Cruise secrets that DCL doesn't tell you- Part 2

[steves100]

The discussion back and forth on boarding time made me curious. Is there a particular window that's so busy that it should be avoided? Or are people pretty well spread out until 1ish?

Just early....

 

[xlxo]

Is there a particular window that's so busy that it should be avoided? Or are people pretty well spread out until 1ish?

In Vancouver for Alaskan cruises....

• avoid 3+ ship days
• avoid 11:30am to 1:15pm. Yep.... 10am is just perfect and just relax in the lobby post-security/customs.

 

[adSimba]

In Vancouver for Alaskan cruises....

• avoid 3+ ship days
• avoid 11:30am to 1:15pm. Yep.... 10am is just perfect and just relax in the lobby post-security/customs.

how could you possibly avoid 3+ ship days?

 

[xlxo]

how could you possibly avoid 3+ ship days?

by choosing a cruise date when there is one or two in Vancouver. 3 ship days are also bad early in the season when new staff are getting their orientation.

 

[mmouse37]

The treats in the case in the Cove Cafe and Vista Cafe are complimentary. You don't have to purchase a specialty coffee or drink to have some. Also, the selection changes during the day. At about 6:00 pm they take away the sweet treats and add in savory treats like cheese, crackers, olives, celery and carrot stick and some dip.

Also, the last row of the Buena Vista Theatre on the Magic and Wonder have less leg room than the other rows. Avoid sitting there if you are not a kid. I saw so many people trying to cram themselves in there and looking very uncomfortable. Trust me, the other rows have more leg room.

In Cabanas on the Magic/Wonder (soon to be Cabanas) there is a staircase in the back on the port side that leads down to Deck 8 passenger cabins (from there there is also an aft stircase that leads down a few decks). These stairs are in addition to the regular aft stairs near the elevator lobby. So, if you are on decks 7 or 8 aft it is really easy to run up to Cabanas and back down. Remember to get a hand wipe at the regular entrance though.

MJ

 

[DisneySunPrincess]

The yogurt drink I fell in love with on the Magic last week was called "The Morning Tugboat". Had it in Lumiere's. Also the menu was different in Lumiere's for lunch each day.

MJ

Did this yogurt drink have an upcharge? Just curious if they treat it as a specialty drink.

 

[Flossbolna]

Did this yogurt drink have an upcharge? Just curious if they treat it as a specialty drink.

It is part of the standard breakfast menu. There are two: Mango Mountain Hike (mango) and Morning Tugboat (strawberry). I have also found them at Cabanas on the Wonder and Daisy's Delight on the Magic/Wonder.

 

[Neptune's Fork]

I know one thing they don't tell you, and in all the stuff I've read prior to boarding, including here, didn't ever read anything about it, but watch out if you walk barefoot on deck around the pool area, the deck is HOT! (in the daytime sun obviously)

 

[adSimba]

by choosing a cruise date when there is one or two in Vancouver. 3 ship days are also bad early in the season when new staff are getting their orientation.

yes, but how do you do that?

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

My wife found out that going up the deck very early in the morning to get hot water for me for medical reasons there are lots of parents with babies in strollers there! My wife made lots of lovely new friends. As we are not blessed with children this was of great interest to her and then me when she shared the news. The secret life of a parent of small children and their needs. You guys get no sleep either!

 

[xlxo]

yes, but how do you do that?

The 2017 schedule is not available as it's too soon. But keep your eyes on this page in the coming months.
http://www.portvancouver.com/cruise/cruise-schedule/

 

[RedSox68]

A lot of people don't realize you can order off the children's menu any time you want. I've done it a couple of times when nothing on the adult menu appeals to me -- and sometimes they have more fun desserts.

Also, even though it's well known now, Disney doesn't let you know about the "secret verandah" rooms that are priced as Navigator's verandahs but are really full verandahs!

 

[RedSox68]

My wife found out that going up the deck very early in the morning to get hot water for me for medical reasons there are lots of parents with babies in strollers there! My wife made lots of lovely new friends. As we are not blessed with children this was of great interest to her and then me when she shared the news. The secret life of a parent of small children and their needs. You guys get no sleep either!

We have also enjoyed just going up to the coffee deck at 6 a.m. because it's so quiet and you can get some great pictures.

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

A lot of people don't realize you can order off the children's menu any time you want. I've done it a couple of times when nothing on the adult menu appeals to me -- and sometimes they have more fun desserts.

Also, even though it's well known now, Disney doesn't let you know about the "secret verandah" rooms that are priced as Navigator's verandahs but are really full verandahs!

Me too! I liked the kids burger!

 

[adSimba]

The 2017 schedule is not available as it's too soon. But keep your eyes on this page in the coming months.
http://www.portvancouver.com/cruise/cruise-schedule/

Thank you! this makes sense and is really helpful!

 

[Meredisney]

Gosh, I don’t know what I could possibly contribute that hasn’t already been discussed in this thread or the retired thread. Nonetheless, Here are my “Cruise Secrets”. My apologies if they’ve already been covered someplace else.

• Pay the extra $20 for the preferred parking lot directly next to Disney Cruise Line’s terminal. This is entirely my personal opinion, but we like to be able to walk right into the terminal. It also makes departing the terminal a breeze. . . no long line of cars trying to exit the parking garage.
  
  
  
  
• I am not a helicopter mom at all, but the AquaLab and Nemo’s Reef scare the living daylights out of me! The kids are absolutely nuts in these areas and it make me a nervous wreck. The kids run around like animals and even though there is an age limit, it is not enforced by the cast members. I highly recommend you accompany your children to these areas to supervise.
  
  
  
  
• I’m a fan of the arrive early and board as soon as you can opinion, especially if you want to register kids for activities, book spa appointments, or just get acclimated with the ship. I like to have our suitcases fully unpacked prior to the muster drill that way we can enjoy our vacation as soon as the drill is finished.
  

 

[mmouse37]

Keeping in the theme of plate art...our Palo server came out with this for us a few years ago:



MJ

 

[connie1042]

I am reading all this with great interest. Going on first Disney cruise in Now. 2016. I am a pepsi drinker, not coke. Can I bring a 12 pack on with me. Then have one of my grandkids bring a 12 pack with them. It is a 7 day cruise?

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I am reading all this with great interest. Going on first Disney cruise in Now. 2016. I am a pepsi drinker, not coke. Can I bring a 12 pack on with me. Then have one of my grandkids bring a 12 pack with them. It is a 7 day cruise?

You may bring onboard whatever non-alcoholic beverages you wish, and however much you want. They must be in your carry on bags, not checked. And you'll be handling your carry on bags until your room is ready (generally around 1:30).

You can also purchase more to bring onboard at ports of call, if you wish.

 

[Meredisney]

You may bring onboard whatever beverages you wish, and however much you want. They must be in your carry on bags, not checked. And you'll be handling your carry on bags until your room is ready (generally around 1:30).

You can also purchase more to bring onboard at ports of call, if you wish.

unless you're bringing alcohol of course