Pirate night and autism

[Weedy]

The sweet spot for boarding is about 12:30. Everyone in the terminal is onboard so there are no lines. You can check in and walk right on. There will be photographers wanting to take your picture but you don't have to stop.

 

[2neverland]

We were on the Wonder, so that's the caveat here, but deck 12 was pretty empty - you could see the party, but the only people up there were adults who wanted to see the festivities but didn't have kids young enough that would need to be directly supervised. So, not many people! And the stairs were obviously clear so we could make our escape very quickly. Which, we did, because I really shouldn't have asked for a second bowl of that delicious oil bread dip at dinner (#noregrets).

We didn't stay for (or know about) the buffet, but from what it sounds like, we would have been better off ordering room service Mickey bars afterwards. If we were still hungry. Which, I was not



Yes, pirate theme for dinner, some people dressed up, waiters are dressed for it, pirate menu, etc. It was cute. The waiters had the kids do a conga-line type thing around the dining room before dessert.

Cool we can get the pirate experience at dinner ! Do they take the family pirate picture like I've seen posted on the boards?

 

[DisMommyTX]

Thanks for the boarding time suggestions. Since this will be our first DCL cruise, I expected the early port arrival times would already be taken before we can make our selections. I guess we'll have to wait and see. We have already requested that our family have a table for just us 4. Any other requests that I should make in advance?

Pirates don't hold any particular appeal for our family, so I suspect that lots of people dressing up will fall into the "this is not what I expected, so I don't like it" category for DS. We are big fans of watching from upper decks in general, so hopefully that will work on the Magic too. Fireworks would definitely be a hit too!

 

[st0nehedge]

This thread has been so informative. Thank you for starting it OP

 

[2neverland]

Thanks for the boarding time suggestions. Since this will be our first DCL cruise, I expected the early port arrival times would already be taken before we can make our selections. I guess we'll have to wait and see. We have already requested that our family have a table for just us 4. Any other requests that I should make in advance?

Pirates don't hold any particular appeal for our family, so I suspect that lots of people dressing up will fall into the "this is not what I expected, so I don't like it" category for DS. We are big fans of watching from upper decks in general, so hopefully that will work on the Magic too. Fireworks would definitely be a hit too!

How do you request the seating? I haven't figured that out. Thanks

 

[PrincessShmoo]

How do you request the seating? I haven't figured that out. Thanks

You need to call DCL and have whatever request you want placed on your reservation (to be seated alone). They will give you the "it's only a request, yada, yada, yada". Just agree and ask to have to request added. You might even mention that there are sensory issues involved, it may help.

 

[indyshea]

My son is 7 and has autism. He can handle shopping amusement parks if not overly busy. Example: this summer we visited Hershey park he was fine. The chocolate world building he was not. It was crowded and a lot of echoing going on. He actually asked me if he could go to the sensory room(first time ever n no meltdown). Sensory room is a Place he goes during school days to help with his autism. We left immediately. We encourage him to try things but not force. I want to take him to the pirate deck party. We will be on the dream. I was wondering can this be observed in a area not directly in the crowd? Someplace where we could easily leave? Thanks!

Our daughter was 6 on last cruise and we found dinner much more fun for us than the actual pirate party. Very crowded and loud. Daughter had taken a late nap to be able to stay up late and didn't get into the mood. Fireworks were what we enjoyed and we'll avoid the crowd on upcoming cruise.

 

[diznymom]

I'm the one that doesn't like crowds in my family. I skip the Sail Away and Pirate Night party.

I like to watch a movie in our room and order a snack from room service. DH's favorite is Big Island cookies and milk (big choc.chip). I like the All Hands Onboard (cheese, fruit & crackers). They also have Rice Krispie treats and Mickey bars (I don't think they are on the menu) and a bunch of other stuff. ***All of this is free......just tip the server.

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

I'm glad to hear you find enjoyment elswhere!
Need to show my son the pirate night YouTube videos. He may not even care to check it out. His favorite pass time on vacations are pools and mini gulf! Where are the movies screened at? Thanks!

Good idea to show him the Youtube videos. I find this helps for me. If he likes the pool he might enjoy the tunnel vision. This is a big movie screen in front of the main pool. Alternatively they show movies in the Beuna Vista theatre ( that is what it is called on The Dream anyway ) and they give you the timings for all the movies and the times in the daily nagviator. They should deliver this to your stateroom each night. It shows you all that is going on the next day, restaurant timings, store opening times, character meet and greets etc. They also show movies on demand in your stateroom for extra quiet time for him.

 

[2neverland]

Good idea to show him the Youtube videos. I find this helps for me. If he likes the pool he might enjoy the tunnel vision. This is a big movie screen in front of the main pool. Alternatively they show movies in the Beuna Vista theatre ( that is what it is called on The Dream anyway ) and they give you the timings for all the movies and the times in the daily nagviator. They should deliver this to your stateroom each night. It shows you all that is going on the next day, restaurant timings, store opening times, character meet and greets etc. They also show movies on demand in your stateroom for extra quiet time for him.

Thank you!

 

[2neverland]

I'm the one that doesn't like crowds in my family. I skip the Sail Away and Pirate Night party.

I like to watch a movie in our room and order a snack from room service. DH's favorite is Big Island cookies and milk (big choc.chip). I like the All Hands Onboard (cheese, fruit & crackers). They also have Rice Krispie treats and Mickey bars (I don't think they are on the menu) and a bunch of other stuff. ***All of this is free......just tip the server.

Do u tip room service(how much $) when they deliver or on board account?

 

[squirk]

Thanks for the boarding time suggestions. Since this will be our first DCL cruise, I expected the early port arrival times would already be taken before we can make our selections. I guess we'll have to wait and see.

Just remember that those port arrival times are more like "suggestions" that are honored more in the breach than the observance. I have never seen DCL enforce them in any way.

Whatever your PAT might actually be, just arrive at or after 12:30, as @Weedy said. You'll breeze right through check-in, and with any luck, your room will be ready. You can head straight there for some down-time and avoid waiting in crowded Cabanas, crowded pool deck, crowded stairwells, etc.

 

[hubbard53]

dont bother with the pirate buffet - the food and the mad dash of a few thousand people to eat it is embarrassing.

 

[lanejudy]

Any other tips for first-time DCL cruisers?

The muster drills is VERY loud and there is no escaping the noise -- hallways and stairwells echo with it. I highly recommend bringing/using the child's earmuffs.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[diznymom]

Do u tip room service(how much $) when they deliver or on board account?

We just order 1 or 2 things. I usually tip a couple of dollars when they deliver. I already have envelopes ready; they can be really fast and nearly miss out on their tips.
Some people have reported that they add the tip to a receipt they receive. I have never received a receipt to sign or otherwise.

 

[2neverland]

The muster drills is VERY loud and there is no escaping the noise -- hallways and stairwells echo with it. I highly recommend bringing/using the child's earmuffs.

Enjoy your cruise!

Thank you for the heads up!

 

[traveln4fun]

My son is special needs and we always request a dining table for 4. I do tell the cast member that it is more comfortable for us and for other diners for us to be at a 4 top table, 7 cruises and they've always accommodated us. When you get to the muster drill, let them know that due to sensory issues, you would like to stand on the side with your son and be released as soon as possible. They will have you stand on the side (not in the tight lines) and as soon as the absolutely necessary information is given, they will let you leave without the crowds. You are on one of the bigger ships so you will have more crowds. As far as pirate night, your servers will be dressed in pirate gear and the menu will be pirate themed so if you missed the pirate party, he wouldn't know. You can go outside of the Walt Disney Theater and take a photo with Jack Sparrow instead. The party is loud and there are a lot of flashing lights which is something that my son can't tolerate due to photosensitive epilepsy. Make sure to take a blanket or jacket for him because it can get very windy on the upper decks. As far as photo lines, have your husband wait and you bring your son when he is ready. Whenever you go to a "party" ask if they have a special spot for your son to stay in, often they do. The cast members are very kind and if a guest gives you a look, don't worry about it. You paid for your son to have a great time just like every other child on that cruise and not all children are the same. You do, what you as his mom, know is best for him and enjoy your time on the ship, others can't spoil your vacation if you don't let them. Have a great time!!

 

[egesicki]

Thanks for the tips about Pirate night.

My son has special needs also. Any other tips for first-time DCL cruisers? We will be on the Magic for Thanksgiving. Other than Pirate night, any onboard chaos we night not be aware of? We usually arrive at the port late and debark early to avoid the longest lines.

I am concerned about the character lines. We have been told to line up early, but is it okay if I get in line and my husband brings him to join me when we get close to the front? We usually get a few evil looks this way but not as many as when he has a meltdown from trying to stand in a long line. Anyone know of a better way?

I will be on the Magic at thxgvg with you and I would have no problem if you stood in line like that. Are you part of the meet group? Would it help your son to get to know some of the other kids in a smaller setting?

 

[lilozz_6]

My son (ASD)who was 3 at the time of our last cruise, surprisingly did quite well. I definitely suggest calling Disney's special needs line. I was able to prearrange some things as well as have on his file that he has autism. We were also able to talk through things like dinner, clubs, and muster drill. They let us go back to our room during the drill bc my son became very agitated with just having to stand in a crowd of people.
Otherwise he did pretty well with noise and crowds around the ship. We didn't take him to the fireworks but that was only cuz it was too late for him. He loves fireworks otherwise.

 

[2neverland]

My son is special needs and we always request a dining table for 4. I do tell the cast member that it is more comfortable for us and for other diners for us to be at a 4 top table, 7 cruises and they've always accommodated us. When you get to the muster drill, let them know that due to sensory issues, you would like to stand on the side with your son and be released as soon as possible. They will have you stand on the side (not in the tight lines) and as soon as the absolutely necessary information is given, they will let you leave without the crowds. You are on one of the bigger ships so you will have more crowds. As far as pirate night, your servers will be dressed in pirate gear and the menu will be pirate themed so if you missed the pirate party, he wouldn't know. You can go outside of the Walt Disney Theater and take a photo with Jack Sparrow instead. The party is loud and there are a lot of flashing lights which is something that my son can't tolerate due to photosensitive epilepsy. Make sure to take a blanket or jacket for him because it can get very windy on the upper decks. As far as photo lines, have your husband wait and you bring your son when he is ready. Whenever you go to a "party" ask if they have a special spot for your son to stay in, often they do. The cast members are very kind and if a guest gives you a look, don't worry about it. You paid for your son to have a great time just like every other child on that cruise and not all children are the same. You do, what you as his mom, know is best for him and enjoy your time on the ship, others can't spoil your vacation if you don't let them. Have a great time!!

Thank you !!!