Help this DCL newbie out on a 3 night Dream Cruise (kids club, pirate night, transfers,halloween,et)

[disprincess2213]

Hey guys! We are certain we are taking a 3 night cruise this coming September to follow a Disney stay! I have a few questions if someone wouldn't mind answering!

1. Cheapest transportation for a party of 3 from Disney Hotel to port, then port to MCO.
2. I heard something about a Pirate night on Disney Cruises...what night is it?
3. Is there a "themed" Halloween night or something if this cruise has the name "halloween cruise"? What do they do differently on this cruise other than decorations? Is there a party?
4. The Oceaneers club...is there a limit on the amount of time a child could spend there? Meaning could she go for a hour each day if she wanted? Not sure if there was a time limit per guest to take advantage of the fun space. Also, does it cost anything extra for her to go? She is 4.
5. How often can you get your own table at dinner if you request one (meaning sitting with just the 3 of us)?
6. Who do you all book through for DCL? I was hoping to find someone who I can talk to and ask questions!
7. Where can I find info on menus and activities and important information? ANy specific website other than these boards? I like to know as much as I can before I go and I am completely uneducated in EVERYTHING about DCL- I need help!!!
8. I know there are character meet and greets but are they scheduled and will we know beforehand where and when to meet them?
9. Did you LOVE your 3 night cruise?!

Thanks to all who can help!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Hey guys! We are certain we are taking a 3 night cruise this coming September to follow a Disney stay! I have a few questions if someone wouldn't mind answering!

1. Cheapest transportation for a party of 3 from Disney Hotel to port, then port to MCO.
2. I heard something about a Pirate night on Disney Cruises...what night is it?
3. Is there a "themed" Halloween night or something if this cruise has the name "halloween cruise"? What do they do differently on this cruise other than decorations? Is there a party?
4. The Oceaneers club...is there a limit on the amount of time a child could spend there? Meaning could she go for a hour each day if she wanted? Not sure if there was a time limit per guest to take advantage of the fun space. Also, does it cost anything extra for her to go? She is 4.
5. How often can you get your own table at dinner if you request one (meaning sitting with just the 3 of us)?
6. Who do you all book through for DCL? I was hoping to find someone who I can talk to and ask questions!
7. Where can I find info on menus and activities and important information? ANy specific website other than these boards? I like to know as much as I can before I go and I am completely uneducated in EVERYTHING about DCL- I need help!!!
8. I know there are character meet and greets but are they scheduled and will we know beforehand where and when to meet them?
9. Did you LOVE your 3 night cruise?!

Thanks to all who can help!

1. With only 3 of you, DCL transfers may be the "cheapest". It's $35.00 per person for each leg WDW/port and port/MCO. Although, you certainly can price out a rental car, that would most likely be the next cheapest.
2. On a 3 night cruise Pirate night is night 2. But, on a 3 night cruise, it's not as big as on other nights.
3. There are Halloween activities during the cruise, and a special Halloween party on one night. I believe they do the Halloween events during the daytime, and Pirate night at night.
4. Oceaneer's Club is open roughly 9am to midnight. Your daughter can go for how ever much time she wishes. It's not unusual for kids to be in there pretty much all day, if they want. Or as little as they want. No extra cost for it.
5. The possibility of having your request granted seems to be done pretty often. You must call DCL and have the request put on your reservation.
6. We book directly with DCL. Others use a Travel Agent (either online or brick & mortar). Others use Dream Unlimited (sponsor of the cruise line DISboards). You can ask questions of your TA, if you use one, or here. We're all friendly here.
7. One source of information is http://disneycruiselineblog.com/ You'll find menus, past Navigators (daily activity paper).
8. There are ticketed meet & greets (Frozen and the Princess Gathering) that you can prebook during your online check in process. All other meet and greets are one you line up for. They are posted in the daily Navigator where/when they are.
9. We've not taken a 3 night cruise. Shortest was a 4 night and we tied it to a B2B set of cruises, since we're very much in the "longer is better" camp. 3 night would just be too short for me.