Great unknown tips or secrets!

[Quimby]

This is a great thread...Keep the tips coming...

 

[Sue (mom of 3 boys!)]

Don't try to pack everything!! Stop at alMart or a similar store on the way to the port and pick up the stuff you will go through.
(sunscreen, water, snacks, pails/shovels, room fresheners, etc...)

Of course, this only works is you have a car or a scheduled grocery stop with a car service.)

 

[Jennifer48]

Another vote here for the over-the-door shoe hangar. I bought a cheap one at Target for like $5 and it was very handy. Kept the sink clutter free!

I know some people mention bringing an alarm clock but I just set the TV to turn on as my wake up call and that worked wonderfully. I left the channel to see the forward camera and it was like our window to the outside world from our inside stateroom with no window!

Thank you all for posting your tips. I have a few more to add to my next cruise in September! Keep them coming!

 

[BoosGram]

When we cruised in Nov. 2005, the cabin had a little propeller clock (which, of course, I had to have--and they had them for sale in one of the stores on Deck 4!) that also functioned as an alarm clock. It's basic, but it works. Also, I think you can have Mickey wake you up by phone call, so either way I'd leave the alarm clock behind. If you are concerned about seeing the time in the dark, bring one of those Timex watches (Indiglo) whose face lights up when you press the stem. You won't have to pack it; just wear it. I keep mine by the bedside at home, too (I'm sooo nearsighted I can't see the clock face anyway).

 

[birkner]

When we cruised in Nov. 2005, the cabin had a little propeller clock (which, of course, I had to have--and they had them for sale in one of the stores on Deck 4!) that also functioned as an alarm clock. It's basic, but it works. Also, I think you can have Mickey wake you up by phone call, so either way I'd leave the alarm clock behind. If you are concerned about seeing the time in the dark, bring one of those Timex watches (Indiglo) whose face lights up when you press the stem. You won't have to pack it; just wear it. I keep mine by the bedside at home, too (I'm sooo nearsighted I can't see the clock face anyway).

We have the same propeller clock signed to my DH and I from Captain Thord.

 

[Trixiezzz]

This is not a big tip, but one I didn't figure out until the last day or two of our cruise.

This worked for us in the "AFT" section:
If you're trying to get to the Walt Disney theatre during a very busy time ~ like the time between 1st and 2nd dinner seating ~ don't do what we did and go by stairs/elevator to the 4th Floor and then walk all the way through all the crowds in Shutters, etc.

On the last night, we walked all the way forward on Deck 2, (by the staterooms) and then took the Forward elevator to the 4th Floor. The elevator doors open right outside the theatre and you bypass all the congestion that clutters up the main areas on the 4th floor in the evening.

 

[RweTHEREyet]

I had bookmarked this thread long ago when we first considered a cruise. I found it again now that we are probably taking one next year, and I thought it time to bump it. Maybe all these great tips are in the tip section, but I thought it worth bumping this up. You can never have too many tips.

 

[Deb T.]

And this is definitely the BEST place to gather tips!

 

[flowers]

In the rooms with a veranda, you can turn off the lights on the veranda. The switch is behind the curtains near the door on the right side. I found this on our last day...
Elisa

lol someone was complaining on another thread about folks who dont turn out their "porch" light and it shines and annoys them on their balcony.

Good tip.

 

[RweTHEREyet]

And this is definitely the BEST place to gather tips!

I definitely second that.

I am hoping others might contribute some tips they have picked up along the way to this thread.

 

[JsMom2]

I just returned from an 11 night Med cruise a couple weeks ago.

I took the highlighters for the Navigator, and they worked awesome, especially with the new format. We had 3 colors, pink for DD, yellow for me, and orange for family activities. Really helped us to organize our days.

I also wouldn't worry about packing an alarm clock. I wasn't aware of the TV alarm - TFS! But Mickey will call you and wake you up anytime you want. Plus if you order room service the night before they always come right on time!

I've heard of folks packing a nightlight. We had an inside cabin on the last cruise. I found that if we turned on the bathroom light, and then shut the door that it gave off the same amt of light as a nightlight.

We also packed candy for my DD to eat during the shows. Believe it or not she would pass up dessert at dinner, because she wanted to have her treat during the show. And btw a bag of peanut M & Ms that would normally sell for $1.50 at Target were $9.00 at the Buena Vista Theater!! Yes, $9.00 I asked the CM if there was a misprint on the sign, yikes!!

If you take one of the all day excursions on the med cruises, you can usually leave your belongings on your bus when you get off to walk around. My DD and I would take 2 backpacks. One with things to do on the bus ride into town (ie Gameboy, MP3 player, magazines) and extra water. And then another smaller one we took off the bus that had hand gel, wipes, small roll of TP and a bottle of water each.

Also if you are going to buy any photos on the ship, be sure to buy a package. They are completely refundable, and allow you to pick and choose which photos you want to buy (you can swap out any you buy with another if you find one you like better).

Someone posted on another thread that they would order a carafe of coffee right before bedtime, and it would still be nice and hot when they woke up in the morning. I will definitely try that next time!

 

[plutojudy]

In the rooms with a veranda, you can turn off the lights on the veranda. The switch is behind the curtains near the door on the right side. I found this on our last day...
Elisa

I wish more people knew this. The stars look so much brighter when the verandah lights are off.

 

[stina]

Things I have learned from my first cruise:

1. PACK LESS!

2. Pack a small suitcase or duffle bag you can check during the return trip for all those extra souvenEARS.

3. Use the Mickey Mouse wake up call, it's adorable! I think it says something like "Big doins going on today!" which I think is very funny.

4. Decorate your door, not only is it fun, but it will make it a lot easier for you to spot your room in those long corridors of identical doors.

5. Ladies: bring a small bag/purse/clutch for use around the ship. My regular sized purse was too much and looked odd on formal night. A small camera case with extra pockets for cash/room card can also double for a purse.

6. The new Band-Aid blister healer bandages are great, they really work!

7. Bring air freshener: If you have an inside room this is great. We got an apple scented one (tiny spray bottle) from the White Barn Candle Co. (Bath & Body Works) and our room always smelled great, so warm and welcoming!

8. If you miss the shopping seminar, you can watch it on TV.

9. There are Disney music stations on the TV (much like WDW), they make GREAT mood music for the room. Disney Muzak always makes me feel like I am truly on vacation!

10. Thank your servers and stateroom hosts. They work very hard to keep you happy. And after having recently read the multiple part series "A DCL cast member in training" on AllEars.net I will now think to ask my friendly CMs if they need anything while I am at port because many times they can't get off the ship to restock on personal necessities. What a bummer that must be.

Happy cruising everyone!

 

[CastleCreations]

When coming from air conditioning into warm air, the lens on your camera and camcorder will fog up. Half of my video is my finger cleaning the lens. If you're an early bird, set your camera on your veranda and let it warm up a bit, before pulling into castaway cay so you don't miss out on some great photos.

 

[threechildren]

This is a great thread. Thanks for all the info.

One question. do you have to pay for room service food/drinks (non-alcoholic)? I would looove a cheese tray while getting ready for dinner!!

 

[mickeyteachers]

no, you should tip them.

 

[fltink]

Do your research about shore excursions. Most of the time, with a little extra legwork, you can find reputable, private companies which offer the same excursions as Disney at lower rates. With that said, keep in mind a couple of things.....unlike Disney run-excursions, most private companies do not keep an eye on changes in your ship's arrival and departure times so you are responsible for making sure you get back to the ship on time. Make sure that the company that you use has a cancellation policy which covers you not having to pay if your ship comes into port later than planned. But as long as you keep those things in mind, you can often find some great deals!

Here's an example: In Grand Cayman, Disney's StingRay City excursion is $65 per person and small children are not allowed. There's a wonderful, highly respected company called Moby Dick Tours (mobydicktours.com) which runs their own excursions for $35 per person, and children of all ages are welcome. Their version also includes the option for the boat to drop you off at Seven Mile Beach, so that you can enjoy one of the most beautiful beaches on Earth....a feature which Disney does not offer. These guys even say that they WILL keep an eye on The Magic's schedule in case there is a change in time. How's THAT for service!

But here's the KEY......ALWAYS use a company which has some solid, honest reviews by some real people who have used it, and had a great experience. And we have the perfect tool to look for reviews right here, in the DIS Boards!

 

[lawmom3]

Hi just wondering wehn you plan to cruise?
We ware from Nashville and my family lives in knowxvile. we are booked onthe 10/6/2007 western.

Here's another DISer from Nashville!

 

[hbg4]

I have some more tips especially for those needing to travel light overseas for the Med cruise.
Child's soft toy can double as a pillow or neck cushion. Most airline personel won't have the heart to count this as an extra piece of carry on especially when your kid is holding it dressed up in their arms. If necessary it can be squeezed into a backpack hardly any extra weight.
Comfortable flip flops can be worn at the beach, standard daywear, spa, public showers and at the end of the night for those tired feet after wearing heels for dinner.
Flannel Lounge wear can be used for the gym, and as a coverall for swim suits for the beach, pool, spa.

 

[flowers]

Everyone I know uses Captain Marvin's for their stingray excursion, I think they are more well known if you are looking for someone that is reputable and well known. They also start at $35, but cheaper children's rates and they have a $25 tour of the turtle farm, show you past 7 mile island and then to Hell rock formation.

I'm sure we are all different. I still like my little alarm clock so I can wake up and see what time it is in the dark. I hate alarms, so having Mickey call me on the phone where I have to spring out of bed doesnt sound wonderfull to me. yikes. My alarm clock is only 3 inches by 4 inches, it takes up no room. I dont know why so many are always telling folks not to bring it. I dont bring it for an alarm, I bring it to see the time. Im also not really a watch person. I dont wear a watch usually, and even forgot a watch one cruise and had to buy one on the ship. So bring a watch too, clocks are not that plentiful on the ship.