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

[Trixiezzz]

One that really helped me out on that BUSY last night of packing:

Print out and bring with you address labels with your name & address on it.

That tip saved me time & stress in having to fill out all those luggage tags on that last night. I was so happy to have those pre-printed labels ready to just stick on as I finished up each bag and set it in the hall!

 

[surprise07]

My DH & DD's enjoyed using the Walmart 97 cent lanyards for our KTTWs. I passed out cheap watches so the kids never missed a meet time. Having a higlighter to mark our navigators. Room service, precalculated tip cash, the Mickey wake up call, bringing our Pirate supplies from Party City, our magnetic door signs featuring free Disney font, and our carry-on beer and wine.

Thank you, DISers!!!!

Can you clue me in on the door sign thing? I am a first time cruiser this April. Where do I get such a thing??

 

[Tink rules]

You make them yourself I hear and there is a thread on the main cruise line forum about people and their signs...

I will try and find it for you...

 

[curlybop]

That is a GREAT tip about address labels. I plan to use some of the freebie ones we always get in the mail.

 

[Tink rules]

Here's a link.. you can also and I suggest because there are lots... search the forum using Magnetic Door signs...

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=838817&referrerid=&highlight=magnetic+door+signs

 

[doug46]

These suggestions are fantastic. This is our first cruise and we will be using a lot of these. Hopefully, we can post our favorite when we return.

 

[flrickd]

Bump

 

[AQW]

I know it's been mentioned several times, but having just returned from my first cruise my #1 tip is the over-the-door shoe organizer. My DH laughed when I pulled it out of my luggage and set it up (inside the closet door on Carnival Paradise), but I got the last laugh when he realized how useful it was! 24 clear pockets - wallets, iPods, passports, cameras, chargers, sunglasses, all the stuff that usually clutters up your desk or dresser. By the second day of the cruise he was able to stop himself mid-question: "Honey, where's my....? Oh wait, the shoe thing... found it!"

 

[luvmygrumpy]

just posting so I can get these great tips.

 

[milestogo]

we bring blue painter's tape to hand any papers, navigators, plans on the walls without ruining the paint on the walls or leaving glue on anything.

 

[khakismum]

this needs to get bumped! Good stuff on here

 

[Jillpie]

wow! I started this thread two years ago! How did you dig this up?

 

[khakismum]

wow! I started this thread two years ago! How did you dig this up?

It's a good thread!!!

 

[khakismum]

Guess I ought to post my tips huh?

1. Get magnetic white boards for your door. Great to leave messages for each other on whereabouts on ship. - really good for keeping tabs on the kids!
2. I second to collapsible hamper. Keeps dirties contained and if you need to go to the laundry it provides a great way to carry the clothes.
3. Soft sided luggage is the way to go. Once empty/unpacked they *will* fit under the bed(s). You may have to lift the frame up, but it does fit.
4. Take advantage of room service - especially for breakfast!! If what you want for breakfast isn't on the little door hanger - write it in. It *will* be delivered to you. I have specified what fruit I want in the fruit bowl and it was delivered as requested. Love the Disney service
5. Pack ziplock baggies. Order a sandwich or 4 from room service before going on shore and then pack in the baggie - walking around lunch/snacks for on shore. Best of all - "free". Also use the baggies to store your sunscreen in. or other leakable or potentially messy stuff or stuff you don't want to get wet.
6. Small can or bottle of air freshener....the cabins aren't *that* big if someone has "digestive issues" and there aren't vent fans in the potty. 'nuff said.
7. Take pocket school folder to hold all your Navigators, ticket stubs, etc. Your paper pile can get out of control. Having one or two pocket folders really helps keep that contained and organized! I found one notebook that had five pockets in it and used it to plan and organize each day.
8. If you scrapbook - take a plain scrapbook page and pen to dinner one night and have your servers sign them...because you *will* have pictures of them and it is nice to have a memento from them. Do the same for your, travel companions, table mates, room steward and other cast members you associated with often or enjoyed. Take pictures with the cast members, they like knowing you enjoyed their work and efforts. We were told that countless time by cast who enjoyed seeing us enjoy them.

Ok, that is all I can think of right now that hasn't already been said. I know there are more new, fresh ideas out there!

 

[covereddish]

I noticed the other day that they now have "Lysol To Go" at WalMart near the checkout stand. Just a little small can, and it is great for vacations!

 

[Jillpie]

After receiving your photo matte all signed on Friday night, bring it to the Farewell party that night. You can then get additional signatures from all the miscellaneous people that you love, like the characters from the Lion King and all the rest from the shows. Also, I brought it for the captain to sign, don't forget him, thats a great momento.

 

[Mom24Princesses]

[*]Take advantage of room service - especially for breakfast!! If what you want for breakfast isn't on the little door hanger - write it in. It *will* be delivered to you. I have specified what fruit I want in the fruit bowl and it was delivered as requested. Love the Disney service

OK, That is good to know. But give a few examples. Surely not bacon!?

[*]If you scrapbook - take a plain scrapbook page and pen to dinner one night and have your servers sign them...because you *will* have pictures of them and it is nice to have a memento from them. Do the same for your, travel companions, table mates, room steward and other cast members you associated with often or enjoyed. Take pictures with the cast members, they like knowing you enjoyed their work and efforts. We were told that countless time by cast who enjoyed seeing us enjoy them.

Great idea not seen before!

 

[khakismum]

OK, That is good to know. But give a few examples. Surely not bacon!?

yes bacon.... basically if it is offered anywhere on the ship for breakfast you can have it delivered to your cabin.

I listed what I wanted by hand and voila! there is was the next morning...Disney Magic bacon included

 

[mommykds]

What is a photo matte? Where can I get one? Sounds like a great idea.

 

[Jillpie]

What is a photo matte? Where can I get one? Sounds like a great idea.

A matte is the cardboard material surrounding your photo, that is then placed inside of a frame. You can get them at Xmas Tree Shops, Michaels, camera shops. I got the 11x14 size one, perfect for an 8x10 picture. I like white, the signatures show up very nicely. So you buy the matte, take the cellophane off of it, and bring it on board with you. You can either give it to guest services for the characters to sign (you'll get it back on Friday night of the cruise), or you can take it around by yourself and have it signed by whoever you want throughout the cruise. Very important tip here, have a photo direction (vertical or horizontal) in mind before asking for signatures, that way you'll know which way they should sign. As you get the professional pictures taken throughout your cruise, you can ask the photographer to take them any direction you want.