If you want.

 

[dad of 3 addicted to DCL]

Scott's blog (https://disneycruiselineblog.com/) is a great resource. I started researching on the DCL website for the basics, then went to Scott's site for the next level info. There's seven metric tons of videos on youtube, but they seem to have an agenda (I hate this ship! I love this ship!) so I prefer the info over the spin.

 

[ddonner]

If you are looking for a TA, Dreams Unlimited travel is the owner of these forums and a great company to work with. I would highly recommend.

 

[DCLMP]

You don't need to use a TA unless you want onboard credit. You can book online and manage the reservation yourself.

 

[Bad Pink Tink 2.0]

Hi all,
I have decided on Disney Dream for me, my mom and my girls (5&7) next year in May out of Barcelona.

I have been on the Dream twice out of Southampton. Trip report links are in my signature. They will give you a great overview of what you can expect on the ship, from the activities, to the rooms to the food and pool areas.

When it comes to booking, should I use a travel agent? And is this even possible when I live in Europe? I don’t know any agents who works with DCL here.

European travel agents generally don't know much about Disney cruises, so if you can get any special extras, discounts etc through your work, then book through your work.

Its only the American large specialist Disney Travel Agencies which give onboard credit. The Travel Agencies receive commission from Disney and the large specialist Disney Travel Agencies give a % of this back to clients. The onboard credit amount is % of the cruise fare.

Do your research, if this is something you want to do. There are a few out there.

When you book through specialist Disney Travel Agency you will book and pay in US Dollars. This means that you will be able to book and pay for the onboard gifts like drinks through the App. If you book in any other currency you have to phone Disney Cruise Line to pay in your currency.

If you don't choose to book through your work or through and American specialist Disney Travel Agency, you can book direct through Disney Cruise website.

At the moment I’m trying to choose the right cabin. I’m looking for an oceanview family in a quiet area but close to stairs or elevator. Cabin 9656 is availeble, but what should I look out for?
I feel like a complete newbie

My advise is to check the ship layout diagrams. See what is above you, below you and around you. My room of choice is an inside room at the front of the ship, which has rooms on the floor above and below and is a non connecting room. I choose the front of the ship as I am a solo cruiser and I spend a lot of time in the adult only areas which are mainly at the front of the ship. This means I have easy access to the areas of the ship I use the most.

 

[RedHead0186]

Scott's blog (https://disneycruiselineblog.com/) is a great resource. I started researching on the DCL website for the basics, then went to Scott's site for the next level info. There's seven metric tons of videos on youtube, but they seem to have an agenda (I hate this ship! I love this ship!) so I prefer the info over the spin.

I was going to say this. Scott's blog is awesome, I've learned so much from him/that blog.

This forum is also super helpful, both if you have a specific question and also just for general perusal/learning.