I changed to second dining

[SL6827]

Well I did have first dining time, but switched it to the second. With a party of all adults, I think it will be better. Only have experienced the earlier time before.

 

[scrappinginontario]

We did early for 3 cruises then switched to late and absolutely love it!!! When others are leaving the pool we’re still there relaxing. We pick up little snacks and leisurely get ready. Sometimes watch the sunset from verandah depending on time of year.

We enjoy the earlier shows, more relaxed pace at dinner and then sometimes go for a walk, to trivia or a movie before calling it a night.

For our family the later dinner allows the entire day to be more relaxed from the moment we wake up until we go to bed.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

Well I guess you don't know until you try. At our last cruise we were stuck with late dining and getting done eating so late, and so close to bedtime was just not fun. We're usually in bed by 10 because dh is so used to waking up at 4:30am for work that even when he can sleep in, he can't.

 

[ladyofthetramp]

I would love to try it, but it is just too late for us. We are early to bed-early to rise folks. And such a large mean right before bed-I would never make it. But I am sure I would love the non-rush, quieter atmosphere.

 

[Riss]

We had late dining 2 cruises ago and initially didn't like it. We were on the waitlist but didn't have high expectations as a party of 10 getting off of it. After going back to main dining on our last cruise, now we're sure we'll probably choose late dining again, even with 3 children (currently 10, 6, and 9 months) in our party. We just felt like late dining gave us enough time to go see the shows where there's only one showing, like the Christmas tree lighting on the Merrytime cruise or the Mickey's pirate deck show whereas this time in early dining, we were always either cutting it close or rushing dinner to get out in time.

Another factor for us is that the 10 and 6-year-old would snack during the day anyway and wouldn't be ready to eat by the early dining time anyway. This past cruise we would get them snacks at 3-4pm and then they wouldn't be hungry until after the shows.

So the next cruise we'll probably switch back to late dining to try it out again.

 

[tvguy]

We always have done late seating on every cruise line. However, on our last cruise in September on Princess, we did a land tour the week before and that group wanted to get together for dinner the last two nights of the cruise, at 5 pm. Way way too early. But on Princess their late seating is early, at 7:30 pm.
But we are West Coasters so even late seating is early for our bodies on East Coast time zone cruises.

 

[SL6827]

We no longer have children in our party, but very young adults, so I think that will be a plus. And the better chance to get a private table.

 

[Mle8308]

Definitely prefer the later dining! Less children and more time to do other things during they day! Good choice.

 

[SL6827]

And, we will get the later breakfast time before we debark.

 

[CamColt]

At home I usually eat dinner around 4:00 and I'm in bed by 8:00/8:30. When on a cruise, the night is just getting started then for me. 33 Disney Cruises and we have always had late dining, by choice, even when my kids were little. I usually skip the show too because I don't want to cut the day short to get ready.

 

[AquaDame]

We've always done early even though we're west coasters but I'm tempted to try late. I've picked up a nasty case of insomnia this year and found I slept easier having a large meal later and then going to bed soon after on the trip we just got back from. Now I'm back to eating at a normal time I'm struggling again... worth a shot!Just wish our next cruise wasn't a 14-night in case it DOESN'T feel right...

 

[nostalgic4disney]

We had always gotten early dinning until our last cruise on the Treasure. We had late dinning. We loved it! Never thought we would. We did our shore excursions and then had time for a nap and shower before dinner. We also enjoyed the late night entertainment in the bars, characters walking around with no lines, late night ice cream .
The one thing I didn’t like was on the last night having to get right back to the room to pack and get our luggage outside the door by 10pm. We missed it and they came to get it about 2 am. I couldn’t sleep until they picked it up. I kept checking on it. It was the only set of luggage in the hall

 

[cedricandsophie]

We only do late dining on 25 + cruises. Tried early once and hated it. Love to take leisurely shower and dress up a bit, then meet family after the show (sometimes I go, sometimes not). Go for cocktail after show with my husband or maybe do family Game show. Then go to dinner and go to adult show after while kids loook for characters.

 

[jrez]

We were a mix of early and late for awhile, but I think we will do mostly late from now on. More time out in sunlight. We usually only do 2-3 dinner shows on a week long cruise. On our last cruise on the Treasure I was riding the Aqua Mouse at 5:45 and didn’t even have to get off the tube to go again. There was no line!

 

[BlovesC]

we eat dinner at 6 every night at home, but we LOVE late dining on the wish and treasure, it's always helped us secure a private table!

 

[Budzooka]

Did early the first 3 cruises and then decided to try late when we did a Mediterranean cruise to avoid rushing back to the ship for dinner. Have done late dining the next 3 and won’t go back. Having that extra bit of time in the afternoon is nice, whether coming back from an excursion or a sea day. Get an afternoon snack to tide you over and then go to the show.

 

[SL6827]

I know when booking a last minute rate you are automatically assigned 2nd seating, and that is what we want. But I wonder when a TA books that for you, can a private table be requested then?

 

[Mommb]

Yes, a request for a private table can be made by a travel agent. You can also go to the Special Requests section on your reservation page of the DCL website or app and make the request yourself, even if you have booked through a travel agent.

 

[SL6827]

Yes, a request for a private table can be made by a travel agent. You can also go to the Special Requests section on your reservation page of the DCL website or app and make the request yourself, even if you have booked through a travel agent.

Ya, I did that already with the cruise I do have booked. That cruise I will cancel and gamble on a Restricted Rate cruise during the month of September.