We used the character call to surprise our kids the morning of the cruise. The first call did not go through
but luckily about a minute later we got a second call. You do have to push a button before the character part so answer it and then hand it over or put on speaker phone so everyone can hear.
On our cruise last week I had booked a massage in advance online and yes, there was a special on the particular day I was booked for (and it was a sea day). They would have let me change to the special except that it was too late by the time I realized it - the service I booked was a 50min massage and the special was a 75 min service - it was $149 for a massage, mini facial and foot/scalp treatment. If I had noticed sooner I could have changed but space is limited especially on sea days! They also had a spa special on the Wonder if you book 3+ signature services 10% off the first, 20% off the second and 30% off the third. You can always book out the time/space and change what you want done later so long as the # of minutes are the same. P.S. I loved EDITH for both my massage and facial. She was great.
I didn't buy the photo package ahead of time and kinda regretted it. Again by the time I went to purchase <2 days before sailing it was too late. I think the on-board price was $349 for all digital images on a CD. There was also a 10 image and 20 image option. I think I remember it was 10 images = $149.95 and 20 = $249.95... I ended up only buying 3 digital pics for $21.95 each that will be emailed to me eventually I hope. NOTE: The photo printer on the Wonder was broken so they did not print any hard copies for our sailing. Not sure if they intend to fix it? One thing to note is that the photographers will let you take your own pictures (or take one with your camera for you) after they take one so if you have a nice camera it's almost not worth it unless you like the fancy Disney borders and added magical touches. I just wanted 4x6s for the autograph album so it didn't make sense to buy all of the ones they offered. At WDW I loved having the Memory Maker and took way more pictures at all the spots than I did on the cruise. Also the lines are long but definitely not as long as the theme parks. The characters are at the location for only 15 minutes. And if your kids are little it's even more fun (for them (and you).) I HIGHLY suggest you find out what time the character will be there and go stand in line about 7minutes before. You'll usually be about 1st-3rd in line AND if you have another family member stand in the other line opposite you can really save some time. There's usually one Port side and one Starboard on Deck 3 and one more guy upstairs on Deck 4.
The provided toiletries are nice but I always, always bring my own and never use the hotel/ship ones. But my son (7) used the shampoo and conditioner and lotion and LOVED them. He begged for me to bring them home. He's been using his "Pluto" lotion every day. I only wish I had stashed some more. If you're not opposed to scents then you'll like them. Maybe pack a small bottle of kid body wash if have sensitive skin. Also my favorite showers on board were on my spa days - the shower in the locker room/lounge is way better than the tiny stateroom shower!!!
On the first day of the cruise after you board the ship go to GUEST SERVICES on deck 3 and sign up for Anna & Elsa, Princess Gathering and Disney Jr. Character breakfast - these three are ticket based. I went that night and still got tickets but the times weren't the best or more favorable.
