Disney Cruise tips

spodie · Post by **spodie** » Jun Mon 02, 2008 8:40 am

So in 5 days, my family is leaving for a Disney World vacation followed by a Disney Cruise. I have been to Disney World more times than I can count, but I haven't been on a Disney Cruise since the Big Red Boat when I was 6. Does anyone have any good tips - for instance: when is a good time to arrive? Will anything make the check-in process easier than what they tell you? What should you do when you board? Is there anything specific I should bring to avoid hassle throughout the trip? Any general tips to make my trip better? Etc.

This is a short 3 or 4 day cruise, so I would like to get as much out of it as I can. Any tips/help is greatly appreciated! Thanks!

cccmouse · Post by **cccmouse** » Jun Mon 02, 2008 9:43 am

Our family is leaving 6/8 on the disney cruise. This will be our 3rd. We try to arrive between 10:00 and 10:30am. The boat is boarded by groups.. When you arrive you are given a number , 1-6 if I remember correctly. The lower numbers board first. If you have a lower boarding number you are able to jump right into the lunch buffet while others are still boarding or waiting to board.

Sleeping Beauty 5 · Post by **Sleeping Beauty 5** » Jun Mon 02, 2008 5:15 pm

My advice would be to book any excursions through the DCL. I've heard stories of people doing their own booking and then they hear the boat's horn and they have to scramble (and I mean scramble as in dash very quickly) to get back on that boat. DCL gaurantees that all bookings through them so you're always safe back in your little cabin on time. Other than that, have a great time and don't forget to bring something back for us here at Subsonic!

QuickGold · Post by **QuickGold** » Jun Wed 04, 2008 7:20 am

I really recommend you pick up the Passporter's Guide to Disney Cruise Line. I bought it for my last Disney cruise and it really helped me out quite a bit.