What would you like to see on the new ships?

[DisneyCowgirl]

More dining options where I can sit with just my family. Either MDRs where this is more the norm, or more options outside the MDRs.

 

[FairestOfThemAll37]

I'd love to see DCL copy Princesses M.U.T.S.

Princess rocks the outdoor movies in the evenings. They setup the chairs in the evening to face the screen and have wonderful padded chair covers that are super comfy. Plus they have blankets on each chair. Then they have fresh popped popcorn and warm cookies plus coffee and cocoa.

With DCL's access to first run Disney/Marvel movies I think they could really step up their game here.

 

[RedSox68]

I'm coming in late to this party and am probably just seconding what's already been said, but:

1.) More physical activities for older kids (rock wall, obstacle course, etc.);
2.) Do not add a casino;
3.) Freestyle Coke machines;
4.) Solve the Dream-class "aft elevator making you walk through Cabanas to get to the pool deck" issue;
5.) Make the Donald pool bigger. It's ridiculously small for the number of kids who use it on a full sailing;
6.) Please do not add more "premium" features like Vanellope's. I don't want DCL to become a "nickel and dime" setup like RCCL is frequently criticized for;
7.) Heat the AquaLab water (assuming there's going to be an AquaLab). It's always too cold on the existing ships;
8.) More and varied MSDA missions;
9.) Engineer a way for kids to get to forward elevators on Deck 11 without walking through adult area;
10.) Having a hard time coming up with a #10......

Oh, my family would be nuts for the freestyle Coke machine! And your number 9 should be a MUST in the design plans!

And as was talked about much when they were building the new ships previously, make room for a library! Every non-Disney ship we have been on has had a library -- some even had DVD players in the room and DVD rentals.

 

[squirk]

And as was talked about much when they were building the new ships previously, make room for a library! Every non-Disney ship we have been on has had a library -- some even had DVD players in the room and DVD rentals.

I like the library idea, but as far as the DVDs go - did these other ships you were on have the video-on-demand system that is in place on DCL's Dream-class ships? Seems that is a superior option - no shortage of DVDs, no scratched media, no maintenance on thousands of DVD units, no discs getting lost or otherwise "going missing" at the end of a cruise, etc.

 

[RedSox68]

I like the library idea, but as far as the DVDs go - did these other ships you were on have the video-on-demand system that is in place on DCL's Dream-class ships? Seems that is a superior option - no shortage of DVDs, no scratched media, no maintenance on thousands of DVD units, no discs getting lost or otherwise "going missing" at the end of a cruise, etc.

Honestly, I don't know. The one that we made use of the DVDs (which they would actually deliver to your room) was our HAL cruise in 2012. I didn't make use of it on the other ships.

 

[jk and ek]

-an outdoor non-water playground area
-a bowling alley
-or some other kind of area where you can do an activity as a family (not a hosted activity, but an independent activity) or just more independent activities in the vein of MSDA.
-kid areas for younger children (3-6) and one for older kids (6-12) plus the existing tween and teen areas. i just cannot get comfortable with the idea of 11-12 years olds and toddlers in the same space. i'm all for mixed age groups, but that spread is just too wide.
-a nicer anytime fast casual/counter service option. not everyone likes or wants mediocre burgers and pizza.

and not design related but:
-a spa where i'd actually feel comfortable getting a treatment. i currently stay away from any spa services that require human interaction because the up-selling is just too much and makes me really anxious (yes i KNOW you can decline, but that's not the point. i don't want to feel pressured in the first place.)

 

[squirk]

-a spa where i'd actually feel comfortable getting a treatment. i currently stay away from any spa services that require human interaction because the up-selling is just too much and makes me really anxious (yes i KNOW you can decline, but that's not the point. i don't want to feel pressured in the first place.)

I hear you. While I have no problem politely declining, I'd just as soon avoid the pitch altogether. It lessens my enjoyment of the treatment knowing that the pitch is coming at end. If I really enjoy the product you're using on me, I will ask you about buying some.

Some folks here have posted that they requested "no upselling" when making the spa reservation, or they added the request later on at the Senses front desk, and it appeared to have worked - no pitch, no awkwardness.

 

[Quellman]

-an outdoor non-water playground area
-a bowling alley
-or some other kind of area where you can do an activity as a family (not a hosted activity, but an independent activity) or just more independent activities in the vein of MSDA.
-kid areas for younger children (3-6) and one for older kids (6-12) plus the existing tween and teen areas. i just cannot get comfortable with the idea of 11-12 years olds and toddlers in the same space. i'm all for mixed age groups, but that spread is just too wide.
-a nicer anytime fast casual/counter service option. not everyone likes or wants mediocre burgers and pizza.

A play area for kids would be well loved by my kid, the basketball court is just a wide open waste of space. A bowling ally at sea... That would be interesting to see! I would like to see a return to split kids spaces, or at least age groups as well!

 

[Spotthecat]

Free popcorn available at non-movie times as snacks.

 

[OKW Lover]

4.) Solve the Dream-class "aft elevator making you walk through Cabanas to get to the pool deck" issue;

And the corollary of this: forward elevator making you walk through the adult area to get to the family pool

 

[OKW Lover]

There are shaver outlets in the bathrooms.

I've only seen them in one of the split bathrooms. IIRC, the one with the shower in it.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

The new class dimensions were released already. They are carbon copies of the Dream class with the exception of weight. The new class is 10000 tons heavier if Imy not.mistaken. just reading the new dimensions it seems like they are moving the balcony cabins out to clean up the lines like the classics are shaped.

"out" as in making the overall shape wider?

 

[PurplePencil]

I like the library idea, but as far as the DVDs go - did these other ships you were on have the video-on-demand system that is in place on DCL's Dream-class ships? Seems that is a superior option - no shortage of DVDs, no scratched media, no maintenance on thousands of DVD units, no discs getting lost or otherwise "going missing" at the end of a cruise, etc.

Disney is sorta capable of DVD, as it's an option for Concierge. I agree with you that with the on-demand DVD's aren't necessary.

 

[Tink1987]

Magic Bands. Really bugs me having to carry a card around, especially when I have just come from WDW and the ease of wearing a MB and charging everything to it with a pin.

 

[OKW Lover]

Magic Bands. Really bugs me having to carry a card around, especially when I have just come from WDW and the ease of wearing a MB and charging everything to it with a pin.

I like the concept of not having to swipe the KTTW card, but dislike the MB concept as I don't want to constantly wear one on board. Now the new MB2 version with the removable puck would work just fine for me. If they will then update the entire POS (point of sale) system to allow you to just tap your card/mb/puck that would be great.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Magic Bands. Really bugs me having to carry a card around, especially when I have just come from WDW and the ease of wearing a MB and charging everything to it with a pin.

I believe the biggest issue with not using cards would be re boarding the ship in the various foreign ports. Currently, they (port security) looks at a KTTW card and ID to confirm that you have the right to enter the dock area. They won't have the ability to read a band. I doubt that the installation/training for those security features in every port that DCL ports in probably won't be funded by the individual countries, and I'm not sure DCL wants to foot the bill, either.

 

[texasgingerbread]

I haven't even gone yet and I'm replying just from the things I've noticed they are missing compared to other cruises I've been on. They add so many different experiences compared to others so it all balances out! What I've noticed...pools need to be added and larger ones at that, laundry services (a package where you are charged for the entire trip...I LOVED having this on a different cruise and would pay whatever they asked to have this!! Worth every penny.), open seating for dining...if you make it to the shows you make it to the shows, larger balcony options...esp depth not width...again I'd pay more for this, magicbands or bracelets, room service from dining room (again had this on other cruises) including hot breakfast. I'm paying way more for this cruise than I did for any other so I have high expectations for the "extras" Disney provides. I love Disney so I'm hoping it'll be great and I won't notice the other things because of the pixie dust.

 

[Tink1987]

I believe the biggest issue with not using cards would be re boarding the ship in the various foreign ports. Currently, they (port security) looks at a KTTW card and ID to confirm that you have the right to enter the dock area. They won't have the ability to read a band. I doubt that the installation/training for those security features in every port that DCL ports in probably won't be funded by the individual countries, and I'm not sure DCL wants to foot the bill, either.

Thanks for the info, something I had never looked into. I understand Royal Caribbean and Carnival now have the bands, but hadn't read how they used the technology, perhaps they still have a card for visiting ports?

 

[mcd2745]

My wish list:

• Another premium dining venue - preferably some type of steakhouse
• I know there have been a lot of calls for more adult venues so far in this thread. However, the traditional bar-based venues always seem to be completely empty well before 11pm. IMO, they need to come up with different concepts/experiences for adult spaces, not necessarily add more. Since a casino is not going to happen, I've long suggested a 'Dave & Buster's'-type space. I think this would be very successful and provide a venue for adults to do something later at night beside sit in a mostly empty bar/nightclub.
• larger pools & hot tubs - that stay open 24/7! (also, why doesn't the ice cream station on deck stay open 24/7?)
• agree with the calls for better design when it comes to forcing people to go through certain areas (Cabanas, adult pool area) when stepping off an elevator
• NO MORE Pirate nights. It's run its course. Nobody likes the MDR menu that night (we usually make that our Palo night). You can still have fireworks one night, it doesn't need to be tied to pirate night.
• An third performance of the shows after late seating dinner.
• love the previous idea of the Coke Freestyle machines. I know they are a hit on RCCL.
• Keurig coffee machines in staterooms

That's all I can think of at the moment. I'm sure there other things I'd like to see.

 

[mrswillson]

I'm sure mine won't be popular opinion, however:

I would love to see them bring back the original design of Animator's Palette to the new ships. I'm not a fan whatsoever of the new studio design on the Dream and Fantasy, and I grew up with the black and white to color dinner display on the Magic and have been in love with it ever since. On that premise, while new ships warrant new experiences, the nostalgia of original designs accompanied with how well the restaurant was done would make a great addition to the new ships (and pay tribute to the old as well).

I also believe it's important to have a stricter, more encouraged formal dress code for at least one night out of the cruise. I don't believe it is too much to ask for formal wear on one evening (cocktail to long gowns for women and slacks with a button down collared shirt for men) as these are staples of most wardrobes, and the classic cruise line experience includes a formal night. As adults, the chance to wear formal attire (outside of work depending) is slim to none, and it's a fun and unique experience in and of itself. If there are those who don't want to participate, so be it - but to more strongly encourage formal wear would help get cruisers into the theme and more excited for the experience.

I'm also hoping they will start to offer new itineraries to other countries (ie: Asia, Africa, Japan.) These would be a great addition to Disney Cruise Line as they offer options for many of these countries for DVC and Adventures by Disney - why not expand to cruising as well?