Topsiders or Parrot Cay for lunch on 1st day?

[suesings]

Hi,
This will be our first cruise and it looks like both Topsider's and Parrot's Cay are open for lunch on the departure day (1st day). Any opinions on which is better?

Thanks, Sue

 

[aprilgail2]

They both have the same food so it is more personal preferance. I like going to Parrot Cay. They seat you there like a real restaurant. We did Topsiders the first cruise and you get your food then have to search for your own place to sit, we stodd there with trays in our hands for 10 minutes waiting for someone to finish so we could get a table.

 

[Verandah Man]

We have been on three DCL cruises and have done Topsiders once and Parrot Cay twice, we prefer Parrot Cay as the reasons stated by aprilgail2.

 

[aprilgail2]

We have been on three DCL cruises and have done Topsiders once and Parrot Cay twice, we prefer Parrot Cay as the reasons stated by aprilgail2.

Hey Verandahman....I am not a computer idiot but I can not figure out how to make one of those magnetic signs for my stateroom door....how did you make yours?? Thanks!

 

[Dreamer04]

Parrot Cay, for us. Honestly, with little ones, its less stressful. Our first cruise we went to Topsiders and we couldn't keep her in her seat to eat!

You know what happens when kids have empty stomachs and lots of activity? Cranky children!!! And tired parents!

So, Parrot Cay it is. Relaxing lunch then its time for the Mickey slide!!

 

[Verandah Man]

Hey Verandahman....I am not a computer idiot but I can not figure out how to make one of those magnetic signs for my stateroom door....how did you make yours?? Thanks!

I will send you an e-mail.

 

[mmouse37]

We prefer Parrot Cay as well....less hectic. they seat you and come to you for your drink order where upstairs on deck you must find your own table and it could be windy, very hot, humid or the opposite...chilly.

I like to enjoy the A/C of Parrot Cay and start off the vacation relaxed, instead of juggling my tray and drink and looking for a spot to eat in the hot sun!!

I am sure you will get others you feel they love the sea air on the first day and want to see the view....it is truly just a personal preference as they serve the same food.

MJ

 

[WDWLVR]

We prefer Topsiders. I love sitting outside to start the cruise off right. Plus since we are usually in a navigator verandah we just have a quick trip down the back stairs to our room.

The great thing is you have a choice

 

[jon46]

Our first cruise we were in PC It is more relaxed and we got to see Capt. Hook walking around. Last cruise we went to BBB and could not find any seats on the back deck so sat inside and I dident think it was as nice. This next cruise i hope to be in PC, as said before going up to the pools and getting our afternoon non-alcohol special drink and watching our DGD have fun. Also PC just looks more fancier and this will be my DD first impression of the ship. Her first cruise. John

 

[dbond]

We always do Topsiders or BBB. There's just something about sitting up that high, being able to see Cape Canaveral off in the distance, watching the cars drive up to the ship and stare, it just adds to the excitement of "hey, we're cruising!"

 

[aliwas]

Another vote for Topsiders, my DS wore his swim trunks with a t-shirt and after getting on the boat we went to Mickey Pool and he was able to slide and swim without a crowd. We were also able to eat lunch at tables in view of the pool. Very relaxing and great start to the trip.

 

[westjones]

My girls wear their swimsuits under their clothes, we go right to the Goofy pool and we have pizza, burgers, and fries for lunch. There is usually NO wait because everyone else goes to Parrot Cay or Topsiders. The girls get the pool to themselves for almost an hour.

OH, and we have ice cream for dessert!

DJ

 

[suesings]

thanks for all the great replies. So how early do they actually let people on the boat? And what time do they actually start serving lunch all over the ship (all locations). Also, what is BBB?? Sorry, first Disney Cruise!!

Sue

 

[Verandah Man]

On our 1-4-05 sailing of the Magic we boarded the ship at 11:45am and went straight to Parrot Cay for the lunch buffet, my DW and I were the first two people at Parrot Cay. Some CM tried to get us to go to Topsiders, but we told them we wanted to go to Parrot Cay, their next comment was, "You've sailed with us before."

BBB=Beach Blanket Buffet located on deck 9 of the Wonder.

 

[Bmwdsny]

thanks for all the great replies. So how early do they actually let people on the boat? And what time do they actually start serving lunch all over the ship (all locations). Also, what is BBB?? Sorry, first Disney Cruise!!

Sue

They let you board by 1 pm, but sometimes earlier. My last 4 Disney cruise, i went on board as early as 12 noon...most of time it is ususally 12:30. Parrot Cay and Topsiders, or BBB..(which stands for Beach Blanket Buffet on the Wonder Ship but same setup restaurant as Topsiders) are the only restuarants open between 12 til drill time (4:30)...But i could be wrong about poolside restaurants, maybe it does opens earlier, i really never notice it...

I always ate at Parrot Cay for lunch on Embark day...Quieter and calmer..

have fun on your upcoming Cruise!!

 

[aprilgail2]

I will send you an e-mail.

Thanks Andy.

 

[CM_Mom]

We enjoyed Parrot Cay because we sailed in May and it was hot outside. I think it is easier to manage at Parrot Cay since the waiters take your drink order and you're seated at a table BEFORE you go through the buffet line.

Lots of folks let the weather decide. Nice spring weather means Topsiders/Beach Blanket and Hot or Cold weather means Parrot Cay.

 

[The Brechun's]

Does Parrot's Cay have windows in the dining room?

 

[Verandah Man]

Does Parrot's Cay have windows in the dining room?

Yes, they have large portholes.

 

[MarkLem]

If you are an early boarder like we are, then another vote for topsiders. IF the weather is nice, nothing like sitting on the open deck. We had kids ages 8, 6, 2 1/2 at cruise time and it worked out fine. They sat down and I was the food runner for the table. No stress.