General first timer advice

[dsanner106]

I am planning a trip on the Fantasy for next year. We have been on cruises but a first timer for Disney. Will have probably 4 cabins, an 8 yr old, a 4 and a 5, plus an infant in the group with adults making up the balance. Any general advice for Disney cruises with a group? Better cabin locations, anything we might request, etc. Any advice is appreciated.

D

 

[Travel60]

Cabins - decide if you want all inside, all outside, all balconies, etc. Cost difference is significant. Also, whether you want connecting cabins (2 set, 2 sets). We happen to like rooms aft of rear elevators. Others say midships and lower has less movement if that's an issue.
Dining - Make sure your reservations are linked so you dine together Need to decide whether to do early dining (~5:00 ish) or late dining (~8:00 ish). In case you don't know - you have an assigned dining rotation and table in the 3 main dining rooms. Your servers rotate with you so they get to know you and what you like. There are also two specialty restaurants for adults only, pay extra, reservation required, better dress required. And several quick serve options. For breakfast and lunch there is a buffet or some of the quick serve options.
Excursions - you've cruised so you know about them.
Most everything else (shows, movies, character meets, family games, trivia, cooking demos, etc.) are free and first come.
There's a bunch of liquor tastings that you can reserve but as a first cruiser they will likely be all taken by the time it's your turn.
You can't do it all and (IMHO ) trying to plan too much just causes stress. Just let it happen and rejoice when it does.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Any advice is appreciated.

My number one advice is - remember it's a vacation, you can't do everything. Select the things that are most important to do and save the rest for later. It's OK to just sit on deck and watch the water go by.

I'd also suggest, since you're looking at booking for a group, that you work with a TA.

 

[Cfabar1]

The app is your friend

Payment is due 90 or 120 days before your cruise

Know your activities window date (I think 75 days)

Know your check in window date if arrival time matters to you (I think 30 days for first time cruisers)

These are at midnight EST

One concierge room does not grant all your guests access to the concierge amenities.

Regarding the infant a bottle sterilizer should be available for you, as should a pack and play and diaper genie. While they sell diapers and formulas on the ship, if you have any specific needs be sure to bring them in your CARRY ON in case there is an issue with your luggage.

Nursery care is great, but if there are issues they may have you need to get your child.

 

[CruiseGoon]

If you are sailing together as a group with multiple cabins, link your reservations. That way you can request to all be seated together for dinner. It will also be important to have linked reservations if you book any excursions together as a group. The coordinators will know to keep you on the same bus, with the same tour guide, etc.

 

[jimmymc]

The only bad cabin locations IMO are right under the pool decks. Cast members start arranging chairs very early, and it makes a lot of noise. Also if anyone in your group is tall, maybe avoid the deck the kid's club is on. The ceiling is shorter, meaning the show head is also lower.

Disney has two traditional dining seatings, so go ahead and request one if the time matters to you. Dinner options are very limited outside of the main restaurants, so definitely plan on eating there for dinner. The buffet and one of the main restaurants will be open for breakfast and lunch.

If you want to do one of the upcharge restaurants, reservations go fast, so go online as soon as your booking window opens up. They are adults-only, so the kids can either go to the kid clubs or stay with another family member. If you can't get a reservation ahead of time, you can try in-person on embarkation day.

Some excursions also go fast, so definitely check as soon as you can online.