We went on the Sept 21-28 Eastern Disney Magic cruise. It was just the two of us, me and DH on our 27th wedding anniversary.
Here are some general comments and observations which we hope might help for future cruisers.
Shoe Bags
The two smartest "extras" we packed for the room were the shoe bags and extension cords. If you have the 2 hook over the door type, it will hang on the outside of the bathroom door. If you have the type that has a single coat hanger hook, it will hang on the inside of the bathroom door or on a hook just outside the bathroom door. We took one of each, but found the 2 hook over the door best for us. We used it mostly for toiletries and cosmetics which was great, but you could also use it for toys, shoes, etc.. The extension cord was great for us since we use a white noise blocker with soothing sounds on one of the nitestands beside the bed. There are no plug-ins or outlets around the bed.
Air Freshner
The suggestion for us to get a plug-in air freshner of a specific scent was nice. We purchased Tropical Breeze and now use it in our kitchen. Whenever we enter the house or come downstairs we get a whiff of Tropical Breeze that triggers fond memories of our Disney Cruise. An added suggestion I'd make is to get a "Glade" Plug-in as it gives you an extra outlet plug which is built into it.
Snorkeling Equipment
We also opted to buy our own snorkeling equipment versus using excursion or Castaway Cay equipment. We are both large and hard to fit people, so we felt we might not find vests and fins that fit properly. We were very glad we did! We were able to head right into the water while everyone else scrambled to dig through big dump bins of equipment. I also felt much safer and cleaner with our own gear. We purchased ours at Dick's Sporting Goods and General Surplus and got a big rolling nylon duffle to pack and carry it in as it does get heavy and wet. Lucky for you it's all on sale this time of year! We purchased US Diver fins, masks, and snorkels, and the vests were Stearns and O'Brien and were very happy and secure with all of it. The Stearns brand has pockets which were nice to put small shells in as you snorkle.
Sand Bottles
I always like a keepsake of a little sand from all the beaches we go to. You can get tiny glass bottles from Cracker Barrell which come with syrup in them. They are the perfect size. I forgot to pack them in the duffle on Pinel Island day, but did get some from Sapphire Beach and Castaway Cay. The sand from each is a different color and texture.
Shell Collecting
Nice variety in the water and on beaches, but be sure you take only empty or clean dead ones and leave live creatures where they belong. Pack them in baggies and wrap in a T-shirt and pack in a collapseable cooler or plastic school box.
Assorted Sizes of Ziplock Baggies
Very handy for anything from shells, choclate chip cookies, jewelery, panty hose, etc.
Clothes Pins
We wish we would have bought some of these from home for the built in retractable clothesline over the tub. Swim suits and coverups would have dried much quicker.
Blow Dryer
The one built into the bathroom is not verly powerful and is right over the sink (dangerous). I was glad I bought mine from home.
Small Collapseable Cooler
I didn't use ours this time except to pack breakables in for return trip. However, in retrospect, I would have bought some cans of soda for nightime as the built in cooler IS a cooler, not a fridge, and doesn't get very cold.
Room Categories
Someone asked if you could still have fun in a category 11 room. We were first time cruisers in a category 11 and loved it. We were never really in the room except to shower, change clothes, and sleep. Although I must admit DH and I were a little wistfully envious of our tablemates who had private verandas to relax on for the days at sea, but for us the financial difference was prohibitive. We were midship on deck 6 and were close to all the activities. It was quiet except for one night when kids were running and screaming down the hall. The room attendants quickly put a stop to it.
Overpacking
I always do but then I panic that I won't have room for souveniers especially if I buy something large, breakable, or unexpected. If you are a compulsive overpacker like me, pack all your shirts and dressy outfits on wire hangers. It helps with wrinkle prevention and easier unpacking. Then you can leave the hangers for the next cruisers who will need them anyway. This will give you plenty of room in the suitcase for souveniers. In retrospect, I would have packed fewer slacks and jeans and more mix and match tops.
Extra Shoes and Swimsuits
Pack two or three pair of gym shoes, sandles/dress shoes and swimsuits. One of our guy tablemates forgot to pack extra shoes and got his only pair soaked on the Regatta excursion and all he could find to buy on the island were thong flip flops and got his feet burned. I broke one of the straps on my swimsuit on my very first swim and would have been lost without my spare. They also suggest you wear your swimsuit under your clothes for the excursions since there aren't changing areas on some of them.
Wear swim shoes as there are lots of sharp shell bits, hot pavement, and jellyfish.
I have many more tips if DIS'ers want me to continue???
Connie
Here are some general comments and observations which we hope might help for future cruisers.
Shoe Bags
The two smartest "extras" we packed for the room were the shoe bags and extension cords. If you have the 2 hook over the door type, it will hang on the outside of the bathroom door. If you have the type that has a single coat hanger hook, it will hang on the inside of the bathroom door or on a hook just outside the bathroom door. We took one of each, but found the 2 hook over the door best for us. We used it mostly for toiletries and cosmetics which was great, but you could also use it for toys, shoes, etc.. The extension cord was great for us since we use a white noise blocker with soothing sounds on one of the nitestands beside the bed. There are no plug-ins or outlets around the bed.
Air Freshner
The suggestion for us to get a plug-in air freshner of a specific scent was nice. We purchased Tropical Breeze and now use it in our kitchen. Whenever we enter the house or come downstairs we get a whiff of Tropical Breeze that triggers fond memories of our Disney Cruise. An added suggestion I'd make is to get a "Glade" Plug-in as it gives you an extra outlet plug which is built into it.
Snorkeling Equipment
We also opted to buy our own snorkeling equipment versus using excursion or Castaway Cay equipment. We are both large and hard to fit people, so we felt we might not find vests and fins that fit properly. We were very glad we did! We were able to head right into the water while everyone else scrambled to dig through big dump bins of equipment. I also felt much safer and cleaner with our own gear. We purchased ours at Dick's Sporting Goods and General Surplus and got a big rolling nylon duffle to pack and carry it in as it does get heavy and wet. Lucky for you it's all on sale this time of year! We purchased US Diver fins, masks, and snorkels, and the vests were Stearns and O'Brien and were very happy and secure with all of it. The Stearns brand has pockets which were nice to put small shells in as you snorkle.
Sand Bottles
I always like a keepsake of a little sand from all the beaches we go to. You can get tiny glass bottles from Cracker Barrell which come with syrup in them. They are the perfect size. I forgot to pack them in the duffle on Pinel Island day, but did get some from Sapphire Beach and Castaway Cay. The sand from each is a different color and texture.
Shell Collecting
Nice variety in the water and on beaches, but be sure you take only empty or clean dead ones and leave live creatures where they belong. Pack them in baggies and wrap in a T-shirt and pack in a collapseable cooler or plastic school box.
Assorted Sizes of Ziplock Baggies
Very handy for anything from shells, choclate chip cookies, jewelery, panty hose, etc.
Clothes Pins
We wish we would have bought some of these from home for the built in retractable clothesline over the tub. Swim suits and coverups would have dried much quicker.
Blow Dryer
The one built into the bathroom is not verly powerful and is right over the sink (dangerous). I was glad I bought mine from home.
Small Collapseable Cooler
I didn't use ours this time except to pack breakables in for return trip. However, in retrospect, I would have bought some cans of soda for nightime as the built in cooler IS a cooler, not a fridge, and doesn't get very cold.
Room Categories
Someone asked if you could still have fun in a category 11 room. We were first time cruisers in a category 11 and loved it. We were never really in the room except to shower, change clothes, and sleep. Although I must admit DH and I were a little wistfully envious of our tablemates who had private verandas to relax on for the days at sea, but for us the financial difference was prohibitive. We were midship on deck 6 and were close to all the activities. It was quiet except for one night when kids were running and screaming down the hall. The room attendants quickly put a stop to it.
Overpacking
I always do but then I panic that I won't have room for souveniers especially if I buy something large, breakable, or unexpected. If you are a compulsive overpacker like me, pack all your shirts and dressy outfits on wire hangers. It helps with wrinkle prevention and easier unpacking. Then you can leave the hangers for the next cruisers who will need them anyway. This will give you plenty of room in the suitcase for souveniers. In retrospect, I would have packed fewer slacks and jeans and more mix and match tops.
Extra Shoes and Swimsuits
Pack two or three pair of gym shoes, sandles/dress shoes and swimsuits. One of our guy tablemates forgot to pack extra shoes and got his only pair soaked on the Regatta excursion and all he could find to buy on the island were thong flip flops and got his feet burned. I broke one of the straps on my swimsuit on my very first swim and would have been lost without my spare. They also suggest you wear your swimsuit under your clothes for the excursions since there aren't changing areas on some of them.
Wear swim shoes as there are lots of sharp shell bits, hot pavement, and jellyfish.
I have many more tips if DIS'ers want me to continue???
Connie
