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Recently the Boyette family cruised with Disney and they could not wait to tell us about their vacation. It’s amazing to hear about it from both sides. Suzette and Troy (mom and dad) tell us how they see it as parents and how much fun it was for the children. Justin, Jessica and Ryan share their favorite memories.
Our discussion continues about the cruise ship and some facts that parents will be able to use for planning before departing on the incredible voyage. Many of the topics that we talked about are below.
One thing we hear from many passengers that were booked elsewhere is that they were never told about the gratuities and extra costs on board until they have arrived. Always plan on paying for your cabin stewards, room service, and the wait staff at check out. The cost usually runs approximately $10.00 per passenger per day.
Every day there will be a news letter in your room called the Navigator, to enhance your choices for things to do on the ship or on land when docked. This gives you so many ways to keep the entire family occupied and entertained. So much goes on that you won’t want to miss any of it.
During the stop at Castaway Cay, plan on being there all day. Lunch is only served at a certain time. You might want to gather a few extra items during lunch, and there is plenty, to keep on hand during the day because after lunch is served, they close up. So take an extra travel bag over with you.
Parents, plan your spa treatments and shore excursions, and fine dining reservations as soon as possible. If you are repeat guests, you are allowed to pre arrange your times 90 days in advance, new guests at 74 days prior. Also, childrens clubs, teens and tweens programs can be arranged as well.
The Disney Magic has 4 different clubs for kids - the Oceanear Club for 3 - 7 years old, the Oceanear Lab for 8 - 10 years old, the Disney Quest for tween 11 - 13 years old, and the club Stax for 14-17 years old.
The Disney WOnder is arrange a little different. Onboard here is the Oceanear Club, for 3 - 7, the Oceanear Lab for 8 - 12, and the club Loft for ages 13 - 17.
Top run movies are played at the Buena Vista theatre onboard the ships. Plan your movie schedule accordingly.
An exceptional dining scheduled is done onboard the ships. You will receive your information at check in as to which restaurant you will begin. You will love each of the restaurants. Everyone’s favorite is “Animators Palate”, where you end up creating your own Mickey Mouse desserts! ALso, you will have the same wait staff from beginning to end. It’s always amazing to see that they remember you by your names. A reservations only restaurant is onboard for a more finer dining experience, known as Palo’s. Dinner times can be requested by preference at time of reservations, Some families like to do the early dinner so they can watch the show afterwards, and then the kids can go to bed. If you want to do the late seating, you can have some snacks poolside, then go to the show followed by late dinner.
Pool time! Make sure to get a good spot early in the day because the seats fill up fast up on top deck.
If you are taking your children to their programs, make sure that you carry your beepers with you so if the staff need to reach you they can.
One night, during the cruise, there is a scheduled “Pirates Party”. It usually starts at 9:00 pm on deck, so you might want to schedule a nap time that day if possible to assure the kids are up for it.
The Disney ships are the perfect destination for everyone. Many couples are repeat guests due to the size of the staterooms. There are family staterooms that can hold up to 6, but the roomier-than-average staterooms can handle at least 4. Fourty four percent of the outside staterooms have verandahs. All come with bath tubs, a television, a minibar, a safe and hairdryer.
Cruising as only Disney can do it for the family - of all ages.
For more information, visit our link on the Great Escapes Travel website http://www.great-escapes.biz
