It’s booked, now tell me what you know!

[ByWorldandSea]

I’m no stranger to the World, but DCL is compeltely new to me. My family of 4 (me, hub, 6 yo daughter, 3 yo son at time of sailing) are embarking on the 4-night Dream Cruise to the Bahamas with 2 stops at CC next July. We are on deck 7 aft in an oversized cabin (5E).

I’ve perused the forums for a while, especially as we all anxiously anticipated the announcement of new itineraries. I know a few things from research, but I’m hoping you all will share any tips you have.

Some of my more specific questions:
1. Is a passport card okay for the littlest? Hubs and I have ours already.
2. Can I not book Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique until the cruise is paid in full? Seems to be the case when I look at my online account.
3. Can anyone give me an idea how much BBB is for one child?
4. What else should we book (on-shore excursions)? We won’t get off at Nassau, but will do both days at CC.
5. The cruise will be kind of an anniversary celebration for my husband and I. What spa treatments do you recommend?
6. Has anyone had bad vibrations at the back of the ship? I read mixed reviews on that and on the soot on the balcony. Is it concerning enough to change our stateroom?

Anything else you wanna share, go for it! I’m so excited!

 

[Shanti]

I’m no stranger to the World, but DCL is compeltely new to me. My family of 4 (me, hub, 6 yo daughter, 3 yo son at time of sailing) are embarking on the 4-night Dream Cruise to the Bahamas with 2 stops at CC next July. We are on deck 7 aft in an oversized cabin (5E).

I’ve perused the forums for a while, especially as we all anxiously anticipated the announcement of new itineraries. I know a few things from research, but I’m hoping you all will share any tips you have.

Some of my more specific questions:
1. Is a passport card okay for the littlest? Hubs and I have ours already.
2. Can I not book Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique until the cruise is paid in full? Seems to be the case when I look at my online account.
3. Can anyone give me an idea how much BBB is for one child?
4. What else should we book (on-shore excursions)? We won’t get off at Nassau, but will do both days at CC.
5. The cruise will be kind of an anniversary celebration for my husband and I. What spa treatments do you recommend?
6. Has anyone had bad vibrations at the back of the ship? I read mixed reviews on that and on the soot on the balcony. Is it concerning enough to change our stateroom?

Anything else you wanna share, go for it! I’m so excited!

1. I recommend full passports for everyone, but can't answer about what is required.
2. Yes, you must be paid in full before booking activities.
3. Can't answer as I don't have the cost memorized, but I know it isn't cheap.
4. Do Castaway Cay with no excursions. Enjoy the island.
5. I just recommend using the Rainforest Room together (includes saunas, special showers, use of heated tile loungers & hot tub with ocean view). You can purchase day passes in advance if you like. It's quite affordable.
6. The severe aft vibration issues are on the Fantasy, not the Dream. Aft cabins on all ships vibrate slightly during docking, but not all of the time. We sailed aft on the Dream in December with no issues.

 

[doublesided]

1. I recommend full passports for everyone, but can't answer about what is required.
2. Yes, you must be paid in full before booking activities.
3. Can't answer as I don't have the cost memorized, but I know it isn't cheap (3 digits).
4. Do Castaway Cay with no excursions. Enjoy the island.
5. I just recommend using the Rainforest Room together (includes saunas, special showers, use of heated tile loungers & hot tub with ocean view). You can purchase day passes in advance if you like. It's quite affordable.
6. The severe aft vibration issues are on the Fantasy, not the Dream. Aft cabins on all ships vibrate slightly during docking, but not all of the time. We sailed aft on the Dream in December with no issues.

Tag on question-we have never cruised before but if we pay in full next month and the cruise is for 2019, does that mean we can book activities? Or do we have to wait until a certain date since we aren't special members? Thanks!

 

[Dug720]

Tag on question-we have never cruised before but if we pay in full next month and the cruise is for 2019, does that mean we can book activities? Or do we have to wait until a certain date since we aren't special members? Thanks!

First time DCL cruisers can book activities/excursions/adult dining/spa things at 75 days from embarkation. (Which is also final payment date.) No matter how far in advance you pay in full.

 

[Shanti]

Tag on question-we have never cruised before but if we pay in full next month and the cruise is for 2019, does that mean we can book activities? Or do we have to wait until a certain date since we aren't special members? Thanks!

Everyone has to wait until certain dates to book activities after they are paid in full.

• If you are sailing concierge or are platinum Castaway Club members (you've sailed 10 or more Disney cruises), you can book activities 120 days before sail date.
• If you are gold CC members (sailed 5 - 9 cruises), you can book activities 105 days before sail date.
• If you are silver CC members (sailed 1 - 4 cruises), you can book activities 90 days before sail date.
• If you are a first-time Disney cruiser, you can book activities 75 days before sail date.

 

[jdb in AZ]

In the very(!) unlikely event your family needs a medical evacuation, a passport card won't get you on a flight. Either go with a passport book, or just use a birth certificate for your kids.

 

[Dug720]

In the very(!) unlikely event your family needs a medical evacuation, a passport card won't get you on a flight. Either go with a passport book, or just use a birth certificate for your kids.

But ONLY the passport book will allow you to fly back into the US. Not a birth certificate.

 

[Trera]

I think you can get the BBB experience with hair, make up and nails for under 100 but you need to bring your own costume. They do have different pricing based on what outfit you get and whether it’s a pirate night or a princess appointment.

 

[TDR32]

We just took our first cruise on the Magic. BBB was $20 for our son to do the Knight package and $60-70 for our daughter. I think you can find the packages online with the prices.

Here is the link to the packages and prices. https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/onboard-activities/bibbidi-bobbidi-boutique/

 

[tlprice]

We always do the Crown Package at BBB and bring our own dress. So much cheaper! I usually watch the Disney store website for clearance dresses and buy one in advance. I have gotten the Rapunzel and Princess Elena deluxe dresses for $25 each (and they were WAY nicer than what was on board). Of course, then you have to pack the dress and bring it with you.

On Castaway Cay, I'd try to take your kids to the family whale dig one day. It is a fun family thing that you can do as long or short as you want, but there is a surprise guest that will come dig with your kids so make sure you have your camera.

 

[ByWorldandSea]

Thank you everyone! These have all been really helpful tips so far. Keep them coming!

 

[ByWorldandSea]

2 more questions I just thought of:
Anyone know the dining rotation for a 4 night on the Dream?

Has anyone cruised during 4th of July? What festive events/activities can we expect?

 

[Trera]

2 more questions I just thought of:
Anyone know the dining rotation for a 4 night on the Dream?

Has anyone cruised during 4th of July? What festive events/activities can we expect?

The rotation order is enchanted garden, royal palace and then Animators. On a four night, you will have the second restaurant twice in a row so the rotation will either be ERRA, RAAE or AEER.

Good luck.

 

[cadien]

In terms of the spa, there’s also this: http://www.wdwforgrownups.com/articles/disney-cruise-line-spas-offer-luxurious-treatment-villas

I’ll be able to report on it in early May.

 

[Dug720]

The rotation order is enchanted garden, royal palace and then Animators. On a four night, you will have the second restaurant twice in a row so the rotation will either be ERRA, RAAE or AEER.

Good luck.

At this time. The rotations can and do change sometimes.

 

[cutigress]

Congrats on the first cruise! I don't have much to add, except that we'll be on the same cruise. It'll be our 2nd with DCL and we are super excited.

 

[NlessDream]

On our 7night cruise these are the prices for BBB on the Fantasy.
Captain's Package

• Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
• 30 min,
• $119.95 (ages 3 to 12)

Kids become Captains with a Disney Cruise Line exclusive Captain's Package made complete with a Disney Cruise Line Sailor Mickey costume, Captain Mickey hat and Captain Mickey plush.
Ages: 3 – 12
Available Days: Daily

Castle Package

• Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
• 45 min,
• $199.95 (ages 3 to 12)

Your little one is sure to feel like a Disney princess with the Castle Package, which includes choice of a Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique hair style, plus shimmering makeup, nail polish, face gem and princess sash. The royal transformation will be completed with a princess costume of choice with coordinating wand and crown.
Ages: 3 – 12
Costume Choices: Princess Minnie, Tinker Bell, Anna, Ariel, Aurora, Belle, Cinderella, Elsa, Jasmine, Rapunzel, Snow White and Tiana
Hair Style Choices: Disney Diva & Fairy Tale Princess
Available Days: Daily

Crown Package

• Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
• 45 min,
• $64.95 (ages 3 to 12)

Kids love the pampering Crown Package, which includes choice of a Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique hair style, plus shimmering makeup, face gem, nail polish, princess tote and princess sash.
Ages: 3 – 12
Hair Style Choices: Disney Diva & Fairy Tale Princess
The Disney Frozen hair style is also available as part of a Crown Package for an additional fee.
Available Days: Daily

Disney Frozen Package

• Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
• 45 min,
• $164.95 (ages 3 to 12)

Is your little one free-spirited and fun-loving like Anna or regal and reserved like Elsa? The Disney Frozen Package provides a fun, movie-inspired makeover where kids can become their favorite character from the wildly popular Disney animated hit. The Disney Frozen package includes your choice of the Anna hairstyling with Anna costume or Elsa hairstyling with Elsa costume, plus shimmering makeup, face gem, nail polish, a princess sash, a princess tote and a huggable Olaf plush.
Ages: 3 – 12
Costume Choices: Anna & Elsa only
Hair Style Choices: Anna or Elsa only
Available Days: Daily

Royal Knight Package

• Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
• 30 min,
• $19.95 (ages 3 to 12)

Young Guests can also select the Royal Knight Package, which includes hair styling, as well as a mighty sword and shield.
Ages: 3 – 12
Available Days: Daily

Under The Sea Package

• Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
• 45 min,
• $99.95 (ages 3 to 12)

Young cruisers can become little mermaids with the Under the Sea Package, which includes a 2-piece swimsuit and "mermaid tail" wrap. A floral hair clip, necklace and nail polish complete the look.
Ages: 3 – 12
Available Days: Daily

Pirates League - Captains Package

• Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
• 30 min,
• $99.95 (ages 3 to 12)

Get decked out in pirate garb as Pirate Night draws night! The Captain's Package includes all of the same elements as the First Mate Package but with your choice of costume.
Ages: 3–12
Costume: Jack Sparrow, Boney Pirate or Captain Hook
Available Days: Pirate Party Night only

Pirates League - Deluxe Maiden Package

• Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
• 30 min,
• $99.95 (ages 3 to 12)

Young maidens get in character for Pirate Night with the Deluxe Maiden Package, which includes a bandana, shimmering makeup, face gem, tattoos, nail polish, earring and eye patch.
Ages: 3 – 12
Costume: Empress Gown or Empress 2-piece (t-shirt & tutu)
Available Days: Pirate Party Night only

Pirates League - Empress Package

• Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
• 30 min,
• $44.95 (age 3 and up)

A prettier option for Pirate Night includes a bandana, shimmering makeup, a face gem, Pirate tattoo, nail polish, an earring, eye patch, unique coin necklace and cutlass —all the essentials for a lively evening at sea!
Ages: 3 & Up
Available Days: Pirate Party Night only

Pirates League - First Mate Package

• Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
• 30 min,
• $44.95 (age 3 and up)

Guests are transformed from landlubber to buccaneer—just in time for Pirate Night festivities—with the First Mate Package, which includes choice of pirate facial effect, sword & sheath, bandana, pirate earring & eye patch, pirate tattoo and unique coin necklace.
Ages: 3 & Up
Available Days: Pirate Party Night only


Galactic Transformation – Adult

• Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
• 30 min,
• $54.95 (age 3 and up)

Star Wars Day at Sea isn’t just for kids! Adults can take part in a Galactic Transformation to truly embody the excitement of the celebration.
Includes: makeup/hair, tee shirt (4 options), nametag, lanyard with medallion and exclusive stateroom magnet.
Ages: 12 & Up
Available Days: Star Wars Day at Sea Sailings on the Disney Fantasy only

Galactic Transformation – Child

• Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
• 30 min,
• $99.95 (ages 3 to 12)

Make your younglings one with the Force, honoring the characters from the Star Wars universe.
Includes: makeup/hair, costume (4 options), cinch sack, nametag, lanyard with medallion and exclusive stateroom magnet.
Ages: 3 to 12
Available Days: Star Wars Day at Sea Sailings on the Disney Fantasy only

 

[ByWorldandSea]

Congrats on the first cruise! I don't have much to add, except that we'll be on the same cruise. It'll be our 2nd with DCL and we are super excited.

Yay! I’m so excited and wish the wait wasn’t so long, but it’ll be well worth it!