New to cruising and completely lost

[TXAKDisneyFan]

Our family (myself, DH, DD7, DS2, DSinfant) is starting to look into going on a DCL cruise in about July 2017 (I know the itineraries aren't out yet). It will be our first cruise ever (we're planning on a combined land/sea vacation, and have been to WDW many times).

I really don't know where to start with planning. Obviously we should sail out of Port Canaveral since we plan on also going to WDW, but I don't know how many nights to do, what destinations, what activities are available onboard, what is included in the cost of the cruise versus OOP expenses, what deck to pick,... (Note that Galveston would also be convenient for us.)

1) As far as cruise length, it seems like a lot of people recommend a 3 or 4 night cruise for first timers. But would we feel too rushed? Our normal vacations usually last at least eight nights, but generally we don't like to go anywhere for less than two weeks (our honeymoon was about two months). We'll probably spend about 10 to 14 nights at WDW after the cruise.

2) We like all sorts of activities, everything from exploring ruins to museums, cultural activities, theme parks, sunbathing, and outdoor activities. (DH isn't into shopping, but DD and I are and he and the boys humor us.) I don't know anything about the Bahamas vs. Eastern or Western Caribbean, so I really don't know which cruise destination to pick. Also, how much do shore excursions run? (I can't see our family staying on the boat during any stops.) Which general destination includes stops in Key West?

3) If we sail out of PC, how much do busses from and back to WDW cost? (We don't normally rent a car while at WDW but would if it made the most sense re: cost and convenience.)

4) I'm assuming there are babysitting services on the boat. How much does that cost (per child)? DH and I would probably like to have an evening at Palo (or another restaurant?) for our anniversary.

5) Neither DH nor I really drink at all, but my parents do. Assuming they join us, how much are drink packages and what's included?

6) We'd probably opt for a verandah room (family room to fit the 5 of us). I don't have the first clue which deck to pick, or which section of the boat (middle, back,...).

7) For curiosity's sake, what is the difference between a regular stateroom and concierge level? (I looked at some random cruises and the lowest level concierge rooms look like they're nominally larger than a verandah room but cost twice as much.)

8) What sorts of adult activities are there onboard?

9) Where should I look for discounts, and what is a good discount? (We're military, have Costco and AAA memberships,...)

Anything else I should know?

TIA!

 

[wilma-bride]

I really can't help in terms of the first two questions, except to say that we nearly always vacation for two weeks (we travel from the UK so anything less than that is generally not worth it) and our first two cruises were 3 days in length, the main reason being that I was not sure if DH would like it. We found it was quite a relaxing way to end a theme park/WDW trip. I am not sure if I would do a full 10 days of theme parks after a cruise but that is just me. Personally, we like to have WDW/theme parks before and cruise afterwards. Having said that, the last two cruises (and the next one) will end with theme parks, purely for timing reasons. So there is no right and wrong way. As far as itinerary, we preferred the Eastern over the Western, but a lot of that was down to our experience on that particular cruise, rather than any other reasons (although I did really love St Maarten as a port).

For the rest of the questions you asked, see below:

3. Transfers from WDW to port are $35 per person each way. If there are more than 2 of you, I would definitely rent a car or use a car service.

4. There are child care services on the ships - kids clubs for over 3s and a nursery for children under 3. The kids clubs are open pretty much all day (until midnight) and the kids can go as little or as often as you/they wish. The nursery is a piad-for facility and you have to pre-book sessions, either prior to boarding or while on the ship (if available).

5. No drinks packages as per other cruise lines, although there are wine packages and beer options. I don't drink either so am not really qualified to comment. On the Fantasy, there is a cocktail passport (the Skyline passport) which essentially gives you 7 drinks for the price of 6 but it's not really a drinks package, and is only available in that particular location.

6. We have only had a verandah once and that was a 5E (larger verandah all the way aft) on the Fantasy. it was a lovely room and a huge verandah but we really didn't use it that much and probably wouldn't spend the money for a verandah again. So, again, not really quialified to comment. With a family of 5, you are probably limited on the staterooms that will sleep your whole family anyway though.

7. Not exactly a norm for difference in pricing, it will vary from cruise to cruise, but I would say twice as much as a regular verandah room is a good indication.

8. There are adults only areas, both up on deck (the Fantasy - and soon the Dream - have the Satellite Falls are, which is a great space) and down below. There are adult only lounges (after a certain time at night - think 9pm), quizzes and shows exclusively for adults plus other entertainment like Match Your Mate and an adult Scavenger Hunt.

9. There are no discounts, as such, on Disney cruises, unless you are able to book and sail last minute. The best time to book is as soon as possible after the itineraries are released as the prices tend to increase as they sell out.

Anything else you need to know...we cruised once and were hooked. In fact, we prefer to cruise now rather than visit the parks. If you love it, you will love it. If you think you will cruise again, rebook on board (you can book a placeholder - non-sepcific cruise) for $200 down and it is fully refundable should you decide not to cruise again, however it will score you a reduced deposit (10%) on future cruises of 7 days or more and a 10% discount on teh cruise price (excluding taxes and fees))

 

[gismo1554]

1) As far as cruise length, it seems like a lot of people recommend a 3 or 4 night cruise for first timers. But would we feel too rushed? Our normal vacations usually last at least eight nights, but generally we don't like to go anywhere for less than two weeks (our honeymoon was about two months). We'll probably spend about 10 to 14 nights at WDW after the cruise.

I personally prefer longer cruises but as you don't know if you would like the cruise or not this is why the 4 night ones are probably a better bet for a first cruise. It gives you a flavour and although you might feel a little rushed at least you know what the cruise is like. If however you aren't worried about getting sea sick or anything then definitely try a 7 night if you can fit it in as it has a different feel entirely.

2) We like all sorts of activities, everything from exploring ruins to museums, cultural activities, theme parks, sunbathing, and outdoor activities. (DH isn't into shopping, but DD and I are and he and the boys humor us.) I don't know anything about the Bahamas vs. Eastern or Western Caribbean, so I really don't know which cruise destination to pick. Also, how much do shore excursions run? (I can't see our family staying on the boat during any stops.) Which general destination includes stops in Key West?

OK might offend some but Bahamas to me is about beach and snorkelling not really about anything else. I would always recommend if you are doing a 4 night stay onboard as you don't have long on there anyway and this gives you an extra day in theory. There wont be as many activities going on as on a sea day but there will be some and it gives you great pool time. Key West you are looking at on Western Caribbeans really (7 nighters) and is lovely. DCL excursions you are looking at probably about $50+ per person but you can often get private excursions cheaper depending on the port.

3) If we sail out of PC, how much do busses from and back to WDW cost? (We don't normally rent a car while at WDW but would if it made the most sense re: cost and convenience.)

I think its $79 per person return and works out cheaper for 1 way rentals if there are more than 2 of you travelling. Also is a lot more convenient as you can get to the port at a time that suits you while the DCL buses get you there at 12pm ish.

4) I'm assuming there are babysitting services on the boat. How much does that cost (per child)? DH and I would probably like to have an evening at Palo (or another restaurant?) for our anniversary.

Your one child is Oceanears Club age and this is free. They have scheduled activities for them to attend etc during the day and into the late hours. I believe your youngest will still be in the nursary. This you get to book a certain number of hours for pre-cruise I believe but not 100% sure how this works.

5) Neither DH nor I really drink at all, but my parents do. Assuming they join us, how much are drink packages and what's included?

DCL doesn't currently really do drink packages. They do a wine package where you can purchase a certain no. of bottles of wine to have with dinner from a set menu and they have a beer mug system where you get a larger beer for a cheaper price oh and I think an offer on bottled beer too which is cheaper. DCL have just (Sept 30th) stopped allowing you to take spirits onboard with you to drink in your room. You can however take 2 bottles of wine or 6 beers per person onboard to drink in your room (or with the wine you can take to dinner for a $20 corkage fee).

6) We'd probably opt for a verandah room (family room to fit the 5 of us). I don't have the first clue which deck to pick, or which section of the boat (middle, back,...).

Mid ship mid deck has the least movements. On the older ships I always recommend deck 6 (Wonder & Magic) as this seems pretty middleish to me for those decks above water (10 decks above water) but not sure on the new ships as never sailed on them (Fantasy & Dream)

7) For curiosity's sake, what is the difference between a regular stateroom and concierge level? (I looked at some random cruises and the lowest level concierge rooms look like they're nominally larger than a verandah room but cost twice as much.)

You get additional services like a shoreshide conceirge to book things for you. You get extra treats at night. On all but the Wonder you have a conceirge lounge you can have breakfast in or soft drinks during the day and I believe a cocktail hour before dinner (never done so not 100% sure). Check the sticky at the top of this as I think this tells you everything you get.

8) What sorts of adult activities are there onboard?

Will depend on the length of cruise. They do culinary demonstrations, alcohol tastings, animation classes, adult shows (very very tame but later at night and usually what ever comedian is on on the cruise as a family show), dance classes, crafts etc. Sometimes they also do exclusive activities in the kids club for adults as well.

9) Where should I look for discounts, and what is a good discount? (We're military, have Costco and AAA memberships,...)

Military I think do get discounts released quite regularly. http://www.disneycruiselineblog.com usually keeps a good eye on them and lists those available

Anything else I should know?

TIA!

Its addictive!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Our family (myself, DH, DD7, DS2, DSinfant) is starting to look into going on a DCL cruise in about July 2017 (I know the itineraries aren't out yet). It will be our first cruise ever (we're planning on a combined land/sea vacation, and have been to WDW many times).

I really don't know where to start with planning. Obviously we should sail out of Port Canaveral since we plan on also going to WDW, but I don't know how many nights to do, what destinations, what activities are available onboard, what is included in the cost of the cruise versus OOP expenses, what deck to pick,... (Note that Galveston would also be convenient for us.)

1) As far as cruise length, it seems like a lot of people recommend a 3 or 4 night cruise for first timers. But would we feel too rushed? Our normal vacations usually last at least eight nights, but generally we don't like to go anywhere for less than two weeks (our honeymoon was about two months). We'll probably spend about 10 to 14 nights at WDW after the cruise.

2) We like all sorts of activities, everything from exploring ruins to museums, cultural activities, theme parks, sunbathing, and outdoor activities. (DH isn't into shopping, but DD and I are and he and the boys humor us.) I don't know anything about the Bahamas vs. Eastern or Western Caribbean, so I really don't know which cruise destination to pick. Also, how much do shore excursions run? (I can't see our family staying on the boat during any stops.) Which general destination includes stops in Key West?

3) If we sail out of PC, how much do busses from and back to WDW cost? (We don't normally rent a car while at WDW but would if it made the most sense re: cost and convenience.)

4) I'm assuming there are babysitting services on the boat. How much does that cost (per child)? DH and I would probably like to have an evening at Palo (or another restaurant?) for our anniversary.

5) Neither DH nor I really drink at all, but my parents do. Assuming they join us, how much are drink packages and what's included?

6) We'd probably opt for a verandah room (family room to fit the 5 of us). I don't have the first clue which deck to pick, or which section of the boat (middle, back,...).

7) For curiosity's sake, what is the difference between a regular stateroom and concierge level? (I looked at some random cruises and the lowest level concierge rooms look like they're nominally larger than a verandah room but cost twice as much.)

8) What sorts of adult activities are there onboard?

9) Where should I look for discounts, and what is a good discount? (We're military, have Costco and AAA memberships,...)

Anything else I should know?

TIA!

1) Generally, 3 & 4 night cruises are a bit more rushed feeling, in my opinion. That said, many people do take the shorter cruises just "make sure" that cruising is for them. We prefer nothing shorter than 7 nights.

2) Shore excursions can run from $35-$300 per person, depending what you are interested in. I'd suggest you check out the DCL website "Port Excursions" link and do some research as to what might interest you. That would also aid in deciding Eastern/Western/Bahamas choices. Key West is on the Western itinerary, when they go there.

3) As noted, DCL transfers are $35 per person, each way. If you have less than 4 people it's a little cheaper (mostly) to do the DCL transfers. Over 4 people, rental car or private transportation can cost less.

4) There are no actual "baby-sitting" services. There is a nursery for ages 6 mo-3, that's $9.00 per hour. Oceaneer's Club/Lab is for ages 3-12; Edge - ages 11-14; and Vibe - ages 14-17. There's no charge for Oceaneer's, Edge, or Vibe.

5) The only "drink packages" are the wine package (3, 5, 7 bottles) and the beer token (buy 24 oz of beer for 16 oz price) and the bucket of beers (pay for 5 get 6).

6) Can't really help with that. Verandahs are nice, but we usually do Oceanview rooms.

7) Concierge services are what you are paying the additional money for.

8) There are many different activities onboard, including tastings (alcoholic), workshops. I'd suggest you check out the Navigators for some past cruises to get an idea of what sorts of activities are offered. Note- not all activities happen on every cruise. You can find past Navigators here: http://disneycruiselineblog.com/personal-navigators/

9) Randomly DCL will offer Military Discounts, or Florida resident discounts. On those cruises that DCL deems as not selling well there may be last minute reduced fares (*GT). That's about it. Generally the lowest prices for any given cruise are on opening day, as prices rise as space fills onboard.

Hope that helps.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Do yourself a VERY BIG favor and get the Passporter Guide to the DCL.

IT will answer so many of your general questions and after you read that, use these boards to refine things, ask particular questions, etc.

 

[Flossbolna]

You already got some great answers from the previous posters, but I wanted to add a few thoughts:

1) I think with your interests, I would recommend a Caribbean cruise. If you are looking at July, you will most likely only have the Dream or the Fantasy to chose from as the Wonder will be in Alaska and the Magic in Europe (if they repeat the pattern of the recent years). Of course, you could also do an Alaska cruise or a European cruise as your first cruise. With your families interests, Alaska might even be a good fit, but of course there is no sunbathing!! ;-) I don't think it is necessary to do a short cruise as the first cruise unless you have reasons to suspect that someone in your family will hate cruising. I like doing WDW after the cruise as it is less sad to get off the ship if you know that there is more fun planned.

2) The DCL website has an overview of all the excursions offered for every port and pricing details as well as details as to age limits. With an infant you will be limited as to which port adventures you can take part in. I have found tripadvisor to be a great tool to research possible private excursions. Key West will most likely not be an option as a cruise port in July as only the Magic and Wonder can dock there.

6) Rooms that fit 5 are rare. You could consider to get two connecting cabins instead. You will need to book one adult in each cabin, but you are free to rearrange sleeping as you want. Besides the category 4 staterooms, the Dream and Fantasy also have the category 8 oceanview staterooms that also sleep 5. For a family with kids, I think being mid-ship or aft is preferable. We are a couple without kids and like being forward as that puts us close to the adult pool. A lot of people have reported that on deck 10 you can hear quite a bit noise from the pool deck above (rearrange chairs for cleaning during the night), so I would avoid that. We loved being on deck 9 on the Fantasy as that was still only two flights of stairs from the pool deck. Overall I think until you know how you spend your time on the ship, it is difficult to recommend a stateroom. So, just go with what seems good to you now, the next cruise you will be able to make a more informed decision! People's preferences vary so much!

9) For July prepare to pay a high premium as it is peak season for DCL. I also think that it will be difficult to get a discount for that time of year. MTO deals are usually released less than 90 days out. So, your best bet would be to book as soon as the new itineraries come out. One way of reducing costs is to use a travel agent that will give you an onboard credit which can be used towards gratuities or port adventures or souvenir shopping etc. You mentioned Costco and as far as I know if you use them as a travel agent, you will get 9% of your cruise fare as a Costco card to use at Costco (instead of an onboard credit). But people here say that the service you receive there is rather basic.

Other: Someone mentioned the Passporter Guide to DCL, I personally prefer the Unofficial Guide to Disney Cruise Line.

 

[squirk]

Do yourself a VERY BIG favor and get the Passporter Guide to the DCL.

IT will answer so many of your general questions and after you read that, use these boards to refine things, ask particular questions, etc.

^ This.

 

[TXAKDisneyFan]

Of course, you could also do an Alaska cruise or a European cruise as your first cruise. With your families interests, Alaska might even be a good fit, but of course there is no sunbathing!! ;-)

We're actually from Alaska! (That's the 'AK' part of my handle.) I would really like to do a European cruise sometime soon, though (also a Hawaiian islands cruise).

 

[TXAKDisneyFan]

Thank you everyone for your help!

Are alcoholic drinks 'reasonably' priced (whatever that means). Like I said, DH and I don't really drink, but my parents do (mom drinks rum & cokes, dad drinks whiskey).

I think DH would probably sit on the verandah, but I doubt the rest of us would use it. The reason I was leaning toward a verandah is because it looked like the window in an ocean view room is quite small - is that not the case?

Thanks again!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Thank you everyone for your help!

Are alcoholic drinks 'reasonably' priced (whatever that means). Like I said, DH and I don't really drink, but my parents do (mom drinks rum & cokes, dad drinks whiskey).

I think DH would probably sit on the verandah, but I doubt the rest of us would use it. The reason I was leaning toward a verandah is because it looked like the window in an ocean view room is quite small - is that not the case?

Thanks again!

Depends on the oceanview room (what ship?). This is on the Wonder/Magic Oceanview (9B category). Window is about 3-4' across


And this is oceanview (9D) Magic/Wonder (two smaller portholes)


However, this is a two porthole oceanview room on the Dream/Fantasy. Large portholes.

 

[TestingH2O]

However, this is a two porthole oceanview room on the Dream/Fantasy. Large portholes.

This is an 8A from deck 6 of Dream/Fantasy. The ones on deck 5 actually have a half wall making them mini suites. While the ones on 5 only sleep 3, perhaps you could spread your family of 5 between two connecting rooms. I've seen pictures of full grown adults sitting in those portholes so they certainly aren't small.

 

[gismo1554]

Thank you everyone for your help!

Are alcoholic drinks 'reasonably' priced (whatever that means). Like I said, DH and I don't really drink, but my parents do (mom drinks rum & cokes, dad drinks whiskey).

Thanks again!

They do a cocktail of the day each day which is around the $5 mark including grat I believe. Most cocktails range from around $8 upwards to around $15. Beers I think are $4ish. If you have specialty glasses etc then obviously this will up the price. Drinks include a standard grat but you can also add additional if you feel you've had great service. http://www.disneycruiselineblog.com has the drinks menu from last year I think if you want to have a look for more precise prices.

 

[Flossbolna]

I think DH would probably sit on the verandah, but I doubt the rest of us would use it. The reason I was leaning toward a verandah is because it looked like the window in an ocean view room is quite small - is that not the case?

The category 8 staterooms have really large portholes. Someone posted a picture of the 8A which has two of these, but the 8D through 8B have one of these large portholes. I personally prefer the porthole view to the view from a balcony stateroom from inside the room as the sea appears to be closer.

With your family set up, you might find the balcony useful as a "second room" though. There is a privacy curtain that seperates the big bed from the rest of the cabin, but if you have a balcony, you and your husband can sit on the balcony while the kids sleep in the room. However, on the category 4 that have a murphy bed (not sure you would need it as you most likely would get a cot for your infant), there you cannot really get out on the balcony when the murphy bed is down.

 

[mort1331]

Do yourself a VERY BIG favor and get the Passporter Guide to the DCL.

IT will answer so many of your general questions and after you read that, use these boards to refine things, ask particular questions, etc.

Great but what is the Passporters guide? and where do you get it?

 

[SuperDry]

Are alcoholic drinks 'reasonably' priced (whatever that means).

Rule of thumb is that alcohol is priced at what you'd expect in a regular bar or restaurant back home, and are not marked up to theme park or airport prices.

 

[ZephyrHawk]

Everyone else will answer the DCL specific questions, so I'll answer some of the more general cruise related ones:

I really don't know where to start with planning. Obviously we should sail out of Port Canaveral since we plan on also going to WDW, but I don't know how many nights to do, what destinations, what activities are available onboard, what is included in the cost of the cruise versus OOP expenses, what deck to pick,... (Note that Galveston would also be convenient for us.)

1) As far as cruise length, it seems like a lot of people recommend a 3 or 4 night cruise for first timers. But would we feel too rushed? Our normal vacations usually last at least eight nights, but generally we don't like to go anywhere for less than two weeks (our honeymoon was about two months). We'll probably spend about 10 to 14 nights at WDW after the cruise.

2) We like all sorts of activities, everything from exploring ruins to museums, cultural activities, theme parks, sunbathing, and outdoor activities. (DH isn't into shopping, but DD and I are and he and the boys humor us.) I don't know anything about the Bahamas vs. Eastern or Western Caribbean, so I really don't know which cruise destination to pick. Also, how much do shore excursions run? (I can't see our family staying on the boat during any stops.) Which general destination includes stops in Key West?

Personally, I don't recommend short cruises for anyone. In my opinion they are too rushed. You just finally settle in to the ship and you have to leave. It will take you 4 days (literally) just to figure out how to get around the ship.

As for activities, I feel the Western Caribbean route has much more to offer. Both trips are fine if you are mostly interested in hanging out at a beach, but if you want new and exciting things to do, Western is the superior choice. Mind you, I'm going Eastern this December, but that's mainly because I've done Western several times before. Having an infant could impact your ability to do shore excursions but you can (you may not want to, but you can) schedule a nursery session during an excursion and leave the youngest on the boat.

 

[TXAKDisneyFan]

Great but what is the Passporters guide? and where do you get it?

We just bought one on Amazon. (Actually preordered the new edition. Not sure when it's coming out.)

 

[dclpluto]

For a first cruise you definitely do not want a short cruise. 7 night minimum for your first cruise is what I will recommended

 

[Uncleromulus]

Great but what is the Passporters guide? and where do you get it?

As noted, Amazon is a great place to buy it...where we got ours. I still re-read it from time to time even tho we go on our 3'rd DCL cruise in 2 weeks!!

Assuming there are any bookstores left thanks to Kindle, Barnes and Noble ought to have it as well.

 

[chunkymonkey]

I would start off by reading Disney Cruise Line Trip Reports on the DISBoards. They are very helpful and will give you an idea of what people do on the ship, at ports, and maybe you can find an itinerary you like. Here is my trip report from this past May. We were on the Magic for a 5-night Bahamian cruise. I think 5-nights on the Magic was a perfect introduction. We have not cruised DCL before and the Magic is a wonderful newly-refurbished ship. It's smaller size than the Dream or Fantasy (which we are going on next) so it wasn't too overwhelming. Our ports were Key West, Nassau Bahamas, and Castaway Cay. We had fun in all ports (read my trip report for more details on what we did). Here's some answers to your questions:

1) As far as cruise length, it seems like a lot of people recommend a 3 or 4 night cruise for first timers. But would we feel too rushed? Our normal vacations usually last at least eight nights, but generally we don't like to go anywhere for less than two weeks (our honeymoon was about two months). We'll probably spend about 10 to 14 nights at WDW after the cruise.

Wow those are long vacations! I think a 5 or 7-night would be great for you then.

2) We like all sorts of activities, everything from exploring ruins to museums, cultural activities, theme parks, sunbathing, and outdoor activities. (DH isn't into shopping, but DD and I are and he and the boys humor us.) I don't know anything about the Bahamas vs. Eastern or Western Caribbean, so I really don't know which cruise destination to pick. Also, how much do shore excursions run? (I can't see our family staying on the boat during any stops.) Which general destination includes stops in Key West?

I've only been on the Bahamas cruise but Nassau is a huge shopping port. Duty free and lots of designers and jewelry if you're into that. If you want to visit the Atlantis resort you can too but note there is a heft price tag to visit and use the facilities. Shore excursions can vary. I booked a Food Tour in Nassau and it cost me about 70 dollars pp. We walked around and sampled different varieties of food. It was a lot of fun. We did not book through Disney as this particular tour was not offered. I looked at Trip Advisor for each port to see what popular activities there are.

I believe the Bahamian itineraries from port Canaveral include Key West as long as the cruise is 5 nights or longer. Key West was pretty fun - definitely had an adult vibe though. Lots of BARS! We just explored on our own and ate tons of key lime pie and drank delicious cuban coffee!

3) If we sail out of PC, how much do busses from and back to WDW cost? (We don't normally rent a car while at WDW but would if it made the most sense re: cost and convenience.)

It is 70 pp round trip. There were 8 of us in our party so we rented a private van from Happy Limo. Think I paid about 200. SO MUCH CHEAPER. It included a grocery stop too so we picked up snacks and wine.

4) I'm assuming there are babysitting services on the boat. How much does that cost (per child)? DH and I would probably like to have an evening at Palo (or another restaurant?) for our anniversary.

I don't think it costs anything...I'll let others answer this since we don't have kids. My niece went to the kids club and I think all she had to do was pre-register and get a wristband.

5) Neither DH nor I really drink at all, but my parents do. Assuming they join us, how much are drink packages and what's included?

I don't think there are drink packages but every day there was a "drink of the day" which was priced cheaper. They are more often fruity, tropical drinks. There both alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks of the day. I think there was also a wine package offered at the main dining rooms. Did not really look into that though.

6) We'd probably opt for a verandah room (family room to fit the 5 of us). I don't have the first clue which deck to pick, or which section of the boat (middle, back,...).

I had no idea too when I booked. From what I understand, mid-ship and the lower you are will have less "rocking" if you're prone to seasickness. However the decks on the top will have better views. We were on Deck 6 Aft portside, which is in the back of the ship facing port. It was a Category 5C Verandah room. (6118) We loved our room! It was right by the aft elevators and stairs which made it really convenient. If you don't like noise though you may not want to be so close to the elevators (but we did not notice much noise in all honesty).

7) For curiosity's sake, what is the difference between a regular stateroom and concierge level? (I looked at some random cruises and the lowest level concierge rooms look like they're nominally larger than a verandah room but cost twice as much.)

The price difference is really about a nicer stateroom with big bathrooms and SERVICE. All concierge guests have private butlers and concierge who can handle your every need. You get access to a private lounge area with food and drinks etc.

8) What sorts of adult activities are there onboard?

Dining at the adults-only restaurants. Mixology, wine tasting, spa, fitness classes, etc. Jackpot Bingo, trivia, late night comedy and variety acts. And there are adult bar areas on the ships. There was plenty to do!

9) Where should I look for discounts, and what is a good discount? (We're military, have Costco and AAA memberships,...)

Disney Cruise Line Blog or check both Costco and AAA.

Anything else I should know?

Don't overthink and overplan! In all honestly, if you don't want to deal with it all, you can just show up on the ship and you can do everything there. (or you can get concierge and ask them to do stuff for you! LOL)

My in-laws (6 of them) did not book a single thing before getting on the ship. They managed to go on a trolley tour in Key West, a submarine ride in Bahamas, and booked spa appointments all while on board the ship. The only thing I'd book ahead is Palo or Remy or if you want a spa treatment at a very specific time. Note that the spa always offered special packages on days at port. If I had known that I would have waited to book.

One other thing, do you plan to do parks then cruise or cruise then parks? Most people opt for the former, but we did the latter for scheduling reasons. If you do cruise first you should think about getting to port the day before in case of delays etc. We spent one night at the Orlando Airport Hyatt before boarding the ship, and when we got off the ship we headed to the parks! I realize that it worked for us that way. We were so relaxed and were able to hit the ground running when we got to WDW! If it were the other way around, I'd probably end up crashing in bed for the entire cruise and would have probably missed out on a lot of stuff!

Have a great time! I think you'll love it no matter what you pick!