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Old 04-07-2017, 09:23 PM   #1
Angileyze1
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Best DCL tip?

Just booked our first Disney cruise after cruising with another line 8 times. Have no idea what to expect. We will be 4 with a 4 year old too. What's your best tip for a seasoned cruiser but never with Disney? What can we expect, what do we need to know that might be different from other lines?
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Old 04-08-2017, 08:11 AM   #2
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Here are our best DCL tips:
  1. Try to be in an early boarding group to get the most out of the first day.
  2. Pre-purchase a photo package online for a 15% savings.
  3. Get up and out early on Castaway Cay Day--it's paradise!
  4. Waterproof watch(es)
  5. Have a magnetic strip card of some kind for the lights on the Dream/Fantasy.
  6. Rebook on board for your next cruise.
Have a magical voyage!
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Old 04-08-2017, 10:16 AM   #3
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I think my tip would be to be aware of what you can book onboard the first day or online ship activities. This can include character meets or breakfasts, seasonal activities, or mixology classes for adults. They kind of sneak up on the navigators and can already be sold out by the time they come around.


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Old 04-09-2017, 08:20 AM   #4
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Originally Posted by xwewhisper View Post
I think my tip would be to be aware of what you can book onboard the first day or online ship activities. This can include character meets or breakfasts, seasonal activities, or mixology classes for adults. They kind of sneak up on the navigators and can already be sold out by the time they come around.


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Now the characters activities--Princess Gathering and Anna/Elsa times can be reserved online when you do your online check-in!
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Old 04-12-2017, 08:29 PM   #5
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thanks! looking forward to a year and a half of planning!!!
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Old 04-14-2017, 12:05 PM   #6
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See if there's a Facebook group for your cruise. It can be fun to get to know some people prior to your cruise, and they often have their own sign ups for things like mixology classes, even brunch or linked dining. This is also where you find Fish Extender sign ups, which might be fun for the 4 year old especially.
Definitely try for Palo brunch or dinner (I think if you can only do one, I'd pick brunch).
Think about decorating your door. You can print designs right onto magnetic paper.

Enjoy!! We prefer DCL to the other 2 lines we've cruised.
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Old 04-25-2017, 06:32 PM   #7
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Big Disney travelers... our first Disney cruise was fantasy in 14ish....for the boarding the "company" will state 1pm or so for 1st boarding. Do NOT anticipate this. you should show up early in boarding group 1 I believe we were aboard ours by 11ish.
with your room The outside doors are all decorated so find pics of how people decorate their doors and join the fun especially with the littles...
Do Not report a cough or ask for temp to be taken, they will confine you to your room for 24hrs!!!!! You or that person will miss your reservations.
As for castaway, attempt to reserve cabana if not there's a couple trees for shade. Book extra trips through WDW website that way their aware if out and not yet returned.


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Old 04-25-2017, 09:56 PM   #8
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Do Not report a cough or ask for temp to be taken, they will confine you to your room for 24hrs!!!!! You or that person will miss your . "

If your family member is ill please do not put all of us at risk. Illness can spread quickly through a ship.


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Old 04-26-2017, 10:29 AM   #9
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If your family member is ill please do not put all of us at risk. Illness can spread quickly through a ship.




I know the idea of missing even a moment of fun (especially when you're paying for it) is disappointing, but things like norovirus spread FAST on a ship. How would you feel if you ended up sick, and found out it was because another passenger didn't follow protocol?
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Old 04-26-2017, 11:46 AM   #10
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The mixology class is a bargain if you like mixed drinks because you get to try them all! If you have a Castaway Cay stop the 5k is a cool freebie even if you aren't a fitness nut. I walked the whole thing while my family ran, it's very low pressure, I saw some cool birds, chatted with some folks and now I can say that I've done a 5k!

People get very competitive over seats for the nightly shows but really there is no need, the theater is big enough to accommodate everyone but not so big that you can't see anything if you stroll in at the last minute.
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