First of all WELCOME TO THE DIS!!!! Always glad to see new people. We have been on
DCL 6 times already with #7 booked for next summer.
1) the least crowded time to cruise is usually end of August thru End of year excluding the holiday weeks of course. It is also the least expensive time to cruise. Another good time is January/early Feb before all the mid-winter breaks occur. The most crowded and most expensive time is summer and holiday weeks.
2)Can't answer about the Oceaneer's Club since I have teens, but overally security on the ship is wonderful. I have never felt threatened or nervous around any crew member. But, I also never let me guard down or let me teens wonder alone. I let them hand out with their friends, but I don't want them in a position that they would be by themself. Just common sense stuff.
3)It really does not matter how close you are to the club. The ship is big, not unmanageable. It is very easy to get from one place to another. Cabin location is a very personal thing. You need to know if you want a veranda cabin, outside cabin or an inside cabin....that all determines where your cabin will wind up. We had been in Cat 4 family suites 3 times and Cat 9 outside cabins 2 times and a Cat 8 once. For quiet we like Deck 1 and some cabins on Deck 2. Like I said personal preferance.
4)There are two seatings for dinner main and late. Main seating is at 6:00 and late is at 8:30 (currently). Disney was testing alternate dining times but I think these are the current ones. Because we have older kids and do not like to rush to get ready for dinner, we always choose late dining. Alot of people like the early dining who have younger children.
5)Other tips: keep reading this board and asking questions!!! The best advice I can give is to go with an open mind and try everything!!!! Check out these sites as well.
www.castawayclub.com
www.dcltribute.com
MJ
