Now what do we do?

[stings]

We are booked for the July 28th 3 day cruise as part of a two week (seven days before and 5 days after) WDW vacation. We have been to WDW many times however we have never cruised before, Disney or otherwise.

So, my question is, where is a good place to start looking for general answers regarding the do's and don'ts of the Disney cruise. Such as when to arrive at the port, do we book excursions before we leave home, which intinerarys work best, and any tips or hints that a firsttimer might find useful. I have already used the DCL official site, as well as checked post here on the DIS.

Any suggestions any of you may have would be more than welcome. Lastly, are there any books that are recognized as being "good"? Thank you.

 

[fljelad]

THIS is the best place I've found. Just troll around, ask questions and take advantage of the search function for faq's.

Also, you might want to purchase the Unofficial Guide to WDW. I got mine at Barnes and Noble. This is a VERY comprehensive guide with LOTS of information. I also bought the Birnbaum "Official" Guide to WDE. This more of an advertisement for WDW but it still has a lot of useful information.

 

[mickeyboat]

You have come to the right place. Ask away! There is a HUGE wealth of knowledge here. If you search, you might find the answers to your questions from past threads, or start a new one. We are more than willing to help.

As far as a book goes, there is a Passporter available for DCL. There are other websites out there too (I am not sure I can mention them here) which have lots of info. I printed a "guide" to DCL from one site.

Good luck and happy planning.

Denae

 

[jrabbit]

where is a good place to start looking for general answers regarding the do's and don'ts of the Disney cruise

Here is a list of links to DCL resources (other than here on the DIS)

DCL Official Site
Dave's DCL Tribute (be sure check out the "External Links" section for more resources ie Cast A Way Club )
Magical Disney Cruise Guide (see links on the left)

The Magical Disney Cruise Guide is the free version of the passporter (therefore it might not have everything the passporter has - but it is very complete!)

when to arrive at the port

Since this is your first cruise (and only 3 days at that) I would try to be at the port by 11am. Get checked in and get a spot in line. Have someone stay in line while the rest of your party explores the terminal. Its beautiful. Has a map of the Bahamas on the floor, a model of the ship inside and the real ship outside. There are Mickey cartoons on the tv's scattered around the terminal, comfy couches. And the characters come out for photo ops.

do we book excursions before we leave home

Yes, you can book shore excursions 90 days before sailing (it used to be 60)

which intinerarys work best

Well, since you are on a 3 nighter your itenerary is: embarkation day (board, sail towards Nasau), day in Nassau, day in paradise ...er... I mean Castaway Cay then back to the port early in the morning and off the ship by 9am

and any tips or hints that a firsttimer might find useful

Find your proof of citizenship NOW (birthcertificate & photo id, passport and other "portable" photo id) and put them someplace safe - and where you will not forget them!!

Have Fun and Relax.
Try new foods - if you don't like the first thing they bring you, ask for a second dish - If you LOVE something, ask for it again.
Realize that you can't do it all so don't try.
Take in the shows in the Walt Disney THeater
Bring sunscreen and use it - the sun can burn you to a crisp quickly!
There is an embarkation day lunch (if you arrive at the port before noon you'll be ready for it)
Nassau is not an American Big city. Read up about it before you go, so you know what you're getting into - in the past few days there has been a good discussion on Nassau (thread may have been called "filthy nassau")
Know what the expeced gratuities are for the tipped positions (server, asst. server, head server and room steward) and budget accordingly.

You got questions, we got answers!