I'm A Newbie & have some questions! Please Reply

[nbafamily]

Hi, I'm new here and really could use some expert answers. We are pre-planning a DCL cruise (March '03). I'm bringing three little ones & one not-so little DH. I'm worried about the food and beverages.
Please reply about sodas during the day and room service. How much are the sodas by the pools? I was told they are not included. Do they provide lemonade or other drinks when it is not dining time? Also, are you charged for room service per item or ???? Are you charged for hotdogs at Pluto's? Also, is there a list somewhere of the charges for spa treatments, etc.
Basically I need to know how much I'm going to need $$$-wise once I board. It's different for each family I'm sure....but just to get an idea...

Thanks in advance. Just point me in the right direction~

 

[taswira]

Soda is free in the dining rooms only (at meal times). If you drink a lot of soda, you will probably want to buy the Soda Mug - $15 for 3-night, $20 for 4 night, $35 for 7-night, instead of bringing your own. This allows you free (fountain) soda refills at any of the bars on the ship. Aside from that, there is a 24-hour coffee bar on Deck 9 aft with self-serve coffees, teas, and hot cocoa I believe. There is also ice so you can make your own iced tea.

The food is included in the price of your cruise, whether in the dining rooms, room service or at the various snack stations such as Plutos and Scoops, etc. Any "packaged" foods are NOT included. Neither is alcohol. Room service is FREE, but most people tip about $2 per person per delivery.

 

[wovenwonder]

Welcome to the boards - you will find a wealth of information right here!

Soda's (outside of sit down meals which are free) cost $1.50 each plus an automatic 15% gratuity charge. Or you can purchase a 'refillable' mug for $15/3 day, $20/4day, $35/7 day and use this for unlimited refills of soda. If you plan on purchasing more than 3 soda's per day then the mug may be cost effective for you -- plus it makes a great souvenier.

There is a 'free' beverage station on deck #9 where which you will find coffee, milk, hot water to make hot chocolate, or hot tea. Plus some people like to brew their own hot tea with ice for some homemade iced tea. The water at the beverage station is very good.

In addition to the drinks that are available on the ship -- you may carry on any drinks that you wish to keep in your stateroom cooler.

Room service has a limited menu available -- all food is FREE as is milk, juices, iced tea and coffee -- any other beverage you will be charged for. Remember to have some bills on hand for room service tipping.

No charge for any food on board -- eat as much and as often as you like. Room service is available 24 hours per day! You will need to pay for prepackaged candy/snacks in the gift shops though. There is also a charge for Palo adult only dining. If you choose to go, it is $10 pp for brunch and $5 pp for dinner.

You will also need to budget for your gratuities which are not included in the cruise price. Same goes for and spa treatments and shore excursions.

I will recommend some sites where you can find detailed info on most of these subjects:
www.castawayclub.com
www.dcltribute.com

I now have my notes for first time cruisers posted on the Cruise Critic message boards.
http://messages.cruisecritic.com/2/OpenTopic?a=tpc&s=927093444&f=767097554&m=5023041383

The “Magical Disney Cruise Guide” contains pages upon pages of very valuable information – and it can be printed out also!


http://members.aol.com/_ht_a/entropym/pages/

And here are sites with really great pictures from both the magic and the wonder ships:

http://home.att.net/~pete-williams/magic/magic.htm

http://www.yourweatherman.com/disney.html#

Enjoy!

 

[taswira]

Oh, yes - I did forget about Palo's!

And as for spa prices, there are many TA's websites listing the pricing, but it is always a good idea to go directly to DCL's site for the latest on Spa features and costs.