Can't help but to chime in on my thoughts regarding our first Disney cruise. We got a ton of helpful information from other posters before we left, and hopefully someone can get some good "stuff" from me as well.
Dinner
Having booked the cruise very late (we probably got one of the last rooms on the ship) we were stuck with late seating - and were unable to get it changed. Having enjoyed the cruise immensely, this was the only fault that I can find.
8:30 dinner is simply too late for two little kids (5 & 7 1/2), especially after a day of sun and swimming. The first two nights the kids were falling asleep at the table, and looking around the dining rooms, most of the other kids were as well. We solved the issue by forcing them down for a nap at 5 pm (they're not nappers) and waking them at 7. Unfortunately, they're now awake for dinner, but we've missed the early show. Two of the last three nights we would up eating upstairs at Topsiders at 7:30 so that we could catch the later show.
In my humble opinion, Disney would do very well to change their dining to an hour earlier. This is, after all, a cruise geared toward families, and it's simply unfair to ask for children to sit for dinner this late.
Meals were good, but not great. We've been on several cruises with far better food - but still, no complaints. You won't go hungry, the staff is very nice, and everything goes pretty smoothly.
Camp
The Club and the Lab are terrific. We're not ones to leave our children all day, so our kids were only in for about an hour a day - more a break for them than for us. The staff is fantastic, and my older daughter loved making Flubber. Thank goodness we got the kids to take naps, because the "Flubber Event" was still taking place at 11:30 at night!
By the way, we had heard that you MUST be 8 to get into the Lab (the 8-10 year old club). Actually, they'll let your child give it a try - if it's a problem then they won't let you. But if it works out, no problem.
This Board
My daughters were able to meet several kids through this board prior to sailing. This was great - it gave them something to look forward to, someone to know in the club/lab, and a few people to wave to when they walked by.
I highly recommend private messaging someone before you go.
Grand Cayman
We went up to the Turtle Farm and had a great time. The kids loved holding the turtles. We stopped at the Westin on the way back to see 7 mile beach, and were back in town in about an hour.
It's a bit hectic getting a taxi - all the drivers want to take you on an extended tour. When you get onto the main street, make a left and walk up about a hundred yards (careful, there's a lot of construction and people - hold onto your little ones). You'll find a guy who hails cabs (he's in uniform and looks "official"). Give him 2-3 dollars and he'll get you a taxi that will do what YOU want. Our cab ride was $20 - she was so sweet we gave her $40!
If you make a right off the boat, about a 1/2 mile down is a nice restaurant on the water. Outdoor seating, chicken nuggets - everything you need. Plus, the kids can go down and look into the water at all the fish.
Cozumel
We did the dolphin encounter. Fun - I mean, the kids thought it was neat to pet the dolphins. For me, a bit too pushy. They really move you in and out, and afterwards they essentially herd you into a room to view the video (hoping you'll buy it). I highly recommend that one parent simply leave the line and go over to the lagoon to swim/play, and let the other parent check out the video. It was cute, but not for $29.
The park was nice. They have a small lagoon with a beach that the kids loved. Cabs go back to the ship regularly, so you can leave when you want.
Miscellaneous
1. Someone had mentioned the cheese tray at night. Man, were they right! I think I ordered four of them during the week (more room service than I've ever used in my entire life!). It's terrific at 5 pm when you're hungry but still need to eat dinner.
2. The Golden Mickey's show was good. The Disney Dream was even better.
3. The staff will truly do anything for you. We asked two waiters (our regular server and the one in Topsiders) for a hotdog for the kids. Five minutes later they were on our table (no, hotdogs are never on the regular menu).
4. Checking into the ship was at least an hour. I took the long line and check in, my wife took the kids to the cafe and got them set up for camp. Divide and conquer!
I'll try to remember more, but if you have questions, feel free to ask. Enjoy whatever sailing you're on - it was a very worthwhile trip, and we've already rebooked for next year.
Steve
Dinner
Having booked the cruise very late (we probably got one of the last rooms on the ship) we were stuck with late seating - and were unable to get it changed. Having enjoyed the cruise immensely, this was the only fault that I can find.
8:30 dinner is simply too late for two little kids (5 & 7 1/2), especially after a day of sun and swimming. The first two nights the kids were falling asleep at the table, and looking around the dining rooms, most of the other kids were as well. We solved the issue by forcing them down for a nap at 5 pm (they're not nappers) and waking them at 7. Unfortunately, they're now awake for dinner, but we've missed the early show. Two of the last three nights we would up eating upstairs at Topsiders at 7:30 so that we could catch the later show.
In my humble opinion, Disney would do very well to change their dining to an hour earlier. This is, after all, a cruise geared toward families, and it's simply unfair to ask for children to sit for dinner this late.
Meals were good, but not great. We've been on several cruises with far better food - but still, no complaints. You won't go hungry, the staff is very nice, and everything goes pretty smoothly.
Camp
The Club and the Lab are terrific. We're not ones to leave our children all day, so our kids were only in for about an hour a day - more a break for them than for us. The staff is fantastic, and my older daughter loved making Flubber. Thank goodness we got the kids to take naps, because the "Flubber Event" was still taking place at 11:30 at night!
By the way, we had heard that you MUST be 8 to get into the Lab (the 8-10 year old club). Actually, they'll let your child give it a try - if it's a problem then they won't let you. But if it works out, no problem.
This Board
My daughters were able to meet several kids through this board prior to sailing. This was great - it gave them something to look forward to, someone to know in the club/lab, and a few people to wave to when they walked by.
I highly recommend private messaging someone before you go.
Grand Cayman
We went up to the Turtle Farm and had a great time. The kids loved holding the turtles. We stopped at the Westin on the way back to see 7 mile beach, and were back in town in about an hour.
It's a bit hectic getting a taxi - all the drivers want to take you on an extended tour. When you get onto the main street, make a left and walk up about a hundred yards (careful, there's a lot of construction and people - hold onto your little ones). You'll find a guy who hails cabs (he's in uniform and looks "official"). Give him 2-3 dollars and he'll get you a taxi that will do what YOU want. Our cab ride was $20 - she was so sweet we gave her $40!
If you make a right off the boat, about a 1/2 mile down is a nice restaurant on the water. Outdoor seating, chicken nuggets - everything you need. Plus, the kids can go down and look into the water at all the fish.
Cozumel
We did the dolphin encounter. Fun - I mean, the kids thought it was neat to pet the dolphins. For me, a bit too pushy. They really move you in and out, and afterwards they essentially herd you into a room to view the video (hoping you'll buy it). I highly recommend that one parent simply leave the line and go over to the lagoon to swim/play, and let the other parent check out the video. It was cute, but not for $29.
The park was nice. They have a small lagoon with a beach that the kids loved. Cabs go back to the ship regularly, so you can leave when you want.
Miscellaneous
1. Someone had mentioned the cheese tray at night. Man, were they right! I think I ordered four of them during the week (more room service than I've ever used in my entire life!). It's terrific at 5 pm when you're hungry but still need to eat dinner.
2. The Golden Mickey's show was good. The Disney Dream was even better.
3. The staff will truly do anything for you. We asked two waiters (our regular server and the one in Topsiders) for a hotdog for the kids. Five minutes later they were on our table (no, hotdogs are never on the regular menu).
4. Checking into the ship was at least an hour. I took the long line and check in, my wife took the kids to the cafe and got them set up for camp. Divide and conquer!
I'll try to remember more, but if you have questions, feel free to ask. Enjoy whatever sailing you're on - it was a very worthwhile trip, and we've already rebooked for next year.
Steve
and although we are night owls by nature I think he would be MUCH better off with early dinner and late shows. Any tips are MUCH appreciated!
