Just wanted to share some of our lessons learned and answer some FAQs for those wondering. One thing I've learned on these Disney cruises is that I'm still learning! So, if you have any other tips (or if I got it wrong), please post them.
Time Zones: For this cruise, everyone will be on STANDARD time, not Daylight time. Obviously, LA will be on Pacific Time (PST). Cabo will be on Mountain Time (MST) and PV will be on Central Time (MST). However, what is most important is SHIP's TIME. Here's how it "normally" works this time of year...
On Monday night, the Navigator will direct you to set your clocks FORWARD ONE HOUR, which puts the SHIP on MST. But, when we go to PV on Wednesday, the SHIP TIME does
NOT roll forward again to CST (local time in PV). So, usually when we are in PV, SHIP TIME is one hour
earlier than SHORE TIME (in this case, PV time). Why is this important? If you are booking a tour on your own, you need to make sure you clarify what "TIME" it is (i.e., if your self-booked tour is on local PV time, say 9am, that is 8am SHIP TIME, so
don't be late!). Tours booked through Disney are on SHIP TIME, so no worries. And, if the SHIP is leaving at say 5pm, that's 5pm SHIP TIME (6pm in PV). To be safe, ask Guest Services if you have any questions. We don't want to sail away without you!
From there through Cabo, the SHIP stays on MST, so when we are in Cabo, SHIP time and LOCAL time are the SAME (easy peasy lemon squeezy)! When we sail back to LA, the SHIP changes back to PST (clocks BACK on hour...extra sleep!!) on either Friday or Saturday night as posted in the Navigator. Got it??
Money: We have never had any issue using US Dollars in Mexico; however, you may get a slightly better rate in Pesos if you're so inclined. You can use ATMs in Mexico (be smart), but probably want to let your bank know you are travelling there so they don't lock down your card. Same goes for credit cards. Most banks charge an internation exchange rate fee to your transaction so don't be surprised when you get home and see that if you use your credit card (e.g., mine is 1%). Bottom line is US $ are generally fine. FYI, current rate is approx 13.2 pesos to the dollar, or about 7.5 cents per peso.
There are no cash transactions on the ship. You put a credit card on your shipboard account and then charge with your KTTW card as you go...even in the stores.
Bringing Beverages: Disney has a fairly liberal policy regarding bringiing your own beverages on board. Check out their web site for the most current info, but we usually bring a few bottles of wine in our carry ons (not allowed in checked bags; and they may charge you corkage in the dining rooms) and we check a case of water (although the water on the ship is excellent). You may want to bring individual water containers for shore excursions if you don't bring your own water. DCLs is not cheap. Fountain Soda is FREE on
DCL, as well as coffee, tea, and hot cocoa (24 hours a day on Deck 9 aft). If you want cans, you have to pay. We've also bought a case of beer at
Walmart in PV and brought it on board...no problems. Don't spread this too far around...I don't want DCL cutting it off.
Departure Port: I hear it's different in Florida, but in LA I have NEVER seen them check your "arrival" time you signed up for on-line. So, if you're a little early, don't stress over it. If you want to avoid the crowds (they're not that bad), you can come a bit later, but don't forget the MEETUPS! Remember, it's the Port of LOS ANGELES or SAN PEDRO,
NOT Long Beach.
Parking is easy at the port if you choose to do so. Just do a drive by to drop your bags on the curb with the porters, then spin back around to park. Very close and easy. The porters work for the port, not DCL, so we tip them appropriately. Don't check anything you may need before dinner or critical items (meds, ID, check-in docs), and don't hesitate to carry on bathing suits, etc.
That's it in a nutshell....questions welcome. More to follow when I have time. If you have other tips, please share.
We are going to be staying at DL Resort prior to cruise. Does anyone like a breakfast spot that won't break the bank? How are the restaurants in Downtown Disney?
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