Questions from 1st Time Cruiser

[R&J]

Hi Everyone,

We are going on our first-ever cruise 1/29 on the Disney Magic

Since we're new to this, I have a few questions...we are flying from Toronto, Canada to MCO and have purchased DCL transfers. Do we have to pick up our luggage and take it to the bus, or will Disney take care of that for us? Not sure how it works since we are "international."

What time do you think we'll be on board the ship? DD is 4 1/2 and DS is 19 months, so if it'll be 2:00 or later we'll make sure the kids have a proper lunch.

We're just going to "wing it" as far as shore excursions go, but Paradise Beach in Cozumel sounds great! Would it be good for our little ones? Should we bring sand toys?

If we take a taxi anywhere, do we just hold the kids in our laps? We're not bringing carseats (we like to travel fairly light - 2 suitcases, 2 carry-ons + umbrella stroller for the 4 of us).

Finally, has anyone had Cabin 6012? Good things/not so good things about it? We have a Cat 8 gty so there's always the chance - however small - of an upgrade at the last minute!

TIA - these boards are a wealth of information & tips.

 

[my3princesses]

Hi there! We are on the Wonder at the end of February flying out of TO as well. This is our first cruise however I think I can answer your questions from what I have learned.

You do not need to get your luggage at the airport, DCL will take care of it and bring it directly to your room. There are supposed to be agents at the airport to help you out, and direct you to the bus.

We are supposed to board by 1pm I believe and there is a buffet lunch awaiting you when you get on. I think people are generally at the terminal by 11:00. However the wait in line seems to be long and if you plan on putting your kids in the clubs there would be another line to wait at for registration. This is where I am asuming might be the most difficult for kids as it is getting close to lunch and there is all this waiting around and they just want to get on the ship. Snacks might be a good idea here if you think they will need them.

Sand toys are always a good idea - especially for young ones! However I have found that a few shovels and plastic cups can even create amazing castles on the beach.

Whenever we travel with our kids we have not brought car seats because we are already bringing everything but the kitchen sink. The oldest could be belted in and the youngest on a lap. It's not like you are going through snow and ice like in TO right now.

Have fun planning your trip!

 

[R&J]

Thanks for the reply, my3princesses!

I had asked our TA (Sears Travel) about the luggage thing, and she said she thought we'd have to collect it ourselves due to security because we are from out-of-country, but wasn't sure. It's nice to NOT have to worry about the suitcases because, as you know, it gets tricky with the kids, especially if they're cranky..and by the time we arrive, they will both be tired, since we'll be waking them up before 5:30 AM to get to the airport on time.

Looks like we might make the tail end of lunch on board the ship so we will be bringing along something fairly substantial as "snacks" to tide everyone over. I hope there will still be spots available in Flounder's Reef & Palo when we get there!

What about info on cabin 6012? Anyone??

Thanks again!

 

[Lloyd Dobler]

I don't know for sure about this, but I'd confirm with both DCL and your airline about the luggage thing. I've never flown into or out of Canada, but every time I've crossed the border I've had to go through at least some semblance of Customs. To do so, you have to have your luggage with you. Again, I don't know if you have to pass through customs after your flight. I think there are US Customs offices in some Canadian airports, so maybe you do this before you board? I think I've heard that this is how it works in Vancouver.

Anyway, I'd hate to have you not get your luggage and have it miss the ship.