What is the BEST cruise tip you ever learned from the Dis?

[mikerry]

In regard to the landyards: My daughters and I found Pirates of the Carribean landyards at Claire's boutique for $4.50. I'm pretty sure that Claire's is a national chain found in malls that sell earrings, costume jewelry, etc.

What's so cool about these are they are red, and have Pirates of the Carribean stamped all around. There is also a picture of Jack Sparrow and Mr. Smith (Orlando Bloom) in the plastic holder.

 

[need_a_Disney_fix]

Hi, what are lifestyle portraits? thanks!

This is what they look like.

 

[SamRoc]

This is what they look like.

Very nice picture! I wasn't quite sure what a lifestyle photo was. thanks.

 

[nzdisneymom]

Someone please tell me that DCL does *not* annoy sleeping children with room announcements of bingo!

We didn't notice many announcements at all during our 12/17 cruise on the Magic. Most just on port days when there were announcements about where to disembark, etc. And the captain's reports at noon a couple of days. Announcements were always preceded by a tone (when you wish upon a star - i think).

 

[nzdisneymom]

KTTW is Key To The World card. It is your room key and charge card and access to the ship...everything...so don't lose it! They are not pre-punched. I think a punch might mean that it cannot be used for charging? I can't remember.

That's true - non-charging KTTW cards are hole-punched - at least that's what they did to my kids' cards when we took them to Guest Services to take chargine privileges away.

 

[Jrsy Boy]

Announcements were always preceded by a tone (when you wish upon a star - i think).

I hadn't thought about that in a while...(sigh)...it seemed annoying at the time because one of us had to run over to the stateroom door to hear the announcement, but now I wish I was hearing it!

 

[SRUAlmn]

That's true - non-charging KTTW cards are hole-punched - at least that's what they did to my kids' cards when we took them to Guest Services to take chargine privileges away.

When we cruised on Royal Caribbean that hole punch meant that the person was not of age to be served alcohol. My little sister was 20 and so they asked my mom's permission since (internationally) you only have to be 18. My mom said no and my sister didn't let us live it down the whole trip. For her 21st birthday 5 months later we bought her a hole punch!

 

[fabumouse]

We didn't notice many announcements at all during our 12/17 cruise on the Magic. .

Whew! I had visions of just getting the baby to sleep and a strange voice booming into our cabin . . . . WAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!

 

[woody73]

Pack half as much clothes, and bring twice as much money.

Woody

 

[taswira]

Pack half as much clothes, and bring twice as much money.

Woody

That's the best advice ever!

Only I would say not just half as much clothes, but half as much everything. That is especially true if you have more than two people in a stateroom, whether adults or children. The less "stuff" you have, the more room you will have in your stateroom. Take a hard look at each item on your list and ask yourself, "Do I REALLY need this?"

If the answer is no, you will probably appreciate the extra space (whether space in your room or space in your bag to bring back souvenirs) far more than you would have the use of the item/s. Definitely, the less luggage you have in your room, the happier you will be. If your bags are soft, collapsible and fit under the bed, fine. If not, don't take more than one plus a carry-on tote. If you are proficient at packing, that's enough for everything you need anyway.

On your packing list, note next to it exactly when you plan to wear/use it - formal night, pirate night, Palo dinner, high tea or brunch, Castaway Cay, certain excursions, relaxing on deck or in your room, etc. If you have more items than you have opportunity/need to use them, they should be left behind.

 

[Marypoppinsiam]

Thanks so much for that great advice. I am trying to pack for next weeks cruise and writing down next to the item what it is going to be used for is priceless. I don't plan to pack a lot for my son just knowing that he will want to buy tshirts on the vacation. So at least I will have a little more room in his suitcase.

Thanks everyone for their great tips!!

 

[lorrainesy]

Not sure if this was already posted......I didn't read this whole thread , just skimmed it, bring a over the door shoe holder to hold all your small items, it will keep your sinks and self space clear and save the room steward a lot of work.

 

[vlf32]

Also, this year I plan on bringing a current "Kid Safe" packet with all my DD info, finger prints and photo... just in case. You can order them free.

Where did you order this? Thanks!

 

[smores]

here are a few i like:

i prefer mesh laundry bags (from walmart) i have one that is red (for colored clothes) and one that is white (for white) this way, my family knows where the laundry goes.

if you leave sunglasses in your room they might be placed on a towel animal!

i bring at least one color coordinated/matching outfit for the entire family--we take at least one family photo that we send out for x-mas cards. in general it's hard to get a photo together unless we are on vacation!

 

[sulleyfan]

suscribing

 

[Laurajean1014]

To stay with your clothes when washing/drying. Mine were stolen.

 

[HappyLawyer]

i learned to bring a rolling cooler and pick up soda and water before i board.
The soda might be free on deck 9 but if i am thirsty in my room i would rather go to my cooler then the 9th deck anytime

 

[Marypoppinsiam]

I got mine from our local police station and most schools are starting to give these out with the students photos.

 

[lmok]

This is what they look like.

Laurie,

How often is this offered and what time of day. I am trying to plan a few outfits for phots. On formal night can you get your picture made with Mickey and Minnie?

shutters loves me!!!

 

[Marypoppinsiam]

The lifestyle pictures are done almost everyday, just check your navigator for times. We had ours done with Mickey.