Please walk me through the next steps!

[Mousemommy1]

First cruise is coming up April 25th!

It's all paid in full, we just got our passports in and are ready to go!!

I keep getting DCL emails to get ready to "book" stuff, lol, but I'm not familiar with the process. Is this all on line? Or do we call?

I know I need to call to give our WDW resort info because that's where we need our DCL transfers to pick up/drop off.

But, excursions? I think I picked one. Do we pay those up front?

I know DH and I want dinner at Palo one night...so book that? And nursery for DS? Register kids for kids clubs ahead of time?

What about per about pre-paid gratuities? When does that happen?

Sorry so many questions. I feel so clueless about this but we are excited!!

 

[missyp]

First step- check in online go to DCL website go to " my Disney cruise, my online check in". It is a step by step process
Second step- my cruise activities - this will enable you to book excursions and adult dining

 

[Karlzmom]

Excursions can be booked online ahead of boarding or onboard. The price is added to your onboard account that you will settle at the end of your cruise. Obviously the earlier you book the better availability as once an excursion sells out you may be shut out unless there is a cancellation. If the adventure you want is full now, check again onboard.

Palo can be booked ahead or onboard. It fills the advance bookings quickly but holds back some spots for booking onboard. If you don't see what you want, look at the navigator at boarding and go to the location listed to get booked.

Registering children for the club online is very easy nd speeds up the process when you arrive. We have always done part to finish registration at the port while waiting to board. No specific reservations are needed for time at theclub or the lab. If you need the nursery I can't help much except to say I believe you do need reservations and that someone will be along to help you.

Gratuities are added to the onboard account at the end of the cruise.

Try and relax. There are somethings to plan but a cruise is very different than WDW where you need to plan to the minute what you are doing hang when you are eating. It can be a bit unsettling the 1st time as you feeling you should be planning something, but there is much less involved. You will need to make sure and look at the navigator to find daily activities but not run yourself crazy trying to do it all !good luck and have a great trip.

 

[Mousemommy1]

Yeah, I think that's it! I feel like I should be doing something, lol!!! I just don't know what

 

[storknurse13]

Relax, plan shore excursions and Palo....let the rest fall into place!

 

[missyp]

Our first cruise was a short 4 night cruise and I didn't even book any adult dining. I wanted to experience the regular dining and enjoy all the meals with the kids.
Don't stress even if you didn't book anything in advance it will all be amazing

 

[dsdeleon]

Are you on the Dream?? If so I am on your cruise! We have a group all setup on f b so join if you can (PM me for info). As the PP said, cruising is much more relaxing. I would stress registering for the kids club ahead of time though. The line on the ship was insane so I was so glad I did that at least. Other than that, be online as soon as you can for a decent Palo dinner time. We picked Pirate night but first time cruisers like Pirate night so if you want to dress up, try to pick another day. The only other advice I have is to plan your initial couple of hours on the ship, for example of you want to meet the princesses, get tickets for them from guest services right away. If you want to ride Aquaduck have your swimsuits under your clothes. Oh, and all the payments come from your OBC. If you are feeling adventurous, get familiar with the Disney gift card deal threads and load that baby up before your cruise. All excursions, pre-paid tips and a down payment on a future cruise can come out of that on board account.

 

[Mousemommy1]

Are you on the Dream?? If so I am on your cruise! We have a group all setup on f b so join if you can (PM me for info). As the PP said, cruising is much more relaxing. I would stress registering for the kids club ahead of time though. The line on the ship was insane so I was so glad I did that at least. Other than that, be online as soon as you can for a decent Palo dinner time. We picked Pirate night but first time cruisers like Pirate night so if you want to dress up, try to pick another day. The only other advice I have is to plan your initial couple of hours on the ship, for example of you want to meet the princesses, get tickets for them from guest services right away. If you want to ride Aquaduck have your swimsuits under your clothes. Oh, and all the payments come from your OBC. If you are feeling adventurous, get familiar with the Disney gift card deal threads and load that baby up before your cruise. All excursions, pre-paid tips and a down payment on a future cruise can come out of that on board account.

Yes, we are on the Dream!!

Hmmmmm, what time is the pirate party typically. We don't want to miss that but definitely want a dinner alone. Will that even work?

We always pay for our Disney vacations in gift cards so we will be locked and loaded with those already!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Hmmmmm, what time is the pirate party typically. We don't want to miss that but definitely want a dinner alone. Will that even work?

There are 2 Pirate Parties on the Dream. The first one is between the two dinner seatings (generally 7:45). This one is the Mickey & friends, more family friendly show. The second show is after second seating (generally 10:30), followed by the fireworks.

Dinner at Palo takes (for the most part) about 2 hours. Remy can take up to 3 hours.

 

[Mousemommy1]

There are 2 Pirate Parties on the Dream. The first one is between the two dinner seatings (generally 7:45). This one is the Mickey & friends, more family friendly show. The second show is after second seating (generally 10:30), followed by the fireworks.

Dinner at Palo takes (for the most part) about 2 hours. Remy can take up to 3 hours.

Thank you! What is the earliest time I can try to get a Palo reservation? Like 5:00? Are pirate nights typically on sea days?

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Thank you! What is the earliest time I can try to get a Palo reservation? Like 5:00? Are pirate nights typically on sea days?

Pirate night on the Dream 4 night cruise is typically night 3 (but can be night 2). On the 3 night cruise it's night 2.

I don't think Palo starts dinner until something like 6:00-6:30? I could be wrong on that.

 

[DISNEY FANTASY]

Palo always starts reservations at 6pm for dinner.

 

[Mousemommy1]

Palo always starts reservations at 6pm for dinner.

Ok, that would be tight....gah! I need to rethink my plans