tips for 1st timers [Archive] - Tagrel.com

imsal

06-28-2006, 08:20 AM

i'll add more as i think of them.

1. if you want to attend any show at the walt disney theater, get there at least 15 minutes before the show, the seats fill up FAST, i'm not joking.

2. if you are going to the pirates party, get there early as well. our dinner was at 8:30 & the party started at 9:45, needless to say, we couldn't see the show. we had fun anyway, but just an f.y.i.

3. the family beach at castaway cay is pretty big. we were one of the 1st to arrive & set up at the beginning of the family beach. it was nice at 1st, but it started to get a little crowed. farther up the beach was less crowded. 2 downsides to going farther are: you are farther away from the snorkeling area & you have to carry your stuff a little farther.

4. the adult beach is beautiful!! however, to walk there is a hike. it's very relaxing if you enjoy walking. (we enjoyed walking there) there is a tram that takes you there & back.

5. i KNOW i bought sunblock before we left for our cruise, but i sure didn't pack it!!! so now i'll be paying 20% interest on the sunblock i had to buy on the ship!! i usually make a list when we go anywhere, but of course this time i didn't. i recommend lists, lists, lists!!

that's all for now, i'll try to think of more!!

WDWDen

06-28-2006, 10:13 AM

Great tips Sue. I agree with all of them!! I know the family area can get really busy by 1pm or so. We usually just head to Serenity Bay, but now that we have a child, those days are pretty much over.

Besides the sunblock, don't ever forget FILM!! They pretty much rob you on those 2 items!!:rolleyes:

BetsyAnn

06-28-2006, 10:59 AM

Great list imsal and good tip Den

I would add:
1) Always try the drink of the day
2) Book Palo's for brunch
3) Snorkle early the water is very clear then
4) Rainforest room is wonderful and you should try it atleast once

VillianGirl

06-30-2006, 09:10 PM

Okay, I've only been on DCL once but here's my two cents for what it's worth:

1) If you're single diner it's very easy to get a table at Palo. I went to the reservation line on the first day and couldn't get anything I wanted. Anyway, I was wandering around and went by Palo during the off hours just to poke my head in since I wasn't going to be dining there. I started chatting with the maitre'd and told him I hadn't been able to get in. He told me it wouldn't be any problem, that they always have room for lone diners. I ate there both at dinner and for the brunch.

2) Second seating is great if your travelling with a picky young eater. I would feed my son either at the pizza or burger stand or room service for an early supper. We'd see the early show then I'd drop him at the kids' club and enjoy a relaxing dinner.

3) Unless you are in a large party you will most likely be seated with other folks. Since you are with the same people for the whole cruise you get to know your table mates pretty well. This was one of my favorite parts of the cruise.

4) Another lone diner tip: they usually have a "singles" luncheon. This is another great way to meet other people.

imsal

07-01-2006, 08:18 AM

-like dennis said, bring lots of film. if you don't mind carrying your camera around everywhere you go, there are lots of photo ops. there were so many times i wish i had my camera w/me as i missed out on lots of greats pictures. on the other hand, being at the right place at the right time w/a camera is great also. i got my picture w/a pirate up by aloft because i just happened to be there while he was waiting to go down to the stage. he looked over & my dh asked if he would mind if we took a picture & he obliged. a lot of the characters came out that door as well.

-having a late dinner has the advantage of having a later breakfast on your last day. the down size to the later dinner is as i mentioned before, we weren't able to "see" the stage show for the pirates dinner. the pirates' dinner is not to be missed!!

-even if you think you may not like your assigned restaurant, go anyway. we didn't go to triton's because we didn't think we liked anything on the menu. you can request other food (i asked for a baked potato at animator's palate, which wasn't on the menu, but i was able to get one). anyway, to make a long story not quite as long, our pirates' dinner was at triton's. the theming in there is really neat, so i'm glad we had that extra opportunity to try it. you can always get something else to eat later anyway.

-2 words-personal navigator. i recommend you carry it w/you everywhere. a lot of shows & activities are at specific times. having the navigator handy is helpful. passporters guide recommends you bring highlighters w/you to highlight activities & shows you are interested in.

Annette

07-01-2006, 04:10 PM

BIG TIP for first time cruisers - -
They are going to take your luggage away from you on the last night of the cruise! That can come as a HUGE shock to first time cruisers. Take a day bag! :)

StephinNC

07-02-2006, 11:30 PM

I agree with the above tips. Also take some ones for tipping room service and baggage handlers.

DebWills

07-07-2006, 03:38 PM

The Spa is very nice and so is the stone massage :)

After any treatment, your person will attempt to sell you products. Some are low key, some are pushy. Disney folks are the most low key the 4 lines I have now sailed.

Please don't let this discourage you.. it's just to make sure you are ready if the hard sell happens.

I have resorted to using any of the following to avoid the hard sell...

1) Some folks have luck writing. "I am not interested in buying any products" on the form they have you fill out. ALso, keep in mind, whatever you put on the form, they will use to try and convince you of things to buy. Focus the information you give them on things pertinent to your spa treatment only.

2) I won this cruise and as part of it, this spa treatment. I have no job. I barely have money for your tip, I sure don't have money for products.

3) I cruise often and stocked up last time.

4) I set aside so much money for your tip. The more you talk to me about products, the less your tip will be. OR, if you want me to buy products, you won't get a tip.

5) If you don't stop now, I'll report you to the manager (I have not had to do that on a Disney cruise, but have on another line).

Deb

kathleena

07-07-2006, 04:07 PM

VillianGirl

07-07-2006, 07:40 PM

Those a great spa tips. I did the stone massage to and it was great. They did try to sell me stuff but I just told them that I wasn't interested and they were fine with that.

BetsyAnn

07-07-2006, 09:43 PM

Great Spa tips!
I have used the I have that product already and it has worked well - I did find the therapist to stop trying to sell me things when I said no.

Also - imsal's tip about food reminded me - let your server know if you have any food allergies. It worked great on the Magic as it works well at Disney. At our table we had some strange allergies so our sever would get us the next nights menus and let us look at them and if we wanted something that had a little something we could not eat - the chef would make it for us or let us know he/she could not take it out. Great!

Also one night I was needing some nice hot broth soup - none that night but on the room service menu they have chicken noodle soup - sure enough I asked and my server made it happen.

If I have not said this lately - to cruise on Disney is to be spoiled rotten for all the days you are there- got to love that! :D

kathleena

07-08-2006, 07:36 AM

Also - imsal's tip about food reminded me - let your server know if you have any food allergies. It worked great on the Magic as it works well at Disney. At our table we had some strange allergies so our sever would get us the next nights menus and let us look at them and if we wanted something that had a little something we could not eat - the chef would make it for us or let us know he/she could not take it out. Great!

This is good to know. I have a wheat sensitivity. Not allergic, but I have to watch carefully how much I have. I also prefer vegetarian if I can get it. I've been looking at the menus and noticed most veg selections have a wheat product. So I requested my travel agent to note a wheat allergy, hoping they could subsititute rice pasta or quinoa. So it's nice to know that they may plan a day ahead, so I'm not always trying to figure it out in the moment!

Jimbolini1963

07-08-2006, 09:00 AM

Hi everyone!

Thanks for the first-time-cruiser tips! I'll be on the DCL Wonder for the MouseFest cruise December 3-7, 2006 before staying at Beach Club from the 7th to the 12th.. It'll be my first Disney cruise ever, and my first cruise with anyone in twelve years.

Jim

mommyfin

07-08-2006, 12:12 PM

I've never done a Disney cruise, but I've done 2 on Royal Caribbean , I hope this tip also applys.

Because almost everything is prepaid on a cruise,we got used to never needing any cash on the ship, or using our room key to charge anything we had to pay for (drinks).
When we got off the ship for excursions we never seemed to have enough money on us for cash only purchases! (we would bring only a credit card and a few dollars, because we were worried about being pick-pocketed and losing all our vacation money.)

They take pictures of you on most excursions, such as parasailing, snorkeling, glass bottom kayaks, swimming with dolphins etc..
These are run by locals who only take cash. You may think you don't need another overpriced photo, but 3 different times (yeah, you would have thought we learned from the 1st time!) the photo actually came out great, and it was a real bummer to have to leave it there to be thrown away! We actually learned a lesson, and brought what we thought would be enough money for a photo on our sting-ray excursion, only to find out that they sold over-priced drinks and snacks on the boat. My kids were hungry and thirsty, so the "photo money" went to that instead.

Long story short, you may think you would never need any cash on a pre-paid snorkeling excursion, but you may want to bring some anyways!

DebWills

07-09-2006, 07:42 AM

Wow on those spa tips! :eek:

I guess I'm thankful that I have a fragrence/migraine issue and can't even go near a spa - they are way to smelly for me. I don't need that kind of stress on my vacation!

All smiles! :D

OOh... didn't mean to give you the wrong impression. Far and above Disney is very low key with this stuff. I've only had one Disney Spa person try to push the products. Just thought everyone should be aware... I always believe in being prepared - just in case. And it can very much be an issue on other cruise lines.

The spa on Disney is WONDERFUL! If nothing else, DO take the tour on the first afternoon upon boarding...usually starts at 2pm. The rainforest room is very very nice and affordable!!!

Deb

DebWills

07-09-2006, 07:49 AM

Disney usually begins boarding around noonish. I always like to get onboard as early as possible to maximize my first day!!! Of all the lines I have sailed, Disney folks are the ones who always arrive really early at the port. LOL. Also Disney characters have been known to do meet and greets at the port.

While at the port, check your "Welcome Aboard" Navigator. It will tell you where to go for special dining requests, Palo reservations, Spa tours and excursion desk. This is the time to make those arrangements if you haven't already.

Once you arrive on board, there are 2 options for lunch. Parrot Cay buffet on Deck 3 (my preference), or the Beach Blanket Buffet on Deck 9 (think more like cafeteria style). The food is basically the same at each...just where you prefer to go.

By 1ish your cabin is ready for entry and you can go deposit your carryone. Luggage will arrive throughout the day.... They go explore the ship!!!!

Deb

DebWills

07-09-2006, 07:55 AM

This is good to know. I have a wheat sensitivity. Not allergic, but I have to watch carefully how much I have. I also prefer vegetarian if I can get it. I've been looking at the menus and noticed most veg selections have a wheat product. So I requested my travel agent to note a wheat allergy, hoping they could subsititute rice pasta or quinoa. So it's nice to know that they may plan a day ahead, so I'm not always trying to figure it out in the moment!

Kathleena (and anyone else), ask your TA for a medical form. Fill it out and send it in. If you have special requests (gluten free bread, pancakes, etc...note it on the form.) You will then be officially on record as to your allergy. Sometimes there is a meeting the first afternoon of the cruise with a chef for those with special dining requests... attend if they hold one. I'll see if there is someone you can talk to the first afternoon. On the first evening, talk to your server about your needs. The chefs on onboard are very accomodating if you have any special dietary concerns...so speak up. For the buffet, someone should be able to tell you what you can and can't eat. Don't be shy about asking!!!! I have generally found the servers to be good about finding out for me.

Oh, there is always a vegetarian entree on the dinner menu. AND, if you dine at Palo at all, be sure to let them know in advance of your special dietary requirements. Again, if I can help you at all on the MF Cruise let me know. Feel free to PM me.

Deb

imsal

07-09-2006, 03:05 PM

deb, we ate at parrot cay as soon as we boarded, yummy. 1st timers, you are welcomed aboard the ship & there are so many crew members guiding you, so don't worry about where to go. there are maps & signs & crew members everywhere to help you find where you are going. i was in awe of the whole experience, so i can't even tell you what we were told as we boarded. we were one of the 1st to the port as well as 1st on the ship. what an experience. people were boarding all day. it was so cool when we sailed away. glad i had my camera w/me!! i have to be honest, this was one of the best vacations i ever took. i still get excited just thinking about it!!

imsal

07-09-2006, 03:44 PM

i don't know how well you can see these, but here is a copy of the front & back of a personal navigator.

http://tagrel.com/photopost/data/521/personal_navigator.JPG

http://tagrel.com/photopost/data/521/personal_navigator2.JPG

imsal

07-09-2006, 03:55 PM

Timon

07-09-2006, 08:28 PM

another tip i thought of is, it's easier if you have all your paperwork (it's sent to you in the mail) filled out before you get to the port. there are cast members guiding you all the way, so don't fret about not knowing what to do. we had mostly everything filled out beforehand & were able to check in right away.

You can get your forms on-line. I printed mine out today and have them all signed and in my trip folder already to go. You can also sign up for excursions and spa treatments on-line too. I signed us up for the Extreme Getaway Package at Castaway Cay and myself for the Parasailing excursion. I asked Stitch if he wanted to do the parasailing excursion and he said yes, so I'll be signing him up for that too. I understand we can do it in tandem, which makes me feel better. I'm not toooooo excited to go on this trip am I?:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: ;)

kathleena

07-09-2006, 09:28 PM

mommyfin

07-10-2006, 10:05 AM

You can get your forms on-line. I printed mine out today and have them all signed and in my trip folder already to go. You can also sign up for excursions and spa treatments on-line too. I signed us up for the Extreme Getaway Package at Castaway Cay and myself for the Parasailing excursion. I asked Stitch if he wanted to do the parasailing excursion and he said yes, so I'll be signing him up for that too. I understand we can do it in tandem, which makes me feel better. I'm not toooooo excited to go on this trip am I?:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: ;)

I don't blame you for being excited, there's so much to be excited about!!!!
You are going to have the time of your life!

Stitch will love parasailing, it is awesome! My husband and I did it tandem with our sons (15 and almost 14 at the time), and it IS comforting knowing they are up there with you! (its very safe, but just in case)

Flying through the air, high above the beautiful caribbean water, with your huge ship in the distance...it's breathtaking!
I REALLY need to cruise again!