What should first timer not miss?

[gabang]

DD (9) and I will be going on our first cruise (4 day Wonder) and would like some advice from the 'seasoned' cruisers. What is something we should see/do on the ship that just shouldn't be missed?

 

[turtle51]

Do not miss any of the deck parties or the shows. They are awesome and you will be so disa ppointed to not see them.

 

[rsjj]

heard that the last farewell "party" where all the characters come out at the atrium area is not to be missed. didn't attend on our first cruise...our DSs were asleep then, they were young, so hopefully, this time around, we can perhaps make it?

 

[tvguy]

Make sure to make it to the front of the ship, between the stack and the basketball courts about 11:55 am on a sea day. Stay there until noon. And, by the way, cover your ears.

 

[ChrisnSteph]

The brunch and dinner at Palo's, Disney Dreams show (if it plays on the Wonder), the "Bon Voyage" drink, and the Pirates In the Caribbean deck party!

 

[CRSNDSNY]

I would say to not miss the musicals or your dining rotations -- except for the repeat on your first or last evening if you wanted to go to Palo.

I would also say to not miss Palo brunch! YUM!

 

[depomas]

My advice would be to read as much as you can, to have as much knowledge as possible, and then do what you can. The chances are high that you will rebook, so take a deep breath and enjoy yourself, because no matter what, you will not see or do it all. It took three cruises before we got to Palo's as well as do other things. Of course we loved Palo's, but I did not regret not going before.

SO this is your vacation, enjoy, enjoy enjoy!!!!

 

[gabang]

-TV guy said: Make sure to make it to the front of the ship, between the stack and the basketball courts about 11:55 am on a sea day. Stay there until noon. And, by the way, cover your ears.-

Very mysterious TV guy but sounds like fun.

Thanks for all that have replied. I wasn't sure what new information I'd learn by starting this tread that I didn't learn by reading other posts but it's been very enlightening. I'd love to hear more.

 

[CRSNDSNY]

-TV guy said: Make sure to make it to the front of the ship, between the stack and the basketball courts about 11:55 am on a sea day. Stay there until noon. And, by the way, cover your ears.-

Very mysterious TV guy but sounds like fun.

Thanks for all that have replied. I wasn't sure what new information I'd learn by starting this tread that I didn't learn by reading other posts but it's been very enlightening. I'd love to hear more.

Yes, DEFINITELY cover your ears. It is VERY VERY loud in that spot!!!

 

[ericamanda01]

As most others have said do not miss the shows! They are fantastic! But each time DH and I have cruised we loved just taking a walk around the ship to see all the details. It's one of our favorite things and we really enjoy it.

 

[jlowejd5]

My best advice would be to just relax and do whatever sounds fun. It can't all be done, probably not even on the repo cruises, but in four days you can do a lot of stuff. And if it seems overwhelming, just take a break. Grab a deck chair and watch the world go by for 15 minutes, just to get your bearings. Or just take a walk around and look at the ship itself. It's pretty breathtaking up close.

But above all, have fun with your DD. These memories will last a long time.

 

[armyfam]

Our DS's really enjoyed:
- playing shuffleboard on deck 4
- ping pong on deck 9
- sharing ice cream from Scoops
- slide on Mickey pool
- walk around ship via deck 4 (promenade deck)

If you can, and if she likes to "dress up", surprise her with a princess dress for the formal nights. The girls looked so cute. (BTW, some of the boys wore the full pirate costume they sell in the gift shop.)

Also, if she likes princesses, make her a princess pillow case (Wal-Mart has a terrific purple print with several of them on it) and ask guest services to have them sign it for her. What a treasure!

Have a terrific time just being together talking and listening.

The hair braiding is a charge item and I've heard it takes a long time. Some girls end up crying because it hurts (according to some posts i've read). I did not see any girls crying when I walked by though.

Again, have a great time!

 

[krhardy]

OK, after several cruises, (although not NEARLY as many as I'd like)...I've come up with what I consider to be the end all be all of what not to miss. Are you ready? Don't miss the fact that you're on vacation! If there's something you really want to see/do, by all means do it, but don't stress yourself to do so! Remember that this is your VACATION! Running around like a beheaded chicken so that you "get your money's worth" will only stress you more, and then you've paid for a vacation that you need a vacation from when you get home. There are lots of wonderful activities both day and evening, but above all else, make sure that you come home from your vacation relaxed and well rested. Just my 2 cents worth. Have a great time!!

 

[gabang]

Thanks to all that replied. DD and I will have a great time I'm sure. I agree with those that said not to get stressed about doing everything. This is part of a land and sea vacation and we really want to relax on this sea portion after 3 days running around Disney...

Armyfam, thanks for the specifics on what do do with DD (9) That was very thoughtful!

Next adventure is planning a Land and Sea Easter basket for DD. Got a postcard from a diser and plan on getting travel books, lanyards and bubbles. Any other suggestions???